Captains Personal Log, Stardate 78000.8

 

It has been a long two months in the Delta Quadrant, after missing the last opening of the wormhole. However, we were able to assist a few more worlds that were affected by the blood dilithium crisis. Currently, we are waiting for the wormhole to open, which is scheduled to open within the next few minutes. To say I am ready to be home, would be an understatement. Once we return, I and my family will be leaving for Trill while the Saratoga heads for Starbase 93 for repairs.

 

While it will be good to be back home for a while, I just wish it were under different circumstances. Serving on a starship sometimes comes with high prices, and losing officers in a fight is sometimes tough as we create a unique bond. It is even worse when one loses a child due to an accident, that is a parent’s worst nightmare. 

 

Though here I am going to be heading home to bury my son and grieve, as well as contemplate my career choices. I have thought about resigning my commission a few times this past month while in the Delta Quadrant, though I keep going back to why I joined in the first place. Things will be tough for a while but we will manage to pull through stronger than before.

A short time later they arrived back in the Alpha Quadrant, Azras was still in her office currently standing near the window gazing out and looking at the traffic coming and going from Starbase 38. A short time later her commbadge went off, “Sir you have an incoming transmission from Commodore Jori.” Ritru replied.

Raising an eyebrow she wondered what the Commodore wanted, “understood, patch it through.” Azras replied before ending the comm and walking back over to her desk. Sitting down in the chair she turned her computer on to see the face of a Trill woman. “Good morning Commodore,” Azras replied, looking at her.

“Good morning Fleet Captain,” Jori said with a soft smile before her expression turned to sadness. “I heard what happened and I want to say how sorry I am for your loss,” Jori said with a somber expression that was sincere. She couldn’t imagine the pain she was going through right now.

“Thank you, sir,” Azras replied as she appreciated the kind gesture. “Congratulations on your recent promotion,” she added as she sat there. Though she had a feeling that this was more than just a house call.

Jori looked at her, “though I am sure you know that this is more than just a social call.” Jori replied as she tapped a few buttons on her console, sending her some information. “First order of business is that you are now a squadron commander,” Jori began, which caused Azras to raise an eyebrow. “The USS Gagarin under the command of Captain Derohl will be under your command, all the information has been sent to you.” Jori finished looking at her.

Azras brought up the information on her holographic screen, beginning to read the information as the commodore talked. The Gagarin was the first of its class and was a heavy escort that had a fighter unit attached. ‘They could have been helpful during our time in the Delta Quadrant’ she said to herself before speaking up. “Understood,” Azras replied as she remembered Derohl when he was the Executive Officer for a short time on the Saratoga before his promotion. Though, last she knew he was the commanding officer of the USS Aquarius.

“Right now they are currently docked at Starbase 93 taking on crew,” Jori spoke up. This brought her to her next point in the conversation, “I know that you are going to be taking some leave while the Saratoga goes to the starbase for repairs. I wanted to let you know about a situation that we have been made aware of.” Jori began as she looked at the captain.

Jori spent the next few moments explaining the current situation within Romulan space as Azras listened intently as the women spoke. “Rhijun the planet that you assisted during the fall of the Star Empire is one of the worlds that has been affected heavily. They have requested your assistance again, though you are in no shape to go I suggest that you send the Gagarin in your stead.” Jori said as she looked at the Captain.

Raising an eyebrow and concern grew for the new situation that was emerging, “the Gagarin isn’t equipped to handle something like this.” Azras countered looking back at the commodore.

Jori nodded in agreement with Azras’ observations, “under normal circumstances you would be correct as their sickbay isn’t designed to handle more than their crew. They will be beaming down planet side to assist at their hospital they just finished building since your last visit.” Jori replied as she took a sip of the coffee she had. “Since Commander Teila and other medical officers that were left behind made it to Starbase 93, I will be temporarily assigning them to the Gagarin to assist in this situation along with Commander Atur to figure out how this event started,” Jori replied.

Azras looked down for a moment, she knew that it would only be temporary though they were in the same squadron and both ships would be working together. “Very well,” Azras replied as she looked back up. It would be good to have them there as they would be some faces the residents of Rhijun would recognize. “Is there anything else that I need to be made aware of before I depart?” Azras asked, looking at the commodore before adjusting in her seat.

