A lower kick came with an additional force from the lower right making the other man jump aside and barely manage to miss it. Miki’s big eyes looked toward his opponent and got his figure in the right position to counter whatever was going to get thrown at him. He was not paying attention to his surrounding, not needed and invalid as his focus was this person. 

The man leaned forward, trying to use his fist as pure brute force. Seeing that Miki easily avoided his attack, a smirk appeared on his face. The man quickly changes his posture and lets his knee be pulled forward, which manages to hit the side of Miki, who had to rebalance on the surprise change that the man had thrown at him.

The attack might be a success, but it came with risk, as the man was now unbalanced after throwing a knee at Miki. Miki blinked his eyes and recovered easily, only to roll forward to the man. Grabbing his arms and pulling him down, he looked right into his face giving a grin back. He rolled backward, placing the arm in a lock, and let gravity do its work. The man rolled over his shoulder and slammed onto the ground.

“Alright boys that is enough” A voice came from behind them. As they both looked in that direction seeing three security officers standing there. “No fighting is allowed in the gym…be grown-up and take it elsewhere” A man in the front stated pointing behind him.

Miki let go of the man and stood up getting his training uniform in order as he looked at the security detail. “Well I can assure you, gentlemen, we are merely training as fellow security officers and not fighting. However, we might have been passionate about it” He had to admit it. He was not paying attention to his surroundings and only noticed now that there were many eyes on them. “We are clearly giving a wrong image here. Our apology.”

Cracking his neck he leaned on his knee and looked toward the team. The black pupils focus on the leader of this security detail. “We are merely testing our capacity as we are going to be working together on our next assignment” He gave a small smile before standing up. “But I do believe you are standing on a practice floor where combat is required to be done no?” 

The security officer narrowed his eyes and grabbed his PADD. “Name and assignment. I want to get this paperwork done. It’s already hell for us with Frontier Day coming. So let’s wrap this up…and I will give you guys a formal warning” He wanted to wave it off.

“Lieutenant Miki, the Chief Security/Tactical Officer of the USS Mariner” Miki stated placing his hands behind his back and standing formally. 

Crossing his arms he wanted to protest, but he didn’t want to make a scene. Taking a deep breath “Lieutenant Ze, Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer of the USS Mariner” He gave a nod to the security officer. “We will be leaving the gym soon. No worries we won’t cause more problems for you guys”

A hum of agreement came from the security officer. “You better, enjoy your boys” With that said he turned around and moved away when the other two officers just followed him.

“Didn’t expect that to happen, but seeing how many ships there are here at Avalon Fleet Yards. It is getting a little too crowded.” The Betazoid looked at his new Chief. “It was a good match. You clearly won by a landslide with that match” 

He stared a bit at the security detail leaving the area and finally looked at his side to the man “Lieutenant, it tends to happen. But as you have observed the station security is stretched thin with the upcoming event. We should be returning to the Mariner to resume our duties as security of it” Miki moved to his bag to grab his towel. 

“Call me Domam sir. I am not a man of formality” He smiled and grabbed his back. He was twice as big in muscle capacity as Miki. Yet the Saurian had won from him with ease. “I guess I need more training” He shrugged a bit at himself. “So how is the Mariner? I heard a lot of stories about it…” 

Calling someone by his first name, that was going to make things awkward. “Perhaps when we are off duty, but on duty I prefer the formality” He addressed the issue immediately to make clear how he thought about it. He did stop however hearing that there were rumors about his ship “Depends on the rumor you have heard, I only know about the facts” 

“Right formality on duty gotcha” Domam nodded to himself as he wiped his face off with his towel. “The rumors of Mariner facing off the Dominion in the Gamma Quadrant and demanding them to return to Alpha to fight the Breen” He smiled as he knew it sounded ridiculous.

“No, we were sent to Gamma Quadrant to conclude diplomatic negotiations to take a group of Dominion representatives eventually to the Deneb system to stop their brethren from aggressive acts against the colonist of the Federation. We contributed to the end of that conflict in some capacity, but the Mariner still had to participate at the Battle of Farpoint.” 

He snapped his fingers. “I knew it!” Domam said to himself “I knew that something was going on in Deneb, but Starfleet in the region wouldn’t talk about it or smudge it off as just a Breen raid party that has been increasing lately” 

Grabbing his back and walking to the exit “The Breen did participate in the acts against us. But eventually, withdraw from the ordeal altogether. Which is the best outcome” Miki pointed out noticing that Domam was following him. “Any other rumors you wish to know the truth or falsification about?” 

Domam thinks for a moment. “What about that mutiny thing? I can only presume that is also false?” Domam noticed Miki stopping in his track and looking over his shoulder. “What?”

