240010.01.0600

Officer quarters – room 211

Her eyes opened slowly showing a scene from what could only be described as hell. She was obviously lying on the floor, thrown out of her chair. All around her she could hear screams and moans from others on the bridge. Fires raged across several consoles while others were throwing sparks across the width of the bridge. 

She felt trapped, she couldn’t move. She knew why but it always came to this. 

She yelled for help, from anyone. She looked down by her feet and saw the captain also thrown from his chair a pool of blood forming on the carpet from the wound on his head. She knew he was dead, how? She didn’t know but she knew it. Finally a pair of boots appeared by her head. 

“Commander, are you ok? Can you hear me?” She looked up to see the yellow ripped and burnt tunic of the chief engineer. “ I’m trapped, my arm is pinned below the ceiling girder.”

“I’ll try to move it.” It won’t work. it never did.

“Behind the Captain’s chair, attached to the back. You’ll find his Mek’leth.”

Several moments later . “ I got it, now what?”

“you must, you must cut me free.” Why was it always about this point in her life?

‘But that means,”

“Amputating my arm, I know. But if you don’t then I’ll die. You have to do it. Rigras says he will slow the bleeding but you will need to get me to medical quickly.”

“ I, I, I…”

“Do it, damn it. The blade is sharp and it will finish the job that the girder started.”

I looked up at the tall orion as she held the blade over her head and then swung down. Blackness

BLEEP, BLEEP, BLEEP

A hand came across and slapped at the chrono several times till it stopped making noise.

<<“Well. that won’t do young lady, now you’ll have to get another one…again.”

“Shut up Rigras, let me go back to sleep.” She pulled a pillow over her head.

“No can do, you know what we have to do today.”

“Crap, is that today?”

“You know it is, and you know you have been counting down the days since you woke up from the surgery after we got back.”>>

She pulled the pillow from over her head and looked up at the ceiling of her room. “ Stupid docs, telling me to much trauma needed to be healed before they would sign off on me returning to duty on a ship. I would  think I would know when I was ready.”

<<“And hence the reason why they do not let the patient tell them when they are ready to return to duty, if it was up to you. You would have walked from the recovery room right back onto a ship.”

“And, what is wrong with that?”

“We both know the answer to that one, you weren’t ready.”

“I guess you’re right, but still four months. Four months of talking to various doctors, four months of therapy, and now I have to go face them and have them decide my future.”

“Yaaa it sucks, but act right today show them you are fully mentaly and physically capable and they will have no other choice but to return us to full duty.”>>

“Ugghh, you know i hate it when your right.” She stood as she got out of bed and looked herself over in the mirror. “The burn scars faded nicely, almost can’t tell where they were.”

<< “Hmmmm mmmmm, they did a good job. You know, even after all these years I still can’t get over how it feels to look at a female’s body from this side.”

“Maybe you’re the one who needs to talk to a shrink or two.”

“Naaaa, just something I still marvel at.”

“Ok old man, Nothing you haven’t seen before. Ha, ha, ha.” >>

-Later that Afternoon-

“Commander Rigras, Your board is scheduled to start in thirty minutes in room two.” The petty officer behind the desk informed her and then handed her PADD back to the Commander.

“Room two, thank you petty officer.” As she took the PADD.

 << “ask her. What harm could it be? I for one would like to know who is deciding our future.” “We have already had this discussion, Rigras, I thought we agreed.”

 “You thought, I didn’t”

 “Uugghh, ok fine.”>>

“Excuse me Petty Officer, but would you by chance know who is sitting on my board?”

“Hmmmm, let me look.” She entered something on her console. “Looks like your board is composed of two Starship Captains, a Doctor and a Counsellor.”

“Ummm can you give me any names?”

“No Ma’am, I’m not allowed to divulge that information.”

“Ok that will do then. Thank you Petty Officer.”

<< ”Well that’s better than nothing, though I find it odd from my experience that there would be two Starship Captains on the board.”

 “I was just thinking the same thing, but if someone has to decide if one is mentaly and physically capable of going back to active duties on a star ship who better than those who command one.”

“True, know what you’re going to say yet?”

“I’m working on it. Though I’m thinking after hearing who is on the board that directing my words towards the two Captains may be what is called for.”

“I would have to agree, the doctor is here for the medical questions on your readiness, same as the counsellor. But I would have to agree with you that the two who will really decide what happens here today are those two.”

“Well, that’s settled then.”>>

 Aryanne found the small waiting area outside of room two and took a seat, back in the corner and positioned where she could see what was going on around her. Several minutes later a small group of officers approached the room, several nodded in acknowledgement as they entered the room. 

Several minutes later a young lieutenant exited the room and approached her. “Commander Rigras?”

“Yes, lieutenant.”

“Ma’am, they will be ready for you in a few minutes. Besides the officers on the board I’ll be the only other person in the room as I’m the communications officer assigned to be the recorder for the proceedings.”

“Ok, Thank you.”

“Also, in case you were not aware, this is mainly a records review from the incident till now. They may ask questions they may not. Usually they will ask if you would like to make an opening statement.”

Aryanna nodded.

The lieutenant gave her a pleasant smile and made her way back to the room.

<< ”Pleasant enough young lady, Probably does several of these a day.”

“Probably.”>>

Aryanna looked down at her black gloved hand, remembering what brought her to this point in time.

Several minutes later the lieutenant came out of the room and approached the commander. “ Ma’am, they are ready for you now. If you would like to follow me?”

<<” Well, here we go. Go get’m tiger.”

“Thanks Rigras, I knew I could count on you for such a morale boosting speech.”

“I’m here all day, and  night.”>>

Aryanna followed the young Lieutenant into the room till she saw the table in the center of the room facing a larger slightly elevated table with four four Officers seated behind it. The Lieutenant went to a smaller side table and took a seat. She went to the center table and stood next to the seat. Looking at the four officers in front of her she locked eyes with each one, mentally sizing them up as if they were opponents waiting to see who would make the first move.

“Lieutenant Commander Rigras you may be seated, this is not a trial, you know. More of a formality than anything else.”The human male in command red, wearing the pips of a captain, stated as he watched Aryanna enter the room and then stand at the table.

“Sir.” Aryanna nodded in reply and took a seat in the chair, placing her PADD on the table in front of her. Then looking at each one of the officers seated in front of her.

<<”Wonder which one will be the first?” 

“The first?”

“Yaaa, which one will make the first move?”

“This isn’t a fight you know.”

“Isn’t it, Though.”>>

Commander, as the Captain stated this is a mere formality. Oh sure we may ask some questions of you but those will be more for giving us insight into the overall question. Maybe they will help us see or understand something in these records that we have questions about.”  The female officer in medical teal, wearing the pips of a commander, stated from her seat.”

<<”Well that’s interesting, A Deltan medical officer. Don’t see many of those. Why this one time at the Utopia Fleet Yards I had a cough, friend, cough. She was a Deltan too. I could curl your toes with stories of our time together.”

“What question would that be Commander?” Aryanaa asked as she looked at the Commander.

The Deltan officer looked at the rest of the officers at the table. “Why the question, is she fit for duty aboard a starship?”

“And ?” taking in the group in front of her again.

The other officer in medical blue tilted her head slightly and gave her a slight smile.

“Counselor, didn’t expect to see you here. You look different. Sometimes one can forget that counsellors are officers as well.”

“Yes, Commander. It’s not often that I have to put this on.” she ran her hands down the sides of the medical blue tunic. 

Aryanna returned the slight smile with a nod and turned her focus back to the other three.

<<” I’m guessing that’s a vote for us, you have to admit she is a good shrink and has helped us, well you, out alot.”

“Not now, Rigras”>>

The commander in medical blue looked over at the counselor who just gave her a shoulder shrug and a slight chuckle. “ Told you she has spunk. You would have to,to endure what she has.” The medical officer nodded. “Yes, indeed.But?”

<<” Well i guess we know who the doubter is now. Always has to be the Doc.”

“We don’t know about the other two yet.”

“hmmmmmm”>>

“But, what?” Aryanna looked at the Commander.

“If you must know Commander, I have my doubts on your readiness. You’re still reporting nightmares and various other signs of PTSD. “ she looked at the counsellor.

“Which are under control and becoming less of a thing over time. As for the other stuff.” She looked over at the two captains in red. “Show me an officer onboard any ship in the fleet who doesn’t, isn’t or hasn’t dealt with those issues. It’s part of the job commander. We have to learn to deal with it and move on. I promise they will not or have not affected my mental abilities to perform the duties of my position or rank. If they did, we wouldn’t be here today, would we?”

The Tellarite captain looked at the other captain. “Ohhhhh, I like her. She still has some fire in there.”

“Commander, you have filled your report on your view of Lieutenant Commander Rigras’s readiness as the rest of us have done. We are here to conduct a final records review and ask any questions and to hear her answers. We will then make our recommendations based on those records, I’m sure you know the procedures for these boards just as much as the rest of us.”

The counsellor leaned forward  in her chair and looked at the doctor. “ Besides that, I’m the one who makes the final call on her mental health and as we both know I have already signed off on her being fit to resume her duties.”

The two captains look at each other, “Well that answers that then.” The human said as he looked back at the doctor. 

The Commander shook her head and picked up her PADD. “Physically there is nothing that would stop the Lieutenant Commander from resuming her duties in the fleet, though I want it put on record for the board that I, as a medical professional, do not think she is fully ready and I recommend that if she is returned the fleet that she continues to have ongoing sessions with a counsellor.”

The young lieutenant  looked up from her console. “It has been noted in the records, Commander.”’’

The commander nodded and sat back in her chair crossing her arms.

<<”Why do i get the feeling that this is a normal thing with her?”

“You think, what clued you in on that nugget.”>>

“Lieutenant Commander Rigras, I for one do not have any questions for you.” He looked at the other captain who shook his head. “Ok then, I guess we don’t have any questions for you. You will be notified of the board’s decision in forty eight to seventy two hours.  I believe this will conclude today’s proceedings for Lieutenant Commander Rigras. Good luck commander in whatever your future path is.”

Aryanna stood and looked at each of the officers in front of her.” Thank you for your time.” As she locked eyes with the Tellerite she caught just the briefest of winks and a slight smile. The lieutenant came forward and escorted her out of the room.

240010.08.0630

Roughly thirty-six hours after her board concluded Aryanna received a message on her PADD from the young Lieutenant that recorded the proceedings of the board.

:: Lieutenant Commander Rigras, Aryanna

This message is to inform you of the findings of the board.

The board has found and ruled that you are mentally and physically capable of returning to the duties and responsibilities granted to you, as per your rank. The board has informed the Chief of Staff that you are cleared to return to duty in the fleet. 

Expect a message from the office of the chief of staff concerning your future assignment within the next twelve to twenty-four hours. ::

She rereads the message once, and then twice. She then picked up the cup sitting on her desk, stood, and turned to look out the window panel of her small office. Seeing the four shapes of ships nestled in their hangers as they underwent the final phases of their build or retrofit. Turning slightly towards the starboard view out of her window she could just make out the hanger holding the USS Concord going through its repairs after the attack during the Romulan situation. She looked down at her arm and then back at the ship. “You took a piece of me ol’ girl but that’s all you get.” As she raises the cup in a salute.

<< ”So, what’s next? Don’t tell me you haven’t been thinking of it. I hear your thoughts just as much as you do.”

“So you tell me then, what’s next? What should we do?  You know as well as I do they are just as likely to leave us here running the Beta Six hangars as they are putting us back on a starship.”

“Don’t give me that crap, Aryanna. You know just as well as I do that you need to be out there, amongst the stars. What’s stopping you? Do it.. Do what you know you will need to do to get back out there. Beat them to the punch, send the request that has been sitting on your console since the first day you thought that returning could be a possibility.”

She turned to look at the four ships that were in their final stages. Tapping her fingers on the cup. “Which one? Which captain do I write a “please pick me” letter to?” 

“It doesn’t matter, send one to all of them.”

She nodded and turned back towards the console pulling up the letter, and hitting send to the list of captains and admirals. Anyone that she thought could get her back in a chair, any chair. ”Time to play the game, ol’ friend.”

“That’s the way to do it. Time to play the game indeed.” >>

As she hit send, she saw the green-skinned gold tunic’d Lieutenant Zhaishi approaching through the glass front wall of her office. She beckoned her to enter, with the hand holding the cup, as she approached the door. “Morning Zhaishi, you’re up and about early this morning. Is there a reason?”

“Not really, commander. I was up and..”

Aryanna held up a hand. “Let me guess, he was already up and making coffee.”

“Who?”

“The guy you were flirting with last night in the bar, hmmmm was it the second one or third one that I saw you dancing with?”

“His name is Brian, and he was the fourth guy I danced with.” the Lieutenant shook her head. “Anyways, seeing as he was making breakfast already I decided to get up and start early.” 

She handed the commander a couple of PADDS. “The morning engineering reports. Looks like the Tomcat ran into a hiccup last night with their computer core upgrade, took a couple of hours to run down the problem and fix it. The alpha shift crew says they should have her closed up by noon and will be ready to move her into Bravo for her crew to take over with final preparations. Other than that the rest of them seem to be on time.”

Commander Rigras took the offered PADDS. “ Very well. What’s on the agenda for today? Anything noteworthy?”

Lieutenant Zhaishi looked at her PADD. “No, Ma’am. Seems like a pretty routine day as far as work goes. I’ll keep you in the loop if anything comes up.”

“Please do,” Aryanna picked up her cup of Raktajino and took a sip.

Chief Thorn stuck her head into the commander’s office. “Ma’am, the commodore called for you. Said to have you meet him in his office as soon as possible.”

“Thank you, Chief.” She took another sip from her cup, grabbed her PADDs, stood, and made her way out of the office. Looking at the Lieutenant “When a commodore says as soon as possible what they really meant is get your ass up here now. Are you coming?”

“That is all you ma’am. Unless Chief Thorn forgot to add a part, which knowing her I doubt very much that she would forget something like “oh if that engineering Lieutenant is with her have her come up to.“” So I’ll just head back to my office and wait, Good luck commander.” As she followed the commander out of the office.

<<” Hold on. Are we going to talk about this?”

“About what?”

“About why the commodore of all people would suddenly call you to his office.”

“Well I suppose it may have something to do with that earlier message, I doubt he could have gotten too many complaints yet about my message to the fleet’s captains.”

“Wouldn’t surprise me if he has a stack of messages on his desk about that very thing. I mean, I agree we need to be back out there. However, sometimes there are right ways to do things and then there are wrong ways to do things.”

“Rigras, when have you ever known me to tread carefully? It’s not in my nature as you are aware.”

“I know, I know..”>> 

Several minutes later she entered the commodore’s main office/waiting area and made her way to the desk that was located in the center of the room in front of other doors.” Lieutenant Commander Rigras is here to see the Commodore as per their request.

The human lieutenant behind the desk looked up as she introduced herself and looked down at the console in front of them. “Yes ma’am, unfortunately, the commodore was just called away to an emergency meeting of some sort. Though they did ask me to give you this.” As he handed her a sealed envelope. 

