The bridge was eerily quiet; not one person was talking. This has been a trend over the last few weeks since the closure of the apertures to Underspace, which had appeared but collapsed thanks to the Cardassians. The data they collected from studying one would keep the science team busy. The Saratoga were currently traveling to Tranquility Station for supplies and some R&R.

Azras Dex sat in her ready room, working on reviewing and writing reports that came in from not only her crew but the other two ships within her squadron, which would be arriving at Tranquility two days after their arrival. Standing up from her desk, she walked over to the replicator, ordering herself a cup of coffee before walking to the window. Dex stared out, watching the stars flash by while they were at warp, which she had always found fascinating.

“Bridge to Commodore Dex,” came Ritru’s voice.

“What is it?” Dex asked as she stood there.

“You have an incoming transmission, priority one from Commodore Jori.”

“Patch it through to my ready room,” she replied before she walked back over to her desk to sit down. Taking a moment to straighten out her uniform and mentally prepare herself for whatever Commodore Jori had to discuss with her.

After a few moments, she tapped her computer, and the screen changed to show Jori on the other end. “Good morning, Commodore,” Dex said with a soft smile. What can I do for you?” She asked, knowing something was up by how she looked as soon as she appeared on screen.

“There are some changes I wish to discuss with you,” Jori replied. Though the matter was not up for debate, she was diplomatic about her choice of words.

Dex looked at her silently momentarily, wondering what she meant by changes. “What kind of changes?” she asked, looking confused.

Jori remained silent momentarily before speaking, “I’ll be frank with you. Once you reach Tranquility Station, you will take command of the station.” Jori began, and as Dex was about to respond, she raised her hand to stop her. “You will remain the squadron command. The Saratoga, Triumph, and Knight will remain under your command.” She replied, reassuring her that she wasn’t taking anything away.

“Why can’t I remain in command of the Saratoga?” Dex protested as she didn’t like the idea of commanding a station.

“We need someone with your experience to command a station such as Tranquility with where it is located.” Jori replied, “which will also become a home base for the squadron.”

“I see,” Dex replied with annoyance. “Very well, anything else?”

“There is another thing,” Jori replied. “The Argo, Argus, and Nighthawk will join the squadron. Along with this, crew changes will take place to help staff those ships of chief positions they are currently missing. I have sent you all the information for your review.” Jori replied, looking at her with a straight face to emphasize that she was serious about the changes.

“Very well. When are they due to arrive?” Dex asked as her responsibility grew. Instead of just three ships, she was now responsible for six ships and a starbase.

“They should arrive by the end of the week,” Jori replied.

“Understood,” she said, looking at her for a moment. She debated asking if there was anything else that she wished to discuss. After a few more moments, the conversation ended, and the screen changed back to its original screen. Dex pulled up the information that Jori had sent her for review.

She sat back in her chair, letting out a loud sigh. Things ran through her mind. She closed her eyes to clear her mind, which helped her think more clearly. After a few moments, she sat back up, “Captain T’Prel and Commander Deza, please report to my ready room.”

A few moments later, the doors to the ready room opened to reveal that both T’Prel and Deza had entered, looking confused about why they were being summoned. Dex gestured to the two seats before her desk, “Please have a seat.”

“I’ll get straight to the point. There have been some changes,” Dex began as the two looked at each other for a moment before looking back at her. “I have been reassigned to command Tranquility Station, though I will remain the squadron commander.”

T’Prel raised an eyebrow at the news, “what does that mean for the Saratoga?” Asked T’Prel, looking at her as emotionless as any Vulcan.

“Effective immediately, you will become Captain of the Saratoga while Deza will be promoted to Executive Officer,” Dex replied softly. “Even though I will be in command of Tranquility, the Saratoga will remain my flagship if I need to leave the station for whatever reason.”

“That was unexpected,” Deza said in shock, as she wasn’t expecting to be promoted above her previous position. “Thank you, sir,” she added.

“Indeed, sir,” T’Prel replied.

“There will also be more changes happening within the squadron. Three more ships have been assigned to our squadron and will arrive by the week’s end.” Dex replied, “There will be staff changes coming from both the Saratoga and Triumph to help staff the three ships of chief positions.” she added, passing them the roster of who will be going where.

