Korrath had taken retirement in 2396, the loss of Lanniefelysa had shaken him hard and he knew that a simple leave of absence wasn’t going to suffice in making him feel better. He had believed, and still did, that the time had been right to step away from the fleet at 45 years old. However, his sense of duty hadn’t deserted him. When he had found out about Hobus, Korrath found himself itching to help, but after enquiring about returning for a short period to help, he received no reply.

However, the beauty, peace and serenity of Bajor had mostly healed him, not to mention the deepening of his faith. His life since Starfleet had been mostly routine, his exercise, his study of the Prophets and his weekly trips into the local town, prefering to live mostly solitary. He rarely got visitors, despite being half Bajoran, he was also half Klingon and he looked Klingon too, which whilst he had made a number of friends in his neighbours who came over every so often, it made making friends all the harder. For this reason, when he heard the hum of a transporter beam depositing someone just outside, it peaked his interest.

He started when he saw a young Trill Man in a Starfleet uniform striding fast to his house, carrying a PAD through his kitchen window. He stepped through his porch door, which led outside. Korrath eyed the young Trill man as highly trained security Officer would. He didn’t look that much of a physical threat and it didn’t look like he was concealing any weaponary. He saw two solid gold pips on his collar and address him when he came into earshot. 

”What can I do for you, Lieutenant?“ Korrath called to the Trill, who continued walking. “Assignment details, Commander.” The Trill replied after a moment, having reached Korrath, proffered the pad to him.

Korrath shook his head, not taking the offered PAD. “I’m retired, Lieutenant.” Korrath replied cooly, adding an edge to his voice. However the Trill did not seem phased. “He said you’d say that.” He replied in the same tone as before, still offering the pad.

This took Korrath off guard. He hadn’t expected that reply. He didn’t immediately reply, but after a moment, he did. “Who said I’d say that?” Korrath demanded, his tone not changing. The Trill smiled politely back at the glare he was receiving. “Captain Gardner.“ he replied evenly.

At the mention of his old mentor’s name, Korrath immediately took the PAD. He at least owed it to Peter to look at what the assignment was before flat out refusing it. Korrath soon released he had forgotten to fully submit his retirement paperwork, meaning he was officially on active reserve.

He perused the PAD for a moment, taking in all the information before allowing himself to draw any conclusions. After he read it through twice, he looked up at the Lieutenant briefly, before looking back down to the PAD. Starfleet had a complex situation In the Gradin Belt and reading between the lines, they were a bit thin on the ground in relation to a number of resources, people, equipment and supplies.

Starfleet wanted to give him a Raven Class, The USS Phaesis, a motley crew and send him out to the Delta Quadrant in a support role, supplies transport, surveying, and diplomatic overtures. The younger Korrath would’ve immediately turned this down, as he yearned for the wider adventure that came with serving aboard a starship. But Korrath was older and wiser now. He felt his old sense of duty rising up in him. This was a situation that he knew he couldn’t simply walk away from, without trying to do what he could. He lowered the PAD.

“Captain Gardner said this would be temporary but he wants you to stay active after this.” Korrath looked over at the landscape as the Trill Lieutenant spoke. No doubt Captain Gardner had other plans after his temporary assignment to the Phaesis. Would he be able to give up his new home permanently? He wasn’t sure.

”Okay, Lieutenant. When do I leave?” Korrath asked turned his gaze back onto the Lieutenant

”Right now.” 

Cassana stood by the viewing port of the Starfleet Transport ship, along with several others. She had never seen a Guardian Class Starbase before and was keen to see one for the first time. She had been to Starbase 1, several times and the first time she had seen, it had awed her. It was huge, but incredibly old.

“Waiting to see Starbase 38, Commander Brack?” a male voice asked next to her. She turned her head to the right, in the direction of the voice. The voice belonged to a man, who sported Bajoran nose ridges.4 “Have we met?” She asked, not seeing the rank insignia on his shirt jacket.

He turned, giving her a look at his rank, which was Lieutenant. He offered his hand, in the human gesture of greeting. “Lieutenant Orzal, Nejem, Lead Security Officer of the Phaesis. I recognised you from your personnel record.” He revealed. Cassana nodded. “Oh I see.” She said offering a warm smile and taking the offered hand. “Lieutenant Commander Cassana Brack.” She replied, noting the traditional Bajoran earring on his right ear, signalling him as one that followed the Bajoran Faith.. “Have you been to a Guardian Class Station before, Lieutenant? She asked, turning back to the viewport.

“I’ve spent time on Starbase Bravo before. The Fourth Fleet, I think, is the only fleet that’s even got one, let alone two.” He replied, turning back to the view port. Nejem, who had spent his entire career in space, felt the tell-tale vibrations change on the deck plate of the old Transport ship, indicative of the ship beginning to slow. “I think we’re nearly there.” Nejem stated.

“How do you know that?” Cassana asked, confused, her face scrunching up, looking around to see if she had missed something, but all she could see were the stars streaming past, like the were moments ago. “The vibrations from the warp engine.” Nejem, began to explain. “On a ship this old, it’s easier to tell. I take it you haven’t spent much time in space?” He asked.

She turned to him, a little sheepish.  “Am I that green?” She replied with a weak smile, uncomfortable at the reminder of her inexperience in space. Whilst she had led scores of Nursing and Medical Officers, her leadership ability was not in question, but her spacefaring experience and even ability was very much in question, if only by herself.

The Bajoran man chuckled at Cassana’s response. “You’ll get used to it, Commander.” He said attempting to reassure her. “And from the rumours I’m hearing,” He said his voice growing serious. “it’ll happen sooner rather than later.” As he finished, the ship dropped out warp and Cassana and Nejem’s eyes were instantly pulled to the blurry shape with what looked like a single light in the distance.

Gradually, the lights started to separate, and the ‘blob’ started to take the shape of the Guardian Class. She could see the similar design of the Stardock, but clearly an updated distinctive design. It was darker than the lighter Stardock and she could see the heavy influence of the Regula Class too.

“Welcome to Starbase 38, Commander.” Nejem said.