<<” Interesting, that’s an old-fashioned way of doing business. Makes you wonder why they couldn’t just send the message to you via normal means.”

“Not sure, though I do know they are an old-fashioned type. Makes you wonder what is inside.”

“Only way to find out.”>>

She walks over to a corner where a small sitting area is, opened the letter, and quickly reads through it.”Damn it, you have got to be kidding me.” She rereads the letter and comments rather loudly to herself. “I am to report to Starbase Bravo and Commodore Ekwueme to await further instructions. What the hell does that mean, await further instructions? “ she stuffed the letter into a pocket on her dress-style uniform and quickly got up and left the office.

<<” Well in my experience, it means. Get the hell off of my station and go where they may or may not have a place for you. Makes me wonder if we might have ruffled a few feathers with that message earlier.”

“You think? Aren’t you just full of helpful information !”

“Don’t yell at me young lady, I’m affected just as much as you are. If I recall Starbase Bravo is the home of the fourth fleet, or Bravo fleet as it is known by, maybe we can figure out our options with some delving into the current happenings of the Bravo fleet and its assigned Task forces.”

“Your right, your right. Let’s go pack and start doing some reading. We are going to have some free time on the trip out there.  >>

Roughly two weeks later

Lieutenant Commander Rigras stepped off of the transporter PADD and walked over to the young Andorian ensign.  <<” Look at him, obviously the deck officer. Poor sap.”>> “Lieutenant Commander Rigras reporting.” As she handed her PADD to the young ensign.

“Thank you, Ma’am. Yes, I see you right here. Looks like you have been assigned to the senior officer’s temporary quarters. I’ve marked their location on your PADD along with the location of the commodore’s office as I see you have been temporarily assigned to his office.”

“Temporarily assigned? Any idea what that means, Ensign?” she scooted a step closer trying to see what was on the PADD in his hands.

He looked up at her as his antennae twitched. “Not really ma’am, I haven’t been here all that long myself.” he pulled the PADD closer to his chest.

“Very well, thank you ensign.” she took her PADD and glanced at it. 

Entering the commodore’s office several minutes later she walked over to the lone desk.

“Would you please inform the Commodore that Lieutenant Commander Rigras is reporting in.” A middle-aged lieutenant looked up from the console they were reading from.

“Commander,” as he accepted her PADD checked a few things then passed it back to her.

“I’ll let the commodore know that you have arrived, unfortunately, they are busy in meetings the rest of the day, looks like there has been some sort of situation concerning the Delta Quadrant.”

<<” This could be the break we need. If something is going on in the Delta Quadrant they will definitely need crew.”

“I know, I know”>>

“What’s going on out there?” as she accepted her PADD back.

He shrugged his shoulders. “ I don’t know, just know there have been nonstop meetings the last couple of days.”

“How’s the promenade on the station? Any recommendations? Might as well take a look around as I make my way to my quarters.”

“Depending on what you’re looking for, Brew makes a pretty good cup of coffee, Downtime is more of a bar than a place to eat. Though many say it’s one of those places that you have to visit at least once while on Bravo Station.”

“Thanks. Unless I hear otherwise I’ll swing by tomorrow.”

“No problem, Commander.”

Later that evening her PADD bleeps with a new message. “Lieutenant Commander Rigras, Commodore Ekwueme office. We do not have a ship with an open position for which you are suited at this time. However, a situation is developing in the Delta Quadrant that may change that. Till a position opens that would benefit the fleet, the ship, and yourself I am going to temporarily assign you to a team that will be overseeing the implementation of a new program that will allow senior-level captains to be assigned command of small squadron-sized groups. Report to my office tomorrow morning and I’ll have one of my Yeoman introduce you to the team and office.”

“Damn it, what the hell? You can’t tell me that not a single ship needs someone to sit in a seat.”

<<” Well he didn’t say that exactly, now did he? He said that there was not one we were suited for. It sounds like he is hedging his bets that someday soon a ship will need, oh I don’t know, maybe an executive officer or maybe a captain. Play the game Aryanna. I know I know you hate it and you hate sitting around stuck behind a desk. obviously, he is holding his cards close to his chest. He knows something that he is not telling us.”

She lets out a long breath. “You may be right, what do you think about this new program he mentioned? They already have the Task Forces, why create smaller groups within them?”

“I’m going to hold my tongue on this one till we find out more tomorrow. Sounds to me like either they have an abundance of young relatively inexperienced captains that need to be reigned in or there is something bigger going on.”

“You could be right on the first one, I do remember there being an abundance of Raven class ships being built, and if I remember correctly from the reports they weren’t sitting around very long.”

Aryanna hears a bit of grumbling from Rigras. “Being a captain of a ship means freedom, freedom to conduct your mission as you see fit. No way would I want someone micromanaging me. Uh uh no way, no how.”

“And people wonder where I get it from.” she chuckled.

“It’s all you young lady, I think you’re starting to rub off on me.”

“Uh hu, sure old man.”>>

Sometime in January 2401

“Good morning lieutenant, The Commodore said he wanted to see me.”

At about that time, Commodore Ekwueme stepped out of his office and placed a PADD on the Lieutenants desk. “See that gets to Captain Abernathy on EOS station.”

“Yes, sir.” 

The Commodore noticed Lieutenant Commander Rigras standing there gave her a once over and held out a hand toward the Lieutenant. “The top one on the new pile, Lieutenant.”

The lieutenant handed the requested PADD to the commodore with a slight smile.

“Walk with me, Commander.” As he headed out of his office.

240101.03.1300

Lieutenant Scamandrius sat cross-legged in an old-style captain’s chair in front of his console in the Bravo stations intelligence center. “Hmmmmm, let’s see if we can crack this proverbial nut.” As he pulled on what looked like an old earth headset with a microphone piece that sat an inch or so from his mouth.

“You know Scam, it is illogical to still use that.” the young Vulcan lieutenant pointed at the headset.”  when we have those one-ear communications pieces.” the Lieutenant sitting in the console next to him said rather loudly.

Scam pulled one earpiece away slightly and turned his chair towards the lieutenant using his overly large arms.”They don’t block out all the other noise as this one does. Besides it has all of the latest and greatest parts, just a setup that a friend of mine put together for me. ” He turned back toward the console’s central area and called up the holographic interface. This being his usual station the holographic interface appeared, barely at his arm’s length, in front of him as he leaned forward and blinked. 

A few hours later he felt a tap on his shoulder as Lieutenant V’Lyr stood behind him and pulled one of the earpieces away from his ear slightly. “Scam, the Beta shift is coming on. It would not be logical to pull another all-nighter if logic dictates that the work will still be here tomorrow.”

Lieutenant Scamandrius nodded and held up a hand as he started the process of closing down his console for the day. “Damn, this is a tough one to crack. But you’re right, maybe fresh ears and a clear mind will make it easier tomorrow.” He reached into a side pocket on the chair and pulled out a pair of fingerless black gloves and put them on as lowered himself onto the floor. Then he reached into a pants pocket and took a case out, took the device from inside, and attached it to the small implant beside his eye. 

“You know, logically speaking I’m sure the medical staff could fix it so you don’t have to wear that.”

“Hmpf, We have discussed it. There are too many possible problems for me that could arise. Besides, I’ve gotten used to it.” As he looked at V’Lyr. “ So are we still going to meet up at Downtime at 1900 hours.” as they started to walk out of the intelligence center toward the turbo-lift.

“Yes.”    

“Good, that will give me enough time to go to the gym, and eat something before.”

“Oh, I forgot to ask earlier, Have you heard anything back on your transfer request?”

“Not yet, but I’ve been told that there are several ships that may have intelligence officer slots opening with the new squadron program going into effect. So we shall see what tomorrow holds.”

“Logically”

Scam nodded as they made their way. “See you at 1900 then, I’m going to go hit the gym two levels down, it’s usually less busy at this hour.”

2000- DOWNTIME

For the past hour, the two lieutenants had sat with various friends as they made their way around various small groups.

“Oh geez, you have got to be kidding me,” V’lyr stated as he returned to the table.

“Scama, you didn’t tell me that Zhaishi was on Bravo.”

“She’s not.”

“Are you sure about that bud?”

“Quite”

“Who is that by the bar with those other two engineering lieutenants? Logically speaking, of course, it sure looks like her unless she has a twin you didn’t tell me about.”

Scama slowly turned his chair to directly face V’Lyr. “Look if she was here don’t you think I would know?”

“Not if she didn’t know you were here. How long has it been since you talked?”

Blinking his eye several times as he thought. “Two years give or take.”

“Uhh huh” 

“Who is Zhaishi?” a female lieutenant in science blue leaned in and asked.

V’Lyr turned and whispered. “The one who got away.”

She turned and looked at Scama. “Want me to make her jealous?”

Scama and V’lyr started to laugh.

“No way it’s her, last I heard she was on the Concord.”

“It is possible, logically speaking.” V’Lyr looked at his friend with a raised eyebrow.

“If it is her, and I’m not saying it is. This is not the time or the place.”

“Agreed, excuse us ladies and gents but what I believe Scama is saying is that it is time for us to call it an evening.”

As they exited downtime, Zhaishi noticed the duo out of the corner of her eye. “Oh shit. No no no no. Not here, not now. “she shook her head.

One of her friends looked at her and passed her a drink. “Come on, Zhaishi it’s not often that we get to celebrate someone getting the CEO position on the newest Inquiry class.”

****************************************

240101.05

“USS Brontos, this is Bravo flight control, you are cleared to dock at docking port 71 section charlie-gold 82. We are sending you the coordinates now. Thrusters only in the bay.”

“Thank you, Bravo flight control.” the Andorian ensign said from the Raven classes helm position.

“Take her in nice and slow, helm. Let’s not scratch the paint more than it is.” the redshirted betazed said from the center chair.

“Yes, Ma’am” 

“So Viameli have you heard anything further on what is to happen with the Brontos and us?” The human ensign in a yellow tunic and sitting at the operations/tactical console asked.

“I’ve heard rumors but nothing definite yet. From what I am hearing they will be putting the Brontos back into the new crew rotation so not sure exactly what that means for all of us.”

A Vulcan lieutenant in science blue turned and faced the captain from her console.” Captain, logically speaking I would think we would be assigned open positions in the fleet.”

“True Sassi, with the fleet returning from the situation in the Delta quadrant there may be some openings.”

The small crew watched as the station’s tracking beams brought them the final few feet into the docking port.

“And there we go ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Bravo station. If we do not see each other over the next few days, please remember you will always be my first crew and it has been a pleasure working with all of you.”

She continued to sit in the center chair as the rest of her small crew finished their preparations to shut down the Raven class ship and prepare it for station operations.

^^” Afternoon dear sister, nice to see that you and the Brontos have made it back to Bravo safely. The Mogrus docked three days ago and I assumed that you would be returning soon.  Have you heard anything? Most of my crew have been reassigned already, only my doctor and I have not.”

“Hello Sustram, a few close scrapes with some privateers during our last mission slowed us down a bit. No, I haven’t heard anything for sure. Though, I have had a few inquiries from some ships on a few of my crew over the last couple of days.”

“Hmmmm that’s something, I guess. How about we meet up for dinner at 2000 hours? Probably too late to get a table at Vandorin’s, how about “The Gate Inn” it’s relatively new and I’ve heard it’s not too bad.”

“That’s fine, I’ll meet you there at 2000 hours.”^^

Over the next couple of days, the twins were kept busy finishing up reports and working with the Bravo stations docking bay engineering teams as they prepared the two ships for future assignments and crew.

((beep)) “Lieutenant Dromi, This is Lieutenant Commander Ch’ishraannorh with Bravo fleets Chief of Staff Office assignments section. Please report to my office at your earliest convenience.”

The twins looked at each other over their breakfast and both reached up to tap on their combadges. “ Yes sir, On my way.” they quickly finished the last few bites of their food and grabbed their coffee cups as they made their way out of the restaurant.

“Morning chief, Lieutenant Commander Ch’ishraannorh said he wanted to speak with us.”

“Ahhh yes, Lieutenant Dormi. I’ll let him know you are both here.” As she got up and poked her head into an office door.

Coming back to her desk, “He is ready for you.” and pointed at the door.

The two lieutenants made their way into the Lieutenant Commander’s office. “Sir, you wanted to see us.”

“Good morning Lieutenants, and yes. Looks like I may have an assignment for one of you and possibly for both of you. Take a seat and I’ll go through the issue we have.

The two lieutenants look at each other, nod, and take a seat in the two chairs in front of the Commander’s desk. “Ok commander, so what’s the problem?”

The commander took a PADD from a pile on his desk and handed it to Viameli. “Lieutenant, those are orders for the USS Dragon, the latest inquiry class ships to join the fleet, assigned to Task Force 47. You will be the Chief Flight Control Officer on board.”

Her eyes went wide at the mention of an Inquiry class ship as she accepted the PADD from the commander.

“You will also find promotion orders to the rank of Lieutenant in there as well .” As he reached into a desk drawer and handed her brother a small black box. “I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if her brother pinned her new rank on.”

Sustram looked at his sister and smiled. “Congrats sis, err lieutenant.” he removed the ring Pip from her collar and added the full pip in its place.

The commander looked at Sustram and picked up the next two PADDs. “And these.” He held up the two PADDS. “Is why I called you in. Lieutenant Dormi, Sustram we have a bit of a decision to make regarding you and your next assignment. Reading your file you, like the Lieutenant here “ he pointed at Viameli ” are quite an exceptional flight control officer and did well in commanding the Mogrus. However, you are also a stellar cartographer which brings us to the heart of the issue. On one Padd I have orders for an Assistant Science Department Chief and lead of the stellar cartography/astrometrics lab on the USS Ark Royal, a Sutherland Class.“

Sustram looked at his sister, winced, and nodded. “And the other one, sir?”

The commander put the first PADD down on his desk. “This one, this one is a bit weird. This slot is not normal,  technically it was retired quite a few years ago. What I have, I would call a specialist slot. This one is also for the USS Dragon. However, it is not a department head position, as the Science Chief has already been assigned and as you just saw your sister is the newly assigned Chief Flight Control Officer. What I do have is a Navigator /Flight Control Officer slot. Let me explain, the Navigator position was retired quite a bit ago however with Task Force forty-seven’s assigned region being the Thomar Expanse we thought having someone educated and experienced in stellar cartography might be a good thing. The other role deals with the Dragon needing a flight operations officer for the Mission Support Squadron that is, at this moment, being stood up and readied for deployment. The slot is not part of the squadron, it is part of the Dragon’s command staff.”

He looked at the commander and then at his sister.

^^” should I? Will you be ok having your brother around all the time?”^^

She nodded in reply.

He looked back at the Commander, took in a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “Sir, I’ll take the USS Dragon assignment. Something about it is piquing my interest and in some ways is speaking to me.”

“I thought you would, but I had to offer you the choice. Oh, this one also comes with a promotion to Lieutenant, we need the officer in this position to have a bit of clout behind them.” He reached down into the desk drawer, pulled out another small black box, and handed it to Lieutenant Viameli. “ You may do the honors, Lieutenant.”