Both T’Prel and Deza read the PADD the Commodore had handed them. After a while of silence, T’Prel spoke up: “Understood.”

“We have arrived at Tranquility Station,” Ritru said over the comm channel.

The three stood up from their chairs and headed out of the ready room onto the bridge. They looked at the view screen to see the Aurora-class Tranquility Station in view. Ships were coming and going from the station. “Open a channel to the station,” Dex ordered, looking over to Ritru, who had moved back to her station once they were on the bridge.

“Channel open,” Ritru replied.

“Tranquility Station, this is the Saratoga requesting permission to dock,” Dex spoke before waiting for a response from the station.

“Welcome to Tranquility Station Saratoga. You are clear to dock at outer docking ring four,” the station’s docking master replied.

Looking at Deza, who already knew what she was going to say, began docking procedures and brought the ship to docking ring four. After a short time, the ship was securely docked. She looked at T’Prel with a smile. “Computer transfer command of the Saratoga to Captain T’Prel authorization Commodore Azras Dex Alpha-Foxtrot-Two-Two-Four,” Dex ordered as the computer beeped.

“Transfer command initiated. Second authorization required.” Replied the computer.

“Captain T’Prel Delta-Four-Four-Five-Nine,” T’Prel replied as the computer beeped again.

“Command transfer has been completed,” the computer replied.

She walked off the bridge and headed to her quarters to speak with her husband about the change. She was sure he wouldn’t care as he would go wherever she went, but they grew to call the Saratoga home over the past few years. Things would be different now, but she was up for the challenge and a change of scenery station life.

Upon arrival at the station, she was greeted by the first officer with a smile on his face. “Welcome to Tranquility, Commodore. I am Commander Rafel Norann,” Norann replied with an extended hand.

“Thank you, Commander,” Dex replied as she returned the offered hand. “This is my husband, Arzin Varen. Suppose you would be so kind as to show us where our quarters are. Our belongings should have already arrived.” She said. They had spent several hours packing their belongings to be transferred to the station.

“Of course,” Norann replied as they began to walk.

The station was huge, though it was half the size of a Spacedock-class starbase. It was busy, with the civilian population and officers filling the corridors, who seemed to stop and stand at attention as they walked. She took notes to explore the station to get herself familiar with her station and new home.

After walking and taking the turbolift, they arrived at her quarters, “here are your quarters’ sir.” Norann replied, looking at her.

“Thank you,” Dex replied. “I would like you to schedule a senior staff meeting for 1800 hours.”

“Aye, sir. I will take care of that. If there isn’t anything else you need, I will let you get settled, and we will see you at the staff meeting,” Norann replied.

“Thank you. I think we will be good for now.” Dex replied, and with that, her first officer turned and began to walk back down the corridor toward the turbolift they had just come out of. “This is going to take some adjustment,” Azras said before they entered their quarters, which was a good size compared to their quarters onboard the Saratoga. Though they left some belongings onboard the ship, they moved them to one of the VIP quarters, so she would need to be onboard the ship. That way, T’Prel could take the Captain’s quarters.

“Indeed,” Varen replied with a smile as they began to look around. “Looks like our belongings made it.”

“Good,” Dex replied.

“How about I make us some dinner while you begin to make ourselves at home?” Varen asked, knowing his wife had to ensure everything was in its place and things were a certain way for her to be happy.

“I think that would be a good idea,” Dex replied.

Giving her a soft kiss, he moved to the kitchen to begin cooking while Dex unpacked their belongings, putting them in their rightful place. They would spend the next few hours making their new home feel like home and giving her time to relax before heading to the meeting with her new senior staff.

Deza walked out of her quarters to be greeted by Ritru, who would join her at the station. She wasn’t wearing anything luxurious, just something relaxing, as they had planned on meeting with Chon’al in one of the station’s many lounges. “What is going on?” Deza asked as they began to walk down the corridor heading towards the docking bay where they would enter the station.

“What do you mean?” Ritru asked.

Deza looked at her, letting a frustrated groan escape her mouth. “Why is half our ship being reassigned?” Deza replied as she threw her hands up. “Additionally, Commodore Dex is now in charge of Tranquility Station, and we are getting three more additions to our squadron. Why?” She said with a bit of a raised voice at the end.

