Strength In Weakness

The Squadron is left dealing with the aftermath of The Lost Fleet and now the aftermath of Frontier Day

1 – Strength in Weakness

Starbase Bravo / USS Saratoga
April 2401

After the battle ended, the squadron limped back to Starbase Bravo, and all three ships sustained substantial damage. It was looking grim for a while during the final battle at Farpoint Station, that was until reinforcements showed up and turned the tides in their favor. Azras was sitting at one of the corner tables next to a window near the rear of the Brew coffee shop. Holding a cup of coffee in the palms of her hands she stared out the window, thoughts racing and thinking about what had transpired within the Deneb sector.

Turning her attention to the cup that she held between her hands she worked her jaw as she contemplated things. The war had taken a huge toll on all of them, losing good officers was hard on any commanding officer. Azras seemed to be taking things harder, having lost a good commanding officer under her leadership. She began to wonder if she made the right decisions, she kept second-guessing herself as she sat there.

She had been staring at her cup for so long that her drink had gone cold, she sat it down pushing it away from her before she looked back out the window. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t see Linha walk up behind her and place a hand on her shoulder. This caused Azras to jump before she realized it was her daughter standing there.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to startle you,” Linha replied with a soft apologetic smile.

Azras smiled standing up from her seat and embracing her daughter tightly, Linha held her back as she could tell things were bothering her. The embrace held for longer than it was intended but no one seemed to mind, Linha knew her mother had a lot on her mind. She wasn’t one of those who felt embarrassed having their parent show affection in public. After a while the two ended the hug and both took a seat.

The waitress had brought over two cups of coffee, setting them down on the table in front of them. Nodding to the waitress as she took the cup of coffee that had gotten cold before she could even touch it. Turning her attention back to Linha, “how are you doing?” Azras asked looking at her.

“I am doing fine, the real question is how are you doing Mom?” Linha said with a worried look in her eyes.

Looking down at her coffee for a brief moment before taking a drink, “I am alright all things considered.” Azras vaguely said not wanting to talk about things yet, as everything was still weighing on her. “Though I do wish your father was here,” she said in a soft voice.

“Then your wish will be granted,” Arzin’s voice rang out from behind her as he made his way towards her. He had just arrived a few moments earlier and wanted to surprise her, which now seemed like a better time than any. Linha knew that he had arrived and came ahead to distract her while he made his entrance without her noticing.

Looking up at the voice her eyes swelled with tears before she turned to look at Arzin. Quickly standing up she embraced her husband, kissing him deeply before burying her face into his shoulder as she sobbed. Arzin held her tightly, not caring who had turned around to see what the commotion was. In the many years that they had been married they had never been apart, having him off of the ship during the war was tough on both of them.

After what seemed like an eternity they broke their embrace looking at each other, “I missed you so very much.” Azras said as they stood there for a bit longer.

“I have missed you too my dear,” Arzin replied with a smile.

“Let’s go home,” Azras suggested as she looked at them.

“You two go ahead, I still have some work I need to finish. I’ll stop by later on tonight for dinner,” Linha said as she hugged both of her parents before she went on her way leaving the two alone. She was happy to see her parents back together and her mom happy. She knew this war took a toll on her and everyone and to see some joy come back made her happy.

The two watched as Linha left, “she’s all grown up.” Azras said before turning her attention back to Arzin who smiled and nodded in agreement. The two walked out of the restaurant and headed down the corridor that would lead them to where the Saratoga was currently docked for repairs.

They walked hand in hand as they traveled down the corridor as officers and civilians alike were busy moving through and going to their intended destinations. Each nodding to them as they passed, the walk was quiet. After a while, they finally arrived at their quarters onboard the ship. Azras sat down on the couch that was located near the window while Arzin got them both cups of tea.

Grabbing the two cups from the replicator he walked over to Azras handing her a cup before he joined her on the couch. Taking a sip as he looked at her, he knew she was exhausted and worn out. He could also tell that things were eating at her, she was always stubborn but he always seemed to manage to get her to talk about things with him. 

“What is on your mind?” Arzin asked looking at her as he took another sip of his tea. “Please don’t tell me nothing as I know you better than that,” Arzin added as he could tell that was what she was about to say.

She looked at him with her tongue in her cheek for a moment before working her jaw, she had not talked about it with anyone not even the counselor. Silence filled the room for a moment before she let out a heavy sigh. “We lost so many good officers during this war,” Azras said as she stood up from the couch and faced the window.