“That….happen. Former Lieutenant Shew, the previous Chief Security Officer of the Mariner, started a coup against the command team of the Mariner. I had to fight against my Chief and team up with the Captain to retake the ship from its mutineers. It is an experience you do not want to remember or face” Miki was quite on edge about the topic, but he felt it was in his right to be. 

“Ehh” Domam didn’t expect that answer and wanted to change the topic. “How is the command team actually?” 

Miki resumes his walking. “Commander Valerio is a man with a passion for engineering, though I am unsure how long Starfleet will allow him to be the Second Officer seeing it conflicts which his duties as the Chief Engineering Officer. Commander Ruslanovna is a prime example of a First Officer. She handles most of the personnel affairs on the ship.” He paused for a moment thinking about his Captain. “Captain Kobahl is a born leader. She might be a scientist by heart, but when it comes to the difficult choices heed my advice….and trust her” 

They both left the gym area. “Is she that impressive?” Domam was wondering why Miki talked with high standards about their Captain.

“Not impressive. I don’t know her for that long. Only been on board the Mariner for a month or so when the critical mission was given to us. But how she dealt with the situation, the mutiny, the representatives, and the combat. It was either you go against her or believe in her” Miki looked at Domam. “My Chief went against her, and I believed her. Now here I am standing as the new Chief, not because of favors. But because I performed my duties and I expect the same from you if I would fall off the path” 

He smiled at Miki. “Don’t worry I will put you back on that path, and you will feel it” Domam smirked as they both entered the turbolift to return to their ship. Off to a brand-new beginning. 

The events on the Mariner in the last mission were still haunting her. The words that Commander Ruslanovna spoke to her nestled into her. She was the former Intelligence Officer, now reduced to a mere General Officer to do the bidding of all departments. She bold her fist and shrugged, leaning backward in her chair. Keeyiro was sitting at a café with a direct view of the impressive Avalon Fleet Yards. She needed to get out of the ship after seeing her fellow mutineers getting escorted out, and there she stood still, free of any charge against her purely because she was marked as young and naive. 

“Do you mind?” A raised voice came from Keeyiro side. 

She blinked and looked in the direction of the voice, seeing two Vulcans standing there “Ehhm, pardon?” Keeyiro was not quite listening to what they were saying and looked confused at them.

“See, I told you she was not listening….” A woman stated, she has short dark black and blue hair, but her pointy ears would make a defining mark on who she is. 

A hand raises in front of the woman as the other woman still looks at Keeyiro. “We were wondering if it is okay for us to sit at your table. We are in a ….” Looking at her friend “Pickle was the word?” She saw her friend nod and looked back. Keeyiro saw the same features, a Vulcan, but with long hair tied up in a knot. “The Promenade is busy because of the upcoming Frontier Day” 

Looking around her, she didn’t even notice how crowded the area was and looked back at the two Vulcans. “Sure, take a seat, and you can use that scan code to order something” Keeyiro waved at the sticker on the table. That said, she grabbed her glass of cola and took a sip. The taste was not quite the same as what she had on Mars back in the day.

“Thank you, my name is Vaikan, and this rude person next to me is Suto Scott” Vaikan sat down showing no emotion but clearly teasing her friend. 

Suto softly hits Vaikan’s arm. “Stop it. You are asking every table whether we can sit down or not…” Sitting down at the empty chair she looked at Keeyiro. “So who are you and what puzzles your mind?” Giving a nod to Vaikan who was ordering their drink. 

Placing her glass on the table “Keeyiro Cho, my thoughts are lost in memories” It was no lie as her mind was occupied with what had recently happened to her. “But things have been hectic and drastically changing for me. So I am here to process that a bit. I honestly don’t understand the hype with the upcoming Frontier Day” She pointed out looking slowly around and seeing people busy getting gifts, with decorations and such. 

“That makes two of us. I…well we are merely here for transfer orders” Vaikan taps the PADD. “Our assignment is somewhere docked at this base. But with the chaos that is going on we …well she got overwhelmed with everything around her” Vaikan narrowed her eyes looking at her friend next to her.

“Mariner!” She slammed her hand on the table as Suto showed off her big smile. “USS Mariner, the Pathfinder-Class that just returned from Gamma Quadrant….damn I am so jealous I wish I were on board to see all the data from the Gamma Quadrant as it is based on old Vulcan navigational data! They managed to navigate on that” She was impressed by the mere idea that they pulled it off. “Gamma Quadrant is such bait, and you know how many ships get lost there?” 

