It was a beautiful day on Trill, the warm crisp sun was shining. One could hear the softness of the breeze blowing around them, with birds sitting in the trees talking amongst each other was a beautiful sound to hear. Tajir was sitting outside on the deck of his home, relaxing and enjoying the day as Sari fixed breakfast for the two of them.

“Dear breakfast is ready,” came the voice of Sari from the doorway of their home.

Looking towards the door Tajir smiled as he had taken a drink of his coffee, “I’ll be right there.” Tajir replied with a smile as he took a long deep breath before standing up from his seat. Walking inside the house, Tajir shut the screen door behind him before making his way toward the table.

“This came for you while you were outside,” Sari said as she handed him a padd after she had finished putting the plates on the table. Sitting down she looked at her husband who had taken the padd but had placed it on the table beside his plate. “Are you going to read it?” She asked as she took a bit of her food while still looking at him.

“After breakfast,” he replied with a smile and took a bite of his food as well. He didn’t like any distractions while they were eating and whatever it was could wait until they were finished.

“Alright love,” Sari replied as they continued to eat. “What’s on your agenda today?” She asked looking at him.

“I was thinking of relaxing after the chores were complete,” he replied. “What about you?” He asked.

“I was thinking of going into town for a bit of shopping,” replied Sari after she swallowed what she had in her mouth.

“Sounds good,” Tajir replied with a smile.

“Did you want anything while I am out?” She asked as she took the last bite of her food.

“No, I can’t think of anything I would need at the moment dear,” Tajir replied. Once he had finished eating he got up and helped Sari clean off the table as well as the pots and pans that were used. Once finished he walked back to the table where the padd lay and looked at it for a moment before picking it up. Walking over to one of the chairs that sat in their living area and sat down. He spent the next few moments reading the contents which caused him to raise an eyebrow.

“Everything alright?” Sari asked as she joined him in the living room, handing him a cup of coffee before sitting down on the couch next to his chair.

“Thank you,” he said as he took the cup from her and took a sip. “I didn’t think I get an assignment this quickly after I sent in my request for reinstatement,” Tajir said as he handed her the padd with the information on it.

“Looks like I am being assigned to the newly built USS Gagarin, first of its class as its commanding officer,” Tajir said as he could see the disappointment in her eyes, she didn’t agree with his desire to return to service though she would support him no matter what his decisions were.

“That is great dear,” Sari said as she smiled.

“You can come with me,” Tajir suggested though she would be a civilian at least she would be with him and not have to communicate through subspace. This question caused her to get up and walk over to the window behind the couch and look out. She spent most of her life in space serving Starfleet, she was happy being home on Trill.

“When do you leave?” Sari asked as she looked over at him.

“The transport will be here tomorrow morning,” Tajir replied.

Looking back out the window she began to think, though it would be great to be able to stay together she just wasn’t wanting to return to space and live on a starship again. She knew that either way he would be supportive of her decision. After a few minutes, she walked over to where he was sitting and sat on his lap. “While I would love to go with you, I am just not happy being on a starship anymore. I would rather just stay here on Trill,” Sari responded as she looked at him.

Tajir smiled though he was quite sad that she decided to stay here on Trill, he understood her reason. “That is alright, we will still communicate through subspace channels every night,” Tajir promised as he kissed her while wrapping his arms around her.

Tajir had arrived at Devron Fleet Yards earlier that day after a few days of travel from the Trill homeworld. His belongings were already onboard in his quarters as well as a tote was sent to his ready room. After getting lunch from one of the local restaurants at the station, Tajir began to walk to where the Gagarin was docked.

After a few minutes of walking, he arrived walking up to the window he began to gaze out the window to view the slender-looking ship. The Gagarin is the first of her class, and she was beautiful, at least in his eyes. After a few minutes, he turned and walked up the docking ramp to where a security officer was stationed. Showing him his credentials he entered the ship and began to make his way toward the bridge.

Upon arrival, Tajir officially took command and it was logged within the computer before walking into his ready room. Taking a seat at his semi-circular desk, he picked up a padd that had been placed on the desk. It contained the crew manifest, he began to read each service record. He recognized two of the names as he had served with them on the Vesta.

There was one that caught his attention just as the door chime went off, briefly looked up towards the door. “Enter,” Tajir replied before turning his attention to the padd he was reading.

The door opened up to reveal a Romulan woman as she walked in, hands behind her back as she walked up to his desk. “Commander Tilana reporting,” Tilana said as she looked at Tajir who seemed to be intently reading something.

Looking up he smiled before setting the padd that he was reading down on his desk before standing. “Welcome aboard commander,” Tajir replied as he extend his hand toward the woman.

“Thank you,” Tilana replied as she shook his hand.

“Please have a seat, would you care for a drink?” He asked as he gestured for the open seat that was located in front of his desk.

“I am good thanks,” she replied with a smile.

Walking to the replicator he order himself a cup of coffee, once it appeared he grabbed the cup and walked back over to his desk. “Looks like most of the crew have arrived, just been reading over their service records,” Tajir replied as he took his seat before taking a sip of his drink.