“Not only on this ship but the Gagarin and Knight as well,” she said as looking down at her feet. “The Gagarin also lost its captain,” Azras said with a pained voice as that seemed to be what got to her.

Arzin stood up placing his cup down on the table in front of the couch and joined her at the window. Placing his arms around her, not knowing what to say though sometimes nonspoken words convey the same message. Azras closed her eyes leaning her head back on his shoulder, she was glad to have him home. 

“The battle at Farpoint wasn’t looking so good,” she said as she vividly remembered that battle. “That was until reinforcements showed up,” Azras lifted her head off his shoulder and looked at him. “Can you believe it even the Tholians showed up, even though it was only three ships but still,” Azras said before laying her head back down and looking up. “It wasn’t until they arrived that the tides had turned in our favor,” Azras said.

“We won at what cost,” she said before turning around to face him. The Saratoga took the heavy of hits compared to the other two ships, officers were still being patched up either on the Saratoga or some of them have been transferred down to Starbase Bravo for more extensive treatment.

Placing a hand on both sides of her cheeks Arzin looked directly into her eyes, “war is a terrible thing. Know that you have done everything you could for your crew and the squadron, tough decisions were made but they were for the right reasons.” Arzin said in his wisdom, “we will get through this together.” He added kissing her forehead before pulling her into a tight embrace.

“Thank you,” Azras said softly as she held onto him. “I am so glad your home,” she added as they stood there. Arzin ran a hand through her hair before leaning his head against hers.

“T’Prel to Dex,” came the voice of her first officer over the comms channel interrupting their tender embrace.

Pulling away from Arzin she sighed before tapping her combadge, “go ahead.” Azras said as Arzin smiled a bit as duty never seemed to end.

“Commander Tilana is waiting in your ready room as requested,” T’Prel replied.

She had forgotten that she requested to see Tilana after looking at the time, “I’ll be right there.” Azras replied before ending the channel, she looked at Arzin with an apologetic look.

“Go take care of business, I’ll get dinner ready.” He replied before she had the chance to say anything.

“I’ll be back soon,” she said kissing him one more time before leaving their quarters. She didn’t know that Arzin would be returning so soon before she requested to meet with Tilana.

After she left their quarters Arzin stood there for a moment, their quarters on the new ship weren’t like their quarters onboard the Odyssey-class. Though they were still very spacious, he would have to adjust to the new ship. Walking into the kitchen area he got to work on preparing her favorite meal and getting things ready while she took care of some things. He decided to let Linha know not to come home for dinner and that he wanted to have a romantic dinner for the two of them.

“It is good to be back home,” he said to himself.

2 – Strength In Weakness

Captain's Ready Room / USS Saratoga
April 2401

Standing at the window looking out, Tilana patiently awaited Fleet Captain Azras Dex’s arrival. She wondered if she had forgotten that she had requested her presence for something she wasn’t sure of. Though she had a feeling it was about the fate of the Gagarin, whether or not there will be a new commanding officer or if she would be promoted. She wasn’t sure how she would feel about commanding a ship of her own, she had only been onboard the Gagarin for a few short months.

As she stood there lost in thought she heard a swoosh of the doors parting as Azras walked in. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” Azras said with an apologetic smile as she walked around her desk. Taking a seat she began to dig through the padds that were on her desk until she found what she was looking for. “Please have a seat,” Azras said motioning for the chair in front of her desk as she looked at the commander.

Walking over to the offered chair she walked around and sat down, “I wasn’t waiting that long sir.” Tilana said as she crossed one leg over the other as she looked at her. “What is it that you wanted to see me about?” Tilana asked seeming a bit anxious though she did try to hide it from her superior.

“About the future of the Gagarin,” Azras said looking at her as she stood up from her chair. Walking over to the replicator, “care for a drink?” Azras asked as she was rather rude for not initially offering her a drink.

“I am good thank you,” Tilana replied with a smile.

“Coffee, hot,” Azras ordered the hot beverage materialized on the replicator table before she picked it up with both hands caring it over to her desk. Sitting down she took a sip and looked at her cup for a moment before setting it down. “I know things have been hard since the death of Captain Derohl, I know it has been hard on me as well.” Azras began before shifting herself in her chair.