“Please Suto, don’t overwhelm her also with your overwhelming personality. I somehow think that the Vulcan part in you is just the ears and nothing else” Vaikan rolled her eyes as their drinks came to the table. “But yes, we are assigned to the Mariner. This woman, while she doesn’t look like it. Is the Assistant Chief Science Officer, and I am their new Cosmology Specialist” 

“Wait what is that supposed to mean….one I am half-Vulcan and two I earned my way onto that position, after dragging my ass for years at Deep Space 17. It is time for something new, something adventurous” Suto had her fist bold in the air and the energy of a kid with too much sugar candy. 

Taking a deep breath, Keeyiro had watched them bicker for the last few minutes. “I am from the Mariner. The ship is docked nearby, so the assignment officer should be easy to spot. We lost many good officers and enlisted, so your help is welcome. Rumor has it that we are going to be shipped off to Delta Quadrant after the ship is fully repaired, and Frontier Day is over” 

The two were looking at Keeyiro a bit surprised. “Well, I didn’t expect that….” Vaikan spoke taking a sip of her Vulcan herbal tea. “But it is good to see that the ship is nearby and we can settle our equipment soon” She was a bit wondering about something. “So you were sitting here to take a moment of peace because of Mariner?” 

“I…” Keeyiro felt pressure on her and stood up. “I need to go. Have a good day, and we will see each other on the Mariner.” She took leave and stopped briefly to look over her shoulder. “You would do wise to avoid me, for your good” With that said she didn’t wait for a reply and continued her walk back to the ship where she didn’t want to be. 

“Aww Vaikan you were too much for the girl. I told you not to poke your nose in someone else business” Suto crosses her arms looking at Keeyiro that was leaving the table. “She seems like a nice kid….but also feels like she is carrying the galaxy on her shoulders” 

“Makes a person wonder what happened to her or to the ship we are being assigned to” Vaikan mind was sound in the matter. “We better be on our guard, or better say you be on your guard” 

Suto sobs a bit. “But I am always on my guard…” Looking with sad eyes at her friend “You are always so mean to me” 

Looking behind her to see a glimpse of Keeyiro “What is awaiting us…”

Brahms Station, one of the few Probert-class spacedock in service of the Federation. And one of the main locations for the current Avalon Fleet Yards system-wide operations. Everything was going on, from scientific initiatives to medical projects. Not to forget the number of ships being repaired, built, upgraded, or simply resupplied for the next adventure. Brahms Station was where the Mariner was docked to be repaired, resupplied, and restaffed for their next mission to the Delta Quadrant. It will take a few weeks, so the crew can relax, get comfortable and enjoy the upcoming Frontier Day.

Stretching her arms upwards, Silina felt her muscles stretching easily, which felt good. “It is busy, more than I expected to be here” Was a harsh understatement. In these times, Brahms Station was busier because of the upcoming event; additionally, the repairs of many Fourth Fleet ships didn't help. She lowered her arms and looked at her side seeing Adrián standing at the window. “You are drooling, Adrián….you look like Drata…” 

He closed his mouth and looked over his shoulder with narrowed eyes. “Drata has an addiction and nerds the crap out of every inch of technology in the fleet” He points at the window. “I have a healthy admiration for the hard work of Starfleet Corps Engineers and Avalon Fleet Yards. That is a fundamental difference”

“Uhu….as a medical officer by nature that” Silina points at him “Is an addiction. Face the music. We all know what you got in your quarter's mate” 

Leaning on the bar at the window while turned now to Silina “Collecting ship models of certain centuries is not an addiction. It is a fine art of respect for the designers of that time. I will die on that mountain.” Adrián was ready to fight that argument and saw the smirk appear on Silina's face but blinked a bit. “Btw should Sazra not be around here by now?” 

Looking over into the crowd “She should” As her smirk disappeared, she was a bit more worried. “I will look for her. The docking port is in that direction anyway, so she can only walk toward us” Silina nodded slightly to the other side where many people were walking. “Just be here…and don't go anywhere” Silina walked away and glared back to see Adrián looking back at ships with glitter in his eyes. “Admiration my ass” Shaking her head while turning back forward. 

Somewhere Promenade

The crowd was tense at the docking ports of people entering and exiting their respective ships. Sazra stood there in her normal Starfleet clothing that she uses in her free time. No rank pips on them as it gives her some breathing room. But she didn't expect all people around her to ignore the redhead. To continue their work. She managed to walk away from the Mariner docking port, but where ever she was turning there was a person, which confused her. “Hmm, excuse me….sorry….apology, could I…” She tried to make way but felt her anxiety grow with every step she took. 

Sazra just wanted to collapse to her knees and calm down as her heart was beating faster and faster. Panic was in her eyes as her eyes desperately searched for an exit. Then she felt a hand that grabbed hers and pulled her into the crowd. She bumped against a body and her head against someone's chest while an arm went around her walking away from the crowd together. “What…” 

“Breath Sazra, I apologize that I was not there for you” The voice, Silina, spoke to Sazra. They manage to get into a more open location, and she lets go of Sazra looking concerned at her Captain. “I forgot….you don't like crowds as tense as these” Silina shrugged forgetting their interaction at Starbase 38 before the Blood Dilithium Operation. 