After setting it down on his desk he picked up a padd that he had been reading and handed it to the commander. “This one concerns me a bit,” he replied looking at her.

Taking the padd from him she began to read the contents of one Lieutenant Commander Aarven Ashatia, their new chief engineer. Raising an eyebrow she began to have the same concerns.

“She is a brilliant engineer, it’s her attitude that concerns me,” Tajir replied looking at the reprimands that were on her file due to her attitude and going off on superior officers, to which Tilana nodded in agreement after she finished reading the file that was on the padd.

“Agreed,” she replied. “Though it seemed that she’s been on leave for the past year and is only just returning to active service.” She replied as she handed the padd back to the captain.

“Indeed,” Tajir replied.

Tilana had another padd in her hand that she almost forgot to give to the captain as she got distracted by the engineering officer. She handed Tajir a padd, “the ship status report that was handed to me by the skeleton crew.” She replied looking at him.

“Wonderful,” Tajir replied as he took the padd and glanced it over. “I am sure we will have new orders soon, I suggest in the meantime that everyone get settled in.” He replied as he sat the padd down on the desk.

Tilana nodded, “understood sir.” She replied before standing up from the chair, “is there anything else?” Tilana asked as she stood with her arms behind her back again.

“You know you can relax when you’re around me there is no need to be so formal,” Tajir replied with a smile before standing as well. “Not at this time, go get settled in and enjoy the downtime before we receive our first set of orders,” Tajir replied with a smile.

“Aye sir,” she replied before turning to leave his ready room.

After she had left and the doors shut behind her, Tajir took a deep breath before looking at the tote that was sitting in the middle of the floor that he had yet to touch. He would spend the next little while setting up his office the way he liked it with pictures of him and his wife as well as some books in their right places. Once finished he sat back down at his desk to finish a few more reports before heading to his quarters. Where he would unpack his belongings and then call his wife and just settle in for the night.

Nilah Virahl had spent her first year after graduating from the academy serving onboard Starbase Bravo. She was enjoying her time within the shipyards and figured she would be there for at least a few years before being reassigned. Though that would not be the case as she sat on a transport that was heading toward Starbase 93. Sitting near the window she looked out at the stars that seemed to just zoom by, thinking about what lays ahead for her.

She was being assigned to the USS Gagarin a fairly new ship that had only been built last year, she was to be their damage control specialist doubling up as an engineering officer. What surprised her more than the transfer was her promotion to Lieutenant Junior Grade, she wasn’t expecting that for at least another year or so.

They would be arriving soon, and Nilah was a bit nervous about starting somewhere new and meeting all new people. However, it would be fewer people than what was on the starbase which she eventually got used to. Being a shy person she tried to be more social and meet new people, though in her head she’d be happy to be by herself.

Zhayva was sitting in the row across from where Nilah was, the Orion woman looked over to see that the young woman was just staring out the window. Standing up she walked over to the empty seat next to her. “Are you alright?” Zhayva asked as she smiled while looking at Nilah.

Looking over at the new arrival next to her, “I am fine just lost in thought.” Nilah replied with a smile.

“My name is Zhayva what is yours?” Zhayva asked.

“Nilah Virahl,” she replied looking out the window for a moment before returning her attention to the woman.

“Where are you headed?” Zhayva asked as she was just trying to strike up some conversation as it was getting boring with such silence that was happening on the transport. She had a very outgoing and bubbly personality and enjoyed making new friends even when there wasn’t a possibility of seeing the person again. This was the complete opposite of Nilah.

“To Starbase 93, I am being assigned to the USS Gagarin that is currently docked there,” Nilah replied as she looked at the officer’s face light up.

“Me too,” Zhayva replied in excitement.

“What is your position going to be?” Nilah asked with a smile, she noticed her uniform was yellow. She was curious to know what department she’d be working in.

“Assistant chief engineering officer, what about you?” Zhayva asked.

“Damage control doubling as an engineer,” Nilah replied.

“Great,” Zhayva said with a grin as she adjusted in her seat. She always enjoyed getting to know someone she would be working closely with. “Where were you stationed before your transfer?” She asked.

“Starbase Bravo, I worked mainly in the shipyards doing odd jobs on ships that needed to be done such as repairs or even refits.” Nilah responded, “what about you?” She asked in return as she looked at her while standing up for a few moments as she needed to stretch. Having been sitting for a long time she was beginning to get stiff.

“I served on the USS Toran as an engineer for about five years,” Zhayva replied. “Though not as impressive as what the Gagarin is, she was a fine ship regardless.” She replied as she quite enjoyed the Reliant-class ship, she was sad to leave though at the same time she was looking forward to what adventures lay ahead of them.

“So I hear that our chief is rather,” Zhayva began to say before pausing to think of the correct wording she wanted to use. “Harsh,” was the nicer version as she didn’t want to say what she wanted to say. “I hear she has quite the attitude problem,” she added.

Nilah raised an eyebrow and gulped, she rarely interacted with those in charge as she was pretty much left on her own. Though she did get orders, they usually just came to her padd of what needed to be done that day. They continued to chat amongst themselves until the transport arrived and docked at Starbase 93.

