“Rakitinjio, hot with two sugars.” Banfield ordered the replicator. Sitting in her office, Odyssey’s new chief science officer and second officer focused on the holographic display before her as she twisted her body slightly to reach for the mug that had materialised behind her. Taking the warm mug in her right hand, she was engulfed by the aromas of the potent blend of coffee as she pressed her lips against it to begin sipping from it.

She was continuing to read the last report of the day, the one that came from the moving of the Entomology Lab while the final upgrade to Odyssey was completed: the new Temporal Observatory. Since the Odyssey left Starbase Bravo, just over three months ago, Banfield had been leading on the new systems needed to prepare Odyssey for the possible future alternative timeline that Captain McCallister had encountered at the start of the year. Now her project was coming to an end as the Temporal Observatory was built. Those working on it only believed they were building a secondary astrometrics lab. It would be down to her to complete the final parts that would make it what it needed to be.

The chime connected transparent aluminium doors, which connected her office to the large general science lab, went off. Swiping the holographic display offline, as she didn’t want anyone to see what she was working on due to its classified nature, she could see her right-hand woman standing in the doorway with a PADD or two in her hands. “Come in Abbej.” Banfield said, waving the Boslic woman in.

Abbej stepped over the threshold once the door separated in the middle. “Ma’am, I’ve just heard from stellar cartography, that their last updates to the region have been sent to Starfleet Cartography.”

Taking the PADD from her, Banfield looked down at the outline of the report. “Excellent, anything interesting?”

Shaking her head, Abbej gave a summary. “Seventeen particles of space dust per cubic metre. Forty-seven ultra-violet radiation spikes and three class one comets.”

Not appearing impressed with that, Banfield put the PADD down on her desk. “Oh, fascinating. Well certainly worthy of our attention.”

“At least we know the upgrades to the lateral sensor arrays have not affected resolution.” Abbey said, trying to sound optimistic.

“Indeed.” Banfield before drinking more of her rakitinjio. “What’s on the docket for the morning?”

“A meeting with the sub-department heads, starting at ten-hundred hours ma’am,” Abbej answered. “Nothing too exciting, just everyone feeding back how things are going. We’re also having everyone’s feedback about the cadets we have on board.”

Rubbing her cranial ridges, Banfield nodded to show she remembered the agenda. Odyssey had been selected to host several cadets as part of updates to Starfleet’s training programme. Due to the size of the vessel, Starfleet felt that it was large enough to accommodate over one hundred cadets, all of them at different stages in their careers and the person who was overseeing them as their Head of Training was her husband. Returning to a field commission of commander, Carter had agreed to the new position as it meant that he and Corella could be together. Within a month of the offer going through, they found out that their son and daughter, who were both attending Starfleet Academy, had been assigned too. They would be a whole family again. She couldn’t blame her superiors for making Captain McCallister’s offer of joining his crew any sweeter for her. It was one way, she knew, they were trying to make it up for her having to do so much.

“Sounds good, thank you Abbej,” Banfield remarked. “Can you inform each of our sub-department heads they will have no more than ten minutes to share each of their experiences so far.”

Taken back by that, the lieutenant spoke up. “Ma’am, everyone is expecting a bit more than that to discuss it. This is something that has come from the captain for each department head to review. Our department is one of the largest on the ship, surely-”

“Abbej, I’m writing the review not everyone else. They can submit further comments to me in writing. Is that clear?” Banfield asked after interrupting but she wasn’t checking, she was making her expectations now clear.

Nodding, the Boslic woman smiled half-heartedly before she left her superior’s company. As soon she was gone, Banfield looked up, still keeping her mug close in her hands. Watching Abbej walk across the general science lab, she knew she would go ahead and update the agenda with those timings. She liked Abbej, she was an excellent officer, and an extremely intelligent woman but her constant optimism could be frustrating.

Later on, Banfield returned home to her quarters to find her husband laying the dining room table out with plates and cutlery. Smiling at him as he did his task, she was pleased to be away from work. “Hey.” She said as she walked over to him.

“Good evening,” Westerham said to his wife as he greeted her with a smile and finished what he did before pulling her into a hug. “A glass of Saurian brandy?”

“A Klingon martini would sound better,” Banfield remarked into his chest. “How was your day?”

“A good kind of busy,” He answered. “Productive in fact.” Westerham moved over to the replicator of letting go of his wife to get her drink. After placing the order he looked over at her, “How comes it’s a sort of martini evening?”

Lightly pulling on her left earlobe, Banfield followed him and sat down on one of the sofas. Pulling her boots off as she spoke, “Just a long day reading reports after reports.”

“Are you missing your lectures?” He asked after taking her drink from the replicator and passing it in her direction.

Taking the drink, she smiled at the drink. It was one of her favourites. “If that’s your attempt at trying to get me to teach some of your cadets, you’ve got another thing coming!” She returned as he took a seat close beside her. “I said I would give this assignment a try.”

“And what’s not working out for you?” Westerham quizzed his wife, unsure what she wasn’t enjoying.

Rolling her eyes as she took another sip from her beverage. “It’s just…well…it’s going to sound stupid but just how efficient the science department runs on this ship.”

Westerham chuckled slightly before realising his wife was being serious. “Are you kidding me, Corella? You’re upset about how well everyone works?”

“Yes, it’s just too easy and…well boring.” She moaned slightly with a smirk. “Nothing goes wrong.”

“Add some variety, then.” He suggested.

“I am, tomorrow I’m making sub-department heads present their feedback on their cadets in a very short amount of time.” She answered.

“That’s harsh,” Westerham stated as he picked up his glass of Saurian brandy. “But I expect nothing less from you.”

“Obviously.” Banfield remarked before she asked her husband what was planned for dinner. She was starving and she didn’t know what was on the horizon for the Odyssey yet but she refused to make this a boring assignment.

She just hoped for some change and excitement soon.

“Talking about variety, there’s an event going on in the Auditorium tonight. A themed evening, I hear. Shall we go along, later on, to see what is happening?” Her husband suggested.

Shaking her head and stifling a yawn, Banfield declined the idea. “No, I want to get an early night this evening so I am fresh and ready for tomorrow’s meeting.”

Sitting across from Hunsen, Horin smiled at him as she dabbed her lips with her napkin before reaching for her glass of margarita. Picking it up and bringing it to her lips, the counsellor could smell the tequila instantly before she took a sip. It was not the first one of the evening, but by this point, she had lost count.

“I have no idea how you can drink that stuff!” Hunsen remarked after finishing a mouthful of his food and reaching for the beer beside his plate.

“Quite easily.” Horin sarcastically answered as she took another sip. Looking around the Auditorium, both Betazoids could sense everyone was enjoying themselves tonight. Tonight the Auditorium had one of its famous themed evenings, tonight it was a Barn Dance theme based on a particular genre of music from Earth called Country. Neither of them had heard of it before, but almost everyone had dressed up for it. Remi Goldman, the lounge manager, had gone all out (as he normally did with his themed evenings) to make it extra special. Decorations, music and entertainment were all geared towards the theme including the food and drink on offer. The entire Auditorium had been changed, using its holographic systems, to make it look like a barn. Haystacks were piled up and saloon push doors were by the entrances for people to enter via. When people had entered they had all been offered the chance to wear a cowboy hat (if they didn’t have one) or the chance to ride on what he called the ‘rodeo’. It was a hologram of a farm animal, a bull that people had to mount and stay on while it tried to flip them off. Those who were on it seemed to be enjoying themselves. Hanging around the room from podiums, to pillars and sides were many fairy lights that added to the extra feel that Goldman was aiming for. Even the tables and chairs were replaced by holographic trickery to look like proper furniture used from the Wild West era.

Tonight, Hunsen and Horin had decided to go to the Auditorium for dinner together. The two of them over the last few months had decided to see where their former relationship could go and was now on their tenth date. It was no secret they were dating either. They had shared the revelation with the captain privately after a senior staff meeting. It would appear now that a third of the Odyssey’s senior staff were now in serious relationships with each other and that didn’t count those who were already married or in a relationship with someone else outside the senior staff. Hunsen and Horin were sitting on the upper level of the Auditorium, having their private booth, after Hunsen had reserved it a couple of days ago. Not that they wanted to make a display of their date to everyone, but they certainly weren’t interested in having spectators. That had been one thing the captain had advised them and that was to use their discretion so they didn’t become a public source of gossip. He had been talking from experience himself, however, they understood his intentions were true to the type of leader he was.

*Did I say you look gorgeous in that dress?* Hunsen asked her telepathically.

Smirking at the compliment as she slowly placed her drink down, Horin replied to him. *More than once.* She sighed. *And did I mention that the open-collared shirt suits you?*

*More than once* He repeated as he swallowed a dash of his beer. *The hat looks good too*

*We are rocking the hats* Horin replied pointing to their cowboy hats.

The music changed and the two of them instantly looked over to see who was now performing on the main stage. Goldman had moved the stage to be in the centre of the room while a dance floor had been set up around it. Many people were enjoying the atmosphere, enjoying the dancing that was going on. However, when the music changed due to the tempo and what was being played, everyone stopped for a second. On the stage, sitting on a stall with a guitar in his hands and a spotlight on him was Theo McCallister. The captain’s youngest son (well the youngest out of the triplets) had been a regular to perform at Auditorium but after his mother’s apparent death he hadn’t played.

“Oh my,” Horin said as she placed her hand on her heart and she took in what was happening. She had been counselling the McCallister boys for some time now. Theo had lost his appetite for playing again, but here he was. “I never thought I’d see him play again.” She smiled at Hunsen who just copied the gesture back.

“Do you want to go down there?” Hunsen indicated to the dance floor.

She nodded frantically which got an instant reaction from him to take her hand and lead her down the stairs.

Wearing a black and white chequered shirt, a black cowboy hat, black denim jeans and black cowboy boots, Theo looked quite calm and in control as he started to play his guitar. He leant forward and spoke into the microphone. “This song is one that both of my parents danced to at their wedding. It’s been a long time since I’ve been up here so, I want to dedicate it to them both.”

Horin instantly saw Theo’s two other brothers and father standing to one side all looking on at Theo. Captain McCallister had a huge proud smile on his face. The captain was also standing with Master Chief Court and his two sons, Jorgeh and Wylem. Theo started to sing the ballad and the entire place went silent. Horin listened carefully to the lyrics and as she did she realised why it was one that Captain McCallister and Commander Reyas picked it. The song spoke about a relationship that went through different odds, against opposition from those who didn’t think they would make it but the couple remained strong together. It was beautiful and without realising it, she felt Hunsen place his arms around her waist and slowly they swayed to the music. Almost halfway in and people started to couple up as they slow danced to the song. Turning around and tugging on his hands, Horin took him with her to the dance floor and they began dancing in each other’s arms. Eventually, the song came to an end and everyone stopped and gave out a huge cheer and applauded the younger McCallister.

“Thank you,” Theo said down the mic again. “Now, let’s get this parted started again!” He indicated to the band around him and straight away the tempo changed to the opposite scale and the upbeat tones from before began.

Horin looked up at Hunsen as they carried on dancing. *Imazdi* she mentally whispered to him.

Smiling at hearing her say that, Hunsen looked back at her he closed the gap between them and kissed her. “Imzadi.” He whispered after they broke their embrace for a moment before returning to it.

From across the room, looking at the rodeo ride before him, Lieutenant Commanders Tomaz and Flemen were glaring at what they had to do as others rode it.

“Don’t tell me you two are scared of a hologram?” asked Lieutenant Tierra as she approached from behind both of them.

Instantly both men turned around and looked at the Deltan as she walked over with Samris and T’Rani. Scoffing at her remark, they quickly rejected her question.

“Absolutely not!” Flemen said first.

“What’s to be scared of?” Tomaz rhetorically asked.

Samris chortled at them as he placed an arm around T’Rani. “So why don’t you show us how it’s done?”

Flemen puffed out his chest as he turned to look at Samris. “Well maybe later. There’s a queue.”

“Yeah, we don’t want to be scorned for using our senior positions incorrectly.” Tomaz added.

At hearing those excuses both Tierra and Samris chuckled at that while T’Rani appeared unphased by their words. The Vulcan pilot seemed to be out of place, even though she wore similar outfits, like everyone else. Her Vulcan mannerism made her stand out from the rest of the crowd.

“I do not see how riding a wild beast is seen as entertainment.” T’Rani finally shared. “I have ridden a sehlat before, but I did not do it for enjoyment.”

Shrugging her shoulders, Tierra answered for T’Rani. “It’s one of a million Earth customs that is dangerous but Humans enjoy doing it.”

“And what is the purpose of the activity?” T’Rani questioned.

Flemen spoke up, “It’s to see who can hold on for the longest without being flipped off.”

“And what is the reward?” T’Rani interrogated further.

“Bragging rights that you did it.” Tomaz answered.

“Come on, let’s make it interesting, whoever holds on the longest gets one duty shift covered by the others.” Flemen suggested.

“I’m in.” Tomaz replied as he took a swig from the bottle of beer he was drinking from.

“Me too.” Samris answered.

Tierra nodded. “Though I won’t go on first, I’m still waiting for Abbej to turn up.” She mentioned her wife.

“She not here yet?” Flemen wondered aloud.

“No, she said she was finishing off updating the agenda for tomorrow’s science staff meeting.” Tierra mentioned.

“Reviewing the cadets?” Samris checked.

Tierra nodded. “Yeah, I believe Commander Banfield has made last-minute changes which Abbej has had to update everyone with.”

“Ouch,” Tomaz said, “that’s harsh. Is it me or is our new second officer reminding anyone of a strict teacher from their childhood with how stern she is?”

They all agreed, except T’Rani. Everyone looked at her for her comment on the new science officer. Eventually, she realised what they were waiting for and she spoke. “Commander Banfield is a strong and experienced officer. She does set her standards high and is very confident to vocalise her concerns.”

“Jeez T’Rani, keep that up and you should have my job as chief diplomatic officer.” Flemen remarked. “That’s a very polite way of agreeing she’s blunt.”

“Indeed,” T’Rani said raising an eyebrow. “Now are we proceeding with this activity or not?”

The group all agreed as they went on to take on their next challenge. However, they stopped in their tracks when they saw Doctor Slyvex already on the ride and holding on to dear life to the reigns. She appeared to be enjoying it as she took off her cowboy hat and started to wave it frantically in the air.

Walking further up to the side of the rodeo, where a white picket fence had been set up to place a barrier between its participants, the group were astonished by how long the Denobulan chief medical officer was holding on and relishing it.

T’Rani saw her friends, Lenjir and Jen both leaning against the fence. Both men were in awe of the scene before them.

“Fascinating.” She said to them.

Lenjir just nodded, still staring at the Denobulan.

“That’s one word for it.” Jen said in surprise.

A crowd started to form around the edge of the rodeo as Slyvex continued to cry out with cheers as she held on tightly to the holographic bull as it moved around rapidly trying to push her off.

She wasn’t going anywhere.

On the bridge of the Odyssey, Commander Duncan sat in the centre chair as he oversaw the last few moments of gamma shift. He had agreed to take command of gamma shift to allow others to enjoy the entertainment that was taking place decks below him in the Auditorium. Reading a PADD with the latest roster for tomorrow, he was in deep thought and concentration and so did not take any notice when the turbolift doors opened allowing for a familiar figure to strut across the deck towards him. Still unaware of the visitor, Duncan didn’t have time to react when he found himself engulfed and restrained by a long piece of rope that was hooped and now around his chest. Looking up to see who was on the other end, he tried hard to suppress his smirk.

“Pick up your boots, cowboy!” Court said instantly as he pulled himself closer to his partner. “And before you object, I have direct orders from the captain and our sons to drag you down to the Auditorium.”

Chuckling at how Court had trapped him with the rope tugged around his shoulders and the captain’s chair, Duncan tried to wriggle out but found the rope got tighter. “I’m not sure I can attend while I’m in custody, sheriff! Plus gamma shift doesn’t end for another ten minutes or so.”

Speaking up from the tactical station, Lieutenant (JG) Jisaraa came to the commander’s aid. “Sir, I can have Master Chief Court arrested for incarcerating the first officer, however, I risk the run of undermining the captain’s apparent orders. Alternatively, you could leave early and let me finish off the shift?”

Court placed a cowboy hat on top of Duncan’s head. “I like the lieutenant’s latter idea.” He added.

Pushing the hat up a bit with his right index finger, Duncan looked over to the Orion woman. “Are you sure, Jisaraa?”

“Absolutely, but if the captain didn’t order him then I’m happy to serve as a witness in Master Chief Court’s court-martial for his actions against a senior officer,” Jisarra said with a smile. Before Duncan had a chance to react, her console went off and she looked down at it. “Erm, sir, we may need to hold that idea. There’s an incoming call coming in from Starbase Bravo. Alpha priority. It’s Rear Admiral Marshall-Bennet. He wants to speak with you and the captain.”

The gentle hum of activity on the bridge went silent at hearing the news that the director of Fourth Fleet Operations was calling in to speak to the captain about an important matter. Duncan gestured for Court to get him out of the tied up rope.

“Tell the admiral, that the captain and I will be with him shortly,” Duncan commanded as he got up and called for the captain to join him in the ready room. “And then take over here on the bridge.” He looked at his partner. “Make sure you save the final dance for me. I’ll be there shortly once we’re done with the admiral.”

“So much for a fun evening,” Court grumbled before he made his way off the bridge.

The mood on the ship would shortly change as new orders were finally issued to them.

Odyssey was heading back into the action, without knowing what that action would entail.

The entire senior staff had assembled in the conference room ahead of the captain’s request, however, not all of them were sat down. McCallister and Duncan were still in the ready room speaking with Rear Admiral Bennet. Most of them were still wearing their outfits from the barn dance-themed evening that had been interrupted earlier. That was all of them besides Banfield. She was sitting at one end of the table with a mug of raktajino and a PADD in front of her. She was purposely ignoring the conversations going on around her. All of them were debating about what the admiral was briefing the captain and first officer about.

“Knowing our luck, we’ll end up being sent to the Gamma Quadrant.” grumbled Hunsen before he took a sip from the glass of water he held in his hand. Leaning against the long conference table, he was trying to sober up after having a few beers over his dinner date with Horin. Even though Slyvexs had injected them all with an anti-intoxicant, he was still feeling some of the effects of the alcohol he had consumed. He wasn’t the only one.

Horin was standing opposite him, perching on the edge of the wall console station that was used during all briefings. She held a hot chocolate in her hands as she spoke back to him. “Wrestling with the Jem’Hadar would be a change of scenery.”

“No one wants to take a rumble with the Dominion.” Slyvexs remarked as she sipped on her Tarkalean tea.

Banfield, hearing the mention of the former enemy of the Federation from over thirty years ago, looked over to Slyvexs, “Did you have a bad experience with Jem’Hadar and their Vorta babysitters, doctor?”

“Just a few,” Slyvexs answered, “I was on the Venture for the entirety of the war. We were on the frontlines quite a bit.”

Leaning back in her chair, Banfield had not known that the Denobulan doctor had been in Starfleet that long ago. “I thought your first ship was the Trinity, with Captain McCallister?”

Shaking her head, Slyvexs corrected the half-Klingon science officer. “No, I had resigned my commission after the war to spend time with my family. I returned to active service before Captain McCallister received his field promotion to captain of the Trinity. Didn’t I see in your service record you served on a Klingon ship during the war?”

Impressed the chief medical officer had done her research, Banfield nodded but didn’t share that actually during the war she was transported back in time to relieve the whole war more than once. Her posting to the Klingon battlecruiser, the Vor’nak, had been one chapter of her career she had enjoyed quite a bit. “I did, witness their warrior cultural in full gear was quite an education.”

“And I suspect gave you a higher appreciation for your mother’s heritage?” Slyvexs asked.

“Indeed.” Banfield replied simply and lifted her raktajino towards the doctor in an almost toasting-like manner. 

Slyvexs smirked at the science officer before grabbing the attention of Court, who had just walked passed her with two steaming mugs of tea in his hands. “Tobias my dear, did you hear what the admiral wanted to share with the captain and your other half?”

Court, ignoring the casual tone that Slyvexs took with him as that had been their relationship for years now, placed the two mugs down at the end of the table where McCallister and Duncan always sat at. He shook his head. “No specifics, besides it being an alpha priority call.” 

“Alpha priority?” Hunsen repeated before confirming his suspicions, “that settles it then, it’s definitely the Dominion!”

“My money is on it being the Borg.” Lenjir said as he stifled a yawn with the back of his hand. He had been slanting against the large floor to ceiling windows with T’Rani, Jen, Flemen and Tomaz. 

Confused by that statement, Jen looked to his friend. “The Borg? Really?”

“How did you reach that conclusion?” T’Rani interrogated. Her hands were grasped behind her back at the bottom of her spine. She took was intrigued by her friend’s proposition about the cybernetic civilisation that had also been belligerent enemies of the Federation in the last century.

“We’ve not heard anything from the Borg for years,” Lenjir stated, “And I reckon one of the ships sent to the Delta Quadrant have found an entire secret armada that’s heading towards the Federation. Starfleet is assembling an armada to take them on.”

“You have such a vivid imagination, Cline, you really do.” Jen said as he dismissed his friend’s idea with a shake of his head and took his usual chair in the centre of the table.

“Romulans.” Banfield stated.

“Pardon, commander?” Jen asked her. 

“Romulans.” She reiterated before explaining her idea. “There’s still a lot of instability in the three powers that succeeded the former Romulan Star Empire. I suspect that something has happened within one of them. We’re close to their space and with the ship’s history of being close to the Romulan evacuation, it comes to reason that Starfleet would want to send someone like Captain McCallister and this crew to deal with such an issue.”

