Star Trek - See You on the Other Side

[maestros]

The incessant tapping of Captain Marcus Devereaux’s riding crop against the command chair was enough to grate upon even Vulcan’s unshakable nerve. As the bridge crew of the USS Archangel idly sat in wait, the only noise to break the silence was Captain Devereaux’s regular interlude calling for a time update.

“Mark,” he commanded loudly. Almost startled, the duty office at Ops sprang to life, dutifully checking the current time.

“Oh-nine-hundred hours and thirteen minutes, sir!” came the precise response, just as the Captain expected. He ran a tight ship – many would argue excessively tight, given the times. Such overly oppressive military protocol had long since lapsed aboard many Federation vessels, with tight formalities only being enforced during times of conflict. The Academy still instilled a sense of discipline and rank, however many command officers preferred a more open and relaxed environment on their bridges.

Not Marcus Devereaux, however. He was a man of meticulous precision and coordination. He tolerated no insubordination, no lapses in protocol, and he was exceptionally condescending to those who were less than punctual.

‘Débile,’ he uttered to himself. Generally he concealed his French accent, but it tended to come out inadvertently during times of frustration. “Nearly fifteen minutes late. That connard never could keep good time.”

Captain Devereaux continued to tap his whip against his chair, almost rhythmically until the Lieutenant at Ops, almost ecstatically called out.

“Sir! Sensors are detecting elevated neutrino emissions.”

“On screen Lieutenant,” Captain Devereaux stood, holding his crop close and giving the bridge crew a much needed break.

The main view screen blinked to life just in time to show the majestic sight of the wormhole opening. It started as bright spec that rapidly erupted into a tempest of swirling blue clouds, revolving around an impossibly bright core that projected forth a shaft of white light. Energetic tendrils leapt playfully forward before collapsing inwards in an almost ‘come hither’ manner. After a few moments the bright core pulsed, and the shaft of light was broken as the visage of a ship emerged.

“Vessel emerging,” The Ops office reported, and a moment later she had confirmed the identity. “It’s the Avery, sir.”

“It’s about time. Open a channel,” Captain Devereaux straightened his uniform tunic in a habitual manner as image of the wormhole was replaced by Captain Cameron Dalkeiri’s knowing smirk; if he didn’t know better Marcus would’ve accused the Captain of the Avery for keeping him waiting on purpose. Never-the-less, with a deep sigh he continued. “Captain Dalkeiri,” He paused for a moment in an almost theatrical manner. “Welcome to the unknown.”

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An image I've had in mind for some time, though I've never quite been able to get the wormhole effect quite right. It's still quite a way from perfect here, but right now this is the best my abilities allow.

As with many of my images, it includes the incredible Insignia Class by Mark Kingsnorth, but this time features the Chariot Class, designed by Atolm, and modeled by Howard Day. I've always loved the shape of this ship - it's so different to other Starfleet vessels yet definitely Starflret in it's execution.

Comments and constructive critiques welcome as always!

[Afalk]

The image is just gorgeous, and I really love the story piece you provided. Awesome stuff indeed.

[Marty Miller]

Stunning image mate This is great work !

[bmckain]

I had to laugh, the first words out of my mouth were "That's a stunner!". Then I see Marty's comment so I guess two for two makes it so.

[Davide_sd]

outstanding pic!!!

[Rigel]

That's lovely! The wormhole looks very good.

Rather unusual looking starship in the foreground.

[maestros]

Wow, thanks guys.

Personally I couldn't get the wormhole to a point where I was entirely happy with it, so had to resort to "it's good enough". I would have liked it to have a more voluminous appearance, but overall I'm pretty pleased with the outcome.

Rigel - that's the Chariot Class by Atolm & Howard Day, it really is quite unusual but I think that's why i like it. It's very much a love it or hate it design from what I gather! Personally i lean towards the former.

[Elowan]

I rather like that ship.. Beats the h* out of the usual 'Frisbee's'.

Is that critter available?

[maestros]

Elowan - it used to be, but I'm not sure about it's current status. I got a hold of it way back when. If you can find him, you might want to hit up Howard Day.

[Jmoney]

Not much I can say that hasn't already been said.

Great picture!

JMoney

[lonewriter]

I think the wormhole is perfect, great job. That is an unusual ship design, I think I saw it before on SFM. Great render, I just have one question, when is your Star Trek book coming out? I'm enjoying the story.

[Fabio]

excellent image - takes a lot to impress me these days - this did - nice work!

[Eden]

Outstanding imagery...well done indeed!

[maestros]

Thanks guys, positive feedback very much appreciated! Although if anyone does have some genuine tips or idea regarding the wormhole, I'm all ears. Always interested in hearing how others tackle this kind of things.

Lonewriter - sadly, whilst I'm flattered you like the writing, my literary skills aren't all that. A book by me would largely be filled with cliches! But thanks for the vote of confidence.

Fabio - that's high praise coming from you, thank you muchly indeed!

[Rigel]

Originally Posted by maestros

A book by me would largely be filled with cliches! But thanks for the vote of confidence.

And Star Trek isn't?

[Treybor]

Very lovely image! I really like that someone built another one of Atolm's designs.

[starship]

Originally Posted by maestros

Elowan - it used to be, but I'm not sure about it's current status. I got a hold of it way back when. If you can find him, you might want to hit up Howard Day.

Howard has an active trhead over Scifi-meshes forums. Drop a line to him. He is one of the most cool persons all around. If allowed by him, we can upload the mesh.

Maestro, I loved the image and the short history. I can almost see the entire scene at the bridge.

[Elowan]

I'm not going to 'pester' HD about this one.

At least not soon (btw - that's 'DAZ soon')

[lonewriter]

Originally Posted by maestros

Thanks guys, positive feedback very much appreciated! Although if anyone does have some genuine tips or idea regarding the wormhole, I'm all ears. Always interested in hearing how others tackle this kind of things.

Lonewriter - sadly, whilst I'm flattered you like the writing, my literary skills aren't all that. A book by me would largely be filled with cliches! But thanks for the vote of confidence.

Fabio - that's high praise coming from you, thank you muchly indeed!

Sadly, most Star Trek books are full of them. Still, keep writing.

[deg3D]

Way-cool and nice work. Excellent composition.

Been a while since I've seen that Chariot-Class. Always loved that thing!

deg

[bmckain]

Everyone has made this month's selections extremely difficult. I could have chosen any one of about two dozen images for front-page slots. Congrats on being one of them!

[Eden]

High quality work indeed! Congrats on the FP. Well deserved!

[juliuszhe]

You're really good~