Episode 7


Outcasts


Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

Back to the story


Chapter 1

Griffin - Holodeck}

The rain beat down in torrents as Rinali sat motionless in the middle of the room. It was a spare setting, empty except for a low bare table and two tall iron candleholders, their lights doused. The only light came from outside and that was very little on such a stormy night. The room's rice paper windows showed only hints of the deep purple sky outside and the twisting trees that were thrown into stark relief as lightning crackled across the sky.

Rinali had been using this scenario since her Academy days. She had based it on a particularly lucid dream. Though she had entered this world many times before, Rinali had used it only for meditation and had never left the room. As an experiment, she had allowed several of her academy classmates to program different versions of the rest of the house and what was outside beyond the view of the window. Then she had added a randomizing program that would switch the different versions every time the scenario was used until someone actually entered another area. So far, Rinali had not chosen to explore the rest of this place. Someday, perhaps, but not now.

"Bridge to Travin."

Rinali brought herself slowly out of her meditative state as Trosk had taught her to when a distraction came up.

"End Program," she murmured. As the room gave way to the familiar holodeck grid, she tapped her combadge.

"Travin here."

"The captain has requested that all senior staff report for a meeting," Ivanof responded. "It seems we have our new orders from Starfleet."

"I shall be there in a moment. Travin out."


{Conference Room}

Try as she might, Rinali couldn't help but notice the empty place that had been O'Roarke's seat. True, it had often been empty before while the doctor was off tending to some medical emergency. But it was a very different sort of emptiness now. Rinali shifted her focus over to the new face, Lieutenant Freeman. She didn't know very much about him yet; the war games had prevented much socializing and his personnel file hadn't been forwarded over yet. But Rinali's guilt feelings over not getting to know O'Roarke better made her resolved to get to know the new operations officer.

The group turned as Captain Myst entered the room. She wasted little time in getting to the head of the table and beginning.

"Before I brief you on our new mission, I wanted to update you on the status of the engines. The repairs should be finished within the hour and we shall be departing shortly after. I trust that you've inspected the work, Lt. McInnis?"

"It'll do," McInnis said shortly. Even Rinali's dampened telepathy could easily sense that McInnis was still not in the best of spirits after the nanite incident.

"Fine," the captain said. "I just finished speaking with Admiral Bullock. Some of you may have heard about the experimental Olimbar torpedoes which Starfleet has been working on. They were recently completed and were supposed to be transported to Starfleet for testing. However, while the torpedoes were in transit, the ship carrying them was attacked. The torpedoes were stolen."

The captain paused briefly to let the murmuring die down.

"Starfleet hasn't been able to identify the culprits yet. But they suspect whoever stole the torpedoes is planning to sell them. Our mission is to track down the thieves and recover the Olimbar torpedoes.

"To start off, Starfleet wants us to check various trade routes for any signs of suspicious activity. We shall be assisted by a merchant ship, captained by a Klingon known as B'ros."

Captain Myst looked up as her chief of security let out a startled grunt.

"Is there a problem, Lt. Travin?" she asked.

Rinali hesitated, trying to collect her thoughts.

"Possibly," she replied at last. "B'ros... he was my brother."


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Chapter 2

{Griffin - Chief Engineer's Quarters}

Scott repeatedly banged his PADD on the table in his room. He just couldn't get his mind straight on what had happened with all of the pent up anger he had about the Nanites, and then the engine core breech.

(Things like this are not supposed to happen, and they need to stop happening,) Scott thought to himself. In a fit of anger he hurled the PADD across his quarters and into the wall across from him, shattering it into a few pieces, then he sat down on his bed and lay back..

"Why can't this just work. I want to be here, but it's hypocrisy. 'Get the job done, but do it this way, or that way,' not 'Get the job done, thank you for getting it done right.' Then they have the audacity to tell me what to do with the Nanites, like they are a pet dog or cat. If Data could keep a cat why can't I keep Nanites. They wanted to stay, I wanted to keep them..."

Scott growled a bit before talking out loud again.

"I love my Uncle, and my parents to Starfleet. Our family has been apart of this fleet before it was a bloody fleet. We treat these ships like ladies and they bring us home every time, but if I keep having to treat this ship like a machine... one of these times she won't bring us home. Then we had to go and push the engines... Why not send the print to Starfleet and let their Engineers reprove what I already knew, that the Griffin couldn't handle them without the Nanites. For godsakes I know they didn't kill anyone, I have staunch proof, and now I have to wait for Starfleet to review it to see if it is admissible evidence. How damn long do you have to look at birth certificates to see that they were not even born yet. I guess we are all guilty for the sins of our fathers, and in my case Uncles."

Scott pulled another PADD from next to his bed. He looked at it blankly before sighing and hurling this one to meet it's companion in a shattered heap on the floor. As the first PADD shorted for the last time a photo of Montgomery Scott faded, and the second PADD next to it did the same, as the resignation joined the picture. Lost in a sea of memories.

And with that, Scott cried himself to sleep...


