“Captain’s log, stardate, seven-eight-three-three-zero point zero three. We are on our way to the Federation colony on Villam Four. Our orders are to assist the Grazerite settlers after recent technical issues with their global weather control system caused damage to their crops. This has created a mass food shortage among its population. We are to help them with repairs to the system and provide food to those who need it. Furthermore, a science station that is being built on the ocean floor requires help to finish off its construction. With the number of tasks we need to do, I hope the change in pace is a welcome distraction for the crew after the Borg uprising during Frontier Day a few weeks ago.”

Captain Romen Corbin walked into the observation lounge, checking to ensure it had been cleaned recently by swiping his index finger along one of the edges. Pleased with what he saw, he approached the top of the table. Corbin was glad that his entire senior staff were present. This meant they could start promptly. After spending most of his morning talking over his orders with Fleet Admiral Duncan and reviewing the latest information on the colony with his first officer, he had yet to see any of the other members of his senior staff.

“Good morning, everyone!” Corbin said in a cheerful tone as he set the PADD in his hand down on the table along with the mug of tea he had in the other. He could sense that most of them were content to be here, while others were eager to know exactly what Starfleet had planned for them. 

A round of short replies followed as the captain of the Columbia got comfortable in his chair. 

“Okay, let’s get started,” Corbin said as he began to brief his senior staff about their next mission. Using the large wall display beside him, Corbin explained how the colony’s power systems had failed, mysteriously wreaking havoc mainly on the weather control systems. This then had an impact on the farming community. The planet’s bad weather, ranging from hurricanes to heavy precipitation and heat waves, had destroyed crops. Things looked awful for a planet that depended on its agriculture industry to sustain it.

“This may sound really stupid, sir,” stated Lieutenant Commander Alkos, “but do they not have food replicators?”

Chuckling at the question, Corbin was used to his chief operations officer asking the obvious. Before he could answer, he heard his Number One’s frustrated thoughts around the Bajoran’s question. She had been an old academy friend, and he knew she would respond just as bluntly as her thoughts were. 

“Oh, come on, Kudege, they’re all Grazerites. Most of what they eat is plant-based,” Commander Elizabeth Nelson stated. Her eyes rolled.

“Liz, Kudege asks a valid question, why don’t they have food replicators?” Doctor Carrillion asked. The Tryan chief medical officer was always the peacemaker in senior staff meetings. “Do they believe in traditional Grazerite ways?”

Corbin nodded. “They do, hence no food replicators. Furthermore, they want to get the issues sorted before the start of the Month of Forage.”

“The Month of Forage?” echoed Lieutenant Niro Seth-Rowal. “What’s that? Please don’t tell me they go into the wild to catch food?” The Deltan chief security and tactical officer looked worried about that last notion. 

Lieutenant Commander Velesa, the Columbia’s chief science officer, answered him. “No, some traditional Grazerite are keen to give thanks and celebrate the food they have collected and are growing.” She looked at Alkos. “Kudege, it is almost like the Bajoran Festival of Gratitude.”

The Bajoran man just nodded in understanding. 

“Great, we get to celebrate digging up potatoes!” Lieutenant Commander Ortega sarcastically said. The chief engineer sat in her chair with her arms crossed against her chest, remaining serious. 

“Oh, well, at least with the bad weather, we know they’ll be mashed potatoes!” Counsellor Merrindis stated with a smirk.

The lousy joke received a few groans aimed at the Risian therapist. 

“Why would the Grazerites only have mashed potatoes to serve at their festive?” Starok asked with a raised eyebrow.

More sniggers went around the room.

“Okay, let’s get back to being professional here, people,” Corbin enforced. “Federation citizens are in danger, and it’s our job to protect and help them. I expect the best from you all. Am I clear?” 

A round of ‘aye captains’ were heard around the table. 

Turning to his first officer, “Number One, will you go through department assignments?”

Nelson nodded as she shared what everyone would be doing once they arrived.

In Play:

• This is the start of Columbia’s first mission. 
• If you haven’t already, then meet the Columbia’s command crew/senior staff here. 
• After this meeting, your department heads would have assigned tasks to their staff, like Star Trek: Lower Decks, there is limited interaction with them.
• Below are the department orders:
  • Command: oversee the delivery of the food supplies
  • Operations: oversee the updates to the weather system (this will include upgrades to the colony’s power system) and/or the installation of the new science station
  • Science: provide aid to anyone suffering from malnourishment and/or investigate the bizarre weather patterns
• The above orders/duties will occur at the start and during the middle of this mission’s storyline. The end will have everyone being able to enjoy the festivities after the work has been completed.  
• You can use transporters, shuttles or runabouts for each department to complete your assignment. 
• Perhaps consider how a group of ensigns from different departments can work together to complete the tasks.
• For Command: 
  • Food supply: more than one away team can deliver food supplies – for example, one group could provide them to the capital city. At the same time, another could visit a smaller settlement in the middle of a rural location. Consider what struggle/issue you may come across. Could the Grazerites be happy to see help arrive, or will they not be happy to receive replicated food? 
• For Operations:
  • Weather systems: you may want to consider working with others on what section of the weather system you are working on and what part of the power systems need to be checked. 
  • Science station construction: the science station is underwater, so could your character do their work while underwater? Could you liaise with anyone in Cetacean Ops to help?
• For Science: 
  • Helping those who are malnourished: One team could be helping out in a clinic. At the same time, another may have to set up a field hospital with tents to help a smaller population. 
  • To investigate the weather patterns: this can be done from the Columbia and travelling around the planet. 
• Other information to be known/read:
  • Grazerites: https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Grazerite 
  • Villam Four is an M-class world – similar to Earth on many levels. It has plenty of land that has been used for agricultural purposes. It has one moon. There are limited artificial satellites in orbit and a basic planetary defence network.  

Feeling nervous, Bollwyn walked into Transporter Room Two and smiled at the transporter chief. 

“They’re ready to transport over, sir,” The chief said.

Nodding back at them, Bollwyn gave the go-ahead. Grasping his hands behind his back, Bollwyn stood up straight. He wanted to provide an excellent first impression and didn’t want to let Lieutenant Commander Alkos Kudege down. The very handsome Bajoran man was their chief operations officer and had asked Bollwyn last night while they were both in the gym. Well, Bollwyn wasn’t sure why he was in the gym. Bollwyn was trying to work on his own fitness regimen when he was transfixed by the impressive amount of weight that Alkos had been lifting. Despite Bollwyn’s best efforts to concentrate on his routine, he couldn’t help but be drawn to Alkos’ incredible muscles, further accentuated by his snug-fitting vest. The man was an Adonis. 

Shaking his head out of his thoughts, Bollwyn looked straight ahead and smiled just as the transporter beam finished materialising their new crewmember. As his department head had taught him, the best way that Denobulans made someone feel comfortable was with their huge welcoming grin. There was no way that Bollwyn could smile as high and wide as Lieutenant Commander Velesa; he ensured he appeared friendly.

