It was busy in the large main crew lounge. Jam-packed would be the best phrase to describe it. Noisy was another word to use with the huge crowd that were all mingling and getting to know one another. But it wasn’t a deafening sound as the ship’s jazz band, made up of a range of the Discovery’s crew that were musicians, played softly in the background and could be heard by all. Spirits were high as food and drink was shared, but no-one was unruly like a bunch of drunk Klingons toasting to their recent honourable victory. This was subtle, a Starfleet subtle.

Gazing at the pleasing image before him, Commodore Bennet held a glass of Aldebaran whiskey and was sipping on it. The Discovery was hosting the crews from the rest of the ships in the expeditionary task force and those also joining them for their trip into the Delta Quadrant. While every ship was docked at Starbase 38, Bennet felt it was important as they would all be working closely together that everyone got to know one another a lot better. The crews had worked together during the recent Archanis Campaign but it wasn’t what they had originally been assembled for.

Pleased to see one face he had yet to see since taking command of the Discovery and the task force, was his task force executive officer: Captain Alexandra Sudari-Kravchik. She would be assuming command of the USS Nobel, their Galaxy-class ship. The change in command of the ship was a last-minute decision from Starfleet after it was felt that Captain Thrain was needed to remain on Haydorian to calm the situation with the colony’s governor. As a result, Kravchik would find herself more involved in maintaining the expeditionary force as well as heading up diplomatic efforts too.

“Captain, it’s good to finally meet you.” The commodore greeted with a warm smile as he extended his hand towards her.

“And you as well Commodore,” Alexandria said, not stumbling over any ranks by virtue of having no habits in that regard. “Face to face is far more personable than a hologram,” she said with a faint smile that did extend to her eyes.

Offering her a drink, Bennet turned to one of the nearby waiters and asked for a glass of the same green whiskey he was sipping on. Passing it over to her, he toasted towards her with a simple ‘cheers’ and the two clinked their glasses together before taking in some of the strong potent beverage.

“Have you had a chance to settle into your new command yet?” Bennet asked as he pulled his glass away from his lip.

“Not yet Sir. The Nobel was late arriving due to answering an S-O-S on her way here. I have been aboard and assumed command, met the XO, Commander Jezgo, who I have had the pleasure of working with before and my belongings are being transferred across, but that is about it so far.”

“Well let me know if there’s anything I can do in helping you adjust to your new command.” Bennet remarked.

“Will do, Sir. The Nobel only had a few gaps in her crew roster before Captain Thrain was reassigned and Commander Jezgo was fighting with BuPers to fill the gaps already. I have given her some contacts to call and we will expedite who we can before we leave. If I can not make BuPers come to heal, I will give you a call Sir,” Alexandria said, head nodding in acknowledgement to a raised hand in the crowd from someone she knew.

Suggesting they take a seat at a nearby empty booth that was far away from the larger crowd, Bennet led them over and sat down. “It’s good to see everyone getting to know one another.”

“After all that fuss in Archanis, it is good to see as well. Crews all need a chance to unwind and relax a little bit before launching through the Barzan wormhole and getting to work in the Delta Quadrant,” Alexandria responded.

“So have you read our first mission orders?” Bennet asked her.

“I have, and I am keen actually. Good old fashion exploration and relationship building. Voyager after all barely scratched the surface, we will be able to do a lot more, see a lot more. Though I understand we are following in the footsteps of a few ships that have gone before us already, ships that launched off on long range exploration before the recent reorganisation, yes?” Alexandria asked, though of course she had read the reports already.

“Yes, I’m eager to ensure their efforts are backed up as well. We’re going to head to Kadi first, strengthen our diplomatic relations with them before beginning a bit of a tour of the nearby region. The Gradin Belt has a lot to offer us.” Bennet explained. “I want you to head up our efforts in setting up relations with a businessman in the area known as Abaddon. Have you heard of him?”

“I believe the brief I have seen on him says a boneyard operator,” Alexandria said, but she didn’t have anything more specific, her attention more on the government actors of the region, not single actors.

“That’s right, he owns a huge junkyard but my thinking is if we can set up some kind of business transaction with him we may be able to find someone who could provide us with resources while we are in the region. I know every ship will be full to the brim with supplies, but I think if we can find a way to find a consistent supply chain when we cannot access the wormhole then I’m all for it.” Bennet shared. “Up to the challenge?”

“Certainly sir. I am sure we can arrange some sort of business arrangement with him to make some introductions in the region for us. I am sure we have some sort of offering we can make to him for such.” Alexander responded.

