UFP has talent - we have skilled gamers, passionate Trekkies, and eager volunteers. But as many of us know we also have excellent writers and creators. This month's Short Story competition was no exception as five more authors put forth their tales related to the First Contact Day celebrations. And they did not disappoint!
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In a close vote this time, our own Starfleet Operations commanding officer Rear Admiral Three of Seven won with her entry, Precious Cargo. The voting culminated shortly after the April 5th celebrations and Three is now famous for more than pink and STO. Enjoy the winning story!

Precious Cargo
Written by: Three of Seven

The days were fast approaching one of the most important events in Earth's history. Many captains making their way to events all across the quadrant to celebrate First Contact, to celebrate the first warp engine created by humans and the meeting of the Vulcans for the first time. Starfleet often held a small gathering to mark the date, Admiral Kitty Durwood was among the invitees, currently onboard the USS Reliable an experimental Norway class vessel. "Helm, can't this thing go any faster!" the Admiral yelled, spinning his chair round, the officer replied "No ma'am, we've got precious cargo on board." she gave him a dirty look "I think I can manage high warp travel, Ensign." there was silence, Ensign Mark Wen slowly turned his seat back round to his panel.

Suddenly the ship dropped out of warp, shaking the entire bridge, "Status report!" ordered Commander Samantha Green, "What's our location?" but no one was quick to give a response, "Ensign Wen, where are we?" Wen was frantically tapping at his panel "Ma'am, we are, lost." the admiral stood up, oddly not looking annoyed or worried "I shall leave this disaster in your capable hands commander, if you need me, I'll be in my quarters." she then left the bridge. Commander Green was clearly frustrated with the current situation "Bridge to engineering, any chance of getting the view screen back online?" but there was no answer "Commander Green to engineering, respond!" she pointed at Wen and to the turbolift, he nodded and headed down to the engineering deck.

Meanwhile, Admiral Durwood was in her quarters, getting ready to read over her speech ready for the First Contact celebrations, she headed over to the replicator "Red wine." out of the replicator flowed a river of wine "Computer, stop red wine!" but it just kept flowing. "Durwood to engineering, my replicator is broken!" but just as with the incident on the bridge, there was no reply. Durwood grabbed her PADD and stormed out of her quarters to engineering with red wine pouring into the corridors as the doors opened.

When the Admiral got to deck 7, all the lights were off, just the emergency lighting in the direction of main engineering, so she headed that way to the main doors, punching the emergency release. "Is there anyone here?" she called out when suddenly the lights flashed on and a banner came down with the words ‘Happy First Contact day!' the Admiral did not look impressed, Commander Green came up to her "Did you like our show on the bridge?" Durwood glared "No, get us to Earth, now." but Green didn't seem to be listening "Can I get you a drink, red wine perhaps?" there was no response, she just walked off in disgust.

Durwood found a corner to sit in to read over her speech, Wen approached her "Ma'am" she looked up to the Ensign "I know you don't like this party, but I have something to show you." she stood up and followed him, heading to one of the labs. "Admiral, here we are." he turned on the holoprojector and brought up the screen "It's our design for an enhanced transwarp drive!" the Admirals eyes widened "And this is what everyone is celebrating, this will be a big breakthrough!" she seemed at a loss for words, this would surely take the attention away from her speech "When do you plan to unveil this information?" she asked, hoping for an answer other than the day of her speech, "There's a science conference next month, we are going to steal the show!" Admiral Durwood was relieved by this answer, she smiled and looked to be in a better mood, they headed back to the party.

Green came up to the pair when they re-entered "Want that red wine now Admiral?" she handed the glass over, Durwood smiled and took the glass, joining the rest of the Reliable crew in their celebrations. The ship resumed its course to Earth and would arrive in plenty of time for everyone to get ready for the more subtle celebrations.

Happy First Contact Day to one and to all.