“Welcome aboard the U-S-S Columbia; I’m Ensign Samwell Bollwyn, one of the ship’s science officers.” 

Sonia materialised in the transporter room of the Columbia and looked around. She shifted the large duffle bag containing her belongings on her shoulder as it had gotten tangled in the braid. Without the braid, her long blond hair would likely push regulation length on the right side of her head as she had an undercut on the left. Looking around, she nodded towards the transporter chief before her blue eyes settled on the young ensign in blue before her. “It’s a pleasure Ensign Bollwyn; I’m Ensign Sonia Jeden, engineering and operations,” she said, matching his smile, “”I’m“It’sThank you for meeting me.” 

Bollwyn stepped forward and extended his hand to shake hers. He had seen Commander Nelson, their first officer, do the old human custom on many occasions. The Bajoran woman before him was beautiful, and he was sure her eyes sparkled under the transporter’s light. “If you follow me, I’ll take you to the Lower Deck bunks.”

She took his hand and gave it a shake, “Ah, the lower deck bunks, can I call a top one?” She asked with a little laugh. “Always prefer the top bunk.”

Bollwyn chuckled nervously as he scratched the back of his head. “I’m sure there’s plenty for you to pick from.”

As they made their way down the corridor, Sonia couldn’t help but feel like she was walking with giants on such a legendary class of vessel. “So, Ensign Bollwyn, or can I call you Samwell? Have you been on the Columbia long? What’s she like? Anything a fresh graduate should know?”

“I’ve been on the Columbia for a year now, and you can call me Samwell as long as I can call you Jeden?” Bollwyn replied, still smiling. “The Columbia is one of a kind. She’s got all of the modern marvels of the twenty-fifth century but still has the groovy twenty-three-sixties feel! The Columbia may be one of the oldest Galaxy-class ships still in service, but she’s got character!”

She smiled at that, “But of course, it wouldn’t be right not to call me by my name,” she said with a wink. “I have to say, the ‘groovy’ twenty-three-sixties is a lot brighter than the newer ships, and they have carpets! I toured a Sagan-class at Starbase Bravo, which definitely has a different feel, not bad, just different.” As they approached the turbolift, she realised they had walked past the captain’s quarters, “Do you know the Captain, Samwell? What is Corbin like?”

They entered the nearest turbolift, and Bollwyn called for their destination before continuing to share what he knew about the ship. “I joined shortly after its last major refit when Captain Corbin took command. He is pretty cool, almost like a twenty-fifth-century Jean Luc Picard, without the obsession for digging up old things or having any connection to the Borg!”

“That is high praise; Admiral Picard is famous, one of a kind, saved the Federation several times and…” she turned away slightly as she realised she was fangirling a little and felt her cheeks flush. She recomposed herself and looked back at Samwell, “No connection to the Borg is good, though hopefully, we won’t hear about them for a while or ever again. Creepy bastards…” She paused momentarily and ran her tongue along her teeth, a habit she developed for when she is nervous, “…is there anything I should know about Captain Corbin, in case I met him?”

“One thing to know about the captain, he expects us to keep everything neat – I mean everything!” Bollwyn emphasised that last word as the turbolift came to a smooth halt, and the doors hissed open for them. “And welcome to Lower Decks country!” He extended his arm down the massive long corridor. “A majority of the junior crew reside here. Most of us do have quarters, but a good number of us prefer it here. Though most things are communal, it brings us all together, and the bar is pretty good too.”

“Thanks for the heads up about everything being neat. I will make sure my space is spotless.” She stepped out into the corridor and smiled, “This is pretty cool; I get the wanting a sense of community; I will be happy here for sure.” They started to make their way down past the rows of bunks until they reached the top bunch designated for her. “Looks like this is me,” she said, tossed her bag onto it, and looked around at various ensigns milling about. “Do you need to get back to things, or do you have a bit longer? I would love to hear more about the ship and crew. I will be working with Lieutenant Commanders Alkos Kudege and Stefanie Ortega; are they good people to work with? Their files only say so much?”

Hearing Alkos’ name made Samwell blush; he shook his head to refocus on Sonia. “Both are great at the jobs they do. Commander Ortega knows the ship’s engines like the back of her hand, and Alkos is just…great. He’s grea”.

Jeden checked the towel robe she had wrapped around her as she gently squeezed the water out of her hair. She threw back her head and let out a sigh, “Stupid hair…I should just cut it off”, which drew the attention of several of the other officers in the gym changing room who were getting changed to either getting changed for the gym or pool or from it. Two women near here, who were slipping into their workout clothes chuckled and nodded in understanding.

Seated across from her a young Betazoid Lieutenant looked up at her, “You have nice hair though, be a pity to cut it off.” Jeden smiled at that, “True, but you try drying it in any reasonable time so it doesn’t get damaged or tangled.” With that, she wrapped a towel around her hair and walked out of the changing room near her bunk hall. She loved her long hair and though annoyed with it she never cut it off but drying it was such a pain in the ass especially compared to the side where she had the undercut. 

She passed several junior officers, several who she recognized from the day before who were coming off of alpha shift, as she made her way through the corridors of the massive Galaxy-class ship. Within a minute she rounded a corner and walked into the realm of the lower decks. Bunks lined the walls on either side of the corridor, two high, with retractable drawers beside each. Several of the bunks had their privacy covers drawn, likely members of Gamma of Delta shifts who were sleeping. Walking past them she reached her own bunk and pulled herself up into it and laid down. She had been on the ship for a little over twenty-four hours and they had been a whirlwind already.

Shifting slightly to get comfortable she grabbed the PADD from the little pocket beside her head and opened up her messages. Within she saw several general messages to the whole crew about upcoming events in Ten-forward and some of the other lounges as well as a swing-dance competition being held in cargo bay 5. Smiling at these she logged them in her calendar in case she had time and opened the recording feature.

Personal Log – Stardate 78332…No 333…ah, May 2nd 2401.

Ensing Sonia Jeden

She stopped and watched as several ensigns walked by talking rather loudly. One, a Bolian stopped when he saw her watching them, “Hey, your new right? We are off to the bar, want to join?”

Jeden propped herself up on her elbows and shock her head, “Not right now, thanks though. Need to get a few thoughts down but maybe there later.”

The ensign shrugged, “Sure thing,” and moved off but not before smiling at her. Jeden tapped the controls for her privacy covers which slid into place and continued her log.

Today has been a whirlwind. I have been assigned to the Beta shift which is great and start tomorrow, which means I won’t have the night shift all the time.  That said I met with my new commanding officers. I am going to be split between Engineering and Operations but it seems like I will most be reporting to Lieutenant Commander Ortega. 

 

I am pretty happy about that, I have read her file and Lieutenant Commander Alkos Kudege before joining but I didn’t realize how intense Ortega could be. For a human who isn’t even 5 feet tall, she seemed to tower over everyone. It was very clear that she expects the best from everyone who works under her and anything short could result in getting suck with the worst shifts and duties or even a transfer from the Columbia. Honestly, though she reminded me of my Mom. She expected nothing less from her team which makes sense when we rely on the ship to keep us alive. 