The whole room had gone quiet as they listened to Banfield’s theory. 

Hunsen then broke the silence. “I’m still thinking it’s the Dominion.”

“It’s the Borg.” Lenjir argued with a smirk.

The port doors then opened allowing for McCallister and Duncan to enter. 

“That took a long time.” Court remarked in a concerned tone, only loud enough for Duncan to hear. He passed the mug he had prepared for his partner.

“Thanks.” Duncan whispered before he took the drink. He nodded in agreement with what he and the captain had just heard from the admiral. 

“Thank you everyone for being so patient,” McCallister said bringing the meeting to a start. He gestured for everyone to gather around and sit down. Seeing the drink waiting for him, he looked up to Court and thanked him. “It’s not good news, I’m afraid.”

“When is it ever?” Slyvexs countered as she took her chair beside Court. 

“Starfleet Intelligence has been monitoring a situation that is taking place in the Romulan Star Empire.” McCallister began to explain what was happening that had everyone in the top brass concerned. During his explanation most of the senior staff had glanced over to Banfield over the fact her suspicions had come true. She sat there with an almost smug expression on her face. McCallister continued the briefing to show everyone the region they were about to be involved with. “Ladies and Gentlemen, let me present to you the Velorum Sector.” McCallister tapped a button on the table and activated a holographic display showing the star charts that belonged to the three Romulan nations. Another tap zoomed in on an area belonging to the Romulan Star Empire. It went from being green to grey in territorial claims. Several systems were identified with floating labels. McCallister followed on with the information they needed to know. “In its heyday, this was the pinnacle home of the Star Empire’s resources. Rich in dilithium and every other material you can think of to maintain the fleet and keep the Empire in power. It is, well it was one of the most secured areas in the Star Empire. When the old Romulan Star Empire splintered, those still loyal to the Star Empire idealogy secured the sector from anyone else grabbing it. Neither the Romulan Free State nor the Romulan Republic had a chance to take control. It has been the lifeline for the Star Empire’s existence, until recently. The sector itself has a large working-class population, most of them Reman or those undesired in Romulan society. That said, due to the wealth of the sector, it attracted some of the Empire’s finest metallurgists as well as those businesses wanting to make something out of it. However, that has all changed. The workers have revolted, a provisional government has been put in place and they’ve requested Federation aid.”

Everyone remained silent but everyone had the same question in their minds. It was plastered across their faces.

“Doesn’t that go against the Prime Directive? If we go in, aren’t we interfering with the internal matters of another state?” Flemen asked, being the diplomat in the room he knew it would be his job to deal with this matter as much as the captain and first officer.

“No,” Duncan replied instantly. “As a provisional government has been set up and their request is purely around us supporting their right to self-governance, then we have a bit of leeway. Their leader is keen for Starfleet’s assistance.”

“I bet they are.” Tomaz reacted with that notion. “What do we know about them? A disgruntled Romulan governor?”

“His Reman.” McCallister answered his strategic operations officer.

“Reman?” Horin repeated and shared the same surprise with everyone else in the room, besides T’Rani. “Am I sensing a repetition of deja vu here?”

“What do you mean Louwanna?” Duncan quizzed the counsellor.

“Haven’t we seen the Remans uprise before back in twenty-three-seventy-nine?” Horin answered back with her own question.

“Are you referring to the Shinzon coup d’état that involved the Enterprise-E?” Slyvexs asked the counsellor and she got a nod back in response from the Betazoid. “Well let’s hope we’re not about to deal with any thalaron radiation.”

Waving his hands slightly to dismiss that idea, McCallister alleviated his crew’s fears. “No, from what we’ve been briefed this has nothing to do with that incident and what Starfleet has in mind won’t involve just a single ship. The Fourth Fleet is being mobilised to render aid.”

“The admiral was pretty adamant that the top brass want this venture to go without a hitch and hopefully it will help with relations with the Romulan people.” Duncan added.

“In other words, Starfleet wants to make amends for its faux pas with the evacuation of Romulus.” Flemen summarised.

“Something like that,” McCallister assured before tapping another button on the table. He took a sip from his tea as the map zoomed in further on to one specific star system. “Anyone recognises this place?”

A good number of them did by their reaction. Tomaz, Banfield, Horin and Flemen didn’t. 

“The Vorash system,” T’Rani stated. “Is this our intended destination?”

“Indeed.” McCallister answered with a couple of soft nods.

“Talk about a blast from the past.” Jen muttered.

Those who were not aware of it looked to their peers for answers. 

“What’s so special about the Vorash system?” Tomaz queried. 

Banfield sat up straight, “Is this the system where after you all saved a large convoy of refugees from Romulus and Remus from Nausicaan attackers that you help settle on?”

“Top marks for our chief science officer,” Slyvexs said with a small clap. “If memory serves me well, the Vorash system sits on the edge of the Velorum Sector and quite close to the Romulan Republic.”

“It does,” McCallister stated. “As the closest ship and the one that has the relations with its inhabitants, Starfleet wants us to go in and check a few things out.”

Jen, who had not been on the ship during this mission did though know what had happened from his own experience of travelling with the captain into the ship’s past during the recent temporal paradox they had encountered. He looked down at the captain, “Didn’t you tell me, sir, that the refugees you all saved saw you all as local heroes?”

“Hence why we are being sent in. Our presence may help resolve a situation that we’ve been informed of.” McCallister acknowledged as he activated another set of displays on the large wall console that sat behind some of them. “For those of you who are not aware of who we dealt with during that mission, let me introduce you to Jew’leanar.” A picture of a Romulan woman wearing a navy blue large headscarf appeared. “Jew’leanar is the leader of Qowat Milat covenant on Vorash.”

“Qowat Milat?” Banfield questioned.

“Romulan warrior nuns who are obsessed with absolute candour.” Court filled her in on.

“When we last left Vorash, the inhabitants who were all refugees had agreed that they didn’t want a planetary government set up. They just wanted a quiet life after everything they had gone through. So they left most of the administration to the Qowat Milat. Vorash itself was an old mining colony that had been abandoned for almost a century, however, the Reman miners that had joined them had discovered a large deposit of dilithium crystals that had never been found before. Star Empire officials at the time had insisted that the settlers either leave the planet or a military presence would be placed to oversee them. With our help, Jew’leanar negotiated a deal which ensured that the settlers remained a part of the Star Empire but in return, no military presence was allowed to touch foot on Vorash. As part of that agreement, a third party was brought in to assist with the mining of the new deposits of dilithium. This person was,” McCallister paused as he activated another image on the display. This time a Ferengi woman appeared, “DaiMon Deliaros.”

“The life and soul of the new Ferengi Alliance female business movement,” Lenjir remarked. “She was quite a…vibrant soul .”

“That’s one way of saying it,” Duncan muttered as he shuddered at the mention of the DaiMon. “She is the epitome of what the new reforms of Ferengi society wanted when they gave women the right to make a profit. She was a spoiled, shrill, gold-digging socialite who earned most of her money on the back of her former husband’s businesses.”

Hunsen chuckled somewhat. “She had a thing for Max during this mission,” He briefed the others that had not been there to experience the delights of this Ferengi. “When we first met her she normally had a glass of some alcoholic drink in her hand and was demanding her crew and servants to do things for her like you wouldn’t believe.”

“She sounds charming,” Horin remarked. “How was she involved in all of this?”

Concealing a smirk as he looked at his first officer at first and then at the counsellor, McCallister answered her question. “Max was able to convince her to change her ways after he showed her the impact her work could have on those who were suffering. It turns out that the DaiMon did have a heart.”

“Buried under layers and layers of pure darkness,” Duncan added. “She kept on calling me ‘honey’ and her voice could pierce right through parametallic hull plating. 

“Anyway, she agreed to support the refit and rebuilding of the mining operations for a very small fee as well as providing the transports between the settlement and the rest of the Star Empire. The only thing that the Romulan Star Empire had to do was provide military aid to the planet.” McCallister reported. “We remained at Vorash for a long time, almost four months, where we helped build the infrastructure of the settlement. Homes, power grids, a hospital, you name it we did it with the settlers. We installed a communication network in orbit as well as several other satellites so they could monitor who was approaching and entering the system. Before we left though Max pulled one more trick out of its hat and got DaiMon Deliaros to use some of her influence in providing further business opportunities to the planet so that they could use the resources it did have to purchase further items like medicines and equipment. She agreed, again for a small cut of the farming communities they were establishing. The last we heard everything was running smoothly.”

“Until now?” Hunsen guessed.

Nodding, McCallister went on. “With the changes in the Velorum Sector, Resak the new leader of this provisional government has lost contact with the Vorash system. DaiMon Deliaros also reported that contact has been lost with two of her freighters who were on their way to the settlement for their routine collection. To top it all off, long-range scans indicate that a Romulan warbird, belonging to the Republic, has been spotted heading towards the system. We’re going to head out there, see what is happening and provide whatever support we can bring.”

“Is Starfleet only sending us?” Tomaz asked.

“We’ll be the only Starfleet vessel going, for now, if we require further support then relief ships will be sent across the border,” McCallister replied. “However, we won’t be going alone.” He then turned and smirked at Duncan to explain the next bit.

Sighing heavily, Duncan spoke up. “DaiMon Deliaros will be joining us. She is bringing her flagship, the Breevahosen, to meet us on the edge of the Vorash system.”

A few chuckles were elicited at hearing that news, including one from Court who got a stern look from his partner. He returned the expression by grabbing hold of Duncan’s hand in support but still laughing somewhat. 

McCallister spoke over the top of them to bring them back together. “She also kindly agreed to send a hospital ship plus cargo vessels containing resources to support with any humanitarian aid needed for the colony.” 

“That’s very generous of her,” Hunsen stated with a smirk, looking at his friend who was annoyed at the situation they were about to be in. He knew just too well how much time and effort Duncan had put in with that woman. She was a constant flirt back in the day and thoroughly enjoyed her time with Duncan. “What is she expecting in return?”

“Starfleet agreeing to send us as her escorts is all that she officially wants, but that said the admiral did pass a comment that she had asked if Max was still with us. She appeared quite excited that he was now the first officer.” McCallister explained. “Are there any questions?”

Everyone was still amused by the apparent upcoming shenanigans they may witness their first officer dealing with. 

“Good, then T’Rani set a course for the Vorash system. The rest of you I want you to review our records and the latest reports. Let’s get this right and see what is happening out there. Thank you, dismissed.”

As everyone started to file out, Duncan remained behind and looked at Court. “I hope you plan to defend my honour against this DaiMon?”

“Are you kidding me?” Court said as he stood up and looked up at his partner, “I’m planning to cheer the captain on in whatever he has planned on using you to our advantage.”

“Oh, thanks!” Duncan protested slightly as he got up too. “Maybe the boys will protect me.”

“You’ll be lucky!” Court remarked as he took hold of Duncan’s hand and placed a kiss on his cheek. “They’ll be more interested to know how you convinced a Ferengi businesswoman to become the good Samaritan.”

“Which I’m sure you’ll enjoy explicitly telling them?” Duncan checked as they started to head out towards the exit.

“Absolutely.” Court returned as they went through the threshold. 

Chuckling at hearing the exchange between his first officer and master chief, McCallister picked up his PADD and mug before he noticed Banfield still sitting. “Everything okay commander?” 

Banfield looked at him. “Yes sir.” She paused before speaking again. “Permission to speak freely?”

Wondering where she was going with it, McCallister gave her the nod to do so. 

“Commander Jen implied he knew about this mission in front of everyone, he was referring to your experience during the Century Paradox.” Banfield stated.

“Your point?” McCallister asked after a heavy sigh.

“It will be admissible of me to say that it goes against the Temporal Prime Directive for him to share such knowledge,” Banfield stated.

  Shaking his head, McCallister couldn’t believe that Banfield was raising this. “Nothing from our mission on Vorath is classified under any directive, including the Temporal Prime Directive. On top of that commander, may I remind you, that you were the one that has debriefed everyone who was in this room and even briefed those who need to be aware of what may happen in the future? I trust these people to do their jobs.”

“That does not excuse-” Banfield started but was stopped mid-sentence by McCallister.

“Enough!” McCallister commanded in a stern voice. “You agreed to join this ship to help prepare us for what is going to come. I do not have an issue with what Lukiz raised and neither should you. Am I clear Commander Banfield?”

Realising she had struck a nerve, Banfield nodded. “Aye, sir.”

“Good, you’re dismissed, commander.” He said emphasizing each word and glaring at her before she moved and left his company. 

The moment the doors closed behind her, he dropped into his seat. Shaking his head, he started to wonder if bringing Banfield into the fold was the smartest move he had made. That said, he remembered the moves he took when he was last at Vorash and was certain he had continued to make good ones ever since then. It was the first time that he realised he didn’t have Karyn to back him up. 

It felt strange, it felt different, he felt alone. 

“Are you certain it’s them?” McCallister checked from where he was sitting. He peered over the shoulder of his wife’s console to be certain they had found what they had been searching for.

Nodding to confirm, Reyas pointed to the live sensor readings coming off from her long-range scans. “Look here, the subspace distortion is pretty big for it to be something that natural plus the increase in gravitational energy suggests the use of several micro artificial quantum singularities.”

Glancing at the readings she was displaying on the primary science station on Odyssey’s bridge, McCallister couldn’t argue with her conclusion. “Then I think we’ve struck gold.”

“Does anyone want to shout out dabo then?” Commander Cambil asked, sarcastically, from the security and tactical station. 

Chuckling a bit at his chief security and tactical officer’s suggestion, McCallister didn’t comment back as he got up and prepared for their next move. Moving across the room towards the centre of the bridge, he was joined by his first officer. 

“JP, could be the real McCoy? Commander Zachary Hawkins asked quietly the captain. Concern was clearly etched into his tone.  The informal approach was something the two of them had been trying recently to build a decent and trustworthy relationship between them. They were still in their infancy of developing their dynamic as captain and first officer, but they were getting there. Slowly. The use of McCallister’s nickname was something the captain had insisted that Hawkins did when it was just between them. 

“We can only take a look, Number One,” McCallister replied with a sigh as he crossed his arms against his chest. He knew they were risking quite a bit chasing this lead-up but McCallister felt it was the right thing to do. Turning to his pilot, he looked down at the young Betazoid at the helm. “Tremt, the moment we have a positive lock on coordinates I want you lay in an intercept course that keeps us on our side of the border.”

Hunsen turned his head just over his left shoulder, “Sir, if these scans are correct they’re moving at a speed less than warp five plus they’re not quite in the Neutral Zone yet.”

“Then ahead warp seven and get us as close to them as you can without making a crossing.” McCallister commanded as he moved towards his chair. Hawkins joined him as they both sat down in their chairs almost at the same time. 

Hunsen nodded as he adjusted the ship’s heading and took the ship to warp speeds.

“Captain,” Lieutenant Duncan said from the chair to the captain’s left, “I’ve been reviewing these files from that merchant we helped, I’m concerned if these people would want our help.”

Turning to his chief counsellor and chief diplomatic officer, McCallister looked at the lieutenant for further clarity. “What makes you think that, counsellor?”

“Just reading over these transcripts between the merchant and those he interacted with, I’m convinced they will see the Federation as the last port of call they want to go to,” Duncan stated. “Which I know is something that most refugees from the Star Empire feel now, but I’m not sure how successful we’ll be here.”

“That’s not a tone of doom, I hear is it, Max?” McCallister quietly asked. 

Duncan looked at his superior, “I’m just trying to be pragmatic here, sir. Other Starfleet ships have reported serious confrontations from other refugees they’ve encountered. We should prepare for the same.”

Hawkins smirked at how Duncan had just answered their superior. Being the man who had served under the counsellor’s father for a long time, he knew when he was channelling his inner ‘Luke Duncan’. He knew that the counsellor was worried that Starfleet would be on McCallister’s back for undertaking a possible wild-goose chase when the Federation had pulled out of the Romulan evacuation efforts. “I don’t think there’s any harm in us investigating a possible security concern to the Federation’s border.” He looked at Duncan and gave him that look to get on board with using that as an idea to get them around the issue of the top brass being annoyed with them. 

Catching on, Duncan nodded. “Well, a possible task group of seventy-two ships so close to the Federation space is suspicious.”

“We need to analyse the threat on all levels” Hawkins added with a wink.

McCallister looked between both men and shook his head. “Are you two quite finished?” He asked before turning his focus to his counsellor. “Anyway, if that merchant turns out to be selling us false information then I’m sending you back to her, lieutenant.”

Duncan shuddered. “Really, sir?” 

“The DaiMon appeared to like you a lot.” McCallister teased.

“Pimping your counsellor out to the local Ferengi business – is that against Starfleet regulations?” Cambil asked from behind Hawkins’ chair.

“It certainly is.” Duncan protested, appreciating the slight support from the Bajoran security chief. 

Turning around in her chair, Lieutenant Ky’Limonagutrei looked at the others. The Efrosian woman seemed bewildered by the topic being discussed. Pushing her pure white long straight hair behind her left ear, she was intrigued to know more. “Sir,” She said looking at the captain, “do you honestly believe that DaiMon Deliaros truly had a sexual attraction towards Counsellor Duncan?”

Laughing at the lieutenant’s direct, blunt and purely innocent tone in asking such a question, McCallister held his breath before he answered her. “I’m not sure if that’s true enough but she certainly enjoyed negotiating with him.”

Turning to Duncan, the ops manager continued to be intrigued by the matter. “Did you not enjoy her calling you ‘honey’?” 

“That I could cope with,” Duncan answered, “it was the constant drinking that got to me Ky’Li. I don’t think I’ve had so much anti-intoxicant pumped into my blood since my academy years.” He rubbed his forehead at the thought of how much he had to drink with the Ferengi businesswoman as a sort of trauma he had to endure.

“I take it then you’ll be detoxing for the next month, then Max?” Hunsen asked his friend from the helm.

“A month?” Duncan countered back. “More like the rest of the year.”

A warning started to go off at Reyas’ station which caused everyone to stop their conversation. McCallister looked over to his wife, “We got a probably, Karyn?”

Peering over the update from their sensors, Reyas nodded. “The subspace distortion just entered the Neutral Zone. I’m getting a better reading of what it is now we are closer. I am detecting a range of vessels, all ships, sizes and configurations. I think we’ve found our missing convoy.”

Hearing this, McCallister ordered the ship to go to yellow alert. “Ky’Lie, send a message to the vessels, introducing them to who we are and inform them we are approaching them to determine their intentions.”

The Efrosian woman nodded as she proceeded with her work. “Message sent.” She confirmed.

“Tremt, how long until we intercept?” McCallister checked with his pilot.

Hunsen looked down at his console and then back up before answering. “Another hour at our current speed.”  

“Increase our speed to warp nine.” McCallister commanded.

Leaning in slightly, Hawkins spoke close to his captain’s ear, “Would it be advisable we inform Starfleet what we’re investigating?”

“Not yet, Number One,” McCallister quietly said shaking his head. “I want to get a bigger picture here, but have the Aquarius prepared and ready for immediate launch.”

Alarmed at hearing his captain’s order, Duncan shot a look at him. “Sir, they may not pose a tactical threat to us.”

“Thay may not, but I’m not taking a chance. If Karyn’s scans are confirmed of finding clues they’ve got artificial quantum singularities in their ships, then we don’t know what they’re punching.” McCallister said, easing his counsellor down. 

“Sir, we are being hailed,” announced Ky’Li after the incoming call alarm went off at her station. “It’s the lead ship.”

Hearing that, McCallister gave a look of concern and intrigue to both Hawkins and Duncan before he stood up. Tugging on his jacket he nodded to his ops manager to open a channel. “Open a channel.”

The viewscreen changed to show a close-up view of a Reman. The camera feed was zoomed in so much everyone on the bridge could see the yellow around his eyes. “Odyssey. We…are the Reman mining vessel, Loruk. I am Captain Veruk.”

“Captain Veruk, I am pleased to see…”

“Do not approach our convoy.” Veruk stated instantly interrupting McCallister.

Taking back by that, McCallister remained composed in his response. “Your convoy is pretty close to Federation space, I want to know why.”

“We are fleeing to our home.” The Reman answered before closing the channel instantly.

No one said anything for a moment.

“Well he’s not the chatty type, is he?” Hawkins said to no one in particular. 

Sighing somewhat, McCallister considered his next move. “Number One, inform Starfleet what we’ve encountered and see if there are any other Starfleet vessels nearby.”

“Are we really going to confront them, sir?” Duncan asked with a slight tone of concern.

Turning back around and returning to his chair, McCallister gave his response as he sat down. “I want my answers, lieutenant and I won’t have a massive number of ships sit so close to our border without knowing what is going on.” 

“Understood, sir.” Duncan said, showing his support for the captain’s decision.

“Tremt, go to maximum warp,” McCallister ordered the pilot before giving out his next order. “Red Alert, all hands to Battlestations!”

If the convoy was a tactical threat to Federation space, then McCallister wouldn’t turn up without being prepared fully. 

“Message from Deep Space Nineteen sir, the Miranda, the Roehampton, the Thesis, the Gryphon and the Akagi are being sent to support. They’ll hold a position near to us on our side of the border, awaiting your instructions. Other ships are being called in but it will take some time.” Hawkins reported.

“Good, let’s hope seeing a range of Starfleet’s finest so close by would be enough to get Veruk to open up a bit more.” McCallister said as he tightened his grip around the edge of his armchair. Would he be sending the request for them to join them in stopping a large convoy of ships from entering Federation space or would they be coming in to help refugees? 

He just hoped that Veruk didn’t force his hand.