Aarven Ashatia had already arrived on board the ship earlier that morning, and she had already met with both the commanding officer and the executive officer. To say that meeting went smoothly would be putting things rather mildly. She didn’t think she made a good first impression, though she could care less as she was here to do her job. She wasn’t planning on making any friends.

While most people were using some of this downtime to settle in or the crew was still arriving, Ashatia would rather spend that time working. She was already down in engineering as the skeleton crew was still working. She made sure that things were running smoothly the way she liked them before heading to her office.

Setting her cup of tea onto the desk, she picked up a padd that contained the crew roster for the engineering department. She began to read each one of their service records to begin to learn about the ones who would be working under her. Her office had an open view of the main doors leading into engineering and most of engineering itself. This allowed her to keep watch while working in her office, looking up she heard the doors open and three officers walking in talking amongst themselves.

Aarven had walked around her desk and towards the door of her office. “You three to my office,” Aarven ordered with a stern tone to her voice. The three of them looked at each other as they each started to get nervous. They just nodded before walking into her office and taking the empty chairs that were located in front of her desk.

Silence filled the room as they continued to sit there, Aarven sat at her desk looking at her padd that contained their service records. After a few moments, she set the padd down and looked at the three of them. “I will not tolerate idle gossip or chit-chat while on duty, keep that to your time off,” Aarven said as she didn’t like idle conversations that didn’t pertain to work. “Am I clear?” She said harshly.

“I think that is a bit much to ask, there is nothing wrong with talking amongst each other as long as we still get our work done,” Savu replied not caring for the commander’s attitude. The other two just looked at her in shock at the bluntness of the Rigelian woman.

“I don’t care what you think Lieutenant, those are my rules and they will be followed!” Aarven spat back as Savu seemed to have struck a nerve. “Moving on, I will have assignments sent each morning to your padd with what I expect to have done by the end of your shift. I also expect you to report to me once those have been completed so I can inspect your work.” Aarven said as she handed them each a padd they will carry with them while on duty at all times. They already had listed on them that they needed to get completed today.

“That is ridiculous,” Savu replied slamming the padd on the desk. “We know what we need to do we don’t need to be micromanaged!” She replied before storming out of the office. The others looked at each other for a moment with their mouths dropped in shock, though they remained silent.

“Well then,” Aarven replied as she would need to deal with Savu later. “I run a tight department that I expect to run as smoothly as possible, I want to keep this ship in tip-top shape. I expect you all to just do your work and we will get along just fine. Do you have any questions?” Aarven asked.

“No sir,” Zhayva responded as Nilah just shook her head.

“Very well, you have your duties for today so I will let you both get to work.” Aarven replied, “dismissed.” She added as the two stood up and walked out of her office heading a bit deeper into the main engineering out of sight of the chief.

“What was that?” Nilah asked looking around making sure no one was around before asking.

“I have no idea,” Zhayvu responded. “I not sure how I feel about her rules, though I think how Savu responded was out of line even if we don’t agree with it.” She added as they looked at their list, a few of the items she had them working together to complete. “I say we let her deal with Savu while we just begin to work,” Zhayvu said as Nilah just nodded in agreement. They went on their way to begin to get to work as they talked about what they were working on.

Starbase 93, better known as Devron Fleet Yards within the Devron sector, was a hub of activity. Being so close to the old Romulan Neutral Zone they tend to get a lot of traffic. The headquarters of Task Force 93 and humanitarian efforts, made the starbase even busier. It was a starbase that Dedre didn’t think she would get to see again since her last assignment was stationed in the Delta Quadrant.

Sitting at one of the local coffee shops, she reviewed her reassignment orders again while drinking her coffee. She knew the captain, she had served with him while he was the executive officer of the Vesta. She was surprised that he requested her as his chief science officer.

As she sat there lost in thought she saw a middle-aged Caitian walk by, snapping out of it she recognized that officer. “Commander Kriia!” Dedre said which caused Kriia to stop and look in the direction of the person who called her name.

“Dedre, what a pleasant surprise,” Kriia said with a smile as she walked over to join her. “What brings you here?” She asked taking a seat next to her.

“I got reassigned, just having a cup of coffee before reporting to the ship. What about you?” Dedre asked as she took a sip of her drink.

“I am about to go pack up my office here on the station as I have been reassigned as well,” Kriia responded.

“Oh, where to?” Dedre asked.

“The USS Gagarin,” she responded which caused Dedre to get a bit excited.

“Me too!” Dedre said with excitement in her voice that they would be serving together once again. 

“Well isn’t that just great!” Kriia said with a smile as she had enjoyed their time together on the Vesta. Though they were sad to leave the ship, they both had their reasons and felt it was for the best with how the situation went during the mission they were on. Though Tajir was the first officer at the time he was much in the dark as the rest of them and was just following orders. She held no ill will against him and would be good to now serve under him.

They continued to chat amongst themselves until they realized it was getting late. “Shoot I better get to my office to finish packing,” Kriia replied after she looked at the time.

Dedre nodded as they lost track of time catching up, “I can help you if you like?” She offered with a smile as it was partially her fault for keeping her so long chatting.