 

That said she was intimidating for sure, her experience alone is impressive but I would not want to get her mad at me. Pretty sure she could snap me like a twig, guess you get that when you marry a former Klingon warrior. She has to be tough as nails if her husband is like any of the Klingons I knew back home. 

Jeden paused for a moment as she removed the towel from her head as it slipped partly off.

I wonder if she can get any fresh gagh…I heard she likes it. The academy really struggled. Anyways though I am to report to the engineering at 13:30 tomorrow and need to read through a dozen or so SOPs beforehand as well as review the wealth control design schematics for Villam Four and the blueprints for a science station we will be constructing when we arrive. It will keep me busy.

 

My meeting with Kudege though, was something else. Ortega was moving through engineering the whole time while Kudege wanted to meet in Ten-Forward as his rationale was, ‘We are off duty, why not act like it.’ He was not what I expected from his records. 

She paused as she thought back to the meeting and shifted slightly in her bunk as she realised she was blushing.

He was charming, and, well very attractive. It is always nice to see another Bajoran but he had me laughing for a good 10 minutes before we even talked about work; I can understand why so many of the women, and men, adore him based on what I heard last night in the lounge. Basically, since I have a strong engineering background both he and Ortega felt I would be best placed with Ortega but will do regular rotations in operations to continue with my training. He obviously had read my record and academy transcript and he commented on my low marks in the survival and tactical courses and told me to practice those as we never know when we will need them, that and I quote, ‘Lieutenant Niro Seth-Rowal will have both our hides if you cannot hold my own…’ I am not sure I want to meet this Niro based on that. But Kudege did give me some training programmes I am to work through on my own time.

 

Guess I have twenty-four hours until my first shift as a Starfleet officer. I cannot wait though I know it will be hard work.

With that, Jeden tapped the end recording button on her PADD and set it on the bed beside her. Opening the privacy cover she slipped out onto the ground and opened her drawer and pulled out a pair of leggings and a long shirt. She quickly hung her towel robe up beside the classic Starfleet recruitment post with the original Number 1 on, Una Chin-Riley, and got dressed before grabbing PADD and making her way to the Arboretum to begin making headway on the work Ortega had assigned her. 

Ensign Natalia Donovan stood in the dimly lit corridor of the USS Columbia, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. This was it—the beginning of a new chapter in her Starfleet career. She adjusted her uniform and took a deep breath before stepping forward, her boots making a soft thud on the deck as she made her way through the bustling corridor.

Her PADD guided her towards her assigned quarters, and she walked briskly, eager to settle in and explore her new surroundings. The Galaxy-class starship was vast and impressive, with its intricate design and hum of activity echoing through its corridors.

After a short walk, Natalia arrived at the designated location; a bunkroom hallway. She looked at the room number on her PADD and raised an eyebrow in surprise. She must have read it wrong. She double-checked and sighed in frustration as the number remained the same. She had been assigned to one of the lower deck bunkrooms.

Disappointment gnawed at her excitement as she entered the cramped hallway. The quarters were far from what she had envisioned for herself. The corridor was plain, the lighting dim, and the bunks were arranged in rows, stacked on top of each other. Natalia’s heart sank further as she realised she had been assigned to an upper bunk, despite the limited space.

With a huff, she dumped her belongings on the top bunk and stood there, her arms folded across her chest. She glanced around at the sparse surroundings, her mind racing with doubts. Was this really the right decision? Transferring from the USS Hathaway had been a big move, and now she found herself in this cramped and uninspiring bunkroom. She leaned against the bottom bunk, her fingers tracing the smooth surface absently as she let her thoughts wander. The memories of the Hathaway floated through her mind—the camaraderie with her fellow crewmates, the shared victories, the moments of unity. Natalia felt a pang of longing for the life she had left behind. Had she made a mistake?

As she stood there, lost in contemplation, a voice interrupted her reverie. “Hey, new arrival, right?” Natalia looked up to see a friendly face peering down at her from the bunk opposite hers. The young woman had a warm smile and a curious expression.

Natalia blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Oh, uh, yes. Ensign Natalia Donovan,” she replied, her voice tinged with surprise.

“Ensign Zoe Ramirez,” the woman introduced herself. “Welcome to the lower deck bunkrooms. It might not be the fanciest part of the ship, but we make the best of it.”

Natalia offered a tentative smile. “Thanks, Ensign Ramirez.”

Zoe swung her legs over the edge of her bunk and hopped down, landing gracefully on the floor. “Don’t worry, it’s not so bad once you get used to it. And hey, we’re all in this together.”

Natalia felt a warmth spread through her chest as she looked at Zoe. Maybe this bunkroom wasn’t the end of the world. She had a chance to forge new friendships, to create her own sense of belonging on Columbia.

With a smile on her face, Natalia Donovan leaned back against the bunk, her arms no longer folded in frustration. She knew now that she had to live with her choice for now, and her future on the starship was filled with limitless possibilities if she only made the best of it.

And that she would.

Lost in thought and feeling hungry Francis glided through the large passageways that connect the navigation labs on deck 14 to the primary cetacean ops facility on deck 13.  With a flick of his tail, he propelled himself forward past the specialized escape pods for him and the other inhabitants of Cetacean ops. He could see two of the overly cheery bottlenose Dolphins currently sleeping in one.

‘I needs t’ get some grub,’ he thought as he entered the large pool and popped his head above the water and swam over to the specially designed replicator that was beside the pool.

He let out a string of chirps and clicks which the computer recognized as a reprogrammed code and a moment later two ‘fish’ appeared before him and he happily swallowed them before moving over to the nearest terminal. ‘Time to review these nav logs less I walk the plank’, he jested to himself releasing a series of exhales from his blowhole sending clouds of mist above him.

“Hey!” Michelle exclaimed as the water showered down on her. She was looking for some solitude from her fellow Ensign.  Especially from her bunkmate, Ensign Starbreeze who had a particular way of getting under her skin.

“Aaaah, sheee, chirrp, aaaah, ckal, ooooh, Achhhhhaaa, cheep, eeeeeeh,” Francis said as he boobed in the water and eye up the newcomer with his right eye. The long scare gave that side of his face a permanent evil eyebrow look on that side.

Michelle gave Francis a confused expression,  still mildly annoyed from being covered in whale snot.

Francis flicked his tail and clicked his teeth several times in clear annoyance before a slight computerized voice came from his him. “Shiver m’timbers, dagnabit bilge-sucking translator t’is acting up. M’pologies. What can I do you for lass? Do’u fancy a dip? The water is lovely.” As he said that he started bobbing his head up and down causing water to splash over the edge of the pool.

“I’m good,” she said with a nervous chuckle.  “I miss the beach and all, but this is one is it?”

“Sink me, y’think this a beach?”  Francis said shaking his head from side to side. “Lots of water though, no sand. Water is better than sand.”