“I think I have covered everything that needs to be covered, if not I will contact you again,” Jori said with a soft smile.

Azras nodded before the channel ended showing the screen change to the normal federation logo. She began to spend the next few minutes reading the information that the commodore had sent over. Once she finished she had one more call to make before she met with her command staff.

Ritru looked at T’Prel as they walked towards the observation lounge, Deza was shortly behind them. “Do you have any idea why the captain only wants to talk with us three?” Ritru asked, looking at her.

T’Prel shook her head, “I unfortunately am unaware of her reasoning.” T’Prel replied just before they arrived at the doors of the observation lounge. Walking in as the doors opened they found Azras sitting at the head of the table.

The three of them nodded to the captain before they took their seats, “you wanted to see us?” Deza spoke up looking at the other two who had given her a look, Deza just shrugged before looking back at Azras.

“Thank you for coming so promptly,” Azras began looking at them. “I and my family will be departing on the Oneida, heading to Trill. In my absence, T’Prel is being placed as acting commanding officer, which moves Deza to acting executive officer.” Azras began as the others began to exchange looks with each other before turning their attention back on Azras.

“Deza Lieutenant Th’rikrir will take your spot for the time being,” Azras said as Deza just nodded. “You will be heading back to Starbase 93 for repairs and some downtime,” Azras said as she then began to explain the rest of the orders that Commodore Jori had shared with her some time ago.

“So are some of our crew being reassigned?” Deza asked.

“No Teila and Jeesa as well as a few others are only on loan during Gagarin’s mission within Romulan space, they will return once it is completed,” Azras reassured her that no one was being transferred.

“Any other questions?” Azras asked.

“No sir,” T’Prel replied as the others nodded in agreement that they had no further questions.

“Very well, I will see you all when I return. Dismissed,” Azras said as the three got up from their chairs and headed out of the observation lounge, and headed towards the bridge. Azras remained for a few more minutes before sending a message to Arzin for him and Linha to meet her onboard the Oneida. She also sent a message to Ensign Sato to get the ship ready for departure once they arrived.

Taking a deep breath she stood up from the chair she was sitting in and walked out of the door to head towards the turbolift that would take her down to the Oneida. After a while, the ship detached from the Saratoga and began its journey towards Trill while the Saratoga jumped to warp heading towards Starbase 93.

Time seemed to go slowly as the Oneida made its way towards Trill, silence had filled the ship since the moment they had departed from the Saratoga many hours ago. Azras had chosen to remain in her ready room, reviewing reports and making calls. The life of a captain never ends even when on leave, especially when she just became a squadron commander. 

Ensign Sato sat at the helm as the bridge was pretty empty other than Arzin who had decided to do some work to pass the time. Though he wasn’t much for talking at the moment as he was focused on staying busy, rather than dwelling on what would lie ahead of them when they arrived at their destination. Linha was in her quarters relaxing and reading a book to pass the time.

Sato felt terrible for the situation that the captain and her family were dealing with, she might not know what they were going through. She sympathized with them as she has lost loved ones over the years, though losing a child so young she just couldn’t fathom the pain. After sitting for hours on end Sato locked the controls before standing up from her station and began to move around the bridge for a little while.

Meanwhile, Azras sat on the couch that was located near the medium-sized window of the ready room. She had finished most of her work hours ago, though she just got off the channel with Captain Tajir Derohl of the Gagarin a few moments ago. She continued to stay in her ready room, not wanting to face anyone on the bridge at the moment. Though there weren’t many on the ship, it would all be the same.

Looking down at the object she held in her hand, a chip that contained many memories from over the years. Looking at it for a few more moments before she clenched her hand over it as she felt the ship drop out of warp and her commbadge went off.

“Bridge to Captain Dex, we have arrived at Trill. We entered standard orbit,” Sato said from the bridge.

“Thank you,” is all Azras said before the communication channel ended. She sat there for a few moments more before putting the chip in her pocket, getting up from her seat she took a deep breath before stepping out onto the bridge.

Looking at Sato, “I would like you to land the Oneida at these coordinates.” Azras ordered after sending her the location of her country estate that had a landing pad big enough to fit an Aquarius-class escort.

Sato nodded and began preparations for landing the ship at the requested location. As the ship began its descent, Sato was a bit nervous as the only thing she has landed was a shuttle. So landing an Aquarius-class escort was a bit different for her, she hoped that everything went smoothly as they continued to descend to its destination.