Ritru remained silent as they walked, letting Deza vent. “Things change all the time,” she finally replied. “Though it’s not like we won’t ever see them again; they will be on ships within the squadron and station alike.” She said, trying to reason with her, though she knew when she was upset, there was no reasoning with her.

They continued walking as they entered the station, heading down the corridor towards the turbolift that would bring them to the promenade. Deza was still clearly upset, though it was not just because other crew were being reassigned. It was the fact that Chon’al was leaving the ship as well. Though she didn’t want to admit that, as they had kept their relationship somewhat private, she wasn’t one to show affection in front of anyone, not even her friends. Though only a handful of people knew, she didn’t talk about things even then.

“You’re upset that Chon’al is being moved to the station, right?” Ritru said as she finally broke the long silence that had gone on long enough.

“No,” she said flatly with a bit of a pitched voice which said otherwise.

“Right,” Ritru retorted, knowing better. “I know you are lying,” she replied.

Deza stopped dead and turned to face her, “I am not lying.”

“Seriously, Deza,” Ritru replied as she got annoyed by how Deza acted. “I know you are seeing him, and it is self-evident how you reacted when I asked you that question that you are upset.”

“Whatever,” is all she said before she started to walk off, almost leaving Ritru where she stood.

Rolling her eyes, she began to catch up to Deza. “Take my advice if you are to be the first officer. I suggest you change your attitude, or the crew will not listen to or take you seriously.” She said with annoyance in her voice.

They kept walking as Deza decided not to respond to that statement. They reached the Elysian Lounge, a massive lounge with plenty of seating. It felt relaxing, with its soft colors and beautiful chandeliers on the ceiling. The seating was more booth-like chairs that one could find relaxing. Smooth, relaxing music played in the background set the mood so that someone could come and relax after a long day. They looked around and found Chon’al sitting at a table near the corner of the room next to a large window, excluded from others, enjoying themselves.

Ritru noticed that Dazra was sitting on the opposite side of the lounge. They walked up to Chon’al. Deza sat down while she stood there and smiled. “Hey,” she said.

“Have a seat,” Chon’al replied.

Ritru looked at Deza briefly before turning back to him. “I am good. I am going to see what Dazra is up to. I think you two need to have a private discussion anyway,” she said before she looked at Deza, who just gave her a look. If looks could kill, it definitely would have.

“Oh?” Chon’al said as he looked between the two women.

“Anyways, I’ll see you guys later,” Ritru said as she turned and walked off before Chon’al even had a chance to respond. Ritru walked over to where Dazra was sitting and smiled. “Care for some company?”

Dazra looked up and shrugged. “Sure, why not.”

Ritru sat down and ordered herself a drink when the server came over once she was spotted. “A beautiful place to relax for sure,” Ritru said, trying to make some small talk as she wanted to get her recent encounter with Deza out of her mind and relax while the Saratoga was docked at the station.

“Indeed,” Dazra replied, looking around. “I thought you were going to have drinks with Deza and Chon’al.”

“Yeah, well, they need to sort things out, and I’d rather not be a third wheel right now,” she said with a shake of her head. Then she started chuckling, which seemed to confuse Dazra even more. So what brings you here?”

“Just seemed like a good place to relax,” Dazra admitted with a smile as they spent the next few hours chatting. More of the senior staff showed up and joined them for drinks. Ritru glanced over to where Deza and Chon’al were sitting once in a while to see how things were going. Still, she didn’t seem to see anything worrying, so they must be working things out between them.

“What do you think about all the changes?” Ritru asked, wondering what her thoughts were. Just as she asked the question, she saw Odan and Jheria walking their way.

“It’s a lot of changes for sure, all at once, but I am happy for those who received promotions; they deserved it,” Dazra said as she waved at Jheria and Odan. “Come join us,” she said.

“Hey guys,” Jheria replied with a smile as they both sat and ordered a drink.

“A lot going -” Odan began before they heard Deza raise her voice at Chon’al, almost yelling at him. They saw her get up and storm off, leaving Chon’al looking at them before getting up and heading out of the lounge. “What was that about?” Odan asked as he felt he had missed something.

“Deza has had a bit of an attitude at the news of the changes, though I am not sure what happened there,” Ritru said with a shrug, as she was tired of the drama and just wanted to relax.