“I… no! It was rhetorical.”

“Rhetorical? Hmm.” The translator said following several clicks and chirps from him. “Can still swim like at the beach. What shall I call you lass?”

“Uh… Michelle. Michelle Ortiz,  and yourself?” She responded fascinated by the creature before her.

“A pleasure Michelle Ortiz,” Francis said and let a shrill chirp, “I am Ensign Francis, I help to navigate the ship.”

“Sounds like an important job,” Michelle replied. “I dig up old bones… well, I’m a linguist too.”

“Blimey! A linguist?” Francis asked, excitement coming through the translator, “Y’able to understand me language without a translator? Most don’t.”

“Uh… maybe.  Certainly not right now, but with some time I could possibly learn it. I doubt I would be able to make your sounds though.”

Francis bobbed his head up and down in clear happiness, “Only I can make me sounds, landlubbers can only pretend. Though you could try I suppose. Will you be working here like Lieutenant Taylor?”

“In Cetacean Ops?  I doubt it.  I have my doctorate in Anthropology so I will likely be mostly used there.” She shrugged,  “But linguists have a special need as well so who knows.”

“T’best thing about the slog here is you can swim, though no need for Anthrology here.”

Michelle laughed,  “No, I doubt there are any ancient hominins in your pool.”

Francis dipped down beneath the surface with a flick of his tail and swam a tight circle in the main pool before poking his head back up. “Nay, Ensign Ortiz. Th’be no ancient hominin in the pool. Just the me right now.”

“A pity. Perhaps I could explore your ancient origins as well.”

“Me ancient origins, I would be intrigued,” Francis said before he was interrupted as the door to Cetacean ops opened and a woman with Lieutenant JG pips walked in. Francis turned to look at her, “Ahoy, Lieutenant Taylor, greetings.”

The woman nodded to him, “Francis, you all set? We have a series of navigation calculations that need to be completed quickly.”

“Aye, let’s have at’em,” Francis said before turning back to Michelle. “T’was a pleasure to meet yeEnsign Michelle Ortiz,” he said with a shrill chirp. “A’las duty calls and I must batten down the hatches.”

“Next time I will come with a wetsuit… or perhaps you could join me on the holodeck.  Newport Beach near where I grew up has amazing surfing.”

“Swimming is fun, I would like to try this holodeck,” Francis said with a bob of his head.

USS Columbia; main shuttle bay

Jeden stood amid the hustle and bustle of the primary shuttle bay as several type-14 shuttles lifted off and passed through the transparent shield separating them from the cold vacuum of space. Stepping onto her assigned shuttle she shifted in her form-fitting aquatic suit and doubled check that she had her rebreather and gear stored. Pilled all around the inside of the shuttle were sealed grates of gear and spare aquatic suits.

When they arrived at Villam Four she was not surprised that she was assigned to help with the construction of the new science station, given that Lieutenant Commander Ortega had her review all the plans. She was excited about this opportunity but concerned about her lack of experience with underwater construction. Guess that is what the more senior engineers would have to worry about. 

Stepping up to the cockpit door she saw two ensigns in command red running through the pre-flight options. “Do you know who else we are waiting on?” she asked.

They both turned, the Bolian just shrugged and turned back to his work but the female Andorian responded, “We are waiting on at least one more, we were just told to get the shuttle ready and loaded.” She paused and smirked at Jeden before continuing, “Looks like you will have an interesting job down there. Is one of the whales really going to join you?”

Jeden nodded, “So I have been told. He will be beamed down.”

“What are whales?” An Ensign over two meters tall asked stepping into the shuttle. She had light blue skin with violet undertones paired with long violet hair pulled back into a tight braid exposing long sweeping pointed ears.

Jeden turned and took in the newcomer, “Oh, hi! They are aquatic mammals from Earth. Some people use it as slang for the crew in Cetacean Ops. I’m Ensign Sonia Jeden.” He held out her hand in greeting.

Kahlina stared at the hand for a moment and then the missing pieces of information clicked into place. “A traditional human greeting?” She asked as she awkwardly grasped the other woman’s hand. “I am Lady Breeze…  Ensign Kahlina Elenelirandúnë, or in the common tongue my name is Starbreeze.”

“Nice to meet you. Love your hair, very nice colour.” Jeden said as she slipped past Starbreeze picking up a PADD with the list of materials onboard the shuttle, “Do you have any underwater construction experience? I know they will be beaming down the main modules and we just need to attach them but is a bit new to me.”

“I do not,” Kahlina replied. “Not even construction experience. Before I was in Starfleet I was a soldier…” she paused searching for vague enough terminology before settling on, “Then I was in government.”

“Ah,” Jeden said a little surprised. “Well looks like both of us can learn on the job…” she put the PADD down and glanced back at the entrance aware that they were scheduled to depart soon. “Where are you from by the way? I don’t think I have ever come across one of your species?”

“I am Narlin. I am from a small system near what you call the Typhon Expanse, Kahlina replied. 

“Hey, Jeden!” an ensign in command red yelled from outside the shuttle. “Where you at? Ensign Jeden!” as she looked into another one of the shuttles being prepped. “ I know you’re around here somewhere Jeden, Jeden??” 

Jeden giggled slightly as she shook her head in amusement, she stepped onto the ramp of the shuttle and waved, “Talibah we are over here.” As Talibah approached she turned to Starbreeze, “I think this might be everyone.”

“Then we should proceed,” Kahlina suggested with finality.

Jeden nodded, she turned and stepped back to the cockpit and spoke to the pilots, “That is everyone I think, departure time was 3 minutes ago anyways. Shall we head off?”

The Andorian shrugged, “Sure thing. Best grab your seats.” With that, the back ramp started to close. Within a few seconds, the shuttle was sealed and everyone could feel the subtle shift as it lifted off.

Jeden leaned back in her seat and looked at the two other ensigns in the back of the shuttle, “Sorry, should have introduced you two.” She gestured to Starbreeze, “This is Ensign Kahlina Elenelirandúnë or commonly called Starbreeze, did I pronounce that correctly?” she asked a little unsure. 

“You didn’t,  but close enough.  Most species in the Federation struggle with speaking our language.  It is why I have adopted the translated version of my name”

Talibah reached a hand out as the other was rummaging in her bag pulling out her gear. “I’m Talibah, if it’s okay with you I’ll just keep it simple and go with Kahlina. So where are you from? What’s your speciality?” 

“Specialty?  Uh… well it’s security.  I suppose it’s a bit lazy to continue in Starfleet what I have done most of my life.” She shrugged,  “But I am good at it. Perhaps that is my place.”

“Two minutes to landing, well, submersion I guess. Arrival, yeah two minutes until arrival,” a gruff voice said over the intercom.

“Everyone set? Once we are on-site we should get into our gear and they will be able to get in and out of the shuttle via the airlock,” Jeden said almost giddy. “Building this underwater will be an experience for sure. Good thing we are only 20 meters or so below the surface, heard it becomes a lot hard to work further down.”