Silence filled the bridge as they finished landing on the landing pad that was on Azras’ property. Sato had finished the landing protocols and the ship powered down, Azras stood up from her chair looking at Sato. “You may take some leave here on the planet or you may remain on the ship, I will leave that up to you. There are some good places here to enjoy yourself,” Azras said with a smile.

“Thank you, Captain,” Sato replied as she was going to take her up on that offer. She has never been to Trill before so she was going to explore the sites. They all got up and left the Oneida and went their separate ways.

Azras and her family walked a short distance to their house, it had been a while since they had last been home. Though they wished it was under better circumstances. Walking in Azras made her way toward the back patio that overlooked the lake that their house sat on. Arzin walked up behind her wrapping his arms around her waist and giving her a gentle kiss on her neck. “Care for a drink?” He asked looking at her with a soft smile.

She nodded as she looked at him with a smile, he’d always known what she needed and was always willing to do things for her even the simplest things that she could do herself. After a moment he returned with a glass of her favorite drink, “go relax outside while I get dinner ready.” Arzin said with a smile before kissing her again and walking away.

Azras walked out onto the back patio and took a seat in one of the lounge chairs that had the best view. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, birds singing off in the distance. There was a gentle breeze that blew which caused Azras to close her eyes for a moment to take it all in. Memories began to surface, Yadri loved the water and he would swim in the lake as much as he could during their visits home. Tears ran down her face, things would be vastly different, not the same as they once had been. She was not sure how she would deal with it, even at one point thinking of resigning her commission and leaving Starfleet altogether.

Opening her eyes she looked out once again, she shook those thoughts from her mind. She knew things would take time, healing takes time and she would take things day by day. Linha walked out and sat next to her, “I have decided that I will be returning to Mellstoxx III to finish my studies.” Linha said as she looked at her mother, she thought about talking about it later but she just needed to get it off her chest now.

“I understand,” Azras replied as she felt it probably be for the best as she did. She had finished her year tour, and she enjoyed her time with them. She was able to experience different situations that she probably wouldn’t have dealt with at an academy campus such as the one on Mellstoxx III. “I hope you learned a lot while you were on the Saratoga?” She asked looking over at her daughter.

Linha smiled, “I have and I will take what I have learned here back with me.” She said as she stood up walked up to her mother and gave her a long hug. “I love you mom, thank you for the wonderful opportunity to serve onboard the ship, it has been a great experience that I’ll never forget,” Linha said.

Azras returned her hug and held onto it for a while before releasing and kissing her on the forehead. “I am glad,” she replied as she looked at her. She has grown up to be a very beautiful and bright young woman, reminding herself of how she was growing up. “Any word from the Trill Symbiont Commission?” Azras asked as it had been a while, as she knew that she wanted to be joined.

She looked at her and sat back down in the chair next to her, she was going to wait until after the funeral to tell her. “Actually yes, I wanted to wait to tell you till after the funeral but I been accepted.” She said as Azras smiled, she could tell there was more so she looked at her intently. “I am going to be joined to the Tiaeel symbiont in a couple of days, so I’ll remain on Trill for a while before returning to the academy.” She replied looking at her mom. “I had just gotten that news just before our arrival,” she added.

“That is wonderful,” Azras said just as Arzin came out to join them.

“What is wonderful?” He asked looking at the two.

“I am going to be joined with the Tiaeel symbiont in a couple of days,” Linha replied looking at her father.

“That is wonderful news,” Arzin replied with a smile. “Dinner is ready,” he added as he hugged his daughter as he was very proud of her. The two got up from the chairs they were sitting in and walked inside where they would eat and just talk amongst themselves while they ate. Then they would spend a few hours of quality time together before heading to bed for the night as they would have a busy day the next day.

It had been a few hours since the Saratoga began its journey towards Starbase 93, a few hours since Azras left the ship onboard the Oneida towards Trill. Things were pretty quiet throughout the ship as officers continued their duties. Shift change had just occurred, and most of the senior officers had left the bridge going their own way. T’Prel had decided to take the second shift while Deza had taken the morning shift as acting first officer while the captain was away.

