“The Triton?” Westerham was surprised to hear this news from his wife. 

After the briefing with Fleet Admiral Duncan and McCallister’s stunt in reassigning her to the Triton in the middle of a corridor without much choice, Banfield caught up with her husband in a Klingon restaurant called “The House of Korath’s Kitchen.” D-S-19 had a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs. They had decided to meet here for lunch, and while Korath had given them the freshest raktajino Banfield had in ages, they were now waiting for their Rokeg blood pie. 

“What? I couldn’t really say no,” Banfield explained.

“Did you try?” Westerham quizzed. “I thought you said commanding a starship was never in your plans.”

Sighing as she placed her coffee mug down, Banfield nodded. “I did,” she paused. “However, Carter, since Frontier Day and what we’ve experienced in the Delta Quadrant, it’s made me re-think everything. Are you annoyed with me?”

Smiling at her, Westerham shook his head and took her left hand into his. “Not at all, my par’Mach’kai.”

Leaning back into her chair, Banfield picked her coffee back up. “Good, because when I was walking to meet with you, I was cursing myself for making a mistake. I know everything that you’ve gone through and what it means for the kids.”

Westerham burst out into laughter. “Besides Logan, our other two are no longer kids. They’re young adults who are thriving as cadets. Athena and Brook will probably love that we’ve moved to the Triton.”

Banfield sat up straight as she heard what her husband had just said. “We?”

He nodded. “I’m assuming you’ll need a chief engineer?” 

With her free hand, Banfield picked up a PADD on the table she had brought and showed him how empty the ship’s roster was. “Yes, I do.”

“Then sign me up,” Westerham said. “Plus, the Triton is a Luna-class ship. I’m sure its layout hasn’t significantly changed over the years. I’m at home if she’s anything like the Oberon.”

Appreciating his support, Banfield picked up Westerham’s hand and kissed it. “Thank you, Carter. This means a lot to me. Talking of the Oberon, guess who was at the briefing?”

Westerham shrugged his shoulders. “Who?”

“Captain Zack Marshall-Bennet,” she replied. “The Destiny is being assigned to the squadron, too.”

Surprised to hear that, Westerham was taken aback by that news. “I thought after they found him at Avalon, he was offered the chance to return to his Changeling doppelganger’s rank and position?”

 She nodded. “They did, but Bennet declined it. Deciding to remain a captain and take back the Destiny after its captain was killed during Frontier Day. He saw me briefly after the meeting and told me that taking back control of the Destiny’s bridge did him good.”

For a moment, Westerham considered her words. “I think taking back control of an engineering room will do me good,” Westerham claimed. “I love working with Tierra on the Odyssey, but I think I’m ready to get back to being the Chief Engineer again.”

Pleased to hear that, Banfield smiled. “I think the same, my love,” She said, supporting him with his choice. “And I also want you to be second officer. I’d have you as my first officer, but you know how Starfleet feels about that.”

He nodded in response. “So, who will be your first officer?” Westerham asked. 

“I’m going to ask Lukiz Jen,” Banfield answered.

“Really?” He said, sounding surprised like he did at the start of their conversation.

Nodding, Banfield explained her reasons. “He’s ready for the next chapter, and I feel for him. Don’t get me wrong, Tomaz and Flemen are amazing command officers, and there are others, but if Max is taking command of the Odyssey, I don’t want to leave the Odyssey with a shortage in its chain of command. Plus, I think the new commodore will depend on them more in his new role.”

“Lukiz is a good guy,” Westerham agreed. He is level-headed, calm, respectful, and loyal—all good qualities to have in a first officer.”

“Plus, he will tell me how it is,” Banfield added.

“He will?” 

“He will,” she nodded. “The first time we met, I was a bit too blunt with him, and he countered back with a fair, measurable and honest response.”

“Well, have you asked him yet?” Westerham probed.

Banfield took a breath and shook her head. “Not yet, but I did reserve him from anyone else trying to steal him.”

Westerham chuckled. “Go ask him now.”

“No, we’re having lunch.” She insisted.

“No, go get your new first officer,” Westerham insisted.

Banfield sat there for a few seconds, considered her husband’s words, and then accepted he was right. “Okay, but this won’t take long. Tell Korath to hold fire with the blood pie.”

She placed her napkin on the table and got up to find Jen. “Computer locate Commander Lukiz Jen.”

“Commander Jen is in The Estate.” 

