Coffee in hand, Aris left his Ready Room, frowning slightly at the padd in his other hand, and ambled over to his chair. He had been reviewing the latest updates provided by the Proto II Health Ministry. The local health systems were still coping well so far but the outbreak was believed be starting to accelerate. Unfortunately due to their remoteness and proximity to several mining colonies, their testing capabilities were somewhat limited. 

He would have Nora look over the information once they were en-route. Setting the mug down on the arm of his chair, Aris activated the shipwide communication system. “Attention all hands, this is the Captain, please report to your stations and prepare for immediate departure.”

Within a few short minutes Emma, T’Keterk and Damien appeared on the Bridge hurrying to their respective stations. Aris waited patiently until his crew had settled themselves.

“T'Keterk please complete pre-departure checks.” Aris spoke up.

“Affirmative, Captain.” T'Keterk responded busying himself with his checks.

“Emma, run me through the next steps.”

“Contact Docking Control and get clearance for departure, ensure docking bay doors are open and all access to the ship has been sealed, Sir.” Emma responded quickly.

“See to it, Ensign.” Aris replied with a smile settling back in his chair.

“Yes, Sir.” Emma replied with a small smile before returning to the task at hand. “Officer Andrews, confirm our departure clearance with Docking Control and seal the ship.”

Nodding to Emma, Damien turned back to his console and sealed all external access to the ship. “Clearance confirmed, Ensign.” Damien reported to Emma.

“Thank you, Damien.” Emma replied. “Lieutenant T'Keterk, stand by to open docking bay doors on my mark.”

As Emma launched the ship, the crew could feel the intertial dampeners take hold as she held the ship steady above the landing pad. 

“Lieutenant, open docking bay doors, ready to depart on your order, Captain.” Emma deferred back to Aris.

“Thank you, Ensign.” Aris replied. “Take us out. nice and steady.”

“Yes Sir." Emma acknowledged, nodding over her shoulder. Aris settled in again and observed Emma's work as the ship cleared the docking bay and headed toward open space.

“Captain, we are clear from Starbase 93.” Emma reported. “Your orders?”

“Set course for the Proteus System, Warp 6.” Aris replied. “And inform me once we are in range of Proto II, the Governor is expecting us.”

“Of course, sir. ”Emma replied as she punched in the required coordinates. “Course laid in sir, ready for your command.”

“Engage.” Aris replied before busying himself with the reports he had started reviewing prior to their departure, taking this lull to keep himself up to date.

“Bridge to Lieutenant Yates.” Aris spoke as he activated the shipewide communicator.

“Go ahead, Captain.” Nora replied.

“I am transmitting the latest intel from Proto II to your terminal." Aris continued. “I can't make heads nor tails of it, but please inform me of any information you believe I need to be made aware of.”

“Data received, Captain.” reported Nora. “I will begin reviewing immediately.”

“Thank you Doctor. I'll expect your preliminary findings at your earliest convenience.”

“Copy that, Captain.” Nora replied as the channel closed.

“Captain, if I may?” queried T'Keterk once Aris had finished speaking with the doctor. 

“Yes, Lieutenant.” Aris replied. “What can I help you with?”

“I wonder if you have time now to discuss the logistic arrangements and security details to be implemented once we arrive.” answered T'Keterk.

“Very well.” Aris got to his feet. “Meet me in my Ready Room. Emma, you have the bridge.”

“Yes, Sir.” Emma replied as T'Keterk and Aris disappeared into Aris' ready room, also noticing the way Damien's eyes followed the Captain..

“So just you and me.” she continued as she faced Damien. “I look forward to seeing what you can do.”

“Thank you.” Damien replied with a smile. “Its a privilege and an honor to be able to serve on the bridge.”

“That it is.” Emma responded. “I am truly sorry the present circumstances have delayed your return home, especially after what we all went through on the other side of that wormhole.”

“I knew what I was getting in to when I enlisted.” Damien replied with a shrug. “And besides, I would have been a fool to pass up this opportunity. I really want to do well and earn my place here.”

Emma knew where Damien was coming from, not even a few months ago she was in this exact position. “Trust me, I know the feeling and the Captain isn't one to put his faith in the wrong person. He's seen something in you, just like you possibly see something in him." She finished with cheek colouring her tone.

Damien felt his cheeks instantly heat up. “I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about.” he stammered before turning to face his console.

“Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.” Emma giggled before diverting her attention back to her console.