As Viemeli did the same thing to her brother as he did for her a few minutes ago.

“Attention on deck.” 

A sudden hush filled the squadron-ready room as some of the younger officers stood while the rest of the massed group slowly looked around and followed suit as they realized that something was going on. 

An older human officer wearing a red tunic’d top of someone in a leadership role entered the room from the rear and slowly walked to the front of the room.

“Take a seat, gentlemen,” he grumbled as he turned and faced the group from the front of the room. 

He pulled an antique Old English tobacco pipe from his mouth and looked around the room.

“Welcome to the 612th Mission Support Squadron “Fallen Angels”. I am Lieutenant Commander Ian Thornton, the squadron commander. The Executive officer is Lieutenant  Mecih Rozo.” A Bajoran Lieutenant wearing a black flight suit trimmed in operations yellow stepped forward joining the commander at the front of the room. 

Placing the pipe back in his mouth. “If you haven’t guessed by now, this squadron and its mission is not one that most of us are used to. It is not a fighter squadron nor is it a bomber squadron, we are here to support the mission in all phases. You lot have been assigned to this squadron because someone somewhere put in your records that you have an uncanny knack to fly just about anything or because you are supposedly known to be a team player. We will find out if either of these is true. If you can’t keep up you will be gone, if you don’t play well with others you will be gone, if you do not work as a team you will be gone.” he pulled the pipe from his mouth again. “Let me make this perfectly clear, if you don’t live up to or meet my standards you will be gone. I will not ask anyone in this squadron to do something that the XO or myself have not already done or are not willing to do ourselves. ” Replacing the pipe he nodded toward Lieutenant Rozo.

“Gentlemen, if you have any doubt in your abilities then leave now. ”He held up a PADD.”Believe me, we have others who will be more than happy to fill that seat.” He waited a moment to see if anyone left, nodding as no one did.

 “Now let’s get down to business. I hope you like to train because we will be doing a lot of it over the next couple of months. If you are not eating or sleeping you will be training. Don’t plan on getting much free time anytime soon.” He looked up and made a come-forward mission to someone in the rear of the room, a group of crewmen moved up the three aisles pushing a cart stopping at each row and handing a black flight crew bag to each of the sitting officers. A low murmur goes across the room as the officers accept the bag, setting them down beside them.

The lieutenant nodded at the crewman beside him as the crewman tapped a button on the small console he was seated at, dimming the lights the view screen came on with a rotating patch appearing in the middle of the screen. “ When you meet our standards you’ll get the patch, till then we train.” he smiled as he said that taking a seat on the corner of the table. 

Taking the cue from the dimming lights the officers reach down, open the bags, and pull out the PADD inside. 

Commander Thornton noticed this, removed the pipe, let out a small chuckle,  leaned against the wall, and then replaced the pipe and continued to watch the amassed group of officers in front of him.  

“I’m sure many of you are wondering why those with a knack of being able to fly different ships was something that was noted in your records. If you were listening you would have heard the commander give you the answer earlier, plus it’s in the name. As a mission support squadron, we will not fly one ship type, we will be flying three. All officers will be fully mission capable in these three ships.” The screen divides into three parts two on top and one below showing three ships, the top right is the Peregrin, the top left is the Aspara and the bottom shows the Orion class runabout.

Several grains are heard as the images appear, with more than a few raised eyebrows.

The commander stood and walked over beside the XO. “Gentlemen, If you don’t like it or feel that these ship choices are beneath you, “ he pulled his pipe from his mouth and pointed towards the door in the rear of the room. “There’s the door.” he looked around the room.

“If you haven’t noticed there are more of you in here then what is needed. I expect several will fail to meet my standards. Let that be a warning.” he replaced the pipe in his mouth, nodded at the XO, and took a seat on the other corner of the table.

Several hours later. “Okay gentlemen, training starts tomorrow morning at 0500. We will meet here.” The XO stood and the crewmen beside him tapped another button on his console as the lights came back on.

The commander stayed sitting and removed the pipe. “Don’t be late, ever. If you’re late your orders will be waiting for you when you arrive.”

*********************

240101.12

Kr’Antren finished his briefing with the Task Force forty-seven command team. Letting out a deep breath he tapped on his combadge. Lieutenants Talibah, Skagath, and Doctor M’gok. Captain Kr’Antren. Please join me in my ready room as soon as possible.” He looked out the portal behind his desk.

As the three officers entered the captain’s ready room, he nodded at each and motioned for them to take a seat as he finished up some work on his console. As he finished he turned toward the three of them. “We should be reaching Bravo station tomorrow. Be that as it may, I have just finished a meeting with the task force forty-seven command staff. Looks like some changes are coming our way. Lieutenant Talibah it is my duty to inform you that upon the arrival of the Osiris tomorrow at Bravo Station you will assume the duties and responsibilities of Captain of the Osiris. Congratulations Lieutenant, you may want to start thinking of who you want as your XO before one is assigned.”

She looked at him wid-eyed, but with a puzzled look on her face as she came to realize what he told her. “Sir ?” she looked over at Skagath.

“Sorry Lieutenant, but not him or the doc here.” he pointed at the two of them. “The three of us are to report to Commodore Ekwueme’s office upon our arrival and handing over of the proverbial keys to the Lieutenant here.”

Doctor M’Gok sat back in her chair and looked at him and then over at Lieutenant Skagath. “Orders ?” she asked

“That is what I would assume, though from what command just told me we are still assigned to them.” he shrugged his shoulders.

240101.29.0900

Aryanna followed the commodore down the hallway past several offices and what she knew to be larger meeting/briefing rooms.

<<” What the hell is going on? Did you do something that I don’t know about?”

“I have no idea, and you of all people would know if I did something. 

“Not saying much, is he?

“Nope, which has me starting to think.”

“About ?”

“Sssssshhhhhhh, not now.”>>

The Commodore looked down at the PADD as he heard a beep. “Good, good. He should already be here.” he stopped in front of a door, looked at the room number, and entered. She followed him in.

The room was a rather small briefing room, probably only meant for a group of no more than five or six with a circular table in the middle and window panels facing the outside of Bravo station.

As they entered and she was able to step up beside the commodore she saw that the only other person in the room was a Red tunic’d Caitian wearing the pips of a Lieutenant Commander, who stood as they entered.

<<” Ok, this is a bit strange. A Lieutenant Commander in command red, the Commodore, and you. 

“ Ummm, Why do I think I’m in the wrong color, all of a sudden?”

“You don’t think?”

“I’m starting to, why else bring us here?”

“Yaa but why like this, why not on the ship?”

“That’s the question, now isn’t it.”>>

Kr’Antren stood as he saw the commodore enter followed by a female Trill Lieutenant Commander wearing the gold tunic of operations. “Hmmm, younger looking than what I would have thought after reading her file, though you can see that spark, that fire, that tenacity that got her here today. surviving when many would have given up. This is going to be interesting if I do say so, still not happy with the decision.” He thought to himself. 

The Commodore looked at the two of them and gave a nod toward Kr’Antren.

Kr’Antren looked over the Gold Tunic’d Lieutenant Commander, then looked outside to the openness of space, took a deep breath letting it out slowly, ears twitching as he stroked his beard. “I could still say no, nothing is set in stone yet. I may not get the Osiris back but maybe another command. What would mom and dad do?” He then remembered an old story his dad once told him, smiled, took another deep breath turned back towards the Commodore, and nodded.

<<” Ok something is going on, that was a bit strange.”

“Not right now, I’m trying to figure out what that was about.”

“You couldn’t read his body language and the tone in the room, that Caitian just made a decision that he didn’t think he would have to make. I’m guessing he has spent some time in the center chair and…”>>

The commodore took a seat and placed the PADD he was carrying on the table in front of him after he received the nod in reply to his non-verbal question. “Lieutenant Commander Rigras meet Lieutenant Commander Kr’Antren. Lieutenant Commander Kr’Antren this is  Lieutenant commander Rigras. Well now that we have that out of the way, take a seat, both of you so we can get down to why we are here.”

They both took a seat on opposite sides of the table. “Kr’Antren how is the Osiris? Everything went ok when you arrived?”

“Yes sir, Lieutenant Commander Talibah officially took the center chair about an hour ago. Looks like they may be here for about three to four weeks, maybe less according to the space dock engineers that met us upon our arrival.”

<<” See, told you.”

“I heard.” she looked over at Kr’Anten with a raised eyebrow.

“You understand what this means?”

“I do, from both angles. Now, what do we do?” She looked back at the Commodore.

“That is the question, isn’t it? Do we accept the center chair knowing that he will always be there waiting, watching, and wondering? Or do we decline it and offer to be the executive officer? The question is, is this coming from higher up, the commodore or the Taskforce command staff?”

“Watching him during that brief moment, I would guess he got the word as soon as he arrived. Obviously, he was given our file to look over.”

“Obviously, and obviously he was given a choice.”

“Obviously, The question now is why? Why would he choose to give up the center chair? What was he offered?”

“Hmmmmm, those are answers we may never get. So what do we do? Aryanna, you realize there is one more angle to this.”

“Yes, yes I do. I was just thinking about that one.” she switched her gaze from being solely on the Commodore to looking at them both. Clinching and unclenching her gloved hand. “Damn it.”>>

 “Good, Good. You did an excellent job with her and I’m quite happy that you were able to bring that issue to rest during the Blood Dilithium operation. Nice work, very nice work.”

“Thank you, sir”

Aryanna looked her gaze back on the Commodore and slapped her gloved hand on the tabletop. “You have got to be shitting me, sir. You expect me to believe that he is giving up the center chair to be my Executive Officer.”

“Excuse me, commander? First things first I will not tolerate that type of language being directed at me. You have been warned.” he cocked an eyebrow at her. “Secondly, yes that is exactly what I expect.”

She looked at the two of them. “Tell me, commander. How long did you have to read my file?”

Kr’antren started to brush his hand through his beard. “About thirty minutes. And to answer your next questions. Yes, and just now.”

Aryanna nodded. “That’s what I thought, thank you for being honest, commander.”

The Commodore looked at the two of them and let a slight smile creep across his face. “So, Commander Rigras, the ball is in your court as they say.” As he starts to slide the PADD in front of him toward her.

Ayranna looked at the PADD and back at Kr’Antren. “Tell me, Commander, what type of leader are you? Would your crew follow you knowing it was towards their possible death?”

Kr’antren sat back in his chair, looked at the Commodore noticing the smile creeping across his face, nodded, and then turned his gaze back toward Commander Rigras. “I’ll answer the second question first, yes I do believe those that I have commanded would. As for the first question I would like to think I’m somewhat of a transformational/participative leader if that makes sense.”

Aryanna nods. “It does. Are you loyal to your crew, all of them? Would you… “ She looked down at her hand. “Would you do what is needed even if it meant bodily harm to yourself or even your death to protect and save your crew?”

He too looked at her hand as he stopped stroking his beard and locked eyes directly with her across the table. “Yes, my crew is my family and Yes I would without question or a second thought I would do what is needed to be done to make sure my family lived to see another day.”

<<” I believe he would, Aryanna.”

“So do I. So do I”

(chuckle) ”You did say any seat.”

“I did, didn’t I”>>

She looked at the commodore. “Damn it” as she looked at the PADD and slid it across the table to Kr’Antren. “Commander, you have read my file. I’m sure you read the medical and psychiatric recommendations. I would like to offer myself for consideration to be your executive officer.”

“Well that was interesting and not what I expected.” the Commodore said with a slight chuckle. “Well, Commander Kr’Antren the choice is yours on both issues.”

“What the hell, I was not expecting this to happen. Not after reading her file. I figured she would have jumped at the chance. That event on the Concord and what she went through afterward must have changed something.” He thought as he looked at the PADD then back at Commander Rigras then toward the Commodore. He accepted the PADD being slid over and then looked back at Lieutenant Commander Rigras. I accept your offer Commander and will gladly have you as my executive officer. Something changed after the incident, didn’t it? Something changed within you. After reading your file I would have thought there was no way you would have turned down the center chair.”

Aryanna looked at him and nodded. “Let’s just say that it gave me plenty of time to think about things, gave me a chance to look at myself in the proverbial mirror. Your right before the incident I wouldn’t have even given it a second thought, hell I don’t think he would have even had to ask.” as she nodded toward the Commodore. “But now, things are different.” 

They both slowly turned to face the Commodore, as Kr’Antren nodded. “Sir, I believe this means you have a command team.” he slid the PADD back to the Commodore.

The commodore sat back in his chair, looked at the two of them, and steepled his hands in front of him. “Yes, I believe we do. And I would bet that this one will end up being one of the good ones. Given some time I believe you two will find out that you are just what the other needs to become a better leader.”

The commodore typed something on the PADD, and not waiting for anything else to be said, stood. “Follow me, commanders” and made his way out of the room. “I’ll hold onto this for a few more minutes, don’t want to ruin the surprise now do we.” as he walked out the door, PADD in hand.

240101.29.2137

For the next several minutes the two Lieutenant Commanders followed the Commodore spending those few minutes to start having the typical get-to-know-you conversation.

Exiting the turbo-lift the two Lieutenant commanders see that they have arrived on one of the docking levels for Bravo station’s enormous internal docking area. Through the panels, they could see ships attached to docking clamps, and shuttles going this way and that way between the various ships or between various areas within the station ships.

 In some ways, you could call the area in front of them a perfect example of controlled chaos. “Now we just go to take a walk in this direction for a bit.” The Commodore said as he kept walking, practically ignoring most of the personnel who made way for him and the two commanders just slightly behind and to the left of him.”

“So Commander Kr’Antren, which one was your’s?” Aryanna asked as they continued walking, nodding toward the view panels.

Kr’antren took a sec to look out of the panels. “There she is, can barely see her with the larger ships on this level. Two levels up, four o’clock position. The Reliant class ship.”

“Ahhh, a Reliant class, nice ships from what I hear. Haven’t been on one yet.”

“Yes, yes they are.” he took a final look at the Osiris and followed the Commodore as he kept walking.

“Any ideas?”

“Nope, It could be just about anything. Task force forty-seven is still relatively new so anything and everything is possible.”

She nodded in reply and then saw that the Commodore had stopped in front of a busy docking entrance. 

The crowd was rather thick with personnel coming and going through the entrance to the docking extension, so much so that the two lieutenant commanders could not see through the viewing panels as they approached.

“Make way, make way” Started to ring out as the Commodore approached, not stopping as he made his way. Checking his PADD and the docking port. 

As they made their way through the docking arm they both couldn’t help but feel a tinge of excitement at what lay before them.

They kept walking as the crowd continued to part and they made their way onto a ship. He made his way to a set of turbo lifts and entered one of them. “Hmmmm, no deck officer. May want to fix that Captain,” he said as he looked at Kr’Antren.

“I noticed that also, sir. Top of my list” he looked at Aryanna. “Number o…” he started as Aryanna held up a finger. “First rule for me, no nicknames.”

