“The Delta Quadrant, sector four-one-seven-five-one grid three,” Fleet Admiral Duncan’s voice boomed across the wardroom as he started his briefing. A massive holographic representation of the area he was talking about appeared in the centre of the room. Numerous planets, borders and locations were marked on it. The stardate of these scans indicated they were over twenty-seven years old. “If you don’t know, this is the furthest area away from the Swallow Nebula itself. Voyager passed through this area in early twenty-three-seventy-four, making contact with species like the Caatati, the Arritheans, the Vori, the Kradin, the Bo’mar, the Srivani, the Krenim, the Zahl, and the list goes on and on.”

Pausing, Duncan pressed a button on the podium he was standing behind, which zoomed in on one particular map section. It now showed the location of an underspace aperture. “Commander Fitzgerald has determined that the underspace corridor aperture that opened near Kovar takes a direct route to here two light years from a pair of binary pulsars.” Duncan pointed to the binary pulsars on the holographic map. “In two days, the Odyssey Squadron will depart from this station, enter the aperture, and make its way into this region of space. The primary goal is to re-explore this area of space and make peaceful contact with those who live nearby.”

“We know from what Voyager encountered that some of these species may be hostile,” Duncan stated, his voice carrying a note of caution. “However, knowing if any more underspace corridors intersect into this area and who has access to them is a priority too. We must be prepared for any eventuality.”

“Our Caatati guests have shared some updates on the geopolitical status quo in this area,” Vice Admiral Jaret said. She was sitting to Duncan’s right. Looking at the other senior staff members all assembled, Jaret carried on. “We can safely say that not much has changed in the past three decades. Some uneasy peace treaties have been signed between some of the main players. However, nothing else has changed except for a few more Borg incursions recorded in the area and the Hirogen establishing several training holographic bases.”

“Until we get our hands dirty,” uttered Captain Mo’Lee-Krabreii. At the far end of the table, the Efrosian woman was seated, her elbow resting on the surface and her chin propped up by the palm of her right hand. Her indifferent tone suggested that she had little interest in the briefing; however, what she was saying most people were thinking. 

“You think we’ll make things worse there, captain?” Jaret called out.

Krabreii sat up and carefully placed her hand on the table away from her chin. She gently shook her head before answering, “No, but we know these apertures are opening up across the galaxy. Is this an area we really want to squander our limited resources on? We must carefully consider our resource allocation to ensure the success of the defence of the Federation.”

“We can do that here and out there,” Fleet Admiral Duncan replied. “The work the D-E-I has undertaken to secure good relations with our galactic neighbours has been immeasurable.”

“In the Gradin Belt, yes,” Krabreii replied. “But the Swallow Nebula region, as you said, does contain hostile races.”

“Races we can’t afford to have as more enemies, captain,” McCallister now spoke up. The newly promoted commodore had been on the other side of the table, where Jaret was. He had sat up and leant forward to look at Krabreii. “We know there are other races in this region that can help us begin to make inroads to establishing peaceful contact with others. Races like the Kradin, the Arritheans and Mari all had a peaceful encounter with Voyager.” He then pointed across the table towards Cambil, “With the help of Captain Taes and the crew of the Constellation, Captain Cambil was able to open up a dialogue with a distant Krenim colony.”

“Hang on; you’re placing our hopes on a race that is at war with another race they share their homeworld with, a species that Voyager had a brief trade agreement with, another race who shared violent thoughts on the black market and race who can manipulate time and who recently proved that Starfleet is responsible for a good number of paradoxes?” Krabreii challenged. “I don’t mean to sound so pessimistic here, but so far, our experiences in this area aren’t great. Furthermore, Starfleet Intelligence’s analysis of the region even placed species like the Srivani as a high threat to our security. I’m not sure I’m not the only one in the room who would like to run the risk of following Admiral Janeway’s footsteps in having hot iron needles screwed into my skull anytime soon.”

“Your concerns are noted, captain, but we’re going, and if you can’t command the Orion, then I’ll find someone else to,” Fleet Admiral Duncan firmly said. It was enough to shut her up, and he continued with his briefing. “We have reason to believe that this corridor also connects to others here in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, so we must be mindful of other races entering this region.”

“Are we sharing this mission with any of our allies?” Captain Bennet asked. The Destiny’s commander had been sat almost in the centre of the table, being flanked by his senior staff. 

Duncan shook his head. “No, with how things are between the Klingon Empire and the Romulan Republic, this will be a Starfleet solo mission.”

“That’s a shame,” Bennet remarked. “Will the entire squadron remain together, or will we split up?”

“Splitting up into groups of twos or threes,” Duncan answered. “Commodore McCallister will issue out orders. Deep Space Nineteen’s job will be to protect this aperture and work on ways for the squadron to maintain consistent contact with the station using the underspace corridor. Let’s get moving people. Dismissed. Thank you. But can Captains Duncan, Banfield and Reyas come with myself and Commodore McCallister.”

The room was then filled with chatter as everyone started to disperse into their groups. Those called got up and moved over to be with the admirals.

After moving into the anteroom of the wardroom, McCallister could see on his wife’s face, along with the other two, how pleased they were with his promotion to commodore. More he could see on Max’s face how excited he was to see his father. 

Clearing his throat, the fleet admiral spoke up. “I wish we had more time to celebrate James’ promotion, but this situation is happening so quickly that we don’t have time to put on a proper party.”

“Maybe once things have settled down?” Reyas requested.

“Perhaps,” Fleet Admiral Duncan stated, allowing the brief remark. “But I must also make a few more appointments before I leave the station tomorrow.”

Straight away, McCallister noticed Max’s excitement almost fade into the shadows after hearing that from his father. 