Breathing slowly now and trying to calm down, she looked at Silina, who stood there awkwardly. “Thanks…it is also partly my mistake as I forgot about the busy times of this event and our fleet repairs” She saw already many ships of the Fourth Fleet listed on the docking port. Most of them are being repaired because of the Lost Fleet event. “So no worries though. I felt like that Ensign of so many years ago being dragged into a new assignment” 

“Where you thought you would get a bigger ship, but was given the smallest” Silina teases with a smile at Sazra. “Come before I need to request a cleaning detail for Adrián drooling." With that said she started to walk in the direction she had left Adrián behind. 

Sazra walked to Silina's side. “Drooling? Is he giving his admiration for the ships again?” She made the quote sign when saying admiration. “I think that would fall under the category of nerding out what Drata is doing every time we arrive close to a shipyard” 

Pointing her finger in the air. “That is what I said also, but he defends it with his heart and soul that it is not the case” Silina laughs at that. “But I guess some people never change in certain behaviors" Placing her finger on her lip “I wonder if I actually changed over time since we started at Jax's?” 

“You did. Remember how much you hated command and just wanted to haul up in the one by two meters sickbay?” Sazra remembered her time at the Raven Class very well. “You kept saying to me that you were only doing this to cut the administration some slack in not becoming a headache for me while we were out there or returning to port.” Sazra felt calmer, and more comfortable with Silina at her side. Time did change, but while she confesses her feelings on more than one point to Silina, not much has changed on that front. The curse of being a command team her guess was. 

A silence came in for a moment. “Well, you have also changed. The hardship of command has been tested upon you on more the one moment. Facing the engineering of the Jax's, fighting against Captain Vance, surviving that Romulan prison, being occupied by a crystalline entity, and then you got that mutiny” She sums up the pinnacle points of their career together. “Is it not like time for someone else to take that spotlight for a change?” 

Sazra laughs softly. “Well, it is true that command has put some bricks on my road to Captain. But it is an experience that I wouldn't want to miss. Sure some of it was painful” pointing at her cybernetic eye. “But in the end, I do believe that it was needed to become who I, you, and even Adrián have become today” The burden of command had its pro and cons. 

“I guess that is true, though I wish I could have saved that eye…” Silina regretted the vivid memory of finding her severely wounded on the ground at that Romulan prison. But her attention glared toward the spot where she left Adrián behind. “Are you kidding me…" As she stopped walking.

Looking in the direction of where Silina was looking. She saw Adrián and a few security personnel standing there with a medical officer tending to an engineer sitting on the ground. Who was yelling at Adrián. Silina rushed to the scene as Sazra smiled remembering the days at Deep Space 17 being the same. “Some things never change…” With a smile, she walked to the group with her hands behind her back.

After a few hours of exploring the starbase, their duties called them back to oversee personnel changes and get things in order on the Mariner. Taking a deep breath, Sazra tapped on her desk and placed the PADD down. “Please give me a rundown. This is not my strongest point in the working area” Taking her cup of coffee and taking a sip while leaning back in her chair.

“Of course, that is why I am here as your XO” Silina smiled while she sat in the chair. “The changes are going smoothly so far. Drata got himself the Chief Operation Officer spot, which he has earned quite well after that last mission” Silina pointed out. “And also Miki got the spot as Chief Security/Tactical Officer”

Adrián shrugged. “But I lost m assistant in Engineering…what are you going to give me back for it?” 

“A drone programmed to annoy you” Silina smirked at Adrián as she waved off the joke. “No, it is kinda close. Lieutenant Varujan Istrati” She taps her left eye. “Got a cybernetic implant after he got critically injured during the Dominion War” She shrugged, knowing where the team’s feelings were with that subject. “But he is loyal, and his previous Captain spoke highly of him” 

“Well that is something, but seeing how Starfleet handles personnel these days it becomes questionable” Sazra was still salty about what happened during her last mission in the Gamma Quadrant. “I guess we can’t judge a person by his looks or history. Let’s hope he pulls through and becomes useful in Engineering” 

Nodding to that “Another new one is Domam, also a very loyal officer joining Miki as his new assistant. I placed Aakif in the Master at Arms position. The man had already applied a few times for the position. But after the last one got booted, I was like why not” Silina was still not very convinced by Aakif’s motivation to do this position, but it became a more luxury problem. 