“Ohhh, ahhh… Aryanna or Rigras?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Either one will work.”

<<” Oh boy, he’s one of those. Going to have to work on that.”

“Indeed.”>>

The commodore chuckled. “Kr’Antren, I always found surnames, if applicable, was the best course of action.”

“Yes, sir.”

The turbo lift came to a stop, before exiting the commodore looked at the two of them and gave them a smile and a nod. As he entered the bridge the ship’s whistle immediately sounded followed by “Commodore on the bridge.”

The commodore walked up beside the center chair and took a look around. “Welcome to the USS Dragon, She is the latest of the Inquiry class block three ships to enter service.”

The two Lieutenant Commanders stood and looked around the bridge taking in the bridge and the crew. 

“Well I’ll be, I just can’t get rid of you, can I lad.” As a tellarite in a gold tunic pips of a lieutenant stepped forward tapping a swagger stick against his leg.

“Damn, I thought they were going to take you to the old folks home?” Kr’antren replies with a slight smile on his face. Then turned towards Rigras.

“Rigras, let me introduce you to Lieutenant Skagath. Formerly of the USS Osiris.”

“They tried but the nurses said I was too good-looking. And, don’t forget the best part boy. ” He looked at the commodore and gave him a knowing smile.

Kr’Antren shook his head. “And unfortunately for me, I still don’t know what my parents were thinking, my godfather.”

Skagath let out a chuckle. “See it didn’t hurt now did it, lad.” Skagath looked at Rigras, and stood as tall as he could, puffing his chest out a bit. “Lieutenant Skagath, Chief Tactical officer ma’am.” he went back to a console to the right and slightly behind the Helm console. “Oh, the doc is here too.”

Kr’Antren nodded at this and then raised an eyebrow as he realized what Skagath had just said regarding his position on the Dragon.

Aryanna felt a tap on her shoulder. “Ma’am, the Commodore sent a message. Said you would need a new tunic.” she turned to face the familiar voice at her side with a smile growing. “Chief Thorn didn’t know you were up for a new assignment, and thank you.”

“I wasn’t. The Commodore’s aide called me a couple of weeks ago and asked me if I would like to take the position, something about there being a possibility that you would be in command and if I wanted to still work with you.” she pointed to a small area out of sight where one of the walls had a blocked view. “ Only got here a couple of days ago, barely had time to get myself situated in my new office and quarters yet.”

“Yes, that was a possibility.” Then she pointed at the Caitian in red standing by the commodore. “I learned a lot about myself in that meeting we had. Let’s leave it at that.”

Chief Thorn gave her a slight smile and stood in front of her, blocking any view from others as Aryanna quickly doffed the gold tunic and donned the new red tunic. “I was waiting for you to realize you aren’t the same person you were when you reported to the office months ago.”

Aryanna stepped from behind her, handing her the yellow tunic. “Thank you for being here.”

“Oh. I’m not the only one here. Lieutenant Zhaishi is here too, she is the Chief Engineering Officer. We both arrived together. Don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile so much as she did when she saw the main engineering. I think she found something she loves more than…” She gave Aryanna a knowing wink.

“We’ll get together later on and talk, she said in a whisper to the chief as she stepped up beside Kr’Antren giving the Commodore a nod.

The commodore stepped forward and cleared his throat. “We have some business to conduct folks.” the bridge staff and crew stopped what they were doing and faced the center chair and the three redshirted officers standing in front of it.

The Commodore handed the PADD to Chief Thorn. “It’s your turn now, chief.”

Chief Thorn stepped forward and walked to the other side of the chair facing the two Lieutenant Commanders and held the PADD out in front of her.

Kr’antren stepped forward.

The ship’s whistle played over the ship’s internal comms channel.“All hands, attention to orders. From Starfleet Headquarters, Office of the Admiralty. Lieutenant Commander Kr’Antren you have been requested to take command of the USS Dragon, NCC-89882. Signed by Commodore Ekwueme on stardate two-four-zero-one-zero-one-point-two nine.”

Kr’antren stepped forward and placed his hand on the PADD as the system scanned. 

“I Lieutenant Commander Kr’Antren accept and affirm the orders presented to me.” he accepted the PADD from the chief. “Computer, transfer all command codes to Lieutenant Commander Kr’Antren authorization Kr’Antren-zero-six-two-nine-Juliet-Uniform.”

“All command codes transferred, U-S-S Dragon is now under the command of Lieutenant Commander Kr’Antren.”

Kr’Antren stepped in front of the center chair and turned to face Lieutenant Commander Rigras. 

“Computer, by my order, assign Lieutenant commander Aryanna Rigras to the position of Executive Officer with all rights and privileges inherent to said position. Authorization Kr’Antren-zero-four-one-eight-nine-three-Alpha.”

“Lieutenant Commander Aryanna Rigras is now recognized as the Executive Officer of the U-S-S Dragon.”

Commodore Ekwueme stepped forward in front of Lieutenant Commander Kr’Antren “One more piece of business. Can’t have three Lieutenant Commanders in leadership positions on a ship, just doesn’t make sense to me. Was going to do this to whoever ended up in the seat, a bit early for you but some positions do have privileges. By the authority granted to me by Starfleet headquarters, I hereby promote Lieutenant Commander Kr’Antren to the rank of Commander with all rights and privileges inherent with that rank. Congratulations  Commander.” He stepped back after he swapped out the pip to shake Kr’Antrens hand. “I’ll have the official orders posted when I get back to my office.”

“Excuse me, Commodore, you said three Lieutenant Commanders, who’s the third?” as he shook his hand.

“Ahh yes, that would be Lieutenant Commander Thornton, the commander of the 612th Mission Support Squadron. They have been assigned to the Dragon. Not sure if you knew but the Inquiry class can have a squadron assigned to it and the command staff of Task Force fort-seven put in the request when they received word that the Dragon was going to be assigned to the Task Force.”

Kr’antren nodded in reply.

The commodore quietly departed as the rest of the command staff made their way to the center chair to congratulate the newly assigned/promoted Captain and the newly assigned Executive Officer.

After several minutes as things began to return to normal, Kr’antren tapped on his combadge. “All command staff, bridge briefing room in thirty minutes.” 

“Computer, what is the location of Lieutenant Commander Thornton?”

“Lieutenant Commander Thornton is currently in holosuite 215-Delta on Bravo.”

“Computer, Connect me to him please.”

“Connected. Captain.”

“Lieutenant Commander Thornton, this is Commander Kr’Antren. Captain of the USS Dragon. I will be conducting my first command staff meeting in thirty minutes on the Dragon,  in the bridge briefing room. I would like for you to join us if at all possible.”

“Yes sir, just finishing up this holo mission as we speak.”

“Thank you, commander, see you in thirty minutes.”

“Well Aryanna, let’s go see what we took command of, shall we.” as he gestured with the PADD to where he believed the bridge briefing room was.

Kr’antren and Aryanna made their way into the Dragons bridge briefing room. “Hmmm, we are going to need to come up with a different name for this room, sounds so silly to keep saying meet me/us in the bridge briefing room. Don’t you think so?”

Aryanna walked around the room taking it all in, noticing the table’s position and general layout. “Agreed, so what do you think of our new command so far?”

“To tell the truth, I’m not sure yet. Lots to take in. New crew, new ship and all that.” he reached down on the table and activated the main view screen and then activated the holographic LCARS. “Still haven’t gotten used to these yet, for some odd reason I think only a few of the staff used the holographic LCARS interface on the Osiris.” he said as he pulled up the ship’s crew roster and files. “Lets see who we have shall we?”

Aryanna nodded and sat down beside Kr’Antren. “ I can tell you that the Chief Engineer and your Yeoman are good people, both of them know their jobs and are quite good at them.”

Kr’Antren raised an eyebrow as he looked at their files. “I see, it looks like Lieutenant Zaishi has requested a few of her department heads from your previous section to join the Dragon in the same roles. Thoughts?”

Aryanna activated her console,looking over the requests. “All good people and good officers, they know their stuff. I would question the requested assignments for these two. ” She highlighted two names on the list. “Fresh out of the academy, they know their stuff just not very experienced. It was alright in the yards, but out here on one of the newest and advanced classes in the fleet I would have my doubts about them in department head roles, maybe as assistant department heads but not as full department heads.”

Kr’antren nodded as she spoke “I’m ok with that, go ahead and make the changes to the requests and the orders and approve them.”

She looked at him and blinked several times. 

<<”Ok, that is not what i expected.”

“Me either, figured he would at least start off trying to assert his position. It’s what most new captains would do.”

“It’s what I would have done if it was me in his position, especially with the way that things went down in the meeting with the Commodore.”

“I agree, can’t say i would have fought you on that either. There is something different about this Caitian; just can’t put my, well your finger, on it. This is going to be an interesting puzzle to work on.” 

“You know I hate puzzles.”

“I know, I know.”>> 

Kr’Antren looked at her, knowing that a brief conversation was taking place between Rigras and her. (cleared his throat)”Aryanna, look I’m sure you know I was given your file to read when I was asked to take the right hand seat. I also understand that the only way this is going to work. “He pointed a finger at her then at himself.” is if we work as a team. We discuss everything, hold nothing back from each other no matter if it’s what we think the other wants to hear or not, if you think of something in the moment tell me and I’ll do the same. My ready room door is always open for you no matter the time or situation. It will take some work from both of us, but I believe it is the only way that this will work.”

<<”oh shit, he’s good. I was not expecting that so soon. Thought it would take some time.”>>

Aryanna sat back and let out a long breath. “Wow, that was a lot. Even Rigras was not expecting that so soon, to tell the truth I also thought it would be something that we would have to work together to figure out. I agree, it makes complete sense.”

“If I may make a suggestion. It deals with this room.” she pointed at the table “ It doesn’t fit, I understand that the inquiry class is all a standard build, but I feel like this was just thrown in here. What do you think about a circular table?”

“I was just thinking about that myself, I hate this head of the table position. How about a ring table?” Kr’Antren stood and walked around the room much as Aryanna did when they first entered. 

“That should work just fine.” as Aryanna pulled up the next set of crew files.

“What the hell? What is she doing on this ship? How is she in StarFleet?” she slammed  her prosthetic hand on the table.

Kr’antren turned around and faced the view screen, seeing the file of Doctor M’gok  on the screen. “Aryanna, what is the problem with Doc? I can vouch for her.”

Aryanna is trembling, grinding her fist into the table. 

<<”Aryanna, it can’t be her. You know this as well as I do and obviously Kr’Antren knows this one. Breath, Aryanna, breath.”>> 

Kr’antren looked at his new Executive Officer and then back at the view screen showing the Doc’s file and her picture, remembering what he had read just earlier in the day from her file. “Shit, I don’t believe this.” He looked back at Aryanna. “Aryanna, listen to me. Take a breath and listen.”

Aryanna turned her head toward him, eyes full of rage and pain. 

“It’s not her, I know what you are thinking/remembering it is not her, let me show you.” He split the screen to show Doc’s picture and the picture of her sister that was taken right before their father took her away. “On the left is Doc, her first name is Shoji, on the right is Avasa, as they were carting her off to face whatever penalties that the Klingon high command was going to hand down. Last we heard she was publicly executed. They are or were half sisters, Doc has been with me since I took command of the Rhyndacus.”

Aryanna looked at the picture then back at Kr’Antren, tears running down her cheeks. “She, She, she… “ she looked down at her hand.

“I understand that now, hold on, let me show you something. Not many besides the crew of the Rhyndacus and those that interviewed the crew afterwards have seen this. Do not let doc know that I showed this to you, she is not very proud of it.” He typed something on his PADD which then played the recording of the fight between the sisters on Alth’Ndor IV.

<<”Damn, for all intensive purpose’s she died at that moment. Well it’s not what we had dreamed about and wished for all these past months but it looks like she got what she deserved in the end.”

“I wanted it, I wanted to be the one.”

“I know, we both did. But it looks like things played out differently. I am willing to bet that they are the reason why she did not finish us off.”>>

“Can I see it again, Kr’antren.”

He let it play again

She watched and then nodded at Kr’Antren. “Sorry about that, I didn’t even see her picture. All I saw was the last name and then all I saw was red.” She looked around the room quickly. “Guess, I still have a few things to work through.”

Kr’antren nodded. “Rather now than when she walked in here in a few minutes. Will you be ok when she does? You’ll notice she does not look like her sister. She is half klingon half human while her sister is full klingon. Don’t ask me, I still haven’t had the chance to get that story from Doc.”

Aryanna nodded. “Shall we continue with the roster review? I’m guessing we still have a few minutes before everyone starts to arrive.”

For the next several minutes they go through the rest of the command staff and other department head files.

“Looks like we still have a few holes to fill, though Lieutenant Zaishi’s request should fill a few of them. I’ll put in some additional requests and feelers in the system tomorrow and ask around a few offices that I have worked with over the last couple of months”  Aryanna stated as she picked up her PADD and started pulling up a few files.

At about that time the briefing room door chimed as the first members of the new command staff started to arrive.

“Enter”

The first to enter was a female and male Lieutenant, one wearing the gold of operations and the other wearing the blue of science.” No, no, no… Sust we can not fly the Dragon like we did the Raven’s. She is too big for those types of maneuvers.”

“Look, dear sis, look at the specs. The math doesn’t lie. With the block three upgrades to her impulse engines, I know we could make her turn on a dime. All I’m asking is that we give it a try in the next holo mission. Better find out in there, then out there.” he makes a sweeping motion in front of himself.

“Sust, are you factoring in the addition of the mission pod that is being added as we speak.” As she took a seat a couple of seats down from the XO.

“Yes, dear sister I have. With its closeness to the impulse engine location and its size and shape. I don’t think it will make that much of a difference.

She looked at her brother.

 ^^” Care to put your wallet on it?”  

“What’re the stakes?”

“Loser pays for dinner at a location of the winner’s choosing.”

“Hmmmm, deal. Though we need a fair and impartial judge. Any ideas?”

“Not like we have been here long enough to make too many friends. How about I ask the XO?”

“Acceptable.”^^

“Excuse us Sir, ma’am. My brother and I were just debating the flight characteristics of the Dragon. I’m Lieutenant Viameli Dromi, your Chief Flight Control Office. “She pointed across the table. “Is Lieutenant Sustram Dromi, my brother, right now he is the wearer of multiple hats. I believe on the roster he is slotted in a Helm officer slot and as the department head of the just added Astrometrics lab.  Though if I understand correctly, we have been assigned a Squadron?”

Aryanna and Kr’antren looked at each other for a second. Kr’Antren was about to say something when Aryanna held up a hand just barely on the tabletop.

“Yes, we have been assigned a squadron.” She looked at the two of them, landing on the lieutenant in blue. ”What are you asking?”

Viameli started to say something and is cut off by a look from Aryanna. “Lieutenant, I’m quite aware of the Betazed hierarchy however you cannot speak for your brother all the time.”

“So, what is it Lieutenant Sustram ?” as she turned her gaze back toward him.

