Captain’s Log, Supplemental. It’s been just a few days since we left Eos Station, and things are slowly getting back to normal. We safely escorted our Klingon allies to the border and now have the important task of helping the Federation clean up and rebuild. There’s been a lot of damage everywhere, but we’re focused on moving forward.

AJ leaned back in his chair, staring out at the stars through the window. It still felt odd to be back in command of a starship, like wearing a suit that didn’t quite fit. To calm his nerves, he picked up his guitar and started strumming a familiar tune. The soft music was a rare source of peace for him. He glanced down at Ginger, who had curled up next to him, her eyes following him with a sense of quiet loyalty.

“Well, girl,” he said with a small smile, “we’ve made it a week, and the ship’s still intact.” Just as he was about to continue, the door chime interrupted his thoughts. “And there’s our cue,” he muttered, “Come in.”

The door slid open, and Commander Carter walked in. “Commander Carter,” AJ greeted her, trying to sound cheerful. “How’s everything going, Number One?”

Carter made a face, clearly unimpressed. “Let’s just stick with Carter. I’d rather not be named after a slang term for bodily fluids.”

AJ blinked, taken aback. She was usually so formal. “Did you just make a joke?” he asked, continuing to strum lightly. “And Carter it is, then.”

Carter walked closer, carefully sidestepping Ginger. Her body language made it clear she wasn’t a fan of dogs. “Let me guess, you’re a cat person?” AJ asked.

“Neither, Sir,” Carter replied, her tone clipped. “I’m not really into pets. I don’t see the appeal of keeping animals just for one’s amusement.” She shivered slightly as Ginger sniffed her leg.

“Ginger,” AJ said, patting his leg to call the dog back. “Let’s not make things harder for the Commander. Just so you know, Ginger is part of the crew, so you might as well get used to her.” He set the guitar down and leaned forward. “What’s on your mind?”

“Lieutenants ch’Vael and zh’Vael are settling in well, considering the circumstances,” Carter reported, placing a PADD on his desk. “Doctor Andrews has given them both a clean bill of health, and they’re diving into their new roles with enthusiasm.” She continued, “Eos Station has cleared most of their debris, so they won’t be needing our help anymore.”

AJ’s face lit up with a grin. “So, we’re free to start something new.”

Carter eyed him warily. “I’m not sure I like that look, Sir.”

AJ chuckled. “Like it or not, those Underspace portals weren’t exactly ideal for a first mission. We need something to really test how this crew works together.”

“I believe the expression ‘be careful what you wish for,’” Carter said with a sigh, “might be appropriate here.”

AJ had just started to stand when the comm panel on his desk chirped, signaling an incoming message. Carter’s expression shifted from annoyed to focused as she prepared for the new development.

AJ tapped the panel, adopting his commanding demeanor, “go ahead.” Lieutenant JG Krev ch’Vael’s voice came through, reporting that the USS Edison had picked up a fragmented distress signal from the civilian vessel Lien. The freighter was experiencing possible medical issues, but the signal was faint, likely due to interference or damage to their communications.

AJ’s brow furrowed as he processed the information. The Lien was supposed to be a routine freighter, so this was concerning. He asked Krev for the ship’s location. The Andorian Officer replied that the Lien was nearby but the interference made it tricky to get an exact fix. Krev suggested proceeding with caution. AJ nodded, making a mental note. “Looks like that ‘careful’ part just became a priority,” he said, gesturing to the door.

As AJ stepped onto the bridge, the atmosphere was charged with a new urgency. Their quiet day was suddenly interrupted by an unexpected distress call. AJ glanced around, recalling Carter’s warning: “Be careful what you wish for,” he muttered to himself.

Lieutenant JG Sarah Parker, the Helm Chief, turned to him with a serious look. “Course is plotted in, Captain,” Parker said, her fingers poised above the controls. “Ready when you are.”

AJ settled into the captain’s chair, with Ginger curling up next to him on the floor. “Engage at warp six. Let’s head to the Lien and see what’s going on.”

The stars outside the viewscreen blurred into streaks of light as the USS Edison moved forward. AJ turned to Lieutenant Madison Andrews, the Chief Medical Officer. “Lieutenant Andrews, prepare a medical team. We’re dealing with potential medical issues on the Lien.”