Fleet Admiral Duncan continued, “With James’ promotion, it does mean he will be required to oversee more of the squadron, and with this mission ahead of you, we want him to be the face of those bigger diplomatic overtures with races like the Zahl and Krenim. His focus can’t be split between all that and commanding the Odyssey, so we’ve decided that the Odyssey will remain his flagship, but it will have a brand new captain.”

Reyas, Banfield and Max all looked a bit surprised by that. McCallister assured them that he was okay with this decision. “I’m good, but I’m not that good.” He looked at Max. “You know what I’m going to say, don’t you?”

Max smirked at McCallister. “I think I do, though you should say it.”

“Captain Maxwell Duncan, congratulations, the Odyssey is yours,” McCallister said, grinning.

The others congratulated the younger Duncan before his father stepped forward and hugged him tightly.

“Well done, Max; it wouldn’t be the Odyssey without a Duncan in command,” Fleet Admiral Duncan said with enormous pride before looking at McCallister. “No offence, James.”

“None taken, admiral,” McCallister chuckled before looking at the other two. “And you know we wouldn’t have gotten this far these last few years without you both so close by my side.”

“Well, I can’t speak for Karyn, as she’s married to you and has no choice in the matter, but joining the Odyssey has been an honour of a lifetime, commodore,” Banfield smiled. 

“The Odyssey is our home and family,” Reyas added sincerely, taking her husband’s hand into hers. 

“Both of you have helped me keep the focus of science at the tip of our exploration efforts, and I’d always be grateful for that, but I need you both to take that further for me,” McCallister said as he squirmed.  

Reyas squeezed his hands. “James, whatever it is, you know I’d support you.”

“Likewise, sir,” Banfield added.

“Then will you both be willing to take command of your own ships?” McCallister asked.

Both women were surprised at that question. Reyas spoke first.

“James, I’m already in command of the Telemachus and the Academy unit,” She reminded him. “Am I being reassigned?”

Fleet Admiral Duncan interjected. “Karyn, you and Corella are fine officers with years of experience. Both of you make an excellent impact on the work that the Odyssey does. However, Starfleet needs officers like you to take a huge leap of faith and step up further.”

“Which ships?” Banfield asked.

“The Triton and Bellerophon,” McCallister answered, looking at his wife. He knew that making this choice would split up his family; however, the notion of the greater good was needed here. “You two are at the top of my list. I need people in command of these ships who I know will do their best.”

Both women didn’t say anything momentarily as they considered his request. 

“I don’t want the Triton,” Reyas stated; she started to smile. “Give me the Bellerophon.”

“Are you sure, Karyn?” Banfield checked. “You and James served on the Triton before the Odyssey. Don’t you have some deep connection with it?”

Reyas looked at her husband. “We did, but I’d feel like I would be following in his footsteps or Rio’s.” She shook her head. “I don’t want that.” 

Banfield then nodded. “Fine, I’ll take the Triton. Is that okay with the admiral?”

“It’s absolutely fine with me,” Fleet Admiral Duncan replied. He turned to Reyas and McCallister. “Perhaps we three can give you some time to discuss this privately?”

“Thank you, sir,” McCallister said.

Seconds later, after they had left, McCallister turned to his wife. “I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have dropped them on you like that.”

Reyas took a step forward and kissed him. She took her lips away from him. “Don’t ever do that again!” She told him with a slight slap to his shoulder. Looking deeply into his eyes, she placed her hands around his neck, and he wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m proud of you for your promotion and grateful you want to give me a ship.”

“I know you’ve not been happy with how things have changed with the academy outreach programme, and I didn’t want to be the reason you were unable to advance in your career,” McCallister said honestly. “I’ve felt that I’ve been the one stopping you from moving on over the last few years. From you not being able to advance in the chain of command on the Odyssey because we were married and that with you being captured by the Changelings, you’ve not been given the chance.”

“It’s never been about that, James,” Reyas said. “I’ve loved my work over the years under your command.”

“Really?” 

“Honestly, yes, but if I take this command, what does it mean for us and our family?” Reyas asked.

“Nothing changes between us; we can make this work; we’ve been through a lot worse.” McCallister confidently said. “And with us only having Alfie left at home, our family remains where it is. If I didn’t offer you this, I was certain the admiral would have reassigned you elsewhere. At least this way, we can be closer together.”

Reyas appreciated knowing that. “I suppose we have no choice in this then.”

McCallister nodded and sighed. “And with me being released from the Odyssey, I could always transfer my flag to the Bellerophon if the mission required it.”

“Now that is true,” Reyas nodded. She kissed him again. “I was hoping we could see Theo and Henri while we were back.”

“Me too, but I’ve not heard of a corridor opening up between Cestus and here,” McCallister placed his forehead against hers. “Are we good?”

“We’re good,” She whispered.

They walked out of the anteroom and found the others standing there for them.

“Are we all good?” Max teased.

McCallister looked at his former first officer. “Maybe I should have made Tobias my successor.”

“Or Jordan and William?” Banfield offered.

“You wouldn’t!” Max threw back in mock offence.

They all chuckled at the light humour.

“Talking of my son-in-law and grandsons, Max, will you, Tobias and the boy be available to join your mother and me for dinner tonight before we leave?” 

“Absolutely, sir,” Duncan said with a smirk.

“Great, then I will leave you all to get on with organising your new assignments,” The Fleet Admiral turned around to leave them alone in the corridor.

The moment he was gone, Banfield spoke up. “I call dibs on having Lukiz with me!”

“Oh man!” Max cried as the group walked in the opposite direction.

McCallister chuckled. He knew where these new appointments would go and may regret not protesting enough when he got his new admiral bars.