“Good, while you’re doing that I’m sending the others to study a nearby particle fountain. It’s one thing Starfleet is keen to learn more about, so it makes sense to send the Triton ahead with the others to do it while we’re busy establishing some good relations with the neighbours.” Bennet stated.

“Is this the same particle fountain mentioned in Voyager‘s files in relation to Abaddon?” Alexandria asked.

“It is, Admiral Janeway wrote in her reports that they never remained in the region long enough to establish why a shuttlecraft they purchased from Abaddon was keen to return to it.” Bennet remarked. “Our theorists have been wondering if the fountain is some sort of gateway to another dimension.” Before he could say another word, Bennet was interrupted by the arrival of another familiar face he had met during the recent Klingon assault. Walking up to them was Captain Langston, the skipper of the Fearless. “Captain Langston, it’s a pleasure to see you.”

“After that mess with the renegade Klingons, I can truly say it is a delight to be here with you all,” he replied.  He was attentive to the present company of Commodore Bennet, nodding politely to each nearby.

“I didn’t think the Fearless would be here for another day or so.” Bennet said as he shook the man’s hand. “How did you get that aging Excelsior-class to move so fast?”

Ed reciprocated Bennet’s gesture of greeting with a firm handshake of his own.  He chuckled at Bennet’s humoured inquiry with a lighthearted smile and responded with similar disposition, “the promise of shore leave I’m sure; to be honest, I’m not sure who needs it more, the ship or the fledglings.”  There was more he could have said, more he would have liked to have said, but it was clear this was neither the time or place for such candor.

Smirking at the response, Bennet offered for Langston to join them. “Captain, please meet Captain Alexandra Sudari-Kravchik, my right hand woman in leading this expeditionary force.”

Ed turned his attention in diplomatic fashion, extending his hand for a warm greeting.  “Captain, we’re a bold and zealous bunch, but I promise you’ll get no trouble from us”.  He turned his focus back to Bennet with a nod as he continued the introduction.

“Captain, this is Captain Edmond Langston of the Fearless. I believe the last time we all spoke was during the Archanis Campaign.” Bennet said finishing the introductions.

“A pleasure to talk to you again Captain. I am relieved to actually see an Excelsior-class along with the mission, they are after all known for their reliability. Something that a hundred years of refinement and perfection will grant any class of ship I am sure,” Alexandria said with a polite smile and a warm handshake in response to Langston’s invitation to the growing universal gesture.

As Langston took a seat, the commodore continued with his chat with Kravchik and included the Fearless’ captain now, “I was just explaining about our first few orders that Starfleet want us to indulge ourselves in.”

“A delectable indulgence I hope,” Langston replied; his voice riddled with mild sarcasm.  He continued, purposefully shifting to a serious and dutiful collaborator, “something of the ‘seek out new life and new civilisations variety?’”

“It’s funny you should say that,” Bennet said as he took another sip from his glass. “Once we’ve sorted out establishing a local foothold, I’m keen for the expeditionary force to head to New Talax.”

“No doubt I will be bringing Nobel up behind everyone in the task force,” Alexandria said. “I almost feel like I am going to need a fleet of California or Parliaments to run around and chase up all the second or third contacts.” She sipped her drink and looked at Bennet. “Though I suppose dragging along a gaggle of smaller ships is outside our remit currently. What of the other vessels already in the Delta Quadrant? The likes of Apollo and Atlantis come to mind.”

“They’re beyond the Gradin Belt from the last set of reports I read. So while they’re going one way, we go in the opposite direction.” Bennet answered. “The Federation Council is keen to re-establish ties with our Delta Quadrant Ambassador to see what is happening. Not that we are able to set up a base of operations with the Talaxians due to the Jankata Accord, but having something at the end of the Gradin Belt may help us in the long term. We’ve been authorised to assist the Talaxians in any shape or form with their colony development.” Bennet shared. “We’ll need to negotiate with the Turei the use of their underspace for some of our journey before making our way at high warp for the rest of it. But that said the new enhanced warp engines should make it easier. Captain Langston, I hear the Fearless’ upgrades are almost complete. I’ve seen you will be docked at Starbase Thirty-Eight for the next day receiving the refit.”

Ed nodded affirmatively, “that is correct.  A few of our eager crew members have skipped out on their shore leave and agreed to assist in the refits, so we may be up and running before that forty eight hour mark.  However, I am expecting everyone to take some R&R after that bout with the Klingons.”