“Well, ma’am. We, well I mean I, was wondering if there would be a slot on the bridge for me. I know that Starfleet did away with the navigator seat a long time ago. But if the rumors are true and we have been assigned to Task Force forty-seven then maybe the captain would be agreed that it wouldn’t hurt to have one on the bridge again. Especially if we have to rely on those old Cardassian maps.”

Aryanna looked over her shoulder at Kr’Antren who just shrugged a reply.

“And? What else?”

“Well, ma’am. With the addition of the squadron would not need some sort of a Tactical air space controller. Someone that would be able to pass the Captain’s plans and orders to the squadron during the encounter or normal flight operations.”

Aryanna sat back in her chair and looked at Kr’Antren. “Not sure we had even thought of that yet. Guess it would be something to discuss.”

Kr’Antren nodded at this. “Yes, it is. Though I do think the idea of a navigator position on the bridge is something that I think would be a good thing to have/ someone to help the Helm officer.” he looked at Viameli “with helm operations and be able to decipher those old Cardassian maps without interrupting her normal operations. The idea of a strategic ops officer is one that we are not quite big enough for nor do we require one full-time, but the idea of a dual-slotted officer, one with helm experience and a working knowledge of what is around us sounds like a good role for a young, eager Lieutenant. What do you think, Aryanna?”

She looked back at the two of them. “Hmmmmm, why do I get the feeling that we were just hoodwinked, sir.”

“Because we were.” he handed her his PADD showing the twins in the holosuite. “Looks like they have been working this out between them for the last couple of days. Including the strat ops role from the looks of it.”

<<” Sounds like something we would have done back in the day.”

“Don’t you mean something we have done? Not quite as elegant as they pulled it off though.”>>

Aryanna gives the two of them a stern look and then lets out a slight chuckle.

Kr’Antren made a note on his PADD and watched as others walked in and took a seat.

That’s when he noticed something going on at the far end of the table.

Scamandrius was behind the Tellarite Tactical Officer as he entered the briefing room. He made his way over to one of the empty chairs. “Damn, this ain’t going to work.” As he looked at it and shook it with one of his overly long and quite large arms. “Nope, not going to work at all.” shaking his head. He made his way over to the row of chairs against the far wall giving them a look over. “Not much better. Don’t think I’ll fall right over, but pretty sure they will not be the most comfortable thing for me to sit in.”

“Excuse me, Lieutenant. Is something wrong?” Kr’antren asked as he looked at the lieutenant.

“No, sir,” Scamandrius replied, blinking his single eye. 

Kr’Antren looked at him again with a raised eyebrow, as now the XO turned to look to see who the Captain was talking to.

“Damn it, well yes sir, there is. It’s the chairs.”

“The chairs?”

“Oh for crying out loud, Scama. Did you request this on purpose? How did you even know I was assigned here?”

“I didn’t, till now.”

The Captain looked between the lieutenant he was talking to and the Orion that just walked in. As Aryanna looked up at her with a smile and a raised eyebrow.

Zaishi looked at Aryanna and shook her head. (mouthing) “Later” and received a nod in reply.

“Yes sir, the chairs are an issue for the Lieutenant. Oh, I’m Lieutenant Zaishi, your Chief Engineering Officer, sorry I wasn’t on the bridge for your arrival but we were running some tests on the port fusion reactor.”

“You see the lieutenant here is heavier than he looks as his weight is supported differently than on most humanoids. So most standard issue chairs cannot properly support his weight or his sitting posture. I will get a team on this straight away, I know what is needed.”

Scamandrius shook his head as she spoke. “Not what I wanted to happen, nor is she who I wanted to run into,” he grumbled under his breath.

“I heard that Scama and WE will discuss it later.” She said in his direction as she took a seat.

Kr’Antren looked at Aryanna then at the two Lieutenants. “Ok then, Lieutenant. Please take a seat wherever you’re comfortable till we get this issue resolved.”

Scamandrius walked over and offered a hand to the Captain.” sorry sir, I forgot to introduce myself. Lieutenant Scamandrius, I was just assigned earlier today as your intelligence officer. Something about a request from the Task Force along with the addition of a modified sensor/communication/ECM mission pod.”

“Hold on so you’re the reason why I have been working my proverbial tail off the last two days trying to get that mission bay reconfigured with new labs along with adding that pod to the outside of my ship.”

“No Zai, the other way around. I’m here because that POD and those labs were requested.” As he took a seat on the floor with his back against the row of chairs.

Aryanna looked over at Lieutenant Zaishi. “Not even a CEO for more than a couple weeks and already calling it your ship?”

Zaishi chuckled. 

Kr’Antren noticed the next person entering the room was Doc, he quickly got up and made his way to stop her before she made it in too far.

“Doc, how about a cup of Raktajino?”

“No thanks Captain, I’m good.”

“Ok, well then join me as I get one.” 

The look he gave her and the tone in his voice made her realize more was up than just a simple hello and a cup of Raktajino.

“Doc, after this meeting you, the XO, and I need to sit down and have a chat. It looks like those of us on the Rhyndacus were not the only ones affected by your sister’s actions.”

“Hold on, I read the Exec’s medical file when I heard you two were being assigned. Are you telling me that the attack on her ship was Avasa?”

He nodded as he took the cup from the replicator.

“You know Lieutenant Zaishi was there also, she is the one that cut the Exec’s arm off. Saved her life.”

“Damn, no I was not aware of that. Do me a favor and take the seat next to mine. Just in case.”

She nodded and made her way to the seat.

Aryanna noticed her enter and noticed Kr’Antren having a short conversation with her.

<<” He was right, you know. They look nothing alike. You can see the human side of her genetics.”

“Yes Rigras, I can see with my own eyes. Not her.”

“Guess you’ll find out. I am willing to bet you three will be having a chat after this.”

“I better get a message to Zaishi, she will need to be part of that also.”

“About time something I told you in the past stuck in that rock you call a brain, was beginning to wonder.”

“ok, old man. No need to get mean.”>>

Aryanna quickly typed something on her console and looked over at Zaishi, who looked her way and nodded after reading the message.

Kr’Antren returned to his seat, placing the cup of Raktajino in front of him. “Is this everyone Aryanna?”

She looked around the table. “I do believe so, though I haven’t seen the squadron commander yet.”

“Hmm he said he was finishing up a simulation, I expect he’ll join us as soon as he is finished. Let’s get this started shall we.”

Kr’antren rapped his knuckles on the table to get everyone’s attention.

“Good Evening everyone, If you missed the theatrics a few minutes ago let me introduce myself. Commander Kr’Antren, Captain of the Dragon formerly of the USS Osiris. My Executive Officer is Lieutenant Commander Aryanna Rigras.” he nodded to her sitting beside him. “Believe me when I say when she speaks she speaks for both of us.” He looked around the table. “Ok, now that part is out of the way, let’s get down to business.”

“As some of you have heard through the grapevine already, I can confirm that we have been assigned to Task Force forty-seven and we do have our first mission assignment. More on that later.”

Aryanna typed something on her PADD and a holographic version of the USS Dragon began to slowly spin in the middle of the table. 

“Seeing as we found out when we walked on board what ship we were taking command of and not having a chance to read through all of the reports, let’s hit the highlights. We do know that this ship is brand new from the yards so we expect some glitches and gremlins will need to be worked out of the system. The main thing is where do we stand on being fully mission ready? Not looking at personnel needs as we can pick the rest up from Deep Space forty-seven. ” she looked at Kr’antren, who nodded in the affirmative. 

“So let’s go to the high points folks, don’t need to hear about the small stuff unless it’s  something that will become a big issue if we don’t get it taken care of now.”Looking around the table once again. “Lieutenant Zaishi, We’ll start with you and Engineering. If the engines don’t work then we can’t go anywhere.”

“Ma’am, sir. As you can expect we have spent the last week, since my arrival, getting everything set up and running the way it should be, not the way that those yardbirds left it. ” she gave Aryanna a quick smile.”According to the logs they supposedly have worked out most of the glitches, reported by other ships of the Inquiry class, however as we know new ships always have their set gremlins to work out of the systems. We have run diagnostics on the two fusion generators that power the impulse engines and everything looks good so far. That being said, having spent some time in the yards myself along with a few of my department heads, we think that we could take some of what we learned from the retrofits and upgrades that we have taken part in and possibly modify a few things that would give us a better power allocation and quicker system response times. We plan on firing up the warp core four hours before departure, which should give us enough time to run basic diagnostics on the system before actual departure. Other than that most of the systems that we have run diagnostics on since coming aboard are reporting green across the board.” 

Kr’antren nodded as did Aryanna. “ Thank you chief, please stay after the meeting as the Captain and I have a few things we would like to discuss with you.”

Lieutenant Zaishi nodded “Yes, Ma’am.”

Aryanna looked down at her console. “Hmmm, let’s see here. Operations, guess you would be next. As many of the departments wouldn’t have much going on while docked.”

The masked Zaranite in a long gold-colored tunic turned to face the Captain and Executive Officer, “ We are currently still bringing on supplies for both the ship and some that are destined for Deep Space forty-Seven.” The voice that came through the mask is rather nasally and muffled. “I believe our communications section, along with engineering and science, is currently working with Lieutenant Scamandrius on integrating our communications and sensors with the newly attached mission pod. According to the reports from Starfleet engineering and Starfleet intelligence, the mission POD will enhance our communication and sensor systems. I do have one issue, ma’am, sir.  I am not sure if you are aware but this squadron that has been assigned has given us a dilemma, We will need to make some decisions on our shuttles as it looks like they are bringing two Arrow class Runabouts on board that will not fit in the forward shuttle bay that has been allocated to them. To make room for the two additional runabouts we will have to lose several of our shuttles which, according to the numbers I read when hearing about this change, could affect our overall mission.”

Kr’antren looked up at hearing this part.” Better or Worse,” He looked down at his PADD. “ Ahhh yes, Lieutenant Khoiba. Do your numbers show if the mission would be affected for the better or the worse?”

The Lieutenant takes in a deep breath as he looks at his PADD. “The numbers only show a possibility of either or, sir.”

Kr’antren nodded. “Hmmm, meet with the XO and I at 1600 hours in my ready room, so we can go through the possible various shuttles that we do have room for and we can determine the best possible need for the ship.”

Aryanna looked over at the Captain with a slight smile and a raised eyebrow.

“Zaranites are known for their belief in numerology.” he shrugged his shoulders. “ Can’t hurt to discuss it with him.” 

“Yes sir. According to the quartermaster, we should have all supplies onboard in the next twelve hours, which was just sent to me.”

Both Aryanna and Kr’Antren notate this on their PADDS and nod in reply.

“That is all I have for now.”

The door to the briefing room opened as an older human wearing a black flight suit with red shoulder pads and trim entered the room, Pulling an unlit pipe from the side of his mouth.”I hope I’m not too late.” As he made his way toward the two red tunic’d officers at one end of the table.

Both Aryanna and Kr’Antren stood as the Lieutenant Commander approached them. ”Lieutenant Commander Thornton, I presume. Commander Kr’Antren and this is my Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Aryanna Rigras.”

“Sir, Ma’am. The 612th Mission Support Squadron requests permission to come aboard.”

“You have it, Lieutenant Commander, We thought you had already started the load up of your ships, crews, and supplies.”

“Not yet, We felt it right to wait for the command team to be assigned before actually starting the load-up process.”

Kr’Antren and Aryanna returned to their seats. “Please have a seat Commander, you’re part of the command staff as far as we are concerned.”

“If you don’t mind Captain, I’ll stay standing. Spent the last eight hours in a holosuite running an interdiction mission. Had to change up our training plan after getting confirmation of our Region of operations.”

“That will work commander, would you like to fill us in on what you need to get your ships and people on board or anything else we could help you with.”

He pointed at the floating ship with his pipe.”Well, to start with, it would help if we could angle the front of the ship a bit more toward the center of the docking area. Make it a bit easier to conduct landing operations.”

Kr’Antren looked over at Lieutenant Dromi. “I’ll put the request in right now Captain.”

Commander Thornton walked up to the table, to one of the empty table spots, and typed something into the console there. “Sir, on the Inquiry class ships the forward shuttle bay can be used for a squadron of fighters, typically Valkyrie class, the Fallen Angels are a somewhat new style of squadron once created to help support the overall mission.” Three schematics appear in place of the Dragon on the table. ”The 612th comprises three ship classes, all of the crews have been checked out and certified to operate all three classes as the mission dictates. As your Operations chief already informed you, two of those ships are Arrow class runabouts.” the Arrow class runabout stands out from the other two. In addition to those two runabouts, we have ten Peregrine class fighters and six Apsara class bombers.”

Skagath and Aryanna both let out whistles upon hearing this.

“The Peregrines have been updated. Not sure if anyone has noticed but the forward hangar bay on the Dragon is a bit bigger than the normal Inquiry-sized forward shuttle bay, they took a bit from the two promenades from what I understand. To create the room we would need.

Lieutenant Zaishi quickly started typing on her console and then let out a grumble. “How come no one noticed this before?” the grumbling continued. “Hmmmm the forward shuttle bay doors are the same size but the Commander is correct it looks like they did some internal rearranging of the spaces.”

Commander Thornton returns the holo to the Dragon. “Sir, We can start loading the ships as soon as you give the al-clear, we could probably fly the Arrows in now as I don’t think the current docking position would affect us. The forward area is to make sure we can fly them nice and neat without having to interrupt all of the other traffic around us too much.”

“Very well Commander, once we have permission to move the ship as you requested and we have done so, you can begin bringing your ships onboard. You can bring the Arrows onboard as soon as you’re ready.”

“Thank you, Captain.”

Kr’Antren nodded.

Aryanna looked at her console, “Lieutenant Scamandrius?”

He stood and made his way to the other end of the table and to the console that the Commander had just used. ”Ma’am, Sir. Lieutenant Scamandrius, Chief Intelligence Officer. As the chief has already discussed a prototype mission pod has been added over the port side mission bay door. You will be happy to find out that the mission bay door is still operable as the mission pod is a ring in shape. However, the bay on the other side has had some additions made to it. The intelligence department has been placed in this area, along with a drone and probe launch system and a support department. I believe Lieutenant Dromi would like to know that an astrometric lab has also been added. The rest of the space is still configured as a mission bay.”

Kr’Antren reached for his Coffee cup, taking several sips as he listened to the Lieutenant. “Lieutenant, what are the specifics of the mission pod?”

“Sir, the mission pod is a prototype being developed specifically for the Inquiry class. It has been designed to not lose the use of the mission bay door and the capabilities that it brings. The pod is a combination of enhanced sensors, communications, ECM, and intelligence gathering pod. Specifically, it will enhance the sensitivity and range of the communication systems and sensor systems allowing us to look and listen farther out.”

<<” No doubt giving the spooks in their lab eyes and ears that they may not normally be able to get access to. Would be interesting to find out just how enhanced, would it not?”