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Chapter 3

{Captain's Quarters}

"Bridge to Captain Myst," the comm announced throughout the cabin, "We've arrived."

Priscilla slowly pulled her wandering mind from the view beyond her window. "Acknowledged," she finally responded.

Sliea Station. One of the numerous trading ports along the expanse that comprised the borders of Federation space. Like many others, Sliea evolved from just a stop for the local star system on one or two trade routes a dozen or so decades ago, into a major trading port since the arrival of the Federation border, as it is the closest port to the Federation in this and the neighboring sectors. Ideal for anyone with any business with the Federation.

The not so sleek bulkheads of the station revealed that it had seen its share of troubles. But the gracefulness of the local architecture was still vibrantly apparent as the light from the local star was bounced around and scattered through precisely placed crystals. Occasionally, as the station rotated, glimpses of the older areas of the station could be seen poking through from underneath newer areas. Clearly, Priscilla had thought, as the trade flow had increased Sliea had simply built layers upon itself. A not only cost effective way of expanding, but it also provided the possibility of a tremendously well protected inner core station. An old inner core station, true, but also well protected.

All around Sliea ships were carefully navigating past each other. Some were entering bays designed to hold shuttles and smaller ships, some were departing the station, and some were aligning to dock at outcroppings meant for large ships. It was to one of these Priscilla had watched the Griffin slowly approach while her mind wandered Sliea's unseen corridors. She imagined she could feel the ship rock ever so slightly as the Griffin docked with Sliea, joining ship and station in a visible mismatch of technological styles.

She had been wondering what this mission had in store for her ship and crew. The last time they had left Federation space, albeit that time it wasn't by choice, both ship and crew had suffered casualties. This mission wasn't starting out nearly as dangerous as a couple others the Griffin had been on since its re-launch, but Priscilla knew how quickly things could turn around, and without warning. Especially when stolen weapons were involved. She hoped it wouldn't come down to anything that bad. She hated losing people. She still wasn't over the two most recent losses to the Griffin's population. Somehow she didn't ever think she would be. And as much as she desperately hoped they would be the only two she lost as a Captain, she knew the realities of space life made that a long shot.

The notification from the Bridge had jarred her thoughts, pushing them back to the present. Now that they had arrived at Sliea, she and some of her crew would be overseeing and partaking in trades for the Federation. It was their cover while the rest of her staff received help from B'ros. Starfleet had thoughtfully arranged for the Griffin to transfer and receive several different shipments at Sliea over the next five days. While all that would be taking place, and after Lt. Cmdr. Daem and Lt. Travin had met with B'ros to determine how many people would be traveling with his crew and who they were, B'ros' ship would be traveling the local shipping lanes looking for Starfleet's weapon thieves. To help detract attention from the merchant ship, she and Commander Ivanof would be making discrete inquires on the station on behalf of the Federation. Starfleet did not believe the thieves would bring the weapons to Sliea, therefore it was also believed minimal damage to the investigation could be made there since no real information would be found. Plus it might scare the thieves into a detectable mistake if they did discover Starfleet was so close...

"Sorry to wake you, Captain," Sable's voice spoke again. "But you asked to be informed when we arrived."

Her attention now fully back in the present, Priscilla half-smiled to herself at the irony. She hadn't been sleeping. Between Marina, Tyl-Rowh-Brawr, Scott, the others still in mourning, her sister having gone missing, and everything else from the past month invading her dreams recently, she hadn't been able to get good sleep for a week now. And the lack of sleep was starting to take it's toll. She was sure she sounded like she had just woken up, even though it had been hours since she woke. It was just a matter of time, she knew, before she'd find herself seeking out Dr. Moyer for a sedative just so she'd be sure she had enough sleep to still be fit for command.

"That I did," Priscilla replied. "Thank you, Commander. Myst out."


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Chapter 4

Jaquelle sat in her quarters studying her part of the new mission. As she did she partially kept attuned to the emotions aboard ship. She always felt that it was important to report to the Captain if there was anxiety building among the crew over a new mission. It was something that she had never discussed with the Captain but had been influenced by a long past reading of one of the plays of Shakespeare. A reminder that a captain cannot move unnoticed among his troops to sense their emotions the night before battle, but how important that would be if he could. Jaquelle always made sure that in sensing she did not sort of ease drop. People always had fights with loved ones, or feelings of annoyances between superiors and subordinates. She never wanted to know those things because it might interfere with how she reacted to a crew member on any given day.

What Jaquelle was mostly thinking was the opportunity she would have after meeting with B'ros to do some shopping on Sliea. All as part of the mission, of course. Jaquelle loved to shop. When she would travel with her mother to strange and exotic places they would always try to disguise themselves as locals and sneak away to the marketplace to look, and more often than not buy.

Suddenly Jaquelle felt a searing emotion right in the front of her brain underneath her forehead. The pain was reminiscent of those times when she was young and was given a drink filled with shaved ice and flavored syrup and couldn't help but drink too fast. The emotion was that of anger, deep sorrow, and loneliness. She immediately knew who the emotion came from: Lt. McInnis.