“As the saying goes, there’s no rest for the wicked.” Bennet said with a smirk. “That said,  once the Fearless is up and ready, we’ll need to sit down and discuss your orders for the Delta Quadrant.” Bennet said as he soon realised there were plenty of captains he would need to meet in the coming days before they entered the Barzan Wormhole.

“Number One, open a channel to the fleet.” Bennet said as he rose from his seat, still staring at the viewscreen showing a number of ships that were prepped and ready to go.

“Channel open.” Rider replied after following his commanding officer’s orders.

“This is Commodore Zack Marshall-Bennet of the Discovery, all ships prepare for departure stations. The wormhole is about to open, prepare to follow the Discovery’s lead.” Bennet took a breath before adding one more single word. “Godspeed!”

While he stood staring at the viewscreen waiting for the wormhole to open, Rider spoke up after a signal came through to his station. “The fleet’s responded sir, they’re standing by.”

Within a few seconds alerts began to beep at the science station and Discovery’s Bolian science officer looked at them before looking across her commanding officer. “Commodore, the wormhole is about to appear.”

“Onscreen Gailwon.” Bennet ordered immediately.

Once again the screen changed and this time it showed the magnificent image of the Barzan wormhole opening. The unusual disc-like shaped wormhole was unique with the various blues, purples and blacks that almost swirled inwards towards its center.

A round of applause erupted on the bridge and Bennet just smiled at his crew’s eagerness. “Number One,” the commodore said, still grinning at the image before them. “Inform the fleet to engage!”

Discovery led the pack of Federation explorers as one at a time they entered the Barzan wormhole. One at a time they followed each other through the subspace corridor that eventually deposited them in the deep reaches of the Delta Quadrant.

The moment the Century-class flagship was through its commander requested a status update and once everyone had reported they were all fine, then Bennet waited to see every ship that followed come through the wormhole without any issues.

“Everyone is through sir.” announced Gailwon. “The wormhole has closed behind us and the verteron array has ceased operations.”

“Sir,” puffed out Lieutenant Caitheris from her breathing apparatus. The Barzan woman was at the ops station and was obviously reconfiguring the ship’s systems to adjust to their new location. “We are getting a transmission from Kadi Station Delta One.”

Impressed to see that they were being hailed already, Bennet looked to his chief counsellor/chief diplomatic officer and second officer. Commander Natashar Rozan, the Betazoid he had trusted for a long time now, shared his surprise. Turning his attention back to Caitheris, Bennet ordered his ops manager to open a channel as he sat himself back down in his chair.

The viewscreen flickered and a Kadi man, wrapped in burgundy clerical robes appeared. He appeared younger than Bennet with small wisps of blonde hair tied back and underneath his head scarf. His distinguished bulbous, bifurcated forehead was prominent. Bowing his head, the monk then smiled and spoke. “Distant voyagers who have departed the confines of their dependency and origins, we welcome you into our dependency, our origins. Accept this greeting of our purity and the Goddess Mother’s blessing.”

Bennet had spent the day before with Rozan practising the different range of Kadi greetings and soon it clicked in his brain that it was the reverse opposite greeting that they were providing. “Wonderous and humble hosts, on behalf of my home, my family, we accept your gracious reception and thank you for your welcome to your home, your family.”

Smiling with thanks, the Kadi monk introduced himself as Abbot Jamin the leader of the outpost. “We have been expecting your arrival, Commodore Bennet.” He added.

“We are very happy to be here.” Bennet replied. He considered every word carefully to avoid any diplomatic incident with the Kadi. “My ships are elevated to begin their exploration of this region.”

“I am sure they are.” Jamin responded back with. “Besides your own ship, I bestow to you all the Goddess Mother’s guardianship to begin your voyages.”

“Thank you Abbot Jamin, I believe I will be attending a retreat with Superior Abbott Tomin on the Kadi home colony tomorrow.” Bennet said for clarity.

“Indeed you are. Good voyages to you and your crew on your path to our home, our family.”

Smiling and bowing his head, Bennet thanked the abbot and the channel was closed. He leaned into his counsellor. “Remind me never to go into the priesthood.” He said quietly before ordering his chief helmsman to plot a course to the Kadi home colony while his first officer ordered the fleet to move out.

Operation: Delta Expedition was now a go!

Returning to his quarters in agony, Commodore Bennet felt exhausted after what felt like almost two days of hell. The banquet in their honour on the Kadi Home Colony was not as short as he had imagined it to be. Instead it had lasted over several days and it required him and other members of the crew to engage in a range of rituals.

