“Welcome aboard, commodore,” Horatio greeted, emphasising more on his brother’s new rank.

As it was just the two of them in the transporter room, James pushed his satchel further over his shoulder before hugging his brother. “Thank H,” He replied in their brief embrace. As they let go, James took one more look around the room. “Did you fire your transporter chief?”

Horatio gave out a little snort. “Of course not; I just wanted to have a chance to say a proper hello to my big brother.”

James appreciated the sentiment. “I hope you don’t mind me crashing your party.”

“Hey, my party is your party; I learnt that years ago when you and Conrad would drag me along to every one of your shenanigans,” Horatio responded as he gestured towards the door behind the console. 

“I think you’ll find it was always Conrad dragging us both along,” James retorted as they departed from the transporter room and into the sleek, shiny-looking corridor. 

“Talking gatecrashing, I’m assuming your reason for leaving your flagship behind was to send a strong message to our new visitors?” Horatio quietly asked as they passed a few crewmembers. 

They all stood to one side to let the commodore pass. James respectfully thanked them before he replied. “You’ve got it in one, baby brother,” he turned to him. “I’m hoping that by keeping Max and Bexa behind, Jacet will behave.”

“You really think he’s up to something more?” Horatio questioned as they approached a nearby turbolift.

“Jacet was too close to our aperture the moment we arrived; he was up to something,” James answered. “I’d bet all the gold-pressed latnium in the universe on it.”

The turbolift arrived, and the doors opened. It was empty, so Horatio led the way in before calling for the cart to take them to deck six, where the VIP guest quarters were. “So while Bexa and Max babysit, I get to fly you around?”

“Yep!” James confirmed with a smug smile. “I refuse to let the Cardassian presence stop us from trying to reach out.”

“I saw you sent Karyn and Corella on their way,” Horatio mentioned. “And Bennet, too.”

“The Destiny will try and see if they can make second contact with the Arritheans while Triton and Bellerophon will hunt down some more Caatati refugees.”

“While we head straight to the B’omar?” Horatio asked, though he already knew the answer. 

As the turbolift arrived at its destination, the doors opened, and Horatio continued to lead the way as James replied. “Yep, I want to see if we can try normalising relations with them.”

“Good luck. I hear they’re worse than the Ferengi when it comes to negotiations,” Horatio commented. “Why didn’t you bring Flemen or Tomaz with you?”

“Max needs them in case anything goes south with the Cardassians,” James answered. “Plus, I have a diplomatic officer here on the Constitution with Thaustin, and if I need a good intelligence officer, then you’ll do.”

Horatio chuckled. “Oh, I see how it is. You come on my ship and expect me to bow down to you every whim.”

“Yup,” James confirmed, smirking. “Plus, we’ve not been able to spend much time since your return from your adventures elsewhere in the Delta Quadrant.”

“True,” Horatio said as they approached their destination. He tapped on the door panel, and the doors opened wide. “Your home away from home,” He presented. 

James stepped in, pleased that the VIP quarters weren’t too bad. A decent king-size bed sat in the middle under a balcony window, a desk in the corner, a table to eat at, four chairs around it, and a small sofa and armchairs nearby. “Thanks, H,” James said as he placed his bag down on the edge of the bed.

Horatio was pleased his brother was happy with his new quarters. “We won’t be arriving near the B’omar border for a few more hours; I’m having dinner with my senior staff. You’re welcome to join us.”

“That sounds good to me,” James replied. “What time and where?”

“Twenty hundred hours in the captain’s private dining hall, deck three,” Horatio answered. 

“Thanks, it gives me time to freshen up and call into Alfie,” James stated.

“How is my nephew doing? In fact, with Karyn and you both off the Odyssey, who is babysitting him?” Horatio asked as he perched himself on the back end of the armchair.

“He’s growing up now, Horatio,” James replied. “He and his friend, Jordan, are sharing quarters.”

“Oh, so party house?” Horatio probed with a chuckle. 