“Sure why not,” Kriia replied with a smile as the two of them got up from the table they were sitting at. They made their way through the crowd toward where the infirmaries were located. Upon arrival, Kriia noticed that the crates were there as she requested and smiled. The two continued to chat while they worked on boxing up all of Kriia’s belongings to be transferred over to the Gagarin.

Lieutenant Ashev Ch’vhirol had just arrived on board after receiving his new assignment, he would be both the chief of watch and hazard team leader. He had extensive experience with hazard teams so they felt he would be a good fit on the Gagarin. Once he got settled he decided that he was going to meet the rest of the hazard team. He could have a formal meeting, he thought that wouldn’t feel right at least not at the moment.

He invited them to some drinks in the ship’s main lounge, after sending off the invitations Ashev walked into his bedroom and began to get ready. After a while, he came out wearing a nice shirt and pants, nothing fancy just something comfortable. Walking out of his quarters he began to walk down the corridor towards the lift that would take him to the lounge.

Nolash Tal and Ch’Tor had previously served together on their last assignment. “What do you think of the new ship?” Ch’Tor asked as he took a sip of his drink while they waited for the others to arrive.

Tal looked at him and huffed, the Tellerite looked at his companion. “She is sure different than the Nova-class ship we were assigned to. I am sure we will have way more excitement on the Gagarin.” Nolash replied with a hefty laugh before taking a swig of his drink.

“I sure hope so,” Ch’Tor replied with a laugh slapping his companion on the back which made Tal choke a tad.

The doors to the lounge opened to reveal Enja Arime walking through, followed closely behind were Savu and Deeli Brea. The three walked over to the bar to get their drinks and then were waved over by Ch’Tor. Soon after the doors opened to reveal Ashev who noticed that all were sitting at a table talking amongst each other.

After grabbing his drink he walked over to join the group, “thank you all for agreeing to join me tonight for some chit-chat and drinks before the fun begins.” Ashev said with a smile.

Enja was a young Bajoran woman who would have preferred to stay in her quarters than participate in casual drinks. Though she didn’t want to be rude, so she decided to come. “No worries, don’t mind meeting those who I would be working with during away missions,” Enja replied as she took a sip of her tea, she wasn’t much of a drinker.

Savu just shrugged as she took her drink, after she met with the chief engineer she needed a bit of a winding down. The Rigelian was usually the party person and life of the party, though tonight would not be one of those nights as she would just relax and chat more than party. “Should be fun the Gagarin is a very interesting ship,” Savu said with a shrug.

Deeli Brea was a happy-go-lucky person who enjoyed being around people no matter who it was. One could be the grumpiest person and she still enjoys being around them. “Wonder what our first mission will be, into Romulan space as I hear that things are even crazier since the fall of the Star Empire,” Brea commented as the others looked at her.

“Who knows, I am sure we will find out soon enough,” Tal spoke up.

“You’re right, I just like to guess and see if I am close,” Brea replied with a grin.

The group continued to chat and have a good time for the next few hours before heading off back to their quarters for some sleep. Some of them worked the alpha shift while others were on beta. Ashev decided to stay a while longer and have a couple more drinks before turning in for the night.

Starbase 93’s promenade was the life of the station. The buzz of activity as people made their way throughout, entering shops or going to grab something to eat at one of the local restaurants. Teila Zoran was sitting in one of the local coffee shops, nestled in the far corner that was located by a window. The view outside was that of ships coming and going to and from the station. Teila sat there drinking a cup of coffee while reading a book, she was on leave after having arrived at the station about a month ago after catching a transport from Deep Space 47.

She and a few of the telepathic crew had been left behind before the ship had gone off towards the Delta Quadrant. Though she had initially been upset as much of the others were, she now understood just how bad things had gotten and was glad the captain thought about their safety above everything.

The Saratoga was due to arrive at Starbase 93 in a few short hours for repairs that they had sustained while there. She was ready to return home and be able to return to a normal daily routine, not that she didn’t enjoy the leave but it had become a bit tiresome after a while. It had been a few minutes when her padd beeped with an incoming message.

Teila raised an eyebrow before tapping the padd to bring up the message and began to read it. After a few moments went by she raised an eyebrow again before she decided to get up from the chair she was sitting at. She was requested to meet in one of the stations’ observation rooms by Fleet Captain Dex. She began to wonder what this could be about that couldn’t have just been sent through a message or waited until the ship arrived at the station for repairs. She shrugged her shoulders as she made her way out of the coffee shop and down the corridor toward one of the many turbolifts.

Upon arrival at the observation lounge, she noticed that Commander Jeesa Atur was also there and again raised an eyebrow, “I take it you got the same message?” Teila asked looking at her before taking a seat next to the woman.

“It would seem so,” she replied with a shrug. “Though I am curious to know what this is about. I haven’t heard that the Saratoga has arrived yet,” Jeesa said looking at the doctor.

“Guess we’re about to find out,” Teila said as the holographic projectors came to life to reveal that of Fleet Captain Azras Dex standing at the end of the table. The two women sat there looking at the face of their captain, even through the projection she looked worn out and tired.