Looking at the PADD “Aakif has been with us since Damascus no?” Adrián trying to put a finger on the person “I believe he was quite willing to do what needed to be done” 

“That is the issue, he got the motivation, but that is about it” Rubbing the side of her template “He will get a chance at the position. He messes it up, I swear I will transfer him to Starbase Eos” And that was a threat that Silina was willing to make happen. “Anyway, we got the Vulcan duo Suto Scott and Vaikan that join the science team. Dacio wanted to be the assistant of Science, but T’Path rejected that idea” 

Giving a glare to Silina, Sazra knew why that was an issue. “Bruno has his eyes set on T’Path for way too long and actually rejected him on more the one point in the brief history that he is part of the Mariner. So I approve of having miss Scott as the new assistant. What is her background?” 

“Still waiting on the day that T’Path makes that harassment complaint about Bruno, and then his ass is mine” Silina felt her blood boiling knowing what her friend had to endure with this man. “Scott is a mix, half Vulcan, half Human. But the brightest out there when it comes to science. Specialist in Stellar Cartography, Planetology, Mineralogy and…” Silina looked at the info. “Did a course in Cosmology. Her statement about why she has such credits on her record….she was bored” Silina blinked and looked at Sazra. “Sounds like you…” 

Sazra rolled her eyes. “I am by nature a very curious person, so hearing that she will fit in quite well” Sazra defended her position in the given situation. “What about the other one?” 

Crossing her leg over the other “Well Vaikan is a Cosmology Specialist and quite good at it also seeing these records” Silina blinked for a bit. “So she will be a great help when dealing with whatever Delta Quadrant is throwing at us. ”Lastly I made a hazard team schedule with myself in lead, Miki as my right hand, Bruno as the Scientist specialist, L’iera as the field medic and Cho as the Operator” 

“Cho, L’Iera?” Adrián blinked. “Those two will get you more trouble than it is worth it” 

Raising her hand “If anyone can handle those two, then it is Silina. You know my opinion about those two, and they got a long way to go to earn a spot on my bridge again” Sazra growls, crossing her arms over each other. The memory of what had happened earlier was fresh as the door chime went off. “Ahh the next issue. Come in” Sazra spoke up.

The young Caitian walked into the room and stopped before the desk giving a salute to the three senior officers in front of her “Lieutenant K’Nala reporrrrting perrr yourrr request” She had no idea what would happen. Did she do something wrong? With all the changes happening, maybe she would be transferred to another ship? So many things were racing through her mind. 

“At ease Lieutenant” Sazra lifted her hand to her and saw the Caitian change into a more relaxing posture. “K’Nala I asked you here to discuss an issue we as Command Team are facing that you might be able to resolve for us” She looked at Silina while lowering her hand.

Giving a nod as Silina turned her attention to K’Nala “You see, Mariner is a ship with 120 souls operating it. The Damascus was about …” She thought for a second “80 people I believe to operate it. Now the standard protocol dictates that regulations of requirements for operating a solid command team are to be present at the bridge at all times when having more than 100 souls operating the ship.” 

Adrián shrugs. “Which means that we are not complying with Starfleet regulations at this current moment” Adrián looked at K’Nala seeing her a bit confused and pointed at Sazra. “Captain” pointing at Silina “First Officer” and finally points at himself “Second Officer…do you see the issue?” 

For a moment K’Nala eyes went from Sazra to Silina to finally Adrián and shrugged “Because…you arrre not on the bridge sirrr?” 

“Bingo” Adrián smiled. “Starfleet is making our poor Captain pull out her hair with this regulation because we have to follow it to the letter. Now seeing that I am not going to serve the bridge and more needed near that comfy warp core. I need to step back from the second officer and be placed in the third officer which is like a reserve command officer” He did his best to explain it. 

“More like an adviser position, but that gets us to the next problem, we don’t have a second officer” Silina continued. “Which is where you actually come in Lieutenant. You are in our eyes quite qualified for the position, and if you accept you will be trained properly for it” 

K’Nala blinked a few times. “But….I am …still quite young…I just rejected the Captain’s offerrr to be promoted to full Lieutenant?” After the Gamma mission, she was given a field commission for her work and great piloting of the Mariner, but she felt it was too early to be promoted to the next stage of her career. “Therrre arrre more experienced officerrrs in the ship orrr even beyond the ship?” 