“Hmm, maybe,” James relented as he started to unpack his bag. “However, we took on a few more cadets before departing from Deep Space Nineteen, and I didn’t have the heart to tell Alfie he would be sharing with some of them, too.”

“Ouch, buzzkill,” Horatio said as he crossed his arms against his chest. “Are things between you and Karyn okay?”

James paused, unloading his satchel. “Yeah, all fine, why?”

“Just checking,” Horatio said in a caring tone. “I’m sure since her return, it’s not been easy, and with her taking command of the Bellerophon, I-”

“It’s fine, Horatio,” James insisted in a more serious tone. “We’re good.”

Raising his hands in surrender, Horatio nodded. “Alright, I get the hint to be quiet.”

James sighed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap.”

“It’s okay, J-P, I promise,” Horatio assured his older brother. 

Sitting on the edge of his bed, James looked up at Horatio. “Anyway, it should be me asking you if everything is okay with you.”

“With me?” Horatio asked, sounding a bit surprised. “Why?”

“As I said earlier, you’re back from your little adventure lost in distant parts of this quadrant,” James said. “I wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

“It was only for a few months, J-P; it’s not like we were gone for seven years,” Horatio assured him. “And don’t worry, I’ve not developed some Janeway superior goddess complex.”

James chuckled. “You made first contact with a photonic civilisation who became obsessed with Shakespeare, allied with a Hirogen Alpha and stopped a Kazon sub-sect from killing the last stronghold of Phage-free Vidiians. I’d say that’s quite a lot to deal with in a short amount of time.”

“I didn’t say it was a quiet few months,” Horatio retorted before standing up. “Why don’t I leave you to it? We can swap stories with the rest of my senior staff.”

Smiling at that idea, James agreed with a nod. “Sounds good to me.”

The intercom chime then went off. “Bridge to Captain McCallister.”

Recognising the voice straight away, Horatio answered. “Go ahead, Rubon. I thought you were meant to come off duty like three hours ago?”

“I was running a helm diagnostic, sir; I wanted to complete it,” Jarata answered. “Anyway, sir, we’ve picked up a distress call.”

Alarmed to hear that, Horatio continued the conversation with his chief flight control officer after giving his brother a look. “From who?”

“It’s a B’omar ship, sir. They’re reporting they’ve been attacked and are requesting immediate assistance.”

Realising the ramifications, James glanced at his brother with a look telling him to get them there.

Horatio didn’t need his brother’s permission to do it, but he did it out of respect for his seniority. “Set a course for them at maximum warp, commander and assemble the senior staff immediately.”

“Aye, sir,” Jarata replied before closing the channel.

“So much for dinner,” Horatio complained as he led himself and his brother towards the bridge.

“Cardassian?” repeated Thaustin as he moved across the bridge. 

“Confirmed; the weapon signature is from a type seven Galor-class destroyer,” Lonar said in a quieter tone. 

Horatio could sense his chief security and tactical officer was disappointed to share those results. Knowing that others of her kind had inflicted this on the B’omar made her usual positive attitude toward work start to dissipate. As he walked past her, Horatio gently tapped her shoulder, giving her assurance everything was okay. Lonar looked at him and smiled in appreciation. 

“Where do we stand with life signs?” Horatio asked his chief science officer. As they approached the B’omar ship, they encountered high levels of tetryon particles interfering with their scans. 

Kazlaf’s fingers danced over her console as she tried to filter out the interference. “I’ve finally got something,” She announced before sighing. “Two life signs detected.”

Without hesitation, Horatio ordered for it to be beamed to sickbay. As he gestured for his brother to join him in welcoming their guests, he told Thaustin to take over and get a repair team over to the B’omar vessel while also ordering Kazlaf, Jarata and Lonar to locate the Cardassian ship that attacked them. 

The silence in the turbolift didn’t last long between the two brothers. James turned to his brother and said what he was already thinking. “If the Cardassians attacked the B’omar, we could end up seeing the start of an intergalactic war.”

“I thought the Cardassian Union signed the Jankata Accords?” Horatio responded. “Surely they wouldn’t be foolish enough to attempt a military operation in the Delta Quadrant?”