Stepping out of the ready room with a mug of tea in his hand, Captain McCallister was taken back a bit by what he walked into. The bridge was almost empty which was not right for the start of alpha shift. What confused him further was seeing Master Chief Court sitting in his chair, with the holographic controls operational on either side of the armrests. It was rare for even McCallister to use them as they were primarily designed when there was a skeleton crew, or just even one person on board and the ship’s automation systems were pretty much operating at one-hundred percent.

“Tobias, where is everyone?” McCallister called over to him as he stepped up towards the middle. “And why are you sitting in my chair?”

Court pointed with his right thumb to the aft section of the bridge. “Blame Max for us being short on the ground here this morning, sir.”

Looking behind to where his master chief was directing him, McCallister noticed his first officer, chief diplomatic officer, chief strategic operations officer and what looked like his son. All of them had their backs to him as they operated the range of aft mission ops consoles. 

Making his way over, he called to them. “Good Morning.” 

Turning around they all replied with a similar greeting. It was Duncan who went further.

“Sorry, sir, you were busy in the ready room and with our arrival in the next few hours at Vorash, I wanted everyone to do one more check that we are ready for anything that awaits us. I ordered all department heads to conduct final meetings and tie up any loose ends. We’ll have a shipwide status update within the hour and before we cross the border.”

Appreciating the extra caution that Duncan had undertaken, McCallister agreed to it with a nod. Looking at what they were up to, McCallister inquired what he, Flemen, Tomaz and his son was doing. 

“Final research and catching up on the last decade and a half of Romulan and Reman politics,” Duncan answered. “Plus, sharing some stories from our last visit to Vorash.” 

“Anything of interest?” McCallister asked the group.

Tomaz spoke up to answer him. “Starfleet Intelligence hasn’t heard anything from the inhabitants on the Vorash system since Odyssey left it.”

“Well, that’s what they wanted, to keep to themselves and away from the galactic stage,” McCallister said referring to the refugees they helped save shortly after the ship was launched. “Any other dangers we should be aware of?”

“Nothing directly involving Vorash, sir, but now that the fleet is mobilised we are getting reports in about some worlds seeing some backlash from their inhabitants about the Psi Velorum Sector provisional government requesting Federation aid,” Duncan stated as he pointed at a list of reports that were on one of the screens. “It seems to be only low-level protests, nothing serious has taken place to hamper our relief efforts, however, I’ve just seen a report that the Endeavour was attacked upon its arrival in one of the systems.”

Knowing that Duncan had worked closely with Captain Rourke and his crew during the Archanis Campaign over a year ago, McCallister was aware that Duncan owed Rourke a debt of gratitude. “Casualties?”

“None on our side, thankfully, but it would seem the Romulan Star Empire forces that Captain Rourke engaged weren’t happy about seeing the arrival of one Starfleet’s finest,” Duncan advised. “I suggest we go to yellow alert the moment we cross the border.”

“Agreed,” McCallister said with confidence. He wasn’t going to enter former Romulan space and be caught not prepared. “Do we know how well the Endeavour has been received?” He asked further.

“We’re still awaiting further reports from them, sir,” Tomaz replied. “Nevertheless, we can safely say that the new Endeavour was able to hold her ground against the ships she dealt with. Hopefully the same could be said for the Odyssey.”

“I’m hoping we don’t have to fight anyone where we’re heading.” McCallister countered back as he started to glance over the reports his men were reviewing. 

“Endeavour was supported by the local defence force, unfortunately, we’ll only have a Ferengi DaiMon covering our back.” Duncan remarked. 

“Grand DaiMon,” Flemen said from his console as he turned around to face the captain and first officer. “The commander’s dear friend has received a promotion.”

“A Grand DaiMon?” McCallister questioned looking between Flemen and Duncan. “Is that like a Fleet Captain?” 

“More like an honouree Commodore, sir,” Flemen answered as he brought up Deliaros’s file. “About five years ago she received a sort of promotion, from the Grand Nagus for her exemplary services to the Ferengi Alliance.” 

McCallister turned to Duncan, “I hope you’ve got that dress uniform pressed and ready to go?”

“It’s already hanging up!” Court shouted from the centre of the bridge.

His response elicited several chuckles from the others besides Duncan. 

Trying to restore some calmness to the room, Duncan raised his hands up. “Well with the captain’s permission, I’d like to bring Lieutenant Commanders Flemen and Tomaz along for the ride when I deal with the Grand DaiMon herself.”

Smirking at his first officer’s intentions, McCallister gave him a look to say he loved his cruelty but went with it. “Sounds good to me, the extra training on the job for the Command Training Program will only help them.”

Both men were about to protest and then realised they had no choice in the matter.

“Talking about training, sir, Cadet McCallister has been assigned to my department for the upcoming month, I’d like him to remain by my side as my aide-de-camp.” Flemen requested as he look between his superior and his superior’s son who sat to the left of him. 

McCallister frowned at that idea originally. “Craigen, the diplomatic department already has assistants, why would you need the cadet?”

“Seeing the diplomatic department in full swing is rare sir, I think he’d appreciate the opportunity.” Flemen reported.

Seeing how eager his son was as much as Flemen was, McCallister knew he couldn’t make that call. He wasn’t going to use his rank to favour his son, who was just barely a first-year cadet. Turning to Duncan, he asked his first officer to make the final decision. “As long as he doesn’t get sent into any dangerous situations, then yes for this mission he can be by your side but you are responsible for him Craigen.” Duncan acknowledged the thank you from the young cadet before he turned back to the captain. “Talking of cadets, everyone besides one department has submitted their response to your review of the impact of the cadet training unit we’ve had on board.” He passed McCallister a PADD that was sitting on the side.

McCallister took the PADD and began to skim read the summary points. “Which department have we not heard from yet?”

“Mine,” spoke Banfield who appeared at the top of the small ramp that helped anyone enter the small drop-down area where the mission ops stations were. Walking across the small distance between her and McCallister, the science chief passed a PADD towards the captain. “I apologise sir, but I’ve only just finished my report after hearing recommendations from my sub-department heads.”

Appreciating the better-than-late gesture, McCalister took the PADD and noticed how Duncan was irked by her tardiness. “I’m certain Commander Duncan wanted this in sooner, just like every other department head was able to do.” He remarked to the woman before him.

Standing strong in her posture before him, Banfield held her hands behind her back, feet just a few centimetres apart. “And normally sir I aim to be the first one, especially as I am your second officer,” Banfield told him, “however my time serving as a professor at Starfleet Academy gave me a unique opportunity to truly analyse the performance of the unit so far from the other department heads.”

“You’re out of line, commander,” Duncan said taking one step close to her. “That’s not the job you were asked to do as chief science officer.”

“But,” Banfield said emphasising that word, “my position as the second officer requires me to support you both with personnel matters. The protocol for this is quite clear. I felt combining my report along with my analysis and suggestions would be valuable.”

Not appreciating the tone she was taking, Duncan continued to hold his ground with her. “Commander, however much I appreciate your efforts there is still one factor you are missing with all of this.”

“I do not believe I am.” Banfield answered bluntly.

“Your husband leads the unit,” Duncan said. “Others may say your analysis may include some personal bias in your suggestions. Hence why I did not require you to fulfil that obligation with this matter.”

Realising that Duncan had won this round but had also done something to look out for her, Banfield bowed her head as a combined sign of respect and to show she was sorry. “My deepest regrets, sir.”

Duncan sighed. “We’re all on the same team here, commander.” He reminded her.

“Well now that’s cleared up,” McCallister said interrupting the exchange between his two most senior officers. “What’s the overall verdict?” McCallister gestured for them to walk out of the mission ops area as they headed towards where most of the science stations were located.   

“The fourth and third-year cadets are performing extremely well sir; most department heads have concerns about the second-year cadets.” Duncan answered as he leaned against one of the consoles. 

Banfield nodded in support of Duncan’s report as she crossed her arms. “I would concur with that assessment.” 

McCallister then realised they were missing something. He turned them. “What about first-year?”

Duncan and Banfield looked at one another before turning back to McCallister. Both showed unease. 

“Sir, your son is the only first-year cadet we have.” Banfield stated. 

“He’s only four months into his training, sir. I think it’s a bit too premature to discuss his performance.” Duncan added, showing some appreciative look towards Banfield.

Rubbing the back of his head, McCallister sighed at how they were tip-toeing around the matter. “I don’t like it. He should be on Earth or Mellstoxx attending a proper campus and interacting with other first-year cadets.” He looked at Banfield. “Seriously, Corella, tell me, what does Carter think about Alfie?”

A bit startled she was placed on the spot there and then, especially with the captain being informal with her by referring to her husband by his first name and using hers as well. She recovered quickly. “Well, sir, he thinks Alfie is a very capable student and works extremely hard.”

“There’s a ‘but’ coming.” McCallister predicted aloud.

“You’re right, he is missing out on being able to share his learning with others in a similar position as him,” Banfield answered honestly. “He needs to be thrown in the deep end and outside of his comfort zone to see if he would sink or survive.”

Rubbing his chin, Duncan spoke up. “We knew this may come up, but with him and the rest of the family dealing with the loss of Karyn, we had to give him his time.” 

Starting to feel awful for allowing Alfie to carry on when he knew he should have put a stop to it, McCallister sighed heavily. “Suggestions?”

“He’s already getting extra private tuition from others on the crew, just like Craigen is doing now. It’s just a shame we don’t have any other first-year cadets for him to share that experience with.” Duncan said, sounding like he was at a loss with ideas. 

Banfield thought for a moment and then looked at them both. “I do have one other suggestion,” She mentioned as she looked at Duncan. “But I’m not sure if Commander Duncan or Master Chief Court would approve.”

Standing up straight instantly, Duncan knew where Banfield was going with her thinking. “It’s a no.” He said sharply.

“Hang on,” McCallister said holding his hand out towards his first officer to calm down. “What’s the idea, commander?” He posed to Banfield.

Lowering her voice, she answered. “We know that Commander Duncan’s son, Jorgeh, will join Starfleet eventually from the paradox. Have him start his career early so he and Alfie train together.”

“Absolutely not.” Duncan said again, sounding more assertive this time. He looked at Banfield, “And what happened to not discussing the paradox in public?”

“Everyone here has been read in, the temporal prime directive isn’t in play,” Banfield responded. She looked at the captain. “Sir, we know to maintain the timeline that Jorgeh will need to take this path.”

“We don’t know when though,” Duncan said, still not liking the idea. “Plus he has only been on the Odyssey for about five months now. He’s still in therapy and he hasn’t had much formal education. Throwing him into the deep end with Starfleet Academy is not an option.”

“From what I’ve read regarding his grades, he is achieving at the top of his class as is his brother Wylem. Doctor Slyvexs believes their species may possess an eidetic memory, this may be a trait of the Rylsant species we’re unaware of. Nevertheless, it’s a gift that I believe should be cultivated.” Banfield explained.

“He’s not ready,” Duncan said again more firmly. “He is trying to process the trauma of what he endured and throwing him into such an intense environment is not healthy for him.”

“Has he not developed a strong relationship with Cadet McCallister?” Banfield queried.

“Yes,” Duncan admitted. “The two of them are inseparable most evenings now.”

“Both of them share a keen intellect,” Banfield stated before looking at McCallister. “Sir, can I be frank and honest about all of this?”

McCallister was close to denying her request, the last time it had happened he had almost lost his complete cool with her, but he knew he had to remain objective as this included his son’s career. No personal bias was allowed. “Go ahead, but let’s keep it respectful.”

She nodded once before speaking. “Due to the unique situation that Cadet McCallister finds himself in, or will in the future, we agreed that he would remain on the Odyssey to undertake his initial studies as well as using this time to familiarise himself with the technical aspects of the Odyssey. This was agreed by the Academy’s admission panel. He will most likely go to Mellstoxx Campus later this year when the new year starts. My advice talking to one former Academy professor to another, as well as a parent, let Alfie use this time to prepare himself for what awaits him in this possible future. Have him sit his first year, properly when he attends the campus later on.”

“That seems a bit unfair.” Duncan stated. 

Banfield looked at Duncan, “But it’s not unheard of.” She turned back to McCallister. “Others have deferred their time before and in the meantime why not provide Jorgeh with the opportunity to study with Alfie?”

McCallister and Duncan looked at one another. “What do you think, Max?” 

Duncan sighed and requested permission for him to call Court over. McCallister agreed with it and before long Duncan had summarised their discussion. “Thoughts?”

Court shrugged his shoulders. “You’ve said it yourself all along Max, both Jorgeh and Wylem need some normality in their lives. We know that Jorgeh has expressed an interest in Starfleet. He’s always asking us questions about our time in the uniform at any chance he gets. I say give him a taste.”

“He’d need a recommendation letter as his Federation citizenship is still in process.” Duncan said, trying to hold onto anything straw he could grab. 

“I can do that.” McCallister replied.

“I’d be happy to support it.” Banfield shared. “That said, I think to help Commander Duncan’s concerns we should discuss this with Counsellor Horin. I believe she’s been working with Jorgeh and Wylem since the incident in the Delta Quadrant. She’s the best person to tell us if this is the right idea for Jorgeh, as well as what we’ve discussed about Alfie. Furthermore, to avoid anyone feeling there’s any biassed treatment towards Alfie and Jorgeh, I’d be happy to tutor them.”

“I’d appreciate that,” Duncan said, sounding somewhat surprised at Banfield’s thoughtful idea. “I’m happy to speak with Louwanna about it.”

“Let me do it.” Court insisted. “You’ve got a Grand DaiMon to prepare for.”

McCallister concealed a smirk at Court’s little dig by placing his hand over his mouth. “Let’s keep this in the back while we deal with Vorath. Thank you, everyone.” 

At that point, the turbolift doors parted out as the rest of the alpha shift started to arrive. 

“Our peace is broken.” Court muttered sarcastically with a smirk as the four of them started to break away from their little gathering.

Before she could walk away, McCallister took hold of Banfield’s arm gentle. “I do appreciate your support with Alfie, Corella.”

For the first time since she joined his crew, Banfield smiled. “I know we’ve not seen eye to eye on some things, sir, but I am genuine when I say I only want is best for your son. I’ve lived with the after-effects of a temporal anomaly. They are never the easiest, so if I can prevent anyone from having to suffer from them then I will. That includes you as well, sir. You have my support.”

“Corella…” McCallister was slightly speechless and was about to compliment her when T’Rani (who had just sat down at the helm) interrupted him. 

“Sir, we’re fifteen minutes away from the border and long-range sensors have picked up that warbird from the Romulan Republic. They appeared to have increased speed to their highest velocity towards Vorash.” The pilot announced. 

McCallister appeared to deflate at hearing those words as his primary mission was now pulling him back in. He just smiled at Banfield before letting go of her as he walked across to the centre of the bridge to assume proper command. “When will they enter the system?”

“Two hours before we do, sir, but if we increase speed to maximum warp now then we can be in the system with approximately three point seven hours ahead of them.” T’Rani suggested.

Duncan, who had taken his chair to the captain’s right-hand side, spoke up. “Having that extra time might be worthwhile, sir. It does mean we miss the rendezvous with DaiMon Deliaros.”

“Grand DaiMon Deliaros.” Court corrected his partner from where he standing behind Lenjir at the tactical station.

Duncan just rolled his eyes at the teasing he was receiving. 

McCallister, still slightly preoccupied with what he had just discussed with the others, glanced over to Banfield who was now sitting at the primary science station. Noticing his stare, she looked back and gave him a nod. He took that as her saying she would agree with jumping ahead to arrive before the Romulan vessel did. McCallister wondered that maybe his earlier presumptions about Banfield were wrong? Maybe he was also wrong about feeling alone. Was everything returning to some normality on the Odyssey? Was this now the new normal? Could the new members of his senior staff be starting to get used to how everyone else, himself included, operated as a unit? As a family?

“T’Rani go to maximum warp and let’s go to yellow alert, now.” McCallister ordered as he sat back and pondered those questions flying around his mind further.

For now, though, he knew he had to be ready for what awaited them at Vorash. They were almost there and he wasn’t going to go in blind and hopefully by increasing their speed he could avoid the same reception that the Endeavour had received. 

He hoped.

“Captain’s log, stardate seven-seven-three-six-four point eight-one. The Odyssey has arrived on the edge of the Vorash system. We’re moving in to investigate the settlement status and the missing freighters.”

Sitting calmly and composed in his chair, McCallister was waiting patiently (just like everyone else) to find out why the settlement was ignoring them. Looking to Horin, who was sitting beside him to the left, McCallister quietly asked her if she could sense anything. “Counsellor, anything?”

Not being the only telepathic person on the bridge, Horin knew why the captain wanted her beside him. It wasn’t for therapy but for her to use her abilities, while others like Hunsen, T’Rani and Flemen focused on their work. With Vorash having a sizable Reman population, McCallister had reminded those who could sense their thoughts to prepare for anything. Closing her eyes for a second, Horin attempted to reach out. Opening her eyes, she gently nodded in the captain’s direction. “They’re out there, sir.” She paused and reached out one more time. “Something is blocking me from reaching their minds, though.”

Flemen, sitting in the aft mission ops compartment, spoke up after overhearing the counsellor’s remark. “I’m sensing a mixture of emotions, nothing overly concerning.”

Glancing over to his chief science officer for further clarity, McCallister called upon her enlightening them on what was happening. “Commander Banfield, please tell me you have some answers.”

“I do, sir,” Banfield answered. Her finger taps continued to fly at impressive speeds as she reviewed the sensor readings at an equally remarkable rate. “We’re getting a better view of the planet as we get closer.” She pressed two buttons that transferred the feed from visual sensors onto the main screen before them. Popping up quickly was the image of a small M-class world orbiting an enormous gas giant with a range of whirls of blue, white and green gases. It almost looked like the merging of Neptune and Andor before them. 

Standing up in reaction to the visual before him, McCallister was surprised at what they were witnessing. Duncan had joined him by his side, both men wearing similar joint expressions of confusion and concern. The captain did not recall the same image of Vorash from his last encounter as what was before him now. Where he remembered seeing a lush, blue, white and green world was now replaced by one that was a lot darker. Heavy amounts of grey and purple clouds swirled above in the atmosphere. “What’s happening to the atmosphere?”

Banfield answered straight away. “There’s a great deal of trinimbic interference in the upper atmosphere. I can’t get a straightforward reading of the surface.”

“What’s causing it?” Duncan questioned.

“Unknown; we’d have to conduct further studies,” Banfield responded, looking up from her console. “We won’t be able to transport through this kind of interference.”

 “I might be able to take an away team in a shuttlecraft.” Duncan offered.

T’Rani then interjected; she, too, was looking up from the helm as she addressed the first officer. “Commander, that would not be wise, as the atmosphere is charged with trinimbic turbulence. None of our smaller support crafts could safely navigate the currents.”

“Not even the Telemachus?” Duncan asked. 

Shaking her head, T’Rani replied. “The Telemachus may survive some of the journey, but I am concerned her atmospheric thrusters may become overwhelmed by the turbulence, resulting in a crash landing.”

 McCallister and Duncan looked at one another, agreeing that they wouldn’t take that course of action by their expressions. Retaking their seats, the two senior officers considered their options.

“Then what else could we do?” Duncan asked aloud to everyone.

Clearing his throat, Tomaz (who had stood up from the mission ops stations and moved to stand almost behind the three central seats) shared his suggestion. “We could land the ship.”

“Is that essential to our mission objectives?” T’Rani quickly countered back. 

Shrugging his shoulders, the Barzan man offered a defence to his idea. “We’re up here; they’re down there. How else are we going to find out what their status is?”

Horin looked to McCallister. “Tomaz does have a point, sir. We could not properly communicate with the settlers; none of us will be able to speak to them through that interference.”

“Sir, we wouldn’t be able to communicate with anyone in orbit once we landed.” Banfield reminded him. “If and when Grand DaiMon Deliaros arrives and the vessel from the Romulan Republic, they will not know where we are.”

“Perhaps we should keep the Telemachus in orbit to stand on guard?” suggested Lenjir from the security and tactical station. 

Jen then joined in with the conversation. “We may find that we need the Telemachus on the planet if we land.” The Trill operations manager looked over to T’Rani. “How long until the Ferengi arrive?”

“Approximately, two-point-five hours.” The pilot answered after checking her readings. 

Everyone then stared at the captain, awaiting his orders.

McCallister looked at Duncan. “Thoughts, Number One?”

“I don’t think we have much choice, but I’m with Lukiz on keeping the Telemachus with us.” Duncan answered.

Nodding in appreciation for his input, McCallister drummed his fingers on the arms of his chair for a second. “Lukiz, send a message to the Grand DaiMon, informing her of our discovery. Share our scans of the planet and that we are preparing to make further investigation.” He then looked toward T’Rani. “Lieutenant Commander T’Rani, prepare the ship for landing.”

Appearing somewhat at a discomfort at that order, T’Rani had turned her chair to face her superior. “Sir, it would be unmissable of me if I do not remind you that we have never landed the ship since its launch.”

Smirking at sensing the apprehension in her tone, McCallister nodded. “As they say, there’s no time like the present,” He then tapped the button on his armchair and opened a communications channel to engineering. “Bridge to Commander Hunsen, We’re going to land the ship, Tremt. Take the warp core offline, vent all plasma from the nacelles and standby to engage atmospheric thrusters.”

The chief engineer had a slight pause before he eventually spoke up. “Err, sir, did you say you that we’re landing the ship?”

“We certainly are, Tremt,” McCallister confirmed with a smirk. He had always wanted to do this with the Odyssey. He looked at his first officer, who took his cue to do the next thing. “Code Blue.” 