Jaquelle knew that someday this time would come. Sometimes she could just sense that McInnis was tormented. She knew from his record that he had never endeared himself to many people. In fact many considered him too reclusive and too addicted to the job. Most of the crew from the Michigan only dared call him by his last name, many didn't even know his first name. He had left that ship with no fan fare, no send off by any crew but the official letter from the Captain and his second, thanking him for his professionalism, and his exemplary work on the Michigan.

Jaquelle didn't want his departure to be like that from the Griffin. In fact she didn't want him to depart at all. What McInnis needed was counseling. But she knew that he could never be counseled. She wouldn't even try because that in and of itself could drive him from the Griffin. But she knew she had to do something.


{Ten Forward, 0600 hours}

Jaquelle walked in to Ten forward, she had not slept much all night. All she could think about was what to do about McInnis, and still she had no answers. Ten forward was very quiet. Despite the ship having around the clock duty, they still adhered to a day/night schedule. Not many people would be about if they were not on duty.

The steward quickly came over.

"What can I get you, Counselor?" he said. Jaquelle didn't even have to think.

"Hot cider with a cinnamon stick," she said and then, "no, wait, can you make a glass full of shaved ice and then pour a sweet strawberry syrup over the ice?"

The steward looked at her strangely then took it as a welcome challenge on a slow night.

"Let me see what I can come up with," he said.

Jaquelle knew she must have been tired because without even realizing it McInnis had walked into Ten Forward. She saw him just as he passed to go sit in a corner table near the window. She got up immediately and followed, she had no idea what she was going to say to him.

"May I sit?" Jaquelle asked. She could sense his anguish, his wish to say no. So she sat before he could say anything.

"I have been dreading this day as much as you have. You need counseling, but you just can't stand for it." Jaquelle started. "I could have the Captain order it but that would just make matters worse. You know what your problem is? You can't get over your Uncle. The "BIG LEGEND." Well, guess what ... you know more about warp engines than he will ever know, just as he knew more then Zefram Cochrane ever did. You were born to be a chief engineer and not just because of your uncle. You made chief engineer even younger than your famous uncle because you are that good. And someday you will be the legend, but not if you leave the Griffin."

"So you can't have the Nanites, get over it. That's what all good officers do when things don't go their way. They go on to the next day. You can't be a miracle worker everyday and your uncle wasn't one either. But what you can learn from him is to make friends with some people aboard ship. And I hope that I am one of them."

Jaquelle sat back and saw the astonished look on McInnis' face. She realized that she must have been more tired than she had imagined to go off on him like that. Just then the steward came with her drink. Jaquelle pick it up, downed it in one gulp, stood, left Ten Forward and waited for the pain.


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Chapter 5

{Silea Marketplace -West Side}

Even as a child, Rinali had disliked crowds. The large numbers of constantly moving people and the constantly shifting noise of their minds was irritating at best and completely overwhelming at the worst. Even now, crowds stretched Rinali's control over her telepathic abilities to their limits. She couldn't help catching little bits of emotions as busy shoppers rushed past her. Jaquelle didn't seem to mind the throngs of people. She appeared happy to weave through the masses, trying not to disrupt the flow of shoppers. Jaquelle had mentioned that she hoped to do a little shopping once their first meeting with B'ros was over. But Rinali had been perfectly happy to let the other woman take her time window shopping, if only to delay their mission for a few more minutes.

B'ros. The almost ridiculous coincience made Rinali wonder if Starfleet had something against her. First they sent her mother to the ship in an effort to boost her spirits. And now they expected her to work alongside a man who had been shunned by her Klingon family. As if things with B'ros weren't difficult enough. She had barely seen him once he was turned away from Trosk's household. That had made things easy; it wasn't hard to shun someone you never saw. But what now? Her ship was depending on her to cooperate with B'ros. But what of her loyalty to her chosen family?

Rinali sensed him before she could see him. No amount of attempting to stifle her mental abilities could stop Rinali from being aware of someone she had known for so long. She was surprised by the calm she felt from him, that laid back attitude that hadn't changed a bit since she has last seen him. And though he did look different when she saw him at last - taller, long dark hair pulled back from his face, dressed in the worn garb of a minor trading vessel's captain - his walk still betrayed that unmistakable confidence.

Rinali didn't know what to do. Perhaps by losing herself in the crowd, she could buy herself a little more time before meeting B'ros. But that was absurd. She knew for certain that neither Starfleet nor Trosk would smile on her fleeing in fear of the ally chosen for her. It was time to confront the family's oucast.

"B'ros," she called, waving her hand. Despite the uncomfortable situation, Rinali was pleased to slip back into the familiarity of the Klingon language.

B'ros looked up and smiled, striding easily to where Rinali stood. Jaquelle would be back from her shopping errand soon, but for now, it was just the two of them.

"Hello, sister." B'ros grinned. Rinali wasn't certain if she should be offended by the famailiarity with which he greeted her. She forced herself to remain calm, if slightly disapproving.

"Hello, B'ros."