Smiling at the response, Sazra took a deep breath. “That is very true. There is always someone better than you. Or even me. But recognizing that you do not feel ready for something is also a sign of growing K’Nala. We all have met that growth over time and been pushed into situations that we were not ready for.” Sazra looked at her. “You have proven yourself during the Blood Dilithium Operation and the last mission. You have shown dignity and loyalty to us and the crew. You are not afraid to stand up for what is wrong, and that is what we need” 

“We will not drop you into the position immediately K’Nala. You will become the Officer of the Watch meaning that you do the graveyard shift and learn the ropes of command at your own pace. But for the official paperwork, we shall add the Second Officer to your profile and register that with Starfleet. Additionally, you will be included in our meetings. Well basically just you, me, and Sazra. Commander Valerio here will be tapping out and only sits with us if needed” 

Adrián smirks at that, knowing how much he hated the meetings or doing the graveyard shifts because of regulations when he could spend more time in Engineering. “She has a point. I got enough work as it is” 

Placing her hands together and leaning forward leaning on the table looking at K’Nala “So what do you think Lieutenant? Are you ready for a step up? If you feel you are not ready for the position, no harm is done to step down from it” Sazra smiled softly at her. 

Standing there a bit shocked, K’Nala snaps herself out of it “I….I am honorrred to give this position a shot. I will do my best and hope to make you proud of me Captain.” 

“You already making us proud Lieutenant, but glad to hear that you are willing to give this a shot. Dismissed, Commander Ruslanovna will help you with shorting out the details and what you need to know soon enough. Good luck and we shall see each other soon enough” Sazra saw her new Second Officer salute them and leave the room. “Gosh I was in that position only eight years ago” She leans in her chair. 

Adrián and Silina looked at the door closing “ She is ready for it. I will make sure of it” Silina said and felt it was her responsibility to take this up. 

The sickbay was quiet, relaxing, and comfortable for the moment. It was a different story a few weeks ago when Captain Kobahl dived into the Dominion battle group. The sickbay was full, too full, as it extended the wounded into the hallways, and due to the mutiny, Kossaal had to deal with most of the wounded himself being low-staffed. He rubbed his template as he looked at the information on the PADD.

“Need any help, doctor?” 

A friendly and soft voice came from Kossaal's side. He did recognize the voice and let out a sigh. “Not really, Nurse Kwaigno. The list of things that need to be done before the Mariner can ship out is just insane” He placed the PADD onto the desk and leaned back, letting out another sigh. “Starfleet Medical has been breathing down my neck also” 

“Hmm” Theetika had some supplies in her hands and placed them down at the storage cabin. “Starfleet is being very demanding lately on various levels, it seems" She concluded, placing some equipment into the storage. “But do we receive any new personnel?” 

He shook his head. “I am just happy that I get some support from you and L'iera…but I keep pestering Commander Ruslanovna about the additional medical personnel. She waves it off at the moment, saying that it is impossible to get any request through with Frontier Day approaching…” Kossaal had rather new personnel on the go. Maybe there was a can that could be popped that would give him what he needed.

“Wishful thinking there, Doctor” She didn't look at him but continued her job. “We managed to get things rolling in the last conflict, and we minimized the wounded. I heard Serenity, and Valhalla were not that lucky and had to deal with wounded, which weights on Captain Kobahl for some reason" Theetika couldn't figure out why her Captain felt guilty about such results. Starfleet came to their aid in the Battle of Ciara. It was a natural course of events. “That reminds me did you talk to L'iera?” 

Tapping on his desk, the Andorian narrowed his eyes and looked out the office window into the sickbay. “Captain Kobahl is a caring person. Not many understand her reasoning, her actions, or what she is thinking. But at the event of Delta Quadrant, she showed her willpower was stronger to take care of her crew at any cost.” He shrugged. “Even at the cost of her health”

Rolling her eyes, hearing Kossaal avoiding her question, and looked over her shoulder in her direction. “I might have joined the crew during that conflict of the Lost Fleet, but it doesn't mean you can avoid my question. She needs guidance from you” 

He was troubled about it and tried to avoid the subject. “I know, but while I agree with Commander Ruslanovna to keep her here, I feel slightly conflicted with where her loyalty lies” Kossaal looked in Theetika's direction. “She did end up joining the mutiny, and it is now a black spot on her record even if she didn't wound or kill anyone. She lost something greater….the trust to be a Starfleet Officer” 

“The girl is very you. It is not like you never made a mistake in your life” Defending L'iera, she looked back at the cabin and shrugged. “Look, just talk to her, as she feels hated by the whole crew because of her actions” The nurse looked back at him. “Chop chop, get to work doctor” She moved her head slightly back and forth toward the door and then looked back at her work to continue. 

Pushing himself off the chair and walking to exit his office, “Fine, fine” He muttered, entering his work area and looking around to see the young Ensign was there. His eyes stopped and saw at his side L'iera sitting there sorting out some tubes. “Mmm” He gave Theetika a glance who was working at the cabin, and then back at L'iera before approaching her “Ensign” 

She jolts up from her chair surprised by suddenly being called out, and looks at Kossaal. “Doctor Th'shirithel, what can I do for you?” L'iera tried to stay formal as best as possible. 