After opening a ship-wide channel, the first officer’s voice echoed throughout the vessel. The sound effect of the boatswain’s whistle was heard first. “All hands, this is the bridge. We are preparing to land the ship. Go to blue alert and report to code blue stations.

The computer immediately responded to the order and dimmed the light on the bridge, turning the computer displays into Code Blue mode; the blinking of blue lights began alongside the usual low-level thrumming klaxon. 

“T’Rani, plot a decent course, land us at least two kilometres away from the original settlement.” McCallister ordered.

The Vulcan pilot acknowledged with a singular nod before announcing the preparation needed to undertake their upcoming  “Atmospheric controls at standby. Landing mechanisms online. Inertial dampers at maximum.” Looking up from her controls, she told everyone she was ready.

“Shouldn’t we be wearing our seatbelts?” Horin asked from her chair.

Appreciating that this was the first time they had landed the ship, which was huge, McCallister looked at Duncan and nodded to follow the counsellor’s idea. Everyone sitting down at their stations automatically had their seat belts appear around them. Those standing had their stalls appear behind them from the deck plating; after they sat down in them, the seatbelts crossed over them to strap them in. 

“All decks report condition blue, sir.” Duncan stated after he checked on his console.

Appreciating the update, McCallister turned his focus back to his pilot. “Take us down, T’Rani, nice and carefully.” 

Exhaling slowly and carefully, T’Rani tapped away at the helm control; Odyssey began its dive into the planet below. At first, it burst through the upper atmosphere with little ease; a tinge of orange and white sparked up against the outer hull as the ship’s deflectors adjusted for the extra external pressure. The ship slightly shuddered as it got over the first hurdle. As it approached the next one, all felt a more significant wave of turbulence as it hit the ship from below.

“We are on the glide trajectory, sir,” T’Rani reported, sounding slightly more assured of her current piloting skills. “Altitude is one hundred and forty kilometres; speed remains steady at seven thousand k-p-h.” She paused as the ship shuddered once again. “We are encountering some trinimbic turbulence. I am attempting to compensate.” 

Odyssey danced across the dark grey and purple clouds, pushing gently through each one without much resistance. The odd lighting bolt hit against the shields.

“Shields are at ninety-two percent.” announced Lenjir.

The rumbling started to ease; the vessel eventually passed through the last layers of the atmosphere and broke through to see the actual colony below. 

“Beginning full sensor sweeps of the planet’s surface.” Banfield notified. Once again, her impressive skill at manipulating the controls on the science station to see what was out there came in handy when their view of Vorash was clearer.

“We are thirty kilometres to the settlement. We should be able to see it now.” T’Rani shared.

“Onscreen.” Duncan ordered.

Immediately the main viewer changed to show the settlement. Nothing appeared out of place. There were no fires, no riots, nothing to suggest any foul play. The settlement appeared to be going about its daily life. All was normal.

“Just as I remember,” McCallister said to no one particularly. “Extend landing struts. Prepare to release inertial dampers and adjust them to match the planet’s gravity.”

“Landing struts are down and locked.” T’Rani stated.

Jen then followed her with his update. “Environmental controls are on standby.”

“Here we go.” Horin said, almost wincing as she held tightly onto her seat.

Odyssey gracefully landed with a gentle hiss and a small thud as the struts hit the ground below.

“I am disengaging engines; the thrusters exhaust is secure.” T’Rani declared. “We are safely down, sir.” 

Pleased to hear that, McCallister congratulated her and the rest of his crew for a well-executed manoeuvre. Tapping the button on his chair’s arm that released his seatbelt and everyone else’s, he stood up straight afterwards. “Can we hail the colony now?”

Jen appeared to have been working on that, but he didn’t seem to get anywhere with his efforts. “Sorry, sir, but no one is answering us.” His frustration was apparent in his expression.

“Well, I wasn’t expecting a lot of pomp and circumstance from the Qowat Milat, but someone must have just seen us flying over,” McCallister stated. He wasn’t prepared to wait, especially as time was now a factor. “Cline, Tomaz and Craigen, you’re with me.” He started to head towards the turbolift. “Number One, you have the bridge and have Doctor Slyvexs join us.”

Usually, Duncan would have opposed McCallister leading the away teams, but they had already discussed that it had to be him meeting with the Qowat Milat first along with Hazard Team Alpha. “Aye, sir.” Duncan said.

As he reached the doors to the lift, McCallister span on his feet. “Corella and Lukiz, work with Tremt to see if we can break through this trinimbic interference to see and hear what is happening above us.” 

Both officers nodded in confirmation.

Stepping into the cart, McCallister looked at his away team. “Have any of you driven an Argo type ground vehicle before?”

“I can’t say I have.” Flemen claimed.

“No, sir.” Lenjir replied. 

“Only in a simulation, captain.” Tomaz answered.

“Excellent, you’re about to experience something quite fun then.” McCallister remarked with a grin. “And before I forget, whoever ends up with the doctor, make sure you strap in well.” 

The turbolift doors quickly closed as the cart took them down to the main shuttle bay. All that could be heard was the three men gulping after being told that Sylvexs would be behind the wheel of one of the ground vehicles they would be taking. 

The journey from the Odyssey to the edge of the settlement didn’t take the away team long. As expected, Doctor Slyvexs enjoyed the drive beyond belief. Several whoops and screams of enjoyment had taken place. Comments were passed that the subtle, calm doctor had shown a new side, especially one that loved risk since her ride on the rodeo from the barn dance evening in the Auditorium. Everyone appreciated it as they skidded across the rough sandy terrain. The weather changed as they approached the settlement; thunderstorms soon erupted overhead.

The four jumps slowed down as they began to deal with the weather. Activating the jeep’s shields to avoid them being doused in the rain, McCallister signalled for everyone to change into their long black field coats. 

Jumping out of their jeeps, the away team started to walk towards the Qowat Milat covenant. Before the Starfleet team entered the settlement, they had seen some inhabitants. They were wary of the group, and none of the Romulans approached the group from the Odyssey. Most of them were running to their homes to avoid the pouring rain. They were all taking shelter to keep themselves dry. The significant change in weather made the entire scene seem even bleaker than before. 

The covenant looked like every other structure of the settlement: reused sections of various ships, all of which had been adapted over the year to serve a new purpose. Some plant life had grown up and around walls. After they had arrived on Vorash, the refugees that the Odyssey crew had escorted ended up expanding the abandoned mining settlement using the vessels they had fled in. Everything was used to help create their new home; nothing was lost. As a result, the covenant was built using sections of an old warbird. The hull markings could still be seen.  

Approaching its entrance, the Hazard Team was on guard duty around the captain and the rest of the team. Everyone had phaser rifles in their gloved hands, hoods up over their heads as they walked into the atrium. No one was there. The only thing that they could hear was the heavy dripping of the rain against the walls and ceilings. Dropping his hood, McCallister looked around and recognised the area. Things had changed, including the numerous pieces of artwork painted onto the walls, the countless candles dotted around the edge, and several curtains hanging from the ceiling that were gently moving in the breeze swooshing in behind them. The flooring below them was a hard surface from the deck plating salvaged from their warbird. 

A group moved to the far side, and everyone on the away team raised their weapons. Instinctively McCallister signalled for everyone to drop their weapons as he stepped forward. Raising his hands together and opening them up, he spoke to their hosts with a slight smirk. “Jolan tru Qowat Milat. 

Stepping out of the darkness and standing before the Starfleet team, their welcoming party performed a similar gesture. “Jolan tru.” All of the women spoke in unison, followed by a slight bow. 

Before, McCallister and his crew were the Qolat Milat. They all wore dark navy blue outfits, headgear, and scarves. Their leader stepped forward with a broad smile. 

“We tried to call ahead Jew’leanar,” McCallister answered honestly. “But you seem to be dealing with some bad weather.” He indicated with both hands, pointing upwards towards the rain hitting the roof above them.

“An unfortunate turn of events has taken place here on Vorash.” Jew’leanar answered. “However, your arrival is certainly a sign of good fortune. I was told you landed that vessel of yours. I hope you didn’t land on any of our farmlands?”

“We had no choice in the matter and I assure you we kept far away from any vegetation,” McCallister told her.

Looking behind him, Jew’leanar recognised one face. “The famed healer returns to our shores too. It’s good to see you Slyvexs.”

Walking up to stand beside the captain, the Denobulan doctor greeted Jew’leanar in a similar kindly manner as she had been offered. “Likewise Jew’leanar.”

“Let me introduce you to the rest of my team.” McCallister said as he presented the rest of his senior officers and the members of Hazard Team Alpha. 

“So James, explain why our former saviours have returned to our land?” Jew’leanar asked McCallister. 

“I’m sure you won’t want to know the intrinsic political fallout that has happened across the Romulan Star Empire, but it’s sufficient to say what remained of the Empire has all but crumbled away. The Velorum Sector has declared complete independence, led by a new provisional government.” McCallister told her. “As they lost contact with you and Grand DaiMon Deliarous informed us that two freighters were reported missing in your system, we were asked to investigate.”

“We had heard rumours of the immediate collapse of the Rator Senate,” Jew’leanar said as she looked at her fellow sisters, “unfortunately, those ships provided by Deliaros were attacked by raiders several days ago. Their crews were able to evacuate and have been sheltering here with us.”

“Who were the raiders?” McCallister asked.

 Jew’leanar shook her head before speaking. “The freighter crews stated they had no time to see what ships these raiders were using. The attack also occurred on the other side of the planet that our settlement orbits. What was left of the freighters were crushed like tin cans as they fell into the gas giant. There was nothing left to salvage.” She paused as she took a breath. “As for the storm, our entire weather control system was damaged by several seismic tremors. Again, we have no idea what caused them.”

“Furthermore, we’ve lost a lot of good people from these unexpected quakes. Storms are ravaging the main colony along with settlements we established on the outer edges. Our main hospital was hit, and so was the orphanage. To top it off, the tremors have caused several cave-ins. We lost contact with our Reman brothers and sisters who took to living underground in the mining facility.” Jew’leanar finished sharing what was happening to the inhabitants of Vorash with a glum expression. “We are unable to deal with every emergency.

“Then it’s a good thing we turned up when we did.” Slyvexs mentioned.

Nodding in agreement, Jew’leanar replied. “I may start to believe in miracles.”

“My crew and I will provide you with all the help you need, Jew’leanar,” McCallister stated. “My only worry is that a number of your fellow brothers and sisters weren’t too keen on seeing us. I don’t want any issues arising from our help. Is there anything else I need to know?”

“James, I can see you have not forgotten our honest ways,” Jew’leanar countered back to McCallister. “And in response to your remarks, I won’t hide you from the truth. The feelings toward the Federation are not receptive among those that live here on Vorash.”

“Why?” McCallister asked straight away. “When we left you, everyone said you wanted to self-govern and be left alone from any outsiders. What’s changed?”

“Let’s just say that old sentiments from others across the Star Empire have reached our shores. After your departure, a further hundred souls have joined us. Though they agreed to our way of living, their hatred for the Federation, especially Starfleet, had a ripple effect across our community. We couldn’t prevent it; even Veruk tried.” Jew’leanar replied.

Hearing the name of the Reman leader, McCallister almost scoffed at the idea that he, of all people, tried to defend Starfleet’s honour. “Talking about that tall, husky guy, where is he?”

“Trapped with the other miners,” Jew’leanar answered. “Without his support, a sense of uncertainty now exists among our people.”

“Then let’s change that and show that we are here to help.” McCallister turned to Slyvexs and ordered her to take some others back to the ship to inform Duncan of what was happening. He then told Lenjir to take Hazard Team Alpha to the mining shaft to get an idea of the damage caused before they begin rescue operations.   

While the captain made plans, Tomaz and Flemen looked at one another. 

“How well does the captain know this nun?” Tomaz whispered. “I’ve not met anyone who has used the captain’s first name so casually.”

Flemen shrugged his shoulders. “I was thinking the same thing.” He said in a low tone. “Anyway, I wouldn’t want to correct her, especially with that large sword attached to her back.”

“Agreed,” Tomaz said with a nod before they returned their attention to what the captain wanted from them. “Although the captain seems quite at home here.”

“He does; I wonder what else happened here that isn’t in the official reports?” Flemen whispered. 

“I’ve got a feeling we’re about to find out.” Tomaz indicated as McCallister beckoned them over to him. 

“Jew’leanar, how about Tomaz, Craigen, and I sit down with you so you can catch us up on what’s happened here in Vorash since our last visit.” McCallister suggested. 

“Indeed, we have a lot to discuss.” Jew’leanar said as she gestured for the three men to follow her and her sisters further into their sanctuary. “To start off with, where’s that wife of yours?”

Tomaz and Flemen both paused in their stride as they saw the captain clench his jaw before he answered the senior nun. 

“Karyn is no longer with us.” He said.

“Absolute candour, James. What happened to Karyn?” Jew’leanar probed as they carried on walking down a long corridor.

“She was lost while trying to save the Odyssey.” McCallister answered in a very simple way. 

Noticing the pain that caused the captain, Jew’leanar rubbed his shoulder. “I am sorry to hear that. She was a fine and generous woman. And if memory serves me well, an excellent fencer.” 

“She would be gutted not to be able to show you some of her moves, Jew’leanar.” McCallister remarked. 

“I already mourn her loss, James,” Jew’leanar replied. “I hope you continue to honour her well.” She then turned to Tomaz and Flemen. “And I hope the same is said for the rest of the Odyssey’s crew.”

“We do ma’am.” Tomaz said. 

“The entire crew miss her tremendously.” Flemen added.

“Ast they should,” Jew’leanar stated. “I will say a pray for her to ensure wherever she is now, she finds peace.”

“Talking of peace, let’s find how we can restore it to Vorash,” McCallister commented as they entered the main room where the Qowat Milat would meet. “If we can sort out what’s plaguing your world then I am sure your people would appreciate it.”

“That is an absolute truth there, James.” Jew’leanar said as she gestured for the men to take a seat on the pillows lying on the floor before them so they can begin their discussions. 

“Commander Duncan, can we borrow you for a moment, please?” Jen asked from where he was standing by the engineering station. 

Walking from one side of the bridge to the other, Duncan made his way over to the small collection of senior staff. Sitting in front of Jen was Hunsen, while Banfield was seated at the console. The first officer asked, “What do you have?

Hunsen pulled up a few sensor scans and schematics. “We think we’ve got a solution to break through the trinimbic interference.” He explained.

“We’ve also got a possible working theory as to why it’s there as well,” added Banfield. 

“Do tell more,” Duncan insisted. They knew that the sciences and technical side of things were not always his strong point; he did value their contributions and expertise (even Banfield’s). 

Hunsen gestured for Banfield to start first. “Our scans of the planet indicate that it’s undergoing a severe global shift in its climate,” She tapped a button, and a sensor image appeared before them. “This sudden change has only happened recently and has been strong enough to overwhelm the weather control systems that the Odyssey installed several years ago. Hence the current down our that is happening around the settlement.”

Intrigued by that idea, Duncan stepped forward to study the scans on display further. “What’s caused the sudden change?”

Another tap on her console, and another image appeared. “I believe the planet has moved closer to the gas giant it orbits.”

“Moved?” Duncan repeated, sounding quite astonished at such a procedure happening. 

“Indeed,” Banfield said as she pointed at her console. “Before we landed, I conducted several scans of the surrounding space. From my analysis, I am certain that someone has moved the planet only by a few degrees through the manipulation of subspace through a cluster of micro singularities.” Noticing the first officer was happy for her to carry on, she showed more sensor readings. “The scanners picked up traces of what I can best describe as an imprint on subspace made by many micro singularities. They were positioned close to the orbital path Vorash takes as it orbits its gas giant. They had just enough of an influence to disrupt the gravitational pull that would alter the planet’s position. By becoming closer to the gas giant, which has huge amounts of trinimbic interference, it’s been enough to make significant rapid changes to the planet’s climate. I’m also detecting the changes have impacted the planet itself; I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve not had to endure a few earthquakes too.”

Accepting what she said, Duncan moved to look at his operations officer and chief engineer for further ideas. “So, what’s the solution to break through the interference?”

“The weather control systems would need to be upgraded and modified and within a few days should be able to clear up most of the interference,” Jen answered. “Our scans show the entire network is down; we’ve already got teams ready to go to help with repairs.”

 Hunsen proceeded with what he wanted to show the commander. “Max, in the meantime, we have a workaround solution.” He pressed a button on his console, and a holographic display showed the planet and several dots around it. “We establish a series of hyper-subspace communication relays around Vorash. It’s the only thing strong enough to break through the interference.”

“Hyper subspace technology has advanced a lot in the past twenty years; we’ve got a few spare relays in storage from our time in the Delta Quadrant. While we’re not exploring and down here, they would be best placed in service to help us.” Jen added. “We could even launch them into orbit using our torpedo launchers.”

“I’m not too keen on keeping advanced Federation technology for the Romulans to look at,” Duncan said hesitantly. 

“We dropped hyper-subspace comm relays throughout the Delta Quadrant all the time for any other civilisation to encounter; what’s different about this?” Banfield challenged Duncan. “If it makes you more comfortable, sir, we could easily collect them before we depart.”

“That assures me a bit,” Duncan replied dryly, not appreciating Banfield’s way of making it sound like he wasn’t prepared to take risks while in command. He considered the idea for a moment and then nodded to all three. “Get on with the work.”

As the three officers returned to their work, Duncan got called over by Court to show him something he was monitoring at one of the mission ops stations. “Max, look at this.” He said as he activated the holographic display to show more information coming from the ship’s sensor array. “Two of our Argo jeeps are on their way back.”

Intrigued to see what was happening, Duncan told Cour to open a channel. After the whistle sound played, indicating the channel was open, he spoke up. “Odyssey to Argo Jeeps Beta and Gamma, come in.”

“Go ahead, Commander Duncan,” answered Doctor Slyvexs. “Sorry for not calling ahead, but this storm isn’t the prettiest.”

“Not a problem, doctor,” Duncan replied as he crossed his arms against his chest. “What’s your latest? Where’s the captain?”

“He’s with the Qowat Milat with Craigen and Tomaz while Cline has taken Hazard Team Alpha to begin saving some trapped miners. We’ll need to deploy a lot of people to help them out, commander.” Slyvexs reported. “These storms and several quakes have savagely hit the settlement.”

Glancing over to where Jen, Hunsen and Banfield had just showed him their work, Duncan saw them working at great speed to put their ideas into practice. “Yes, we’re aware of what’s happened. How can we help them?”

“We’re going to need several rescue and damage control teams prepped and ready,” Slyvexs explained. “The settlers aren’t keen on our help, but we need to turn things around quickly for them.”

“Understood, doctor; upon your return, come and brief me with what you know so we can start sending teams out,” Duncan ordered.

“Aye, sir. We’ll be home shortly, Slyvexs out.” 

 The channel closed, and Court looked at his partner. He could see that Duncan was comprehending everything in his mind, trying to work out what’s the best foot forward with their attempts to help the inhabitants of Vorash. “You okay, Max?” He asked in a low whisper so no one else around could hear.

Duncan paused his pondering and flashed a smile at Court. “Fine, thanks.” He nodded.

The proximity alarm went off, and T’Rani reported an incoming vessel heading through the atmosphere. “From the size, shape and configuration, I believe the design is of Ferengi origin.” The Vulcan pilot added.

Wanting to sulk, Duncan shot an expression to Court that said it all. He had hoped that the captain would be around to deal with this next part of the mission. It was one element he wasn’t keen about at all. Quietly cursing, the first officer returned to the central point of the bridge in front of the captain’s chair. Ordering for a channel to be opened, he was confronted with the face of the Ferengi businesswoman within a few seconds on the main viewscreen. She had invested a lot into Vorash and several other worlds that had required outside support during the mass evacuation of the Romulan homeworlds. 

“Grand DaiMon Deliaros, it’s been a long time,” Duncan said pleasantly and diplomatically. 

“It’s been too long, sweetie,” She replied in a flirty tone with a toothy grin before sipping on what Duncan guessed was an alcoholic beverage. Deliaros always appeared to have some sort of drink either in her hand or within an arm’s reach. Her pose remained strong, almost regal in nature. She was a rich, successful businesswoman and the way she carried herself was evident. “And I see you’re still as handsome as ever, Max.”

Deliaros looked like any other Ferengi woman; small earlobes with elegant jewellery hanging from one ear to the next, a strong layer of make-up (especially eye shadow) while wearing a very tight fitted, brightly coloured outfit. Her entire ensemble appeared to have extra jewels and beads dangling from several sections. She was seated in her command chair, although it almost looked like a throne made of pure gold latinum (again, jewels were placed around it in some intricate pattern). 

Feeling everyone staring at him, especially Court from behind, Duncan continued with his diplomatic effort. “I assume you’re preparing to land your ship?”

“Indeed, we’ll pull alongside the Odyssey; I’d be interested to know if you’ve found anything about my missing ships,” Deliaros stated before taking a sip of her drink. “Maybe we can discuss the situation over a Klingon martini?”

“I appreciate the offer Deliaros, but we may have to hold off sharing a drink as we’re preparing teams to help the settlement. Perhaps you’d like to work with us on it?” Duncan asked her.

“Getting to work beside you again is like a dream come true, honey. I’ll join you shortly to discuss what has happened so far.” She then closed the channel.

“Well, Max, at least we know her passion for you hasn’t gone anywhere,” Hunsen commented with a smirk.

Squinting a look at the chief engineer and his friend for such a remark, Duncan turned to look at Court, who had a similar expression plastered across his face. “You definitely need to get Slyvexs to give you some anti-intoxicant.” He said with his boyish grin.