Enjoying a quiet picnic in the station’s massive arboretum, Jen sat on a blanket with Rosle opposite him. She was trying to throw grapes into his mouth, but he was missing them. 

“One more,” Jen insisted as he swallowed a grape he had just picked up from the blanket. 

 Rosle shook her head. “No, you’re hopeless at this,” She returned as she popped a grape into her mouth. 

They both laughed at each other before he rolled over and kissed her gently on the lips. 

“This is perfect,” Rosle insisted. The starfighter pilot smiled at her boyfriend. “I can’t believe we can’t stay here any longer.”

“I don’t know. We’ve got a day before we head back to the Delta Quadrant. We could always book a hotel room and spend the day doing nothing.”

Rosle kissed him back. “That sounds nice, but you and I both know that we can’t neglect our duties, especially with a new captain.”

He sighed heavily. “You’re right, and it wouldn’t be fair for us to abandon Max.”

Kissing him again, Rosle smiled at him. “You are too good,” She insisted. “I don’t think I could serve under my ex’s new husband.”

Looking at her, Jen smiled. “Well, I don’t need to worry about such things as I’ve got you now.”

“I know, but you can’t deny it’s a bit awkward. I mean, you and Tobias were together.”

“That was a lifetime ago,” Jen exaggerated. “And we ended that relationship after I was joined. I was a different person then. We’re just friends now.” He paused as he looked deeply into her eyes. “Wait, are you jealous?”

“Me? Jealous? Ha! Never Lukiz Jen!” Rosle playfully slapped him on his chest. “Now, don’t get me wrong, Commander Tobias Court is handsome, and he has those come-to-bed eyes and lush, kissable lips-”

“Wait a second. Should I be the one worried here?” Jen interrupted. “I mean, I thought you said you liked my eyes and lips.”

“Oh, they’re in a completely different league above Commander Court’s,” Jen complimented him as she kissed him again. This time, she placed her hand on his neck and pulled him closer to her. Forcing herself on top of him as he pulled her closer into their embrace. They were lost in their world as their lips continued to move against one another when they heard a strong cough nearby. Reacting quickly, Rosle rolled herself off Jen, and both saw Captain Corella Banfield standing above them. With the same speed as getting off from him, Rosle and Jen sorted themselves out to be more presentable to their superior officer. Both of them had unzipped their uniform jackets to enjoy their picnic lunch. 

“Captain, is everything okay?” Rosle asked as she stood up. Jen followed a second later.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your lunch,” Banfield said, looking down at the picnic before looking back at them. “But I need to speak to Lukiz. In private.”

Jen shot a look at Rosle and then back to Banfield. “Of course, ma’am,” He stated, sounding more professional. 

Banfield indicated for them to take a walk through the vast park. 

“I am sorry for intruding back there, Lukiz,” Banfield said sincerely.

“It’s fine, ma’am, but I hope you don’t think Commander Rosle and I were being inappropriate.”

She chuckled at him. “Lukiz, be at ease. You can speak freely, and for the record, that doesn’t bother me. You’re not on duty, and if you two decide to pursue a relationship, it’s no one else’s business but yours.”

“Thank you, captain,” Jen said after a brief sigh.

Walking up to a park bench, Banfield insisted they sat down. “I don’t want to keep you for too long, but I must ask you a favour of you.”

Sitting comfortably, Jen nodded. “Of course, anything.”

“I’ve been made captain of the Triton,” Banfield said, smiling.

“That’s great news, ma’am; congratulations,” Jen said, genuinely excited for her.

“Thank you,” she replied before taking a deep breath. “I want you as my first officer, Lukiz.”

“I beg your pardon?” Jen said, stunned.

“You heard me.”

“Me? First Officer?” Jen said as he digested that. “Me, first officer of the Triton.”

“Surprised?” Banfield asked him.

He nodded. “That’s putting it mildly.” Jen looked down at the floor and then at the huge lake in the middle of The Estate. “Why me?” He asked, looking at her. 

“Why not?” Banfield countered. “Look, Lukiz, I think we would make an excellent team. I want you and no one else.”

“I’m honoured, ma’am, I really am,” Jen said, realising how this could all change his life. He then looked over to where they had come from. Rosle was out of earshot of their chat, and she was just sitting there waiting for him to return. She waved at him, and he smiled back at her. 

