The hum of the Starbase was calming to Michael after the long voyage back. The encounter with Michelle had drained Michael and the crew. They had been ordered for a resupply and Michael was happy it had come at such a needed time. He had been walking through the base just trying to get some exercise. The past few months had been crazy and Michael still wasn't sure where things were headed. The situation with his wife was coming to an end as they were finalizing the end of their marriage, though it had been civil, which was a huge surprise to Michael.

Felicity had been very supportive during the process, which was the only reason that Michael still had some sanity about him, though his crew would not be privy to that information. He stood looking at the vastness of space and sighed not realizing someone had come up to him. He jumped when he felt the arm wrapped around his. He looked over to see the gentle face of Felicity. He smiled and pulled her closer to him “Hi Lic, how did you sneak away from the Brewhouse?”

Felicity smirked “You know when the ship is docked the Brewhouse is pretty empty so it gave me the ability to do some exploration of the base, though I was trying to find you.” She stopped and looked out of the window “What happened a few days ago? Why were we attacked?” She said the sound of pure worry in her voice.

Michael led her down the hall before he began to explain “Before you joined the Tesla the ship was part of an encounter with a Klingon dissident group, which sounds normal, but the person who helping the Klingons was an old co worker who turned traitor. Michelle Oliver was a close friend before she tried to kill us with the help of the Klingons. I knew something was off, but I could never point to it in the situation. Jump to the present and now I guess she holds revenge against me and the crew. She tried to attack us and succeeded, which shows me we need to be more vigilant of the environment around us.” He stopped for a second again looking out the window trying to compose his emotions after the encounter.

Felicity listened quietly before being the normal voice for Michael “I had no idea, but I know that you don't share everything with me, which is fine, but if you're having a problem you know I am here to listen, as I can't do much more than that. That being said I know you're a capable Captain and the genuine care you have for your crew is paramount to anything else I have ever seen. The amount of times you have put the crews wellbeing over yourself is why this crew will follow you to the darkest corners of the galaxy.” She reached out and caressed his cheek before giving him a kiss.

Michael smiled, but before he could respond there was a chirp for his commbadge “Captain it's Tallie, you have an urgent communique from Starfleet Command.” Michaels eyebrow rose “I am on my way.” He said nodding at Felicity who smiled and nodded back acknowledging she understood. Michael took off in a brisk jog back to the Neptune, which wasn't far. He made his way to his office and took a deep breath before sitting down and activating the communique. 

He was surprised to see Commodore Ekeueme on the screen. It had been awhile since the Commodore had been on Michael's screen.

“Captain Ryder, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” said Commodore Ekwueme on the display. “I hope I find you and your crew well.”

Michael smiled and nodded “The crew is doing ok after a long mission they were happy to get a respite her at the Starbase, though I feel that is about to change.” He said with an indication of question in his voice.

“They’ll thank you for that rest,” Ekwueme replied. Although he spoke in a serious mien, he smirked with his eyes for just one look. “The Romulan Star Empire is on the brink of collapse. We’ve received intelligence of a military coup on Rator. The empire and its senate are imploding from within.”

Michael nodded slowly “I had been hearing rumors about the Romulans, but I wasn't sure it was true or not. The imploding of the empire and the senate is not a good situation for any of us.” He concluded making note of the situation on a nearby PADD.

Ekwueme replied, “It could mean the end of their way of life, which will make the Star Navy all the more unpredictable. Neptune’s concern will be in the Velorum Sector. The worlds in Velorum have long been industrialized by the Romulans for mining and hard labor. However, the Reman workers vastly outnumber their Romulan leaders and have rebelled against them. Acting-Governor Resak has declared the Velorum Sector a free state for Remans, independent from the Romulans.”

Michael nodded “That sounds like a situation that could implode if not handled correctly. Where exactly is the Neptune needed for support? We can be ready to depart in the next eight hours if needed. Will we be helping anybody or is this solely a mission for the Neptune?”