Sighing at the lack of support from his colleagues and boyfriend, Duncan ignored them as he issued more ideas to prepare for the arrival of the Ferengi delegation. 

“Captain’s log stardate seven-seven-three-six-five point three. With the arrival of Grand DaiMon Deliaros, our efforts to help the inhabitants of Vorash have begun. Though my discussions with the Qowat Milat have been insightful and damn right brutal in most cases, understanding what has happened here over the last decade and a half has given me a wider appreciation and respect for the settlers’ struggles. The task before us appears relatively easy in a logistical sense; we have a lot of work to convince these people we are not their enemies and that we’re still the same crew that helped them find this home all those years back. The crew are responding with the dedication I expect from them as they have all delegated tasks to assist the people of Vorash.” 

Landing the Boyd softly on a patch of dirt, with the rain still thundering down around them, Tomaz took the engines offline and activated the computer encryption lockout system as his team started to prepare for their departure. He had volunteered to fly the Type-9 shuttle to the orphanage. He had heard from the Qowat Milat that a few who worked at it were injured or killed during one of the quakes. As a result, the sisterhood had been sparring with some of its members to provide further help, but it was not going to be a viable long-term solution.McCallister had offered the services of his counselling department and some repair teams to help the orphanage. Tomaz had volunteered to join the team and suggested they install a photonic field generator with several holograms designed to assist with caring for and looking after the children at the orphanage. Authorising the idea, McCallister had given Tomaz the green light for the mission. 

“You want some help with that Decter?” The Barzan male called out to the deputy ops manager.

Looking over his shoulder with a tricorder in one hand, the Rutian male flashed a smile and a nod to his superior. “If you don’t mind, sir.” He answered before looking back at the generator.  

Decter Jines was of a similar height and build as Tomaz. Unlike most Rutian males, who liked to have long curly hair, Decter had changed his to be relatively short, but his thick lock of grey wisp on the right side was apparent. Jines had left his homeworld of Rutia IV as a child with his family and later became refugees on a Federation colony. Eventually, they became citizens, and he made his parents proud when he joined Starfleet. From what Tomaz had heard, Jines had been at the academy during Captain McCallister’s tenure as a special guest lecturer. McCallister had mentored him in his final year before McCallister had gone off to command the Triton. When McCallister had moved from the Triton to the Odyssey, he had offered Jines a position on the ship. As such, Jines had been on board the vessel for his entire career since graduation, slowly working his way up through the ranks. 

The two men went to work placing the generator on the anti-grav unit so that they would be able to transport it into the orphanage. Though heavy, they eventually put it on the small support vehicle with extra help from Counsellor Samris. 

“Are we sure the Qowat Milat will be happy with holograms helping them out?” Samris asked Tomaz. The Romulan counsellor sounded concerned about the whole idea.

“Why wouldn’t they, Samris?” Tomaz questioned his comrade.

Jines then piped up, “I have reconfigured the holograms to look like Romulans, and I added a range of files to their databases around Romulan culture, heritage and history, so they don’t come across as too Federation-y.” 

Samris seemed very uneasy about the whole thing. “I’m not sure; the Qowat Milat I’ve encountered always preferred a simpler way of doing things.”

“Samris, the captain spoke with their leader, and she assured him that she and her fellow sisters would welcome any assistance we can provide.” Counsellor Horin remarked from where she had been sitting as she put on the final gear they were all wearing for their away mission. 

Horin would be leading the away team as the senior-most officer. However, she and Tomaz had agreed it would be a joint venture, especially as they still weren’t one-hundred per cent certain of the safety of everything happening around the settlement. Though the away team was armed with type-II phasers, as it was standard procedure, a couple of Lenjir’s security officers were there as an extra backup. Everyone was wearing the heavy weather duty jackets and tactical vests underneath them. Horin had protested at them wearing such attire, mainly as they were meant to be helping children. Still, the captain had overridden her objections stating he wanted everyone to take extra precautions for their safety. As soon as the shuttle’s aft ramp hit the ground, the team lifted their hoods over their heads as they made their way out and towards the orphanage entrance. 

Like almost every other structure, the building itself was built out of the remnants of the convoy that Odyssey had rescued a decade and a half ago. However, compared to most of the main buildings in the settlement, this one looked newer and appeared to have been cared for. The rain wasn’t helping make the scene appear any more positive than it already was. Pushing the generator towards the entrance, the team entered the building and were approached by two members of the Qowat Milat.

“Jolun tru,” they both said with a slight bow of their heads.

Returning the sentiment, the entire team had been briefed on the protocol with the Qowat Milat members. “I am Commander Louwanna Horin; this is Lieutenant Commander Tomaz along with Lieutenants Samris, Jines and Ensigns Shire and Grex.”

The two sisters welcomed their guests. The taller of the two came forward, “I am Lizvanna, and I oversee the work here at the orphanage.” She looked straight at Samris. “Brother, you are Romulan, yes?”

The away team looked at the senior assistant counsellor; he looked at Horin and Tomaz first before answering her. “Yes, I am.”

Lizvanna smirked at him. “From your accent, I’d say you lived near the coast of the Apnex Sea.”

Samris nodded. “I did.”

A small smile appeared on her face. “As a little girl, I enjoyed swimming in the Apnex Sea many days with my brothers. On a good day, you could see the sea floor.” 

Agreeing with her statement, Samris nodded. “I have many great memories doing similar things.”

Lizvanna looked at the others, “We greatly appreciate you coming to help us. Sister Jew’leanar mentioned you had a gift for us.”

Tomaz spoke up as he revealed the generator between him and Jines. “We heard that you lost some of your…colleagues,” He paused as he considered how to be diplomatic to a warrior nun. “We’re hoping this generator can help you by creating holographic programs that can support your work with the children.”

Bowing her head to show her gratitude, Lizvanna thanked the team. “There are only four of us left to look after just over one hundred and two children. Those who used to volunteer with us have not returned in days since the storms started. Any help we can get will only serve the children better.”

Horin then interjected. “Sister Lizvanna, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but the last time the Odyssey was here, the orphans that settled here were all housed in families. How come you have so many now?”

Sighing slightly, Lizvanna recounted that a refugee ship crash-landed on another nearby moon in the system only a few years ago. Most of the survivors were children. “And with the help of Grand DaiMon Deliaros, we could set up this orphanage. Most of the rescued children were placed into families, but no one else had any more room or the capacity to look after them. Instead, the Qowat Milat said we would help raise the children.”

“That’s very generous of you,” Tomaz stated.

“Generosity is a vital value to have when supporting those in need,” Lizvanna said, looking at the Barzan man. She looked at him intensely for a moment. “Caring for the young is a worthwhile goal, do you not agree, Lieutenant Commander Tomaz?”

Taking a breath and noticing the worried looks from both Horin and Samris, Tomaz agreed with the nun. “It certainly is.” He answered with a slight croak in his voice. 

“Parenthood is not for everyone, but parenthood is certainly a gift,” Lizvanna stated before suggesting her fellow sister take some of the group to go set up the projector while she went on to show Horin, Tomaz and Samris the rest of the orphanage. 

Being led into a large hall, Horin, Samris and Tomaz were instantly shown a room full of children of all ages, either sitting around playing with toys or reading books or drawing. They all looked happy and healthy. 

“You’ve done a remarkable job here, Sister Livwanna.” Horin complimented her. 

“Thank you.” She answered with a gracious nod. “The children respond well to our order.”

“What will come of them all as they get older?” Samris asked. 

Lizvanna continued to lead the group through the centre of the hall. “The girls will grow up and be allowed to join the Qowat Milat, while we are hoping to train the young men to support our efforts around the settlement. Nevertheless, they will all have the right of determination to become members of our world.”

Noticing a young boy sitting by himself drawing, Tomaz walked over to him with Lizvanna’s blessing. Sitting down on a wooden chair beside him, Tomaz spoke up. “Hello, what’s your name?”

Looking up at him, the young Romulan boy gave him an instant grin, and within that moment, Tomaz thought he had a flashback to the Quirennal when he had been matched to look after Jeddie. Taken back by it all, he took in a deep breath before calming himself down instantly. The boy answered him. “S’Tem.” He put his pencil down. “What’s yours?”

“Tomaz.” 

“You’re not Romulan or Reman,” S’Tem expressed, staring at the big man next to him. He had huge bright blue eyes and a smile with big dimples. His right arched eyebrow had a small scar through the middle. 

Shaking his head, Tomaz confirmed the child’s observation. “I’m Barzan.”

“Barzan?” S’Tem repeated. “Are you part of the Federation?”

“My world isn’t, but I serve in Starfleet.” He answered as he showed him the insignia on his jacket. 

S’Tem nodded to show he understood. “Cool. Are you the captain?”

Chuckling at the question, Tomaz hated to disappoint him as he answered. “I’m afraid not.”

While they spoke, both Horin and Samris caught on to the scene before him. Livwanna finished explaining what they were doing when she saw the exchange between Tomaz and S’Tem. “Fascinating.” She uttered.

“What is?” Horin questioned.

Lizvanna looked at the chief counsellor, “S’Tem has not spoken to any adult here since the day he arrived. He’s only spoken to the other children. Your Lieutenant Commander Tomaz is a natural with children.”

Samris and Horin exchanged a smirk with one another. “That he is.” Samris agreed before the nun continued to show them around and explain what they needed help with. 

“First Officer’s log supplemental. I’ve been tasked with the duty of meeting with Grand DaiMon Deliaros to undertake further investigation of her missing freighters. The captain has insisted that I take the lead on this point due to my ‘special relationship’ with our Ferengi friend. I’ve enlisted the support of Master Chief Court for extra…protection.”

Transporting onto the Breevahosen, Grand DaiMon Deliaros’ flagship, both Duncan and Court were warmly received by a small Ferengi woman, who introduced herself as Deliaros’ executive officer, while on either side of her stood two Tarlac men who were pretty tall, burly and their outfits were pretty skimpy on what they covered. Their black hair was combed back close to their skulls, and both seemed to be on guard protecting the Ferengi woman before them. 

“Come with me, gentlemen,” She said in a deep voice. “The Grand DaiMon is waiting for you.”

Following the woman out of the transporter room and eyeing up the Tarlac men for a moment, Duncan looked at Court, and within that moment, both of them exchanged one idea. Neither of them could believe what they were seeing. Without a doubt, Deliaros paid those on her crew, who she trusted very well, a very high wage to make her operation appear classy but with a dash of her sense of control over it all. Duncan had wondered what Deliaros’ expectations were of her crew. He knew she was more progressive and liberal than most Ferengi, but on the other hand, he had first-hand experience of her flaunting her wealth and power. He hated to think about what their job descriptions were and what was included in the small print on their contracts. 

The walk from the transporter room to the daimon’s study was brief, but wherever they looked, they could see how much her wealth was on show. Be it from various expensive-looking silks hanging from the ceiling, gently flapping as they caught them or multiple pieces of artwork hanging from the walls or sculptures on display on different-sized pedestals. No one could miss that this woman was serious about her business and how she spent her profit.

Grand DaiMon Deliaros was sitting in a broad red and orange armchair while receiving a manicure from a Caitain woman, who wore a tight purple catsuit. “Max!” The Ferengi woman cried out excitedly at seeing the Odyssey’s first officer. She gestured for her beautician to finish off there with a dismissive hand. Her first officer and the Tarlac bodyguards also left. Slowly she got up from her chair and made her way over to the two hew-mons. She was wearing a similar skin-tight catsuit, which had various brightly coloured flowery patterns across it. A yellow lacy cloak attached to her bracelets hung gently in her wake. Around her neck was a thick golden necklace with numerous gems, while chained earrings were linked together from each lobe. “And this handsome man must be your husband?”

Both Duncan and Court flashed a look at one another before looking back at their host. 

“No, no, no.” They said in unison.

Duncan clarified further. “Tobias and I are just-”

“Partners,” Court answered.

Another look at each other with an assuring nod confirmed they were happy with that.

Waving off the mistake, Deliaros made her way over as she picked up a glass and started to fill it with a drink that looked like a cocktail. “No worries, my darlings, whatever you label yourselves doesn’t matter as you make a gorgeous couple, and my lobes tingle with rumours that you’re fathers too. Congratulations!” she raised her glass before taking a sip. “A martini?” she offered, “or are you both still on duty?”

Declining the offer, Court shook his head. “A wise businesswoman like you should know that the Rules of Acquisition tell us not to trust everything we hear.”

“Rule of Acquisition one hundred and ninety,” Deliaros stated with a smile. “But you shouldn’t forget Rule of Acquisition seventy-four.”

“Knowledge equals profit.” Court stated. “I think the seventh rule is more pertinent here.” 

“I always keep my ears open,” Deliaros said with a smirk as she turned to Duncan. “I like him.”

“Me too,” Duncan said with a similar grin. “Now onto business. We need to talk about your freighters that went missing and why. Captain McCallister is interested to know any more about what happened.”

Her toothy grin slowly faded as she offered her guests to sit in chairs opposite the one she had just been on herself. “I’m afraid nothing more than what Jew’leanar hasn’t shared already.” Sitting on her’ throne’, Deliaros picked up a PADD and passed it towards Duncan. “There is a full recount from the crews sheltering with the Qowat Milat.”

After taking the device from her, Duncan looked down at it and started to skim through it briefly. “Hmm,” He said, “your crews pointed out they encountered some natural phenomena before the attack.”

Deliaros nodded. “Indeed, some gravimetric instability, I believe.”

Court quickly caught on to why that piqued Duncan’s interest. “Max, do you think the freighters encountered that cluster of micro singularities that Corella found?”

“Encountered?” Duncan repeated, “More like stumbled upon.”

“And what the raiders used it as a way of shielding themselves from being detected?” Court summarised.

Shaking his head, “I’d like to think that, but the fact these singularities were strong enough to push the planet out of its normal orbit slightly makes me think there was something else going on.”

“That sounds like you’re suggesting that the attackers mined the area with the singularities.” Court suggested, he then started to understand Duncan’s idea further. “So do you think the freighters may have actually been attacked to stop them from reporting what they saw?”.

“Possibly,” Duncan answered before looking at Deliaros (who had a confused expression showing she had no idea what they were discussing). “These freighters, do they follow a regular flight path to and from the colony?”

She shook her head, “No, they don’t, and that’s to avoid anyone from knowing their routes to avoid any pre-emptive raids. We deliver at different times too. What are you two talking about a cluster of micro-singularities?”

“We found that the planet has been slightly moved but not by a natural phenomenon,” Duncan explained. “I think the freighters stumbled across them by accident, and to prevent anyone from raising the alarm, the perpetrator had them shot down.”

“So the questions now are who and why?” Court said.

Deliaros stood up, “Max, can I suggest we speak to my people one more time together, and perhaps we could get further answers to what happened. I’m starting to feel there’s more going on here than we know.”

Agreeing with the idea, Duncan and Court both stood up. Court looked to Deliaros before quoting another rule. “The riskier the road, the greater the profit.”

“I do like rule sixty-two; however, right now, I am more worried about the two-hundred and eight rule,” Deliaros said as she started to lead them out of her study. “Sometimes, the only thing more dangerous than a question is an answer.”

“Unfortunately, I think the answers we seek are worth the danger,” Duncan said as they eventually left the room to speak further to her employees. 

“Chief Engineer’s log supplemental. I’m leading an engineering team to the main powerplant for the settlement to determine what needs to be restored to get the planet’s weather control systems online, along with other essential systems.” 

The Oakhanger slowly landed just above the facility that the Odyssey crew had assisted with construction over a decade and a half ago. The rain continued to pelter down against the ground while a few thunderstorms could be heard overhead. There was nothing elaborate about the powerplant; it was a series of fusion reactors taken from ships the convoy the settlers had used. All of them were linked up to provide the support the settlers would need. Furthermore, the Odyssey had set up other energy sources nearby, including a nearby solar-panel farm. Together, the crew and refugees also built wind turbines. The plan had always been for the planet to be self-sufficient, while automated systems should have made the repairs to maintain the power systems. 

“Sir, what state are we expecting these reactors to be in?” Tierra asked as she finished packing the last of her kit into the backpack she had in between her knees. The Deltan senior assistant chief engineer zipped up the bag before throwing it around on her shoulders. “I read these reactors weren’t top of the range when installed.”

“No, they weren’t,” Hunsen confirmed as he adjusted his utility belt, “but they were built to last.”

  “Did you build them yourself, sir?” Cadet McCallister asked from where he stood at the rear of the cockpit. 

Though the cadet was still learning about engineering, Hunsen had requested to bring the captain’s son with him along with a couple of others who had shown real promise in their recent rotation in engineering. “No, I was part of the team under Lieutenant Commander Mett der Lek. He was the chief engineer when the ship was originally launched.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything about him, sir,” McCallister said as he placed his tricorder on his hip. “How long was his chief engineer?”

“Just over two years,” Hunsen said solemnly. “He was one hell of an engineer; he died during an away mission.”

McCallister was surprised to hear that and stumbled out his response. “I’m sorry, sir, I didn’t know.”

Hunsen could sense McCallister’s mental slapping of his face for his faux pas. “It’s okay, Alfie; I knew Mett very well; he taught me a lot during that time. He was a good friend who died saving not just me but several others.”

“Then we need to honour his memory by ensuring the work he did here remains working as long as he intended it to be,” Tierra said with a supportive smile.

Appreciating her sentiment, Hunsen smiled at her. “That we do.” He tugged his gloves and pulled the hood from his field coat over his head. “Everyone ready?”

The entire team answered with a range of affirmatives before the aft doors lowered and the security team assigned to protect them moved out first towards the gates of the powerplant. Rushing through the downfall, the Starfleet group made their way in and soon were inside what appeared to be a warehouse containing numerous reactors. Besides those holding phaser rifles, everyone else took out their tricorders to begin scanning the area. 

“Where are the maintenance crew?” McCallister asked aloud. 

“The captain reported that they fled after the first few quakes to be with their families. They’ve not returned since.” Tierra stated. 

Taking charge, Hunsen stepped forward as he continued to run his scans with his tricorder up in front of him. “It seems the structure is stable, so nothing will come toppling down on our heads.”

“That’s reassuring,” Tierra stated as she approached a nearby set of consoles. All of them showed a range of readings. “This all looks very messy.” She tapped a few buttons, and soon, she could see what the issues were. “Sir, it would appear we have a lot of work to do.”

“What do you mean, Tierra?” Hunsen asked as he made his way over to her side.

Pointing at the screen before them, she began to indicate what was wrong. “We have twelve reactors; eight of them are offline while the other four are disconnected to the power grid.”

“Is that a fail-safe system?” McCallister wondered aloud. “To prevent any overloads or meltdowns?”

Smirking at the cadet’s question, Hunsen confirmed he was correct. “Good work, cadet; you recognise safety in action.” He turned back to the controls. “When we built the powerplant, we had to ensure that if something was ever to go wrong, the reactors didn’t overload and explode. If more than half of the system goes offline for whatever reason, then the system automatically disconnects.”

“So why didn’t the powerplant staff just come back and turn everything back on?” The cadet asked.

Hunsen shrugged his shoulders. “There could be endless reasons for that, Alfie, be it they were trying to help elsewhere or who knows.” He finished assessing the damage and felt he knew what needed to be done. “Okay, this is the plan, people. Tierra, you and the others bring the eight offline reactors while Alfie and I work on the disconnected four. Questions?”

Everyone shook their heads before they split themselves up into two groups. 

Walking across the long corridor between various pipes and conduits lined the floor and walls, Hunsen and McCallister made their way to the first reactor along with Ensign Trexx. The Bolian security officer was in front of them both holding his phaser rifle up high as he continued to check for any security concerns. 

“So Alfie,” Hunsen said as he continued holding his tricorder up, scanning everything they passed, “how are you enjoying cadet life?”

McCallister nodded with some confidence. “It’s a lot of work, but is it sad to say I’m enjoying it?”

Appreciating the honesty and innocence of the captain’s son, Hunsen smiled at him, “It’s not sad at all, Alfie. If you’re enjoying it, that will only help you further. How’s it going with the other cadets?”

“It’s alright…” Alfie said slowly.

Sensing there was something more, Hunsen looked at the cadet. “There’s a but there.”

“Permission to speak freely?” McCallister asked the chief engineer. 

Hunsen nodded. “Sure.”

“I hate it when they think I get preferential treatment because my dad is the captain.” McCallister shared.

“Do you think you’re getting treated differently because you are the captain’s son?” Hunsen asked with care.

“Honestly?” 

“Honestly.”

“Yes.” McCallister said in a quieter voice. “And it’s all because of what happened in the Paulson Nebula and with my mother.”

As he said the last comment, they reached the first reactor they needed to work on. Hunsen looked at Trexx. “Ensign, check our perimeter and set up a few proximity scanners.” 

The Bolian nodded and moved away from Hunsen and McCallister. 

Hunsen turned back to McCallister and placed his hand on Alfie’s left shoulder. “Alf, listen to me; I understand what you’re saying. Growing up, my parents were pretty significant in Betazoid society. I hated being treated differently by my teachers. Still, when the Dominion invaded my homeworld and my parents fought for our freedom and gave their lives, I soon changed my entire perspective about that aspect of my family. Now don’t get me wrong, I wanted to run and hide from my heritage and everything that came with it. However, I learnt quickly that I should never allow anyone to let me feel bad for who my parents were.”

McCallister appreciated the advice. “Thank you, sir.”

“I know that may not sound enough to help you, but you’re in a unique position at the moment, Alfie. You get to learn a lot more than most first-year cadets will. Ignore the others because eventually, you will get the chance to go off and experience what else is out there for you as a cadet.”