“Indeed it would, and I have a feeling look at Kr’Antren’s body language he is thinking the same thing right now.”>>

Kr’Antren’s ears began to twitch as he thought about what the new lieutenant was telling him, as he continued to sip from his coffee cup. He leaned towards Aryanna and motioned for her to do the same. “Well, I have a feeling I know where we will be operating in the Expanse and beyond. Adding that pod and the Lieutenant and his team gave me the clues.” He whispered

“Hmmm, the Breen borders and beyond.”She whispered 

He nodded in reply. “Along with some known trouble spots in that area.”

<<(chuckles)” Breen, pirates and the unknown beyond Ultima Thule, This is going to be interesting.”

“Never said it wasn’t going to be”>>

Kr’Antren leaned forward in his chair resting his elbows on the table holding his coffee cup with both hands. “Thank you, Lieutenant.”

“I believe that is all, captain.” Aryanna looked down at her console checking to see if she missed anyone.

“Very well, everyone get with your teams and figure out if your department is at full strength, if not send a message to my Yeoman, Chief Thorn, with the details. If we can’t get them here we will send a message ahead to Deep space forty -seven. I am tentatively setting departure for forty-eight hours after the Commander’s ships and crew are onboard. Plan accordingly.

I need Lieutenant Zaishi, Doc, and Commander Rigras to stay behind for a few minutes. We will hold a pre-departure briefing six hours before departure, the rest of you are dismissed.”

240101.30.0100

For the next several minutes the four officers went through a repeat of the earlier conversation between Kr’Antren and Aryanna, including rewatching the video and both Aryanna and Zhaishi reading the mission report. 

Doc M’gok looked at the two officers with a look of sorrow and grief on her face.”I can not say I understand what you have gone through as I have not been in your shoes before. But I can say that on that day I for all intents and purposes I killed my sister on that field. I know this will not replace the losses of your crew or the ones that personally affected you individually, but if you feel that a debt is owed then I swear by my blood and the blood of my father that I will do what it takes to fill that debt.” She then bowed her head towards the two of them.

Aryanna looked at the person in front of her. “Where is your Bat’leth? If I may ask.”

Doc looked up and nodded toward Kr’Antren. “The captain holds it along with the traitors. On that day I promised to never pick up a weapon to harm another.”

Aryanna nodded. “That I can understand, but at the same time if things got bad out there.“ She then pointed to the frozen picture on the screen. “That is the officer I want standing beside me. The one who knows that sometimes to save many you must cut off the head of the snake.” Aryanna approached her and placed her hands on Shoji’s shoulders. “ You are Klingon and you are human, never forget that. You cannot hide from it. You can not deny it.” she looked over at Zhaishi, who nodded to the unasked question. “ You be who you are, accept both sides of your blood and be who this ship needs you to be when it needs it and I for one will call that debt paid.” As she looked into Shoji’s eyes and nodded.

Shoji turned and looked at Kr’Antren. “I will return your Bat’leth to you as soon as I get my stuff unpacked and find it. As for the other one, we will place it someplace to remind others that sometimes things need to be done that they may not want to do to save those that need it.”

“I agree to this Kr’Antren, not a place for it to be looked at as a trophy but one that sends a warning to both crew and visitor that we will do what must be done.” 

Kr’Antren nodded at this. “Done. Now chief, Aryanna, and I have a few things that we would like changed around here.” He pointed at the table. “First, this needs to go. We were thinking of a round table big enough for the command staff that could be expanded if need be. Of course, a chair for Lieutenant Scamandrius would need to be added.” 

Zhaishi walked around the room, typing on her PADD. “We should have no problem making that change sir, looks like there should be enough room in here. Hmm black with a wood outer ring, would look nice I think.”

Both Kr’Antren and Aryanna nodded.

“Ok, that sums up this room. Follow me please.” Kr’antren exits the conference room and steps onto the bridge.

“Captain on the bridge.” rings out as the bosun signal plays. “Ok, Let’s fix that right now. Computer. The captain’s signal only needs to be played when I enter the bridge from the turbo-lift.”

“Preset commands changed and new ones are acknowledged.”

“Ok chief, A few things on the bridge.” he held up a finger. “First, no one stands unless they want to, I want chairs for all positions.” held up another finger. “Second, as we are all now sitting, I think the consoles that were designated for Tactical one and two need to be more like the consoles that science and engineering one have. Once that is completed then Tactical one will become operations, since Lieutenant Sustram will be sitting in the usual ops position, and Tactical two will become Tactical one.”

“What about Lieutenant Scamandrius, Kr’Antren?” Aryanna asked “If I may make a suggestion?” as she walked around the bridge taking it all in, nodding as she heard Kr’Antrens’ modifications.

“It’s as much your bridge as it is mine, Aryanna.”

“Zaishi, as I’m gathering there is some history there that you have not told me about yet.” she looked at her with a knowing smile. ”You would probably know best, but how about if we add a crescent-shaped console in front of the main system’s display behind the Captain’s chair? I think there’s enough room back there.”

Zhaishi walked over to the area mentioned by Aryanna, looking at it with an engineer’s eye measuring it out in her mind. “With the chair that he needs, it is probably the best option. Otherwise, it could lead to some issues during emergencies if it was placed in front of one of the other consoles. Would probably just be enough room for that area to still be used as it is now. It will take a bit more work than the other changes so I’ll get a crew working on it asap.”

“One more thing Zaishi, I like to have some room to work. Seeing as they took design cues from the Sovies’s for the Inquiry bridges how about we change those boxy little consoles at my seat and the other one to more like the other consoles with turned a bit towards the side and back.”

Zaishi chuckles “Glad we’re still at Bravo station. I’’ place the requisitions right now so we don’t have to pull from our replacement parts. Better send me the new ones, too or I’ll go down there and someone’s head will roll.”

“Welcome to being the Chief Engineer Lieutenant, comes with some power. Just don’t let it go to your head. “ Kr’Antren said with a smile and a slight chuckle. “Anything else?”

“Well sir, there have been some whispers sent my way that some of the crew would like the forward lounge to be a relaxed atmosphere, some have suggested an English pub/tavern while others have suggested a pub/gaming hall vibe.” she walked over to one of the consoles currently not being used while in spacedock and pulled up some pictures and a floor schematic.”I was doing some research during what little free time I’ve had the last couple of days and I came up with these ideas.”

Kr’antren and Aryanna walked over and spent a few minutes going through the pictures, schematics, and ideas with the chief engineer.“I think that should do it. Go ahead with those plans chief. As they all backed away from the console Kr’Antren noticed the time.” Now, if you would excuse me, ladies, It is quite late, and I for one would like to find my quarters and get some sleep before what I expect will be a long day starts in a few hours.“ he quickly moved out of the way as several crewmen in the gold of engineering made their way to the bridge and started to remove deck plates. “Hmmm, quick response time chief, That’s good. Nite ladies.”

“Thank you, sir, oh and sir I believe your assigned quarters are starboard, Aryanna’s are port. Deck two.”

“Thanks, chief, I was just going to ask if anyone knew where my quarters were.”

240101.30. 0630

The Dromi twins found themselves exiting their assigned quarters at the same time, making their way toward the turbo-lift. 

“Sustra, we are going to need to figure out for everyone’s sake some way of differentiating ourselves on the bridge. I would think that informing the Captain and crew that using our first names for informal communications and when needed that rank and first names would be agreeable.”

“That would work for me as long as they are ok with it. I see that we got clearance for rotating the ship in its docking berth.”

“Yes we did, docking control has given us the green light to rotate the ship so that the tail end is docked. So with that being said we are going to need to change operations as the aft shuttle bay won’t be usable for anything much bigger than a shuttle.”

Sustram nodded as they walked. “I’m supposed to be meeting Commander Thornton and  Lieutenant Rozo, the squadron Executive officer, at 0730 in the bridge conference room to go over the sequence of events for bringing the squadron onboard.”

As they stepped into the turbo-lift Viameli checked to make sure that no one else was behind them. “Bridge”

Exiting the turbo-lift and stepping onto the bridge they both couldn’t help but notice the abundance of engineering crews scrambling around the bridge, deck plates lifted and set to the side, consoles being removed and new ones being added, seats being adjusted and if needed moved.

“Looks like the only area not being worked on is ours. Sis.” he glanced around the bridge, noticing the major reconfiguration work going on in what once was a walk-through area behind the Captain’s chair. 

Viameli made her way towards her chair, having to weave her way through the various work being done. “As long as they stay away from my seat for the day, we will be ok.”

Sustram nodded as he followed his sister.

Sitting down she activated her console and started reading through the instructions that were sent to her in response to the request.” Hmmm, so thrusters and tractor beams. We can work with that.” She tapped her combadge.

“Captain & Commander Rigras. Lieutenant Viameli Dromi. We are cleared to turn the Dragon as we requested. Dock control has asked us to face the saucer toward the center of the docking area for the squadron loading operation and then return to our current position upon completion of the operation.”

“I’m on my way to the bridge as we speak Viameli, the Captain got a call from Taskforce command for a ship’s capabilities and mission brief. Contact dock flight control, and inform them we would like to conduct the operation in two hours.”

“Yes, ma’am”

Several minutes later Viameli received a reply from Bravo station flight control giving them the green light to proceed and that all traffic in the area would be notified. 

Aryanna stepped out of the turbo lift onto the bridge and let out a low whistle as she took in the engineering crews conducting the reconfiguration work. “Hope you guys are this quick when things get rough.”

A couple of the closer engineering crewmen let out chuckles.

Hearing the whistle, Viameli spun her seat around to face the Commander. “Commander, we just received the green light from flight control.”

“Have you let commander Thornton know?”

“Was just getting ready to ma’am he is in the briefing room with his Exec and Sustram. Going over this morning’s operation.”

Aryanna nodded, “I’ll poke my head in and let them know. Go ahead and make a ship-wide announcement, docking ports will close in ninety minutes.”

“Yes, Ma’am”

The ship’s whistle played over the internal comms system. “All hands. We will be conducting operations in two hours to bring aboard the 612th Mission support squadron. All departments make ready for undocking procedures. All hatchways and docking arms will be closed and moved in ninety minutes.”

Aryanna stepped into the briefing room as she heard the all-hands message come over the internal comms. “Commander Thornton, guess you got the message.” she pointed over her shoulder. “We should be ready to accept your first ships roughly twenty minutes after we complete turning the ship around.”

Commander Thornton nodded and then looked at his Exec and Sustram. “That will work, I believe we have everything all set on this end. Lieutenant, go ahead and let the wing leaders know, tell them we have changed the order and will be starting with the Aspara’s.” The exec started to type something on his PADD and nodded toward the Commander when he got a reply.

“Commander, mind if my Exec and I stay on the bridge to watch the operation?”

“Not at all, commander, your Exec, and yourself are more than welcome to join us on the bridge at any time. Maybe a bit crowded, sure you saw the work going on out there.”

“We did, we don’t mind standing.”

“Ok, see you in a couple of hours then.” she turned and left them to finish up.

0830

Aryanna stood behind and between the two, now helm/navigator, positions. “Lieutenant, let’s take this nice and slow, no need to rush this.”

“Yes, Ma’am”

“Ok then, here we go. Take us to a blue alert.”

A klaxon rang out across the Dragons’ internal comms as the main lights dim a bit and the blue lights come alive. Aryanna took a second to look around the bridge. “Release and retract the docking bays.” She watched over the lieutenant’s shoulders as the station sent a green message on successful detachment and retraction. “Release docking clamps” several audible thunks were heard as the clamps were released.

“We are showing all clamps are released and locked.”

Aryanna nodded.  “Bravo flight control, this is the Dragon. We are ready for you to push us out. Standing by for clearance to use thrusters.”

“Roger that Dragon, we are starting the push, now.”

They all watched as the Dragon slowly started to move, Sustram tapped a few buttons on his console as the main view screen split and showed the view from the aft shuttle bay and the normal forward view. “Looks like flight control has halted and routed all traffic around us.”

“Very well.”

A couple of minutes later they feel the dragon come to a stop. “Dragon, you are cleared to start your rotation. Thrusters only. Let us know when you are ready.”

“Thank you, flight control. Dragon is starting its rotation.”

“Ok Lieutenant, let’s not scratch the paint.”

“Yes ma’am.” 

^^” Remember sis, the Dragon is not a Raven class.”

“Ya, ya, ya. Concentrating.”^^

For the next several minutes all eyes are on the twins as they rotate the Dragon. While Viameli uses the holo-LCARS to rotate the ship, firing thrusters to gently rotate the ship and thrusters again to counter/slow down or stop the rotation, Sustram kept his eyes on several areas of his calling out distances, rotation speed, and thruster firing sequence. They watched as the Dragon slowly rotated and then came to a slow stop.

<<” Nice work, if I didn’t know better I would have thought it was one person versus the two of them.”>> 

“Nice work lieutenants. Sustram, Commander Thornton, you’re up.”

Commander Thornton looked at Lieutenant Rozo and gave him a nod. He then leaned into Aryanna and kept his voice low, pulling his pipe from his mouth and pointing at the two Lieutenants. “If they work like that when we get out there, you’ll have one hell of a flight control team.”

Aryanna nodded. “Don’t let them hear that, there are going to be too many flight control officers with big ego’s on this ship,” she said with a smile.

Thornton chuckled. “Yaaa, we may have to figure out something to bring them down a peg or two.” he placed the pipe in his mouth.

They waited several minutes as they aired for the forward shuttle bay to report that they were ready to receive the incoming ships, seeing green across the board Sustram went to work. 

They watched as four Aspara bombers started to come into view off the starboard side in a tight diamond formation.

“Angel flight one, you are cleared to approach. Angel Black one, Angel Red one you are cleared to land, Angel Green one and Angel Blue one hold your position.”

They watched as the top and starboard diamond members slowly broke away and approached the Dragon.

They watched the main view screen as Sustram called forward each four-ship formation, bringing them onboard.

“Commander, All angels are onboard.”

Aryanna looked over at the Commander and his exec. “Welcome aboard the Dragon, gentlemen.”

Hearing the turbo lift doors open, Thornton let out a slight chuckle. “Couldn’t have timed that better myself.” Four officers in black flight suits carrying what looked like plaques under one arm approached them. “Commander Rigras, these are our four wing leaders. We would like to present the Dragon with some items. Back in the old days, it was a tradition that as a squadron was assigned to a ship that they would place a patch in several locations to show that they had been there, we would like to carry on that tradition.”He nodded at the four officers, who brought forward the plaque on each was an engraved version of the squadron’s patch.”We figured one in the bridge briefing room, one here on the bridge, one in the mess hall, and one that will be hung outside the squadron ready room.”

Aryanna nodded. “I’m all for old traditions, Commander.”

Thornton nodded and the four officers headed to the proposed locations, two went towards the turbo lift, one went to the bridge briefing room and the last went to a spot on the starboard side of the aft main systems screen. Tapping a spot on the bottom of the plague he reached up, a little higher than normal head level, and placed the plaque against the wall a little red light on the bottom turned green he let go of it and headed toward the turbo-lift as the officer who went into the briefing room stepped out a few seconds later and joined him.

“Had that planned, did we?”