“I’m assigning Neptune and USS Temeraire to the Kunhri system in the Velorum Sector. The Reman leadership has asked the Federation for humanitarian aid. The USS Dvorak will join Neptune to address the food shortage among the refinery workers on Kunhri III. Your mission will be to secure the Kunhri system. Protect all Starfleet personnel in the system and defend the Remans from opportunists who may want control of the system for themselves.”

Michael nodded “Understood, Sir! I will make sure we're ready for the task. I feel the Romulans may have other plans so I will be on the watch for an suspicious sensor reading while we're securing the system.”

“The Star Navy hasn’t taken any action against Kunhri or the Velorum Sector,” Ekwueme said, “and nor as the Romulan Republic and the Romulan Free State. You’re right, though, that could easily change.”

“I understand that, Sir, but the Romulans have been known to change their minds in an instance. I want to be prepared for even the smallest change.” He said.

Ekwueme remarked, “I’m counting on it. What questions do you have about your orders?”

Michael stroked his beard as he thought for a moment “Will there be any need for my personnel to go planet side or will we be in orbit the entire time? I know you said some other ships will be present.” He asked trying to determine the scope of the Neptune's duties.

“I’ll leave that at your discretion, captain,” Ekwueme replied. “You won’t know the full extent of the humanitarian crisis on Kunhri III until you arrive and assess the situation.”

“Understood, Sir! Is there anything else?” He asked.

“I’ll send you the full reports and analysts from my strategic operations officer, captain. Ekwueme out.”

Michael took a deep breath, as it seemed the rest and respite wasn't to last. HE opened comms “I want all senior staff to report to the conference room immediately.” He said as he headed that way himself.

TBC

The room was eerily dark yet for some reason it seemed familiar the eerie glow of lighting seemingly out of place. Michael recognized this place, but something told him he didn’t want to remember it. A bloodcurdling scream echoed through the halls, which made Michael jump. Every fiber of his being made him want to run, but he knew he needed to press towards the noise. The path riddled with bodies as Michael pushed through phaser in hand. The air was stale and as he breathed he coughed. Rounding the corner another long hallway presented itself, but this time the bodies were all Michaels, as he observed the bodies another scream could be heard sending chills down his back. The fear in him intensifying as the memories of this place began to flood back.

It was the one place he didn’t want to see again it was the area he had shut off for so long and yet here it was showing up. He turned and began to run trying to escape the horror ahead. Each step he took seeming to be harder to achieve until he heard it the voice ‘You can’t escape me, Ryder. I can’t be forgotten.’ Michael froze in his path and turned. The black figure at the end of the hallway with Michael’s face heading toward him. “You know you can’t win I have done this before.” 

The figure laughed the sound vibrating the hallway “Yes, but now you have two things you care about and all I want to do is tear your life apart so that they feel the pain I know.” 

Michael clenched his fist and out of pure anger charged the figure, as he threw his punch at the figure it faded away. A slight whisper in the air echoing “I will be back Michael. I will be back.” 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Michael sprang up from his bed in an intense sweat his pupils dilated and trying to catch his breath. The nightmare was back he hadn’t had it in so log, but it returned. It always felt like it was so real. Michael got out of bed and made his way into the living part of his quarters. He had tried for so long to forget the fear he had of losing those he cared about, but now that both Felicity and their daughter was in the picture it had returned. He replicated some ice cold water and sat on the couch trying to forget what had just happened.

Michael had that nightmare off and on ever sense he lost a dear friend in an away mission, each time the nightmare different for the situation, but the premise was the same the figure always saying they would return. The screams being the people he had failed to save or was afraid of losing. He put his head into his palms crying. This was the last thing he needed as the ship was heading for Kunhri III. His briefing had been interrupted by the need for his officers on the station.

His thoughts interrupted by the smooth voice of Felicity breaking through the silence “Mike is everything ok?” She said as she stood there looking at him concern spreading over her face. 