Andrews, always composed, nodded. “Understood, Captain. We’ll be ready for any situation, including quarantine if needed.”

Lieutenant Talresh zh’Vael, the Chief Science Officer, was already analyzing data at her station. Without being prompted, she spoke up, “Captain, I’m detecting signs of radiation interference. It’s possible the Lien encountered those spatial anomalies, which could be causing damage to their systems. We should be cautious.”

“Noted,” AJ replied, leaning forward. “Keep an eye on those readings. I want to know exactly what we’re flying getting yourself into.”

Finally, AJ looked at Lieutenant JG Krev ch’Vael, the Chief Tactical/Security Officer. “Lieutenant Krev, have security teams ready to board the Lien, but only after we confirm it’s safe.”

Krev nodded seriously. “Security teams are on standby, Captain. We’ll be prepared to act as soon as we get the all-clear.”

With all stations reporting in, AJ felt the familiar thrill of the unknown. This was a real test of his crew’s ability to work together under pressure. He tapped the comm panel to address the entire ship.

“Attention all hands, this is the Captain. We’ve received a distress signal from the civilian vessel Lien. They’re experiencing potential medical issues, and there’s interference affecting their communications. Be prepared for anything. As they say, hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Tindal out!”

The bridge crew moved with focused efficiency, each officer ready for the challenge ahead. As the USS Edison approached the Lien’s last known coordinates, AJ settled into his chair, his mind racing through possible scenarios. He’d lost a crew member before, and he wasn’t about to let it happen again. This time, he would be extra careful.

As the USS Edison dropped out of warp, the Lien came into view, floating against the backdrop of distant stars. The freighter’s hull was scarred and battered. Its lights flickering erratically. Several panels hung were opened, revealing darkened, twisted metal underneath. No life signs were immediately detectable, and a faint, eerie glow seemed to radiate from within the ship. Whatever had happened to the Lien, it was clear the ship was far from ordinary.

The Edison had become essential in the fight against the virus outbreak that had migrated to Eos Station. As the ship’s sickbay worked around the clock, it was evident that the situation was far more complex than anyone had anticipated. AJ and his crew were now at the forefront of a crisis that tested every ounce of their resolve. The Edison, a patrol vessel, had been thrust into an unprecedented medical emergency, and now its crew had to adapt quickly to their new role.

AJ felt the pressure like never before. His ship, designed for border patrols and skirmishes, wasn’t built to handle a full-scale medical emergency. But Starfleet had taught him to adapt and make decisions even when the odds were stacked against him. He’d commanded crews in battle before, but this? This was different. This enemy was invisible, creeping through the air, infecting his people. Each day, he watched his crew fight exhaustion and fear, wondering if they would be the next to fall ill. AJ had never felt so helpless. This was not what they had signed up for.

Dr. Andrews was particularly concerned. She’d been on duty for who knows how long, spending hours analyzing samples and monitoring the virus’s progression. She’d only recently discovered that the pathogen was mutating at an alarming rate. What had initially been a manageable threat had now developed into something far more dangerous and unpredictable. The first round of treatments developed by her and Dr. Rodriguez had shown promise but were becoming ineffective as the virus adapted. This development came as a blow to the already overburdened medical staff; however, Madison was determined.

However, AJ had something more pressing to worry about. He sat behind his desk in the ready room, the weight of the upcoming conversation bearing down on him. This was not something any captain looked forward to performing. The room was silent save for the faint hum of the ship’s engines. Before him, the comm system was active, displaying the incoming call.

As AJ sat at his desk, staring at the comm screen, he couldn’t help but think of his last conversation with Mark. It had been about a week ago, just before the virus swept through Eos Station. Heskett had approached him nervously after a shift. “Commander, do you think I’m cut out for Starfleet?” he had asked, with a mixture of self-doubt and curiosity. AJ chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder. “Heskett, you’re exactly what Starfleet needs. Never doubt it.” He never imagined those would be some of the last words he’d say to the young ensign.