“I thought about bringing in another captain but that would put too much more stress on your plate,” she admitted as she reviewed her service record and what she had seen firsthand. “They don’t need that, I don’t need that,” Azras admitted as she sat there trying to collect her thoughts.

“What I am trying to say is that I want you to be Gagarin’s commanding officer,” Azras finally said which caused Tilana to have a surprised look on her face. “After seeing how you stepped up and handled the situation, leading the crew I feel that there is no one better to take up the mantle,” Azras said as she turned her attention to one of her desk drawers as she opened it pulling out a box. Getting up from her chair she walked over to where she was sitting.

“Commander Tilana please stand up,” Azras said as she watched her stand to her feet. “It gives me great pleasure to hereby promote you to the rank of Captain with all the rights and privileges thereof,” Azras said as she opened the box to reveal the fourth pip, taking it out she pinned it next to the other three pips. “Congratulations Captain,” she said as she smiled extending her hand.

“Thank you, sir,” Tilana replied as she accepted the extended hand. “I won’t let you down,” she added still in shock as she stood there. She knew there was a chance that she would promote her but she didn’t want to assume and get her hopes up to high, letting feelings get hurt if she decided to choose someone else.

“Also you will become my Squadron Deputy Commander,” Azras added.

“Understood, sir,” Tilana simply said as she was shocked.

Walking back around to her desk she sat down, “you may choose who you want to replace your previous position. I am sure you will pick the right person for the job,” Azras said as she took another drink. “Which brings me to my next order of business,” she said.

Tilana took a seat and raised an eyebrow as she was curious as to what else she had for her. “Commander Than has been transferred to another posting, you will not be getting a replacement as Commander Chon’al will become the squadron’s strategic operations officer,” Azras replied. “Also, I am transferring Lieutenant Junior Grade Nilah Derohl to the Knight,” Azras added.

“Why?” Tilana asked as she was shocked at the last bit.

“With her being joined to the Derohl symbiont I feel that there will be some conflict as she will hold all of his memories and every memory of any previous hosts,” Azras replied looking at her as she could tell she wanted to speak up but she stopped her. “This is for the best, gives her space to acclimate to the Derohl symbiont without having memories resurface that can cause her stress. She will still be within the squadron,” she replied.

“She is a good officer,” Tilana replied as she didn’t like the idea of losing one of her good engineers that served a major role in bringing down Lungurn’s command and control center.

Azras nodded at the statement, “sometimes we as commanding officers have to make tough decisions. Sometimes those are what is best for the ship and the crew, sometimes it’s for the better of the squadron as a whole.” Azras began to explain as she sat there, “know that I don’t make this decision lightly and that it came after much thought and consideration.” Azras added.

Tilana nodded as she was sure she would have to make some tough decisions during her tenure as commanding officer. She didn’t envy Azras as she had three ships to worry about, “understood.” Tilana replied as she sat there they talked for a few minutes more about things.

She was about to dismiss her then remembered something else, “oh before I forget. Frontier Day is fast approaching I need the Gagarin to represent the squadron at Earth. We won’t be repaired in time to be there ourselves,” Azras replied as she looked at her.

“Understood,” Tilana replied.

“Right, well that is all I have at the moment you are dismissed,” Azras said with a smile as she stood. “Congratulations again,” she added as Tilana nodded before she left the office. Azras sat back down as the doors closed shut behind her and let out a sigh, she didn’t like making hard decisions even though she knew they would be for the best.

She tapped her commbadge, “Chon’al please report to my ready room.” Azras ordered as she waited for a response as she sat there. She needed to take care of one last thing before she retired for the evening.

“On my way,” Chon’al replied as the channel ended.

A few moments later the door chime went off, looking up from the reports she was going over. “Come,” Azras said as the doors opened to reveal Chon’al on the other end. “Please have a seat,” she motioned for the chair in front of her desk.

“You wanted to see me?” Chon’al asked wondering what she could want him for.

“How is Deza doing?” Azras asked looking at him, she knew that he had been by her side a lot more lately especially since she was one of the ones moved to the infirmary on Starbase Bravo.

“Currently she’s still in a coma, the doctors are not sure when or even if she will come out of it,” Chon’al said as he hung his head trying not to show too much emotion in front of the captain. “I want…” he began as he shook his head, “no I need her to come out of this I can’t lose someone else…not now…” Chon’al said as Azras walked around her desk leaning against her desk she placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I know things look grim right now, but Deza is a strong and stubborn woman I don’t think she will give up this easily.” Azras said though she wasn’t sure if she was making things better or worse, “look I may not know what you are going through. We have to have a little faith that she will come out of this, the doctors over on Starbase Bravo are experienced and they will work as hard as they can to make sure she recovers.” Azras said as she tried to comfort him.