“I apologize we have to meet this way,” Azras began looking at the two women. “The Saratoga is due to arrive at Starbase 93 in a few hours, though you will not be returning to the ship upon its arrival.” She said as Teila was about to speak up in protest, Azras raised her hand as if she wasn’t done talking. She hit a button that was on her desk which sent information over to their padds.

“There has been another situation within Romulan space in which all the needed information has been sent to both of you,” Azras replied as the two began to read the information while the captain continued. “Rhijun is one of those planets that have been affected, they have requested help from the Saratoga. We are in no shape to assist, so you two are being temporarily assigned to the Gagarin for this mission.” Azras said looking at them.

“They already have a medical and science team, why are we being sent?” Jeesa spoke up.

“I believe it would help with morale if the people of Rhijun see a couple of familiar faces,” she replied before turning her attention to Teila. “Teila I believe you have some experience with the current outbreak and can be of assistance to the current medical team,” Azras added.

“I dealt with it many years ago,” the doctor confirmed.

“Jeesa, I would like you to see if you can help the science team figure out how this started and maybe come up with a way of stopping it before it spreads to more worlds,” Azras replied looking at the science officer.

“Understood,” Jeesa replied.

“They will be expecting you within the hour,” Azras said. “Don’t worry once this mission is complete you will be returning home to the Saratoga,” Azras said. “Any questions?” She asked as she paused allowing them to speak.

Looking at each other for a moment before turning their gaze back to their captain. “No not at this time,” Teila replied as Jeesa nodded in agreement. They had all the information that they needed.

“If there are no further questions, I’ll leave you two to prepare.” Azras said as she paused for a moment, “thank you for your understanding and assistance in this crisis.” Azras finished as the two nodded before the communication ended, the two sat there for a few moments looking at each other.

“Well then,” Jeesa said as they both got up from their chairs. “This will be an interesting journey,” she added as Teila nodded. “Well we better go get our belongings, I have a feeling this will be a long road,” Jeesa added as the two made their way out of the observation lounge and headed down the corridor.

“Did the captain look tired to you?” Teila asked as the two walked together, they had quarters right next to each other.

“You saw it too?” Jeesa asked as she stopped for a moment. “I could sense something was bothering her as well,” Jeesa replied even though she couldn’t ‘feel’ the captain she could just tell something was bothering her just by looking at her. Working with people for long enough you learn unspoken cues, one doesn’t need to be a telepath to even see it.

“Whatever happened in the Delta Quadrant must have been rough,” Teila said as they entered the turbolift and began to move toward their destination.

“Indeed,” Jeesa replied as a few moments later the lift came to a stop and the two exited and headed towards their temporary quarters to pack what little belongings they had brought with them. Things were going to be strange serving even temporarily on a different ship. They had briefly served with Captain Derohl on the Vesta before his promotion, so at least it was someone they were familiar with.

After a few moments, they both emerged from their quarters with their duffle bags in hand. “Well, are you ready?” Teila asked with a sigh.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Jeesa replied as they both began their journey to where the Gagarin was docked. The two walked in silence as there wasn’t much else to talk about at that moment. After what seemed like they had been walking for hours, in reality only a few minutes they reached where the ship was docked. Looking out of the window they could see the Gagarin-class ship, standing at the window for a few moments admiring the new ship only a year out of construction and about to go on its maiden voyage.

After a few moments of standing there, they both took a deep breath before heading to the docking area to enter the ship. Showing their paperwork to the security officer that was guarding the entrance they both entered and headed to where their temporary quarters were located. They would both get settled in before checking in with the captain.

It’s been a few days since the crew arrived on board the Gagarin and they have yet to receive any orders. Tajir had woken up earlier than normal as he could not fall back asleep, so he decided to get the day started early. After getting dressed and grabbing something quick to eat from the replicator as well as his coffee he left his quarters, he began his journey down the corridor towards the turbolift.

“Bridge,” came his reply as he entered the lift and the doors closed behind him. A few moments later the lift began to move toward its destination. Standing there staring off towards the door though not looking at anything in particular, he was lost in thought and began to wonder what might lay ahead of them.

“You alright sir?” An ensign spoke up as he didn’t realize that the lift had stopped.

Snapping out of his trance he smiled at the ensign, “perfectly.” Tajir replied as he tugged on his jacket before exiting the lift, the ensign nodded and entered the lift after him. He walked further onto the bridge as Tilana stood up from the chair she had been sitting in. She too was known to be an early riser, he walked up to her as she held out a padd for him to review.

“Thank you,” Tajir replied as he took a short glance at the contents to see what it was before he looked back at the commander. “I am going to work in my office for a while. you have the bridge,” Tajir said.

“Understood,” Tilana replied with a smile before sitting back down in the chair that she was sitting at.

Tajir had made the short distance to where his ready room was located and walked in, he had spent some time the day before making it his own. He knew he would probably be here for the long haul, he was happy with that. Sitting down at the desk that was near the middle of the office setting his cup of coffee on the desk. He began to read the status report that his first officer handed him.

Just as he was getting started his commbadge went off, “bridge to Captain Derohl.” Came the voice of the ship’s Chief Communications Officer Lieutenant Khadija Crayton.