“Narlins are not natural swimmers,” Kahlina observed an uncomfortable expression on her face.”

Talibah tapped her chest piece making sure it sat the way she proffered. “It’s not all that hard, big thing is to stay calm and remember to breathe normally. Besides From what I heard Francis will be here so we should have nothing to worry about, right Jeden?” she looked over toward Jeden as she double-checked her helmet. Nodding to herself she went forward to watch the approaching surface and the inevitable submersion.

“Talibah is correct. These suits are very similar to the EVA suits and have built-in thrusters. Basically a spacewalk but with gravity…and underwater,” Jeden said with a smile. “That said at this depth we can use the more traditional scuba gear and rebreather, which gives you a bit more flexibility. I may change into that depending on how things go.”  She turned to Talibah, ”Yeah, one of the Cetacean ops whales will be joining. I haven’t been there yet but if we run into any issues a five-meter-long Beluga will be helpful. Especially with the EVA harness I heard about.”

“Francis? The whale?” She was fascinated by the description of the creature

“Yeah, from Cetacean ops,” Jeden said. “They normally help with navigation, something to do with how they evolved they just get navigation in space better than others. They rarely leave the ship for obvious reasons being aquatic in nature but I gather since we will be underwater for this Chief Ortega though they may be of use. Francis is a Beluga whale from Earth and he will be working with our team. There may be others from Cetacean ops down as well with other teams. You will meet him shortly, we all will I guess as I haven’t yet.”

A moment later the voice of the pilot came over the intercom again, “Ten seconds.” His timing was a bit off as a couple of seconds later everyone felt the shuttle lerch slightly as it impacted the water and pushed below. Once underwater Jeden stood up and grabbed the aquatic suit, a modified EVA suit that was designed to withstand the pressures of being underwater at depth, and slipped the chest piece into place before grabbing the help helmet. “Ready?”

Sighing reserved to her fate Kahlina snapped the helmet into place. She simply nodded. 

Talibah placed the helmet over her head giving the other two ensign’s a smile and a thumbs up. “Ready”

Jeden smiled and snapped her helmet into place before grabbing the tool kit and stepping into the airlock.

USS Columbia; Cetacean Ops

Francis rested on the partially submerged ledge as an operations officer and a medical officer worked around him and attached a large mechanical harness to him. “Ye’postive t’won’t hurt you landlubbers?” he clicked as he tried to turn and see what they were doing.

One of them laughed, a woman by the name of Taylor, who usually worked in Cetacean ops. “Ye’ hold still or I will make you walk the plank.”

With a sigh, Francis let a jet of air out of his blowhole showering the two in a cloud of mist which caused Talyor to smack his side in jest. “We are almost finished, just another second….” Taylor said. There was a loud click as Francis felt the weight settle onto him. “All set.”

Before Francis could say anything the medical staff came up and knelt before him holding two disk-shaped devices in his hands. “Ok, Francis, these devices will let you control to arms on your harness. I know this is new to you but other Belugas have used these and think very highly of them. I also wanted to reassure you that the aquatic life on this planet is not as advanced so there is nothing overly large down there for you to worry about. Two to three meters at most.”

Francis nodded his head up and down, “Aye, I be ready matey.”

The medical officer and Taylor both laugh. She tapped her commbagde, “Cetacean Ops to transporter room. Francis ready for transport.”

Sitting alone in one of the booths in the cantina, Ensign Bollwyn was finishing his breakfast when he noticed a shadow form over the table. Looking up, he saw a fellow ensign from the science department. He didn’t recognise her so he smiled.

“Hi,” Bollwyn said.

“Hi there,” the young lady smiled with an awkward wave. “May I join you?”

“Please take a seat,” He offered, gesturing towards the empty seating in the booth.

“Thank you,” the brunette smiled as she took the offered seat. She then made her own offering of a friendly hand. “Natalia Donovan, astrophysicist,” she greeted him.

“I’m Samwell Bollwyn,” He stated as he extended his hand towards her. Though it wasn’t the typical Ventaxian way of greeting someone, he guessed by Donovan’s name she was human. “You must be new to the Columbia?” He guessed.

“Yeah, transferred aboard just before we departed,” she nodded in confirmation, a wave at the bartender indicating she needed a beverage.

Pushing the last remains of his omelette around his dish, he stabbed at it with his fork. “How are you settling in, ensign?” Bollwyn stuffed his breakfast into his mouth and quickly chewed on it. 

“Oh, just fine,” she smiled, taking ownership of a dark red liquid when brought to her by the bartender. “Don’t get me wrong, she’s a fine ship, but when you’ve been aboard something as new as the Hathaway, you find carpets quite peculiar… and it’s so much bigger, so much to see.”

After finishing his mouthful, he picked up his Alvas juice. “Well, if you ever need a tour of the best places, let me know. I’m happy to be a guide.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that,” Natalia grinned, slouching back into the chair, hoping their conversation would go on for a little longer.

At that point, the PADD that Bollwyn had with him went off, as did the PADD that Donovan had with her. They gazed down to see if they had received their mission orders. Looking up, Bollwyn smirked. 

“Well, by the looks of it, I won’t be doing that tour anytime soon, but we’ll have plenty of time to get to know one another,” He said, raising his PADD to show they had been assigned to an away team together.

“Colour me intrigued,” the woman smiled, leaning forward and craning her neck to get a glimpse of the data PADD he was holding.

Piloting one of the ship’s Type-Seventeen cargo shuttles down to Villam Four, Bollwyn looked at his co-pilot, Natala Donovan and smiled. 

“We’re entering the upper atmosphere,” He reported as he took the shuttle down further. “The village we’re to help is about three minutes away.”

“Excellent,” the co-pilot smiled as her fingers danced across the controls of the craft. “I’m thrilled that we were given this opportunity to help the villagers. It makes a change from being stuck in stellar cartography,” she glanced across at her new friend.

“Have you ever met a Grazerite before?” Bollwyn asked as he checked on the shuttle’s descent vector. 

“Not yet,” the astrophysicist shrugged. “What should I know about them?”

“I hear they are very tall,” He remarked. “I just hope this portable hospital helps them. Doctor Carrillion seemed eager to get these photonic field generators operational so those E-M-H’s can help the injured colonists.”

“We’re going to have to get down there first,” Natalia grimaced, “I’m detecting a massive stormfront closing in on the village. We’ll hit it in several seconds,” she told her pilot.

As they passed through the atmosphere, heavy rain and thunderstorms hit the shuttle.

“Great, we’re going to get soaked,” Bollwyn moaned.

Natalia looked across at Samwell and smirked. “And to think I forgot my umbrella…”

“Five more minutes, push through it.” 

Sweat dripped off of her brow as the timer counted down. 

“Legs feel like jello, I know, but we got this, two more flights. One minute.”

The stair machine continued to rotate the steps under two legs pumping and pushing.