Delivering this kind of news never got easier. He took a deep breath. Reaching over the desk, he tapped a button on the terminal. The screen flickered, and the faces of Ensign Heskett’s parents appeared. His mother, in her mid-fifties with kind eyes, smiled at the sight of the Starfleet officer on the screen. Sitting stiffly next to her, his father wore the uniform of a retired Starfleet engineer. His face seemed worn and hard.

“Commander Tindal,” Mrs. Heskett greeted warmly, though her smile faltered slightly, sensing the seriousness of his expression. “Is everything alright? Is our son okay?”

AJ cleared his throat. “Mr. and Mrs. Heskett,” he began. With a soft voice, AJ said, “I’m afraid I have some bad news.” In that moment, he wished he was anywhere, but here.

Mrs. Heskett’s hand flew to her mouth as if she already knew what was coming. Mr. Heskett leaned forward, his face growing pale.

“Your son, Mark, has passed away,” AJ said softly. “He succumbed to complications related to the viral outbreak we’ve been facing aboard Eos Station.”

The call went silent as Mrs. Heskett’s eyes welled up with tears, her upper lip trembling as she held her husband’s hand tightly. Mr. Heskett, usually so composed, seemed to collapse under the news. His face crumpled as the reality of their loss hit him.

“No…” Mrs. Heskett whispered. “Not our boy… not Mark.”

AJ tried to maintain his composure. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Your son served with bravery. He was an important part of my crew and will be missed. He died doing what he loved, and he will not be forgotten.”

Mr. Heskett’s eyes hardened. “How could this happen? How could Starfleet allow this to happen to him? He was supposed to be safe, out there protecting others.”

AJ took a deep breath, empathizing with the father’s anger. “I wish I had some answers for you, Sir. The virus spread rapidly, and despite our best efforts, we couldn’t contain it in time. Mark received the best care we could provide, but it was too late.”

Mr. Heskett wrapped an arm around his wife as she buried her face in his shoulder. “He was Starfleet,” Mr. Heskett said, his voice sharp but shaky. “He’d seen action. You tell me how a virus managed to do what battle never could. How could Starfleet leave him so… so unprepared?”

“I understand your feelings. I wish I could give you a better answer,” AJ said, trying hard to keep his own emotions in check. “Please know your son meant the world to all of us here; he was a part of our Edison family. He will be missed. We’d like your permission to have a service of some sort, something to honor his memory.”

“I would love if you could attend,” he nodded.

Mrs. Heskett nodded through her tears, unable to speak. Mr. Heskett wiped his eyes before responding, his voice thick with emotion. “Thank you, Commander. We’ll… we’ll be there.”

AJ nodded, his heart heavy. “If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

The call ended with an uncomfortable silence. AJ just sat there, looking at the blank screen for what seemed like an eternity. The room was oddly silent, save for the hum of the engines. His heart ached; delivering that type of news was hard. It was something he’d done far too many times. This was one of the hardest moments in a Captain’s career.

He glanced around the office, searching for a distraction, but nothing could distract him from his thoughts. The memories of Mark’s smile, willingness to help, and youthful curiosity were a sharp contrast to the painful reality of his absence. AJ’s thoughts drifted back to the Oberon and the family he’d lost there. He silently cursed Peter for dragging him back into this. He paused, realizing that self-pity was a poor response to the memory of Ensign Heskett.

He stood up, tugging once more at his uniform, looking out the window. He lowered his head as he said a silent prayer, a vow to honor the memory of their fallen officer.

The trip from the ready room to the bridge somehow felt longer than usual. The clinks of his boots as they tapped the floor seemed to detail every step. He sighed as he reached the captain’s chair.

Looking over to the XO, “The notification is complete,” AJ said. “They’re taking it about as well as you’d expect.”

“I’ll have someone reach out to them in a while,” the Executive Officer replied. “Best to give them some time, though.”

“Yeah,” AJ said.

Lizzie looked at AJ with a steady gaze. “We will honor his memory with the same dedication he showed us. For now, we focus on ensuring that no more families have to face this kind of loss.”

By the time Tavok beamed aboard the Edison, Elena had already filled AJ in on the details of the Vulcan’s arrival. So, Commander Tindal was already prepped to greet him at the transporter room, arms crossed, his face seemed tired, exhausted.

“Doctor,” Tindal said curtly, eyeing him up and down. “I wasn’t expecting this sudden interest in my ship. You had all the facilities on Eos Station. Why the switch?”