“And she is going to be our first officer? That will be lovely…” Odan replied as he knew about her short temper.

“I know. I tried to advise her about her attitude and that it needed to change, but I will see if she listens,” Ritru replied with an audible sigh.

“Well, let us not worry about that now but enjoy ourselves,” Jheria smiled as drinks arrived at their table. This is such a beautiful lounge,” she added, looking around and admiring the view. They nodded, began to chat amongst themselves about different subjects, and spent the remainder of the night enjoying each other’s company. It was nice to have some downtime to relax and not think about what would happen next. The last few months have been nothing but crazy.

It was midday, and the promenade onboard Tranquility had been bustling with civilians and Starfleet officers making their way through the different areas, whether just passing by or checking out the many shops and restaurants. The Elysian Lounge, further down the promenade, used by the station’s crew, was busy as usual. Commander Mazi made his way through the crowd and towards the lounge. Just as he turned the corner where the lounge was, he saw Commander Rani Atre. “How’s it going, Rani?” He asked, as they had been working together for a few years and were on a first-name basis while not on duty.

Looking over to where Mazi stood, she smiled, “Hey, it is going pretty well. I’m just going to Elysian Lounge to get something to eat and to relax.” Atre replied as they began to walk again, “What about you?”

“Same,” Mazi replied.

“You can come join us. I am meeting Tanika here as well,” Atre stated.

Lieutenant Commander Tanika Lawton was hard to like because she rarely let anyone get close to her. She was always closed off and standoffish, and her bedside manner wasn’t the best when interacting with others on and off duty. “Sure,” Mazi replied as he had gotten used to her over the last year since she had joined the crew.

“Though it makes me wonder how she and Commodore Dex will get along,” Atre said as they arrived and began to walk in. They had all only briefly met the Commodore shortly after she arrived at the station. There had been no real interaction with them yet, which got most senior staff curious about how things would go, and they had all voiced their concern to each other.

“I am not sure,” Mazi replied with concern.

Just as they entered, they saw Tanika Lawton sitting at a table near the far left corner of the room, and they both began to make their way over. After a short time, they arrived at the table, smiling. “I hope you don’t mind Mazi joining us,” Atre said.

Looking up from the PADD she had been looking at, she shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to me,” Lawton replied with an indifference in her voice, as she couldn’t care less. She was engrossed in the updates she and the engineering team had been working on over the last few hours. She was reading how things were progressing when they arrived.

The two looked at each other briefly before taking a seat just as a waiter approached to take their order, and then they walked away a short time later. “So, how’s things going?” Atre asked, speaking up after a few moments of awkward silence.

“Fine,” Lawton replied with a shrug as she didn’t look up from the PADD she had been studying.

“What are you reading?” Mazi turned around and asked as she seemed to be distracted. She had always been more engrossed in her work than anything else as if nothing or no one was more important. She had been known to work extra hours than she needed to to keep herself busy.

Just as she was about to respond, the waiter returned with their items, setting them down on the table before walking off. “Just keeping an eye on some ongoing system upgrades right now.” Lawton flatly said.

If Mazi could roll his eyes, he would have done so: ” Do you have to constantly work when this is meant to be lunch and a break from the daily routine?” Mazi asked, sounding a bit annoyed. Looking at Rani, he could tell she was also a bit irritated. This was her time to relax; all Tanika could think about was her duties.

Lawton shrugged, “I have to make sure things go according to plan, and the systems can handle the upgrades.” 

“That is what your team is for,” Atre said annoyedly.

Lawton just shrugged, not saying anything more. Mazi was about to speak up before being interrupted by screaming and fighting that seemed to be happening on the promenade and could be heard in the lounge. The three of them looked towards the door before looking back at Mazi, who was already up from his chair and heading out of the lounge to find out what was happening.

A fight had broken out on the promenade between two civilians. Mazi had begun to make his way through the crowd that had seemed to circle the scene. “Back up,” Mazi ordered as other security officers arrived to help. Mazi and another security officer broke up the fight, dragging the two apart while still swinging. “What is going on?” Mazi asked, looking between the two men.

