“Captain’s log, stardate seven-eight-one-three-zero point five-six. We are en route to the starbase three-seven-five where we will rendezvous with the USS Glasgow for an exchange of crew, namely a new first officer. It is with great reluctance that I lose a fine officer such as Commander Nichols. However, Starfleet has deemed Phil worthy of promotion and reassigned to a command of his own. While his tour of duty has come to an end on Horizon, I will still have the privilege of serving with him aboard the USS Glasgow as part of Horizon Squadron, a new task group under my command.”

Treylana stepped through the ornate simulated wood double doors of The Event Horizon on deck seven, her eyes scanning the room for her First Officer. As she moved through the bustling crowd of diners and party-goers, she spotted Phil Nichols sitting at the bar, staring into his drink with a troubled expression. Hess couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the sight of him, but couldn’t resist the urge to tease him.

“Phil! I thought I’d find you here buried in a drink, only I thought it would be in celebration.” Hess quipped, a small smile playing on her lips.

Nichols looked up from his drink and turned to face his captain. “Captain,” he acknowledged, his voice flat.

Hess frowned slightly at his lack of enthusiasm but pushed the thought aside and took a seat opposite to him and placed a solitary pip atop the glass surface of the table. “Congratulations on your promotion, Captain. I have no doubt that you’ll serve your new ship well.”

Nichols nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Thank you, Captain. I’ll do my best.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the establishment’s proprietor, Serindra Dott, a Bolian with vibrant blue skin and a prominent ridge running down the centre of her forehead. She approached the captain with a friendly smile and a welcoming gesture. “Captain Hess, it’s a pleasure to see you here at The Event Horizon. What can I get for you?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with warmth and hospitality.

Hess returned the smile, grateful for the distraction. “I’ll have a Romulan ale, please.”

Serindra nodded and turned to prepare the order, leaving Hess and Nichols alone once more. Hess turned back to Nichols, studying him for a moment before speaking again.

“Is everything all right, Phil?” she asked, her tone softer now.

Nichols sighed, taking a sip of his drink before responding. “It’s nothing, Captain. It just seems so sudden to be leaving Horizon. I feel like I’ve barely gotten to know her. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

Hess nodded in understanding, knowing that the transition from second to first in command was never an easy one. “If you ever need to talk, you know where to find me. Besides, we’ll still be working closely together.” she offered.

Nichols smiled faintly, his eyes meeting hers. “Thank you, Captain. I appreciate that.”

Their conversation was interrupted once again by the return of Serindra, bearing a tray with the captain’s Romulan ale. Hess took the glass with a nod of thanks, raising it in a silent toast to her first officer.

“To new beginnings,” she said, before taking a long sip of the potent green liquid.

Treylana sat at her spacious wooden desk, the warm glow of her desktop monitor reflecting off her determined expression as she poured over the latest status reports from her crew. She carefully scrutinized the details, noting every achievement and setback alike. Despite being pleased with the overall progress, she was acutely aware that there was still much work to be done before they could depart Starbase 375 and resume their mission. As she continued reading, her heart sank as she read the latest updates on the devastating activities of Task Group 514 and Dominion forces. Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sharp, shrill beep of the comms, shattering the peaceful silence of her ready room.

“Bridge to Captain Hess. I have a Priority One message from Fourth Fleet Command.”

Treylana’s heart sank. Priority One messages were never good news, and with the recent escalation of hostilities along the Dominion border, she had a feeling this one would be particularly troubling.

“Patch it through,” Treylana replied.

After a brief pause, the message appeared on Treylana’s monitor, encrypted and awaiting her voice command authorization to unlock and access its contents.

“Computer open communication. Authorization Hess-five-three-lambda-epsilon.”

As she looked at her monitor, the screen flickered and the decrypted message from Fourth Fleet Command’s Fleet Admiral Teylas Ramar appeared. The message detailed the current situation at the battlefront, with the Dominion and Breen forces making significant gains and pushing back the Federation defenders. The message contained intelligence on the enemy’s latest movements and tactics, painting a dire picture of the situation. Additionally, there was an ominous note from Vice Admiral Beckett, Director of Fourth Fleet’s Intelligence, that read, ‘Trust only the Fourth Fleet.’ The message left no room for doubt: Horizon and her crew would be needed to turn the tide of the conflict and protect Federation space from this threat. An additional packet accompanied the message with specific mission details for Treylana and her crew. Horizon Squardon was to proceed to the Deneb sector, en route rendezvous with the USS Alexandria and strike three key installations; avoid any civilian casualties at all costs.

As Treylana read the urgent message, her heart raced with the weight of the responsibility that came with being a Starfleet captain. She knew that time was of the essence, and there was no room for delay. With a sense of urgency, she pushed herself up from her chair and stood tall, taking a deep breath before striding purposefully out of her ready room to the bridge.

“Attention all crew. We have received new orders from Fourth Fleet Command,” Treylana announced, her voice commanding attention as the ready room doors closed behind her.

“We are to depart for the Deneb sector at warp 8 as soon as the remainder of the crew and supplies are aboard. Please relay departure instructions to Captain Nichols and send a subspace message to the Alexandria that we will rendezvous near the Barzan system along the way.”

