Out Of Sight Out Of Mind Part II
Posted on Sat Oct 25th, 2025 @ 6:35pm by Commodore Tyler Malbrooke & Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren & Lieutenant Vura
Edited on on Sat Oct 25th, 2025 @ 6:38pm
2,373 words; about a 12 minute read
Mission:
Episode 16 - Silent Cries
Location: The Silence Temporary Quarters - Deck 4 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD011 0915 hrs
Vura considered the Silence's comment. "If you took a leap of faith in your previous encounter, then why not take another small leap? Trust is something that can be built. So let us use this experience to continue to build that relationship."
She continued to ponder the Silence's words, looking for a better response to their concern about being exploited. "The Federation has a policy of non-interference. Even knowing about you, our policy would be to not interfere with your culture in any way. We would not want to exploit you. Can you explain that fear more to us? Perhaps if we can understand it better, we could allay those fears?"
"The Pioneer is many, but we are one. We can lock information in our computers so that others cannot see it, to protect the Silence. But it would also let us know how to find you if you need us again. So we could remember and keep your identity secret. We have a department called intelligence. Part of what they do is keep secrets."
The Silence had become familiar with the Pioneer's Intelligence or Secret Keepers during both of their encounters. It was something that Vaebn had taught them. It was not entirely the secrets that were the problem. Ultimately if needed The Silence could make everyone forget as they came to Wren IX. The issue was exploitation, and The Silence was not fond of that feature of Federation society. The Silence addressed Alyssa first. "In our encounters we have come to understand that you exist in a caste society. Where there is some in charge and you must follow their orders and lead. In a society such as that is exploitation not something that can come easily. The one called Alyssa Maren has abilities that others do not. If those abilities were used against her will that is exploitation. We are afraid of being forced to use our abilities. Forcing others to forget is something we have come to understand that your society would appreciate."
The Silence then tilted its head to look toward Vura. "The ones of the Pioneer have risked themselves for us. There is no need for faith or trust as you put it. We know that the Pioneer is worthy of The Silence. The trust that must be earned is that of the rest of your people. All of those worlds of The Federation, operating individually. That is a lot of trust to give."
"It is a lot of trust," Vura admitted. "However, that trust can be built. You started with us on the Pioneer. Perhaps we could help the others earn your trust in smaller pieces. We could introduce you to others that we think are worthy at a slower pace and if you do not think them worthy, well, you have the ability to make them forget, right? Perhaps we could insist on such meetings that they have no recording equipment to assure your safety?" Vura offered.
Alyssa nodded. "We can also ask that only the Pioneer interact with you. No others would know of your existence or have access to information about you. If any ships come here by accident, they will be warned that this world is harmful to humanoid lifeforms. This has been done for a small number of planets in the past with great success."
Vura wondered if Alyssa had gone too far. She knew that Alyssa had a longer connection with the Silence but she was not a counselor and this was a difficult balance to strike. However, Vura knew that Alyssa was trying to be helpful and she hoped that would carry the day. "It has, but if I were the Silence, I would not want anyone to even come near. I think this must be handled much more covertly for their comfort."
There was little that could be argued against these new points that were brought up and The Silence knew it. There was an extended period of quiet as The Silence talked amongst themselves. They were a collective and could communicate with each other over great distances. The being aboard the Pioneer now spoke with the rest of the population. In due course consensus was reached and The Silence returned to the conversation.
"We have decided that what you say here is valid. It is perhaps time that The Silence spreads to the galaxy as a whole. But, we would do so on our terms. The one called Vura is quite correct that we can simply make anyone who comes here forget that they were ever here. If we are to become more accepting, then we are going to have to allow others to come here. However, the ones that you call Orions, and the ones that you call Ferengi will never be allowed here. We have deemed their kind unworthy of The Silence." The Silence reached into an inside pocket of their suit jacket with a deft and deliberate motion. A small data chip was produced. "This chip contains a communications frequency for The Silence. We trust this frequency to those of the Pioneer only."
Alyssa took the chip as she was closest, but she and Vura would give it to the captain together. "Thank you for honoring the Pioneer with your trust." She almost asked if the Silence would prefer to have one person to talk with, but that might be a decision best made later.
Vura's heart leapt with joy. She successfully navigated this delicate situation with the Silence. Well, maybe not successfully, but nobody was going to be having their minds wiped today and she at least earned the full trust of the Pioneer for the Silence. "Thank you very much for this trust. Please let us know whatever else we can do to be of service, for we look forward to a long positive relationship with you."
"Thus far our dealings with others has been less than positive. However, our dealings with those of Pioneer have been positive." The Silence stopped speaking as it seemed that they were contemplating what should or could be said next. Then, almost as if it were resolved, they began to speak again. "It is our understanding that the diplomatic protocol of your people is to appoint a speaker, to talk with those who have diplomatic relations. Much in the same as the one called Maren spoke for us. To that end we request just such a person. We want only one person to come here should you need us. One person who would speak for all of your kind." The tone in which the Silence said this was different from all that they had said previously. This tone bilked no conversation; it was more of a stipulation than a request.