“I get it that things could change for you,” Banfield said, noticing him looking at Rosle. “So if you need time to think about it, to talk about it with others, then do. I need an answer soon, though, as I want someone to help me assemble a crew in less than two days.”

Jen took a breath and turned his attention back to Banfield. “I’ll do it.” He said easily. 

USS Triton (NCC-80106), Swallow Nebula Region, Delta Quadrant 

Stardate: 78773.41 – Present Day

Jen woke up early, feeling the pull of responsibility tugging at him even before his eyes fully opened. Since taking on the role of first officer, the weight of his new position was something he carried with him constantly. Determined to set a strong example and maintain his fitness, he had started a routine of early morning gym sessions. 

Now dripping with sweat from his workout, Jen entered his quarters, the brisk hum of the ship’s air conditioning cooling his skin. He peeled off his damp vest and shorts, letting them drop to the floor, and went to the sonic shower. The gentle hum of the shower enveloped him as he activated it, feeling the soothing, invisible waves of sound cleaning away the grime and fatigue.

As he stood under the calming streams, Jen’s mind drifted to the day ahead. The Triton was about to reach the edge of The Veil, a phenomenon that had intrigued and worried him in equal measure. His past hosts, former Starfleet officers whose experiences now lived within him, whispered in his mind, urging calm and focus. The Veil was an enigma, a potentially dangerous area of space that could challenge the ship and crew. It was his duty to ensure their safety.

The computer’s voice cut through his thoughts. “The time is oh-seven-fifteen hundred hours.”

Jen sighed; his moment of tranquillity shattered. He had set himself an alarm to make sure he was done before leaving his quarters. Jen stepped out of the shower, water droplets still clinging to his skin, and wrapped a towel around his waist. His desktop console chimed just as he was about to reach for his uniform.

Curious and slightly annoyed at the interruption, he accepted the call. The screen flickered to life, revealing Rosle, his girlfriend, calling from the Odyssey, his old ship.

“Good morning, Commander,” she greeted with a mischievous smile. “You look sexy all wet and just in a towel.”

Jen felt his cheeks flush, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He sat down at his desk with just his towel covering his body. “Good morning, Lieutenant Commander Rosle. Why are you calling so early?”

She laughed, the sound like a melody he missed hearing in person. “I heard the Triton was heading into an area that might interfere with communications. I wanted to check in before that happened.”

Jen nodded, appreciating her concern. “Yes, The Veil. We’re unsure what we’ll find, but we might lose contact for a while.”

Rosle’s expression softened. “Just wanted to hear your voice before you disappear.”

“I wish we could talk longer,” Jen said, the words filled with genuine regret. “But I’ve got a breakfast briefing with Captain Banfield.”

Rosle sighed, blowing him a kiss through the screen. “Stay safe out there, Lukiz. I miss you.”

“I miss you too,” he replied softly, feeling the pang of distance. “Take care.”

As the screen went dark, Jen stood for a moment, the emptiness of his quarters suddenly more profound. He took a deep breath, pushing aside the longing to be with Rosle, and turned to get dressed. 

“How was the workout?” Banfield asked her first officer as he entered the dining room, which was reserved for her use and her guests only. She stood by one of the counters and poured raktajino into three mugs—one for herself, one for Jen, and one for her husband, who sat at the long table in the middle of the room. 

Jen smirked at her as he walked over. “I swear CJ is built like a Probert-class station,” He chuckled, speaking about their chief flight control officer. “I’ve never known anyone who barely breaks a sweat when they are training. The guy could probably pick up a runabout with his little finger.”

Westerham focused on a PADD in his hands and looked up at Jen. “He is henched.”

“Henched isn’t what I’d call it,” Jen replied. “He’s beyond being jacked or buff. I swear he has a twelve-pack on his abs.”

“You should ask him to let you count them!” Banfield said, laughing a bit, as she passed the Klingon coffee to her right-hand man. 

Shaking his head before sipping his drink, Jen told her why he wouldn’t do that. “First off, I don’t want anyone else claiming any harassment for him, plus I fear he would let me. He is one of the nicest, sweetest guys I’ve ever known.” He sipped the coffee before walking to his usual chair and pulling it out. “And I don’t mean he’s green or naive in any way.”

“I know what you mean,” Banfield said after giving her husband his drink before she sat down at the head of the table. “He has a really soft soul, someone who is polite, kind, respectable and just generally-”

“A nice guy!” Jen and Banfield said in unison before laughing more. 