Tavok stepped off the transporter pad, his posture composed. “Commander, I require firsthand exposure to the viral strains aboard this vessel. The environmental conditions here may provide crucial data we cannot obtain on the station.”

AJ narrowed his eyes. He didn’t like the sudden change and felt that the Doctor could do more from the facility on Eos.  However, if he could help, then the Edison would be available.  “Just go easy on my people. They’ve been through a lot.”

Tavok raised an eyebrow. “You have nothing to fear, Commander. My intent is only to cure your crew.”

AJ nodded, motioning to the door, “This way.”

As Tavok made his way through the Edison’s quarantine area, Doctor Andrews briefed him on the current state of the patients. The tension in her voice was apparent, though she attempted to maintain a professional demeanor.

“Two more cases since this morning,” Andrews said, leading Tavok past the containment units. “We’ve administered the partial cure, but the results are only temporary. It slows the virus, but it’s not a solution.”

Tavok glanced at the data on her PADD, his expression unreadable. “The partial cure was designed to stabilize the progression. A more comprehensive solution requires further analysis. Hence my presence here.” His voice was almost condescending.

Andrews nodded. “Why the Edison, though? What makes you think this ship holds the key? We’ve sent all data and details to the station to make this easier.”

Tavok turned to her, his tone neutral, “Environmental factors aboard the Edison may reveal variations in the viral strain that have not manifested on Eos Station. I must investigate those variables before I can proceed.”

As Tavok adjusted the scanning field, he muttered something under his breath: “Strain Delta is showing expected resistance.” 

Dr. Andrews frowned. “Strain Delta?” she repeated, flipping through her PADD. “We haven’t classified the virus mutations yet.” 

Tavok’s eyes flicked toward her, his neutral expression snapping back into place. “A… misstatement,” he corrected. But Andrews’ gaze lingered.

AJ, who had remained behind, chimed in. “Just remember, Doctor, these people are my crew, not experiments.”  AJ seemed unusually skeptical. He was starting to put some faith in Elena’s first impression.

“Noted, Commander,” Tavok replied, his voice calm. “I am here to assist, not to harm.”

In the Edison’s quarantine area, Tavok worked with Andrews and her team, deploying his equipment with Vulcan precision. His cold, efficient manner unsettled the crew. Something was too perfect about his movements, too deliberate. The Vulcan Doctor seemed too familiar with the virus. 

As Tavok scanned the infected, Krev exchanged a quiet word with his Captain. “Sir, I don’t like this guy. Feels like he knows more than he’s letting on.”

AJ nodded slightly. “You’re not the only one. Keep an eye on him. Don’t let him wander anywhere unsupervised.”

Krev smirked. “Understood, sir.”

Nearby, Dr. Andrews continued to observe Tavok’s methodical process. “Doctor,” she called, her voice tinged with suspicion. “These samples you’re collecting have already been collected? What exactly are you hoping to find?”

Tavok didn’t look up from his work. “Mutation patterns. The virus aboard the Edison is reacting differently than the strains I studied on Eos Station. There may be environmental triggers at play.”

Andrews folded her arms. “You seem remarkably familiar with the virus, Doctor. Almost as if… you anticipated these mutations.”

Tavok paused for the briefest of moments. Then he straightened and met her gaze, his expression impassive. “I have spent considerable time studying viruses with mutagenic properties, Doctor. It is my area of expertise.”

Andrews exchanged a glance with AJ, who scowled. “Expert or not, I don’t like coincidences,” AJ said. “And I don’t trust sudden changes in plans without a damn good explanation.”

Tavok raised an eyebrow, his voice unshaken. “As your human philosopher once said: ‘Trust, but verify.’ I would expect nothing less, Commander.”

AJ’s jaw tightened. “You bet I will.”

Hours passed, and the partial cure was administered to the Edison’s infected crew. The results were encouraging but far from definitive. The virus was halted in its tracks, but it hadn’t been eliminated.

Tavok observed the patient’s vital signs as the medical team ran diagnostics. “The virus is responding as anticipated,” Tavok remarked, glancing at the data streams. “However, as expected, the cure is incomplete. It will delay the virus, but without further refinement, it will not eliminate it.” Andrews noted that Tavok’s eyes lingered on one of the injected individuals just a bit too long.  Something was unsettling about Tavok’s appearance; it was as if he was searching for something specific, something he had already expected.

