The cold, sterile floor of the brig held the lifeless body of Peter Mitchell. Elena knelt beside him, her hands trembling as she pressed them against his chest, wishing his wounds to heal. Blood seeped through her fingers, warm but quickly cooling. Her breathing came in gasps, each one a sudden realization that he was truly gone. AJ’s voice echoed from beyond the brig door, pounding against the metal. “Elena! Open the door! Let me in, damn it!”

But she couldn’t move, couldn’t pull her gaze away from Peter’s empty expression. The alarms blared above, their shrill nearly lost beneath the beat of her own heart, growing louder and louder in her ears. Bits of memories raced through her mind. Peter’s voice, his laughter, and his touch all flooded her mind as he lay motionless on the cold floor.

Earlier That Day

The USS Edison drifted seamlessly into Eos Station’s docking port, its hull catching the flash of station lights as it maneuvered into its final destination. AJ stood on the bridge, hands behind his back, eyes fixed on the watchtower-class station before them. Today marked more than just another routine docking; it was the conclusion of a delicate mission. The shadow of the consortium still lurked somewhere out there. However, today, they would deal a blow to the consortium. 

AJ’s mind raced with half-formed plans and doubts as the ship’s vibrations shifted, signaling the completion of docking procedures. He’d handled high-risk assignments before, but this one carried an unknown problem. The prisoner, Ambrose Nichols, was a man with arms reaching deep into the underworld of Freecloud, and if anyone had the connections for an escape attempt, it was him.

Elena’s voice broke his internal monologue. He turned to find her standing beside him, “We’re preparing for the transfer, AJ. How are we looking on security?”

“Secured, but I’d recommend additional backup,” AJ replied, trying to ignore that uneasy feeling. “Nichols isn’t an ordinary prisoner. He knows how to manipulate just about everything.”

Elena nodded in agreement. “Let’s lock this down. The Federation wants Nichols, and we can’t afford a single mistake.”

Hours later, AJ and Elena stood shoulder to shoulder in the brig as Nichols materialized on the transporter pad, surrounded by two burly security officers. Nichols was calm, almost too calm, his eyes filled with disturbing mixture of arrogance and curiosity.

“Commander Tindal, Captain Mitchell.” Nichols’ voice was smooth. He was way too confident. “I must admit, I didn’t expect such a warm welcome. Do you really think Eos can keep me locked up?”

AJ stepped forward, “You’re not here for comfort, Nichols. You’re here to answer for every crime you’ve committed.”

Nichols chuckled, looking unimpressed. “Ah, Commander, you still don’t understand. Eos is just a small dot in a much bigger scheme. There are forces at play that you can’t begin to understand.”

Elena’s gaze narrowed as she tried hard to ignore Nichols’ taunts. “You’ll answer Nichols. Your games end here.”

Nichols’ laughter faded, and for a moment, something flashed across his face. He moved as he lowered his voice. “You have no idea what’s coming.”

AJ signaled the guards to secure him, and as the doors hissed shut on Nichols’ cell, an unsettling feeling settled in his gut. He exchanged a look with Elena, but neither spoke.

As they finalized the security around Nichols’ cell, Peter entered, his face displaying some form of confidence. “I want to talk to him, Elena,” he said, breaking protocol.

AJ’s stomach tightened. “Captain, we’ve been over this. He’s dangerous, and we need to stick to the plan.”

Peter waved him off. “We’re out of time for protocol, AJ. Nichols holds the key to dismantling the consortium’s operations. I need answers, and I need them now.”

Elena was hesitant but gave a small nod, signaling her approval. But as Peter approached the cell, Nichols’ demeanor shifted. A smile crept across his face, and his eyes brightened as if he’d been waiting for this moment.

“You’re a brave man, Captain,” Nichols said, “Or maybe just foolish.”

Peter’s voice was firm. “I’m done with your games, Nichols. Tell me about the consortium’s plans. Now.”

Before anyone could react, Nichols lunged, his movements a blur. AJ shouted, reaching for his phaser, but everything was a flurry of motion in the cramped room. A shout, a flash of movement, and then Peter’s strangled gasp filled the room as he fell back, clutching his side. Blood pooled around him as he stumbled, sinking to the floor, his eyes wide with shock.

“No!” Elena screamed, her hands reaching for him even as Nichols slipped into the shadows beyond the brig’s failing lockdown. Tindal slammed his hands against the sealed door, desperately trying to override the lock.

“Get this open! Now!” he shouted, his voice hoarse. The guards scrambled, trying to regain control of the panel as AJ’s heart raced. Finally, the door slid open, and he rushed to Peter’s side, dropping to his knees. Peter’s face was pale, and his breaths were shallow, his life slipping away even as Elena cradled him close, whispering words only he could hear.

Alarms echoed down the hall, as chaos spread through Eos Station. Somewhere in the distance, Nichols was escaping, a shadow in the darkened corridors. But in that moment, all AJ could see was Elena, kneeling beside her fallen husband, his blood on her hands as she held him close.

And in the silence that followed, the weight of what had just happened was the only thing on AJ’s mind.  He placed a head on Elena’s shoulder as he ordered for Medical.  “Commander Harris to the brig, immediately,” he barked as he tapped his comm badge. 

“Find him,” he ordered to the remaining Security guards who were just standing there in shook. As the guards scattered, AJ clenched his fists. Somewhere in the shadows, Nichols was still out there free and ready to strike again.

Elena stood at the center of the Operations, her mind racing as the reality of the situation settled in. The aftermath of Peter’s death was a burden that felt almost insurmountable. The loss of her husband had shattered her life, and the questions swirling around Ambrose Nichols’ escape only added to her grief. She stared at the viewports, the emptiness of space seemed to mirror her own loss. 

The silence of operations felt suffocating. The crew went about their duties, but their attitudes were somber.  Many seemed to be waiting for her to fall apart. They had lost a commanding officer, a friend, and a fellow officer in the chaos. The events had shaken Eos Station, and the fear of what came next lingered in the air.

“Captain, we need to move quickly,” Gab said, breaking the silence. He stood nearby, his face grim. “We need to initiate a full security sweep of the station. If we’re going to find out how Nichols escaped, we can’t afford to waste time.”

Elena nodded, forcing herself to focus. “You’re right. We need to find out how he got past security.” Her voice betrayed the emotions that were inside her. She could feel the eyes of her crew on her, searching for guidance in the wake of the tragedy. But what guidance could she offer when she felt so lost herself?

“Get the security teams mobilized,” Gab ordered, taking over for his Commanding Officer. “I want every corner of this station searched. We can’t let Nichols slip through our fingers.” the Commander ordered. He barked orders to the officers around him, “bring whatever you find back to me. No one rests, I want all crew members focused on this.”

Elena watched Harris work as a wave of memories washed over her. Shared moments shared with Peter, the laughter, and the warmth that had once filled their lives. But beneath those memories lay a strain that had grown over the years. For the last several months, unspoken tensions had marked their relationship, and now, with Peter gone, the reality of those unresolved issues loomed larger than ever.

She closed her eyes as flashbacks invaded her thoughts. She had tried to balance her duties as a Captain with her responsibilities as a wife. But as the secrets increased, the distance between them only grew. Their marriage was a chasm filled with unfulfilled dreams and secrets. Now, the only image she had left was the image of Peter on that cold floor of the brig. She had wished for a different outcome, but now it was too late. 

She wished she could go back and change things. She wished she could reach out to him to find a way to bridge the gap. But now, it was too late. He was gone, and she was left with the haunting question of whether their issues had played a role in his tragic fate. Was he trying to prove himself to her? Trying to win her back? It felt like a dagger to her heart.

“Gab,” she called, pulling herself from the memories. “I want to know everything about Nichols’ connections. How did he manage to escape right under our noses?”

“I’ll have the intelligence reports compiled and analyzed,” Harris replied, “If there’s anything in the station logs that points to an inside job, we’ll find it.”

“An inside job,” Elena repeated the words. How could she lead her crew effectively when she couldn’t even protect her own husband? As the crew moved about, Elena found herself wandering the observation deck. She took a moment to steady herself, taking in a deep breath. The stillness surrounding her served as a quiet reminder of just how small and fragile their lives truly were.

Leaning against the railing, she allowed herself to cry.  She felt exposed. She couldn’t no longer hold it in. The isolation of command had never felt more profound. As her crew worked to discover the truth behind it all, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of command.  

The sound of footsteps drew her attention as she turned to see Emily Rodriguez approaching. Emily was tired but strong; she had to be in this situation. “Lena,” Emily said, her arms wrapping around Elena, “I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you, Emily,” Elena replied, her voice trembling. “It all happened so fast. I can’t shake the feeling that if I had been,” she paused, her voice cracking, “more ready, maybe I could have done something to stop it.”

“You can’t blame yourself,” Emily reassured her. “You did everything you could. We all did. Nichols is a cunning man; he knows how to manipulate situations to his advantage. You can’t take that burden on yourself.”

Elena nodded but couldn’t shake the guilt. “I keep thinking about our last conversation,” she confessed. “We were arguing, as usual. He blamed me for not taking the time to listen to him. I was so focused on his secrets and lies…”  She cried some more.

Emily wiped the tears from Elena’s face. “This is normal. You’re not alone in this. We’re all here to support you.”

“Thank you,” Elena said, appreciating her friend’s presence. 

As they stood silently, Elena’s mind drifted to the security sweep Harris was coordinating. They needed to act fast; they needed answers. Elena finally said, wiping her eyes. “We can’t let Nichols’ escape go unanswered. I want to ensure Eos is safe and we uncover any secrets he might have left behind.”