Taking a deep breath before setting the padd down on the desk and tapped his badge, “go ahead .” Tajir said in reply as he sat there looking up, even though no one was in the room it was a habit he had that he always looked up whether they were physically there or not.

“You have an incoming transmission from Fleet Captain Azras Dex of the USS Saratoga,” Khadija replied.

“Patch it through to my ready room,” Tajir ordered.

“Aye sir,” she replied before ending the comm channel.

After a few moments, the computer beeped, tapping the console his holographic projectors came to life as a lifelike image of Azras appeared at the front of his desk. It was as if she was there in person, “what do I owe this pleasure, sir?” Tajir asked looking at her.

She gave her best smile despite what she was feeling, putting up a facade of everything being alright when in reality it wasn’t. “Congratulations on your new command,” Azras began. “I have a few things to discuss with you, though one will be your first set of orders.” She said looking at Tajir as she stood there.

“First off the Gagarin is being assigned to my squadron with the Saratoga being its flagship, you will report directly to me. I will also be the one relaying orders, and anything you could think of.” Azras began as she looked at him for a moment.

Raising an eyebrow, though he had no objection as he thought that this could benefit the both of them with a ship like the Saratoga and with the Gagarin caring a dozen Valkyrie-class fighters. Tajir had briefly worked with Dex before he was promoted, so at least he would be working with someone he already knew. “Understood sir,” came his reply after a few moments of silence had passed though he didn’t realize that he hadn’t said anything right away.

Azras tapped a few buttons on the console that was located on her desk before looking back at Tajir. “I am sending you detailed information on your mission, which I will let you just read the details then me explaining,” Azras spoke up as Tajir noticed the incoming information. “What I will tell you is that you are being sent within the former Romulan Star Empire, specifically to the planet Rhijun,” Azras said looking at him.

Tajir began to read the information as Azras was speaking and raised an eyebrow at what he was reading. “Wouldn’t that be something along for the Saratoga to respond to?” Tajir asked as he looked at her for a moment.

“Normally yes, but due to the damage the ship sustained during the situation within the Delta Quadrant, it is not possible for the Saratoga to respond as she is heading for Starbase 93 for repairs and resupply. So, you were the best one to send at this time.” Azras responded to his question.

Tajir nodded as it made sense, he had read about the situation that had taken place though he didn’t realize that things had gotten that bad. “Understood,” Tajir replied as he continued his reading.

“I am going to be assigning my Senior Chief Medical Officer and Chief Science Officer to the Gagarin for this mission,” Azras added which caused him to stop reading and look back up at Azras. He was about to speak up when Azras just raised her hand to stop him. 

“It is only temporary, they are there to assist your team.” Azras replied, “it will also help with morale on Rhijun to see a couple of familiar faces as we had assisted their planet during the fall of the Star Empire fiasco last year.” Azras added, “Commander Zoran has experience with this type of plague and Commander Atur will assist your science team to figure out how this started and hopefully come up with a way to stop it before it spreads to other worlds.” Azras said as she finished speaking.

Tajir sat there for a few moments taking in all that he was hearing and reading, he wondered what had caused this plague as well. “Understood,” Tajir finally spoke up looking at the captain. “When do want us to depart?” He asked.

“As soon as the supplies are loaded onboard the Gagarin,” Azras replied. “My officers will be onboard shortly, and they have been instructed to follow your instructions during their time onboard,” Azras replied giving him full authority to call the shots when needed, just because they were her officers doesn’t mean they were not going to listen to another commanding officer.

“Understood,” Tajir replied.

“Any further questions?” Azras asked looking at him.

“Not at this time, we will get underway as soon as possible,” Tajir replied.

“Great,” Azras said before the holographic image disappeared from his ready room.

Sitting there for a few minutes still processing everything before going back to read all the files that Azras had sent him. After he finished he tapped his commbadge, “All senior staff report to the conference room in thirty minutes.” Tajir replied before ending the channel. He spent began to spend some time preparing for the staff meeting and had gotten word from the starbase that the supplies has begun to be transferred over to the Gagarin.

Time had passed by and most of the senior staff had already arrived though earlier than the given time. “I wonder what this is about?” Asked Zann Raro breaking the silence that had filled the room.

“Probably getting our first set of orders, Starbase 93 has started to send over supplies that are not a part of ours.” Replied Zilan looking back at the Bolian woman. “I also heard we are getting two officers that are being temporarily assigned to the ship,” she replied.

“I am sure we will find out as soon as the Captain arrives,” Tilana responded as the two officers looked at the first officer.

Aleish Trol had sat there quietly listening to the officers when the doors opened to reveal the chief engineer. Ashatia had stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed the Cardassian officer in the room. She huffed and walked over to the empty chair which caused Trol to raise an eyebrow but brushed it off. She was used to reactions from Bajorans, she didn’t let things bother her.

Dedre and Kriia both looked at each other for a brief moment before turning their attention to the doors as they opened to reveal Tajir along with two officers in teal uniforms walking in. The two new arrivals took their seats at the observation room table and nodded to the others in the room.

