T’Keterk had started to receive the results and reports from the maintenance crews. The work bees were in fine shape but a handful of the shuttles needed some minor components replaced and some diagnostics of the onboard systems to be run through but overall he was happy with the results he had been receiving so far. Once all the reports had been received he would then submit work orders through to Operations. The prompt work of the maintenance crews so far had ensured they were operating ahead of schedule but had capacity should extra work be required.

The rest of the engineering crew were all absorbed in the various tasks that kept the ship running. They were trusted to their job and T’Keterk trusted them to bring any issues to him without being constantly supervised. Joci had already transmitted her thoughts for the various away teams being dispatched. Adding his notes he made sure to include some suggestions of his own. Ultimately the Captain or Executive Officer would have the final sign-off and some additions of their own.

Settling into his quarters, Aris felt dead on his feet. Making a quick stop at the replicator for a glass of water and a pot of tea, he downed the glass of water and set the pot on the coffee table in the makeshift living area. Entering his bedroom he shrugged off his outer jacket and retrieved a small mat from under the bed.

Returning to the lounge, he rolled the mat out and sat comfortably in the center, and closed his eyes. Intent on processing the onslaught of memories and experiences, if not to get a better night’s sleep, at least he wouldn’t be putting both himself and Suin in danger by not addressing the situation.

Knowing the ship was in safe hands, Aris let everything relax and focused on understanding and integrating the onslaught of memories the return of the Dominion had triggered.

Back on the bridge, Gin was running things like a well-oiled machine. Keeping an eye and ear on the goings on about her as she read over the latest status reports from around the ship. Engineering had submitted initial reports on their maintenance checks with the Operations department. Operations were busy with getting work orders completed and information transferred between departments and Medical was reporting no issues so far.

She would wait before requesting an update from the science teams since Damien was occupied with getting the Captain somewhere to rest before they arrived at the Yadev system. The only person she had yet to receive any updates on was Ensign Shan, but with taking up the mantle of two departments she would likewise give him a little longer to submit his updates and proposals.

“Ensign Swain, report.” Gin requested as she set her padd to the side.

“All systems still showing green, Commander.” Emma reported, her eyes not leaving her console. “We should be arriving in the Deneb Sector within the hour.”

“Thank you, Ensign.” Gin replied with a smile. “Lets give the Captain another twenty minutes before we interrupt.”

“Acknowledged, Commander.” Emma replied shaking her head in amusement as she focused on the route ahead.

Aris slowly became aware of his surroundings as he opened his eyes. Wondering what it was that startled him, he heard Gin on the communicator.

“Commander Fenway to Captain Suin.”

Pouring a small cup from the still-steaming tea pot, he took a sip before responding.

“Go ahead, Commander.”

“We are due to arrive in the Deneb Sector within the hour, from there a short passage to the Yadev system.” Gin reported as Aris started to feel like himself again.

“Thank you, Commander.” Aris replied. “I’ll be on the bridge shortly.”

Closing the channel, Aris pulled his outer jacket on and straightened himself out. Stopping at the terminal briefly to send a message to Damien thanking him for his concern and for encouraging Aris to do the right things. Finishing the mug of tea on his way out, Aris headed for the nearest turbolift.

Within moments he arrived on Deck 2 and made a beeline for the Bridge. As soon as entered Gin stood from the centre seat and sat back again on the seat to the right.

“How are you feeling, Captain?” Gin asked as Aris took his seat.

“Surprisingly much better, it has been some time since I last meditated and relaxed so this was well needed. Did anything crop up I need to be aware of?” Aris asked.

“Negative, Captain.” Gin replied. “All systems have been green across the board since our departure and Ensign Swain’s calculated route has shaved a few hours off our anticipated arrival time.”

“Thank you, Command and Ensign.” Aris nodded to each of the officers.

“I have also transferred status updates from the department heads to your padd to peruse when you have a moment.” Gin added.

Aris nodded thanks to his Executive Officer before he turned to face Emma. “Ensign Swain, set course for the Yadev system, maximum warp.”

“Acknowledged, Captain.” Emma replied as her hands expertly navigated the console in front of her and bought the ship to its maximum.

The quiet as the Auckland sped to its destination didn’t last as long as Aris would have liked.

“Captain, we have just entered the Deneb sector and should be coming within senor range of Yadev II in a few minutes.” Emma reported. 

“Once we reach Yadev, slow to impulse speed.” Aris replied as Emma took the ship out of warp and activated the impulse drive. “Incoming hail sir, audio only, its the depot.”

The depot must have had some upgrades to their sensor suite after the Dominion War had ended. “Open a channel.” Aris requested as he turned to face the viewscreen.

“Starfleet vessel, this is the Yadev II Supply Depot, we have you on scanners. Please transmit clearance codes and await further instructions.” the audio feed crackled.

“Commander Fenway, transmit clearance codes.” Aris whispered to Gin as she tapped the console on her armrest.

“Codes transmitted, Captain.” Gin replied just as softly. The anticipation in the air was almost suffocating but no one dared breathe until the comm channel crackled to life again.

“Codes received, USS Auckland, this is Yadev Depot docking control. Please dock at Pylon 4, the administrator is eager to meet with you.” The channel closed as abruptly as it had opened.