“He has been stealing my customers away,” yelled the first shop owner, who owned a small coffee shop for a few years. The other shop was also a coffee shop, though it specialized in different types of coffee from various species. “He has actively stood out of his shop, taking customers coming to my establishment to go to his, ” he shouted, pointing a finger at the man in front of him being held back from security.

Mazi was about to speak up when the other shop owner interrupted him. “You are delusional. I have not done any such thing. They entered on their own accord, ” the other person replied, shouting angrily that he would be accused of such nonsense. You are just jealous that I am here,” he replied angrily.

This only angered him more, and he somehow got loose from the security officer, grabbed his phaser, and fired, hitting the man in the chest. Everyone that was gathered around let out a shocked noise as security officers subdued the man, taking him to the brig. At the same time, Mazi called for medical attention to come to his location.

A short time later, Lieutenant Commander Taku Lakai arrived, kneeled, and began to scan the patient. The look on her face had let Mazi know that this wasn’t good. “Computer emergency transport directly to the infirmary,” Taku said as the two disappeared.

Mazi looked around as the crowd stood. ” All right, everyone, move on. The show is over, ” he ordered as the crowd began to move on with their business. He sighed at what had just transpired. Turning, he noticed Tanika and Rani standing there, shocked at what had happened. “I will have to take a rain check on our lunch,” Mazi replied apologetically before he made his way out of the promenade and to the infirmary to see what was happening with the patient.

Mazi arrived at the infirmary moments later. Walking in, he looked around until she saw Taku taking a sheet and placing it over the man’s head, signifying that he was gone and that nothing could have been done. Taku noticed Mazi walk in, making her way over to him. “We tried everything to save him, but it was a direct hit to the heart, even with it set to stun,” Taku replied. “It caused too much damage for us to save him,” she added.

Mazi nodded. Now, what would have been an assault turned into a homicide, which was going to have a different outcome for the shop owner who had done this. “Thank you, doctor,” Mazi said with a sigh as he turned to walk out and headed down to his office to start dealing with the situation.

The alarm had sounded through the room, piercing the once silence of sleep, which woke Azras Dex with her vision still blurry before she rubbed them and shut the alarm off. Looking over, she noticed that Arzin wasn’t in bed with her. She figured he had gotten up an hour before, as was his routine, as he always enjoyed making breakfast for them before she headed off. This was his routine since they were first married, and it was one way he showed his love for her.

After a few minutes of sitting on their bed, she pushed herself off the bed and quickly dressed before leaving the bedroom. The incense of food filled the air, making her close her eyes and smile, as it all smelled delicious. “Good morning,” came Arzin’s voice as he didn’t even turn around; he just knew she was there. They were still adjusting to life at the station, but that didn’t dampen things.

“Morning,” Azras replied with a smile as she approached him, still taking in the smell of the delicious food. “That looks delicious. Is that a new recipe?” she asked, as it looked to be something new he was making.

“Had acquired a new cookbook,” he picked up the PADD beside him. “That had some delicious-looking recipes that I thought we could try,” Arzin replied with a smile. “This one is called egg casserole,” he added as he let her see the recipe.

“Well, it’s looking and smelling delicious,” Azras smiled before sitting at the dining room table, where a cup of hot coffee was already waiting for her. She smiled as she took the cup in her hand and drank. A short time later, Arzin walked over to the table carrying two plates and set hers down before he sat next to her. Taking a bite, she closed her eyes as the different flavors all in one hit her taste buds, sending a delightful feeling throughout her body. “This is delicious,” she replied.

“This has a lot more recipes we can try, not just from Earth but for other species as well,” Arzin said as he took a bite of his food. They spent this time together in the mornings, talking about different subjects. They were both still adjusting to living on a station as they had always been on a starship. Arzin knew that Azras had always preferred to be out there in space. Still, with her being in charge of a squadron of ships, they felt she would be better equipped to manage them onboard the Tranquility, primarily where it was located.

Standing up from the table after finishing her plate, she walked over to the replicator. She placed her plate and cup in it for recycling. She decided to replicate a coffee as she had a meeting that morning and could use another cup. Walking back over to Arzin, she leaned over and kissed him. “Thank you for breakfast, like always. I have a few meetings this morning. Do you want to meet up for lunch?” She asked, looking at him. “I hear the Elysian Lounge has some good food.” She suggested looking at him.