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Chapter 6

Freeman yawned, rolling out of his bunk for the tenth time that night. For some odd reason he was having trouble sleeping. All the reports he read pointed at an outside influence stealing the new torpedoes, but the idea occurred to him that it might be somebody on the inside.

"But who?" He asked himself aloud, walking to the window and looking out at the station they were moored to.

It just didn't add up. He was also very hesitant about the merchantman they had assisting their investigation.

"Apple Cider, hot." He ordered the replicator. It hummed for a second, and there was a steaming cup of cider in front of him. He remembered when he was young, doing his homework and working over a particularly nasty homework problem when his father would pull him aside for a cup of hot cider. It comforted him and allowed his mind to clear, and as a habit, he carried the tradition on to this day.

He sat down on his bed, lying back and covering himself with the blankets once more, mind working over the problem. No solutions came as of yet, but he relaxed some, wondering why he waited so long for the soothing relief of the drink.

He thanked his lucky stars he had decided to go to sleep early and try to get sixteen hours in. If he hadn't, it would have been a long duty shift the next day.

"It has to be something we don't expect....it's the only way it would work...." he said softly a while later, the long since empty cup sitting on the nightstand beside his bed. Ever so slowly he began drifting off to sleep, until he dozed peacefully.

Twelve hours later Lieutenant Gordon Freeman was sitting on his station on the bridge, reading over the reports for the millionth time. In the corner of his mind, he had a tugging desire to scan a newly arrived Andorian freighter.

Doing so, his jaw dropped when he saw what was aboard.

"Sir! Olimbar torpedo casing on board the Andorian freighter!"

Behind him, Captain Myst wasted no time, seeing the ship was about to depart.

"Hail them, and order them to stand down. Lock on a tractor beam! DO NOT LET THAT SHIP ESCAPE!"

Quickly Freeman's hands flew over his now familiar controls, the order to stand down arriving a short time before the blue tendril of energy that locked the freighter in place.

A moment later the Andorian captains face appeared on the view screen.


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Chapter 7

{Observation Lounge, Griffin}

Rinali and Jaquelle's meeting with B'ros had gone very well. They were just finishing up their briefing with Yuri when Priscilla walked in. Despite the smile on her face, the other three could see how worn she was.

"Sorry I'm late," Priscilla said as she moved to her chair. She noticed the others standing up and getting ready to leave, so instead of sitting down she just rested her arm on the back of the chair. "I take it all went well?"

"Yes, Captain," Jaquelle replied.

"How did it go with the Andorians?" Yuri asked.

"They were livid, as expected, it took a few hours to placate them. The worse part turned out to be negotiating with the station's Commander to let us stay..."

"What about the casing?" Rinali asked, looking for the best, but hoping there was a new issue that would require her attention over working with B'ros. It had been nice to see him again, but she couldn't help feeling a little guilty over enjoying the conversation with him. At this point she would much prefer to deal with things here than face wrestling with her loyalties and emotions.

"Ah yes," Priscilla said, turning the chair and finally sitting. The other officers followed suit. "Lieutenant McInnis verified they are in fact our Olimbar torpedo casings. The two are going to be transported into cargo bay 2. Lieutenant Freeman is dealing with all that as we speak. I assume you all realize the possible implications of the torpedoes having been dismantled?" Everyone nodded.

"They could be trying to get the pieces out through various safer routes to be reassembled later," Yuri commented.

"Or they could be selling them off for parts for more than they could make selling them whole," Jaquelle added.

"Or they could just have hustled the Andorians, sold them the torpedoes but only turned over the casings," Rinali finished.

"There are a lot of possibilities," Priscilla agreed with a nod. "I want a senior staff meeting in two hours to go over what our new game plan is going to be. Lieutenant Travin, exactly how many torpedoes do we have to track down?"

"Four," she responded immediately.

"Alright, I'd like you to-" Priscilla began.

"Captain Myst, you have an incoming communication," Sable's voice interrupted from the bridge.

Priscilla and Yuri exchanged a questioning look. "From?" Priscilla asked as she stood.

"Your sister," Sable's voice responded.

Something inside of Priscilla that must have been keep tight for a long while seemed to relax at the sound of those words. Priscilla briefly looked to the other officers in the room as she said: "I have to take this." Then she quickly headed out the door. "I'll take in it my ready room," she informed Sable on her way across the Bridge.


{Ready Room, 5 minutes later}

"I just so glad to see you again," Priscilla reiterated for the fifth time. "You sure you're okay?"

"Yes, Cila, I'm sure," Victoria replied with a roll of her eyes. "But *you* look like you could use some rest."

"And I'm sure I'll get it tonight," Priscilla assured her with a smile. After a moment of happy silence, a thought popped into Priscilla's head. "Torya, there is someone else's week you might be able to make better with a communication."

"I already plan to contact Scott right after I'm done talking with you," Victoria said. Then she thought about her sister's comment, and her face darkened a bit. "Why? What's happened?"