Scratching his beard a bit, he tried to figure out the best approach for this conversation. “How….are you holding up?” He tried to make a direct approach. “I mean, with everything that has happened. You would be having a lot of things to deal with?” 

L'iera blinked and slowly sat back down, looking a bit troubled by the question. “I am ….processing what has happened and letting sink in what has been told to me” She looked at the test tubes and shrugged. “I know that I should be lucky still being able to serve and not be shipped off to a penal colony for my betrayal to Starfleet” She took a deep breath.

“But…?” Kossaal looked at her and understood what she was feeling right now, a feeling he rather not experienced for himself. 

“But….I feel conflicted if a penal colony is not better for me. The weight of guilt is getting heavier by the days I walk through this ship's hallways. Anyone that I knew feels like I am ….alienated by what I had done to the Captain and them” 

Now Kossaal understood why Ruslanovna had kept her, a heavy price for the actions you perform to be the venture of lesson for future choices that one makes. Kossaal nodded slightly and looked back into the sickbay. “You are here because you have the potential to better yourself, Ensign. Yes, you have done something stupid, selfish and didn't consider the aftermath of your actions. But” He stopped for a second and noticed Theetika glaring from his office at him and rolled his eyes. “You are young, everyone makes a mistake, and it is good to be forgiven for it. So that you might learn from it and make better choices in the future”

Theetika smiled at Kossaal and looked back at her work again, not saying a word.

“I….thank you, Doctor. I have never considered that I have been given a grace of a second chance to better myself” L'iera blinked her eyes. “I will do my best. I apologize for making you worry” 

Giving a nod “Learn from it kiddo, you will be able to improve yourself and become a fine doctor yourself one day” He walked back to his office and sat down in his chair, letting out another sigh. “Happy?”

“It is a start…”  Theetika smirked a bit. 

The day had arrived, Frontier Day was about to start, and the festivity and vibe were present throughout Avalon Fleet Yards. Brahms Station was decorated in the colors that would represent Frontier Day in its greatness. Many things were scheduled to happen, speeches from important figures throughout Starfleet Command, concerts to celebrate the event, food, and gift stands ready to sell their goods to the visitors at Brahms Station. 

Everyone was enjoying it, but Sazra shrugged and looked around. Seeing only so many people walking around, she felt her anxiety rising. She stood there in her civilian clothing, though she did wear the traditional Starfleet jacket that could carry her pips at her collar. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked at her side, seeing Silina standing there. “For crying out loud, don't startle me like that…” 

“What did you expect? The boogeyman?” Silina blinked at her Captain “Don't worry so much, it's a festival day, so relax” 

“What is the boogeyman?” Sazra looked confused at Silina, not understanding the reference.

Before Silina could answer, a soft laugh came from their right as Adrián walked to them with some candy in his hand and gave one of it to Silina. “The boogeyman is a typical mythic creature used by adults to frighten children into good behavior. If they don't, they will be dragged into the shadows to pay for their sins” Adrián smiled. “But in your case, think about Dominion or the IRF trying to capture you every time you misbehave” 

Silina took the candy but gave Adrián a what-the-f*ck look, with Adrián just raising his shoulders in response.

“That sounds terrifying. Why would people do something like that?” Sazra started to walk with her friends following. “And just for the record, I am very relaxed, but I don't know why we have to be present in this…” she waved her hand to the crowd “Chaos?” 

“Because Mariner is in good hands, and when was the last time you took some time off for yourself so that you could actually relax your tense muscles?" Silina poked Sazra's shoulder. “You are the Captain. You are not a machine…heck, I even think androids take some relaxation” Silina felt disappointed in answering her question. Silina took a bite from her candy and looked around “I believe the president will do a speech on all broadcasts or something” 

Grabbing a pamphlet from a girl in a festival suit, Sazra looked at the program. “It seems so. Never expected that the man would have time to do such a thing” Sazra saw some keynotes that could potentially be fun to attend “I guess some relaxation is needed for anyone” 

“Don't worry, T'Path and K'Nala got the Mariner in their hands. I gave them the order to take some free time for themselves also. But they declined, weirdly enough. T'Path, I can understand. She never liked parties. But K'Nala said she was more dedicated to learning her new position” Silina rubbed her template and shrugged. “The kid needs to chill out…” 

“You got a new list of words there Commander?” Sazra looked at Silina with a smirk. 

“Huh, what?” Silina looked weird and confused at the accusation that was made to her.

Licking the candy, Adrián nodded. “Yea, relax and chill out, words you don't tend to use that often or at all” Taking another lick of his candy, he smirks at Silina. “You trying to be hip with the kids these days?” 

The facial expression looked both annoyed and worried at them both. “Sometimes I really despise you two….I am trying to be more approachable for the crew” Silina sees them laughing. “Oh, come on, I got the advice from Hefaam to be more open to other generations” She huffs and crosses her arms.