"One person?" Vura asked. Somehow this felt critical. She could not really speak for the entire Federation, or even make that decision without some sort of clearance. Worse, what would happen if said person were to perish? It seemed somewhat impractical, but maybe that was a negotiation for another time? "Is there someone that the Silence already feels comfortable with?" she finally asked.
The Silence simply looked at the two ladies present in the room with no words. They felt that simple gesture gave Vura the answers that she needed.
The thought of being the diplomat for the Silence was both exciting and terrifying to Vura. Still, they also liked Alyssa and she might have something to say on the matter. Either way, this was something that needed to be discussed. She couldn't make this decision without consultation, could she? "Would the Silence mind if we took some time to discuss it?" Vura finally asked.
"Take a few moments to discuss and decide." The Silence replied and then removed Vura and Alyssa from the collective consciousness.
"I've been dealing with the Silence since they started influencing our dreams, and I've been their liaison with the crew," Alyssa began. "I've also been acutely aware of their fears. I'm willing to continue being the one to speak with them. However, they made it clear they will accept our choice." She sighed. "I admit I would like to be the one, but I also know you would as well."
"I would," Vura admitted demurely. "You're probably more familiar with their fears than I, having been connected with them, well, I don't know how long. However, I probably have more relevant training. Either way, the decision is not really ours. We have to talk about this with the Captain. After all, in many ways this is still a First Contact situation."
"Second contact, actually, but yes, we should tell the Commodore and see what he says." Alyssa had experience with first contact situations as a scientist in Starfleet, but it wasn't worth arguing the point.
Vura touched her comm badge, =^=Commodore Malbrooke, this is Lieutenant Vura and Commander Maren. We have a situation that requires your attention with regard to the Silence. =^=
Tyler sat in the command chair of the Bridge and leaned on his arm when the message from Vura came through. He was pretty sure that he had given orders to simply escort The Silence off the ship. So, what could possibly be the situation. =^=Acknowledged Lieutenant. I am on my way.=^=
A few short moments later Tyler found himself stepping into the quarters that were assigned to The Silence. He looked at Vura, then Maren and finally The Silence. He would never admit it, and did not allow it to show on his face, but the being known as The Silence made Tyler uncomfortable. It was just something about their aura. "Well Lieutenant. What is your situation?"
Vura answered, "The Silence are in favor of establishing some relations with the Federation. However, they wish to have a single point of contact with the Pioneer. They have implied that either Commander Maren or myself would be acceptable. I believe either of us are suited to the task but I do not know what Starfleet would want and in a situation like this, you may be the appropriate person to decide. Either way, I think we should insist on a backup person, though it will be somewhat difficult given how scared the Silence are about giving trust."
Tyler smiled broadly he knew exactly how to proceed. He turned to The Silence. "Our kind does not like to work alone. We have a tendency to want to work together or in small groups. Surely you can appreciate the want to operate in collectives. To that end as the senior officer present and in accordance with the protocols for interspecies relations, I request permission to assign two people as Ambassadors to The Silence. Lieutenant Vura, a trained Counselor and Diplomat and Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren a scientist and diplomat in her own right." Tyler stood at attention and awaited the response from The Silence.
It was the perfect solution and Alyssa hoped the Silence would accept what the captain said.
Vura considered Tyler's words. He was not wrong. It would be foolish to think that any one person could speak for the entire Federation and even in her limited interactions with the Silence, Vura knew that Alyssa thought of things that Vura did not and vice versa. It was not a perfect system and they were not perfect together, but it was perfectly Federation. She only wondered if the Silence were listening. She gave an approving nod towards Alyssa and then the Captain. He was definitely proving his worth in the position, as far as Vura was concerned.
The Silence nodded in agreement with what was said. All three present heard telepathically. "We will take note of this collective of speakers for The Silence. The ones called Vura and Alyssa will be welcome on our planet. We welcome your collective, and are in your debt. Out of many, one."
"Thank you for allowing me to meet you and to be your spokesperson," Alyssa said. She was happy and relieved that this worked out so well. "The Pioneer was honored to be of help to the Silence. Out of many, one."
Tyler smiled as this was the first time that he actually understood the Silence. This was the first steps toward opening the galaxy to them. The question he had was if the galaxy was ready for them. "I look forward to meeting you for the first time, again." He extended his hand to shake the hand of the Silence.
The Silence had learned what a handshake was through the thoughts of the crew of the USS Pioneer. They extended one long lanky arm which was capped with a hand of long fingers. The Silence took Tyler's hand and spoke again in the minds of all present. "You will remember this meeting as will your crew. They will remember the people they saved with their blood. I look forward to seeing you again, and showing you the beauty of Silence."
"We look forward to seeing more," Vura answered. "Unfortunately, I believe that we are needed at home soon."
"Thanks for the memories." Alyssa smiled. "And for your trust. May your dreams be peaceful."
The Silence nodded and simply said "We are ready to become part of the whole."
Tyler escorted The Silence along with Alyssa and Vura to the transporter. There was a moment where The Silence stood on the pad and Tyler knew what they were about and what they sought. However, that ominous feeling still hung over his head. "Energize."
A Joint Post By
Commodore Tyler Malbrooke
Commanding Officer, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Vura
Chief Counselor, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren
Chief Science Officer, USS Pioneer
The Silence
Silence Will Rise
RSS Feed