Chon’al nodded as he knew she was trying to help and be there for him which he appreciated more than anything. “Is this why you called me here?” He asked wondering why she couldn’t just find out this information on her own.

“No,” she admitted with a sigh. “I have made some changes within the structure of the squadron.” Azras began bringing out another box that was sitting on her desk next to the padds she had stacked. “I hereby promote you to the rank of Commander with all the rights and privileges thereof,” Azras said as she removed the hollow pip from his collar and replaced it with the solid pip.

He looked at her with a look of surprise in his eyes, “thank you, sir.” Chon’al replied as he put his hands onto the pips feeling them. “I wasn’t expecting this,” he added as he was shocked.

“That is not all,” Azras replied before she walked back around her desk. “You are now going to be the squadron’s strategic operations officer for all three ships. You will have more responsibilities than just one ship,” Azras replied handing him a padd which he took.

“Why me?” Chon’al asked.

“You have proven you can handle this responsibility,” Azras said. “Honestly I don’t trust anyone else with this position more than I trust you,” she replied as she felt that he would be able to look out for the interest and intelligence of the squadron as a whole instead of having three separate ones which could cause problems in terms of information.

“Thank you, it will be an honor.” Chon’al said as he stood up, “I won’t let you down, sir.” He added as he extended his arm which she took in the traditional Klingon version of a handshake.

“I know you won’t,” Azras said with a smile. “That is all I had, go be with Deza but please let me know if anything changes.” She said as she knew she would hear from the doctors but she also like to hear it from him.

“I will,” Chon’al said with a smile.

“Dismissed,” Azras said as she watched him turn and exit her office. She let out a sigh, she began to think of Deza and hoped she would pull through. Letting out a sign she walked back around to her desk sitting down she began to finish up some work that she needed to get completed before she retired for the night. 

She could now somewhat relax that those things were taken care of and she didn’t have to worry about it anymore. It would be a couple of hours before she finish her reports, she exited her ready room and headed home for the remainder of the evening. She had given her crew some downtime as they wouldn’t be leaving Starbase Bravo anytime soon.

4 – Strength In Weakness

USS Saratoga / Starbase Bravo
April 12, 2401

The Saratoga and Knight had completed repairs, though it was too late to join the Gagarin for the Frontier Day celebrations at Earth. Since they couldn’t be there for the big event, Azras ensured she set up a party for those who wished to attend from both ships. This would allow them to enjoy some celebration and be able to watch the event that is taking place at Earth.

Walking into one of their lounges which were the largest out of the ones onboard, tables that once filled the room had been cleared. Instead, you could see a row of tables near the wall that had different types of food adored the tables. Around the room, some circular tables and chairs were strategically placed. Leaving a little area for those who wished to stand and mingle.

Tianna Anai had closed the Hillside Country Bar & Grill that day to help take care of everything for the party that was taking place in a couple of hours. She was just putting some finishing touches on a few things. “This looks so lovely. Thank you, Tianna, for volunteering to put all this together,” Azras said as she walked up to the woman with a smile.

“Was my pleasure,” Tianna said with a smile as she looked at the captain.

“You always seem to know how to set up a stunning party,” Azras added as she was pleased with how everything looked. She was sure that her officers would enjoy it both from both ships that were docked at Starbase Bravo. She wished the Gagarin were here with them but they were needed at Earth for Frontier Day.

“Years of experience,” Tianna replied as she continued working while chatting with the captain. She and her staff would be making sure the food and drinks stayed replenished throughout the event.

“Well, I just wanted to check on things before I head off to get ready, again thanks for doing this,” Azras said as Tianna nodded with a smile, she made her way towards the door and began making her way towards her quarters. The event would be formal but dress uniforms were not required, just a nice dress outfit would be sufficient.

Upon entering her quarters she looked around to see if her husband was there, “Arzin?” Azras called out as she moved deeper into their quarters. She smelt an incense that made her feel relaxed and she knew he was here.

Popping his head out of their bedroom, “yes love?” Arzin asked, looking at her with a smile as he was shirtless with a towel around his waist as he just got out of the shower.