“Maybe a little.” Thornton chuckled.

“Ma’am, Forward shuttle bay doors are closed. All systems and departments are showing green.”

“Very well lieutenant, let’s put her where she belongs. I’m sure there are plenty of folks waiting to come aboard and who would like to stop taking the long way around in the station’s docking bay.” she tapped the internal comms button on the Captain’s center chair, as hers was still being reconfigured. “All hands, Departure from Bravo station in forty-eight hours, all departments and sections make ready.”

240102.01.1000

Kr’antren and Aryanna exit the captain’s ready room. “Morning everyone, are we ready to spread our wings?” Kr’Antren looked around the bridge, taking in the new console/positions and nodding to himself.

Aryanna took a seat at her console and tapped her internal comms button, as the ship’s whistle played over the system. “All hands, make ready to depart Bravo station. Operations confirm all docking ports are closed and docking arms are detached.”

Lieutenant Khoiba looked down at his console before looking up and facing the XO, “All docking port hatches are confirmed closed and locked, station docking arms are retracted.”

Aryanna nodded. Tapping another button. ”Zaishi, engineering status?”

“Engineering is green across the board, Warp core is showing stable and currently operating at 50% of operational capacity. We are good to go down here, just waiting on the word to see what this lady can do.”

“Thank you Zaishi.”

Kr’Antren took a seat in the center chair and activated the newly installed side console on his right, as a small holo of the Dragon showing system statuses appeared floating just over the console. “Remind me to thank the chief, Aryanna. I wouldn’t have thought of this.” he tapped the edge of the console.

“Sure will.”

He tapped a button on the newly installed console. “Bravo flight control, Dragon requests departure clearance.”

“Dragon, you are cleared to depart. Thrusters only inside the station, Impulse till past the station’s outer markers. Fair winds and following seas Dragon.”

“Dragon acknowledges”

“Lieut..damn gotta get used to this. Viameli” as he looked at Aryanna, ears twitching as she nodded. “release the docking clamps.”

They feel, more than hear, as the docking clamps are released between the station and the Dragon. “Sir, clamps are released and show retracted and locked on the Dragon.”

“Acknowledged.” 

“Bravo, you are cleared to push the Dragon from our berth.” No response comes over the comm channel as they feel the Dragon start to slide sideways toward the center of the station’s docking bay. 

Sustram, with his Holo-Lcars up. “Captain, we are cleared to conduct station transit.”

Kr’Antren looked at his console and nodded. “Viameli, she is all yours. Take her out nice and easy.”

Viameli, if anyone could see her besides her brother would see a smile across her face. ” Yes, sir. No scratching the paint.” a wave of chuckles flows across the bridge.

They watch as various ships of the fleet flash their lights as the Dragon passes. 

Lieutenant Khoiba turned toward the Captain. “We are receiving messages of good luck and fair winds, captain.”

The bridge crew watched as the Dragon slowly approached the massive doors of the station and they slowly started to part and beyond them they could see the openness of space. They watched as the main view screen showed them passing through the massive doors.

“Helm, quarter impulse till we are clear of the inner markers and then take us to ¾ impulse till the outer markers.”

“Yes, sir.”

Kr’Antren looked over at Aryanna and nodded. “Give the chief the word.”

Aryanna smiled and tapped her console.” Zaishi, light her up.”

“Yeeesss, let’s go folks. Light the fires and kick the tires.”

Kr’antren turned slightly toward the engineering area and watched as the various screens and system displays started to show the effects across the ship as the warp core was brought to full power.

“Helm, plot a course for Deep Space nine, warp 8.”

Sustram turned toward Kr’Antren after a couple of mins. “Course is laid in and locked.”

Kr’Antren nodded.

“Captain, we are clear of Bravo’s outer markers.”

“All departments give me a go/no go.” as he looked around the bridge each of the departments either verbally acknowledged or nodded to signal their readiness. Sitting back into his chair, and tapping his fingers on the edge of his chair’s armrest as he listened to or noticed the replies.

“As Sir Richard Branson once said; The Gladdest Moment In Human Life Is A Departure Into Unknown Lands.

“What’s wrong with stars to guide us by, rather fond of that one.” Skagath said from his console.

Kr’antren turned and looked at him. “I felt like changing it up, my ship, my quotes. When you get a ship of your own then you can select the quote. Though you would have to read a book without pictures first in order to find one, old man.” Kr’Antren winked at Aryanna.

Grumbling from Skagaths position. Kr’Antren chuckled.

“Viameli, let’s see what this dragon can do. Deep space nine warp 8.”

“Course laid in, captain.”

“Let her fly, lieutenant.”

They watched from the bridge as the Dragon entered warp.

– Captains log: Supplemental –

It was decided amongst the department heads and command staff to extend out transit time to DS9 by a few days. It was felt by most of the new staff that they would like to run drills, test and calibrate systems before we arrived in the expanse, Aryanna and I had originally planned to do this upon our arrival at Deep space forty-seven but we could understand the desires to workout some of the proverbial gremlins now versus later. 

I think we just about gave everyone on the bridge a heart attack  a few days into the transit. We had been running various flight drills, encounter scenarios, Defensive and offensive scenarios and various other types of mission scenarios with the Fallen Angels. Having a squadron at our disposal is something new to many of the command staff including myself, changes a lot of variables on how we approach and conduct various missions. That being said, Commander Thornton brought to our attention that part of their kit was a training/simulation system that would interact with a ship’s computer. We brought Chief Zaishi into the fold and the four of us went to work.

240102.13.1800

Kr’Antren, Aryanna, Skagath are in the Captain’s ready room, going over updated Thomar Exapanse information as they prepare to enter into their, new for some, region of operations.

“Sir, we are picking up a ship of unknown origin, heading in our direction.” 

Aryanna tapped on her combadge. “Lieutenant, with the database we have on this ship, how can it be of unknown origin? Pretty much everyone in this sector of space is known.”

“Well ma’am, I guess a better way of putting it would be that it is composed of several known types of ships, but not anyone in particular. Which makes no sense?”

Kr’antren raised an eyebrow at hearing this explanation, as Skagath got up and headed toward the bridge. “All come on now, how hard could it be? A Cardassian ship is not a Bajoran ship, and neither one of them looks anything like a klingon. I’m telling you lad, one of these days they will figure out that you need to give a new computer core some time before throwing them out into space,  always have the damnedest time telling ships apart till you get them all nice and calibrated. Though seeing a few doesn’t hurt the bugger either.” 

Kr’Antren and Aryanna looked at each other  for a split second. 

“Hey lad, you may want to come out here. For once the computer is right. Someone did a damn fine job of chopping up and mashing together several ships. Im reading a romulan singularity core, on an old Klingon K’vort, Not sure how they got those two systems to work together.”

“Time till we intersect?” Aryanna asked as Kr’antren took a long sip from his iced Raktajino.

“ten minutes at our current course and speed.”

The two of them stood and made their way to the bridge. “Viameli, plot and intercept course if we were to turn towards them and increase our speed.”

Viameli worked a few things on her holo-Lcars – “Sir if we were to turn now and at our current speed, we would intercept them in about five to seven minutes, possibly sooner if they followed suit.”

Kr’Antren sat in the center chair. “Do it, let’s see what they do if we let them know that we see them. Skagath, take us to yellow alert.”

The yellow alert klaxons go off as the main lighting dims and the alert light bars go to an amberish yellow.

“Lieutenat Khoiba, anything on comms?”

“No captain, looks like they are running silent.”

Kr’antren runs a hand through his beard. “That’s a bit odd for this sector.”

“Skagath, anything new?” as he turned toward the tactical console.

“Nope, well hold on.’Let out a low whistle. “Scans are now showing a Romulan plasma launcher along with the klingon torpedo launcher that the K’Vort class has, I’m also seeing Cardassian phaser emitters along with the klingon disruptors. Lad, is there any way one of them groups, from the expanse, could have known we were coming?”

“Anything is possible, though I would think by now it is a known fact in the Expanse that Starfleet has set up shop.”

Aryanna looked up through her holo as she watched the data from the scans. “Hmmm, I’ve been reading about these groups in the mission reports from the Task Force. Could they possibly have sent a ship or two out this way to watch and take notes on who was heading towards the ________.”

“It’s been just about two months since we left for the Blood dilithium operation in the Delta quadrant. So who knows what has transpired in the Expanse that Task force command is not aware of.  Lets not wait to find out what they want.”

“Lieutenant Khoiba, hail them.”

“No response captain.” 

Kr’antren nodded. “Open up a channel, lieutenant.”

“This is Captain Kr’Antren of the Federation Starship USS Dragon, Identify yourselves.” He looked over at Lieutenant Khoiba who looked at their console and shook their head.

Aryanna turned her chair to face Kr’Antren. “I’m not exactly known as being a patient person, the few captains that I have served under so far have been veterans of the dominion war and instilled in me the belief of not allowing others to choose our battlefield.”

Kr’Antren ran his fingers through his beard. “ I’m hoping that it doesn’t come to that,” he looked over at Skagath. “The old man” he pointed toward Skagath “and my father always said that most fights could be avoided but when you had to fight you make sure that you hold nothing back.”

Skagath chuckled, “glad to know you actually listened to some of the things we tried to instil into you kids.”

“Hmmmm I could see how that would be a good rule in these types of situations. However I would suggest them coming to us versus us going to them.” Aryanna said as she turned back toward the main view screen

“Now that I could agree on, Aryanna. Any ideas?”

“Not at this time as we are in a pretty clear piece of space between Starbase Thirty and Deep Space Nine. Maybe head closer to the Cardassian border to see if they follow?”

Kr’antren nodded. “Viameli, head towards the Cardassian border. Whatever we do, let’s make sure we don’t actually cross into it, we don’t need that headache.”

They watched as the Dragon made a gradual turn to port. “Increase speed to full impulse. Skagath let me know what they do, if they follow I want to know.”

“Aye lad.” he started to make some adjustments on his holo-LCARS. “Well, looks like they are following suit, lad. Not following, they turned on a perpendicular path and increased speed to match.”

Kr’Antren nodded. ‘`What are you playing at?” he asked toward the view screen.

“Lad, they just turned hard to port. Their current course would put them coming up behind us.” Skagath said.

“Confirmed” Sustram called out “If we don’t change our course or do something else i estimate they will be behind us in roughly six minutes.”

“I want to know what they are up to, Aryanna.”

“Sir, I have an idea. This is going to sound crazy, but right now all we are doing is playing the proverbial cat and mouse.” Viameli turned to face the Captain and XO. “ What if we picked a point behind their current position and we quickly jumped to warp? They may actually think we warped away.”

Kr’Antren looked at Aryanna with a raised eyebrow. “Hmmmm, that could work.”

“If it worked, they would have to come to us. Putting us in a bit better of an advantageous spot.” Aryanna started to work on her H-LCARS pulling up a map showing the positions of both ships.

Kr’antren saw a flash of color on his console from the corner of his eye, turning in his seat he saw a quick message from Aryanna. “How did we not think of that? The four of us and we didn’t think of the simplest answer.”  Kr’Antren quickly tapped the console, erasing the message.

“Viameli, plot your course, warp 2” Kr’Antren sat back in his chair and let out a slight chuckle.

“Course plotted, Captain”

“Skagath, red alert. If this works I don’t think they will be too happy about us suddenly appearing behind them.” The klaxon sounds as the lights turn from amber to Red.”Sometimes it is the simplest of things that everyone overlooks that could change the outcome of a battle.Helm, engage.”

The Dragon quickly stopped and turned to Starboard, throwing the bridge crew forward and then to the side as the inertial dampers struggled to compensate for such a quick set of moves. The jump only lasted seconds for such a short distance but as they appeared the view screen showed them behind and slightly higher than the mish mashed klingon vessel.

Lieutenant Khoiba. “Let’s send them a message, shall we.”

“Skagath, do not power up weapons but lock both of our forward torpedo launchers on that core.”

Aryanna watched the main view screen. “Going to let them know that we have them dead to rights, that should send a nice little message I would think.”

<<” Nice, so Kr’Antren is one of those i gave you every chance to get out of the predicament peacefully, types. Even if this is just a test he is sending a message to the crew that he will do whatever it takes to avoid conflict but when it is called for the gloves come off and anything goes.“

“Talk about opposites attracting, I would have turned and headed right for them, weapons locked and powered up.”

“Yaa, you would have. But I can say that he has a style.”

“Hmmmm, But what will he do when they don’t give him a chance to ask questions first.”

“I guess we’ll have to wait and see for the answer to that question.”>>

Kr’antren waited for his ops officer to signal hime, when he got a nod in his direction. “Unidentified vessel, This is Captain Kr’antren of the USS Dragon. If you check your sensors you will notice that we have locked onto your singularity core. We have not powered up our weapons at this time,  but I assure you that you would not be able to do more than lift a finger before we were fully powered up. Let this be a warning to you and whichever corporation or group you belong to, the Dragon and its crew are not to be trifled with.”

Several tense seconds go by as the Dragon holds its position just slightly above and behind the mismatched vessel, when suddenly it slows down for a split second and jumps to warp.

“Captain, looks like they were heading toward the Cardassian border, should we follow?” Viameli asked as she turned to face the Captain.

“No, Hold our position.” He turned toward Skagath. “Anything?”

Skagath shook his head.

Kr’Antren stood and turned toward his new Intelligence officer. “Anything on your end, lieutenant?”

“No, sir. Though  I was looking at the data from the scans. Even though it was a Klingon K’vort it looks like it did not have a cloaking device installed.”

“Hmmmm, I was wondering about that. They could have easily cloaked, and we would not have known they were there.” Kr’Antren returned to his seat. 

“Sustram, contact commander Thornton. Let him know that we will meet them in 20 minutes at our predetermined coordinates.”

“Message sent and acknowledged, Captain.”

“Viameli, let’s go into a circular pattern with this point as its center for the next ten minutes. If nothing appears on the scans then head toward the rendezvous point with the Fallen Angels. Once we have them back onboard, head toward Deep Space nine.”

“Aye, Captain.”

24010208.1100

“Lieutenant Yatokii, we have arrived at Deep Space Nine. I’m pretty sure you could find a ride to Deep Space Forty-Seven from here. Good luck with your future endeavors.”

“Thank you, Captain. Anything, I should be aware of while on DS9.”  Yatokii asked as he shouldered a black canvas duffle bag, offering his hand to the Ravens Captain.

“Here on DS9, naaaa you should be good. This place is nothing compared to Eos station. I would recommend staying clear of the Stone Table, the last time we were here half of my crew were incapacitated for a week after eating there.” shaking the Lieutenants’ hand.

Yayokii blinked several times. “The Stone table?”

“Yaa, it’s a Klingon-Cardassian fusion place.”He shuddered.

Yatokki nodded. “Understood”

Yatokii turned and made his way off of the Raven and stepped onto DS9 for the first time. Taking a look around he noticed the Deck officer and made his way over to him.

“Excuse me, chief. Was wondering if you could tell me if any of the ships here would be heading toward Deep Space Forty-Seven.”