“Who knows?” James said as he crossed his arms. “With underspace corridors now open to all, peace treaties will have to be reconsidered. But let’s see if we can prevent a war and find a way to mediate here.”

“Agreed,” Horatio said as the turbolift stopped at its destination and the doors opened. “Are you going to advise the others?” He asked as they departed from the cart, referring to the other captains in the squadron.

“Once we know a bit more, yes,” James confirmed as they turned into a corridor and approached the doors to sickbay. 

The two men entered the Constitution’s medical facilities and approached where Doctor Uknare and her team treated their two guests. 

“How are they, doctor?” Horatio asked Uknare.

Turning around to face her superior with a medical tricorder in her hands, Uknare responded positively. “Nothing life-threatening. Both of them have received a small dosage of tetryon radiation and a few bumps, bruises and burns. We can get them back up on their feet in no time.”

Turning to their guests, Horatio smiled at them. The pair of B’omar had tall, slender frames clad in intricately designed, form-fitting garments that shimmered subtly under the artificial lights in sickbay. Their angular faces, framed by elaborate headpieces, were expressionless, but their eyes, deep and dark, conveyed a mix of curiosity and guardedness.

The B’omar species were known for their rigid territorial laws and xenophobic tendencies. Both Horatio and James were keen to make a good first impression.

“Welcome aboard the Constitution,” Captain Horatio began, his voice steady and authoritative. “I am Captain Horatio McCallister, and this is Commodore James Preston McCallister.”

The lead B’omar, identified by the more elaborate detailing on their attire, stepped forward. “I am Representative Garmuh,” they stated in an unexpectedly melodic yet firm voice. “This is my associate, Delegate Dauman. We are grateful for your timely intervention.”

“We picked up your distress call. We’re sorry we couldn’t have arrived sooner,” James stared. “It would seem you were attacked.”

“Indeed,” Garmuh replied grumpily. 

“Can you share what happened?” Horatio probed. 

Garmuh’s demeanour didn’t change as he recounted what happened. “We did not know who our attackers were. We were returning from a trade summit with the Nassordin when we detected a high amount of tetryon particles in the area. Deciding to investigate, we discovered a device emitting the particles into subspace. Concerned it would damage subspace, especially so close to our territory, we attempted to shut it down for analysis. An hour later, a Cardassian ship arrived, destroyed our escorts, and heavily damaged our craft. We managed to disable their weapons array before they retreated, but we have no further information.”

James exchanged a glance with Horatio before addressing the B’omar directly. “You were attacked by a species known as the Cardassians.”

“Let me guess, they’re not from around here?” Garmuh checked. “Like you’re not either. You’re the Federation lot from the other side of the galaxy.”

“We are,” James confirmed. 

“Yes, we know the legends of the starship Voyager well,” Dauman added.

“Well, we were hoping to see if we can change your perception of our people,” James remarked. “We were on our way to open a diplomatic dialogue with your government.”

Shaking his head, Garmuh’s mood remained negative. “You won’t get anywhere, commodore.”

“We’re eager to try,” Horatio interjected. 

“Don’t waste your breath,” Garmuh replied. “Ever since the Vaadwaur underspace corridors opened up across the galaxy, we’ve had numerous incursions into our space. My government has closed its borders and is stopping anyone who arrives without permission. Now tell me about our attackers.”

James gave them the response he hoped would satisfy the B’omar. “They’re called the Cardassians, and they’re from the Alpha Quadrant. We’re neighbours and have a peace treaty with them.”

“So you’re allies?” Dauman questioned, sounding quite concerned they were now in trouble. 

“No, just at peace,” Horatio assured him.

“We defeated the Cardassians in a terrible war over two and half decades ago,” James added. “However, I am concerned with them attacking you. Tetryon particles in subspace can be highly destabilising. The Cardassians might have been involved in something they didn’t want you to discover.”

Horatio nodded. “It seems the Cardassians were willing to go to great lengths to protect whatever that device was. We will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure your safety during your stay on the Constitution. In the meantime, with your permission, my crew is happy to help repair your ship?”