**Ding. A 10-minute cooldown is now in progress.**

“Phewww, those last few minutes were absolute hell.” The young woman in black workout clothes said as she wiped a towel through her long brown hair placing it over her shoulders after wiping her face off.

As she looked around the gym located in the lower decks of the Galaxy class she couldn’t help but notice the scarcity of folks partaking in the rooms offered at this time of the day. 

“Time to hit the sauna for a bit.” She made her way toward the gym’s locker room and the sauna beside it. A couple minutes later she exited the locker room wrapped in an over-large towel and entered the dimly lit cedar walled room. Finding a place on one of the benches she sat with her legs extended closed her eyes and went through a muscle relaxation and breathing exercise.

‘Life in Starfleet and on a ship is so much more different than being a beat cop/detective on the streets of New Cairo,’ she thought to herself as she made her way toward the ship’s main mess hall. “At least I can watch people without having to be suspicious of everyone that I see.” She made her way towards a table with a tray in hand filled with a relatively decent version of a rice and curry dish and a few pieces of Aish Baladi. “Not as good as mom makes, but it works.”

“Hello Talibah, Good evening.” Another human ensign said as she walked by tray in hand.

“Evening Julia.”

Jeden walked into the main mess hall and lounge for the lower deck crew and looked around. After spending the last six hours pouring through the SOPs and other documents that Lieutenant Commander Ortega gave her she was seeing double though she felt she had a good grasp of the material. Walking to the replicator she paused for a moment and considered. “One Hasperat, moderately spice and a water, cold,” she said.

Picking up her tray of food she looked around for a table. As Beta shift was just ending the room was starting to fill up quickly as officers came straight here. The only officer she had really spoken to was Samwell but she didn’t see him but she did see a table with a dark-haired ensign off by one of the windows. Without pause, she walked up to the table, “Evening, mind if I join you? I’m Sonia Jeden, I just came aboard yesterday.”

Talibah looked up as she was just scooping the rice and curry with the Aish Balad. “I don’t mind, haven’t had much of a chance to meet anyone as of yet. I’m Talibah Mahmoud. I’m new myself, got onboard three days ago.”

“Thanks!” Jeden said with her quirky smile as she slid into the seat. Setting her tray down she looked over at Talibah, “It’s nice to meet you. I am in Engineering and Operations, how about you?”

“Command and tactical/security, though I have a feeling that the command will be dropped once the chief of security reads my file.” Talibah shrugged her shoulders as if to say it didn’t matter to her as she spoke. 

Jeden perked up at that, “Really? I barely passed those classes in the academy.” As she said it she stifled a yawn, “Sorry been reading SOPs all day in prep for my first shift tomorrow.”

Talibah took another scoop of bread and curry/rice. “I was a detective with the New Cairo police force before I joined Starfleet. So I’m pretty sure the security chief will try to scoop me up as soon as they find out.”

“How about you? Anything before the Academy or did you join straight out of school?”

Jeden smiled, “Yes and no. I took the entrance exams as soon as I could but helped my parents and the engineering team on DS9 where I grew up. I guess I was always going to join Starfleet.” She paused for a minute and laughed, “Well, I did debate becoming a Dabo girl for a minute or two. I like the game and am good at it but I don’t think my parents would have approved.”

Taking a sip of her water she continued, “What’s New Cairo like? That is just on the edge of Federation space right? My ex, ah, a friend said it can be pretty lawless on the frontier.”

“Yes, it sits on the edge of the frontier. Imagine Earth in the early 1900’s. Lots of Mobs and gangs all vying for control. It’s rough and dangerous. Da runs a shop in the main market area, always having to play the game of knowing who’s in control that week. Always changing are the lines.” She stared blankly at an empty spot on the table then shook her head and looked back at Jeden. 

Jeden grimaced, “Sounds rough, is that why you left to join Starfleet?”

Talibah looked at Jeden and gave her a thoughtful head tilt. “I’d rather not talk about it right now, maybe when we know each other a bit better but not right now. It’s not something I’m overly proud of.”

“Oh,” Jeden said, feeling a little sheepish. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” She looked around for a second and continued, ”How are you finding the Columbia so far? So far I have seen the transporter room, my bunk, Lieutenant Commander Ortega’s office and the Arboretum. I still have lots to explore.”

“I’ve only been aboard for a couple of days. So far it’s about what I expected. Bunk? You’re not living in the halls, are you? “ Talibah shuddered at the thought.  “I got a double room and as of a couple of hours ago I don’t have a roomie,“ she said with a smile as she took another bite of her rice and curry.  “I haven’t seen much more than you, found the gym on the lower levels so that’s a bonus, being on gamma shift has its shortfalls as most things are either slow or outright dead at those hours. I have been on the bridge though so that’s something, I guess.”

Jeden clicked her tongue a couple of times in thought, “I am in the hall but don’t mind it so far. Maybe I will get a room once I get a bit more time under my belt. Also, I know what you mean, I was on gamma shift during my training cruiser for a bit and it was very quiet. Though for work I don’t mind that but it does mean that when I was off duty I missed a lot because I was asleep.” Jeden took a quick bit of her Hasperat before continuing, “The bridge must have been nice, I hope to get there soon. Oh, have you heard much about what we are meant to do on Villam Four?”

“Last I heard I’m not even on the list to go. I did volunteer, but haven’t Heard anything since. Have you heard anything? Maybe I could ask again especially if I know of a particular assignment that may have an opening. The only way I’m going to get experience is by going, and sooner or later that experience may come in handy. “ Talibah sat back in her chair as she took a bite. 

“I haven’t heard much but the chief has me review plans for an aquatic research base so I think we are setting one of those up. Why not check? I think I will be assigned to that team.” A moment later Jeden’s PADD chimed as her alarm sounded. “Shit, lost track of time. I need to make a call back home. It was nice meeting you Talibah. Hope to see you around!”

Jeden slid off the seat, grabbed her PADD and gave Talibah a quick wave before heading back to her bunk.

Francis flicked his tail sending a slash of water over one of the nearby dolphins. “Ye calculations ar wrong. That would send the ship into a star," he said with a shrill chirp. Without waiting for a response he dove down and propelled himself through one of the large corridors connecting the two main labs before popping up in the main cetacean ops room.

Meanwhile, in Cetacean Op's Medbay, Marucho floated near the full-body scanner, tweaking the settings to bring it back in line with Starfleet standards.  His datapad chirped, bringing his attention to the ‘door’ as a large shape swam by just close enough to trigger the sensor.

“Ahoy there, what'ye doing?” Francis said as he drifted in slowly towards the medbay trying to peer around the landlubber.

“Oh, hello there.  If I'm not mistaken, you're Francis, right?  I'm Marucho.  Just got added to the medical team down here and felt like I needed to be familiar with the facilities before anything untoward happens."

Francis floated there for a moment as he looked at Marucho, “Ah, welcome Ensign Marucho. I could use a scan, the fish I ate tasted funny if ye'be willing?”