“I was just wondering if you were here,” Azras said as she looked at her husband’s attire. “Looks like you’re getting ready already,” Azras said as she walked into the room with him. She noticed that he laid out a beautiful blue gown with thin straps at the top and fluffy type shoulder straps. Nothing too extravagant but still looked beautiful nonetheless. To Azras it almost looked like an old Earth storybook princess dress. “Wow, that looks beautiful thank you, love,” Azras said as she drew Arzin closer to her and kissed him.

Arzin smiled as he returned the kiss, “well you better go get ready. We don’t want to be late.” He added as they both chuckled as he walked over to where his nice set of trousers, khaki in color, and a nice button-down dress shirt which was a light blue to somewhat match what Azras would be wearing.

Azras smiled, kissing him one more time before making her way toward the shower, undressing along the way. After a while she finished wrapping a towel around her, she walked back out into the bedroom to get dried off and dress when she saw Arzin looking stunning. “You look so handsome,” Azras said with a smile.

“Thank you,” Arzin smiled. “Oh, Linha will be joining us for the celebrations. She said that she would rather join ours than the many that are currently happening on Starbase Bravo.” He said looking at her as he was adjusting his collar.

“Wonderful,” Azras said as she finished getting dressed before walking over to where the mirror was and starting to do her hair. She always enjoyed any time she could get with her eldest daughter, even more so now since the passing of her son. After a while, she finished doing her hair up in a nice bun.

Looking at herself again in the mirror before she turned to look at the time, “we better get going or we will be late,” Azras said as she emphasized the word ‘will’. She let out a soft chuckle as Arzin nodded in agreement. They both made their way out of their quarters heading to the lounge.

A short time later they arrived and walked through the doors, soft music was playing as officers from both ships had already arrived and were mingling with each other. People were lined up at the buffet getting some of the good food that was offered thanks to Tianna Anai.

Azras smiled as they made their way deeper inside the lounge, “glad you could make it captain.” T’Prel said as she walked up to her, she was wearing a nice two-piece outfit, nothing too extravagant. Ritru walked up with her and smiled at both Azras and Arzin, she was wearing a nice green dress.

“Well this was my idea so figured I’d have to be here,” Azras said with a chuckle. “Seems everyone is already enjoying themselves, I hope you two are as well.” She replied looking at the two recently married couple.

“This is sufficient for today’s events,” T’Prel said as Ritru snickered a quiet laugh at her use of words. Looking at Ritru, “what do you find humorous?” T’Prel said with a raised eyebrow.

Looking at T’Prel for a brief moment before looking at Azras, “what she means to say is that this is enjoyable.” Ritru replied with a smile as the two walked off to get some food before it was all gone.

Azras smiled at the two, “those two make a very interesting pair.” She commented as they both made their way to where the food was located. Everything looked so delicious, picking up a plate she grabbed a few things before making her way toward a table that was near the screen where the news feed would come through soon from Earth.

Rayu Isha walked up to where Azras was, “thank you for throwing this party I think this is what everyone needs, especially with what we have gone through. Also, to celebrate Frontier Day,” she commented with a smile.

“Of course,” Azras replied with a smile as things were about to start as the screen came to life to show Earth’s Starbase as well as ships that were in formation around the Starbase. Everyone stopped talking turning towards where the screen was located the music was lowered even more to where it was only softly playing.

Short while later the hangar doors opened and slowly they saw the Enterprise make its way out while fireworks were going off in the background. Everyone seemed in awe of the spectacle of the Odyssey-class Enterprise. Linha had arrived walking up to where her parents were located just as things started. Drink in hand she smiled at them as she began to watch the spectacle.

A moment later Admiral Shelby came on the screen and began to give her speech, everyone listened intently to every word that came out of her mouth. Then they saw the Titan arrive causing Azras to raise her eyebrow as there had been reports of the Titan going rogue or had been compromised. Then the next thing they saw was fleet formation going live and all of a sudden the whole fleet began its assault on the Starbase.

There had been loud gasps from everyone in the room, people watched in horror at what was happening. Azras looked around the room but they seem to be unaffected, she looked around until she saw Jheria and walked over to her. “I need you to go check out our fleet formation mode installation,” Azras ordered as quietly as possible to not panic the crew more than what they already were at what they were witnessing happening at Earth.

