Elena had completed her impromptu tour of the station with Byrne and Millie. Byrne was a professional and outstanding tour guide; however, the Captain knew it was time to get to work. After bidding both Officers farewell, Elena made her way to the nearest lift, “Main Operations,” she ordered.. 

She had relished in the relative anonymity that the tour allowed. A traveling Captain was a dime a dozen for a station of this size. She could do her business, and no one was the wiser. As the lift came to a stop, the doors opened, and Elena knew that the quiet comfort of anonymity was about to end. She took a deep breath, stepping onto the deck plating of Main Operations. 

She closed her eyes for a second, but nothing happened. She opened them, making sure she had arrived at the proper designation. There were numerous Officers, all busy with tasks, but no one was paying attention to Elena. She knew this would change soon, but for now, it was pleasant. She stepped forward but remained silent. 

Coming from nowhere in particular, a loud voice rang out through the room, “Captain on the deck!” 

“Really,” Elena looked over the source of the voice, “We won’t be doing that every time I enter the room,” Elena smiled sternly. 

Elena signed, noticing that everyone in the room had stopped working and was now looking at her. Retrieving a PADD from her duffle bag, she began to read, “To Captain Elena Mitchell, you are hereby requested and required to take command of Deep Space 108, also known as Eos Station, as of this date, signed Starfleet Command, Fourth Fleet.” 

Turning to the figure who unceremoniously announced her arrival, she said, “Please note the date and time in the log. The rest of you stop gawking and get back to work.” Elena blushed. She paused a few steps into her walk, intending to go to her ready room. The view outside the large window offered a stunning display of nearby star systems. 

The loud figure approached her, “Jason Okafor,” he extended a hand. “Head of Psychiatry,” he smiled. 

Elena couldn’t help but notice how accurate the man’s bio file was. His file had described a man who was brimming with warmth and possessed an infectious smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Commander Okafor,” Elena nodded. 

Jason stood beside the Captain, “Many of the crew believe that bright star,” he pointed, “is Freecloud.” 

Elena looked puzzled, “Isn’t that over…” 

Jason interrupted, with a wink, “Don’t tell Petty Officer Byrne; she might have a poor sense of direction.” 

“In the past, these stations were considered the crown jewels of the Federation,” Elena leaned back against the wall behind her, taking in the view. “Eos was Starfleet’s premier defense, a strategic outpost, and a boundary established during the peak of the Romulan War. It’s incredible to think how we’ve transitioned from this to something like a Stardock.” Elena paused, raising a finger, “And for the record, I don’t want to command a Stardock. Those things are too big.” 

Jason nodded, “Just like everything, we tend to find bigger ways to announce our superiority.” 

Elena patted the wall, causing the dedication plaque to fall off its stand. The Captain blushed, trying to put it back in place. “Eos is old, yes, and lacks many modern amenities we’re used to, but her bones are solid. She has a good foundation. It’ll take time, but a good crew can bring it into the modern era.” 

“And don’t underestimate the area; we’re still in a heavily trafficked region. Ships of all kinds pass through this sector all the time, old or not; Eos can still be a hub; traffic will only increase as Eos comes to life,” Jason added, “I guess our proximity to Freecloud doesn’t hurt either,” he gestured to the star. 

“I’m not sure I want Freecloud to be our selling point,” Elena nodded, “that’s almost as bad as putting a station in orbit around Risa. Freecloud is dangerous, in my opinion.” Elena looked out at the large transparent windows, a small barrier between her and the emptiness of space. “You know I’ve seen the inside of many a station, and yet the view from each is still breathtaking.” 

“That view is going to change rapidly,” he stated, “remind me to ask you in a year if it’s still breathtaking. He folded his hands behind his back, “Our Romulan Ambassador should be arriving within the hour. They already sent word asking about their embassy. Her name is Talara T’Vel.” 

Elena’s eyes widened, “Like they Talara T’Vel, daughter of Senate T’Vel, she’s got to be…” 

Jason interrupted; it was a terrible habit but something that he never really paid attention to, “she’s young, inexperienced, and currently the resident Ambassador for the Romulan Government.” 

He shrugged, “at least whatever passes for a government this week.” He could see the Captain’s brain working, “there’s more.” 

“Oh, perfect,” Elena tensed up, “ok, hit me. What do you have?” 

“The aide is accompanying her, “ Jason tensed up, “is an older Romulan, Rempeck.” 

“General Rempeck?” Elena questioned. “That’s not a good sign, but perhaps if the Romulan Republic..” 

“Let us not forget the profound impact of that catastrophic event, which led to the fragmentation of the Old Romulan Star Empire, resulting in our present-day problem. As horrific as this event was, it is vital to acknowledge that a similarly tragic event could serve as a catalyst for reunification, a prospect that may not be favorable for the Federation.” 

“That thought isn’t lost on me, Commander,” Elena replied, “personally, I don’t think we should trust either side. However, our supervisors in the Federation seem to think otherwise, hence the need to revive Eos.” 

“She’s rather old for something so vital,” Jason stated. 

“Her bones are still solid, and her foundation strong,” Elena repeated, looking at him, “I’m determined to get a good crew. With a little elbow grease, we can accomplish a lot.” 

“As you say, Captain,” Jason replied. 

“You say that, but who do you think will be greeting the Ambassador when she arrives,” Elena said, “dress uniforms.” Elena’s gaze shifted from the stars to the bustling activity inside the station. She could feel the responsibility settling on her shoulders, the gravity of what lay ahead. “I suppose we should get to work,” she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.  

Jason nodded, his eyes reflecting the determination in hers. “We’ll make this station shine again, Captain,” he said reassuringly. 

As they turned to leave, Elena looked back at the dedication plaque lying on the floor. She picked it up, her fingers tracing the embossed letters. “Eos Station,” she whispered to herself, “aging yet agile, we’ll make you proud.” And with that, they set off to begin the journey of rebuilding Eos Station, one step at a time.