They returned to operations where Harris had gathered the security teams. His expression was focused, “Captain,” he began, “we’ve begun the sweep, but I have a few concerns. We need to consider the possibility that someone on the station may have aided Nichols. We can’t trust anyone until we know for sure.”

Elena felt a chill run down her spine at the implication. “Then we’ll have to question every crew member if necessary,” she replied, “No one is above scrutiny right now.”

As they prepared to dive into the investigation, Elena felt a flicker of something igniting within her. “We will find out what happened,” she promised herself. “And we will make sure that Peter did not die in vain.”

As Eos Station remained on high alert, miles away from its grieving corridors, Ambrose sat comfortably aboard a cloaked Romulan vessel with a satisfied smile. Beside him, a shadowed Romulan figure observed him, their presence a reminder of the bargain struck. Nichols leaned back, dripping in confidence from escaping right under Starfleet’s nose.

“You’ll have your pick of the shipment,” he promised, glancing at his ally. “Top-grade equipment, supplies, and even prototype tech—straight from the Federation’s own reserves.”

“For your sake, I hope you are correct,” Rempeck replied; his face remained unimpressed.

Ambrose leaned back in his chair. There was a glimmer of satisfaction as they watched the station grow smaller in the viewport. Eos Station was now in his past, but he was sure this wouldn’t be the last time he’d set eyes on her crew.

AJ sat in the dim light of his ready room on the USS Edison, surrounded by an array of data displays flickering with information. He sifted through reports, logs…Ambrose Nichols was more than just a criminal; he was a key figure in a web of connections that spanned multiple sectors. Uncovering his past was critical to understanding the depth of the conspiracy they faced. Each detail he uncovered detailed a sinister picture, revealing ties to an organization known for its ruthlessness and ambition.

“Come on, AJ,” he muttered to himself. “There’s got to be something more.” He scrolled through the data looking for something that would unravel the larger conspiracy.

A notification pinged on his screen, returning AJ’s attention to the present. It was one of the first reports highlighting Nichols’ suspected dealings with a group known as the Phoenix Consortium. They were known for smuggling, arms dealing, and occasionally working as mercenaries for hire.  AJ rubbed his temples. “This isn’t just about Nichols,” he thought. “This could involve multiple players. Who else is out there?”

Hours passed as he gathered information from different sources. The more he investigated, the more he realized that Nichols was involved in something much larger than anyone had suspected. Nichols had ties to treasonous elements within Starfleet and beyond. This led AJ to a troubling conclusion: Nichols was part of a larger conspiracy that needed to be stopped.

A chime interrupted his thoughts, and AJ stood up as Elena entered his office. Her expression was blank, but he could see the strain behind her eyes. “AJ,” she began, “have you found anything?”

“Some leads,” he replied, motioning for her to take a seat. “But nothing serious yet. Starfleet has some information on a group known as the Phoenix Consortium.”

Elena frowned as she absorbed the information. “So he’s not just a lone wolf. He’s part of something bigger.”

“Exactly. And he’s got allies everywhere…and according to these reports even within Starfleet.” AJ added.

“Then we’re in more trouble than we thought,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

AJ could see the guilt written on her face, “Elena, you can’t blame yourself for what happened with Peter. This isn’t on you.”

“But I was in charge, AJ. I should have done more. I should have known,” she replied, her voice revealing her inner turmoil.

“Even the best can’t predict everything,” AJ said gently. “We’re doing what we could with what we knew. But right now, we need to focus on finding Nichols before he strikes again.”

Elena took a deep breath, “We need to regroup and share what we know. If there’s a mole, we need to identify them before they can act.”

Before they could move, Krev’s sound interrupted them. “Sir, we’ve intercepted a transmission that hints that Nichols has been reaching out to form potential alliances with some local Romulan factions. It’s not much, but it appears as if he’s regrouping.”

Elena nodded, her heart racing. “you need to move fast before they solidify their positions.” The death of her husband lingered like a shadow, clouding her judgment. Now, with Nichols trying to regroup she felt responsible for the chaos. “We can’t let him regroup,” she said firmly. 

A moment later, she noticed a flashing icon in her datapad, an unread message from Peter. The sight of it sent a jolt through her, reminding her of the last time she had heard Peter’s voice. Hesitantly, she opened the message. Her heart raced as she read Peter’s words, “Elena, if you’re reading this, it means I’ve found myself in a position where I can’t speak to you directly. I suspect that the consortium has acquired something big. There are numerous reports of stolen Federation tech and increased travel to Freecloud. Something is going on down there.”

A cold wave washed over her. Peter had sensed the growing threat, and yet she had brushed aside his concerns, too wrapped up in her own world to listen. What had she missed? What had she failed to see?

“Elena?” AJ’s voice brought her back into the present. He stood beside her, “Are you alright?”

Elena inhaled deeply, forcing herself to regain composure. “I found a message from Peter. He suspected the consortium was regrouping and was trying to warn me.”

AJ took the padd as he read the message, “That makes our situation even more dangerous. If Peter had intel, it’s likely others are aware of it as well. We need to act quickly to check his suspicions.”

Elena nodded, “We’ll have to tread carefully. I suspect factions within the station may be sympathetic to Nichols or have their own agendas. We can’t afford to underestimate them.” Recently, the station became a maze of alliances and betrayals as Eos attempted to join the modern world.  People had seized an ample opportunity to use the aged station as a cover. Elena looked at AJ, “We should consider leveraging some of the more neutral factions against the ones known to have dealings with Nichols. It might buy us time if we can sow discord among them.”

“That’s a risky maneuver,” AJ interjected. “We could expose ourselves to retaliation.”

“I’m aware of the risks,” Elena replied, “But we don’t have the luxury of time. We need to act before they can consolidate and offload their stolen tech. We’ll need to split our efforts. Eos will gather intel on potential collaborators while you and the Edison respond to threats. We need to find what they plan on selling and stop it.”

AJ caught her eye as they finalized their plans, and she could see the pain in her eyes as she spoke.  However, there was an unspoken support reflected back in his gaze. It was a reminder that they were in this together despite their challenges.

2385, USS Cutlass

Ambrose reclined in his chair his eyes lost in the endless stars beyond the window. For years, he had supported the Federation’s ideals—the vision of unity and the promise of a brighter future among the stars. Yet, the recent attack on Mars had challenged his convictions, leaving him feeling alone.

When the news came that the Federation’s response would be cautious rather than defensive, it had been the final straw. Nichols had listened, speechless, as his commanding officers discussed political restraint, emphasizing caution over action. The lack of resolve felt like a betrayal for a man who had trained his entire life to protect. 

A week later, Ambrose resigned his commission, leaving behind the Cutlass and his former life without a glance back. He traveled to Freecloud, the place where he’d grown up. It was a place that understood him now in ways that Starfleet never had. 

Freecloud welcomed him with open arms, and soon Ambrose found himself sinking into the underworld he had once despised. He took over a small, unassuming tavern on the city’s edge. The Ember Lounge became his new home, its dim lighting and private booths offering the perfect place for quiet deals. For the patrons, it was a sanctuary for off-the-record conversations. For Nichols, it was the start of something far greater.

Here, he could build something of his own, unbound by regulations and lofty ideals.

The abandoned mining facility was a hulking relic half-buried in rock and rust. Ambrose guided Rempeck inside, leading him through the abandoned corridors. They moved silently until they reached a large storage bay, nearly empty except for scattered crates and obsolete terminals.

Ambrose looked around with a thin smile. “My Consortium poured a lot of resources into this site,” he said, brushing a hand over a crate marked with Federation insignias. “When word got out, I was captured; my people cleared out fast.”

Rempeck looked around, taking in the sights of a once-thriving operation. “Prudent. No use leaving assets behind when the Federation’s breathing down their necks.”

Ambrose gestured to a dimly lit corner where a few pieces of tech were still neatly stacked. “Here we are,” he said, his eyes lit up as he pointed out the array of devices. “Everything I promised—and more. High-efficiency cloaking emitters, energy core boosters, Xb tech, and tactical interface nodes. Do you know what a Ferengi would pay for this kind of hardware?”

Rempeck stepped closer, his eyes sharp with interest. “Your Consortium always had an eye for valuable tech.” He looked at Ambrose, a certain gleam in his eye. “And you’re sure it’s all clean? The Federation isn’t exactly blind to these kinds of assets, especially given recent events.”

Ambrose smirked. “Don’t worry. This gear won’t raise any red flags. My people know how to keep things quiet.” He stepped back, gesturing to the tech as if it were an art exhibit. “Now, I’ve held up my end, Rempeck. I assume you’re prepared to uphold yours.”

Rempeck nodded slowly. “I am. You will prove useful to my people… and to certain private interests, if you understand my meaning.” Rempeck had what Ambrose needed: a steady stream of Romulan assets looking toward Ambrose’s Consortium. This would broaden the Consortium’s reach and create a reliable demand for their acquired high-end tech. “This mutually beneficial relationship strengthens both of their positions,” the Romulan added. Rempeck would gain access to specialized technology, and Ambrose would get the backing and discretion needed to operate his network in Romulan territories.

Ambrose’s smile widened. “Then it looks like we’re both going to get what we need.” He took one final look around the abandoned hideout. “Soon enough, this empty shell will be replenished, stocked, and operational, and deals will be back in motion, stronger than ever.”