The past forty-eight hours had him fasting and undergoing some physical trials that made the Starfleet Academy marathon seem like a gentle jog in Yosemite Park. Returning to the ship in just his outdoor gear, he had sat down in one of his arm chairs when the chime to his quarters went off.

“Come in.” He mumbled.

Entering in with a PADD in one hand was his first officer and close friend. “Hey Com-” Commander Rider paused in that moment when he realised the state of his superior officer. “You okay Zack?”

Nodding a few times, Bennet sat up. “Yeah I’m fine, just tired from all of this diplomatic etiquette we need to undergo with the Kadi.” He rubbed his face. “I could die for a hamburger right now nevertheless we’ve renewed our working contract with them and the trade deal is firmly established. Our people can start working more with them in keeping the Barzan wormhole around in this area of the Gradin Belt.”

Smirking at the suffering his boss was undertaking for the greater good, Rider passed him the PADD. “Well while you were gone, nothing exciting happened but some of our runabouts have returned from their first initial missions. Michael has been leading on around the clock simulations against various hostile Delta Quadrant species. Also we’ve heard from the rest of the expeditionary force. The Nobel has arrived at the junkyard while the others are continuing their observations of the particle fountain. I thought you would appreciate an update.”

Taking the PADD, Bennet showed his appreciation with a smile. He got up and as he made his way over to the replicator he read the device’s content. “I had a thought about Discovery while I was down with the Kadi.”

“A vision perhaps?” Rider quipped back.

Bennet ordered a glass of water and smirked at his friend. “Yeah, I suppose you could say that.” He took a sip. “With me having to focus on the task force, especially with these types of engagements with local alien races that we hope to make friends with, well it means my focus can’t always be on the Discovery.”

Confused as to what his friend meant, Rider shook his head gently. “What are you getting at Zack?”

“It’s not fair on the crew that I can’t focus on them and the ship’s needs when I need to be looking at the bigger picture.” Bennet remarked and turned to his first officer. “I’m promoting you to captain and giving you the Discovery.”

Shocked to hear that, Rider’s expression reflected his response. “Are you crazy Zack? Has that last ritual knocked common sense out of you?”

“Far from it.” Bennet stated. “You said it yourself when we moved to Discovery that I need you here instead of taking command of one of the other ships in the fleet. Well that’s true but I need you in command of the ship while I command the task force.” The commodore took a larger gulp from his water. “So what’s your answer?”

Rider thought about it for a second. “Okay,” He agreed. “But you keep your flag on the Discovery, right?”

“Absolutely.” Bennet said. “There may be the odd occasion I’d need to visit other ships, like the Nobel, and it might be easier if I take the yacht or one of the runabouts for that. Any other time I am here and I’d remain in command of the mission while you command the ship. Deal?”

“Deal, but I get to pick my first officer.” Rider said. “I don’t want Starfleet bringing anyone in. Natashar is more than ready for it.”

“Agreed.” Bennet said with a smile. “Right, if you’ll excuse me. I need to take a shower before I head back to the closing ceremony and finish off these talks with Superior Abbott Tomin. ” As Bennet winced across his quarters, he spoke up one more time. “We’ll announce the change of command in the morning Lucas!”

“Commodore’s log stardate seven-six-four-three-six point six, we’ve completed our diplomatic engagement with the Kadi. To say that this has been a learning curve for us is understandment.”

Walking side by side down the corridor of the Century-class ship, Commodore Bennet and Superior Abbott Tomin led the small delegation towards the transporter room.

“Your excellency, it has been an absolute privilege and honour to spend these last few days with you and your people.” Bennet remarked as the doors to the room they were approaching swished open.

Bowing courteously and respectfully with his head, Tomin led his half of their party up onto the platform before them. “It has been quite pleasing to indulge ourselves in some of your colourful traditions again commodore.”

Tomin, who had originally assessed Voyager many years ago, now led his people. The senior clerical figure wore his grey robes with a form of distinction, but there was a slight twinkle in his eye that showed he enjoyed being in the presence of the Federation again. Bennet, being the only one who had clearance to read a portion of the reports that had been marked as almost off the record by Admiral Janeway, had enjoyed the abbott’s company and eagerness to explore the Discovery. He was probably one of the most liberal individuals he had met from the Kadi society. Quietly the man had requested that Bennet keep what had happened decades ago on Voyager quiet. Bennet was happy to comply and assured him that it would not cloud his judgement in their talks. The Starfleet flag officer wanted to show that the Federation had principles and didn’t just bargain their way through talks by holding those in high office of state to bribery.

