((Conference Room 3, SB 420))

Starbase 420 was one of the original Anchorage class stations built in the 2340s and 50s. The class of station was what you could call one of the medium sized spaced station that Starfleet had spread out across their regions. Often used at sector HQs for regions that wouldn’t justify a Spacedock or larger class of station. With a crew of about 1000 it was a utilitarian but modular station that shared some commonality in terms of appearance and components with the Regula and Jamestown class stations.

In the conference room were the 4 COs of the Farragut, Solvang, Culver City and Blythe and Cdr Aloran, the Task Group CO.

Tyler had been the first to arrive, not wanting to be late for his first staff meeting with other Captains.

He greeted K’lev as the young Lt walked in “Greetings Captain. It’s nice to meet you in person.” He went over and offered his hand.

K’lev seemed startled to be addressed so quickly after entering, but recovered reasonably quickly and shook the proffered hand.  “Likewise, s- Captain Tyler,” he replied, correcting himself mid-word.  “Thanks for screening us while we were rescuing the Shuswap.”

“Our pleasure. Our runabouts ended up shadowing that Tholian cruiser that showed up on their side of the border for about an hour before they withdrew.” Tyler said almost excitedly.

Ayres leaned back in his chair, arms folded tight across his chest as the introductions carried on around the table. He waited until the pleasantries had subsided before muttering just loud enough for Aloran to hear. “I’ll tell you, Aloran, half these captains look like they still need permission to sit in the command chair. Starfleet must be scraping the bottom of the barrel if this is the best they can send to the border.”

Aloran did not flinch at the grumble. He folded his hands neatly before him, his tone calm and even. “Experience does not always show in the lines on one’s face, Captain Ayres. Some of them earned their commands through action, not just time in grade. Starfleet wouldn’t entrust them with starships otherwise.”

Ayres snorted, “Action? One successful skirmish, a lucky break, and suddenly they’re sitting in the centre seat of a starship. A decade ago, that would’ve been unheard of. Back then, you had to prove yourself over years.

Aloran allowed the faintest of smiles, “And yet here we are, surrounded by them. Times change. The threats we face are different, faster moving. Starfleet has adapted by promoting those who can act decisively. Even if they’re younger than what you or I might expect. And I am much older than you, captain.”

Ayres shifted uncomfortably, glancing across the table at Tyler and K’lev as they conversed. His voice lowered again. “You put people with barely enough hours in command, and sooner or later they’ll make a mistake that gets others killed.”

Aloran’s expression softened, but his words were firm, professional. “You’re right, mistakes will be made. But they’ll also learn, adapt, and grow. We cannot protect them from every error. What we can do is lend them our experience. Guide them. If you truly care about keeping them and their crews alive, captain, then perhaps the grizzled veteran at the table should share his wisdom rather than his scorn.”

That made Ayres glance sharply at Aloran. For a moment, he said nothing, then let out a humourless chuckle. “You always know how to twist the knife, don’t you?”

The Vulcan glanced at him, sidelong, with an almost cheerful demeanour, “Not a knife, captain. A reminder. We are not here to brood over what Starfleet once was. We’re here to ensure this mission succeeds, with all the strengths each of these captains brings. Whether they’ve been in command for two months or twenty years. And I fully expect for them to teach us some things.”

Ayres exhaled heavily, running a hand over his beard. “Fine. I’ll keep my opinions to myself. For now. But don’t expect me to clap them on the back and tell them they’re doing a fine job when they’re green as spring grass.”

“I would expect nothing less than honesty from you, Ayres. Just remember, honesty delivered with mentorship is worth far more than criticism delivered with contempt.”

Ayres narrowed his eyes at Aloran. But then cleared his throat and addressed the room, “Captains. Shall we get down to business? I know the task group commander, here, is eager to exercise his diplomacy.”

Ayres’ words to the room pulled K’lev’s gaze, and he quickly lapsed into silence, sitting in the nearest seat, and hoping not to be called on – having a senior captain and a task group commander both present was rather intimidating to the young lieutenant.