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Chapter 8

{Bridge}

Ivanof strode onto the Bridge. Below, the crystals of Sliea Station shone brightly. The Griffin had been successful in acquiring the casings of 2 of the 4 torpedoes. Now they had to find the internals of 2 and the other 2 whole (at least he hoped they were whole) torpedoes.

“Lt. Travin, have we heard anything from B’ros?” Ivanof asked.

“Not since we met him on Sliea. He is willing to help us locate them but his inquiries have not garnered the leads we were hoping for.”

“And every moment we wait, those torpedoes could fall into Romulan, Ferengi, or worse, Pakled hands.”


{Lt McInnis’ quarters}

McInnis was just cleaning up the mess that was his quarters. His bout with depression had taken a toll in the form of a pile of dishes, bottles and broken PADDs. He had found some reassurance in the abrupt and fairly abrasive conversation he had with counselor Daem. It had been a “Snap out of it... Pull yourself up by your bootstraps” kind of speech, but she had made some valid points. He couldn’t compete with the legend that was Montgomery Scott. But he had always proven himself an excellent engineer. The fact that he hadn’t been court marshaled and that Captian Myst had actually rejected his resignation proved what she and the rest of the crew thought of his abilities. She said wait a week, it had nearly been a month. He must feel like he belonged here if he had not resubmitted his resignation by now. He was still mad at Starfleet but he also knew the crew wanted him around. After the conversation with the councilor he felt like maybe he had a clearer picture of his career. Time would tell.

He had just placed the last of the dishes in the replicator and cued the recycle sequence when his terminal chimed. He had a communication coming in. He authorized himself and was rewarded with a near carbon copy of Captain Myst. But she wouldn’t be using subspace to contact him so it must be...

“Victoria. How are you?” Scott asked.

“Good Scott. I haven’t heard from you in a few months. So I figured I’d see how you were. So? How are you?”

“Great,” Scott said non-enthusiastically. “Were on the hunt for some stolen torpedoes and have been orbiting Sliea station for a couple of days now. You?”

“Oh I just got in from 300 years in the past and boy are my arms tired. It’s a really long story. The Goldeneye got into a battle with an unknown assailant and the engineering section gets hit and the next thing we know were in 2160 or so. I wasn’t sure. Well, our assailants board the Goldeneye and start trying to take her with their advanced weaponry. We are lent aid by a collection of old Starfleet officers who, in rescuing me, decide to bring me back to their ship. But not before I grabbed one of the alien personal time transporters. The old Starfleeters gave me a shuttle and I hooked the black box into it’s deflector array and transported myself back here. I was nearly dead when I pulled that stunt, and passed out during the trip. But for the grace of Starfleet Medical, I survived. Though I had to escape from Sickbay, it's just so boring in there. So I’ve just spent 2 days with Temporal affairs, and Starfleet Command, all of them wondering where the Goldeneye is and one half blaming me for the corruption of the time stream and the other blaming me for the loss of the Goldeneye. It’s been a week and still no Goldeneye, so Starfleet has put me on suspension, and told me not to go outside of federation space, so since this is the first vacation I’ve taken in 6 years- Do you want to go to Risa with me?”

Scott felt like he had just taken a disruptor blast at point blank range. He sat back in his desk chair. For some reason there was this thrumming in his ears and for once it wasn’t the engines. The thrumming seemed to pass through him.

“Hey you alive over there?” Victoria asked.

“Yeah. I’m here. I’m ok,” said Scott still looking kinda dazed.

“Forget what I said. It’s okay. Tell me about these torpedoes,” Victoria said, figuring better to bow out and hope he didn’t notice. She hadn’t meant to invite him, just to talk to him.

“Wait. I haven’t made up my mind. Let me look at my schedule.” He paused hoping for a reprieve from an already uncomfortable situation for the both of them. He knew she hadn’t meant to invite him, but there it was hanging there in front of him. He knew the main deflector dish’s annual level one diagnostic was coming up. But when he looked at his schedule it was still three months away. It was a job that could take 3 men 2 days and one man 2 weeks to accomplish. He had planned to get to it this week, but now he looked and it had been postponed. What was he going to say?

“I’ll have to check with the captain but I don’t think this will be a problem. My schedule has mysteriously opened up.” What was he doing?!?!?!

“Good,” Victoria said. “And we don’t have to do any of that touristy stuff. You know sun bathing, swimming, dancing. We can just sit on the beach. Sip Tamarian sunrises and talk shop,” Victoria covered.

“Fine,” Scott said still wondering why when words in his head were being countermanded by the words coming out of his mouth. He was starting to sweat. “Anything you want me to bring?”

“Just you. I, ah mean, whatever you, uh, want,” she answered.

“Okay.” Scott said.

“Okay.” Victoria said.

Scott swore he could almost hear crickets in his room from the uncomfortable silence. And he thrumming was still in his ears.

“Okay. I’m going to go and try to get us a shuttle or something. Contact me here at Starbase 10 when you get done with that mission. Ok? Bye!” she said as she closed the channel.