As they stood amidst the remnants of the past, a low rumble echoed through the facility, reminding them of the shifting power in the sector. The air was thick with the scent of rust and the promise of something new. “And with the right push,” Ambrose added, his voice lowered, “we can reshape things in the region. The Federation has grown complacent; it’s time for a change.”

“The Federation won’t just turn a blind eye, my ambitious friend; you killed someone. Not just anyone,” Rempeck added, “can you handle the heat that will follow your ill-planned scheme?”

“Leave the Federation to me, Ambassador,” Ambrose replied, “you can go back to Eos; we will meet again.”

Ambrose’s confidence began to waver just a bit as the rumble subsided, “Perhaps I should have considered the consequences more carefully,” he muttered, more to himself than to Rempeck.

Rempeck tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. “You must always anticipate the ramifications of your actions. The Federation is not to be underestimated. They will come for you, and when they do, you’ll need more than just cloaking devices to survive.”

Ambrose stepped forward, “I’m not afraid of them. This technology is a game changer. We’ll be able to operate in plain sight if we play our cards right. But first, we need to ensure the deal is sealed.”

Rempeck nodded, “Then let us finalize our arrangement. I’ll ensure my contacts are prepared to absorb your goods discreetly. But make no mistake, if this deal is discovered, it will not just be you who pays the price.”

“Understood, Ambassador.”

As they turned to leave, “We’re standing at the edge of something new,” he said.

“Let’s ensure it’s one we can navigate without sinking,” Rempeck replied as they turned to leave.

AJ stood in the observation lounge, looking out across the table at his Senior Staff. Seated around the table, each officer understood what was at stake. They may not have served with Peter, but the uniform made them a family.  Recent intel from Eos Station had given them a vital lead: a potential depot hidden within an asteroid cluster, rumored to be a Consortium stronghold and the site of Nichols’ elusive tech cache. Now was the moment to act.

“Thanks to Eos Station’s intelligence,” AJ began, “we have a location, but we’ll need to move with extreme caution. If Nichols catches wind of our investigation, he’ll scatter his operations, and we might lose our only chance to expose his network.”

Lieutenant Krev spoke up, “I suggest we position the Edison so that asteroids hide our presence. Deploying drones around the asteroid belt would give us a wider scan range and help us locate cloaked tech without giving ourselves away.”

AJ nodded, “Agreed. Talresh, Nia, I want your teams on sensors and data retrieval. We need any sign of hidden power sources or cloaked infrastructure.”

Before he could continue, Lieutenant Rhea Tanaka, leader of the newly formed Hazard Team, interjected. “Commander, Echo Team is ready for deployment, Captain.”

“Lieutenant,” AJ replied, appreciating her initiative. “Krev, coordinate with Echo Team, and keep it small. We want to move in and out before we’re detected. Rhea, you’ll lead the operation.”

“Yes, sir,” Tanaka confirmed.

“Talresh, Nia, run scans for subspace field distortion. It might help us detect any cloaked tech,” AJ instructed, looking around the room. “We don’t know what to expect from Nichols’ operation, but I have faith in each of you. Dismissed.”

Within the hour, Lieutenant Parker had brought the Edison into the cover of the asteroid belt. The massive rock formations moved silently around them, providing a natural camouflage. The crew held their breath as the ship’s stealth mode engaged, minimizing the Edison’s energy signature.

At the science station, Talresh monitored the scans, her antennae twitching in concentration. Nia worked beside her, feeding tactical data to the drones Krev had launched into the belt. Slowly, they began receiving feedback: energy readings, temperature fluctuations, and slight distortions within the debris field.

“There,” Talresh said, pointing to a series of readings on her console. “That asteroid cluster is emitting a faint, regular power signal. It’s subtle, but it suggests an artificial source, possibly a cloaked structure.”

“Good work, Lieutenant,” AJ replied. He knew what this meant. “Rhea, take Echo Team and assess the situation on the ground. Keep communication open with us.” With a final nod from AJ, the team transported out.

The Hazard Team materialized within the depot, finding themselves in a dimly lit corridor lined with storage containers. Rhea held up a hand to signal silence as she led them forward, motioning for Leila to scan the immediate area.

Leila’s tricorder beeped softly, confirming what they had hoped for. “Federation. I’m also detecting Romulan cloaking components.” She looked up, “Nichols has mixed-and-matched components from different factions. This is more than just a tech depot, he’s dealing in cloaking devices and potentially other classified technology.”

Malik moved carefully alongside her, his training kicking in as he scanned for threats. “We need to stay sharp. If Nichols is in the area, we could be walking into a trap.”

Riko activated her medical tricorder, picking up faint traces of organic compounds. “There are bio-signatures here,” she whispered.

Rhea stopped and activated her comm link to the Edison. “Commander, we’ve confirmed a mix of Federation and Romulan tech. We’re gathering as much data as possible, but it looks like Nichols’ people were here recently, we’ve been able to pick up faint bio-signatures.”

AJ’s voice came through, “Understood. Keep your team safe, Rhea, but get as much data as you can. We need to understand exactly what Nichols is moving through these depots.”

Just then, a noise froze them in place. The sound of footsteps echoed from the adjacent corridor. A small Consortium crew was coming to unload supplies. Rhea signaled for her team to hide behind the storage containers, her hand already on her phaser.

They held their breath as four Consortium operatives entered the room, heading for the cargo hold. One of the operatives, a tall man with a scar across his cheek, glanced at the terminal Leila had accessed. His eyes sharpened as he noticed the active screen, the data feed displaying on the monitor.

Leila cursed under her breath. Rhea motioned for her to stay low. But it was too late the operatives spotted them. The intruders exchanged a quick glance before drawing their weapons.

The ambush began.

Rhea fired the first shot, her aim quick. The phaser struck the lead operative, but the others retaliated, taking cover and returning fire. Malik pulled Leila down behind a crate, protecting her as phaser shots lit up the room.

“Edison, we need immediate extraction!” Rhea barked into her comm as she fired another shot.

The Edison’s reply was swift. “Locking onto your signal. Stand by.”

One of the operatives lunged toward Rhea, but Malik reacted, delivering a well-placed kick that sent him sprawling. Rhea finished him off with a stun shot, clearing a path for the team. Just as another operative closed in on Leila, the transporter beam engaged, pulling them back to the Edison.

They rematerialized on the transporter pad, breathing heavily. Riko quickly began assessing the team’s minor injuries, while Rhea reported to Tindal on the mission’s outcome.

“We encountered hostile forces, Sir,” Rhea said.“They saw us, but we’ve secured intel on Nichols’ tech dealings. He’s dealing in cloaking tech, weapons, and XB tech. There are also several transactions with an unnamed Romulan.”

AJ nodded slowly. “It’s worse than we thought, then. This isn’t just a tech cache; Nichols is trying to run a full-scale operation here.” He looked to Talresh. “Lieutenant, I need you to analyze the data immediately. We need to know if there’s a connection to the Romulan Free State or other factions. Send our data to Eos, as well.”

Talresh nodded, her antennae twitching, “I’ll begin the analysis right away, Commander.”

Turning to Parker at the helm, AJ issued his next order. “Sarah, get us out of this asteroid belt. Take us to a safe distance for regrouping. We’ll need to review the intel before Nichols realizes we were here and moves everything.”

Later, in the ready room, AJ  debriefed the team, as they processed the data. Commander Carter crossed her arms, “If Nichols has cloaking tech and access to weapons, that could be terrible for this sector.”

“Exactly,” AJ  replied. “Which is why we need to move carefully. This operation can’t end here.” He turned to Threx, “Chief, I want you to start looking into ways we can boost our capabilities. We can’t afford to be detected on these missions.”

Threx nodded. “Understood, Commander. I’ll prioritize adjustments to the ship’s energy dispersal systems.”

As the senior staff continued discussing adjustments and next steps, AJ  felt a sense of urgency. This mission had pulled back the curtain on Nichols’ true motives. It was only a matter of time before Nichols reared his head and Tindal knew they needed to be ready. 

It was one of those days when the entire station fell silent. Elena had shaken enough hands and accepted enough hugs, and now she was left with the painful moment of being alone with just your memories. It had only been a few days since they had laid Peter to rest, but the hole he left was still very real. She still felt so much guilt over the entire situation. Why hadn’t she done more?

While the station moved around her, she was alone in her grief. The continued condolences from her friends somehow felt hollow. She turned a corner and saw Ambassador Rempeck approaching, his expression seemed softer. For a brief second, she had debated turning. That was until they made eye contact. She sighed.

“Captain Mitchell,” he said, his voice quiet. “I wanted to again express my deepest condolences for your loss.”

Elena looked at him with a puzzled expression. Rempeck’s kindness was unexpected, almost unsettling. She recalled Peter’s warnings about the Ambassador as she spoke. “Thank you, Ambassador,” she replied, forcing a smile despite the feeling in her stomach. “It’s been a difficult time for his family.”

“He was a remarkable man,” Rempeck continued, “His dedication to the Federation and you was unparalleled. I can only imagine what you must be going through right now.”

A chill ran down Elena’s spine. “What do you know of his dedication?” she demanded, “how well did you know him?”

“I knew him very well, in fact,” Rempeck replied, “However, the Peter I knew worked for Starfleet Intelligence. He was my handler during my defection from the Free State.”

Elena felt her breath stop “He worked for Intelligence? I mean I had my suspicions, but he never confirmed it.” She knew her marriage was full of secrets. He was always hiding things from her, but this secret was huge.