“I know; it’s just hard being the only first-year cadet when the others don’t think I deserve to be there.” McCallister shared. “Plus, I’m expected to know what I want to do as my field of interest.”

Shaking his head, Hunsen disagreed with that last point. “No, you don’t; that’s the whole point of the first year. Look at me, I was initially the chief flight control officer, then became chief engineer, and now I’m the third officer of one of Starfleet’s most prolific and advanced ships in the fleet. You’ll find your niche, and everything else will eventually fall into place. In the meantime, use your position to your advantage and ignore the other cadets right now.”

“I just wish they understood what I knew,” McCallister said. “It’s just so much to comprehend.”

Hunsen agreed with him. “Yeah, time travel causes headaches, but the entire senior staff and the others that know are there to support you and everyone involved. So, until that time comes for you to do whatever you are meant to do in the future, enjoy the journey you’re on.”

“Thank you, sir,” McCallister replied with a slight smile. 

“Anytime, Alf, and don’t forget, your mother was one hell of an officer too,” Hunsen remarked. “She and your dad have worked hard to build a close community on the Odyssey, of which you are a lifetime member. So if any cadet gives you a hard time for being part of our family, just remember we have your back, and you just need to come and offload to one of us.”

His smile got wider as McCallister nodded with a bit more certainty. “I appreciate that; I suppose I’ve got Jorgeh who understands everything too.”

“That’s good,” Hunsen said. “He seems to be a good kid too, someone we need to recruit into Starfleet too.”

“Don’t worry, sir; I’m working on it,” McCallister replied with a much bigger grin. 

Chuckling at that idea, Hunsen shook his head. “Just ensure you don’t let your godfather or Commander Duncan hear you say that.”

“Understood.”

“Right, let’s fix this powerplant,” Hunsen said after letting go of McCallister’s shoulder, and he started to show him what to do. “Hmm, that’s weird,” Hunsen said as he looked at the power connectors.

“Problem?” McCallister asked, wondering what the engineer was seeing. 

“Yeah, it would seem that the fail-safe emergency system didn’t activate as it was meant to. Instead, it looks like the power connectors have all been physically cut with a plasma torch.” Hunsen stated. 

“Why would they be physically cut?” McCallister questioned.

“I’m not sure, but from these readings, it would it was that which caused the entire powerplant to turn off.” Hunsen said. “I think the entire system was sabotaged.” 

“But why?” McCallister said as he examined the same screen that Hunsen was reading. 

“Trexx to Commander Hunsen, we have comp-” The Bolian security officer’s voice was stopped mid-sentence by something on the other end as the communication line went dead. 

Panic soon washed over Hunsen as he took out his phaser and gestured for McCallister to do the same. “Alf, stay close by me.” 

The young cadet nodded; his entire emotional output now overwhelmed Hunsen’s empathic abilities. Hunsen knew he was scared, which he understood; he put up a mental block before he called into Tierra. She didn’t answer. No one else on the other team responded either. In the back of his mind, he could sense another presence. It was a more prominent presence that was rushing toward him. Taking McCallister by the arm, he pushed him towards the exit of the building. “Alfie, it’s not safe in here. Get back to the Oakhanger and get back to the Odyssey. Get help!”

Before he could shove the cadet through the door, McCallister called out for him. “What are you going to do?”

“I’ll try to buy you time; just go!” Hunsen ordered him. 

McCallister frantically nodded as he ran out into the rain and towards their small craft. Turning back to whatever was coming towards him, Hunsen moved swiftly through the powerplant to where he had sent his other team. His grip on his phaser got tighter, but soon he stopped in his tracks as he found his missing officers. All of them were on their knees with their hands behind their heads. Surrounding them with disruptors in their hands were a group of Remans. 

“Tremt Hunsen. It’s been a long time.” spoke one of them.

Lowering his phaser, Hunsen knew who it was instantly. He recognised the voice and the telepathic connection almost immediately. “Veruk.” He grumbled before two Remans came over, took his weapon and proceeded to push him down to his knees. “What do you want?”

“My freedom.” The Reman man snarled back before approaching Hunsen and punching him directly in the stomach, forcing the chief engineer to topple over onto the floor and become unconscious.

Overhead the collective group of Remans and Starfleet officers heard the noise of the escaping runabout. 

“What was that?” Veruk asked the others.

“More than likely someone you will regret putting into danger,” Tierra said confidently. “Put it this way; the captain will be here soon enough.”

“I’m counting on it, lieutenant,” Veruk replied. “He can then deal with my demands.” The Reman leader then indicated for his comrades to pick their captives up off the floor. “But I plan to do it on my grounds.”

“What are you expecting from us?” Tierra asked as she was pushed up and along the corridor.

“As I told the good commander,” Veruk said, looking down at the chief engineer who two Remans were dragging, “My freedom and a chance to be seen as an equal for once.”

 As the group carried along the corridor, Tierra continued with her questioning. “We thought you were stuck underground when the mines collapsed?”

Veruk shook his head. “Not quite, lieutenant, but all will be revealed soon.” He gestured towards a massive hole in the ground. The Remans pushed the Starfleet officers towards the edge. He approached Tierra, who was now holding onto Hunsen. “But until then, the darkness is what you shall know for now.”

Tierra looked down at the hole; it was pitch black. At that moment, she thought about her family as she held onto Hunsen tightly. “If you kill us, you must realise there will be severe repercussions on you and your people. Starfleet won’t stand for it. Captain McCallister won’t stand for it.”

Veruk snorted at the Deltan’s attempt of trying to save her and her shipmates’ lives. “I feel like there’s an echo in this room. I’ll say it again; I’m counting on it.” He then shoved Tierra with all of his might into the pit below and was followed by his accomplice with the rest of the group. 

Within seconds they were gone.

“Chief Medical Officer’s log supplemental. My team and I have been assisting at the main hospital at Vorash. From what I have been able to deduce, the medical expertise in the settlement has dramatically deteriorated in recent years after the death of the colony’s most senior medical officer. The health service appears to have been left to crumble.” 

Slyvexs took a moment to breathe after seeing her last patient, a young Romulan woman six months pregnant. She had not seen anyone since the child’s conception, and after hearing that the Starfleet contingent had arrived to assist, she, along with numerous others, had queued up to see them. The medical facility was built from the internal framework of an old Federation hospital ship that had been transferred to Romulan control during the Dominion War. When the settlers landed on the planet, the ship had been positioned at the base of a vast mountain, providing natural protection from any high winds or strong sunshine. However, once the weather control system had been installed, it wasn’t needed until now. The Denobulan physician had appreciated the nearby mountain as it had reduced the heavy rain hitting against the hull.

Walking among the lower deck, heading towards the main triage area, Slyvexs could hear her right-hand man finishing off with a patient of his own. Stopping in the archway, she peered into see Forbes closing up a tricorder and smiling at his patient, a young Romulan boy who appeared to be suffering from a rash on his neck. Forbes pressed a hypospray into his neck, and instantly, the medicine went to work, and the rash was gone. The young boy jumped off the bed he was sitting on, and his father thanked Forbes for his help. They wrapped themselves in their long coats before walking past Slyvexs to make their way home. 

“How’s everything going, Remi?” She asked once the room was clear. 

Sighing and suppressing a yawn simultaneously, Forbes nodded at first. “I think that was my last lot for this shift. What about yourself, ma’am?”

Leaning against the bulkhead, she rubbed her chin and felt her chin ridge. “Same; it felt like we got through a lot of people very quickly.”

“I was wondering, would it be wise suggesting to the captain we give everyone here a full medical workup?” Forbes said as he started to pack up his medical kit. The younger doctor had undone his uniform jacket and rolled up his sleeves to do his work, so after he had packed up his gear, he started to make himself a bit smarter.

Agreeing with his idea, Slyvexs nodded. “The same idea went through my mind, but that’s not going to help them in the long term.”

“The hospital could do with an overhaul and more trained staff.” Forbes remarked. 

“You’ve got no argument from me on that one,” Slyvexs said as her protege made his way towards her as they exited from the small area he had occupied. Walking down the corridor, the two doctors continued with their conversation. 

Forbes pushed his hair back as he suggested one idea. “I know they’re installing holograms to help the orphanage; why can’t we ask the same for here with some old EMH programs?”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Slyvexs said with a nod. “I’m sure we’ve got the files for the old Mark Ones or Mark Two programs somewhere on our database.”

“Or the original Long Term EMHs?” Forbes wondered. 

“I’ll speak to Lukiz once he has finished repairing the weather system,” Slyvexs stated as they entered the next section of the hospital. It was the aft section of the old modified Miranda-class ship, which would have been one of the original shuttlebays, but was now the main entrance for the hospital. Surprised no more patients were waiting for them, Slyvexs walked over to see her team packing up what they had brought. “There’s no way we got through everyone so soon.”

Forbes looked at her, “Most of those who came in were minor injuries; I’m confident we’ve not seen the worse of it.”

“Then I think we should start making house calls,” Slyvexs said. 

“Are you being literal?” Forbes asked her.

The chief medical nodded. “Absolutely. We should break into teams and then get around the settlement.”

Forbes appeared a bit hesitant at first before he spoke up his mind. “Will the settlers welcome us, though?” 

“The captain told us we need to make a good impression here, and I refuse to leave here knowing we didn’t do everything in our power to help them,” Slyvexs said with conviction. “I’ll speak to Jew’leanar and see what she thinks first.”

“In the meantime, can I suggest we take a stock count of what is here and start replicating the medical resources back on the Odyssey they need?” Forbes offered.

Slyvexs nodded, “See to it; I’ll be back shortly.” She then picked up a field jacket that had been hanging on a peg from a nearby wall and put it on as she stepped out into the rain. 

Her walk across the settlement was brief, but she was pretty soaked by the time she reached where the Qowat Milat had based themselves. She found Jew’leanar packing what appeared to be more supplies from their Ferengi benefactor and working with other members of the order in preparing them to be sent out to the settlers. 

“Doctor Slyvexs,” Jew’leanar called out when she saw the Denobulan medic. “How does it go at the hospital?”

Appearing deflated as part of her response, Slyvexs explained how swiftly her staff had worked through the cases that had been there waiting for them, along with those that had come out to see them once word had gotten out.

“You don’t seem happy with your effort?” Jew’leanar challenged. “What was wrong?”

“I know you appreciate honesty, but with the death of your former medical expert, I fear there are more cases of people who need attention but haven’t come forward,” Slyvexs answered. “I want to go door-to-door to see everyone.”

“An ambitious and bold idea,” Jew’leanar said as she considered it for a moment. “Do you think that is a good idea?”

“I do. Your people deserve to be treated well, and while we are here, I say use us.” Slyvexs said. 

“Then who am I to turn away a helping hand?” Jew’leanar said with an appreciative smile. “That said, your people may encounter resistance from others who may not appreciate seeing Starfleet officers knocking on their doors.”

“Could any of your fellow sisters join us in our efforts?” Slyvexs requested. “They may be more open if they see a friendlier face.”

Chuckling at that notion, Jew’leanar looked at the doctor. “It sounds like you’re requesting a qalankhkai, doctor?”

Knowing the practice from before, Slyvexs laughed at that idea as she winced her head from side to side. “Well, don’t you ask those you see to choose to live? How is that so far from my medical principles of ‘do no harm’?”

“I’m not sure my fellow brothers and sisters would appreciate seeing us with our blades out and threatening them with medical care,” Jew’leanar replied. “Nevertheless, I am sure they would choose to live. Organise your teams, doctor, and I will have my sisters join when you’re ready.”

Slyvexs thanked her and dashed to the hospital. After taking her hood down once she got in, Forbes approached her.

“What did Jew’leanar say?” He asked.

“She gave it her blessing, and we’ll have some local help with our house calls.” She answered with a smile. “I think we’ll be able to turn things around for ourselves here.”

“Chief Security and Tactical Officer’s log supplemental. Hazard Team Alpha and I have spent some time attempting to dig through solid rock using a range of phaser drills to get through to the trapped miners.”

The cavern was now well lit with several portable light sources set up against the wall or on tripods. Between each burst of phaser energy striking the rock, the odd conversation could be heard between the members of the Starfleet team. Standing with a tricorder in her hands, examining the rock in front of them, Lieutenant Keli flipped her scanner closed and looked to her superior.

“We’ve still got a few more meters before we get through this debris.” She motioned as she looked at Lenjir. The Tiburonian man tugged on his ear as he looked up from what he was reading on his PADD. “This feels like we could be trying to get through for some time.”

Lenjir just nodded in agreement with his deputy. “The cave-in created quite a mess.” 

“And we’re certain we’re safe?” Keli checked for the tenth time since they arrived.

He chuckled and nodded at her.

“Lieutenant, you should not preoccupy yourself with the possibility of such things,” spoke Lieutenant Commander T’Rani from the other side of the cave. The pilot casually walked across the dust beneath her feet and passed a PADD to Lenjir. “The extra supplies from the shuttlecraft have been delivered, and I have checked the mobile forcefield emitters; they are all operational.”

 “Thanks, T’Rani,” Lenjir said as he skimmed over the PADD’s contents. He was sitting on the empty grey case that had carried one of the phaser drills. The makeshift base camp they had established after digging through the first lot of mess had led them to what appeared to be the highest upper level of the mining facility. It had been abandoned after the cave-in, and rocks of all sizes littered its flooring along with thick dust. “Have we got the transporter enhancers ready?”

“All ready and linked to the shuttlecraft.” The pilot confirmed. 

There was a large explosion from where the phaser drill had been hammering. Everyone reacted by walking over the circular hole that led towards an already dug-out tunnel. Once the dust settled, they could not see anything. Raising the torches on the ends of their rifles or strapped around their wrists, everyone aimed them down the dark tunnel. Instantly they hit the faces and bodies of many Remans. Groans and quick flinches came from them all as they hated the light. 

Lenjir walked forward, “I’m Lieutenant Commander Cline Lenjir of the Federation starship-” He didn’t have a chance to react as the Remans darted forward and started to attack them all. 

Lenjir found himself knocked to the floor by two quite strong Remans; one got up and made their way towards the others while one straddled themselves on top of him and started to hit him. Holding his arms up to defend himself, he wiggled his hips hard to be able to push his attack off him as he engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Fighting the Reman, Lenjir took note of the other aggressors taking out the lights they had set up. Everyone could hear disruptor and phaser fire all around him, along with the noise of those fighting like him. His attacker was highly hostile and threw some decent punches. However, Lenjir was not having any of it, and a high kick followed by a side kick was enough to send the Reman flying across the cave, down on the floor and out like a light. After pulling his side phaser out, Lenjir was caught off guard as a disrupter fire hit him in the back. Without being able to think or react, he instantly fell to the floor, and his weapon dropped beside him. 

“Commander!” Keli shouted from behind a rock after seeing her superior fall. She looked over to T’Rani, who had just nerved pinched a Reman before using her phaser rifle in one hand to take out two more. T’Rani then sank beside the Coridianite,  “Ma’am, Lieutenant Commander Lenjir is down.”

“I am aware of the situation, lieutenant.” The pilot replied as she took a look out from behind the rock and fired her weapon several more times. Taking out another three attackers, she slumped back to her previous position as more shots came toward her. “Our situation is precarious at best.” She said, looking at the lieutenant. “There are more of them than there is of us. Logic dictates we retreat and return with a much sizable force.”

“I’m not leaving anyone behind, ma’am,” Keli said as she fired several shots. 

“Lieutenant, the situation is hopeless at best; we are not strong enough to mount a rescue for our fallen comrades. On top of that, we cannot be sure they are stunned or dead. We must retreat and inform Odyssey.” T’Rani replied. “That is an order.”

Knowing that with Lenjir down, it made T’Rani her superior, something Keli was not happy with. Hating she had to go with the order, she nodded and quickly shouted for everyone to fall back to the transporter enhancers. 

Their retreat was filled with the constant barrage of phaser fire, but as they made their way towards the transporter enhancers, Keli threw several smoke and stun grenades at their attackers. The explosion was enough distraction for them to get to the ring of enhancers and activate them. Within seconds they were beamed out of the cave and found themselves in the cockpit of the shuttlecraft Longhurst. 

As expected, T’Rani made her way to the pilot’s seat and brought the engines online. Seconds later, they were airborne. “Shuttlecraft Longhurst to the Odyssey. We are declaring an emergency.”

“Go ahead, commander,” answered Commander Banfield. “We weren’t expecting to hear from you so soon. What’s happened?”

“Ma’am, please inform Captain McCallister that the Reman settlers have attacked Hazard Team Alpha within the mines. We have injured, and they have taken out several of the team, including Lieutenant Commander Lenjir.” T’Rani announced over the radio

There was a brief silence from the other end before Banfield answered back. “By Kahless’ honour,” She muttered at first, “Commander Jen and I have just returned after repairing the weather system-” The chief science officer paused for a moment. “Standby Longhurst, we’ve just seen that the Oakhanger is returning to us at top speed.”

“We’re standing by,” T’Rani said before looking to the side to see Keli take the co-pilot chair. 

“Isn’t the Oakhanger the shuttle that Commander Hunsen’s team took to repair the power station?” Keli asked aloud.

“Indeed it is,” T’Rani replied.

“Longhurst, this is the Odyssey; we’re going to red alert. Return to us at once and raise shields.” Banfield ordered after a moment.

“Understood,” T’Rani said before the channel closed at the other end. Tapping a button to her side, T’Rani put her type-eleven shuttle on red alert and raised its shields at once. Whatever had happened with Hunsen’s team must have been similar to what her team had encountered.

The journey back to the ship was relatively quiet, and as they made their final approach, Keli turned to T’Rani. “Ma’am, do you know why those Remans attacked us?”

  T’Rani shook her head. “The only explanation I can propose is that they did not want us to dig them out. Why they took this course of action remains a mystery to me.” 

“I hope the others are okay,” Keli muttered as the shuttle passed through the hangar bay entrance.

When the tractor beam caught them to rest them down on the deck, T’Rani gazed over to Keli. “Lieutenant Commander Lenjir is a close friend of mine; I too hope he is still alive; however, knowing him as well as I do, he would want us to focus on the work ahead of us. That includes you now being his replacement, even if it is temporary. You are now Odyssey’s acting chief security and tactical officer. 

Keli gulped at that notion. “I’ve got some big shoes to cover for.”

“That is certain; however, you are a skilful and capable officer, lieutenant,” T’Rani stated. 

Nodding in appreciation at the remark, Keli thanked the Vulcan pilot. “Let’s just hope it is temporary as I’d like to see Cline back in one piece to resume his duties.”

“As do I,” T’Rani mentioned just as the shuttle landed with a soft bump.

Rushing into sickbay, Captain McCallister was directed by one of the technicians to head to the main triage area. Still wearing his field jacket, he hadn’t bothered taking it off when word got to him about what had happened. Instead, he returned to one of the ground vehicles with Flemen and returned to the ship as quickly as possible. 

Approaching sickbay’s business, McCallister instantly saw Alfie sitting on one of the biobeds with Doctor Forbes treating him. His heart dropped back into its usual place when he saw that Alfie wasn’t seriously injured. Forbes was running a dermal regenerator over his right shoulder. 

“Are you okay, Alf?” He asked his shirtless son, who smiled immediately after seeing his father arrive.

He nodded, “I’m okay, dad.” Alfie replied. “One of the consoles on the Oakhanger exploded after the Remans fired a photon grenade at it. I didn’t have a chance to raise the shields when they hit. I’m sorry, dad, for the damage.”

 McCallister shook his head at dismissing his son’s apology and assured him it wasn’t a problem. “I’m not bothered about a damaged runabout, Alf,” The captain said sincerely. “How is he doctor?” He asked Forbes. 

“Besides his injury from the console, I don’t see any long-lasting damage to his shoulder,” Forbes said as he finished treating Alfie’s shoulder. He pressed his hand onto the cadet’s bare shoulder, “Can you feel that?”

Alfie nodded.

“Good, it looks like he’ll make a full recovery,” Forbes said to the captain before returning his attention to his patient. “However, I am restricting you to light duties to give your arm and shoulder a chance to heal by themselves properly. It may feel stiff for a bit, but any problems, come back and see me.”

Alfie smiled and thanked the doctor before reaching around to pick up the clothes he had discarded earlier. Wincing at the pain he felt as he tried to pull the vest over himself, he appreciated the hand from his father. “Thanks, dad.”

“I can’t remember the last time I helped dress you, though I do always remember you being the ticklish one out of your brothers when I did,” McCallister said with a smirk as he did the work for his son with his comments eliciting a slight laugh from Alfie. “Are you sure you’re okay?” McCallister asked his son in a lower tone.

Alfie nodded slightly. “It happened so quickly, dad; I didn’t have time to look back. Commander Hunsen pushed me to come back and get help. I should have stayed and helped.”

“No, you did the right thing.” McCallister countered back quickly as he laid an assuring hand on Alfie’s left shoulder. “What can you tell me about these Remans that attacked you?”

“Not much; it was pretty dark. As I left, I heard one of them call Commander Hunsen’s name as if he knew him. Some chased me; they weren’t wearing any military uniform—just ordinary overalls. Once I got into the runabout, they fired their weapons at it, and that’s when they hit it with a grenade.” Alfie recounted. “As I lifted off, I scanned the entire facility, but I didn’t get a chance to look and see how they got in or how many were there.”

“Don’t worry; we’ve got this covered,” McCallister assured his son. “We’ll sort it and get everyone back.”

“Doctor Forbes mentioned we lost another team,” Alfie said. “Why are the Remans attacking us?”