Scott was nervous. He was going to be going to the romantic capital of the Alpha quadrant with his Captain’s sister! There had to be a regulation against that. Had to be. He opened up the Starfleet Regulation manual and read it cover to cover. For some reason the regulation he was thinking of was missing. He checked to see if this was the most recent update to find that it was. Then he had a thought... Sabotage. He stayed up the whole night checking the program to try to determine if it had been tampered with. Nothing. When he found no signs of tampering he grabbed his toolkit and began a level one diagnostic of his desk terminal. Nothing. Then after putting his terminal back together, he brought his schedule up again. He could have sworn that he had scheduled that deflector diagnostic for next week. Nope it was still 3 months away on the date of the last annual inspection.

Well before he could leave he’d have to see to it that the Griffin would be alright while he was gone. After the issues with the former engines he could leave nothing to chance. He wanted to make sure that their near destruction hadn’t caused any other problems. He’d have to perform a level three diagnostic on the dilithium chamber, the matter/antimatter injectors, the warp field generators, the bussard ramscoops, the nacelles. Know what? To make sure, better bring the entire engines offline and perform level one diagnostics across the board. Then he sat back and decided he had NO TIME to go to Risa.

He looked at the time and realized he had a half hour to be in engineering. He quickly showered dressed and just as he was getting to the door he heard it.

His comm badge.

“Myst to Lt. McInnis.”

“McInnis here,” he said hoping this was something engineering related.

“Before you go to Engineering, would you mind stopping by my ready room?” she asked. This was not something engineering related.

“Aye sir,” he said as he headed for the turbolift.


{Ready Room}

Captain Myst was smiling out the window at the stars as the door chimed.

“Come in,” she said. The doors opened to admit a very nervous Lieutenant McInnis.

“You wished to see me Captain?” he asked.

“Yes McInnis. Sit down,” she said gesturing as she took her seat. “I wanted to discuss one of your engineering staff.”

“Let me guess sir. It’s me,” McInnis said, trying to hold back the tide of sarcasm he felt welling in him.

“I guess that speech has been used too many times,” Myst said smiling.

“I’ve heard it a few times myself. What did I do sir??” McInnis asked biting his tongue.

“Nothing. Or better yet. Everything. Since this ship left space dock and after the replacement of her engines, her efficiency is rivaling if not surpassing the Enterprise-D’s records before she was lost. But frankly counselor Daem and myself are concerned that you have been throwing yourself so hard into your work, especially since the Nanite incident, that we are afraid you’re heading for a burnout. Once this mission is over, you’re being placed on medical shore leave for the period of one month.” She handed a PADD to him. On it was the standard leave form signed by Myst, Ivanof, Daem and Moyer.

“This wouldn’t have anything to do with a conversation I had with your sister would it Captain?” He asked... feeling schnookered.

“I’m sorry Lieutenant. That’s Classified,” Myst said with a slight smirk.

McInnis Let out an exasperated sigh, stood and when Myst nodded to him for dismissal he headed for the door. Then one question popped into his head.

“Captain. The Level one diagnostic on the main deflector, that WAS scheduled for next week wasn’t it?”

“It still is. Mcalister, Rawlins, and Dexter are handling it. Your level one diagnostic of the main deflector has been postponed for a few months. Commander Ivanof has final say on duty assignments. Nice try Lieutenant.”

“Thanks sir.” McInnis said as he walked out.


{Bridge}

“Commander, we are being hailed. It’s B’ros.”

“Stand by,” Ivanof said as he tapped his comm. badge. “Captain Myst to the bridge.”

Moments later Pricilla stepped onto the bridge and smoothed her uniform.

“On Screen,” said Ivanof.

The view screen blinked to reveal the disheveled, bruised and slightly bloody visage of B’ros.

“Greetings Captain,” he said.

“B’ros, are you alright?” Myst asked.

“Fine captain. I’ve received worse at the hands of your tactical officer,” he replied grinning.

Travin blushed and tried to fight the smile and fond memories that came to mind of her days in Trosk’s house.

“What happened?” Myst asked.

“A Ferengi arms dealer, with whom I’ve been discussing the item, betrayed me with a few of his minions. I had them until one of them pulled a phaser. The blast should have killed me but as Travin will attest, I have a very thick hide.”

“Very thick,” Travin confirmed.

“My first officer was nearby and saw what happened and came firing. But it seems that my cover has been compromised.”

“Possibly B’ros. We thank you for your efforts, but he may just have thought you were trying to swindle him, not that you were working for us. Did you happen to get his name?”

“He claimed it was Damon Vong. But I have checked with station control, and they have no Ferengi by the name of Vong, on board. He may be a smuggler. I wish I could be of more assistance.”

“Nonsense B’ros you’ve been a great assistance. We will continue the search.”

“If I can be of further help, my services are still at your disposal. Qa’Plah!” B’ros said, but his eyes shifted from Myst to Travin as he said it and Travin was having trouble maintaining her demeanor. Luckily the screen returned to the view of the station immediately as the channel closed.


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Chapter 9

{Office Of Counselor Jaquelle Daem}

(Door chime)

"Come," said Jaquelle. She knew exactly who it would be and indeed in came Commander Ivanof with a padd in his hand.