Michael shook his head “Not really I had a nightmare, Lic one I haven’t had in a long time.” He stated as he looked her in the eyes. The tears visible as they ran down his face.

Felicity sat down and embraced him. Michael had never mentioned anything about this, but Felicity knew that he had to have struggles with something. “Hey, Mike it’s going to be ok I promise. I am here if you need me. You know I love you.”

Michael pulled her closer “I know you do, Lic and I appreciate you. I  just didn’t think this would happen until now. Every time something good happens I have a fear of messing it up or losing those people. When that happens my inner demons take over and the phantom of my fears come out. This dream is a repeating thing, but it changes to the situation.” He stopped laying his head on Felicity’s shoulder.

Felicity listened carefully before speaking “Where or when did this start Mike?”

Michael looked back at Felicity and took a deep breath “It started after losing a friend on an away mission years ago when I was still a junior officer. That death was not my fault, but after his death I was scared of losing those I cared about or loved. I know attachment is bad in some cases, but it is who I am and I can’t change that. Now that I have you and Mary I don’t want to lose either of you.”

Felicity guided Michaels gaze to hers “Mike I have waited this long to be with you if I didn’t care or wanted to leave I would have never came to the ship in the first place. I have said it before I love you and I have since the moment we met all those years ago.” She smiled and gave Michael a kiss.

Michael nodded and sighed it seemed she always had a way with words. He gave her a kiss back and whispered “Only a few more months than it will be official.” 

Felicity smiled as she ran a finger down his cheek before standing up “Are you coming back to bed?” 

Michael got up just to hear the chirp from his commbadge “Lieutenant Bolton to Captain Ryder, can you come to Astrometric’s please?”  

Michael’s eyebrow arched at the request it wasn’t normal for him to be called to Astrometric’s. It was a good thing he was up, though according to the chronometer he would be up soon anyways. He shot the sideways glance to Felicity before tapping his badge “Will be that was shortly Lieutenant.”

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Michaela was always the first to the lab and the last to leave and it was how she preferred it. Some said she had no life and in some cases that was true, but she didn’t mind because she loved what she did. She had been told about the ships current destination and as per any trip she wanted to look at the charts for the area. She had found something that didn’t seem to match and knew the Captain needed to know.

She was just getting her information in order when the Captain entered the room it was quiet because she was the only one there. “Ahh Captain Ryder, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I have been on the ship for a few months, but on most occasions the Captain does not come see us.” 

Michael nodded “It is true I should probably come down here more often. The systems down here are one of a kind that’s for sure.” He said as he straightened his uniform. He had took a quick sonic shower and made himself look presentable, after all the Captain was the figure of authority. 

Michaela smiled “I hope I did not wake you up, Sir. I am known to get here early and usually stay late. I was doing some research on the Kunhri system and something isn’t adding up. If you look at these charts from a few years back to now the system has seemed to change. The reading previously give the system no extra planets or orbiting bodies, but now something appeared. This seems to be a smaller object. I also did some cross checking through record. I hope that’s ok. The records indicate changes in readings for any ship that enters the system. According to this record it’s like the system now has a net over it that impedes the ability of our sensors. This cannot be a coincidence in fact it seems this object has something to do with that interference.”

Michael looked over the information as Michaela shared it impressed by the amount of detail she went into with her report to him. The information did show an anomaly, but without investigation in the system there was not definitive way for him to acknowledge the changes that the Astrometric’s officer had highlighted. 

“Well I do see your point Lieutenant and I have to say you did a phenomenal job in the information you have discovered. This is an issue that needs looked into, but until we get to the system there is not much I can do to investigate your suspicions and the reports we have received. I do believe this is an issue and it is important for us to investigate it as soon a possible. Is there anything else Lieutenant?”

Michaela smiled and shook her head “That is all I can think of Captain.”

Michael nodded “Well continue the good work and please prepare this report for my senior staff briefing where you will be present.” He said with a smile.