“Wait, wait…” Adrián lowered his candy and looked surprised at Silina. “You took our Vulcan counselor's advice regarding cultural adaptation?” Now he had seen everything. “What is next, taking poem lessons from a Klingon?” He laughs. 

“Oh, be simple-minded, Adrián, but for your record, there are some great writers in the Klingon Empire” Silina pointed her finger at him. “You uncultured bastard” She shook her head. “It is good to adept to the other generations so that you can actually level with them. Not something you had luck with lately" She narrowed her eyes.

“Alright, easy, you two” Sazra interrupted them both with a smile. “But Silina is right. Klingon writers are famous across the galaxy for their writing” She could name a few. “And Silina it is not nice to point out someone else weaknesses. Adrián is well able to adapt to the given situation.”

Adrián shrugged. “For some reason, I feel more stabbed in the back by my Captain than by Silina with that comment" He rubbed his chest. “Words hurt man…” 

Bursting out in laughing, Silina had to lean on her knees. “Oh damn, Sazra, you are a savage….good begin of the day, I say” Silina wipe off a tear from the laughing. “But really, we should be going before we got Adrián here having a meltdown by more ….compliments from Sazra” She made quotes sighs in the air as she laughed again. 

The two started to walk, with Sazra looking confused at them both. “What did I say? When am I wrong in what I said? He is a socially awkward person who cannot interact with people. Is it part of his charm?” Sazra tried to explain it more “He can't help it that people interpret his intention wrong. You have to know him better” 

“Please…just stop this agony” Adrián felt more depressed with every word that was getting out of Sazra's mouth “ You should get a course with Hefaam on how to cheer people up really” 

Silina laughed as the trio entered the crowd to enjoy a festival day. But unknown to them, this day will be something very different from what anyone in Starfleet would have imagined it to be. As the great plan was going to bare fruit starting at Earth. 

Most of the crew was on Avalon Fleet Yards to enjoy Frontier Day. A few members stayed behind to wrap up the initial preparations for the handover to SCE. The Command Team had given T'Path the lead in these tasks as they were busy at Avalon Fleet Yards. The USS Mariner had already seen some travels and adventures in the short span of its career. Flying in unknown space, facing the Dominion without a shot fired, and eventually facing the Lost Fleet with full might. But now, the ship needed a good repair and resupply to prepare for their next adventure that would bring them to Delta Quadrant. 

“Information on operational status is ready and sent to the SCE lead” Drata just pressed the button sending the said information. He wanted to get this work done and leave to enjoy some relaxation, but these duties always sneaked in at the very last moment. 

“I got my information also sorted” Dacio stated, one of the science crew that had filled in for the assistant who was still busy settling in on the Mariner. He took a deep breath. “They will have their hands full of the things we need to get repaired. This ship is not built for battle…” he mutters. 

T'Path didn't turn her head to Dacio but spoke up “Neither is the given situation that we were dragged into. Sometimes we do not have the luxury to choose our actions, but it is given to us, and we have to react to it” Her voice sounded very monotone, a tone recognizable as a trait from any Vulcan. "Good work, everyone, I think we can sign it off, and you all can get to the numerous events out there.

Leaning back in her chair “Therrre is enough to do. What will you do, Lieutenant?” K'Nala looked over her shoulder to T'Path.

“I am returning to my room and catching up on research rapports. Perhaps if time allows, I will meditate and send a letter to my family” T'Path was still busy typing away on her PADD to finish things up.

“Sounds like a blast…” Drata smirked a bit. “I can't wait to be at that promenade and taste those local beverages. They are calling out for me to try! I mean, nothing beats a good drink while staring at all the glorious ships in window view” Drata was already fanboying over the fact that he could see the full glory of the Fourth Fleet just out of the window. 

Shaking his head, “I do not understand you sometimes, Lieutenant. Ships are just transported for a means-end” Dacio pointed out while swiping up a report that was sent. “We are meant among the stars, explore the unknown and try to grasp the fundamental understanding of it….ships are just ships” 

If looks could kill, Drata would do a mass murder right now with the stare he gave Dacio. He wanted to react, but T'Path stopped him as she tapped his shoulder when passing by. “Enjoy the evening, ladies and gentlemen” She stated, walking to the turbo lift as it opened up. T'Path smiled softly. “Ahh, the reports are sent to y….” For an odd reason, she didn't finish her sentence, making the bridge crew look in her direction only to see in horror that T'Path dropped to the floor, lifeless.

An Ensign had the phaser pointed up, and the gaze on his facial expression was in some trance when the famous and yet horrifying words came “We are the Borg, resistance is futile…” Without a second to think, the crew switched to a combat that would change the outcome of everyone in Starfleet.