“Who knows,” McCallister answered his son honestly. He would love to know right now. 

“Alfie!” called Jorgeh from the other side of the room.

McCallister and Alfie looked over to see Commander Duncan’s eldest son and Alfie’s friend almost sprinting across the room to be with them. 

“Hey, Jor!” Alfie said with a big smile to see his friend just before Jorgeh embraced him into a big bear hug. “Ouch,” He said at the sudden clasp. “Careful, Jor, my shoulder is a bit messed up.”

Jorgeh let go, “Ah man, I’m sorry. When I heard you were injured, I came straight away.” He said. “Are you okay?”

Alfie nodded. “I will be. Do you know where my brothers are?”

Shaking his head, Jorgeh explained he hadn’t seen them. 

“Bridge to Captain McCallister,” spoke Commander Banfield over the intercom. “Our teams are almost back, sir, but we’ve got a new problem.”

Sighing heavily, McCallister wiped his face at hearing that last comment after tapping his combadge. “What is it, commander?”

“A warbird has decloaked in orbit of the planet. They claim to be from the Romulan Republic.” Banfield reported.

“Standby; I’ll be there shortly.” He tapped his combadge and turned back to look at his son. “Alf, will you be okay getting back to our quarters without me?”

Alfie nodded and looked at his friend. “I’ll lean on Jorgeh if I need it.”

“I’ll contact both Theo and Henri on my way to the bridge,” McCallister said before giving his son a quick hug and winking at Jorgeh after letting go. He appreciated how responsible they both were and what good friends they were becoming. Knowing that the two would become officers alongside one another in the near future reassured McCallister that they were doing everything right. 

Moments later, McCallister was walking fastly through the ship towards the bridge when two figures approached either side of him. 

“We just heard.” Commander Duncan remarked as he picked up speed to follow his captain’s pace as he came to be by his right side. 

Court, now on the left, also asked, “Is Alfie okay?”

McCallister nodded as they approached the end of the corridor and headed inside a turbolift. “Bridge, deck one.” He ordered before turning to his first officer and chief of the boat. “He’ll be fine. Jorgeh is taking him back to ours.”

Both men shot a glance of pride at one another before they returned their focus to the captain. 

“How was it with Grand DaiMon Deliaros?” McCallister questioned as the lift hurtled upwards.

Court smirked, and Duncan rolled his eyes before answering. “Pleasant.” 

“Max was a gentleman,” Court added with a huge grin. 

 Shaking his head at not wanting to know the exact details right now on how much flirting had come from the Ferengi woman aimed at his first officer, McCallister gave a small smile at Duncan. “At least she didn’t get those Orion dancers to give you that intimate performance like last time.”

Duncan shuddered at the memory. “Indeed.”

“Orion intimate performance?” Court questioned both Duncan and McCallister with a concerned expression. “You didn’t tell me about that.”

Duncan now showed a smirk. “It must have slipped my mind; all those half-dressed Orions dancing with oil and bubbles flowing everywhere along with the seductive music was a lot to take in and remember.”  

Pointing a figure at him, Court spoke seriously in a deep voice. “We’ll talk about this later.”

“Don’t worry, Tobias; you’ve got nothing to worry about. It was Bexa they were more interested in at the time.” McCallister stated that as the turbolift came to a halt, the doors opened with a swoosh. Stepping out, he looked around to see most of his senior staff were back at their posts. “Report?”

Banfield rose from his chair in the centre of the bridge as he, Duncan and Court made their way over. “We have a Commander T’Lawra in command of the Delvaris wanting to speak to you.”

McCallister looked over to Flemen, “Craigen, see what you can pull up about her from Republic records.”

“Aye, sir.” The Lumerian diplomatic officer began to work straight away.

“Who are we still missing?” McCallister asked as he took his seat.

Banfield turned around as she made her way over to the science station. “Counsellor Horin and Lieutenant Commander Tomaz’s team are still at the orphanage. Doctor Slyvexs has requested to remain on the surface to continue her efforts on the medical front.”

Lieutenant Keli then spoke up from the security and tactical station. “Sir, we’ve got extra security officers on standby, ready to go in and support both of those teams. The remaining forces of Hazard Team Alpha are preparing rescue operations with Hazard Team Beta to get our kidnapped crewmembers back.”

Hearing the update from his acting security chief was appreciated, McCallister nodded. “Where do we stand in Gamma team being prepped and ready to assist?”

Keli hesitated. “They’ve not undergone their last training session, sir.” 

“No time like the present.” He muttered. “Give them the go-ahead to join the others as part of the rescue operation.”

Duncan leaned into his captain, “Sir, is it wise to send Gamma Team? They’ve not had any field experience yet, and they’re a brand new team. Only two months old at that.”

“I know, but I’m not sending people in without having enough force behind them,” McCallister replied in a low voice. “Lukiz, open a channel to the Delvaris; let’s see what our new visitor wants.”

Jen just nodded as he opened the channel to the Romulans above them.

Helping with installing the photonic field generator hadn’t been an arduous task. Tomaz was working with Jines when Horin had called him over.

“What is it, Counsellor?” He asked the Betazoid woman as he approached her. She had been talking to Lizvanna, the Qowat Milat nun leading the orphanage, when she had paused and had to take several deep breaths as she became faint. 

Shaking her head gently, she closed her eyes for a second before trying to regain focus. “Imzadi.” She whispered as she placed her hand on her heart.

Samris joined them by this point when he saw his superior look weak. “Imzadi?” He repeated. “What do you mean, ma’am?” 

“What is an Imzadi?” Lizvanna asked the two men as they helped Horin sit down in a nearby chair.

“It’s a Betazoid term for your beloved,” Tomaz replied before looking at Horin. “Ma’am, is it Commander Hunsen?”

She nodded. “Something’s happened; I can sense it. Something bad, Tomaz.”

Instantly Samris tapped his combadge as he called the ship for an update and to share what was happening. Moments later, they were informed that Horin was right; Hunsen and most of his team had been attacked at the power plant. 

“That does not make sense. Why would our Reman brothers attack them?” Lizvanna questioned the Starfleet officers.

Tomaz shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know, but we should leave here.”

“Agreed, our presence here may place the orphanage in danger,” Samris said as he sat down beside Horin and held her hand. She was struggling to focus due to the overwhelming emotions she was feeling. 

Tomaz looked to Jines, “Decter, is the field generator ready yet?”

“You can’t leave us.” Lizvanna interrupted as she got in between the tall Barzan and the deputy operations manager. “These children will be defenceless.”

“Remind me again, which one of is a warrior nun?” Jines asked as he got off the floor, sitting on it next to the generator. “The generator is ready.”

Lizvanna looked at the Rutian man, “That’s not the only purpose of our convent, lieutenant.” She turned to Tomaz, “I implore you, commander, to reconsider.”

Tomaz looked at Jines, then to Samris and stared at Horin, who had her eyes closed. With her unable to assist with the decision-making, he knew he was left in charge. Rubbing his forehead, he took a whiff from his breather before he locked eyes with S’Tem. 

The young Romulan boy had been hanging with him since they arrived. He had asked Tomaz about his life and shared his own story about losing his parents. His short hair around the side and spikey appearance on top added to his adorability. Tomaz saw himself in S’Tem and couldn’t help but feel something for the orphan. He had to remind himself about his work with Counsellor Horin over Jeddie, but he couldn’t help but feel something.

Tapping his combadge, Tomaz called Odyssey himself and informed Commander Banfield that they planned to remain at the orphanage to secure it. 

“The only other team in the field is Doctor Slyvexs; she was undertaking house calls. Half of her team has returned, but I will try to get her to join you. The captain has returned, so standby for further orders.” Banfield shared.    

“Understood, ma’am.” Tomaz tapped his combadge and closed the channel. 

“Are you staying?” S’Tem asked him. 

Tomaz smiled and nodded at the young boy before turning his attention to Jines. “Decter, how creative can you be with the photonic field generator?”

“Pretty creative; why? What have you got in mind?” Jines asked as he took out his phaser and placed it in one hand while in the other, he held his tricorder. 

Tomaz looked around the room they were in. “This place isn’t the best area to defend from. We need to find a better place to take refuge; I suggest we use the field generator to shroud whatever shelter we use. That way, the Remans won’t be able to see where we are hiding the children.”

“If my Reman brothers have attacked your teams from below, then using our basement is not the best idea,” Lizvanna said. “We should go to the east wing and use one of the larger dormitories on the highest level. It is well lit so that the Remans won’t like it.”

“You honestly think they’re going to hit an orphanage?” Jines asked.

“They’ve attacked two Starfleet teams, I’m no Lieutenant Commander T’Rani, but I would guess she would say something that goes along the lines that logic dictates that we may be next; even if we leave now, they may still come, and I’m not leaving these kids alone,” Tomaz suggested. He turned to the two security officers; both of them were human men. “Gentlemen, secure the basement—use the portable field emitters to set up force fields. We may be able to block them or even slow them down.”

Both of them nodded with an acknowledgement. 

S’Tem then pulled on Tomaz’s leg. “Tomaz, I’m scared.” He remarked. 

Kneeling, Tomaz lifted the boy and placed him on his shoulders. “Stay up here; you’ll be safe for now.” S’Tem held onto Tomaz tight. 

Horin then stood up. “I can’t sense Hunsen and the others.” She uttered. “I think they’ve been taken further underground.” Wiping her face, she shook her head as she refocused. “Sorry about that.”

“You’ve got nothing to say sorry for,” Tomaz assured her before he looked to Lizvanna. “Once we’ve moved the children, we’ll need to map the underground of this building further. Can you help us with that?”

“Yes, of course.” The Romulan nun agreed.

Tomaz’s combadge then chirped before a familiar voice followed. “Slyvexs to Tomaz.”

Tapping it, he replied, “Go ahead, doctor.”

“Tomaz, I’ve just been updated about the situation. I’m on my way to your location now, but I’m bringing company.” She announced while sounding almost out of breath.

“What’s your situation, doc?” Tomaz asked, sounding concerned. 

“About eleven Remans attempted to drop my team and me, but we were ready thanks to the heads up from Odyssey. My Qowat Milat escort took out two of them doing some out-of-this-world martial arts. I need help!” She explained and was followed by what sounded like phaser fire. 

Looking at his team, Tomaz took a big gulp. He pulled S’Tem off his shoulders and gave him over to Lizvanna, “Standby doc, we’re going to get the Boyd to you shortly.” He looked to Horin. “Counsellor, are you okay to help Lizvanna get the children up to the east wing dorm with Decter while Samris and I go save Doctor Slyvexs?”

Horin nodded. “Of course, go. We’ve got this”

Jines looked at his superior. “Sir, I need more time to get the generator reconfigured.”

“Then you’ll have to do it on your way. We’re counting on you, Decter.” Tomaz assured him as he picked up his phaser rifle. 

Jines just nodded as he quickly carried on his work. 

“You’re leaving us?” S’Tem asked, concerned towards Tomaz.

Tomaz paused as he looked at the Romulan boy. “We’ll be back, I promise.”

S’Tem’s smile faded somewhat as he hugged Lizvanna. 

“Go save your doctor.” The Nun said. “We have this!”

Appreciating the support and understanding, Tomaz looked at Samris. The Romulan counsellor had picked up his phaser rifle, though not the usual thing he did; Tomaz knew that his friend was ready, and they would have each other’s backs. 

Moments later, the two men were in the cockpit of the Boyd, activating its engines and entire tactical array. 

“I’ve got the doctor’s position; she’s about two kilometres from our current position,” Samris announced as Tomaz rushed through the pre-flight checks. “Scans are showing life signs underground. There appears to be a series of tunnels, about twenty kilometres. I’m assuming it’s the old mines. All of them read Reman-no wait; I’m detecting a Bolian life sign, a Betazoid, a Tiburonian and several non-Remans!”

“It must be the teams they captured,” Tomaz said as he lifted the Type-Nine shuttle from the ground. “Can you get a transporter lock on any of them?”

Samris tried but then gave out a frustrated sigh a second later. “No, they’re too deep under the surface for our transporters to be effective.”

“Relay their coordinates to the Odyssey at least,” Tomaz ordered. “I’m certain the captain will be preparing a rescue operation.”

“Understood.”

“Talking of which, let’s go save our favourite healer,” Tomaz said as he pushed the engines to the max and flew the Boyd towards the last location of the Denobulan doctor. 

Flying in and out of the buildings, Tomaz had kept the shuttle’s position low to avoid anyone on top of a building from hitting them while they were in flight. Eventually, they arrived and saw the doctor and her team engaged in a phaser fight with hoodied figures that he assumed were Remans. 

“Set phasers on a high dispersal pattern and stun them at a good setting,” Tomaz ordered.

Samris nodded and did as he was told; a few seconds later, he opened fire on the group, and all fell to the ground. Landing the shuttlecraft in the middle of the two groups, Tomaz placed the shuttle’s nose in the direction of the group they had just taken out while he opened the aft drop-down door. Running in was Doctor Slyvexs, along with Jew’leanar and the team that Slyvexs had with her.

“That was impeccable timing, Tomaz.” Slyvexs said as she joined him in the cockpit. “What the hell is happening?”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” The Barzan strategic operations officer replied. He looked at the Qowat Milat leader. “Any ideas, ma’am?”

“For once, the truth evades me, commander,” Jew’leanar replied. “However, my instinct tells me it has something to do with Veruk, the Reman leader. He is trying to make a point by attacking your people. Wherever they are on our planet, they are not safe.”

“Then we need to get back to the orphanage as we still have a team there,” Samris stated.  

Once everyone was safely on board, Tomaz brought the shuttle back around to head to the orphanage. 

“Boyd to Odyssey.”

“Go ahead, Commander Tomaz,” replied the captain. 

“Sir, we have Jew’leanar with us. She believes the Reman leader is behind these attacks and that none of our teams are safe. We’ll need to evacuate the orphanage.” Tomaz told him.

“I understand your predicament, Tomaz, but we’ve got a Romulan Republic warbird in orbit. How many people are we looking at evacuating?” 

“Over a hundred.” He answered.

There was a brief lull from the captain before he responded, “Alright, use the Boyd as a transporter enhancer, and we can beam everyone back on the Odyssey in one fell swoop.” 

Tomaz understood the captain’s plan and just acknowledged his orders. 

Samris looked at his friend. “Do you know how to set the shuttle to do that, Tomaz?”

Wincing his head, “I think so.” Tomaz said honestly. 

“Is that absolute candour, commander?” Jew’leaner asked Tomaz.

“It is,” He answered. “I’ve done it once before…on the holodeck.”

“Tomaz, this is no holodeck,” Slyvexs said with an edge of concern in her tone. 

“I know.” He replied before they eventually arrived back at the orphanage. “We’ll adjust the shuttle’s transporter buffer so it can relay the signal back to the Odyssey.”

“I hope this works,” Slyvexs grumbled as she got up. “Beam us back to the Odyssey first.” 

Tomaz made the adjustments, called the Odyssey and informed them they were proceeding in beaming back their people. Once they had been given the all green, he activated the transporter; Slyvexs, Jew’leaner and the others all materialised into nothing. A second later, the confirmation from Odyssey was received. Tomaz called ahead to Horin about the change in plan. She told him to start with the Qowat Milat nuns with the children. Beaming up a small group of ten at a time, he started the process and soon, they were making their way through the orphans. Wondering if S’Tem was any of them, Tomaz shook the thought of the little boy out of his head as he continued to concentrate. 

“Tomaz, the field emitters we set up to slow down the Remans from the orphanage’s basement have just gone offline. I’ve lost connection with them. I think the Remans are coming.” Samris said. 

“I’ve got three more groups than just our people left,” Tomaz said as he moved through the transporter controls one more time. 

“And not to put any more pressure on you, but I’m detecting an incoming Reman scorpion fighter,” Samris announced. “They’re about one and half minutes away from us.”

“Damn it; we won’t be done in time,” Tomaz said as he sent the next group the transporter relay back to the Odyssey. He looked at his readings and noticed he only had one more group of Romulans and the rest of their team to beam up. “Damn it,” He cursed as he changed tactics and opened the transporter buffers further and beamed everyone up to the shuttle in one go. They all materialised behind them before he ordered Samris to raise their shields. He turned around and saw Horin, Jines, their security officers, and Lizvanna clutching onto a scared-looking S’Tem.

“Change of plans?” Horin asked as she and Jines took the seats behind Tomaz and Samris. 

S’Tem jumped out of Lizvanna’s arms and ran over to Tomaz. “Something like that.” He answered as he pulled the boy up into his lap. “We’ve got a Reman fighter incoming, so everyone just hold on. I’m taking us to full speed to get back to the Odyssey.”

The Boyd darted across the Vorash skyline as it returned to its mothership. Pursued by a Reman fighter, they were head of it just in time for them to reach where the Odyssey had landed and beside it sat Grand DaiMon Deliaros’ vessel. The Reman fighter didn’t have a chance to hit the smaller shuttle as a spark of purple energy left Deliaros’ ship and hit it directly. Blowing up into a million bits, the debris fell from the sky, hitting the shielded Ferengi marauder but not making a dent.

“Remind me to thank the Grand DaiMon,” Tomaz said as he flew the shuttle into Odyssey’s main hanger bay. 

The Boyd landed with a gentle thud. Tomaz and the others departed from their craft after getting up from their chairs. With S’Tem in his arms, he looked at Lizvanna. “Samris will take you all to sickbay; go there as I’ll be needed on the bridge.”

Lizvanna nodded before S’Tem gave a tight hug to Tomaz. “Come back.” He whispered before he let go.

“I promise, mate,” Tomaz said, smiling before handing the infant over again to the warrior nun. 

With Horin, he proceeded to head up to the bridge via the nearest turbolift to discover the latest developments. 

On the viewscreen before him, Captain McCallister was met by Commander T’Lawra. Wearing the uniform of the new Romulan Republic, T’Lawra appeared to be of average height and build. Her hairstyle was not the typical short Romulan appearance; instead, she had a fringe swept to the left while the rest of her dark brown locks were pulled back into a long wavy ponytail that hung over her left shoulder. Her forehead ridges were just apparent as they sat under her fringe. At first, her demeanour appeared serious, but as McCallister and she started a dialogue, her composure relaxed. Flemen had discovered that she had once served in the RSE star navy but had been part of the fifth fleet that had defected years ago. In command of an old Valdore-class, the Delvaris, T’Lawra was experienced, and it would appear that she and McCallister had both gained command of their ships at a similar time. McCallister had hoped he could build some sort of kindred bond with her. 

“It’s pleasing to hear that the Romulan Republic wishes to help,” McCallister said with a friendly smile after being told by his Romulan counterpart that she was there to render aid to the inhabitants of Vorash.

Slightly tipping her head to the right, she returned the smile with her own before responding. “I’ve been informed that the people of Vorash mean something to you and your crew, captain. I was hoping to ask if you could assist with introductions and support the transition of us opening a dialogue.”

“Nothing would make happier than to facilitate such discussions; however,” McCallister replied, “it would appear the Reman population have taken an aggressive stance towards my people while we’ve been rendering aid.”

Turning to her side, she gestured for someone offscreen to join her. “Captain McCallister, this is Sub-Commander Taratek, my first officer.”

“Greetings.” The tall, bulky Reman said to McCallister.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sub-commander.” The Starfleet officer said. “Sub-Commander, do you believe you will be able to reach out to the Remans of Vorash? Their leader, Veruk, has not always been open to me in the past. It took a long time to build up his trust.”

“I believe so, captain,” Taratek replied, “He is my brother.”

That revelation impressed McCallister, and he looked to Duncan with a smile of achievement. He returned his attention to the main screen. “I hope you’re not estranged.”

“No, however, we’ve not spoken to one another for some time.” Taratek shared.

“As you can see, captain, you’re not the only one that has a connection with the people of Vorash. That said, we’ve got concrete proof that the Tal Shiar has been behind recent incidents on Vorash.”

Not surprised to see that the Tal Shiar was behind the grief Vorash’s population had recently endured, McCallister was still intrigued by what they had their hand in. “Well, I hope it would make a difference in reducing the unnecessary tension.” 

“That is our hope too, captain,” T’Lawra replied, “I also have a business proposition to offer Grand DaiMon Deliaros that would compensate for the loss of her freighters and strengthen her business ties in the region.”

“Well, then I am certain that everyone will be pleased. Can I suggest you join us here on Odyssey first to discuss the situation with Jew’leanar and Deliaros?” McCallister offered.

“That would be acceptable. We’ll land the Delvaris beside you shortly.” T’Lawra said.

“Understood; that said, I do have people that need to be rescued,” McCallister said firmly. “I won’t have Veruk hold them as hostages any further.”

“Send your forces in to rescue them, captain,” Taratek said. “By saving them from my brother, you will be reducing his strength that would force him to the table to discuss the matters. He needs to be seen that he is being manipulated.”

T’Lawra nodded in support of her first officer’s remarks. 

“I appreciate the backing. Let us make arrangements after you land.” McCallister proposed.

“Indeed,” T’Lawra replied. “I hope this marks a further development of cooperation and friendship between our people, captain.”

“As do I,” McCallister said with a friendly grin before he nodded to Jen to close the channel. 

Standing for all that time, talking to the Romulan commander made McCallister’s feet ache, so he returned to his chair with Duncan joining him. Turning to his first officer, “We might be able to start wrapping up here, Number One, but we need to get our people back first.”

“Agreed,” Duncan said. 