Garmuh was entirely surprised by that offer. “We would appreciate it, captain. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Horatio bowed his head. “My crew will do whatever they can to make you feel comfortable, and we will send a message to your people, telling them we’ve rescued you.”

“Hopefully, they may be able to send someone to help us get back to our space,” Garmuh said, sounding less irritable now. 

“Perhaps we could work on this matter together? James asked, trying to offer a diplomatic olive branch. 

Chuckling, Garmuh shook his head. “No, commodore, that won’t be happening. While the B’omar Sovereignty has closed its borders during this crisis, it will not engage in any diplomatic contact with new arrivals.”

“But we’re not new arrivals; you said it yourselves that you know of the legend of Voyager,” James replied. “Granted, it wasn’t the best experience for your people, but we do not need to enter your territory. Instead, let’s deal with the Cardassians together. Surely we can benefit from working together on this?”

Dauman spoke up. “I suppose we would be foolish not listening to them, sir. They claim to have defeated these Cardassians. One Cardassian ship destroyed two of our patrol ships before we could disable them.”

“How about we start with a trade of information?” James offered. “We will share our tactical knowledge on the Cardassians, and in return you provide us with your sensor records and everything else you collected about this device of theirs?”

“We only need more ships to defeat them,” Garmuh replied.

“They have an entire military that they could use against you,” Horatio warned. He didn’t want to intimidate or threaten them, but he didn’t want them to think this would be easy. “Let’s work together.”

Garmuh sighed. “Very well; I will discuss the matter with my superiors; however, their priority right now is stopping anyone else from entering our space. They may just dismiss your exchange.”

Returning to the bridge, somewhat pleased with their success with the B’omar, Horatio hoped to hear more good news. Instead, Ethav, his Andorian operations officer, shared that they had just received an update from the Bellerophon.

“What did they say?” Horatio asked, knowing he could see the concerned expression forming across James’ face at the corner of his eye. 

“They had to fight off a Cardassian ship from attacking a Caatati ship,” Ethav reported. “No one was hurt, but the Cardassians left it after the Triton was nearby to render support.”

“Why would the Cardassians attack the B’omar and the Caatati?” Horatio asked aloud.

Trying to make a connection, James looked at Ethav. “Lieutenant, did Captain Reyas mention anything about them encountering a Cardassian device manipulating subspace through the use of tetryons?”

Ethav reflected on his notes, “She did mention that the Caatati had collided with a small Cardassian device emitting tetryons.”

James looked at his brother, “Then your theory from early has been proven. They’re protecting whatever these devices are.”

“But what do they do and why are the Cardassians laying them out like this?” Horatio asked.

There was a moment of silence before another message started to come through. Ethav moved back to his station from the centre of the bridge, where he stood with his superiors. “We’ve got an incoming call from Captain Duncan on the Odyssey for you both.”

“Put it up, lieutenant,” Horatio ordered.

“Um, sir, it’s encrypted and marked for your eyes only,” Ethav announced.

“Transfer it to my ready room,” Horatio told him as he and James walked across the bridge towards the doors to the ready room. 

Standing in his office, the transmission from the Odyssey was transferred, and Duncan and Tomaz, with Cambil from the Themis, appeared holographically before them.

“What’s happening?” James asked the three officers.

“We’ve got further news about the Cardassians, sir,” Duncan started.

“As do we, and we’ve just heard from the Bellerophon,” James replied. 

Cambil nodded, confirming they had that news too. “I’ve spoken with Karyn and Corella, too, and this issue is bigger than we realise.” She turned to Tomaz, letting him talk. 

Clearing his throat, Tomaz activated something off-screen, activating another hologram before James and Horatio. “Sir, we’ve got confirmed reports from Starfleet Intelligence that the Cardassian Union is mining the areas where the most amount of apertures appear across the galaxy to close them and the new underspace corridors that have opened up.”

“That’s why they attacked the B’omar,” Horatio said as he connected the dots quickly. 

