The Sheridan had just departed Starbase 330; as per his orders Raygi Benyan was on his way to see the Commanding Officer of the ship, Captain Maxwell Stivers. The recently released Bajoran did not know whether he was being assigned to this Reliant class vessel or not…all he knew is that in the thirty minutes he had been on board, the reception from other officers and crew had been chilly at best. Raygi followed the standard procedure of announcing himself via the door chime, and he was instructed to enter. 

The Ready Room still had a sterile, almost antiseptic feel. Not surprising, seeing as how the Sheridan had only rolled off the assembly line just four short weeks ago. There were no personal mementos, no pictures…just the standard Starfleet issue furniture In drab tones of blue and gray. Raygi approached the desk and spoke. 

“Raygi Benyan, reporting as ordered,” he said in a clipped, efficient tone. 

“Lieutenant,” said Captain Stivers. The older man smiled slightly, but it did not seem to reach his eyes; this was a smile of courtesy, not of welcome. “Please take a seat. Would you care for a beverage?”

”No thank you, Captain.“ Raygi sat in the offered chair, placing his hands on his knees. “Forgive me, Sir, but my orders were somewhat vague. I was instructed to report to you, but that is all.“

“Yes, about that. I had originally intended to take you on board as one of my gamma shift Operations Officers, working under Lieutenant Commander Crawford. As I was finalizing the transfer orders, an offer came in from the USS Aquarius for the Assistant Chief of Operations slot.“ Stivers folded his hands on the desk in front of him, leaning slightly backward. “Since you chose to remain in Starfleet after being demoted, am I correct in assuming that you would like to continue to ascend the ladder and advance further?”

”You are assuming correctly, Captain.“

”Good. Because quite frankly, I think the position on the Aquarius is your best shot at redemption. We will rendezvous with that vessel in a few days…so when that happens, you will disembark and transfer over. Any questions?”

”Permission to speak freely?”

”Of course, Lieutenant.“

”If you didn’t fight to keep me, then apparently you did not really want me in the first place. With all due respect, Sir.“

Captain Stivers let out a long breath through his nose. “I was told you were a feisty one, Mister Raygi. Don’t mistake my lack of intervention for a lack of caring on my part.“

Raygi turned his head slightly to the side. “I’m afraid I don’t follow.“

”I’m a firm believer in second chances and redemption, Lieutenant. The reason why I let the Aquarius have you is because I believe it is the better option for a career-minded individual. If you are going to regain Starfleet‘s trust, you should be in a position with some responsibility. Prove to them that keeping you was the right decision.“

”Oh. Well, when you put it that way…”

”We will rendezvous with the Aquarius in a few days. I suggest you take that time to familiarize yourself with their systems.“

”Absolutely.“

”Dismissed, Lieutenant.“