“Never thought I’d see you again.” Fleet Captain Geronimo Fontana stood in transporter room 4. Staring him down was Lieutenant Commander Sienna Frisco, who had opened the discussion with a dry observation. She stepped down from the pad, ‘Better the devil you know. Permission to step aboard, sir?”

Fontana chuckled. “Permission is granted, Sienna. Welcome to Montana Station.” She fell in step with him as they walked out into the corridor. “You’re caught up on the station and sector status. I was surprised to see you apply for the position.”

Sienna rolled her eyes as they turned a corner and continued. “The brief time as XO on the Valkyrie convinced me that I needed to move up in the universe. Time isn’t infinite in this life.” It felt good to stretch her legs. The journey out to Montana Station had been a long one, and she had spent a lot of time examining and understanding the situation out here. “You’ve done well for yourself.”

She watched his face redden just enough. “I got lucky. I never imagined I’d be running a station like this out here in the Rimward. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else.” They stepped into a turbolift, and he turned to her. “You’ll be training with Captain Engstrom starting tomorrow morning.”

She held up the PADD she’d been studying since her departure from the Valkyrie. “He’s particular. I understand particular. His reputation for excellence is an inspiration.” She paused, a smile crossing her lips. “I know his bedside manner leaves room for improvement.”

Fontana cackled as the turbolift door swished open, “That’s putting it lightly.”

“I understand the boss is away.” Yaaya Deepre glanced up from the main bar in House of Hasara, meeting the gaze of the tall and broad-shouldered human. He was flanked by a scowling Romulan and an indifferent Klingon.

She dried her hands on a washcloth, her eyes searching them for weapons. Whatever they carried, it was hidden. “I’m front of house operations here. Name’s Yaaya. What can I get for you?” The Bajoran bartender’s hands moved below the counter, gently gripping twin phaser rifles.

The human snarled, “You’d best be putting your hands above the counter, old woman. We’re here to reorganize the internal structure. Change a few names. You know how it goes.”

Yaaya smiled, and she enjoyed the confusion that filled the three faces that stood before her. “I know it goes. Sixty-eight isn’t old. It just means I’ve survived more than you. Get the hell out, please.”

The human deadpanned, “You’re joking.” The other two chuckled.

“I don’t joke. Last chance.”

The human reached for something in his coat while the other two moved to do the same. Yaaya snatched the twin phaser rifles out and blasted all three to the ground as alarms bleated above her. Thirty seconds later, two security officers arrived, staring at her and then at the sprawling bodies. Yaaya returned the phaser rifles to their charging stations under the bar. “They tried to rob me. They’re stunned.”

The two sighed and went to work gathering the stunned criminals while also calling for medical assistance. As they were leaving, one turned to Yaaya. “You’re starting to get a reputation, Deep.”

She didn’t smile as she returned to inventorying the drinks and bar supplies. “Maybe then the idiots will stop trying.”