As she gave her orders, she could feel the weight of responsibility heavy upon her shoulders, but she knew that her crew was capable, and they would not let her down.

The starships Horizon and Glasgow joined the USS Alexandria after a successful rendezvous, and together they steered a single course through the cosmos. The combined strength of these ships, each carrying their own unique skills, established a course for the distant Deneb sector as their warp engines propelled them forward with steadfast determination.

The doors to the Horizon’s briefing room opened with a gentle hiss. Treylana led her senior staff into the room, each taking their seats around the large, sleek conference table at the centre of the room. Positioned at the head of the table, she settled into her chair, her gaze fixed upon the commanding viewscreen that adorned the opposing wall. As the vibrant hum of conversation gradually subsided, she keyed in a sequence on the touchpad to her right. The viewscreen flickered to a split-screen view of two Starfleet captains, her former XO, Captain Phil Nichols and the Captain of the USS Alexandria, Akiyama Makoto.

“Welcome, Captains Nichols and Makoto,” Treylana said, her voice filled with a mixture of determination and anticipation. “Thank you for joining us. We have much to discuss.”

Phil’s expression was serious but focused. Akiyama’s calm demeanour reflecting her experience and confidence.

The briefing was opened by Treylana, who placed a holographic representation of the three target installations in the centre of the table. We are on a mission to perform a series of raids behind enemy lines in an effort to disrupt Dominion activities and supply routes, as you are all well aware at this point. Our main goals are the Shangris Science Station, the supply depot on Messif VII, and the repair facilities in orbit of Pesak III. These targets are essential for assisting Dominion forces and keeping track of our movements.

She pointed at each installation as she spoke, providing brief details on their composition and strategic significance. “Our goal is to hit these targets swiftly and efficiently, causing maximum disruption. However, we must prioritize the safety of civilians in the vicinity. Under no circumstances should they be harmed.”

Akiyama leaned forward, her eyes scanning the holographic display. “What’s our plan for dealing with the civilians, Captain Hess?” she asked.

Treylana nodded appreciatively at the question. “We have two options: either conduct a risky extraction of civilians before the assault or ensure our strikes target key infrastructure without any loss of life. We’ll assess the situation on-site and make the appropriate decision for each target.”

Phil interjected, his voice filled with determination. “We also need to address the defensive infrastructure the Dominion has placed in the region. What do you think we can expect?”

Treylana activated another holographic display, revealing a detailed schematic of the defensive infrastructure surrounding the targets and routes to bypass them. Orbital weapons platforms and detection grids appeared as pulsating icons, representing the formidable obstacles that awaited them. Treylana proceeded to outline the intricate network of defences. “To successfully strike these targets, we must navigate through an array of obstacles,” she explained. “The Dominion has deployed formidable orbital weapons platforms, armed with advanced firepower. These platforms can pose a significant threat to our ships and must be neutralized.”

She pointed to another section of the holographic display, highlighting the detection grids. “In addition to the weapons platforms, the Dominion has established detection grids. These grids are equipped with sophisticated sensor arrays, designed to identify and track any unauthorized vessel in the region. We must find a way to disable or bypass these grids to maintain the element of surprise.”

The senior officers absorbed the information, contemplating the challenges ahead. Akiyama leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. “The Berrin Nebula could provide cover and disrupt their sensors, but navigating through it while avoiding their defences won’t be easy,” she said, her tone reflecting her tactical expertise.

Hess nodded in agreement. “Indeed, Captain Makoto. The Berrin Nebula is our best chance to remain undetected, but we must exercise caution. The Dominion forces are significant, and engaging them directly would compromise our mission’s success.”

Captain Nichols shifted slightly in his seat, “We’ll need to coordinate our efforts effectively. The Horizon can provide cover for the strike teams and engage the enemy’s orbital weapons platforms. The Glasgow will focus on disabling the Dominion’s detection grids, ensuring our approach remains undetected. And the Alexandria will provide support for the strike teams during their raids.”

“Excellent, Captain Nichols,” with a satisfied tone in her voice. “Each ship in our squadron must play a crucial part in this operation. Our success depends on accuracy, synchronisation, and steadfast focus.”

She paused, her gaze sweeping across the faces gathered around the table, her eyes inviting questions and concerns. “Now is the time for any inquiries. Are there any questions?”

As the officers focused on the targets on the holographic display, the room fell silent as they carefully examined them. There were no questions, remarks, or worries to break the silence. The room was filled with a sense of authority when Treylana got up from her seat.

“Prepare your crews,” she declared, her voice resonating with purpose. “Refine your strategies and be prepared for swift action. Our departure is imminent, and the triumph of this mission hinges on the dedication and commitment of every member of the Horizon Squadron. Dismissed.”

The officers all got up from their seats at once. The briefing had come to a close when the viewscreen showing the captains of the Horizon Squadron flickered and faded to black. As the space gradually disappeared, Treylana was left alone as the echo of their footsteps faded into the distance. She adopted a meditative stillness as she lost herself in meditation, mentally preparing herself for the arduous tasks that lay ahead in the fights that lay in wait.