“And the Caatati,” Duncan added. “They don’t want others knowing what they’re up to.”

“That’s not all, James,” Cambil added. “Gul Jacet has more than the three ships we encountered earlier. Long-range scans have picked up six more in the area. All of them are Galor-class ships. They appear to be zipping across the region planting these devices.”

“Damn,” James cursed. “No wonder Jacet remained calm in our earlier discussions; he outnumbers us.”

“Numbers, but not in strength, sir,” Tomaz stated. “However, if they continue with their plans, the underspace corridors that connect to the ones that the Turei have knowledge of and those that have opened up recently will collapse in no time.”

“Can we reverse the damage?” Horatio asked.

Tomaz shook his head. “No, their network of buoys has done the damage. We would need to implement something as large as they have, and we don’t even know the science behind how they’ve done it.”

“Well, that’s shit,” James swore as he put his hands on his hips. “What is the status of the aperture between here and Kovar?”

“We’re standing on guard by it, but Commanders Reddick and Abbej have detected its slow decline as the rest of the underspace corridors collapse,” Cambil answered. “So far, the Cardassians haven’t attempted anything against us.”

“They must have a retreat plan once they’re done here,” Horatio suggested. “Surely Jacet isn’t going to get himself stuck this far out in the Delta Quadrant?”

“We know from the B’omar that there are other apertures nearby. They’ve had a few visitors in their space,” James stated. “Maybe that’s how Jacet arrived here. Another corridor and aperture.”

“What are your orders, sir?” Tomaz asked the commodore.

James pulled out a chair by the long rectangular table and sat down. He considered his choices. “Let me talk with Admiral Jaret, but in all fairness, the plan had been for our squadron to explore this region and then continue from here. We always knew it would be a long-term assignment.”

“So we let the Cardassians collapse the network?” Duncan questioned.

“Do we have an alternative?” James asked back. 

Everyone went silent. 

“Okay, this is what we will do in the meantime. We will continue to help the Caatati, and if the B’omar wishes to progress with working with us, then we will go from there. I want everyone to continue to monitor the Cardassians and avoid any more direct confrontations,” James decided. “Let’s catch up soon.”

They all acknowledged James’ orders and the holograms of the other three disappeared, leaving James back just with his brother.

“Just like that?” Horatio asked. 

James nodded. “Sadly, yeah.” He sighed as he leaned his head backwards against the chair. “That’s shit.”

“What is?”

“The underspace corridors,” James remarked. “I genuinely thought it would change everything for us all.”

“For the good?”

“For the good,” James nodded as he sat up straight. “It would finally push the old habits of the past two decades to disappear, and the Federation would be forced to return to its roots of exploration and peaceful coexistence with others. There would be no more hiding behind our borders.”

“We’re no B’omar, James,” Horatio remarked as he sat down. “And being a bit conservative on what’s out here isn’t a bad move.”

“But where has it led us in the last few years? Two of our biggest enemies teamed up to teach us a lesson, and now someone else is pushing away a chance to turn things around.”

“I get where you’re coming from, but in all honesty, aren’t the Cardassians doing us a favour?” Horatio questioned. “Could Starfleet really protect the Federation in its current state? And if others out there, like the B’omar, find the sudden arrival of unexpected visitors annoying, it will surely quell tensions.”

“It makes the Cardassians the galactic saviours,” James remarked.

“Is that a bad thing, too?” Horatio questioned. “Let them have it. We’ve stopped the Borg from decimating the entire galaxy and prevented multiple Omega molecules from wiping out subspace. There are plenty more galactic events we’ve been involved in and will be involved in. I say it’s time others step up to the plate.”

“Maybe.”

“There’s plenty more space for us to explore, James, and now we’ve got this massive squadron behind us; there’s no stopping us from seeing what’s out here,” Horatio assured his brother. “Now let’s go tell our B’omar guests the news, and then once they’ve gone, I owe you a dinner and a drink.”

James gave an empty smile. 