“Smart man,” Rempeck said, with a smile. “He was skilled at keeping his cards close to his chest. His instincts were always sharp; he knew how to navigate just about anything.”

Elena’s heart raced, Peter had warned her about Rempeck. Why hadn’t she pressed him for more details? “Why didn’t you tell me this before?” she demanded, her voice rising.

Rempeck nodded with a sigh, “I didn’t believe it was my place to share such information. I’m positive your husband had his reasons for keeping things from you. Intelligence work is complicated, Captain. Sometimes the truth is a liability.”

She clenched her fists, as Peter’s warnings echoed louder, it was almost impossible to hear Rempeck. Why did he trust Rempeck? Or did he? “Tell me the truth, Ambassador,” she said, “What else did you and Peter discuss that I don’t know about?”

Rempeck looked at her for some time, Elena could see the reply forming in his head, even though his expression was blank. “The circumstances of my defection and the political climate at the time were challenging. Peter had a particular insight that helped me navigate those waters. He was more than just a handler; he was a confidant. I owe him a great deal.”

Elena felt a mix of anger and betrayal growing inside of her. How could Peter have kept this from her? Had he truly trusted Rempeck, or was there something else at play? “So, Peter trusted you?” she pressed for more information.

“Peter was a man of principles,” Rempeck replied. “He believed in the possibility of change, in the potential for peace. I like to think I have that potential, too. But perhaps I was not as transparent, as I should have been.”

Elena’s heart sank further as she realized just how involved Peter was in Rempeck’s life. The lines between ally and enemy blurred and left her truly feeling vulnerable. She needed to confront this head-on to understand Peter’s choices. “I need to know what you’re planning, Rempeck. What do you want from my station?”

“I want stability,” he said, “I don’t want the events of our past to repeat themselves. There are dangers out there, Captain, dangers that can change everything I’ve built.”

Elena narrowed her eyes, doubt creeping into her thoughts. “And you expect me to trust you after this revelation? You were involved in my husband’s life in ways I don’t fully understand.”

Rempeck nodded, acknowledging her point. “Trust is a delicate thing, Captain. I don’t expect you to offer it freely. But I assure you, I have no intentions of undermining your command or the station’s integrity.”

As he turned to leave, Elena felt a strange pit in the bottom of her stomach. His warm, kind words felt like a cover, concealing his true intentions. As she watched him walk away, she wished she could trust him. However, something in the back of her mind said she couldn’t.

Later that day, Elena returned to operations to find Lieutenant T’Kara reviewing data on the screen. Elena could see that she was looking at reports from across the sector.  “Anything good?” she asked. 

“Captain,” T’Kara greeted her as she sat up a bit. “We’ve been receiving increased reports of Orion activity in the sector. It’s becoming more frequent.”

Elena nodded, her heart sinking. The Orions had a notorious reputation, often associated with piracy and illegal trade. “What have you got?” she asked.

Bringing up a holographic display of the sector, “Our latest scans show a growing increase in Orion movements here,” she pointed.  “They’re operating in established shipping lanes, but something isn’t right.”

Elena looked to Commander Harris, who had moved to her side. He had stepped up in her absence, and she admired how he handled the pressure. “What are the tactical implications?” he asked.

T’Kara replied, “I don’t know, but I recommend increasing our patrols and conducting security drills throughout the station. The last thing we need is Orions getting into the mix.  We’ve been through enough.”

“Make it happen,” Elena ordered. “We need to be prepared for any scenario.”

Days passed as the station crew worked to prepare for any potential threat. Gab made it a point to walk the corridors, checking in with various teams in an attempt to bolster morale. He knew that in moments of crisis, the self-esteem of the crew mattered more than ever.

During one of his rounds, he spotted CPO Byrne organizing supplies in the main supply bay. “How’s everything looking, Reagan?” he asked, approaching her.

“Good, sir,” she replied, “We’re stocked up on medical supplies, just in case.”

“Keep that spirit high,” Harris encouraged. “We may need it more than we realize.”

As Gab continued his rounds, he couldn’t shake that uneasy feeling inside of him. The Orions were a problem and posed a real threat. The last thing the sector needed was something from the Orion.  The last thing they needed was Nichols to join the Orions. He had gathered the crew for security drills, and each drill intended to push the crew to their limits.

They practiced evacuation protocols, response times to alerts, and tactical formations. Throughout it all, Elena found herself lost in her own thoughts. She couldn’t help but reflect on her conversations with Rempeck and the implications of Peter’s past. She had hoped the ship’s observation lounge could provide some peace. She enjoyed looking out at the stars. She found it relaxing.

Just then, Rempeck entered. He seemed calm and composed. “Captain,” he said, offering a slight nod of acknowledgment.

“What do you want, Rempeck?” she replied. “Now is not a good time.”

“I understand,” he replied, “I just wanted to assure you that I intend to help this station and protect its people. My connections can be a valuable asset to the station.”

Elena crossed her arms, skepticism crossed her face. “And how do I know you’re not playing both sides? Peter’s death is still fresh, and I’m not ready to trust you.”

“I know trust is earned,” Rempeck said, “I didn’t choose the circumstances of my past, but I won’t be judged by those circumstances either.”

As they spoke, Elena couldn’t shake the feeling that Rempeck was hiding something. The uncertainty nagged at her, mixing with her grief and doubt. “If you truly want to help, then be transparent with me. Otherwise, you’ll find my trust harder to gain.”

Rempeck nodded, “Fair enough, Captain. Just know that I’m here to support you in any way I can. And, I believe I can be of immediate help to your current problem.”

Elena narrowed her eyes. “You’ve got my attention.”

Rempeck clasped his hands behind his back, “I’ve seen some information about certain… activities within the sector. As you’re no doubt aware, the Orions have been making some moves. However, they’ve taken a particular interest in a man you know well, Nichols.”

Elena froze at the name. “What do you know?” she demanded, standing up to meet him at eye level.

“I know where he’s stashing his latest shipment of weapons,” Rempeck replied, “Advanced technology, likely stolen from various Federation outposts. If the Orions get their hands on it, they’ll be nearly unstoppable.”

Elena’s mind raced. “And you’re offering this information out of the goodness of your heart?”

Rempeck chuckled softly. “I’m not a saint, Captain. But I believe a strong Federation presence in this sector benefits both of us. Nichols is a disruptor, a loose cannon. Eliminating him ensures stability and, dare I say, peace.”

Elena crossed her arms, her skepticism increasing. “You’re eager to hand over such valuable intel. What’s in it for you, Rempeck?”

The Romulan’s smirk didn’t fade. “I’m simply ensuring that my… efforts in this sector aren’t hindered by confusion. Let’s just say I prefer a more predictable playing field.”

“And you expect me to believe that?”

“I expect you to act in the Federation’s best interests,” he countered. “The compound is located here,” he handed her a padd, “If you move quickly, you can intercept the weapons before the Orions.”

Elena didn’t answer, instead, she studied him, searching for cracks in his facade. Rempeck’s confidence made her stomach churn; he clearly believed he held the upper hand.

“Fine,” she said.“Once, I’ll verified your intel. But don’t think for a second this earns you my trust. If you’re playing both sides, I’ll find out.”

Rempeck tilted his head, “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Captain.”

As he left, Elena tapped her communicator. “Mitchell to Commander Harris. Report to my office immediately.”

Later, in her office, Commander Harris reviewed the intelligence Rempeck had provided, he was just as confused as Elena. “Do you believe him?” he asked.

“No,” Elena replied flatly. “But we can’t ignore the possibility that he’s right. Nichols has been quiet for too long. It’s worth investigating.”

Harris nodded. “The Edison has already identified one of Nichols’ suspected weapons compound. If this matches Rempeck’s intel, we may have a chance to take action before the Orions escalate things.”

Elena took in a deep breath, “Then let’s move. If we can confirm this is another stash, we’ll take it out and cut off the Orions. But I want eyes on Rempeck. If he’s playing us, I want to know.”

Unbeknownst to Elena, Rempeck was already in his private quarters, accessing a secure terminal. The faint glow of the screen illuminated his calculating expression as he recorded a message.

“Our plan is in full motion,” he murmured. “The Federation will handle Nichols for me, leaving the spoils of his operation free for the taking.”

He ended the transmission, leaning back with a satisfied smirk. He didn’t know that the Edison had already found the second compound. By the time he made his move, his plans would crumble, courtesy of Eos Division.

The Edison shook as the Orion freighters opened fire, their emerald disruptor striking the Edison. AJ gripped the armrests of his chair, his eyes locked on the viewscreen. “Damage report!” he barked.

“Shields holding at 72%, but that last hit overloaded sections of the aft array,” Lieutenant Krev called out. His antennae twitched as his fingers moved over the console. “Returning fire.”

The Edison’s phasers lashed out, their target striking the lead Orion vessel. The enemy’s shields buckled but stayed intact. Two other freighters flanked the Edison, their disruptor fire coming in rapid bursts.

“They’re trying to box us in,” Lieutenant Parker said from the helm, as she tried to adjust their position. A moving target was harder to hit. “Bringing us around to keep some maneuvering room.”

“Good thinking, Parker,” AJ replied, leaning forward. His voice was calm despite the chaos. “Krev, target the freighter on our starboard side. Disable its engines.”

“Aye, sir.”

The Edison moved quickly, delivering a precise hit. The targeted freighter’s engines exploded, sending the ship into an uncontrolled spin.

“Target neutralized,” Krev confirmed, a bit of satisfaction in his voice.

AJ allowed himself a brief nod. “Good work. Let’s keep the pressure on them. Parker, maintain distance from the others. Don’t let them box us in.”