Deza had made her way to her quarters to change out of her uniform, she probably was going to head to the Hillside Country Bar & Grill. Where she and a few of the senior staff members would hang out together. She needed to unwind, get things off her mind, and not have to worry about duty.

As Deza walked down the corridor that was filled with officers walking in either direction, “wait up.” Chon’al almost yelled running to catch up to her, she stopped walking and looked in the direction of where the voice was coming from. After catching up to her he stopped looking at her for a moment. “Where you off to?” He asked.

“To my quarters to change,” Deza replied as they began to walk.

He nodded as they continued to walk down the corridor, silence had filled the air between them for a moment. Chon’al wasn’t sure how to ask her out on a date, after the breakup between him and Captain Adams he wasn’t sure how to ask. Usually, he was blunter, flat-out asking instead of stumbling on asking. 

“Something on your mind?” Deza asked as she could tell something was on his mind.

Clearing his through, “I was wondering if you…um…wanted to go on a date?” Chon’al finally asked looking at her briefly before looking ahead, if it was possible he felt like his heart was about to rip right out of his chest.

Deza stopped and looked at him, silence had once again filled the air between them. She wasn’t sure how to answer that question, they had become closer over the past few months compared to when they first arrived on the Vesta together. She knew that he just went through a breakup when Makayla Adams had left the ship a little over a year ago, so she kept her distance. After a while longer she finally spoke up, “sure.” Deza replied, “what did you have in mind?” Deza asked as they continued their journey until she finally reached the door of her quarters.

“I was thinking the Hillside at first, though I am sure we will be bothered by others as I am sure that is where they are planning on hanging out.” Chon’al began, “so was thinking the holodeck where it be private and we won’t be bothered.” He replied looking at her as they stood at her door.

“Sounds good to me,” Deza said with a soft smile.

“Say in an hour or so in holodeck two?” Chon’al asked as it would give them plenty of time to get ready and for him to set up the holodeck.

“Sure,” Deza replied.

“Great, see you then,” Chon’al replied as he walked down the corridor towards his quarters while Deza stood there for a few moments looking after him. After a few moments, she entered her quarters and stood there as the doors closed for a few seconds. Thinking about what had just transpired, wondering if she was dreaming. Shaking her head she proceeded further into her quarters and began to get ready for her date.

Standing in her room looking through her clothes trying to find something to wear, she wasn’t sure what to wear for these kinds of events. She had never been on a date before, she was one to stick to herself for the most part. After spending what seemed like hours in reality, it was only a few moments before she finally settled on an outfit.

After getting ready she stood there in front of the mirror just looking at herself, she began to wonder if this was even a good idea. Maybe it was just nerves getting to her, anxiety started to set in a bit. She kept asking herself if she should just tell Chon’al she couldn’t make it, but another part of her kept fighting back saying go and enjoy the night.

She turned away from the mirror and began to just walk out of her quarters, so she wouldn’t talk herself out of going. The corridor was filled with officers walking in both directions going to their destinations, some would give her compliments as they passed. Deza smiled a bit before she reached the turbolift. “Holodeck 2,” she ordered as the lift doors closed shut behind her and began to move towards its destination.

A few minutes later she was standing at the entrance of the holodeck, standing there for a few moments noticing that it was in use. Which only meant that Chon’al was here, she wondered what he had in store for them. Taking a deep breath she opened the archway and walked threw the doors and was surprised by what she saw. It was as if she was transported back home on Bajor, looking around she saw he had picked Jalanda City. Deza was from Rakantha Province which was more of an agricultural area and was more farmland. It was a beautiful summer’s day, birds chirping in the distance, looking around it caused her to miss home as it had been so long since she has been on Bajor.

Walking down the path where she saw Chon’al standing just outside one of the local restaurants. Walking up to she gave him a soft smile, “seems someone has done their research.” Deza said looking at him, he was dressed in a nice outfit though nothing too formal.

“I did,” Chon’al replied with a smile. “I hope you like it?” He asked as they stood there.

“I do thank you,” Deza replied as they headed into the restaurant. Chon’al made it seem real with other Bajorans and tourists dining to not make things overly awkward with just being the two of them. It gave it a real taste of home, and even though it was only a holodeck he made it feel like they were there. They spent the rest of the evening chatting and eating, enjoying each other’s company.