“Certainly,” Marucho gestured to the scanner he had been working on. “Just got this thing tuned, so let's give it a go.  If you don't mind placing your beak here, and gently rest here.”

The scanner whirred to life, rotating around Francis once.

“Ok, Francis, it looks like that last fish was a little out of date.  Happens to the best of us.” Marucho turned to a nearby replicator, pressed a few buttons, and out popped a small pink pill shaped like a Spanish Galleon. “Take one of these, and if it hasn't cleared up by dinner, come let me know, ok?” 

Francis opened his mouth and let Marucho place the pill on his tongue as he let out a series of clicks, “Much obliged. However, someone should take a look at the blasted replicator that made the fish. Could have sent me to Davy Jones' Locker.” 

“I'll get a report over to engineering.  Which replicator was it?”  Marucho scribbled a note on his PADD.

Francis twisted slowly as he floated in the pool, “T'is that one.” He turned and flicked his head toward one of the two large replicators that were positioned at the side of the pool just above the water line. “It never gets the fish right, ask for Chinook salmon, gives ye Chum.”

“Thanks, I'll send a note down to Engineering.  Ok, you should be good to go, so perhaps I'll see you around Bubble.”

“Much appreciated Ensign Marucho. I feel better already.” Francis said while bobbing his head up and down with his mouth wide open.  “I best go'n check on the dolphins, they be getting the calculations wrong all the time and need babysitting. See you around." With that he flicked his tail and spun around diving down deeper into the main pool and vanished into one of the connection corridors to make sure the chuckle brothers where actually doing their job.

The airlock filled with water rapidly and Jeden had to suppress a slight feeling of fear, similar to when she was about to do an EVA but it was more tangible as she watched the water level rise over her facemask.

She glanced back at the other two ensigns and smiled, “We should be 25 meters from the site, let’s go see what we have.”

“What have I agreed too?” Kahlina remarked to herself. “Narlins do not belong in the sea.”

“Just think of it as a spacewalk,” Jeden said with a smile.

With that Jeden tapped the panel and the airlock opened and the Villam Four ocean spread out before her. Without pause, she stepped out and dropped from view. She sank for a few seconds before her feet hit the rock and sand of the ocean floor. Taking a few steps forward to make sure she wouldn’t get landed on she looked around. 

Talibah exited the shuttle and took a few seconds to orient herself to her surroundings. “ Right behind you Jeden. “ 

Before her, she could see part of the research station was already in place as the other team worked away on it. Near it, she could see a large bundle of heavy metal pylons that would act as the supports for the crew quarters. The station was to be nestled at the base of a small underwater drop, about 15 meters and overlooked a rather beautiful, multicoloured reef that teemed with fish of various shapes and sizes. 

“However this turns out,  it sure is beautiful,” Kahlina spoke as she took in the area. 

“Sure is, well that’s me thing off my bucket list.” Talibah added as she started making her way towards the construction site. 

A dark shadow passed above the runabout and Kahlina casting her into darkness for a second before a melodic computerized voice came over the coms at the same time as a series of chirps and clicks resonated through the suit, “Aye, you could say that again matey. T’is a beautiful reef. Glad you landlubbers could appreciate it.” A moment later Francis dropped into view, his 5-meter-long body partially covered in a mechanical harness which provided several extra appendages to his frame.

Jeden looked up as Francis came into view, “You must be Ensign Francis, thank you for joining us. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Ensign Sonia Jeden”

Francis rolled and let out a series of air bubbles. “Aye, t’is a pleasure to met ye Ensign Sonia Jeden.” 

“Oh hello Ensign Francis,  I’m Ensign Talibah. Glad you meet you, heard so much about you from the gamma shift helm officer. “ As she swam up to meet him

“So, you are a whale?” Kahlina asked as she cautiously surveyed the creature.  “You are a strange looking fish to be sure.”

Francis let a out shrill whistle before the translator kicked in, “Ye’ar a scabby sea bass if ye think I am a fish! I don’t got gills.”

Her eyes went wide with a tinge of superstitious fear, “Narla’s Embrace,” she intoned. “A minion of Aquaria, the sea serpent.  She brings the tempest and breathes underwater without gills.”

“BLIMEY! I Did’t say I beath without gills lass. I need air like the rest of ye. I just swim up top and take a breath normally. Though I have a fancy tank now so can stay down longer,” Francis said as she floated nearby peering down at the the woman.

“I can confirm he is no sea serpent Starbreeze,” Jeden said. “His species very friendly though I have heard that Francis is a bit of a pain.”

“A PAIN?! Who slandered me so? They shall walk the plank!” 

“I am sure it was in jest Francis, you seem perfectly pleasant to me,” Jeden said.

Kahlina raised an eyebrow at the exchange. Logically she knew Francis wasn’t a minion of Aquaria,  and she also knew Aquaria was just a story, but cultural bias against the sea ran strong. “Well…. Perhaps not, but.. well, nevermind.”

Jeden looked at the others and back to the site, “Best get a move on to the site. We have lots to do.”

As they started to make their way to the construction site all their combadges chimed and a group comlink opened, “Team 2, another crewmember, Ensign Marucho, will be beaming down shortly to assist.”

“Was the shuttle not good enough for him?” Kahlina asked. “I’ve heard of people being afraid of being ripped apart in the transporter,  but this is a new one.”

Jeden shrugged but the suit restricted her movement, “No idea, maybe he just missed the shuttle down.”

Readying his wetsuit, Marucho nervously checked all his equipment.

“You’ve checked that equipment three times since you came into this room.  Think you’re ready?” The transporter officer quipped. 

Swallowing his nervousness, Marucho nodded.  “OK, drop me in.”

The Light from the transporter engulfed him for just a moment, before revealing the surface of the sea.  Unfortunately, that surface was a little farther away than he planned.  Also, unfortunately, he accidentally tapped his combadge on the way down.

“I DIDN’T MEAN THAT LITERALLY!!”

Jeden looked up just in time to see a splash above them and a humanoid figure appeared in the water through a cloud of bubbles, “Ensign Marucho I presume? Welcome to the party. You ok?”

Talibah let out a sigh. “Guess that’s one way to make an entrance. Better late than never.”

“I swear he does that on purpose.” Marucho, who appeared to be fine, swam over to the group with practised ease.  “But yeah, I’m Ensign Marucho, Science and Medical, Cetacean Division.”

Francis twisted to face Marucho. “Ye’be late you scallywag,” he chirped before opening his mouth wide in a mocking laugh, “Best not to faceplant in the water next time.”

Jeden looked between everyone and waved them on, “OK everyone, now that we are all here we need to get these pylons in place and secured before the ship beams down the module.”

“Right” Marucho joined them, swimming down to the base location while utilizing the small webbing in his boots to speed his way along.

Jeden activated the small jetpack each of them was equipped with as she moved quickly to the construction site and the location of the first pylon. “Francis, you think you could help move the pylon over here?”