Down in sickbay, Doctor Andrews moved between biobeds, issuing orders to her staff. Sickbay was filled with the hum of medical scanners and the groans of the injured crew. She stopped by a young ensign lying on one of the beds, his breathing shallow, skin pale.

“Ensign Jekar, stay with me,” Andrews urged, adjusting the hypo in her hand. She administered a dose of pain meds, but the Andorian’s antennae twitched weakly. 

“Doc,” a nurse called from across the room, “we’re out of sterilized dermal regenerators!”

“Then clean the ones we’ve got, emergency protocols people!” Andrews snapped back without looking up. Her focus remained on Jekar, whose condition was deteriorating faster than she’d anticipated.

“Doctor,” the ensign muttered, his voice faint. “How bad is it?”

Andrews placed a hand on his shoulder. “Bad enough that I need you to focus on breathing, not talking.”

She moved her scanner over his chest and frowned at the readings. Internal injuries from the blast. She grabbed a device and handed it to the nurse who had returned to her side.

“I need to stabilize his lung. Keep the oxygen steady,” Andrews said.

The nurse worked, but a sudden crash behind them drew both of their attention.

A Bolian Officer slumped to the floor, the blood pooling at his side, “Nurse! Get him back up,” Andrews shouted. She turned back to Jekar, forcing herself to focus. “You’ll be fine, Ensign. Just hang in there.”

Andrews heard the muted thud of boots as another team carried a stretcher into the already overcrowded space. The cries of the injured and the medical alerts threatened to overwhelm them, but she shut them out. “We’re not losing anyone else,” Andrews whispered, more to herself than to the room.

Down in Engineering, Threx growled under his breath, as he slammed his fist against the console. The readouts flickered, red warnings dominating the screen. “This damn power relay isn’t stabilizing,” he muttered, leaning closer to the console, as though glaring at it would fix the issue.

“Commander, we’ve got plasma pressure spiking again!” Ensign Fujikawa called out from across the room, her voice dripping with urgency.

“Of course it is,” Threx grumbled. He exhaled sharply, brushing his hand across his face before straightening. “Hold it steady; I’m coming to you.”

He moved quickly, weaving around the central column of the warp core as the hum of the engine grew louder. Fujikawa was already crouched by an open panel, a tool in hand, trying to reroute power manually.

“We’re out of time for diagnostics,” Threx said, dropping to one knee beside her. He glanced at the fluctuating numbers on her handheld PADD and swore in Bolian.“Dump the auxiliary reserves into the containment field, now. If this core overloads…”

“I know!” Fujikawa snapped, sweat beading on her forehead. She fumbled with the tool but managed to execute the reroute.

For a tense moment, the warp core’s pulse slowed, stabilizing to a steady hum. Threx a brief sigh of relief, then stood and turned to Carter at the opposite console.

“Carter! Tell me we’ve got impulse engines back!”

Carter, looking pale nodded. “Impulse is green. Warp drive is… hanging on by a thread, but we’ll keep her together.”

“Good,” Threx replied, his tone firm. “Because if we don’t, that Orion ship out there will rip us apart.”

The situation grew serious on the bridge as the two remaining Orion freighters continued their attack, coordinating their fire to overwhelm the Edison’s shields. “Shields at 38%,” Krev reported, his antennae twitching with stress. “The ship can’t take much more of this.”

AJ’s mind raced. They needed to even the odds quickly. “Options?”

Krev hesitated. “If we overload the forward phasers, we might punch through their shields. But it’ll leave us vulnerable if it fails.”

AJ weighed the possibilities. This was a gamble, but whatever the risk, they had to take it. “Do it. Parker, line us up for a clean shot.”

The Edison banked hard, its nose pointing to the Orion freighter. Krev keyed the commands, and the phasers charged with a high-pitched whine. “Firing!” he shouted.

The phasers discharged a bolt that slammed into the Orion’s shields. For a moment, it seemed like nothing happened. Then the freighter erupted in flames as the shields failed.

“Yes!” Krev exclaimed.

“Don’t celebrate yet,” AJ warned. “The last one’s still out there.”

The remaining Orion freighter began to retreat, realizing that the Edison was more problematic than expected. “They’re running,” Parker said.

“Not so fast,” AJ replied. “Krev, disable their warp drive. Let’s end this.”

The Edison fired again, a precise shot that struck the freighter’s engines. The Orion vessel drifted, powerless.

“Target neutralized,” Krev confirmed.

A cheer erupted on the bridge, but AJ raised a hand to silence it. “Good work, everyone. Krev, signal Eos Station. Let them know the Orions have been neutralized.”

AJ allowed himself a moment to breathe as the adrenaline began to fade. The Edison had held it together, and her crew proved their strength under immense pressure. In the aftermath, the crew regrouped, tired but victorious. AJ leaned back in his chair, and he smiled. The pride was evident in his expression.

“Parker set a course back to Eos Station,” he said. “Let’s go home. Our Edison needs some care.”

The Edison turned gracefully, its hull bearing the scars of battle. Behind them, the Orion freighters floated silently.

Commander AJ Tindal looked around at his team. They had stopped the Orions, but the stolen weapons were gone. This was a win, but the long-term goal remained out of reach.

As the Edison cruised away from the remains of the Orion ambush, a chime interrupted the quiet of the bridge.

“Incoming transmission, sir,” Ensign Mavik said from the communications console. “It’s encrypted… and marked urgent. It’s from Eos Station.”

AJ straightened in his chair. “Put it through to my ready room. Liz, you have the bridge.”

AJ stepped into his ready room, and the door shut behind him. He moved to his desk and tapped the console, the screen flickering to life. To his surprise, the face of Ambassador Rempeck appeared, his Romulan features sharp and unreadable. The background was dim, hinting that the ambassador was not in his usual quarters or office.

“Commander Tindal,” Rempeck began, “I trust you are unharmed after the Orion encounter?”

AJ’s eyes narrowed. “We’re intact, though I wonder why this situation required a personal call from you, Ambassador. This isn’t exactly your jurisdiction.”

Rempeck offered a smile. “Let’s just say I have… interests in certain parties aboard those freighters. Interests that would be better handled with discretion.”

A chill ran down AJ’s spine, the hairs on his neck standing up. “Interests? You mean the Orions?”

Rempeck smiled. “What I mean, Commander, is for you to remain cautious. What you uncovered today may seem random, but it is a thread that could lead to something far more dangerous. Be careful who you share your findings with… even within Starfleet.”

AJ leaned forward, focusing on the screen. “Are you saying Starfleet’s compromised?”

Rempeck leaned closer to the screen, his voice quiet. “I’m saying nothing, Commander. Only that you’d be wise to exercise restraint until the pieces are clearer.”

Before AJ could react, the screen went dark. Rempeck had ended the call, leaving AJ staring at his own reflection. He sat there in silence for a moment before tapping his communicator. “Tindal to Krev. Run a deep scan on those freighters’ remains. I want every piece of data pulled and analyzed. And keep this strictly between us.”

There was a pause, and then Krev replied, “Understood, sir.”

AJ leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Whatever game Rempeck was playing, it was clear this wasn’t over.

Eos was busier than normal, as the massive viewscreen dominating the room displayed a tangled web of trajectories, indicators, and Starfleet insignias marking friendly vessels. At the center of the chaos, Elena stood with arms crossed. Her eyes darted between the various screens and the lines representing Ambrose Nichols’s trail.

“Lieutenant Prad,” Elena looked to her tactical officer, “give me an update. Where’s Nichols?”

Prad’s fingers flew across her console, bringing up the latest telemetry. “We tracked him through the asteroid belt near Freecloud,” she said. “The Edison forwarded sensor data before they broke off for repairs after their fight with the Orions. Nichols’ warp signature matches a Class-II shuttle. He’s taking a twisting route to avoid detection, but he’s heading for the Corridor.”

Elena frowned. The Corridor was a dangerous and lawless stretch of space, notorious for Orion syndicate activity and rogue mercenaries. If Nichols reached it, their chances of arresting him would drop significantly.

“Do we have anything from the Edison that connects him to his accomplices?”

“Not yet, ma’am,” Prad replied. “We’re combing through logs. Commander Tindal flagged one transmission sent before the attack. It was heavily encrypted, but the trace led to a known Orion relay station.”

Elena felt her stomach twist. Nichols had gone to great lengths to orchestrate his escape, and if the Orions were involved, it meant this was more than a lone man’s desperate play. “Let’s focus on the intel from that relay station,” she said. “And keep the Edison in the loop. If Nichols has a plan, I want to know what it is before he executes it.”

Far from the station, in the dimly lit cockpit of a stolen shuttle, Ambrose Nichols sat crouched over a console. His hands moved as he navigated the encrypted communication system, his eyes darting to the countdown timer on the screen. The message had to be brief; even with encryption, prolonged transmissions risked detection.

The Romulan face that appeared on the screen was familiar; Ambassador Rempeck. “Your delay has complicated matters,” Rempeck said. His voice was as calm as ever, but there was an edge to his tone that Nichols recognized as impatience.

“I didn’t have a choice,” Nichols replied. “Tindal was more persistent than I anticipated. I barely made it out alive.”

“Excuses won’t protect you,” Rempeck said. “You were supposed to be in position two days ago. The Orions are growing tired. We both promised them a lot.”

Nichols leaned closer to the screen. “Then remind them that I’m the reason this operation exists in the first place. Without my product, they wouldn’t even be here in the first place.”