It had almost been a year since the Griffin had been newly refitted. Jaquelle knew that crew reviews would have to be done and submitted to the Captain by that year date. She had remembered as a junior crew member how the anxiety started to rise around the time of yearly reviews and each day they were late was almost pure agony for those with ambitions as well as those who were unsure of what the higher ups thought of them. Jaquelle promised herself that if she ever made it to this position, she would make it a priority that reviews were out in time.

However, her anticipation about doing the reviews had turned into trepidation. W hat if she had miss judged someone? (I guess that is why Starfleet protocol always has the Counselor and the First Officer make recommendations, and the Captain have the final call,) she thought.

Ivanof sat down across the desk from Jaquelle.

"I thought we could fill the open positions first, make those promotions and then look over each of our lists as to whom else deserved promotions, then review all who are left," Ivanof suggested.

"That seems a very reasonable way to do it," responded Jaquelle.

"I also thought that we have two important positions to fill. Chief Medical Officer and Chief Science Officer. I believe that without a doubt Anna Krasinski should be Chief Science Officer. She has more than proved herself in several of our missions," Ivanof stated.

Jaquelle beamed inside. She, too, thought Anna should be given the promotion, but she did not want it to look as if her friendship with Anna gave her any unfair advantages. She was happy that Ivanof made the suggestion.

"To that end," Ivanof continued, "I suggest that we promote her to Lt. J.G."

"Agreed," said Jaquelle.

"Now Chief Medical officer is more in your purview," Ivanof said.

"Well, that's an easy one also, Dr. Moyer has the experience, keeps up on all the latest medical research, has the right bed side manner and is an excellent surgeon," Jaquelle responded.

"Good, that would have been my choice, also. He will need a promotion to Lieutenant," Ivanof added. "But we still have a medical doctor vacancy."

"Dr. Moyer has also helped take care of that for us," Jaquelle noted. "Nurse Yari Leonid had finished her medical degree just before we left dry dock last year. Dr. Moyer supervised her through her internship while on board. I just received notice from Starfleet that she has been conferred all privileges of a doctor."

"Fine, that takes care of that," said Ivanof. "I also have a recommendation from Lt. Travin for a promotion for Ensign Zosin K'amast to Lieutenant J.G. I looked over the information Travin gave me and I believe it is a good choice."

The next few hours Daem and Ivanof went through every position on the ship. By the end, they had agreed on a full set of recommendations and reviews for Captain Myst.


{The Next Day, Sliea Station Market Pace}

Jaquelle wandered the marketplace alone this time. Now, while bartering for goods she made it clear that she was Starfleet and that she was looking for something else. Jaquelle was also keeping her senses open, trying to see if any one was specifically uncomfortable with her presence. Her mission was to make it look like Starfleet was conducting their own search and had no connection with B'ros. But if someone had made the connection, they wanted to find out who.

As she moved along, Jaquelle could sense that she was being followed. She intentionally kept her eyes away from the area where she sensed the person. Jaquelle maneuvered her way to a booth, picked up a specific scarf and glanced at Lt. Zosin, who had for the past few days worked for the owner. She stared at Zosin and deflected her eyes to the left. She offered him a price signifying the degrees and distance behind her the person was. Seemingly, without looking in the direction, Zosin saw the person. He then declared that he was insulted, and would not barter with her.

Jaquelle left the scarf and moved towards the next booth. While never diverting his eyes from Jaquelle, Zosin punched in some directions on a padd hidden by his right hand. From seemingly out of nowhere, two Griffin security officers out of uniform appeared, hyposprayed the man, held him as he slumped, and maneuvered away from the market place.


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Chapter 10

{Griffin - Corridor near Security Office}

(Editor's Note: The following section is all spoken in Klingon)

"Good evening, Lieutenant."

Rinali tensed as she glanced behind her to see B'ros grinning at her back. If he had expected Rinali to return the smile, he was disappointed. Rinali greeted him with a practiced stoicism.

"Good evening" she replied, as if to someone she barely knew. If B'ros was disappointed with her reaction, he didn't show it. The grin remained.

"Unless the old taskmaster's prowling around the ship somewhere, you can relax a little," he said teasingly. "I promise I won't tell the family you acted like you knew who I was."

Rinali sighed.

"I had some information I needed to pass on to your captain. Once I was done, I thought I would come and see you and fll you in on what I've learned. Over dinner maybe?"

"I have work to get to." Despite her intentions to leave it at that, Rinali wasn't having an easy time resisting the idea.

"All right," she grumbled. "Meet me in Ten Forward in half an hour and we'll talk."

"I'll be there." B'ros strode off down the corridor, leaving Rinali to her business. Half an hour would be more than enough time to get her few reports in order. The rest of the time she would need to work up the nerve to talk to B'ros again.