“I will be present, Sir?” She said questioning the orders, as it wasn’t normal for her to be asked at such briefings.

“Yes, you will as you are now not just the Astrometric’s Officer, but the ships Astrometric’s Specialist and the lead of any briefings regarding Astrometric’s. Keep up the good work Lieutenant I will inform you when the briefing takes place.”

Michaela smiled “Thank you, Sir it will be my honor.”

Michael nodded and departed heading for his office to prepare before the briefing he had scheduled in a few hours. He was still rattled from earlier, but between Felicity and his duties he knew he would be ok, at least for now.

TBC

Michael had been preparing for the briefing taking all the information he had been given and trying to come up with some sibilance of a plan out of the situation. As he walked down the corridor the hum of the warp core ever present he couldn’t help, but remember what it has taken him to get here. His love for his job made him push through any situation. One such situation was the change of his XO, Tia was given a command of her own ship and to Michaels pride she asked for the Tesla. The problem was he now had another XO coming on at a critical juncture.

He had been sent many candidates and most of them were impressive, but one of them caught his eye. Commander Skylar Cloud was someone he had met years prior when he was the Chief of Security on Jupiter Station. She had an impressive record since and seemed to be the type of no nonsense officer he wanted in critical situations. She knew how to compartmentalize her job and her time off making her a popular member of past crews and stations in which she served. She had arrived only hours prior to the Neptune’s departure. Michael hated she was being thrown into the fray this way, but it was beyond his control.

He didn’t have time for the normal meeting so he figured he would swing by and walk with her to the briefing. He activated the door chime seeing the door open promptly with his new XO already standing there. He was surprised that he didn’t have to wait very long. “Good morning, Commander though I know this isn’t the best way to talk, but the normal social conventions aren’t possible. We are heading at warp currently for Kunhri, where we will be helping to protect the whole system, but we could be stationed around that particular planet, but from reports we could be stationed above Kunhri III. From the reports it is a planet full of refineries for manufacturing. I can’t say what will happen, but I know that we have to be prepared.”

Skylar quickly fell into step next to her new captain, making sure to keep up with his brisk pace. “I will work to ensure everything is in order, Sir. I’m certainly we will be well prepared for whatever lies ahead.”

Michael nodded “This is very true, but I think it’s time you meet the rest of the senior staff.” He said as he tapped his comm badge “All senior staff report to the  briefing room, as well as Lieutenant Bolton your presence is also requested.” After a short walk they arrived to the briefing room taking their respective seats and began to wait for the other crew to arrive.

It wasn’t normally so easy, but Amanda looked over at her fellow staff members minus Chung and Dorner, they had decided to meet and discuss a surprise party for the Captain just as he had been a huge support to all of them. The call came through and she smirked at Ruvok, Kra,vaak, and Peng “Looks as though we will be more punctual than the Captain thinks.” 

Ruvok nodded “Well it would be illogical for us to be anything, but punctual in this case. Though he may question why we all get there at the same time.” 

Kra’vaak looked at them both and shook his head “Bah you worry to much, the Captain will be too preoccupied to care about such trivial matters.” He took a swig from the bloodwine before standing and motioning to Peng “Do you have any comments on the matter or should we just crack on?” He grinned.

Peng shook his head at the ridiculousness of his collogues and stood straightening his uniform “Let’s go before we talk ourselves out of going in the first place.” He said sarcastically rolling his eyes.

The group made their way to the briefing room where they were surprised by the unknown member present. They took their seats causally greeting the Captain and guest, as they waited for the others to arrive.  

As Dorner took his seat at the table, he spared a moment of his time to access their new XO. He had expected to see a new face in the position after hearing Savik’s decision to take on a command of her own, but he was still unprepared for this new addition to the crew. He studied the vivacious blonde and found himself almost entrapped in the deep blue-green of her eyes, quickly shaking his head and he pulled his gaze from their new XO. With raised brows he wondered how she would fair among their crew, and as his eyes flitted across the table to gaze upon the ever saucy visage of their engineering officer, he knew their XO would face a special sort of scrutiny due to the shoes she had to fill.