“Understood,” Jheria replied quietly before exiting the lounge and heading directly to engineering.

Azras noticed that Piyu was here she also had him head back over to the Knight to do the same thing. He nodded in agreement and he to left the party, walking back over to where Isha and her family stood watching things unfold. It began to look like the crew of the Excelsior had gained control of the ship but moments later the ships turned on them and destroyed them. Azras gasped at the sight, trying to figure out what was going on. Was it the fleet formation or something more sinister going on, all she could do was watch in horror.

Both Jheria and Piyu arrived back and gave their report, there seemed to be nothing wrong with their fleet formation mode. Now she began to wonder if it was something else making those ships do what they were doing. Then it happened Earth’s defenses went down, though just then the Titan broke formation and began to fire on their ships trying to stop whatever they were doing.

She helplessly watched everything unfold, not able to do anything. Then just as it began everything stopped, she looked at everyone who just looked lost at what had just happened. “Well, looks like the party is over…” Azras said as everyone seemed to file out of the lounge.

“Linha you better get back to the station, I suspect many wounded will be brought in from ships returning,” Azras said as she hugged her daughter one last time who nodded before hugging her father and headed back to Starbase Bravo. She stood there for a while longer just looking at the screen at the aftermath, Arzin placed an arm around her and just stood there quietly as she tried to process everything. “What happened…” Azras began, “what caused them to do this…” she added with so many more questions than she had answers at the moment.

“I am sure we will find out soon enough,” Arzin replied.

“Ya,” is all that Azras had said before they both exited the lounge heading to their quarters to change clothes.


An hour had passed since the catastrophe had taken place at Earth, they didn’t know the status of the Gagarin. Azras was pacing in front of her chair on the bridge for the last twenty minutes. Silence had filled the bridge as everyone didn’t know what to say, they were still stunned at what they witnessed and shouldn’t blame them.

“Sir,” Ritru spoke up from the comm before facing the captain. “Incoming transmission from Captain Tilana,” she said.

“On screen,” Azras ordered as the screen changed to see the bridge of the Gagarin. “What the hell happened Captain?” Azras ordered looking at her who looked exhausted and looked like she and everyone on the bridge had been through hell.

“The Borg,” Tilana said as she began to explain everything that had happened.

Azras and T’Prel looked at each other for a brief moment, “how?” She asked.

“I am not sure of all the details yet but it seemed the younger crewmembers turned into living Borg and took control of the ships and hunted down those who were not assimilated. Beginning to kill us…we had to find shelter and seal ourselves wherever we could,” Tilana replied. “They took advantage of the fleet formation to bring down Earth’s defenses, I am not sure how they turned into Borg I am sure we will learn more soon enough,” Tilana added before she paused.

“The Gagarin is dead, she isn’t going anywhere between the Starbase and the Titan we took a beating. Can you come get us and take us to Avalon Fleet Yards?” Tilana asked looking defeated and exhausted. She didn’t want to be on that ship anymore, she didn’t even know if she wanted to be in Starfleet anymore. She didn’t expect to be put through so much in the short amount of time she had been on the Gagarin both as the first officer and the captain.

“Of course, we will leave immediately,” Azras said as she wasn’t going to push things further as she could tell they had been through a lot.

“Thank you,” Tilana replied before the line ended.

Azras sat down in her chair and silence filled the bridge for a brief moment as others looked at her. “Ritru send a message to the Knight letting them know we are departing from the Starbase and are heading for Earth,” Azras ordered.

“Understood,” Ritru replied as she sent the message. A few moments later Ritru looked back at the captain again. “They have acknowledged and are preparing to depart,” she replied.

Nodding, “open a channel to the Starbase.” Azras ordered.

“Channel open,” Ritru responded.

“USS Saratoga to Starbase Bravo, requesting permission to disembark from the station.” Azras requested and waited for a reply.

Saratoga this is docking control, you are cleared for departure.” Came the reply of the dockmaster. “Starbase Bravo out,” he added as the line closed.

Azras looked to Deza who had returned to duty after her whole ordeal, “release mournings and docking clamps. Then back us away from the Starbase before setting course for Earth at maximum warp.” Azras ordered as Deza nodded, the mournings had released, and a short time later so did the docking clamps. The ship came to life and both the Saratoga and Knight began to slowly back away from the station until they were at a safe distance. Once they were clear both ships had jumped to maximum warp heading for Earth.