“Aye, I can do that,” he said as he swam down to the pile of six pylons lying on their side. ‘Time to give this harness  try.’ As he thought it two of the mechanical arms unfolded from beneath him and he directed them to grab hold of the handles placed along the side of the pylon and began to move it towards Jeden. “Blimey this is heavy. Give me a hand will yea?”

Talibah swam over to where Francis was trying to lift one of the pylons, grabbing onto one of the hand holds. “You are right, these are heavier than I would have thought. Jeden looks like we all need to work together to move them into place, I don’t think one or two of us will be able to do it on our own.”

Over the next hour and a half, the team moved the six pylons into place and began a secure them to the large support feet. As Jeden and the team began to secure the bolts into place with Francis stabilizing the top of the pylon a large school of fish flashed over the team and began to rapidly swirl around them obscuring their view. 

As Jeden looked on at them she couldn’t help but smile as she saw Francis’s focus follow them. “Wonder how they taste,” he chirped. 

As he watched he noticed several larger shapes shifting through the school of fish, “Ye see those? Maybe taster fish.”

Talibah looked up at the school of fish overhead, noticing the larger shadows amongst the others. “Ummmm taster fish? I can think of another name for things that act like that around schools of fish.” She looked at Francis.

As she did three large silver shapes flashed through the school which melted away around them. Francis had enough time to think, ‘Those buggers look like a shark and squid messed around,’ before the close one to him slammed into his side and several barbed appendages wrapped around his tail. In shock, he twisted and lost his grip on the pylon which began to wobble.

Jeden watched in shock as the shark-like things flashed past. They had the sleek bodies of the predators which seemed to be found in almost all oceans but their jaws seemed to open in six large appendages which were covered in razor-sharp hooks which led to a large black beak-like mouth. “Bloody hell,” she shouted as she watched the first hit Francis. As she jerked in surprise she slipped which saved her life as the second creature flashed past missing her by centimetres. She fumbled for her phaser then realized she didn’t have it and looked towards the pile of gear a meter or two away and the crude harpoon thrower that was there for this very reason.

Kahlina’s hand fell to her right hip and the phaser holstered there. She had no idea if it would work underwater, but it was comforting.  “What have you people gotten me into?”

Marucho prepped his medkit’s hypospray, charging it with enough sedative to put an Elephant down for hibernation. “We should stick close, predators like these pick off the stragglers of packs.  Also, I really hope you’re a good shot, Kahlina.”

“As a general rule I am, but refraction in the water makes aiming more challenging,: Kahlina replied. 

“Captain’s log stardate seven-eight-three-four-four point eight. The Columbia’s work at Villam Four over the last few days has ended successfully. The science station is up and running, the food crisis has been resolved, and the weather system has been dealt with. The last of the colonists who were suffering from malnourishment are being treated in the local hospitals. We have been invited by the colony’s governor to join the people of Villam Four for their celebrations with the Month of Forage.”

Ensign Bollwyn was moving through the large area the colonists had set up for their festivities. Though the weather was colder, the sun was shining down on them. The festivities for the Month of Forage had not been postponed thanks to the crew of the Columbia. He felt a sense of pride that his work, his small contribution, made a difference. 

The festivities reminded him of a similar event back home on Ventax when the farmers collected the crops ready to be harvested and sold in the nearby markets. He had often worked on his parents’ ranch, working early mornings and late evenings. Then, once everything was done, there was always an enormous feast that his parents cooked to celebrate the work. 

Numerous stands had been put up where a range of food was being prepared for anyone to help themselves. The Grazerites were generous people, and anyone from the Columbia was warmly welcomed to join any table to enjoy the food and drink they had on offer.  For now, he was pretty content in wandering around. Stuffing his hands into his jacket, he had opted not to wear his uniform. Wearing comfortable civilian clothes felt more appropriate in his eyes. He didn’t join Starfleet to be treated like a king by his fellow citizens. 

As he moved among the crowns, his eyes fell on a few familiar bodies that weren’t Grazerities. Instead, he saw his fellow lower-deck crewmates. 

Talibah sat with a group of children of various ages as the girls showed her how to weave flower crowns, and the boys all wanted to be seen with an officer of the starship as each one tried to one-up the others and be the one to gain her attention with questions and stories. 

Walking over, Bollwyn approached Mahmoud, “Looks like you’ve got the festive spirit here, Talibah,” He said, smirking at her. 

Mahmoud looked up at Bollwyn with a flower crown on her head and a large smile. “How could you not? The people here are just wonderful and have welcomed us with open arms. Enjoy the day that you have today, as you never know what tomorrow brings.”

Bollwyn agreed with that sentiment and sat down to join her in the creative task she was doing with the children.

Nitala was standing off to the side, watching everyone move about, chatting amongst each other and grabbing some of the lovely food. Feeling awkward in social settings like this, she wasn’t sure what her next step would be; her fellow crewmembers seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Jeden couldn’t help but smile as she enjoyed the celebrations taking place all around her. Listening to a group of musicians play, she slowly swayed to the rhythm of the music as she thought back on her time on Villum Four. 

She had to admit this was not what she had expected from her first mission on the Columbia, well, the end of it anyway. However, she had to admit the establishment of the new research base had been more exciting than she had hoped when those shark-like creatures showed up. Thinking about it, she couldn’t help but laugh as she recalled Francis complaining afterwards that the creatures had scared away the smaller fish he had wanted to eat. As she laughed, she drew the attention of one of the locals who was pushing around a cart with one of the local brews, “Would you like one, miss?”

Jeden looked around and shrugged, “I would love one.” As she took it, she noticed another ensign, one she hadn’t met yet, standing to the side, “Make it two.” She picked up the two glasses and skipped, her autumn-coloured dress flowing around her, over to the solitary ensigned, “Hey, I don’t think we have been introduced; I am Sonia Jeden.” As she did, she handed one of the glasses to the young Romulan. “Would you like a glass?”

She looked at the young woman who greeted her and gave a small, nervous smile. “Nitala,” she replied as she looked at her. She looked at the second glass that Jeden was carrying and offered her, “I would thank you.” Nitala said as she took the glass and took a sip. “This is a lovely gathering,” she commented, trying her best to attempt to make conversation that wasn’t work-related.

“It really is,” Jeden said as she looked around. She took a sip of the drink and then eyed it, “Sweeter than I was expecting, but not bad.” Taking another sip, she looked back at Nitala, “Have you been on the Columbia long? I arrived just on this mission and then spent most of it underwater at the research station. How about you?”

“I just arrived at the beginning of this mission as well,” Nitala replied as she had to agree that the drink was sweet and good. “I assisted with updates to the weather systems, which seem to be working really well,” she added as she looked at her for a moment before back at the crowd, who were talking amongst themselves and enjoying the festivities.

Jeden smiled at that, “Have to say the weather does seem lovely.  Job well done!” Jeden looked around at the crowd then back to Nitala, “What do you say we go find some others to celebrate with? It is a party, after all!”

“Sure,” she replied with a soft smile as they both headed off to find some of the others.