Joining them in the briefing via subspace on the large screen at the far end of the table was the Captains of the Salvation, Sacramento, Daring and Cutlass.

“Yeah whats the orders sirs?” Captain Vaxx, the Bolian CO of the Cutlass said from the viewscreen.

“My crew is on edge, just in the last few hours we’ve noticed sensors signals consistent with a large battle occurring along the border between the Sheliak and the Tholians. They’re definitely fighting over something out here, when can we expect some support?” The Bolian finished.

Tyler and K’lev quickly took their seats.

Aloran leaned forward slightly, his tone steady and reassuring. “Your concerns are valid, Captain Vaxx. Which is why this task group is being deployed in pairs along the border. We will establish overlapping patrol routes, supported by a net of sensor buoys. That will give us early warning of any engagement spilling into Federation space.”

He tapped a control, and the holo-display above the table lit with a map of the border region.

“Each pair will conduct a sweep, laying buoys at one-lightyear intervals. The patrol loop will take approximately one week to complete. Importantly, each ship will remain close enough to its partner to render support within minutes, should the unexpected occur.”

Ayres grunted, then jabbed a finger at the display.

“Let me spell it out so there’s no confusion. The Daring and the Cutlass stay on station along the Sheliak section. The Culver City and Blythe will sit here – where the three borders converge. Solvang, you’ll be with me and the Farragut, taking the coreward patrol just past them. And the Salvation and Sacramento,” Ayres paused at the word, unsettled at mentioning his former command, so recently vacated, “will anchor the line further coreward still. It’s simple, it’s clean, and it keeps us from being picked off piecemeal.”

Vaxx crossed his arms on the viewscreen, visibly mollified but still frowning. “One week’s a long time if the Sheliak and Tholians decide to drag us into their mess.”

Aloran inclined his head slightly, his voice measured. “Which is precisely why the pairings are tight. If the border flares, you will not be alone. And if intelligence suggests escalation, we will adjust our posture and notify the fleet. For now, we hold the line, gather data, and prevent this conflict from spilling into Federation territory.”

Ayres folded his arms, his gaze sweeping across the room of fresh-faced captains.

“You’ve all heard the orders. Stick to your partner, don’t get clever, and make sure every one of those buoys goes in the right place. Do your jobs, and maybe we won’t have to cut anyone out of a Tholian web.”

K’lev nodded quietly; buoy deployment, that he understood, but he couldn’t help hoping that Culver City’s patrol would remain uneventful.

Ishreth Dal – well groomed, polite, and soft spoken didn’t seem to fit the reputation he had gained after the Vaadwaur invasion for being a tough as nails commanding officer who could succeed against unimaginable odds.  And yet he was calm, looking over the information and considering the capabilities and specifications of the Sacramento. He knew the California class well, having commanded the Calistoga until his recent promotion. Now it was time to test the Salvation against a new threat.

“We will not waver, and I will not leave your side.” The Andorian Captain offered Cdr Eikhoff with a soft, even tone.  His expression was calm, the only sense of emotion one could get was the movement of his antennae.

Eickhoff, sat still with pressure he was in a room with not only a veteran Captain but the former CO of the ship he now commanded, “The Sacramento will prevail and you can rely on us Salvation, our ships go hand in hand from today.” The Commander, now in awkward silence, speculated on what could possibly be added as he interjected with “I understand you have more experience with your vessel, your insight will be most valuable to myself and the Sacramento on this mission.” Eickhoff let out a breath, as though he had held his breath for hours, as relief to his input.

Captain Dal tipped his antennae forward even though his head stayed still. “If needed the Salvation can scout ahead, we are fast and mobile and can gather information easily. We can also defend you should you need it.”

“That would be most helpful, thank you Captain.” Commander Eickhoff responded through the viewscreen, almost too quickly. “Given where the Sacramento is currently, there is a good chance we will be the last to reach the border.” added Calvin.

Aloran noted the comment and with that, pleasantries were exchanged and the briefing was adjourned. They all had work to do.