Horatio didn’t need to read his brother’s mind to know his thoughts and feelings on what was happening. There was nothing Horatio could say or do that could change that. He could see the disappointment and frustration in James’ eyes. Horatio knew that how he saw the galaxy was completely different to how James saw it. James was more of the romantic one out of the two of them when it came to exploring space, while Horatio saw himself as more pragmatic about it. 

Horatio encouraged his brother to get up. “And once we’ve had our dinner and drinks, you can tell me what your former first officer’s son’s intentions are with my nephew.”

That made James laugh out loud. “H, if I knew the answer to that, then I would be in the Q Continuum and I promise you, that’s one galactic mystery I’m more than happy to leave for now.”

“We appreciate the report, commodore,” Garmuh said dryly.

James looked at his brother and Thaustin, not really feeling Garmuh’s enthusiasm or appreciation for their efforts. Sitting up further in his chair, the commodore leant forward. “Representative Garmuh, I hope your government appreciates this and our efforts to help repair your ship as a chance for both of our people to reset our previous relations and forge a new peaceful path.”

  Garmuh just sighed. “What is it with you and your eagerness for us to become allies?”

“No one said anything about an alliance,” Thaustin interjected. “The commodore mentioned the possibility of us resetting things between us.”

“Well, your attempts are futile,” The B’omar said from where he sat. “This is a minor diplomatic overture on your behalf.”

“Minor, maybe, but it’s a step we want to take and would like to understand how we can take things further with you and your people, Representative,” James remarked, keeping his tone as diplomatic as possible.

“I will, of course, pass your request on,” Garmuh stated.

“Thank you,” James replied. “My squadron and I are remaining here in this region of space to explore it. Please let us know if we can do anything to show our intentions of only wanting peaceful coexistence with you.”

“Oh, you’re staying?” Garmuh asked, his tone changed to one mixed with disgust and weariness. “With the final apertures collapsing soon, I thought you would return to your Federation.”

“No, we plan to remain in the region, as we have other means to travel between our home and the Delta Quadrant,” Thaustin answered after seeing the commodore’s mood change after hearing the way Garmuh replied to him. “Is that an issue for you?”

“No, just please keep five lightyears away from our borders,” Garmuh stated coldly.

“That’s a real shame,” James expressed. “We were hoping to exchange scientific ideas and research with you.”

Garmuh’s constant roundabout of expressions changed again. “Why would we want to do that?” He asked, confused.

“A peaceful exchange of scientific thinking is a great way of forging new relations among people,” James answered. 

“We’re not interested, commodore,” Garmuh stood up. “Your Cardassians may have destroyed our patrol ships and killed our fellow B’omar, but they did us and many others a huge favour.”

“Oh?” James probed.

“They closed off these underspace corridors and stopped anyone else from entering our territory,” Garmuh said, his tone reflecting a mix of relief and satisfaction. He looked at his associate and gestured that it was time for them to leave.

“Commander Thaustin, please escort our guests to the transporter room,” Horatio spoke for the first time since the meeting started. 

“With pleasure, sir,” Thaustin said, rising from his chair and indicating for the B’omar to follow him out of the room.

Once their guests had left, James looked at his brother. “So much for trying to make nice with the B’omar.”

“It was a good try, J-P, but you were never going to break the likes of Garmuh in being over the top in appreciating our efforts in saving them and repairing their ship,” Horatio told his brother as he got up and went over to the replicator. He immediately ordered them both a mug of tea each. 

“It was worth the shot,” James uttered as Horatio returned with their drinks. 

Handing one mug to James, Horatio retook his seat. “However, you were right about the Cardassians; they will be seen as the saviours in closing the new set of corridors.”

“Let’s just hope the B’omar, at some point, do turn their idealogy around and become a bit more open to us,” Horatio stated before sipping his drink.

“I’ll issue orders for everyone to keep at least six lightyears away from their borders,” James stated. “I really don’t want to deal with them anytime soon.”

 “Makes sense,” Horatio agreed. “Talking of dealing things we don’t want to deal with, don’t we want to move ourselves to be with the others to monitor the Cardassian’s retreating?”

“We do,” James confirmed. 