“Anytime your excellency wishes to visit and we are in the area, please do just give us.” Bennet said with a friendly smile.

Tomin looked to his aide and nodded for them to place their going away gift over the neck of Commodore Bennet. Gratefully, Bennet accepted the gift.

“Gracious hosts who have let us join the sanctity of their home and family, we pass the goddess mother’s blessings on to you and your crew.” The aide said as he placed the silver medallion over Bennet. The gift was a simple silver chain with what looked like a locket in the centre. Sitting in the middle of the locket was a dark reddish gem that Bennet didn’t recognise.

“Thank you.” Bennet said before he nodded to the transporter chief and ordered for him to energise the transporter.

Within seconds the Kadi delegation was beamed off the ship and stepping forward from the door was Captain Rider.

“That looks expensive.” Rider remarked when he pointed to the medallion around Bennet’s neck.

Looking at it, Bennet agreed with him. “I’ve got a feeling it’s beryllium crystal.” He then looked back up to Rider. “What’s on the agenda next then captain?”

Rider was still smiling at hearing Bennet call him that. Instead of reacting to it he answered the question. “We’re to head to the junkyard to join the Nobel.”

“Sounds good.” Bennet said. “Perhaps digging through some old scraps would be a nice change of scenery from all of the pomp and circus of a diplomatic function.”

“Well who knows what other gems we may end up finding.” Rider gestured towards the gem around Bennet’s neck as they exited the transporter room to head to the bridge.

Journeying towards the junkyard had been uneventful for the crew of the USS Discovery, in fact it had given Commodore Bennet plenty of time to catch up on reports that he had been leaving for some time now. He had kept himself up to date on how the Odyssey was dealing with the Uxali and that the Elysion was underway to provide aid to the Dagmari. In between that he had written a formal report for Starfleet Command as well as the Federation Council regarding the Kadi.

After being called to the bridge by Captain Rider, Bennet had obliged when the call had come in and was now travelling upwards in a turbolift. When he stepped off the turbolift, he automatically noticed the calmness and was pleased that no-one shouted ‘admiral on deck’. That had been a protocol he had temporarily suspended on the ship.

Walking over to the centre of the chair, Bennet noticed that Rider was in deep conversation with an alien he had not recognised at first before he realised who it was.

Abaddon.

Noticing the arrival of the flag officer, Rider paused his discussion and turned to Bennet. “Commodore Bennet, this is Mister Abaddon-”

“As I said to your Captain Rider, the name was passed down from my father and his father before him. I plan to pass it down to my son but what can I say, except that we’re not a very imaginative bunch!” the flamboyant character said with a huge smile plastered across his face.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mister Abaddon.” Bennet said with a smile.

“The pleasure is all mine Commodore Bennet and please let me welcome you to Abaddon’s Repository of Lost Treasures. As I’ve said to your colleagues, please take a look around. You may find something you never knew you wanted!” Abaddon remained cheerful.

Smiling back at the older gentleman, Bennet showed his appreciation for the man’s flare with a greeting. “Thank you Mister Abaddon, we are here to rendezvous with the U-S-S Nobel. I’m assuming she’s still here?”

“Ah yes, your beautiful task force executive officer took off the other day to catalogue my vast array of collectibles. I believe they’re quite deep into the yard.” Abaddon cleared up. “You will also need to enter as communication is dampened by the amount of ships we have.”

“Indeed, your inventory seems to have exploded since Voyager had encountered you almost twenty years ago.” Rider mentioned.

Smiling at how big his junkyard was, Abaddon took further pride in Rider’s remarks. “A fantastic opportunity with the Turei came my way. Now your Captain Kravchik remarked you would be interested in setting up a deal with me. Why don’t you both join me for a meal and we can discuss terms? My galley is filled with treasure treats from across the quadrant. I’m sure we can find something to entice your taste buds!”

“Thank you very much, that’s awfully kind of you.” Bennet said. “Let me speak with Captain Kravchik first and we will go from there. In the meantime, can I send in our teams to begin to catalogue your treasures?”

Abaddon agreed to the request. “Absolutely, but all I say is if anyone damages anything then-”

“We pay for it?” Bennet offered.

“Indeed and if you try to steal anything, I promise you we are capable of getting what is stolen back. Good day Commodore Bennet.” Abaddon then closed the channel.

Turning to Rider, Bennet gave the order to launch their runabouts to find the Nobel so he and Kravchik could take their next steps with the eccentric businessman.