Dr. Andrews sighed, rubbing her temples. “So we’re back to square one. We’re buying time, but that’s about it.”

Tavok gave a curt nod. “Precisely. But time is valuable, Doctor. It allows us to continue refining the cure.”

Andrews’ hands tightened around her PADD. She had seen viruses before, but this one… and Tavok’s eerie calm… it didn’t sit right. Was she just being paranoid, or was something more at play?

AJ leaned against the bulkhead, his arms crossed. “We don’t have the luxury of waiting, Doctor. My crew’s lives are on the line. We need results—fast.”

Tavok turned to him, his expression as calm as ever. “I understand the urgency, Commander. Rest assured, I am doing everything within my power to ensure the survival of your crew.”

AJ’s eyes narrowed, “You better be.”

Later, as Tavok prepared to depart from the Edison, AJ escorted him back to the transporter room. The tension between the two was palpable.

“I will return to the station and continue my work,” Tavok said as they arrived at the transporter pad. “You have my findings. I advise close monitoring of the infected crew.”

AJ crossed his arms, staring Tavok down. “We’ll take it from here, Doctor. Thank you,” AJ said, his voice gruff, the words bitter on his tongue. Trusting Tavok was one thing; being in his debt was another.

Tavok stepped onto the pad, meeting AJ’s gaze. “Commander.”

As the transporter beam faded, AJ turned to Andrews. “Run another analysis on his samples,” he said quietly. 

Andrews raised an eyebrow. “Something didn’t sit right with you either, huh?” 

AJ crossed his arms. “No. And I intend to find out why. As he said, trust, but verify,” he repeated.

Mission Day 8: 1000

On the USS Edison, AJ stared at the tactical display, his expression growing darker by the minute. The ship remained in quarantine, but the latest update from the station had pushed his patience to its limits. Doctor Tavok was no longer a trusted ally. He was a fugitive, and worse, he was headed straight for the Edison.

“Commander,” Doctor Andrews stepped onto the bridge. “We’ve isolated more infected crew members, but the virus continues to mutate faster than we can develop treatments. We need help,” she reminded Tindal.

AJ clenched his fists. “Help may be coming our way, but not in the way we expected. Tavok’s ship is on its way here. Lock down the ship.” He looked around the bridge, “Doctor, no one leaves or enters the quarantine zone until further notice. I don’t care what the excuse is.”

A flash of movement caught AJ’s eye on the main screen as Tavok’s vessel appeared on sensors. It approached with alarming speed, bypassing all Starfleet communication protocols. As the alarm rang out, AJ’s voice cut through the panic. “Red alert! All hands to battle stations!”

The Edison’s tactical officer immediately opened a hailing frequency, but Tavok’s ship wasn’t responding. AJ knew they had one chance to intercept before Tavok tried to dock or did something even worse.

“Commander, he’s trying to override our docking systems,” the ensign at the controls warned.

“Shut it down!” AJ barked. “Don’t let him near our airlocks.”

Tavok’s ship veered closer, now within firing range. AJ hesitated for only a moment. The scientist had already caused enough damage, and they couldn’t afford to let him escape again. “Disable his engines,” AJ ordered, his voice cold. “Now.” He demanded.

The Edison’s phasers fired, striking Tavok’s ship and sending it into a tailspin. The vessel shuddered, its engines flickering and failing as it drifted in space. AJ watched the display carefully, knowing that even with its engines down, the danger wasn’t over. Tavok was desperate, and desperate people were unpredictable.

“Prepare a boarding party,” AJ commanded, turning to his chief of security. “Lieutenant Krev, bring him in.”

“Aye, aye, Captain.”

Minutes later, a team of Starfleet officers stormed Tavok’s disabled ship. The interior was dark and sterile, but there were signs of chaos. Consoles had been smashed, data wiped. Whatever Tavok had been doing, he’d tried to cover his tracks.

They found him in the main compartment, hunched over a console, frantically typing commands into what remained of the ship’s systems.  Then the security officers closed in, Tavok turned and for the first time, they saw who he truly was.