Riru Sareth, on the other hand, took little note of their new CO, sparing her only a quick glance before turning away with a sullen sneer. Sareth would not embrace this change with enthusiasm, of that you could be certain.

Michaela was late and what an impression to make for her first executive briefing with the senior staff on the ship. She made it just as the last person was seated. She gave an awkward greeting to the group before taking the empty seat near the Captain. She took a deep breath hoping he wasn’t too upset with her abrupt entry.

Michael could tell Michaela was a bit flustered he wasn’t going to make a big deal of it this time. He stood up and approached the front of the table “Now this one is going to be quick because we’re en route due to arrive in the next hour or so. We’re going to support other ships in the fleet during this mission. We’re going to the Kunhri System, which is a now Reman held system though the Romulans are trying to take control of things yet again. From all reports, we’re not quite sure what to expect, but from the orders given we will be helping in the defense of the System from intruders. Lieutenant Bolton has concluded something is amiss, but I will let her explain that to you now.” He gestured for Michaela.

With a deep breath she made her way to the front of the table and tapped in a command on the screen bringing up the information around Kunhri. “First thing is this information is just what we have seen though we have no indications of what the truth is. If you look at these charts from a few years back to the present time the system has seemed to change. The readings previously show the system with no extra planets or orbiting bodies, but if you look now something has appeared.” She said as she gestured to the screen before continuing. 

“This seems to be a smaller object than a planet. From all the research I did records indicate changes in readings for any ship that has entered the system since this object appeared. According to this record from a Ferengi vessel, it’s like the system now has a net over it that impedes the ability of our sensors. This cannot be a coincidence in fact it seems this object has something to do with that interference.” She stopped before continuing.

“The fact that this system was previously controlled by Romulans doesn’t seem to be a coincidence here. I think from all the information it is imperative that we proceed with caution regardless of what we do.” She concluded before looking at the Captain indicating she was done.

Michael nodded “Thank you, Lieutenant. As I said this was going to be brief, but does anyone have any questions?”

The room was quiet, which seemed to be normal in these situations his crew followed him into the fray, though it may get interesting when real problems occur. He wasn’t quite sure what was going to occur, but he knew that this mission was going to test them and the outcome was yet to be decided. He waited a good minute before speaking again.

“Alright, with that being said you’re dismissed back to your stations prepare for our arrival. XO you have the conn I will be in my ready room.” He said before departing the room. He wasn’t sure what was to come, but the dream he had still replayed in his mind like an ominous reminder something bad was on the horizon.

Teral sat in silence on the bridge watching the scenes that unfolded in front of her. She had been hiding in the system observing per her superiors, but she had her own reasoning for it, though they didn’t need to know that.  

She watched in glee as so many Federation ships began to warp into the system. She was ready to destroy them. It would be ironic to some being she was half human, but that was a truth few knew and fewer still that lived to tell anyone that secret. The truth was she was half human, but that was because her mother fell in love with a Federation prisoner and saved him from death. The two loved Teral with everything in them and because of that she always loved her father. What the Romulans lacked in manners they made up for in their love life.  

She grinned as she thought about her parents, but that didn’t change the fact that the inevitable was coming to pass. Her thoughts were interrupted.  

“Commander that seemed to be the bulk of Federation ships entering this system. We cannot ascertain a flagship, but there is a few ships that could damage us if we’re discovered.“

”You dare question my orders.” she said slamming her fist down on her chair.  

The Officer looked at her and stammered “No Commander..I I just never mind.“ and he ran off.

Teral grinned that particular officer was a pushover, but good at his job which is why she kept him. She propelled herself out of her chair her hair whipping from the sudden movement. She walked up to the viewscreen and looked closely as the ships started to diff areas in the system. Her nostrils flared at the sight of so many Federation vessels. She whipped back around and looked at her crew. “You know the orders if you have a problem with them you also know the alternative.“ She said sternly observing the looks of the crew around her. 