Tapping his combadge, Horatio told his pilot to get them underway back to the rest of the squadron once their B’omar guests had left. “The sooner we can get underway, the happier the commodore will be,” He added.

“We’re on it, sir,” Jarata answered. “And tell the commodore he’s welcome to join us for tonight’s Risian Beach Party in Holodeck Two.”

“Don’t worry, Rubon, I’ll ensure he attends!” Horatio chuckled as he closed the channel with a tap to his combadge.

“A Risian Beach Party?” James questioned. “I didn’t bring anything to wear for such a gathering.”

“James, would I be a great little brother if I let you turn up at such an event without the right outfit? Don’t worry, you can borrow something of mine,” Horatio said as he finished his tea. “Now, am I calling Admiral Jaret, or are you?”

James sighed. He had to speak to Jaret again before their aperture to Kovar closed. “That joy is mine, thanks,” James replied.

“And so, with the Cardassians withdrawing back to the Alpha Quadrant, we’ve not detected any other of their ships in the region,” McCallister said confidently at his desk in his VIP quarters. The commodore had retreated to his own personal space to call Vice Admiral Jaret. “Gul Jacet is nowhere to be seen.”

Nodding solemnly, Jaret couldn’t say much about McCallister’s report. “James, you’ve done well avoiding an intergalactic war between the Cardassians and the B’omar,” She told him with some confidence. “Plus, finding the Caatati a place to settle with others of their own kind is another positive.”

“Is that because we’ve quietened Governor Thompson about having the Caatati living on Kovar?” McCallister teased.

“Something like that,” Jaret smirked. “And I heard from Starfleet Intelligence an hour ago, they’ve confirmed that Jacet is back on Cardassia.”

“Wow, he doesn’t mess around, does he?” McCallister remarked.

“What do you mean, commodore?” 

McCallister sat up in his chair. “He told us quite adamantly that he would be home before we knew it.”

“A man of his word,” Jacet said. “However good he is at his job, it doesn’t excuse the action his wing took in attacking the B’omar or threatening the Caatati too.” 

“No, it doesn’t,” McCallister agreed before he decided to move their discussion on. “Well, admiral, we’ll be ready to get underway with our exploration assignments of the Swallow Nebula region.”

“I take it you’ve got everything you need?”

McCallister nodded. “We have ma’am.”

Sighing, Jaret had already expressed her disappointment with McCallister about the collapsing of the underspace corridors. “We’ll stay in touch with our data streams, but as you know, it will only occur every month due to your location.”  

“We know, ma’am, but I think we can do some good here,” McCallister said, trying to sound more positive. “Bexa is eager to follow up with the Krenim, and we’re going to attempt to contact the Serosians.”

“And the Srivani?” Jaret asked, the concern itching in her tone. They were the one race that Starfleet Intelligence were the most concerned about. The fact they were able to conduct covert research on the Voyager crew back in 2374 without them noticing it before the crew started to suffer from genetic inflictions. They were one of a few species that the Federation were concerned about from the Delta Quadrant. They sat just below the likes of the Voth, Species 8472 and the Devore. 

“Nothing yet, but we’re keeping a close eye out for them. But I wouldn’t mind speaking to other races first to see what they know about them,” McCallister shared. 

Jaret nodded at that idea. “Sounds wise,” She approved. “Good luck; I look forward to receiving your next set of reports. Safe journey, commodore. Deep Space Nineteen out.”

McCallister wished her goodbye as he leaned back into his chair. He looked over at the clock display on the side of his console and realised that he had a few more hours before he needed to be at this Risian Beach Party. He sighed and wondered if it was appropriate for a commodore to attend such an informal social gathering. Then he stopped and realised that his brother wouldn’t let him get out of it. 

He was now starting to regret using the Constitution for this mission. Maybe he should have transferred to the Triton, the Bellerophon, or even Orion. Perhaps his new job did have some perks, he considered before he looked over at the brightly coloured shirt his brother had left him lying on his bed, along with the very skimpy-looking white shorts. He knew if his sons and wife were here, they would be laughing at him.