“I’ve always had good experiences with anyone who is a Merp,” Westerham said, placing his PADD down and picking up his drink. “Their manners are impeccable, and they are always joyful. Where does the nickname CJ come from, anyway?”

“From Thamas,” Jen replied, referring to their chief operations officer. “Besides being workout buddies, they were roommates back at Starfleet Academy, and they’ve been best friends since. Apparently, Thamas gave it to him when they were on their zero-g survival training, as Curly is actually named after his father, Curly Merp the First.”

“Making CJ, Curly Merp Junior, or Curly Junior, hence CJ,” Banfield stated.

“Thamas is almost as ripped as CJ,” Jen stated as he took a piece of toast that was in the middle of the table. “They literally egg each other on to do more when they’re lifting weights or doing laps of the swimming pool.”

“Well, I suppose Doctor Nicus would be happy that most of the senior staff are in good shape,” Westerham stated.

Jen looked at Westerham. “Nicus was asking when he would see those shield modulations ahead of us approaching The Veil. He wants to ensure the inoculations he is preparing for the cetacean members will prevent them from becoming ill from the possible radiation that Captain Denaren shared with us.”

“Don’t worry. Our Saurian chief medical officer will have it waiting for him when he reports for duty this morning,” Westerham assured him. “I finished off the upgrades late last night.”

As he sat between Banfield and Westerham, Jen looked at the captain. “I thought you guys were going to call it an early night yesterday?”

Banfield nodded. “We were, but someone,” she looked at her husband, “wanted to review the data package that Denaren sent us.”

“Hey, I wanted to get ahead of ourselves,” Westerham replied with a smirk, knowing that his wife was teasing him for working late yesterday. “Anyway, I didn’t hear anyone complaining that she could go and enjoy some Mok’bara in private.” 

Banfield shot him a warning look, forcing Jen to chuckle at their romantic tiff.

“Lukiz, if anything, you could always see if CJ and Thamas want to join the captain for a Mok’bara session,” Westerham said. “She’s tried to teach it to me for years, but I don’t have the patience for it.”

“Mok’bara requires focus,” Banfield insisted. “Anyway, if it doesn’t involve a boxing ring or a baseball bat, my husband isn’t interested.”

“Now, kids, don’t make me come between you two,” Jen joked, causing the other two to laugh too. “That said, I’m sure the crew would enjoy a session of Mok’bara led by their captain.”

Banfield looked at her husband with a slight sneer. “Now look at what you’ve done,” She said sarcastically. “Thanks!”

“I love you too, my par’mach’kai!” Westerham replied as the holographic stewards entered with their breakfasts. 

Once they were served their food, Banfield had taken a piece of her poached egg and was about to put it in her mouth as she spoke to Jen. “Is Jisaraa ready to launch those surveillance probes?”

Jen nodded as he finished what was in his mouth. “She is,” He replied. “They’ll be launched twenty minutes before we arrive.”

“Good,” Banfield said as she cut up her bacon. “I don’t want someone appearing from nowhere when we can’t use our sensors near this phenomenon.”

“T’Liana and Thamas said they’ll work out a filtering solution for the sensors once we’re closer. CJ suggested having a runabout crew remain out of the interference as a communication relay,” Jen shared.

“Wow, was this all discussed in the gym this morning?” Banfield remarked.

Jen nodded. “T’Liana and Counsellor Solis were having an early morning fencing session.”

“Fencing?” Banfield repeated. “Roberto and T’Liana were fencing?”

Banfield nodded. “After they finished, Bobby and I were chatting about crew morale while on the treadmill.”

“Sounds like most of my senior staff meetings need to be happening at four am and in the gym,” Banfield said as she picked up her mug of coffee. “Anyway, tell CJ to hold off on the runabout idea. Once we’ve approached the asteroid, we don’t know how many of them we will need to help mine the gallacite.”

“Understood,” Jen said before cutting up his food. “Oh, and if you want to join us for an early morning jog, most of us will try to do one tomorrow.”

“I swear if these early morning sessions lead to a mutiny, I will have you all walk the plank!” Banfield insisted with a smirk. 

Jen knew she was joking; over the last week, he had learnt her humour more than in the past year. He knew she was happy her new senior staff were getting along well. Jen only hoped that their upcoming mission didn’t spoil the buzz that now existed across the Triton. 

Everything had to go well.