After a moment of silence, she smiled and motioned for them to continue their duties.  

Meanwhile on the USS Neptune

Michael watched as the ship entered the system and felt uneasy something didn’t seem right, but he didn’t know what. It seemed like something was in the darkness and he didn’t know what. He was very uneasy but knew that he was on the right track.

“Let’s start the surveys of the system and see if we can learn anything. Watch out for any suspicious readings.”

OOC: This is short just to tease what comes next.

“Computer start personal log”

The computer chirped in acknowledgement.

“Personal log”

Tallie paused for a minute before continuing

“This used to be my favorite season as it meant so much to me, but through the years I have become hardened to the joys that most people feel at this time. Of course the persona of being an upbeat and jovial person makes people think I cannot feel this way, but that is far from the truth.

I guess this all started when my mom passed away. I began building a wall as bitterness began to grow in my heart. It wasn’t fair and I felt like nothing mattered. As I grew up the bitterness dissipated, but I still hated Christmas cause that’s when mom died.

However I have realized its not the way mom would want me to remember the past, though it’s not the same I can remember the good times before dad became an alcoholic and I was tossed to the side. Mom made Christmas one of the biggest events in our house and did everything to make sure we followed the traditions. We would stay up late decorating the flat with almost every inch covered in something, whether it was tinsel or lights. We would laugh and listen to music while drinking homemade hot chocolate. Mom would make sure I always put the topper on the tree and dad lifted me up to it on his shoulders.

That was just the beginning though mom worked long hours she came home and we would start baking. I can still smell the aromas in the flat. We made everything from sugar cookies to holiday cake rolls. All of it to be given to family and friends, though she always let me sneak one or two while we baked. 

Dad never really helped with baking because as mom put it ‘He could catch water on fire.’ He tried, but usually mom cooked and I helped.

Before dad lost mom he was always so happy at Christmas and loved putting lights up outside, which I tried to help with though I never seemed to do much Dad liked me being with him. He was patient even when I broke a light or unplugged things when he was checking the lights. He was so patient and kind…but that all changed.

Christmas was something I loved, as we would go to so many parties and get togethers. I was always showered with presents which I didn’t mind, but it was just the time I spent with mom and dad that I cherished. Unlike most kids I always wanted to spend time with them and the bond I had with mom was something some only wish to have.

But when mom died near Christmas on a mission, it all went down hill. Dad started drinking and the house just seemed…dark and dreary. The first year I tried to get dad to put up stuff, but he sat in his chair and drank usually throwing something at me. It got to the point where I left him alone. Many hours were spent crying in my room and my heart broke because nothing was the same after mom died…I tried everything, but Dad didn’t care anymore and he lost a will to live.

I got out of that slump, but Christmas has never been the same for me and I have not celebrated it truly in years, but I know mom wouldn’t want that. So I am going to bake some sugar cookies with the recipe and give them to the crew for Christmas because who doesn’t need something to make them smile.

The holidays may never be the same, but that doesn’t mean I can’t honor mom in the best way possible…which is to celebrate Christmas and hold it as close to my heart as she did. Mom you did everything for me and I miss you more each day, but I hope wherever you’re that this puts a smile on your face. I am wearing an ugly sweater just as you bought me every year and yes the santa hat as well.

I love you mom and will always miss the memories of Christmas…and dad even though you changed I still love you deep down and wish I had one more holiday with you like we had always had after mom died.

I know you loved me as you had pictures of me in your hand when you passed and though things were never the same. I hope you and mom are getting ready to have guest like before and the house smells like baking all day. Moms smile and your laugh emanating through the house to bring joy to everyone that enters.

Merry Christmas from your daughter. I miss you and love you no matter of what happened in the past. Today is the day I bring joy back in memory of you both. This is how I will spend Christmas from now on.