“Sounds like a great idea. I don’t have much going on this morning.” Arzin replied.

“Wonderful,” Azras replied before kissing him one more time. She made her way out of their quarters and headed down the corridor toward the turbolift. After a few moments of walking and taking the turbolift, she made it to the command center where her office and conference rooms were. She greeted the young Ensign sitting at the entrance desk, who took care of most things in her stead.

“Good morning, Commodore,” Ensign Ra replied with a smile.

“Morning,” Azras replied. 

“The USS Relentless and USS Khonsu have arrived and are docked. They are being assigned as Tranquility’s support ships.” Ra informed her of the information she had received an hour ago, and she handed her a PADD.

“Thank you,” Azras replied as she took the PADD quickly, giving it a read-over before she went to her office. She found a cup of hot coffee sitting on her desk, which seemed to be thanks to the young Ensign. Sitting down, she took a drink of what would be her third coffee that morning but didn’t mind as she was feeling it this morning. Picking up the PADD on her desk, she began to read what was on the agenda for that morning, which confirmed her meeting with the new commanding officer of the USS Illustrious, who would be arriving at the station shortly.

Commander Eryi Yusari and over a dozen other officers were sitting on a transport. They were all heading to Tranquility Station. The transport seemed full, as it wasn’t a regular starship but a Federation transport ship. Officers seemed to be talking amongst themselves, though it was far from quiet. From the conversations, he couldn’t help but overhear that many of them had already received their orders. Still, he hasn’t received anything other than orders to report to Commodore Dex upon arrival at Tranquility.

He had been quiet the whole trip the last couple of days. He wasn’t much of a talker when off duty. A few moments later, the transport dropped out of warp, signally that they had arrived at the station. Several minutes later, they docked at the station, and people were going off the transport and onto the station. Eryi was the last to disembark from the transport, looking around the large station, which seemed to lead out into the promenade. Another officer from the transport walked up to him. She was of average height and build, with curly hair and a bright smile that could light up the room. “This station is huge, though not as big as a Stardock, but still huge in its own right.” Commander Brie Windrow stated, looking at him.

Eryi was caught off guard by the officer standing beside him but smiled and didn’t let it show. “It is,” Eryi replied.

“How rude of me I am, Commander Brie Windrow,” Windrow introduced herself, extending her hand towards him.

“Commander Eryi Yusari,” he replied, accepting the handshake.

“Have you received your orders?” She asked out of curiosity as they stood there looking at each other in between, looking around the large promenade. Compared to Eryi, she was the more outgoing and talkative one who tends to make friends wherever she goes.

“Not yet, though I will find out soon as I meet with Commodore Azras Dex here shortly,” Eryi replied. “What about you?” He asked.

“Yes, I’ll be the Executive Officer of the Sutherland-class USS Illustrious.” She commented.

“That is a good assignment,” Eryi replied, unsure what else he could have said. The Sutherland, similar to a Nebula-class ship, though quite a bit larger, was an excellent ship to serve on. Though unbeknownst to him, he would be the Commanding Officer of that exact ship. The two talked for a few more minutes before he looked at the time, realizing he needed to get going as he was due to meet the Commodore shortly. “It was nice chatting with you. If you excuse me, I must get to the meeting.” He replied with a smile.

“Likewise, good luck, Commander,” Windrow smiled before they parted.

Eryi made his way to the turbolift, which would take him directly to the Commodore’s location. After a few moments, he walked out of the turbolift and up to the Ensign, sitting at the desk. “I have a meeting with Commodore Dex,” Eryi replied, looking at the woman before him.

“Ah, yes, you must be Commander Eryi?” Ensign Ra asked, looking at him, who nodded in confirmation. “Please take a seat,” Ra said, motioning for one of the chairs to the right of her desk. He watched him take a seat before she stood up, leaving her desk to inform the Commodore that her first meeting was here.

Eryi sat there for what seemed like a lifetime before the young Ensign returned. “The Commodore will see you now if you follow me, ” she said as she gestured for him to follow her to the small meeting room. He followed. Eryi entered the room to see the Commodore sitting at the end of the small table with four chairs. 

“Thank you, Ra,” Dex replied before Ra left them alone. “Welcome, Commander. Do you care for something to drink?” She offered, looking at him.