“Thank you all for your promptness in reporting,” Tajir began looking at everyone in the room though he raised an eyebrow at his chief engineer who seemed like she couldn’t be bothered. Tajir would address that at a later time, right now he had a briefing to discuss.

“First, before I get into the main part of our briefing.” Tajir began looking at everyone, “The Gagarin has been assigned to be a part of a squadron lead by Fleet Captain Azras Dex of the USS Saratoga,” Tajir said.

“What does that mean for us?” Tilana asked.

“We will be working together alongside the Odyssey-class ship from time to time and will directly report to her,” Tajir responded.

“Understood,” Tilana replied.

Moving onto his second point of their briefing he began tapping a few buttons on the console that was located on the table where he sat, he brought up the information. “We have our first mission,” Tajir began looking at them. “A few worlds within the former Star Empire have somehow contracted the Terrellian Plague and have asked for help from Starfleet.” Tajir began which caused Commander Tilana to raise an eyebrow at the news.

“We are being dispatched to the planet Rhijun to assist with humanitarian aid, assisting with helping distribute the cure, providing food and other supplies.” Tajir began as he continued to talk about their mission in more detail. After he was done speaking he turned his attention to both the two new officers that were in the room.

“Commander Teila Zoran the Senior Chief Medical Officer and Commander Jeesa Atur Chief Science Officer onboard the USS Saratoga have been temporarily assigned to the ship for this mission. Zoran has experience with dealing with this type of plague and can assist Commander Kriia and her medical team in treating those afflicted.” Tajir said as the two officers nodded to those in the room.

“Atur will be working with Lieutenant Commander Rar with figuring out how this even started and putting a stop to it before it spreads to other worlds,” Tajir said looking at everyone as everyone just listened to what was being said.

“We do not have the medical facilities on the ship to deal with this kind of problem,” Kriia spoke up.

“There is a hospital on the planet that you will be able to use,” Zoran spoke up before Tajir was able to. “The Saratoga spent much time assisting the people of Rhijun last year during the fall of the Star Empire including building a hospital,” Teila replied looking at Kriia hopefully answering her question.

Tajir nodded at Zoran’s answer, “Once we get the supplies we will be departing Starbase 93, heading towards Rhijun. Upon arrival, the away team will consist of Commander Kriia and her medical team, Lieutenant Commander Trol and her security team, as well as Lieutenant Ch’vhirol and the Hazard team.” Tajir began before taking a breath.

“Understood sir,” they replied in unison at their orders.

“Zoran will of course accompany the medical team while Atur will be the only one beaming down to gather the information to send back to the science team to begin their investigation.” Tajir said as he took a breath before turning to Commander Tilana, “You will be leading the away team Commander,” he replied.

“Understood,” Tilana replied.

“Any questions?” Tajir asked looking at the others.

After a few moments and no one spoke up, “alright you are dismissed we will depart within the hour.” Tajir replied as everyone got up from their chairs and began to exit the observation lounge. Tajir sat there letting out a huge sigh once everyone had left, thinking of what they will be facing. The crew was new, he only knew a few officers from previous assignments. He would see how they worked together to solve this problem and hopefully help those people who would be counting on them to help. After a few minutes, he stood up from his chair and exited the conference room to return to the bridge.

Teila had felt out of place since she and Jeesa had arrived on the Gagarin, not knowing anyone but the captain. She had decided to head towards cargo bay one to see if they needed help checking in the medical supplies, wanting to keep busy to keep her mind occupied. Walking down the corridor, officers would look at her briefly before nodding and moving on. This made her feel even more awkward, upon arriving she entered looking around until she saw two officers in a teal uniform. One was the Caitian which she recognized, the other was a Denobulan man she had yet to meet yet.

The cargo bay was busy with others making sure the supplies got to where they needed to be. Teila took a moment before she decided to walk up to the two that were talking, “I hope I am not interrupting anything.” Teila finally spoke up as the two officers looked at her.

Grex looked at her and gave a huge Denobulan smile, “welcome Doctor Zoran.” Grex replied, “I am Lieutenant Commander Grex, the ship’s Assistant Chief Medical Officer.” Grex introduced himself as he extended his hand toward her.

She took the extended hand and shook it with a smile, “a pleasure.” Teila replied before letting go of the handshake and looking at Commander Kriia.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Kriia asked with a small smile.

“I have nothing to do at the moment so thought I’d come down here to see if you could use some help,” Teila replied as she shifted on her feet.

“Sure, could always use the help.” Kriia replied, “you can help me check in all the medical supplies and the medicine. Grex here is going to be checking the other supplies that are being sent to make sure all is accounted for before we depart.” She added looking at the commander.

Grex nodded to the two before heading off in the opposite direction, the two watched him for a brief moment before Kriia turned her attention back to Teila. “Shall we?” She asked gesturing with her hand towards the many crates off to one side of the cargo bay. They were lucky that it wasn’t only them assisting with checking the supplies, it would take hours if it were with how much was here.

“That is a lot of crates,” Teila commented as they both received a padd that had all the information about what was in every crate. Kriia nodded in agreement before they got to work verifying each one of them.