His once calm stoic Vulcan features had shifted into something more cunning. His Romulan features now clear and undeniable. His eyes filled with a mix of fear and anger. “You don’t understand!” Tavok shouted, backing away from the officers. “The virus… it wasn’t meant for the Federation. It was meant for the Klingons!”

“You’re Romulan?” Krev stated, his antennae twitching with shock.

“Very observant, Andorian,” Tavok responded, glaring at the chief of security.

AJ, who had entered the room with his phaser drawn, narrowed his eyes. “You’ve caused enough damage already. You’ll explain everything back on the Edison.”

Tavok’s eyes darted from side to side as though searching for a way out. “You don’t know what’s at stake! The virus was never meant to escape.’ His eyes drifted to a small metallic case. “It was an accident. I had a cure, but… I needed more time!”

AJ motioned for his officers to restrain him. “What cure? What are you talking about?”

Tavok, his hands now bound, stared at AJ with desperation. “I developed a failsafe. A cure for myself in case the virus infected me. It’s there. Take it, use it. You’ll find what you need inside that case.”

AJ watched as Tavok was dragged away, his mind racing. The implications were staggering. Tavok had been developing a bioweapon, something intended to harm the Klingon Empire. And now, his twisted creation had spread across the Edison and Eos. 

They would have plenty of time to sort out the mess. “Get that case down to sickbay and Doctor Andrews,” AJ ordered, not bothering to stay around. For now, he needed to contact Elena and alert the Federation.

Mission Day 8: 1300

The Federation’s response was swift and decisive. As soon as the USS Edison’s crew had secured the Romulan scientist and ended the threat of his escape, a high-level Federation team arrived to take control of the situation. AJ hadn’t even made it back to the station. “That was faster than I expected,” he remarked, looking at the viewscreen.

The Federation representative, a stern officer, stepped into view. Her efficiency and authority left no room for doubt about the seriousness of her mission. Her name was not immediately revealed, but her rank was Captain. She was here to handle the fallout from the crisis.

“Commander Tindal,” she began. “I’m here to take over the containment of the virus and ensure that all data related to this incident is secured. We cannot afford any further missteps.”

AJ nodded, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. He had hoped the situation would be resolved internally, but the magnitude of the threat had necessitated higher intervention. “Understood. The Doctor was captured on his ship. He’s been quite forthcoming about his intentions, though it’s clear he had ulterior motives.”

The Captain’s eyes narrowed. “We’ve been briefed. The Federation is taking over all evidence related to this virus, including data from both Eos Station and the USS Edison. We’re also overseeing the destruction of any remaining research to ensure that no further information can be exploited. We’ve routed the USS Hope to the station to assist in the treatment of all infected personnel.”

She gestured to someone off-screen, and suddenly, the representative and a pair of Federation officers appeared on the Edison’s bridge. “Please provide us with access to all relevant systems and data logs.”

AJ led them to the Edison’s operations center, where the officers quickly began work. The Federation team began the meticulous process of isolating and transferring all virus-related data from the ship’s computers. Meanwhile, a separate team was dispatched to Eos Station to perform a similar task.

Once the task was complete and the data was carefully extracted, they began the process of deleting all traces of the virus and its research. From what AJ was told, the data had been transferred to a highly secure Federation server, where it would be analyzed. Within an hour, all evidence of the last few days was wiped, gone.; as if it had never happened. AJ understood, but it didn’t sit well with him.

“I’m sorry, Captain, but our primary concern is preventing replication or further misuse of this virus. We are also coordinating with Starfleet to track down other individuals or groups who may have been involved in or aware of this threat. Thank you for your cooperation, Commander. The Federation will handle the legal and security aspects from here. We appreciate your crew’s professionalism.”

AJ nodded, feeling helpless as the Federation representative and her team prepared to depart. “We’ll continue to support your efforts in any way we can.”

As the Federation vessel departed, taking with it the Romulan scientist and all relevant evidence, AJ couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. The immediate threat had been neutralized, but the implications of the Doctor’s actions would undoubtedly have some ripples. For now, however, that was for people with more brass on their collars.

“Set course for Eos,” AJ slumped into the command chair, “let’s go home.”