“Where are Deza and Chon’al?” Ritru asked looking at the other two, “I thought they were going to join us tonight.” She added.

“Maybe they are on a date,” Dazra commented as she slammed down the shot she had in her hand. This suggestion had caused Odan to bust out laughing which in turn caused the other three to look at him wondering what was so funny. “What is so funny about that?” Dazra asked looking at Odan with a puzzled look.

“Seriously, you think that they would be going on a date? Last I knew he was seeing Captain Adams,” Odan replied not knowing that they had parted ways shortly after she had left the ship without much explanation.

Ritru didn’t say anything as she didn’t know this particular person that Odan had mentioned, Dazra and Jheria looked at each other for a brief second before looking back at Odan. “Apparently you hadn’t heard,” Jheria said which caused Odan to tilt his head in confusion.

“What do you mean?” Odan asked.

“Makayla ended their relationship shortly after she left the ship,” Dazra replied looking at him.

“Oh…” is all that Odan said almost looking embarrassed that he seemed to be the last to know. “Why do you think that they are on a date and just deciding not to join us tonight?” Odan then countered looking at Dazra.

Dazra shrugged, “oh no reason and it could be a possibility.” Dazra said looking briefly at Odan with a grin, though she knew that they were on a date as she happened to overhear them talking as she passed down the corridor where they were standing. Though she wouldn’t tell anyone their secret, if they wanted to share that be on them.

“They could have decided to stay in their quarters, things have been kind of hectic lately,” Dazra added as she swiveled her glass around, the ice hitting the sides of the glass as she did so.

“Is anyone going to the station once we reach Starbase 93?” Ritru asked changing the subject.

“I might visit to check out the different shops,” Odan replied.

“I have a friend who’s stationed there I am going to pay a visit,” Jheria replied with a smile.

“Probably not,” Dazra replied. “I haven’t decided,” she added with a shrug. “What about you?” She asked looking at Ritru.

“I think myself and T’Prel plan on visiting the station for a bit,” she responded.

They spent a few hours chatting and enjoying each other’s company before they would turn in for the night. They were scheduled to arrive at the Starbase in a few hours, though they would probably be fast asleep when the ship would dock at one of the drydocks. They would be within transporter range so they wouldn’t have to take shuttles if they wanted to visit the station.

The bridge was usually more lively than it was at that moment, silence had once again filled the room as there wasn’t much happening. It had been like that for the last couple of days as they slowly traveled, Nehi sat at her station though not finding much to do as nothing was coming in on sensors. Though they were in no condition to respond if there even was with the damage they sustained, they were already vulnerable enough.

C’Riia was sitting on the bridge to monitor the ship’s systems while they traveled though under normal circumstances they would have already arrived at the starbase. But due to the damage, they were only going warp five to not put unneeded pressure on the warp core. So far they haven’t had to drop out of warp or reduce speed, though she wasn’t going to let her guard down because things can change in a split second.

Damir Jahraus had been sitting at the science station, though not doing much of anything at the moment. He had nothing better to do in the science lab, so figured he might get some excitement from the bridge. Realizing that wasn’t the case he looked around the bridge as others just sat there either looking at their consoles or just staring at the empty viewscreen.

This seemed to go on for hours until the ship suddenly dropped out of warp just on the edge of the Devron system. “Sir, we have reached Devron Fleet Yards.” Came the voice of Lieutenant Rass to break the silence that had filled the room not that long ago.

“We are being instructed to head to drydock three,” Nehi replied as she was covering for Ritru’s position along with her own.

“Understood Rass bring us in,” T’Prel replied.

Rass tapped his controls and the ship slowly began to move towards drydock three, once in position the ship began to move slowly into the drydock. “We have finished docking procedures and mornings are in place,” Rass said.

“Power down all nonessential systems,” T’Prel replied as the ship began to power down. Looking over at Nehi, “send a message to all personnel that we have arrived at Starbase 93 and they are free to go to the station if they so please.” T’Prel said as Nehi nodded.

“You are all dismissed to enjoy some leave,” T’Prel ordered as the others nodded getting up from their chairs and heading off the bridge. Some of them would go get some rest before they would even think about going to the station. An engineering crew would be sent over in a few hours to begin repairs. T’Prel got up from her chair and headed into the observation lounge directly off the bridge to do some work before turning in for the night.