Silence had filled the air between them as they worked, not knowing what to talk about they had just remained quiet. After a while Kriia spoke up, “so how are you settling in?” She asked as she continued her work.

“Settling in alright,” Teila replied.

“So how is it like living on a moving city like the Odyssey-class ship,” Kriia asked out of curiosity and wanted to know what it was like to live on a ship of that caliber. They were well-sought-after assignments for officers, the only other one that was a sought-after assignment that she had the pleasure of being assigned was the Vesta. Though it wasn’t as magnificent as the Odyssey was.

“Other than it being a huge ship, capable of handling multi-missions. It is just like any other ship that I have served on, just have more responsibility as the ship’s senior chief.” Teila replied looking at her for a moment, “with Saratoga’s mission mainly being that of humanitarian aid we are kept pretty busy.” She added before she turned back to her work.

Kriia nodded as she to went back to her work wondering what else they could talk about but nothing was coming to mind. This time Teila spoke up, “what are you thinking of the Gagarin?” Teila asked as she knew she had served on Starbase 93 for over a year and now she’s been reassigned to a heavy escort.

“She is a fine ship, though smaller than the station that is for sure.” Kriia responded, “though I got to admit it will be good to be back traveling through space than remaining stationary all the time.” She added before seeing Grex walk up to them, they had just finished checking everything in.

“Everything is accounted for,” Grex said after coming to a stop in front of them.

“So is everything here,” Kriia responded.

“Wonderful,” Teila replied.

Kriia tapped her badge, “Kriia to Captain Derohl.”

“Go ahead Commander,” Tajir said.

“Supplies have arrived and everything is accounted for,” Kriia said after a brief moment of silence.

“Thank you, Commander,” Tajir replied before the channel was closed.

“How about we go grab something to eat and you can fill us in on the people of Rhijun?” Kriia said as it was about lunchtime and she was getting hungry.

“Sounds good to me,” Grex replied as Teila nodded in agreement. They all headed out of the cargo bay and headed towards the lounge where they would eat and chat about what they could expect when they arrived at the planet they are being sent to help.

Lieutenant Thomas McDermott had arrived on board a few hours ago along with other members of the Crimson Knights. Standing at a nearby window, looking at the different ships coming and going from the Starbase. He had noticed that an Odyssey-class ship had just docked at one of the many drydocks. “USS Saratoga,” he quietly said as he saw the registry as it moved into position.

He had learned that the Gagarin was assigned to a squadron led by Fleet Captain Azras Dex of the Saratoga. Seemed fitting to have a heavy escort being assigned to a floating city like the Odyssey-class explorer.

As he was standing there just staring out his commbadge went off letting him know to come to one of the forward shuttlebays. Standing there for a few seconds longer he began to make his journey toward the shuttlebay. Upon arrival, he walked up to the young ensign that was standing at one of the consoles.

“Sir, the Valkyrie-class fighters are being loaded into the shuttlebay as we speak,” the ensign spoke up after seeing him walk in.

“Great,” Thomas replied as he walked over to the window of the control room and began to watch the fighters come in one by one. He has extensive experience leading and flying Valkyrie-class ships alongside his formal training as a flight control officer. He would be able to fill in with that department if needed, when not flying his fighter.

After a while, all of the ships arrived and were placed in their positions where they could quickly depart when they needed to. The ship also made things easier upon retrieval of the fighters as well as to not make things complicated if they needed to return for a quick departure of the Gagarin. He had let the bridge know that the fighters had arrived and are secured.

Meanwhile, on the bridge, Tilana looked at Tajir “the Valkyrie-class fighters have arrived and are secured in the forward shuttlebay.” She said as she looked at him as it seemed they were now ready to depart.

Tajir turned to Khadija, “open a channel to Starbase 93.” Tajir ordered.

“Aye sir,” she said as she tapped a few buttons. “Channel open sir,” Khadija replied looking over at him.

“USS Gagarin to Starbase 93, requesting permission to disembark from the station,” Tajir said as the line was silent for a few seconds before he got a response.

“Gagarin you are cleared for departure, safe journey Captain.” Came the voice of the operation officer on the station before the channel closed.

“Lieutenant Raro, disengage all station mornings and reverse at one-quarter impulse until we are clear of the station. The set course for Rhijun at maximum warp,” Tajir ordered.

“Aye sir,” Raro replied with a smile as she tapped a few buttons. The station’s mornings retracted and they had felt the ship back up slowly from the station, watching from the view screen. They watched as once the ship was clear it turned in the direction it wanted to go. “Sir we have cleared the station and course and speed laid in,” Zann replied looking at him.

“Engage,” Tajir replied.

“Aye sir,” Zann replied a short time later the ship jumped to warp heading towards Rhijun.

“We will arrive at Rhijun in four hours,” Zilen from the ops station replied.

“Thank you,” Tajir replied as they all went on with their work as they traveled making sure everything was prepared for when they arrived. He decided to head to his ready room to continue to review everything they had about those of Rhijun and of the plague they were currently experiencing. The rest of the bridge kept busy as this was their maiden voyage, a great way to break in a new ship. They made sure that the ship ran smoothly during their journey making sure nothing would go wrong that would stop them from getting to their destination.