Rempeck’s expression didn’t change. “Your survival is… strategically beneficial. But I warn you, Nichols, if you cannot secure your position soon, I will reconsider the terms of our arrangement.”

The transmission ended abruptly, leaving Nichols a bit taken aback. He exhaled slowly as he leaned back in his chair. He knew Rempeck’s threats weren’t idle. The Romulan operated with cold precision, and loyalty meant nothing to him unless it served his interests.

Nichols’ console beeped, indicating an incoming transmission on a different channel. He activated it, and a gruff Orion appeared. “Mister Nichols,” the Orion said, “You’re late.”

“I’ve had complications,” Nichols replied bluntly. “Starfleet has intensified their pursuit. I need new coordinates for the extraction point.”

The Orion smirked. “We don’t work for you, Nichols. If you want our help, you’ll follow our terms. The extraction point is set. You know the location.”

Nichols gritted his teeth. “Your cooperation was part of the deal. If I’m captured, Starfleet will find out everything.”

The Orion’s smirk widened. “That sounds like your problem. Be at the coordinates in two hours, or we’ll consider our arrangement terminated.”

The screen went dark, and Nichols cursed under his breath. His shuttle shuddered as it dropped out of warp, and he adjusted his course for the Corridor. The Orions were playing their own game, and Nichols knew he was just another pawn. But he had no intention of staying that way.

Back on Eos Station, Prad turned to the Captain, her face pale. “Captain, we’ve intercepted a fragment of a communication from Nichols’ shuttle. It’s heavily encrypted, but we’ve identified the recipient as an Orion syndicate operative.”

Elena’s eyes narrowed. “What’s the message?”

“Still working on decoding it, ma’am,” Prad said. “But the Orion replied with coordinates near the Corridor, as we suspected.”

Elena didn’t hesitate. “Send the coordinates to the Edison. Commander Tindal knows Nichols better than anyone. If they can intercept him before he reaches that rendezvous, we might have a chance to stop this before he escapes again.”

The Edison, still battered from their last Orion encounter, jumped to warp on a new heading. AJ stood on the bridge as he studied the data streaming in from Eos Station. “He’s heading for an Orion extraction point,” AJ said. “This is our chance to cut him off.”

Lieutenant Talresh, standing at the science console, glanced up. “With respect, sir, the Edison isn’t in any condition for combat. If the Orions have a ship waiting, we’ll be outmatched.”

“I know,” AJ replied. “But we’re not here to fight. We’re here to outmaneuver them. If we can delay the Orions long enough for reinforcements from Eos Station to arrive, we might just pull this off.”

The crew exchanged uncertain glances, but they trusted AJ. He had led them through worse odds before.

“Helm,” AJ said, “increase to maximum warp. Let’s show Nichols that the Edison isn’t finished yet.”

As Nichols’ shuttle neared the coordinates, the tension in the cockpit was high. The meeting spot was a small asteroid field, an ideal location known for its ability to protect against unwanted attention. Nichols stared out the cockpit windows, unease gnawing at him. The feeling that this could be a trap wouldn’t let go. But he didn’t have much of a choice.

A ping from the shuttle’s sensors broke the silence, and Nichols let out a heavy sigh. A Starfleet signature flickered on the edge of the field. It was the Edison.

“That man just doesn’t know when to give up,” Nichols said.  He slammed his fist against the console. He quickly engaged the shuttle’s cloaking device; a rare and questionable piece of tech he’d managed to acquire. The shuttle disappeared from sensors, and Nichols guided it deeper into the asteroid field.

But the Edison wasn’t alone. As Nichols scanned the area, several Orion ships decloaked, their sleek designs enhanced with weaponry. “This is getting messy,” Nichols said to himself. He opened a secure channel to the Orions. “The Edison is here,” he said. “You need to take them out before they call reinforcements.”

The Orion’s response was harsh. “Hold your position. We’ll deal with them.”

Nichols clenched his fists as he watched the Orions close in on the Edison. He knew AJ well enough to know that the Commander wouldn’t back down without a fight.

As the Orions fired the first shots, Nichols felt a surge of satisfaction. With Starfleet distracted, he would slip away unnoticed. But deep down, he knew this game was far from over. Nichols initiated the shuttle’s warp sequence, his lips curling into a smirk as the engines hummed to life. Moments later, a brilliant flash lit the distant darkness, and the comm chatter fell silent.

It had been several days, and Eos Station had a quiet sense of finality as crew members moved between their assigned tasks. The recent attack, the Orion assault on the Edison, and the subsequent manhunt for Ambrose Nichols had left its mark on the crew of both the Edison and Eos Station. The combined teams now worked, sorting through data, following up on leads, and piecing together the remnants of the Phoenix Consortium’s underground operations. Yet despite their exhaustive efforts, something still gnawed at the back of Elena’s mind.

She walked through the command center before entering her Ready Room. AJ was already seated at the desk, several PADDs piled in front of him. He looked up as she entered. “Elena,” he greeted her, “I think it’s safe to say we’re missing something. So many things don’t add up.”

Elena nodded, her fingers brushing over the PADD in front of her before leaning against the desk. “Starfleet believes Nichols is no longer a threat. They’re reporting that we’ve successfully shut down his network, including the weapons bunkers and those selling XB parts. The Consortium is supposedly dismantled.”

AI smiled, “Starfleet doesn’t know Ambrose Nichols very well. He’s not someone who just disappears. Not unless he wants to.”

“Exactly.” Elena’s tone was firm. “We’ve found all the key assets; Orion smugglers, weapons caches, black-market dealers, all shut down. But Nichols?” She shook her head. “There’s no way he just vanishes without leaving a trace.”

AJ stared at the report for a moment longer, running his fingers through his hair. “Their operation may have been disrupted, but that doesn’t mean Nichols is finished. If anything, it just means he’s had time to cover his tracks. He never works alone.”

Elena sighed, leaning back in her chair. “I hate the feeling that we’re chasing shadows. Everything points to Nichols being involved with the Romulans, but we can’t make a concrete connection. All we have is suspicion and a handful of encrypted transmissions. What are we missing?”

“Maybe it’s not what we’re missing, but what they’re hiding.” AJ’s eyes narrowed, “We’ve all seen what the Romulans are capable of. But Ambassador Rempeck? He’s always been… slippery.”

Elena’s eyes drifted out the window as she looked out at the stars, “Rempeck’s distancing himself from this whole mess. But we both know that man has too much influence to just step back. He’s playing a deeper game than he’s letting on.”

“Rempeck’s public distancing makes him an even more valuable player,” AJ continued. “If Nichols were working with the Romulans, Rempeck would know exactly how to cover his tracks. He’s good at this. He manipulates the truth, making things look like they’ve ended when they really haven’t.”

“Don’t I know it,” Elena replied. “I’ve worked with Rempeck too long not to see the cracks in his carefully constructed façade.”

The door to the Ready Room slid open, and Doctor Andrews, the Edison’s Chief Medical Officer, stepped in with a PADD of her own. Her expression was grim.

“Captain, Commander,” she greeted them, handing over the PADD. “I’ve been reviewing the medical records from the Edison and cross-referencing them with the intelligence we gathered from the station. There’s something odd in the way Nichols’ associates were treated. Some of the bodies recovered from the Consortium operations—well, it’s as if they were tampered with before they were disposed of.”

Elena took the PADD from her, glancing over the data. “Tampered with? How?”

Andrews hesitated before continuing. “Some of the bodies showed signs of cybernetic augmentations, parts similar to what the Consortium was selling. Some of these people weren’t just criminals but also… experiments. Like they were being changed before they were disposed of.”

“Augmentations?” AJ frowned. “That doesn’t fit the standard Orion mercenary profile. These people… they were someone else.”

Elena looked up from the PADD, “You’re telling me that some of these bodies were possibly Borg?”

“I’m not certain, but it’s possible. We’re talking about a network of underground operations that dealt with illegal interests. Some of these were definitely Borg-derived. But I’ve seen signs of experimentation, unusual implants that don’t match the standard Borg modification protocols.”

AJ stood up, pacing. “This is bigger than just Nichols and his Consortium. If these bodies were… experimented on, what’s the connection? Who’s doing this? The Romulans? The Orions? Someone else?”

Elena shook her head before setting the PADD down. “We need more information, more solid evidence. But if these experiments are tied to a larger operation, it could mean Nichols was just one piece in a much larger conspiracy.”

“Which means someone’s pulling the strings,” AJ muttered, “and that someone might still be out there.”

The next few days brought no new leads, but the conditions at the station grew darker with each passing hour. Crew members worked around the clock, scanning every piece of intel and chasing down every possible connection, but there were no breakthroughs. Rempeck kept his distance, his public statements denying involvement in the Consortium’s activities. He continued to play the role of the innocent diplomat, despite Elena’s suspicions.

On the third day, Starfleet’s final decision came down. Ambrose Nichols was now presumed dead in the last known firefight with the Edison and was officially declared deceased. The Federation quietly celebrated the end of the Phoenix Consortium, but no one on Eos Station felt victorious.

Elena stood in Operations reading over the final report from the Federation. She crossed her arms. Taking deep breath, she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach.

“Is it over?” AJ’s voice came from behind her.

“Starfleet says it is,” Elena replied, her eyes scanning the reports one last time. “But I don’t buy it.”

AJ glanced over at her, “We both know that nothing’s ever really over when it comes to the Romulans. Especially not with Rempeck involved.”