“I am good, thank you,” Eryi replied with a smile as he seemed a bit nervous.

Azras nodded, looking at him for a moment. Silence filled the room briefly, making Eryi look slightly more nervous. “Well, I will get straight to the point,” she began, picking up a PADD before handing it to him. I could have easily sent your orders, but I wanted to do it personally, as I like meeting those under my command.” Azras began as Eryi took the PADD that was handed to him.

Azras knew that this would be his first command. “I am placing you in command of the USS Illustrious.” She began to see the shock on his face at the mention. “This will also come with a promotion to Captain, “she replied before taking a box out of her pocket and placing it in front of him. “Congratulations, Captain,” she said with a smile as he seemed even more shocked.

“Uh, thank you, sir,” he replied, unsure what else to say. He was shocked at the revelation that he had achieved his dream of becoming a Captain, though he didn’t think it would be on such a ship as the Illustrious.

“She is currently docked, and crew should already be arriving as most of them arrived on the same transport you were on,” Dex stated, looking at him. “At the moment, I don’t have orders for you yet, so enjoy the amenities of Tranquility while you get settled onboard,” Dex added with a smile as he put the new pip on his uniform.

“Understood,” Eryi replied as he sat there looking at her.

“I don’t have anything else at this time, but I will contact you once I have orders,” Dex replied. Then, standing up, she shook her hand towards him with a smile. “Again, congratulations,” she said.

Eryi stood up as she took the Commodore’s extended hand and shook it. ” Thank you, Commodore.” He replied before he left the room and headed out of the offices with PADD in hand.

“Congratulations, Captain,” Ensign Ra replied with a smile. “Good luck,” she added.

Eryi smiled at the Ensign before he thanked her. He walked into the turbolift, directing it to where the Illustrious was docked. He was shocked at the change and had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, which he wasn’t.

Operations were bustling with activity as officers watched the station’s day-to-day operations. With many ships coming and going from the system, today was a busier day for incoming ships. Commodore Azras Dex was not in her office for a rare moment but decided to be in operations as ships from the squadron were due to arrive soon. This made things more hectic as they needed to assign them to docking areas inside the station and on the outer docking rings.

Azras stood in the middle of the large room, looking at the viewscreen as the USS Triumph and USS Knight dropped out of warp and began approaching the station. The Knight looked a bit bruised, as apparent damage was visible from the viewscreen. She heard Lieutenant Vincent speak up over the comm channel, directing both ships to where to dock while letting engineering know that the Knight would need an engineering team to help repair their damages. She watched as both ships slowly began to dock with the station until it was confirmed docking was complete.

About twenty minutes later, another ship drops out of warp, a Reliant-class starship that would no less be the USS Nighthawk. The Nighthawk, a veteran of the Battle of Izar, had sustained significant damage that tragic day, punctuated by the heroic sacrifice of her commanding officer, an action that saved countless of her crew. Several months had passed, repairs complete, and battle scars made good again. Now, she was assigned to her squadron under the command of Commander Ashtin Coulter. She began to watch the ship slowly approach the station before docking.

There was a bit of silence before two more ships dropped out of warp from two different directions. The USS Argo was an Echelon-class starship that looked very similar to the Sagan class in some sense. However, it was vastly different in comparison. Then there was the Gagarin-class USS Argus, which reminded her of the previous ship, the USS Gagarin, that had been previously assigned to her squadron and had been a part of the chaos of Frontier Day at Earth. Both ships began approaching the station before they docked at it slowly.

The USS Pandora, a Luna-class starship that had been a last-minute assignment to her squadron, would arrive shortly. As if on queue, the Pandora dropped out of warp and began to approach the station. Turning to Commander Norann, she ordered, “Once the Pandora docks, send a message to each ship’s Commanding Officers telling them there will be a meeting in the observation lounge in one hour.” This would give them enough time to get their ships settled and for her to get things ready.

“Understood,” Norann replied with a smile.

Turning away from the view screen, she returned to her office. After arriving, she saw Ensign Ra sitting there working on something. “Please prepare the observation lounge for a meeting for the commanding officers of the squadron that is taking place in one hour,” Dex ordered as Ra nodded before Dex entered her office.