The chief looked up at the Lieutenant and nodded. “Let me take a look, sir.” and looked back down at his duty posts console. “Hmmm, Deep Space forty-Seven, Deep Space Forty-Seven.” he brought up a list and started to scroll through it.  “Nothing right now, Lieutenant, but it looks like the USS Dragon should be making a quick stop in the next day or two before they continue to DS47.”

“The Dragon?” Yatokki blinked a couple of times.

“Yes, sir. She’s a new Inquiry class ship, looks like she has been assigned to Task Force 47. Just making a quick stop to unload some supplies for us here from Bravo Station before she continues.”

Yatokii dropped his duffel bag by his feet. “Any chance I could get a room for a few nights till I find a ride?”

“I think we can do that, Lieutenant. We have some rooms for crews transitioning crew members or folks who want a night off of their ship that is docked for a night or two. Let’s see what we have available.” The chief brought up another screen on his console and started to scroll through it. Ahhh here we go. Padd?” he held his hand out.

Yatokii took out his PADD and handed it to the chief.

“Ok, all set. Directions to the roommate on your PADD. I also went ahead and set up a message for you for when the Dragon arrives, it’ll be sent to your PADD too.”

Yatokii accepted his PADD from the chief, looked at it, and nodded. ” Thanks, chief” he picked up his duffel and started to make his way toward the turbo lift.

“Your welcome, sir.”

——————————————————————————————

24010209.1417

“Deep Space Nine flight control, this is the Dragon, requesting docking clearance.” 

“Dragon, you are cleared for docking at pylon five alpha. Welcome to DS9.”

Kr’antren leaned forward in the center chair. “Sustram, take us in.”

“Yes, Sir.”

They watch on the main view screen as the Dragon moves in and docks itself against Deep Space Nine’s almost legendary pylon, with the help of the station’s tracking beams for the last few meters.”

“Sir. docking clamps are locked and show green across the board, Docking arm is also locked in pace and showing green. We are secured for station operations.”

Kr’Antren nodded. “Nice work, Sustram.” he then stood, turned, and hit the internal comms button on his console.” All hands, We have docked at Deep Space Nine.” he looked at the chrono on the console. “It is now 1800 hours, we depart for Deep Space forty-seven and the Thomar Expanse in thirty-six hours. I have permitted your department heads to grant four-hour blocks of time, on a rotational basis, to partake in what Deep Space Nine has to offer. I would suggest if there is anything you want, look for it now. As I doubt we will be heading this way again anytime soon. That is all.”

———————————————————————————————–

24010209.1701

“So what are your plans for your time block, sis?”

“Shopping, of course, I have got to do something with my quarters.”

Lt.Zaishi placed a tray of food on the table next to Sustram, giving him a slight flirty smile, and then looked back toward Viameli.

“Did I hear a shopping trip was in the works?”

“Yep, I want to see what they have that I can get for my quarters, being this close to Bajor they may have a few things that would fit.”

“What look are you going for Via?”

Viameli looked at Zaishi as she used the shortened version of her name.”I’m thinking of a casual Arabian style from the earth.”

Zaishi tilted her head slightly as she thought for a second. “I’m not familiar with that one.”

Viameli pulled out her PADD and pulled up a selection of pictures and passed it over to Zaishi. “Something like this.”

Zaishi took the PADD and flipped through the various pictures as she ate her lunch. “Hmmmmm, ahhhh I like this, ohhhhh that’s nice, yes I can see how this would be very relaxing.” She passed the PADD back to Viameli. “I’ve been here before. I might be able to help you out if the store I’m thinking of is still here, it’s been a couple of years.” she looked up at Viameli. “I mean if you don’t mind me joining you, a shopping trip sounds sooooo much better than what I was thinking of.”

Viameli nodded as she was just finishing taking a bite from a sandwich then took a drink from the tall glass in front of her.”Sure, we could turn it into a girls’ day, shopping, maybe some drinks during and after, and some sightseeing. “

Zaishi smiles and perks up at the mention of girls’ day. “Ohhhh now you’re speaking my language, though I do have one rule for this place after my last visit. We are not going to Quarks, I wasted two hours of my day trying to get away from that Ferengi.”

Sustram let out a slight laugh at hearing this.

“What are your plans Sustram?” again Zaishi gave him a slightly flirtatious smile.

^^” Be Careful brother, rumour has it that she uses that smile on any male and some females that she takes a liking to.”

“I’m aware, though I may not be the only one of us that she is interested in.”

Sustram heard a chuckle in his head. “I’m aware, though it has been a bit since I played the game with the better sex.”

Sustram let out a mental groan. “Don’t remind me, she was a doozy.”

“She wasn’t that bad, a little airheaded but not too bad overall.”

“Airheaded is being… nice.”

“Heeeyyyy, don’t make me bring up Samantha.”

“Ok ok, we have both had our weak moments.”^^

“I hope you’re not talking about me, you two,” Zaishi said as she finished her bowl of soup.

“No, we were discussing something that Sustram wants me to keep my eyes out for.”

“Antique coins or other forms of money from the region or the other side of the wormhole, Sustram is an avid antique coin/money collector.”

“Oh, guess everyone has to have a hobby of some sort. That wouldn’t be my cup of tea but I can see why it would be of interest to some. So besides hunting for old money, what else do you have planned for your block?”

“Probably the same as you two, some stuff for my room. Besides money I also dabble in collecting edged weapons so I may see what they have here. Always looking to add to either collection.”

Zaishi closed her eyes for a moment and then snapped her fingers. “If I remember correctly there is a shop on DS9 that may have what you are looking for, I can’t remember the full name but it had something to do with what humans call martial arts If I remember correctly. If they don’t have anything, maybe they could point you in the right direction.”

Sustram opened his PADD and made a note. “Thanks, Zaishi, I’ll have to go over and take a look.”

She gave him that smile again. “Anything for a… friend”

———————————————————————————————-

24010209.2011

“No, no no, I need that one.” Scamandrius pointed at a display piece that stood behind the Tellarite shopkeep. “Does this one look like it will be able to hold me? I was in here earlier talking to that Bajoran. She took me through how and what it was made of. That is the only one that will hold me.”

The Tellarite shakes his head. “I’m telling you, friend, that one and the one in the crate are spoken for, besides I doubt you will be able to afford such fine craftsmanship as those.”

“ I bloody well know how much they are, that was already discussed. Are you telling me that you are changing the price? Why because I’m Starfleet or because you know that I’m right and that is the only one that will hold me.”

The tellarite shrugged. “What can I say, a customer in need is a customer who will pay.”

Scamandrius looked at him with his eye, blinked, and looked at him again. “Are you sure you’re not a Ferengi, sure do talk like one.”

“I assure you, I am not. But I did learn everything I know from one.”

“That explains a lot.” Scamandrius shook his head and then looked around the store and back out on the promenade, seeing a familiar-looking shadow from the corner of his eye. “Lieutenant Skagath, Lieutenant Skagath, in here it’s lieutenant Scamandrius. Can you come to help me here?”

The shadow stopped and looked around then entered the store, as he walked by he randomly tapped his swagger stick on some items and moved others around. “How can I help?”

“This one.” he nodded toward the Tellarite in front of him. “Is trying to raise the price of an item that was already agreed upon.”

Skagath approached Scamandrius from the side and then started to tap the stick against his leg. “Is that so, friend?”

“Well not exactly, you see someone else came in after this fine gentleman and made a better offer. Which I accepted. So technically the items are sold, however, as I was explaining to the Lieutenant if he were to buy both of the items 20 bars then I would happily let him walk out the store with them.”

“Ahhhhh. I see. So lad, how much did you agree on earlier?”

“I agreed to six bars for one.” he looked at Skagath and then back at the Tellarite in front of them.

“Hmmmmm, and how much did you sell them to this other customer for? Who I might add did not take them.” He stopped tapping the stick against his leg and swung it up under his arm.

“They agreed to 16 bars for the two.”

Hearing the raised voices emanating from inside the store a saurian in the gold tunic of security entered the store and browsed the wares.

“So what you’re telling me is that not only did they agree to pay two more bars than what my young friend here had already agreed to but you’re trying to add two more bars to for each item to that, and you’re trying to force him to buy both items instead of the one that he originally agreed upon.” Skagath took a step closer to the Tellarite in front of him and then made an act of taking in a deep inhale as if he was smelling something.

“Hmmmm, I’m smelling something a bit fishy here, friend.” He started to reach up to his combadge. “Security…”

“Hold on, hold on. No reason to call station security.”

The Saurian stepped out from the side. “Too late, I heard the voices from outside, so what is the problem here?”

The Tellarite turned towards the new voice. “Who are you? Never seen you before.”

“Lieutenant Yatokii, Station security.  Just arrived earlier today.” he nodded toward the two Lieutenants. “I overheard some of  the conversations as I walked in, so what is the full story?”

Scamandrius quickly filled in the rest of the story for the newly arrived lieutenant.

Several minutes later the three lieutenants leave the store as they are followed by two Bajoran men pushing a cart. “Take those to the closest transporter room and inform them to send them to the USS Dragon and inform the Dragon to send them to Lieutenants Scamandrius’s quarters.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Thank you for the help Lieutenant Yatokii. First day on the job here, nice work. I’ll send a good word to the station security chief” Skagath said as they exited the store onto the promenade.

Lieutenant Yatokii quickly looks around and then motioned for Skagath and Scamandrius to join him at the little replicator bar. “ Well, to tell the truth, Lieutenant. I’m not exactly part of the security team here. I was the security chief at EOS station for a short period before I received orders for Task force 47. Now I’m just trying to find a ship for the last leg. Hold on, did you say the USS Dragon?”

“Aye, I did. Lieutenant Skagath Tactical chief on the Dragon and this here.” he pointed with his swagger stick toward Scamandrius. “Is Lieutenant Scamandrius, chief of the Dragon’s new Intelligence department. Why do you ask?”

“I was hoping to talk to your Captain or Executive Officer about hitching a ride to Deep Space Fort-Seven.” Yatokii blinked a few times as he talked.

“We can ask, besides he’s my godson. So I can always embarrass him into it if need be. Though did you say you were a security chief?”

“I did and I was… on Eos station.”

“A Lieutenant, as a station Security chief on the Romulan border, hmmmmmmm. ”Skagath looked up at the bar’s roof, nodded, pulled out his PADD, quickly typed something on it then put it away.

For the next couple of hours, the two Dragon department chiefs and their newfound friend did some sightseeing around DS9 with both Skagath and Scamandrius conducting some shopping.  

“Not sure about you Scamandrius, but my time block is coming to a close, guess I need to make my way back to the Dragon before it does..” Skagath stated as they headed toward a set of turbo lifts.

“Skagath, if I may call you that? Scama will work just fine, easier to say. And yes my time too is coming to an end. So what do we do about our new friend here? Have him wait while we go talk to the XO or Captain. 

Skagath looked at his PADD as heard a soft chirp and let out a slight smile. “Yes, Scama and yes you can call me by my first name, after all, it is my name,” he said with a slight chuckle. “Any Lieutenant Yatokii, Captain Kr’Antren asked me to bring you up to his ready room.”

Yatokii blinked several times as he nodded.

Several minutes later Skagath and Yatokii stepped foot on the bridge.

“Just drop your bag over there by the aft wall, Yatokii.” Skagath pointed out a spot as he continued to make his way toward the Captain’s ready room.

Yatokki followed the other LKieutenat taking a second to make sure that his tunic was relatively wrinkle-free and his pips were straight. As the door to the captain Ready room opened he noticed a Caitian male sitting behind the desk and off to one side leaning against the outer wall was a Trill female who held a mug of something in one hand taking a sip as she read what was displayed on the captain view screen beside his desk.

Kr’antren stood as they entered and stepped around the desk to offer his hand to the Lieutenant. “Lieutenant Yatokii, I presume.”

“Yes sir” As he accepted the handshake and looked at the screen noticing that it was his personnel file, he blinked several times and then looked back at Skakath who gave him a wink and smile as he made his way to the replicator.

Kr’antren went and took a seat on the edge of his desk as he looked the lieutenant over. “ Lieutenant, I’m going to make this short and to the point. The Dragon needs a security chief, I can’t have the old man behind you doing everything.  You would have full control over the security of this ship and its crew including the Fallen Angels, our assigned mission support squadron. You would lead most of the away team missions from a security standpoint and when you’re not busy doing all that I would like for you to be on the bridge in the tactical two spots. We have read through your file and we both, the XO and I “ he nodded toward the female standing against the wall “Feel that you would be a good fit for the crew and its mission. I’ve already discussed it with Task Force command as they did not have a spot for you quite yet as they were waiting on a few of the new ships to send them their manning requirements. They agreed to the new orders, matter of fact I already have them right here on my PADD.” He handed his PADD over to the Yatokii to read over.

Yatokii looked at the Kr’Antren and over at the Executive Officer. “So, Hypothetically speaking if I told either one of you NO, you’re not going on the away mission. Would you listen to me and take my advice or would you use your rank and position to go anyways?”

Skagath chuckled from behind him. “Oh, he’s good. Gets right to the big questions,”

 Kr’antrn raised an eyebrow as he looked over at Skagath. “For my part, as the captain, I would listen and more than likely take your advice. As for Commander Rigras, for one she would probably by joining you on most away missions as the XO, but I think you would have to talk with her as she has a thing for liking to be where the action is.”

Aryanna steps forward and places her cup on the Captain’s desk. “I do, but there are two of us in here and Rigras tends to be my voice of reason most of the time, so if your reasoning was sound enough I’d listen and take heed to your advice.”

Yatokii looked at the two of them again and then quickly glanced at the orders on the PADD, when he was finished he held his thumb to the PADD effectively signing the orders and becoming a member of the Dragons crew.

“Hmmm that was quick, I thought you would have some more questions,” Kr’Antren said as he accepted the PADD back from his new security chief.

Yatokii chuckled deeply. “You were on my shortlist, captain. I spent the last twenty-four hours on DS9 conducting my own research. If they gave me a choice I would have given them my list.”

“Who was on the List If I may ask?” Kr’Antren stood and walked around the desk taking his seat there.

“Sure, It was Atlantis, the Dragon, the Sojourner, and staying on DS47.”

Kr’antren nodded at hearing this. “All good ships and crews, Atlantis would have been kind of hard as the last report I received had them heading out past Ultima Thule, having to use old Cardassian maps to navigate by.”

“We are due to depart DS9 in roughly twelve hours, if there is anything you need on the station I’m sure we could give you a bit more time to go find what you may need. Otherwise, Skagath here will show you to your quarters and we will see you on the bridge in twelve hours, oh and Skagath you should introduce him to his two chiefs. I’m sure they would like to meet their new boss.”

Skagath stopped lifting his mug halfway to his lips and let out a chuckle. “Haaaa, I need to go check on those two myself, make sure they haven’t started any trouble. Well let’s go find you a room Yatokii, then we will go meet your two hazard team leaders. You may want to assign them some duties before too long, they are likely to get restless if they are not kept busy.”