“I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop,” Elena laughed. “Nichols might be gone, but I can’t believe he didn’t have a plan to cover his escape. This isn’t over. Not by a long shot.”

Meanwhile, light years away, Rempeck sat alone in his private chambers aboard a Romulan transport, overlooking the several reports. The report on Nichols’ supposed death had reached him hours ago, but he had yet to release a public statement. The only communication he had allowed was a blunt response to the Federation, distancing himself from the man who had once been his ally.

A cold smile tugged at the edges of his lips. Nichols was not dead. He had never been.

The Ambassador knew all too well the lengths to which Ambrose Nichols would go to escape, and he had ensured that any evidence of Nichols’ survival would remain hidden. But this wasn’t about Nichols anymore. It was about protecting his own position now. He had maneuvered too carefully to have his past come to light now.

“It was time to cover my tracks,” Rempeck muttered, looking out the window.

AJ sat in the dark lounge somewhere in the Promenade. His eyes darted back and forth across the decrypted data on his PADD. The lounge was quiet, almost empty.  The only noise was the low buzz of lights and the occasional murmur from nearby employees. He’d been at this for hours, looking over encrypted messages, cross-referencing sources, and trying to piece it together. But now, after days of sifting through messages, it had all finally clicked into place.

A flash crossed his face as the transmissions finally revealed a pattern that led directly to Ambrose Nichols. It wasn’t just one message; it was a string of messages sent under the guise of harmless communications. Nichols had been using a series of seemingly unrelated transmissions to mask his communications with Romulan operatives. And at the center of it all, lurking behind the veil of coded messages, was none other than Ambassador Rempeck.

AJ leaned forward, analyzing the data. There was no mistaking it now. Nichols was not dead. He had been in contact with Rempeck, possibly orchestrating the final stages of his escape. This wasn’t just a criminal operation; it was a covert, calculated effort that tied Rempeck directly to Nichols’ survival.

He quickly transferred the files to a secure channel, sending them directly to Elena’s office. He had to tell her, had to show her the evidence he had uncovered. Nichols wasn’t gone, and Rempeck’s involvement was far more extensive than anyone had previously realized.

Elena was in her Ready Room, her mind still running over the details of the latest reports, when AJ’s message came through. She opened the encrypted file and, as the details unfolded, her pulse quickened.

The coded messages, the timestamps, the locations—everything matched up. The threads leading to Rempeck were undeniable.

“Elena?” AJ’s voice crackled through the comm.

“I’m looking at it, AJ,” she said, her voice steady despite the shock. “I don’t need to tell you what this means.”

AJ’s response was short, almost bitter. “Rempeck’s involved, Elena. He’s been covering for Nichols, and if we don’t move quickly, he’ll slip through the cracks.”

“Let’s go to work,” Elena said firmly. “We need to confront him before he can make his next move.”

The confrontation came swiftly. Rempeck was already waiting for them in a secure room on the station, his usual calm demeanor in place as though nothing was wrong. When he saw Elena and AJ step inside, his face remained unreadable, “Captain Mitchell, Commander Tindal,” Rempeck greeted them with a slight bow. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

AJ didn’t waste time. “Ambassador, we have evidence linking you to Ambrose Nichols’ escape. You’ve been orchestrating his survival, coordinating with the Orions to protect his network. You’re involved in a conspiracy that stretches across the entire sector.”

Rempeck’s face didn’t change, “I’m afraid you are mistaken, Commander,” he said smoothly, his voice dripping with arrogance. “Any evidence you think you’ve gathered is based on misinterpretations and unfounded assumptions. I am simply a diplomat, working for the interests of the Romulan Free State and the Federation.”

Elena stepped forward, her gaze sharp. “You know exactly what you’ve done, Rempeck. We’ve traced transmissions from Nichols to your offices and know that you’ve been aiding his escape. You’ve shielded and protected him while pretending to remain neutral. But now, the truth is out.”

Rempeck remained his cover of perfect composure. “I have done nothing wrong,” he said coolly. “All actions I have taken were for the good of the Romulan Free State and per our mutual interests with the Federation. My position as a diplomat grants me certain privileges, and I will invoke those privileges now.”

Before Elena or AJ could respond, Rempeck continued. “I am invoking my diplomatic immunity. Any actions I have taken fall under the protection afforded to me by the Romulan Free State. You may have evidence, but I assure you, none of it holds weight. Our Federation will never risk the kind of diplomatic crisis this would cause.”

AJ’s anger flared, “You’re not untouchable, Rempeck. You think the Federation will let you get away with this?”

Rempeck gave a mocking smile. “My dear Austin Tindal.” He paused, “The Federation doesn’t care enough to go against its own interests and I’m sure that Starfleet will see it that way.”

The next few days were a blur. As expected, Starfleet quickly responded to the evidence AJ and Elena had gathered. However, rather than take immediate action, they released a public statement that echoed Rempeck’s position: they would not be pursuing the matter further.

“The actions of Ambassador Rempeck are protected by his diplomatic immunity,” the official message read. “While the Federation acknowledges the Edison crew’s findings, it will not risk a diplomatic crisis with the Romulan Free State over an individual who has acted within the scope of his position.”

Elena slammed the PADD down onto the desk in frustration. “It’s over, AJ,” she muttered, shaking her head. “They’re not going to do anything. They’ve given him the green light to walk away from this.”

“I told you,” AJ said bitterly, “they were never going to risk the fallout. The Romulans are too important to long-term strategy. Nichols is gone, Rempeck is free, and we’re left cleaning up the mess.”

The following morning, Elena received a message from Starfleet Command: the Edison would be reassigned for an extended period. Extensive repairs were needed after the Orion attack, and no immediate replacements were available.

AJ knew what that meant. The Edison and its crew were being sidelined, moved off the frontlines of this investigation. The Federation had other priorities now that didn’t involve pursuing the truth about Nichols or Rempeck.

Elena looked at AJ; the anger was apparent on her face, “The Federation’s made their move,” she said, her voice filled with despair. “They’re reassigning you to a new division. Your skills are needed elsewhere.”

AJ’s eyes narrowed. “This is retaliation, isn’t it? They’re pulling me away because I know too much. I’m being sent to another division to keep me out of the way.” He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

Elena didn’t look at him immediately, she couldn’t. “AJ, I… I don’t know what to say. I don’t know why they’re doing this. But they’ve made it clear.” She paused, her voice softening. “You don’t have to go. You can stay with Eos Division. I could offer you a position here.”

He looked at her, “You know what’ll happen if I stay, right?”

Elena nodded slowly. “I don’t know where you’ll end up if you stay with us. But you’ll always have a place here. Just…” Her voice faltered. “Just like Peter wanted.”

AJ stood there for a long moment, caught between his duty to the Federation and his need for justice. Finally, he spoke. “I’ll make my decision soon. But wherever I end up,….” He couldn’t finish the sentence.

As AJ and the crew of the Edison packed up for their reassignment, a few key figures decided to remain with Elena, unwilling to abandon the mission just yet. Some opted to move on with the Edison to her next adventure. AJ could see the determination on everyone’s face.

Though he’d carefully staged his actions, Nichols was alive. Rempeck had been right all along to protect him. And while Starfleet was willing to turn a blind eye, Elena and AJ knew one thing for certain: the battle wasn’t over.

AJ sat in the corner of the observation lounge, his uniform still on from the latest duty shift. His eyes staring at the large view screen as it displayed a peaceful image of the stars outside Eos Station. Yet, in his mind, the images were anything but calm. Nichols was still out there. AJ couldn’t shake the feeling that the end of the investigation wasn’t the end of the man.

He had spoken with Elena, and they both voiced the same opinions. Nichols was not dead. How could he be? The pieces didn’t fit. The elaborate scheme, the black market operations, and the figures involved in it all… No way was this just going to end with Nichols dying.

AJ stood up abruptly and left the lounge, walking through the corridors of Eos Station. He was in the communications hub, where a technician worked on routine reports. AJ paused by the console and ran a hand through his hair, his thoughts swirling. He needed to take action.

With no concrete proof that Nichols was alive, there was little more they could do. At least, not within the restraints of the uniform. But AJ knew he was right: they couldn’t just let it go. Nichols’ disappearance was a convenient narrative that allowed the Federation to wipe its hands clean.

But they knew too much. They understood the ramifications of what Nichols had planned, and as long as he remained out there, his network wasn’t gone. The Federation had settled on its conclusion, but that didn’t mean the fight was over.

He made a decision. Nichols wouldn’t be forgotten. No matter what, AJ would find him. Even if it meant going beyond Starfleet’s orders. Crossing lines the Federation was unwilling to cross. He wasn’t done yet.

“Not this time, Nichols,” he muttered to himself.

Later that evening, AJ sat in Elena’s Ready Room. The lights were dim and the view outside the large windows showed the expanse of the Alpha Doradus system. It was a reminder of the peace that surrounded them.

“Elena,” AJ said finally, his voice quieter than usual. “We can’t just let this go. Nichols… he’s still out there. Whatever they’ve been telling us, it’s not true.”

Elena slowly turned to face him, she’d been wrestling with the same doubts. However, as a Commanding Officer, she couldn’t afford to let those doubts cloud her judgment. Their orders were clear. The investigation was over. And yet…

“I know,” she said softly. “I’ve known it since the moment we first found the evidence of Rempeck’s involvement. This isn’t finished. But what else can we do? Starfleet wants us to move on. They’ve closed the file, AJ. They want us to forget.”

