The serene night sky was torn apart by the passing USS Marduk.  On board, in the communal cafeteria James Olivet was eating with Desiree.  

“Key Lime Pie? You know you're supposed to actually eat food, not just desserts, right?”  Desiree didn't know what to say, they'd developed the habit of eating together after joint shifts, but she had yet to see James eat something that wasn't a dessert in the week since they left Starbase 514.

“What? I like the desserts.  And besides, I can program the replicator to make them have all the nutrition I need, but taste like Key Lime Pie, or Crepes, or Triple Chocolate Cake.”

“you've gone mad with power.”  They both chuckled.

On the bridge, Captain Sky and Aide Tina were discussing the Travel Itinerary.

“Why can't you just go straight to New Romulus and drop me off before going to do all these things?”

Sky chuckled, Tina was being spoiled again.  Her family had spoiled her too much growing up, as he well knew, and it showed from time to time.  “I can't just put off all the along the way stops I was supposed to already be doing just for you.  The shuttle squadron over Ritannius IV has made do without medical assistance for a week already due to the battle over Farpoint, and the civillian outpost on Olympios VI hasn't checked in this month.”

"Fine, I know we can't just ignore them, but I'm going to be late!

Olympios VI - 12 Hours Later

“Coming out of Warp, Captain.”  Desiree's voice rang over the intercom.

“Understood EX, I'll be on the bridge in a moment.”  Sky grabbed the glass of Sioc that he had been drinking, and made his way towards the bridge.  When the doors opened, he was treated to the sight of his whole crew on standby.  Desiree was at the Conn, and she motioned for Fenris to take over for her.

“Captain, we've just entered orbit of Olympios VI.  Haven't sent the hails to the outpost yet, you arrived just in time.”  Having said her piece, she sat down in the First Officer's chair that she'd moved over to the primary science station.

Sky set his drink down in the cupholder he'd installed in the Captain's chair.  “Well, let's not keep them waiting.  Olivet, hail the outpost.”

Unknown Location 1 - Same Time

In a dark room, a single monitor lights up.  It's picture is anything but clear, and through the static the face of Sky is visible.  The partially broken speaker buzzes to life as well, projecting his voice into the room.

 “Outpost Theresa, this is Captain Sky of the USS Marduk.  Please respond.”

In the corner, a dark shape stirs from its slumber.