Captains Log:

Having successfully handed over DaiMon Talr to another vessel we are heading back into our patrol area.  Whilst we aren’t on the doorstep of Klingon space, we must remain ever vigilant of any attempt by their forces to penetrate deeper into Romulan territory.  Since the collapse of the Romulan Empire as one solid and unified entity; this sector has remained largely forgotten and abandoned.  We therefore cannot rule out the possibility of a House making a bold move and sweeping in to seize control unopposed. 

We are not here to engage; our duty is to observe and warn of impending threats.

However it is not all gloom and dark shadows on the horizon, sometimes as part of my duty as Captain I get to do nice rewarding tasks to.  That includes handing out well deserved promotions. 

End Log.

            **********

Lieutenant Devron had just placed the PADD down he’d been dictating his log entry into, when someone buzzed his door.  Jason hated ‘Logs’ but realised they were a necessary part of life as an officer aboard ship, even if he did try to put them off until the last minute. “Enter.” He called out.

The door to his quarters slid open and in stepped his half Orion, half Human First Officer.  She took a quick glance round; noting that even after all this time; there still wasn’t much in the way of personal items in the room.  They’d first met at the Academy on Melstoxx III.  Back then she’d discovered he could be both out going and extremely private at the same time.  There was however two photos sat on the captain’s desk which stood out.  Neither had been there the last time Lyanna had been in the room with had been a few days before Jason’s birthday. On the left was a photo of the late Rear Admiral George Devron; the captains’ grandfather and just as big a mystery.  

Jason had never mentioned him or spoke much about any of his family. Then one day out of the blue, here was this guy.  You only had to look to tell they were related, it was that chin and those remarkable eyes.  The universe can be so cruel sometimes, and she knew the Admiral’s death had almost brought Dervon’s career to a halt, if not ended it completely.  Only a desperate need to search for answers and the unwavering support of the doctor had kept him on track.

Doctor Phoebe Andrianakis was alongside him in the photo on the right.  There was something between those two, even if they hadn’t entirely figured it out for themselves.  But that photo seemed to mean enough to be on display. 

“I take it you have the box?” He questioned, bringing his First Officer back into the moment. She waved the small black box at him in way of reply. “Time to go then.”

He stood up and the pair of them exited his quarters.  As always despite it being at the opposite end of the ship; Jason always preferred conducting any important business in the aft observation lounge.  For one thing his quarters weren’t that practical due to its small size.  Other captain’s probably had bigger beds that his quarters!  And the ‘Jax’ wasn’t that big, so it was only a short walk. 

Once Devron arrived at the lounge, he remained standing, although with one arm resting across the backrest of the chair he’d normally be seated at.  Stuart stood behind and to his right, now holding the box behind her back.

A couple of minutes past before the person they were both waiting for came to the door and awaited permission to enter.  Crewman Derek Lightwood came to attention and saluted his two commanding officers.  He was unsure as to why he’d been asked to come here, but the hint of a smile on the Captains face seemed to indicate all was well.

“Crewman Lightwood, on two separate occasions you have shown great skill and ingenuity under challenging and difficult circumstances.  Both times have resulting in saving the lives of senior staff, including those of acting Chief Engineer Torf and my First Officer here.” Devron’s hand briefly swept in Stuart’s direction.  “It is in recognition of these acts and you unwavering dedication to this ship and its crew that I am pleased to promote you to the rank of Petty Officer.”  

Lightwood stood stock still, a little taken a back; he’d just seen it as doing his job and doing it well.  It was clear though, that others had felt he’d gone beyond that. “Thank you sir.” He finally got out.

“Number one, will you do the honours?” Asked the Captain stepping just a little to the side.

Lieutenant Stuart took four paces forward, bringing the small box from behind her back as she did so.  She opened the lid, revealing the shiny black pip inside.  Removing the rank insignia and placing the now empty box on the table, she carefully attached the pip to the collar of the now Petty Officer Lightwood’s black and gold uniform.  As Lyanna did so you congratulated him and offered her thanks.

After she’d stepped back the three of them saluted once more. “Your dismissed Petty Officer Lightwood.” Devron announced. “I believe your fellow crewmates may wish to celebrate your promotion.  So of you go.” 

“Thank you Sir.” Beamed Lightwood, things slowly beginning to sinking in. “I won’t let you down Captain.”  The turned and half matched half ran from the lounge.

“Bright kid that.” Remarked Stuart.

“Commander Salan really knew how to pick a crew.” Added Devron. “I only wish he could have been here to see how we’d all developed.”

“Do you think he’s still alive?” The Orion asked.

“I’d like to think they were all kidnapped for a reason.” Devron replied. “And one day I hope we’ll find them and the answers to that mystery.”  

It had been a difficult task jumping into the Commanders shoes.  Losing all three of the ships most senior crew during one fateful mission had certainly been a shock to the system. He wasn’t sure of another ship facing a situation quite like it.  But they’d all pulled together despite all the challenges the universe was intent on throwing in their direction.

Stuart could see that look on her captain and friends face; that faraway look he got sometimes when he was thinking.  A polite cough brought him back into the real world.  He gave a small smile and tapped her arm. “Yes I know.  Day dreaming won’t get anything done.” 

The two officers headed off towards the bridge chatting about the ship and the general situation they now faced.