AJ shook his head, “I don’t think we can forget. Not after everything we’ve seen. The Consortium, the Romulan involvement… and now Rempeck. He’s still hiding something, Elena. Nichols wasn’t just some random smuggler. This whole thing runs much deeper. It’s bigger than just a few black-market deals.”

Elena exhaled slowly, walking over to the window to look at the distant stars. “You’re right. I think about the same thing every night. The moment we thought we’d found the end, the next thread unraveled. But what are we supposed to do now? We can’t keep digging. We’ll be risking everything. Starfleet Command will have our heads if we keep this up.”

AJ stared at her for a moment, “What if I don’t leave? What if I stay here with you? We might not have the authority to pursue this, but maybe we can keep an eye on things. We can’t ignore this.”

Elena looked at him and there was a flicker of something in her eyes. She sighed. “You want to stay here? After everything? It’s not a guarantee, AJ. You’ll be taking a risk, and I don’t know where the Federation will send you next if you remain.”

“I’m already taking the risk, Elena,” AJ said firmly. “I’m not going to sit around, not when I know Nichols is out there. You’ve been more than just a captain to me these past few years. You’ve been someone I trust. If we’re going to keep going after this, we do it together. I can’t do this without you.”

She stared at him, her expression unreadable, before nodding slowly. “Then we stay. We’ll make our own path. But we need to be careful, AJ. We can’t afford to get caught in something bigger than us.”

AJ smiled faintly. “We’ve always walked the edge, haven’t we? And we’ll keep doing it.”

They stood in silence for a moment, understanding the weight of the decision they’d just made. But the mission was far from finished. “Wherever this takes us, we’ll be ready,” Elena said, her voice calm, but with a fire that wasn’t easily extinguished.

“I’ll be ready,” AJ replied. “And we’ll watch for Nichols. We won’t stop until we find him.”

As the two stood together in the quiet of the Ready Room, Elena looked over the PADD in her hand as AJ turned and headed out of the room.  There was a glimmer of hope in her eyes as something catch her eyes, “AJ, wait. Get back here!”

Elena stood at her desk, staring at the PADD. The USS Yeager, Saber-class, sat docked at the station awaiting crew. Her arrival felt lucky, a bit of opportunity among the challenges that had defined the past few weeks. She tapped her communicator.

“Commander Harris, report to my Ready Room,” she said, her tone rather formal.

When Gab arrived, he found Elena standing by the viewport, hands behind her back, the PADD on her desk. She turned to him, a smile told him she was clearly up to something.

“Gab, there’s no easy way to say this,” Elena began. “Starfleet’s made a decision. They’re not assigning new officers or ships to Eos Division. It seems…we’re on our own for the near future. They have Tranquility Station, Overwatch, Mirage,” she paused, “in a real emergency, the fleet has resources available. Should they need it, or something like that. I stopped reading the report at that point.”

Harris nodded. “That’s not surprising. Things are still tight, and Eos isn’t exactly the price posting.” He looked at her, “No offense.”

Elena smiled at him. “True, but there’s more. I’ve been promoted to Divisional Commander, replacing Peter.”

Harris raised an eyebrow. “Congratulations, Captain.”

“Not just that,” Elena continued, “With this promotion comes the need for me to look at the station differently. It’s not just a watchtower anymore; she’s important for the stability of this sector. And for that, we need the right people in charge.”

Gab looked at her quizzically, sensing where this was heading. “Elena…” He rarely used her first name.

She grinned, her voice showing some emotion. “Gab, Eos doesn’t need a Captain with a security background anymore. We need someone who understands its bones, its heart, and its systems. It needs you, an Engineer. Starfleet has approved your promotion to Captain. You’ll command Eos Station moving forward.”

Gab stared at her, stunned. “Captain, I..”

“You’re ready for this,” she said, “No one knows this station better than you. You’ll bring Eos into the modern era and do it with style.”

Before Harris could respond, the door chime interrupted. “Enter,” Elena called.

The doors slid open to reveal a tall man with a rigid posture. His Starfleet uniform was immaculate, his appearance precise. He stepped into the room and stood at attention.

“Commander Samuel Malik, reporting as ordered,” he snapped to attention.

Elena gestured for him to relax. “Commander Malik has been assigned as Eos Station’s new Executive Officer. You’ll work closely with him, Gab. He’s strict, formal, and by-the-book; but he’ll complement your strengths.”

Malik nodded curtly. “Captain Mitchell, Captain Harris, I look forward to seeing what we can do for Eos. She has a lot of potential.”

Elena exchanged a knowing glance with Harris, who offered a small, amused smirk.

“Thank you, Commander. You’re dismissed for now,” she said as Malik left the room.

When the doors closed, Elena returned her attention to Gab. “You’ve got your XO. And as for the Yeager…” She tapped the PADD and handed it to Harris.

“The Yeager is being assigned under Tindal’s command. He and most of the Edison’s crew will transfer there. It’s an older ship, but AJ will make it shine.”

Harris scanned the PADD, taking in the details. “The Yeager, it’s certainly not the Edison. And, it’s not built for glory, but it’s reliable.”

“Just like AJ,” Elena replied.

They stood in silence for a moment, “Elena,” Gab said finally, “You’ve done more for this station than anyone could’ve asked. We won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t,” she replied. Her voice grew softer. “Eos is our home. And you’re the one to carry it forward.”

Harris gave a firm nod.

As he left the room, Elena turned back to the viewport. Beyond the glass windows, the Yeager sat in the docking bay. Though the fight never truly ended, she felt certain Eos would continue to thrive. However, for the moment it was time to pack and find her new office.

The corridors of the USS Yeager were quieter than AJ expected. The ship was smaller and leaner than the Edison, and walking through its halls gave him the distinct impression of being on a relic. Thirty years old, the Yeager was no state-of-the-art ship, but it had a reputation for reliability. Now, it was his responsibility. He worried about Elena’s potential backlash, but she was determined to confront it head-on. Starfleet’s opinion didn’t concern her in the slightest.

Standing in the modest Ready Room, AJ stared at the few personal items he’d brought, neatly arranged on his desk: a holo-image of his family, a model, and a framed commendation from Starfleet Command. His reflection was interrupted by the chime of the door.

“Enter,” he called.

Liz stepped inside, her expression composed. Her first act was a crisp salute. “Commander Tindal, the senior staff is gathering as requested,” she said.

“Thank you, Commander. Let’s see what we’ve got,” AJ replied with a nod. “I am sure everyone is just excited about this transfer.” The two made their way to the Yeager’s conference room, where the crew waited.

The room was a mix of old and new faces. AJ recognized most of the officers from the Edison’s crew, though there were two notable additions. One of them, Commander Miles Beckett, the Chief Medical Officer, was leaning back in his chair with arms crossed. His expression was less than welcoming.

AJ cleared his throat and stepped forward.

“Thank you all for coming,” he began, scanning the room. “I know transitions can be difficult, but this is an opportunity to make the Yeager into something extraordinary. Eos Division is counting on us. Let’s start with introductions. For those you new additions, I’m Commander Austin Tindal. You’ll get to know me as someone who values collaboration and speaking your mind. Now, let’s hear from our new players.”

Beckett interrupted. He didn’t bother waiting for permission, “Commander Miles Beckett, Chief Medical Officer. I’ve served on ships older than this one, so I’m familiar with their… quirks. I’ll be blunt, this isn’t my first rodeo, Commander.” His tone was pointed, and AJ caught the edge of doubt directed his way.

Lieutenant Commander Nathaniel Keller stood awkwardly, clutching a PADD. “Lieutenant Commander Nathaniel Keller, Chief Operations Officer. I—uh—I was surprised by the assignment, I wasn’t aware we were getting a new crew so suddenly.” His nervous demeanor stood in contrast to his reputation as a brilliant, if socially inept, officer.

With the introductions complete, AJ addressed the group. “I understand this ship might not meet everyone’s expectations. It’s not the Edison, and it’s old. But the Yeager has something those ships don’t. A chance to prove we can thrive under any circumstances. We’re here to get the job done. And that starts today.”

“Starfleet Intelligence has picked up fragmented subspace communications suggesting a meeting between some Romulan factions and an unknown third party near the Klingon border. Our mission is to investigate and remain undetected. This is simple go there and report our findings. The last thing the Federation needs is some rogue Romulans assisting some Klingons. If these factions align, it could further destabilize Klingon relationships and reignite old hostilities. Starfleet Intelligence believes this alliance could pose a direct threat.”

The room was silent until finally, Elizabeth broke the tension. “Well said, Commander,” she said, a small smile on her lips.

AJ nodded, appreciative. “Thank you. Now, let’s focus on preparing for our first mission. Lieutenant Keller, I want a full diagnostic on the Yeager’s systems by the end of the day. Lieutenant Parker, coordinate with engineering to ensure we’re ready to move if needed. And Commanders Beckett and zh’Vael, work together to review medical and scientific supplies. Dismissed.”

As the senior staff filed out, Beckett lingered, arms still crossed.

“You’ve got a lot to prove, Commander,” he said bluntly. “A ship like this doesn’t leave much room for error.”

AJ met his gaze evenly. “I wouldn’t expect anything less, Doctor. But I suggest we focus on proving ourselves to each other instead of questioning our assignments.”

Beckett gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable. Without another word, he left the room.

Alone, AJ looked around the Yeager’s conference room. The ship might be old, and its crew a mix of reluctant officers and eager ones, but there was potential here. For the first time since leaving the Edison, AJ felt the faintest spark of excitement. The Yeager wasn’t perfect, but it was theirs. And that meant it was time to get to work.