Turning to Flemen, McCallister ordered his diplomatic officer to contact Jew’leanar at once to invite her to the ship. He then had Duncan speak to Deliaros about joining them, too; the first officer hesitated at first but got over it as he nodded to do as he was told. Standing up, McCallister walked over to the bridge’s aft compartment, where all the mission ops stations were crewed. He had seen Tomaz and Horin appear on the bridge via the turbolift while he was talking to T’Lawra,  so he was not surprised to see them involved as Keli prepared their rescue operation of Lenjir and Hunsen’s teams. Horin wouldn’t have customarily involved herself in such matters; however, McCallister understood that the two of them had become closer recently. She could sense the location of her Imzadi, so her insights would benefit the team. 

“This is going to be tight, sir,” Keli remarked from the holographic controls she was manipulating as the last of her plans were being put together. The central large wall console showed the different sensor scans of the underground tunnels and mining structures. Thanks to Tomaz’s team, they could get a lock on their missing crew’s life signs.

“How tight?” McCallister asked the Coridanite.

“Though our force will be strong, it won’t be able to match the amount of Remans that are potentially down there.” Keli pointed out as she indicated the red dots on the scans that showed how many Remans they could see. “We need to get our teams in, secure the site and rescue our missing personnel.”

“Okay, talk me through your plan,” McCallister instructed her.

 Keli nodded and started to explain how she was going to rescue everyone. “I don’t think splitting up our Hazard Teams is a good idea; too many potential risks could create disasters for us. I suggest we send the remnants of Alpha Team in with Beta and Gamma teams here.” She pointed at the map, which showed a tunnel closer to the surface. “Our transporters can beam our teams here without any interference. We set up transporter enhancers just in case. The teams then proceed down this set of tunnels. This is where it gets messy.” She used her hands to expand the map further. “These four tunnels lead into the same cavern where our people are being held. There are three easier routes to take, and the fourth one appears to have pockets of kelbonite ore.”

“That’s not helpful,” Tomaz muttered.

“Kelbonite?” Horin questioned. “Doesn’t that block scans?”

Keli nodded with confirmation. “If we took the tunnel, we wouldn’t be able to detect if our people got through it before they got to the cavern. Plus, half of the tunnel is flooded.”

“What do you think we should do then, lieutenant?” McCallister asked. 

“My worry is if we don’t secure all four tunnels, then on our escape, we could be inviting the Remans to outflank us once they realise where we’ve come in from. All four tunnels need to be guarded for us to return safely.” Keli explained. 

“Easier said than done with the number of people on the Hazard Teams.” Tomaz said as he crossed his arms. He looked to the captain, “Captain, I request permission to join the teams.”

“Me too.” Horin offered. “Perhaps, my connection with Tremt will aid the teams in case our tricorders don’t.”

McCallister was about to speak up when Duncan and Flemen joined them. Both men reported their guests were coming over. Acknowledging their updates with a nod, McCallister returned his focus to the rescue plan. “Tomaz, Louwanna, I appreciate you volunteering, but the purpose of the Hazard Team initiative was to avoid sending senior officers into harm’s way.” He looked to Keli, “No offence, lieutenant.”

She smirked. “None taken, sir, but Lieutenant Commander Tomaz is aware of Hazard Team protocols and has trained with us recently.”

“As have I,” Flemen said. “I’ll join the team too.”

“Hang on for a second,” McCallister said, holding both hands up. “There’s a lot at stake here; we need to plan this operation down to the nano-second and work out how we deal with so many Remans.”

“Easy,” Duncan answered. “You overwhelm them with numbers and use their Achilles heel to our advantage.” He stepped forward. “We use our security officers to hold our beam in site and those tunnels once the Hazard Team has carried out its recon. Then we send in covert drones to brighten up those tunnels.”

“You want to blind them, Number One?” McCallister clarified. 

“Yeah,” Duncan confirmed. “We know they prefer darker places, so let’s light up their little world.”

“Can I make another suggestion?” Tomaz offered.

“Sure,” McCallister nodded.

“Ask the Qowat Milat to join us.” Tomaz proposed.  

“That’s not a bad idea, Tomaz.” Flemen agreed with his friend. “They know the terrain better than us. Plus, if we request a qalankhkai, they may join us.”

“This operation certainly could be seen as a lost cause.” Duncan agreed with his former protege. 

Everyone looked at the captain. McCallister folded his arms and considered their ideas for a moment. “Alright, let’s do it.”

The darkness was starting to become familiar; the odd flash of light from low-powered light sources dotted on the cave walls didn’t do much in illuminating their current location. That said, it was how their Reman captors preferred it. 

With their hands tied behind their backs and tight shackles around their feet, everyone from Hunsen and Lenjir’s teams was sitting on the floor, unable to do a thing. Hunsen and Lenjir were incarcerated beside one another. As the senior-most officers of their group, they had been separated from the others. The Remans weren’t stupid. 

Their warden, as Lenjir had nicknamed him, kept on coming back and forth while his fellow brethren remained vigilantly on guard with disrupter rifles in their hands. None wore military attire; they all wore baggy, dirty clothing. Hunsen could sense their conviction and steadfastness from their feelings. They believed in this Veruk fellow, he was the person that had led their population since arriving on Vorash, and anything he said went. 

Veruk entered the room, dangling his rifle in his hands as he approached the two senior officers. The dust had covered most of their uniforms, and their faces were smudged with the dirt they had been pushed into. Storming over to Hunsen, Veruk picked up the Betazoid engineer by the scruff of his collar and pulled him across the cavern. 

“You, tell me what your captain will do,” Veruk said as he pushed Hunsen into a nearby large rock. His hand was gripped around Hunsen’s neck as he aimed his disruptor at his face.

“Veruk, you and I know Captain McCallister will want us back. I don’t understand why you are holding us captive.” Hunsen answered as he tried to grab hold of his breath.

“We know of the plans to take Vorash back into the Romulan Star Empire; we won’t return to being slaves.” Veruk snarled back. 

“The Romulan Star Empire has collapsed,” Lenjir shouted from where he sat. 

Veruk turned towards Lenjir and fired his weapon at the security chief. He purposely missed him by a few centimetres. His shot-blasted against the cavern rock, creating a pile of dust to fall on Lenjir. “QUIET!” He roared at his prisoner before turning back to Hunsen. “Now tell me, Betazoid, what your captain will do! I know he is not the same man he was when we first met. Time has changed him.”

“What do you mean?” Hunsen coughed as he fought for air. 

“We know the years since you helped us all those years that a lot has changed; we know that McCallister had suffered significant losses, and he now won’t hesitate to do whatever it took,” Veruk replied, re-aiming his weapon back at Hunsen’s forehead. “So, I’ll ask you one more time, what will he do?”

“He’ll most likely send the Hazard Teams after trying a diplomatic approach,” Hunsen said as he closed his eyes and winced at what Veruk would do next.

As he let go of Hunsen, Veruk chucked the chief engineer to the floor and kicked him in his side as he fell. “Pathetic.” He spat out as he stormed off.

Hunsen coughed in reaction to his assault as he tried to sit up.

“Tremt, you okay?” Lenjir asked from across the room. Everyone else was looking at the chief engineer with concern.

He nodded. “I’m fine, thanks, Cline,” Hunsen said as he tried to recompose himself and get his breath back. Hunsen was then overwhelmed when he could sense something. Not something, but someone. 

Imzadi. 

Seconds later, explosions, weapons fire and shouting could be heard from all around them. 

“Get down on the floor,” Lenjir shouted at the top of his lungs.

Following the command from the security chief, everyone pushed themselves to the floor as more exchanges of energy weapons could be heard, along with the clanging noise of people fighting with blades. 

Trying to figure out what was happening, Hunsen focused on finding Louwanna again through their telepathic link. She was nearby, and then they fully connected. He could tell she was worried about him, and she was on a team making its way towards them quickly but quietly as they were wading through water. 

Hunsen smiled at knowing that help was finally arriving. 

It didn’t take long before the Hazard Teams broke through the Reman lines and arrived in the cavern. The arrival of portable airborne drones ahead of the teams assisted their rescue. With huge flood lights attached, the bright light was enough to blind the Remans for the Starfleet team to stun the guards. However, Hunsen was surprised to see Qowat Milat members fighting the Remans in hand-to-hand combat. Several nuns were fighting Remans with their swords. Hearing one of the warrior nuns ask the Remans to choose to live made Hunsen smirk. The Remans ignored her plea, which they soon regretted as the heavily trained fighters overwhelmed them and knocked the Remans out. Noticing they were not killing their Reman brothers, Hunsen wondered that something must have happened for the Qowat Milat not to take such a different approach to their combat rituals. 

“Oh my god, Tremt, are you alright?” came the concerned tone of Horin as she appeared from another tunnel with Tomaz, Flemen and other Hazard team members. They were soaking wet and moved quickly across the cavern to help their fellow officers out of their restraints.

“I’m a lot better now that you’re here,” Hunsen smirked as she cut him loose. He was impressed to see her in full tactical body gear with a rifle strapped to her back and her hair tied up into a tight bun. “How come you guys are on the rescue op?”

“Let’s just say I offered to be a living, breathing tricorder,” Horin answered as she took off the last shackle around his feet. 

Once he was free, Hunsen pulled Horin close to him and kissed her passionately. “Thank the four deities you’re here.” He told her after they finished their embrace.

“Absolutely.” She smiled back before handing him her handheld phaser and then pulled him onto his feet.  

On the other side of the cavern, Keli had approached Lenjir and was helping her superior out. “I was wondering how long before you lot arrived.” He said. 

“Better late than never,” Keli replied as she cut his hands loose. “However, we need to move quickly.”

“You won’t get an argument from me,” Lenjir said as he pulled the remains of his handcuffs off him, “I see you brought out Gamma team too.”

“Captain’s orders, along with Commander Tomaz’s idea of bringing Sister Jew’leanar and her band of merry-ladies,” Keli said, indicating toward the nuns helping secure the area. 

“Every bit helps!” He replied as he was finally released. 

Before she could hand him a phaser, Jew’leanar’s voice echoed across the cavern as she called out to Veruk, who approached him. 

“Veruk, you fool!” She called at him. “Your actions have dishonoured us all. Why have you attacked those who have come to help us?”

“I won’t let my people return to a life of slavery we endured before.” He called back. 

Confused by his words, Jew’learnar shook her head. “There are no plans for such things to take place, my brother,” She replied. “You have been forced fed lies.”

“No, we have not,” Veruk shouted. “We found the report from the Ferengi about this new provisional’s government’s plan to sell Vorash to the highest bidder from the Star Empire. They don’t care about us. We are worthless to them; we won’t let them take us or what we have built here.”

“Those are Tal Shiar lies!” Jew’leanar remarked. “You know I have always been honest with you, so trust me now when I tell you that I have the proof to back up my claims. That proof has been delivered to us by the hands of your own brother.”

“My b-b-brother?” Veruk stuttered. “Taratek?”

“Yes.” She answered. “His vessel has arrived. Captain McCallister’s crew have verified his report, and the damage to Vorash can be restored. Please, my friend, choose to live. Choose to remain with us too. Choose to return back to what we’ve built together. These lies have hurt our people. This cannot continue.”

Veruk took a moment to listen to her words. Eventually, he lowered his rifle and dropped it to the floor. Appreciating the gesture, she thanked him with a nod as Jew’leanar nodded to the Starfleet crew to get themselves out of the cavern. 

Pulling their injured crewmates out of their holding pen and towards one of the tunnels and escape back to the beam in site, the teams from the Odyssey made their way through the dark underpasses and to their safe location. 

Tapping on her combadge, Keli called out to their ship. “Hazard Team Alpha Leader to the Odyssey packages secure. We’re ready to return home.”

“Great work, lieutenant. Standby.” The captain announced over her combadge.

Moments later, everyone was beamed out of the tunnel and back on the Odyssey. 

Knowing the Starfleet officers were finally out of harm’s way, Jew’leanar turned to Veruk and lowered her sword. “It should have never got out of hand like this, Veruk. It’s not what we agreed all those years ago. Join me in finding a way to start the healing process for our people.”

Seeing her hand extended towards him, Veruk relented and stepped forward to take it. “Show me these claims first.”

“Of course.” She agreed with a simple nod. 

The road back to some normality was before them now.  

“Captain’s log stardate seven-seven-three-six-seven point five. It is with great relief to say that the situation on Vorash has now been resolved. The verified evidence from the Romulan Republic has gone a long way in helping with the healing process. As a result, our relief teams have been able to complete their work without further delays. The planet’s power grid is back up and running, the weather control system is also operational, and those who needed medical attention have now been seen. Commander T’Lawra plans to remain on Vorash for a little while longer, as will Grand DaiMon Deliaros. I’ve given the order for the ship to depart at thirteen-hundred hours.”

While walking towards the shuttle bay with his guests, Captain McCallister was flanked on both sides by them and some of his crew. The illumination levels had been reduced in favour of their Reman guests.

“I do hope this dialogue you have all started will continue to prosper.” McCallister urged them as they passed through the large door. “Vorash’s future does depend on it.”

“If I didn’t know you were a hew-mon, Captain McCallister, I’d say your lobes are large enough for you to recite the Rules of Acquisition.” Grand DaiMon Deliaros said with a toothy smirk.

“I was thinking of several rules, in fact, Grand DaiMon,” McCallister answered her with a similar smile. “The seventh, ninth, twenty-second and forty-fifth, to be precise.”

Chuckling at hearing him note them, Deliaros shook her head. “As always, captain, you surprise me every time, but I believe the fifty-seventh rule best sums up our situation here.”

“Good customers are as rare as latinum. Treasure them.” recited Master Chief Court from behind the captain.

“Absolutely,” Deliaros said as she walked towards her private shuttle. She stopped in her tracks and turned to face both Duncan and Court. “Gentlemen, it has been an honour doing business with you both.” She looked at Duncan before making her final comment. “You’ve got a good one here, Max; make an honest man out of him before someone else comes in and proposes a better business deal.” She winked at him before planting a kiss on his cheek.

Duncan nodded in agreement and thanked Deliaros for her wisdom. Suppressing a chuckle, Court looked back at his other half. “Care to share what you think she means by that?”

“Rule two-hundred and twenty-seven, Tobi.” Duncan said, looking at him, “If that’s what’s written, then that’s what’s written.”

Court rolled his eyes as they turned around to see McCallister finishing off with T’Lawra, Veruk and Taratek.

“Captain, we are in your debt, once again,” Veruk grumbled. He extended his hand towards him, “Your arrival, your aid and the help in exposing the Tal Shiar’s plan here to turn our world away from our brothers and sisters have placed us in your debt. Thank you.”

“You can repay me by ensuring that something like this doesn’t happen again. That evidence you received almost destroyed the homes you’ve built. Keep an open mind and remain hopeful.” McCallister said sincerely as he shook the Reman’s hand. Veruk nodded and headed towards the Romulan shuttle only a few feet away. Accompanied by his brother, the two Remans glanced around the large bay before getting onboard. Turning to T’Lawra, McCallister looked at her. “Commander, I appreciate your commitment to supporting this process here on Vorash.”

She smiled in appreciation at his words. “It’s my honour,” She replied. “The Republic needs to take a further stand and show that what we have fought for has been worth it. If we can’t share it with others who have not been as fortunate as we have, then our sacrifices will be for nothing.”

“It’s refreshen to hear that,” McCallister said.

She bowed her head to him. “You’ve earnt yourself a friend in the Republic, captain. I promise to keep you updated with developments here and around the region.”

“I’d appreciate that and the sentiment is true for you as well,” McCallister stated. “Jolan tru, commander.”

“Jolan tru, captain,” She returned before joining her companions on her smaller vessel.

Both Ferengi and Romulan shuttles began their departures as they hovered above the deck plating before heading straight out of the open shuttle bay doors.

Watching them both speed off into the distance, McCallister was joined by Duncan and Court. “Well, gentlemen, I think we’ve saved another world.”

“For a second time,” Duncan remarked.

“And hopefully for the last time,” Court added.

McCallister turned to his first officer, “Max, the ship is yours. I’m heading off for my final visit.”

“Enjoy,” Duncan said almost sarcastically as he watched his captain head towards the ground vehicle that awaited him.

“So, you are perfectly well from what I can see,” Slyvexs said as she raised her tricorder and showed it to the little Romulan boy that sat on one of the biobeds.

Sighing to himself, S’Tem appeared to deflate at hearing that. “Why does my belly hurt then?”

Realising what may be wrong with him, the Denboulan female pretended to tap something into her tricorder before she quickly rushed the tricorder over his abdomen one more time. “Ah, I see the problem,” She said, pretending to be shocked by her latest scan. “It’s what humans call butterflies.”

“That sounds scary,” S’Tem said with concern. “How did I get them? I didn’t eat anything called ‘butterflies’.”

She chuckled, and before responding, a visitor to her examination room appeared. S’Tem had arrived with Samris and Lizvanna only a few moments ago after the young boy had complained consistently about stomach pains, feeling nauseous and being generally quite upset. Approaching them now was Tomaz.

“Tomaz!” S’Tem called out to the tall young Barzan.

Pleased to see his newest friend, Tomaz approached him with a friendly smile. “Hey, little man, what are you doing in here?” He quizzed.

“I’m not well.” He answered.

Tomaz looked at Slyvexs, Samris and Lizvanna for clarity and confirmation.

“S’Tem wasn’t feeling well earlier when we started to pack everything to return to the orphanage.” Samris shared.

“Absolute candour may not exist right now,” Lizvanna added.

“I’ve diagnosed our visitor with the symptoms of butterflies in the stomach,” Slyvexs asked, still pretending to have found the problem.

“What’s the treatment, doctor?” Tomaz asked, going along with the charade.

Slyvex winced, doing her best acting, “I could operate, but it may take me a long time to find all the butterflies; instead, I recommend a good long talk. Possibly supported by Counsellor Horin and Commander Hunsen’s favourite food.”

“Chocolate ice cream?” Tomaz wondered aloud.

“Indeed.” Slyvex agreed with a singular nod.

Tomaz turned to S’Tem. “What do you think, little man?”

“Will it help?” He asked nervously.

“It will.” Samris supported.

“Only if it’s not an inconvenience,” Lizvanna said, realising what was happening.

“It’s no inconvenience at all,” Tomaz remarked as he smiled and walked away to get a bowl of chocolate ice cream.

Excusing herself for one moment, Lizvanna followed Tomaz over to the replicator. “Commander, a moment?”

Pausing in his tracks, he turned to look at the Qowat Milat nan. “Yes, Lizvanna?”

“I’ve spoken about your special bond with S’Tem over with Sister Jew’leanar, and please tell me if I am being too presumptuous with this, but would you consider taking him in?” Lizvanna asked.

He was surprised to hear that. Tomaz hadn’t considered the notion at all. That said, he had become accustomed to Lizvanna and the other’s members of the Qowat Milat’s bluntness in the past day or so. Not sure what to say at first, Tomaz looked at S’Tem from where he was sitting, talking to Samris and Slyvexs. The boy smiled at whatever they had said to him, making Tomaz smile.

He looked at Lizvanna and sighed before he gave her his answer.

Looking up at the colossal warp core that sat in the middle of main engineering, Jorgeh was always impressed by the powerful device. Making his way over to see who he was visiting, he picked up his pace and approached his friend, Alfie McCallister.

Sitting at one of the auxiliary stations, the young cadet looked up at his friend. “Hey, Jorg, what are you doing here?”

“Alf, sorry, I know you’re working, but I’ve been thinking about this for some time, and I’ve got a favour to ask of you,” Jorgeh said, sounding somewhat nervously.

Alfie was baffled by his friend’s request. “Sure, fire away.”

“Help me get into Starfleet.”

With his security protection on either side of him, Captain McCallister entered the small room that Jew’leanar used as a private sanctum. Bowing to her as a mark of respect and performing the standard greeting gesture of placing his hands together and then opening them, he was welcomed in after she did the same.

“Jolan tru, James.”

“Jolan tru, Jew’leanar.” He said as she offered him a seat on a pile of cushions on the floor. He took the opportunity to sit down and cross his legs. “Thank you for seeing me before we leave.”

“You are always welcome to Vorash, James.” She said as she sat opposite him. “Tell me what is on your mind.”

“I wanted to make sure we have completed everything we could do for you and your people before leaving.” He answered.

She nodded a couple of times. “More than enough.” She indicated to the sunny sky behind her. “You have lifted us out of the darkness.”

“I am pleased to hear it.” He replied. “And I truly believe that T’Lawra’s intentions here are genuine.”

“As do I,” Jew’leanar remarked. “I believe it is the start of a beautiful friendship with the Republic.”

“Do you think Vorash will join the Republic?” McCallister asked.

She considered the question for a second before replying. “I think wherever we end; our destiny is ours and ours alone to decide on.”

“Very well, I’ll leave you to your peace,” McCallister said as he got up.

Standing up too, Jew’leanar appreciated his visit and wished him well on his travels.

On the bridge of the Odyssey, everyone was ready to go.

“All stations report ready for lift-off,” Jen announced from ops.

McCallister had just returned to the ship and made his way towards his chair. “Then Number One, take us to Code Blue.” He ordered his first officer as he took his seat.

Duncan tapped at his console and opened a ship-wide channel, ordering everyone to report to their stations. “Code blue status confirmed, sir.”

Relaxing into his chair, he looked around the room at everyone and smiled once again. “Take us up, Lieutenant Commander T’Rani.”

The Vulcan pilot complied and replied with, “Aye, sir.”

Slowly the Odyssey pushed itself up and off the ground as its atmospheric thrusters were activated. Shortly after, the landing struts started to retract back into the secondary hull. Soon enough, the ship climbed up towards the blue sky above them.

Moments later, the ship was gone from view and was back out into open space, back among the stars to explore what lay beyond the final frontier.