{Ten Forward - approximately 47 minutes later}

In Klingon: "...so we had made nearly triple the profit we expected and the Ferengis were more than happy to pay for a one-of-a-kind ship that couldn't have made a half planet orbit without crashing. "Valuable colectable", they called it."
Rinali surprised herself by laughing heartily. The conversation had gone from awkward to easy in a remarkably short time. B'ros was tactfully steering away from any talk of the past or the family and instead told tales of his adventures with his crew. Rinali found herself relaxing as she hadn't in quite some time. There was still that twinge of guilt at the thought of what Trosk would be saying if he could overhear them now. But it was much less than the overwhelming shame she had felt before at feeling any pleasure at seeing B'ros again.

"Lieutenant Travin?"

Rinali looked up to see Counselor Daem standing at her side. A slight smile was playing around the woman's lips and after pondering several alternative theories, Rinali realized that the other woman was probably pleased to see Rinali enjoying herself. She managed to smiled back at the counselor.

"Good evening, Counselor." Rinali very nearly answered in Klingon. "Would you care to join us?"

The question was a surprise to Rinali even as it came out of her mouth. She seldom sought out the company of her fellow officers for anything other than business. And things were going well with B'ros; she had no need for another person to keep up conversation. Perhaps she didn't want to seem impolite.

The question turned out to be moot as Lt. Commander Daem shook her head.

"I'm afraid I can't. I'm going to meet with McInnis in a little while. But I was hoping to find you before that. I've just been talking to the captain. The official announcement hasn't been made yet, but she's a greed with your suggestion to promote Enisgn Zosin."

Rinali smiled. In her mind, the promotion was long overdue, though of course she didn't say that. Zosin had been her reliable second almost since the first day she set foot on the Griffin. She didn't know what she would have done without him.

"Thank you," she said. Jaquelle nodded to Rinali and B'ros, who gave a cocky salute in return. She miled at the Klingon as she left the lounge.

(Editor's Note: The following is all spoken in Klingon)

"Ensign Zosin?" asked B'ros after Daem had left.

"My second," Rinali replied. "He's been indispensible to me with everything that's happened on the ship."

"Ah," Br'os nodded, rubbing his chin. "I think I recall seeing him mentioned in the ship's records. Cardassian?"

"Yes, he is."

"That doesn't bother you?"

For the first time that night, Rinali felt a surge of anger.

"You know it doesn't," she growled. "That's past and done and I'm not about to let the actions of a few individuals in my childhood keep me from recognizing a talented officer today."

The two fell silent after that. Rinali allowed herself a moment to cool down. It wasn't really anything that Br'os had done. But she hated it when anyone assumed that she held a grudge against the enitre Cardassian race when she had worked so hard to make certain that didn't happen. She tried to think of some way to restart the conversation, but it was B'ros who spoke next.

"I heard about the old man making you the next in line," he said quietly.

Rinali said nothing at first. She had figured that they would stay away from family matters. And it bothered her that B'ros never refered to Trosk by name or evn as "father". He seemed casual enough, but she wondered if his outcast status really suited him so well.

"How did you find out?" she asked.

B'ros waved his hand vaguely. "I hear things."

"I'm sorry." Rinali looked down at her empty plate. B'ros laughed, though it sounded slightly hollow.

"Don't be," he said. "I had no expectation of being welcomed back into the family and I wouldn't want to be."

He looked at Rinali, his eyes meeting her and holding them in a way that made her feel uncomfortable.

"I think that may be why we used to get along as well as we did," B'ros murmured. "Both of us feeling trapped in our own skins and by everyone's expectations of what we should be, desperately wanting to become something else. And yet..."

B'ros trailed off and looked away.

"How's your work?" he asked after a moment.

"Slow going, I'm afaid." she answered with a sigh. "The Andorians were stubborn, but from what I can tell they didn't intend to purchase the torpedo casings, or even the whole torpedos. They had a deal for some kind of merchandise, won't say what, that they were supposed to pick up at some prearranged location, so they never actually met the seller. When they got there, al they found was the casings. They were furious, of course, but they figured they'd cut their losses and take what they got.

"So we're getting nowhere with that. And the human who was following Lt. Commander Daem hasn't regained consciousness yet."

"A human?" B'ros looked at her. "Blonde? Mustache and beard? Greay eyes? Scar on the back of his right hand?"

"Yes," Rinali said with surprise. "You know him?"

"Damn!" B'ros cursed. "Eli Korros., one of my men. Either he had no clue who your counselor was and thought someone else was asking around about the torpedos or he was just trying to keep an eye on her."

Rinali groaned. "So he's no use to us. Wonderful."

"Let me take him off your hands then. You have more important things to attend to."

Rinali frowned. "I've got to fill out paperwork on him; it'll take a day at least."

"Rinali, it's not in my best interests for Starfeelt to have paperwork on one of my men."

He leaned in closer.

"You always said you owed me a favor after the tournament. Remeber...?"

Rinali held up a hand to stop him from going further.

"Go. Take him. Just don't say a thing to anyone."

B'ros grinned toothily.

"Of course not."


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Chapter 11

{B'ros Ship}

B'ros stepped down off the transporter pad. Directly behind him was Eli Korros. Before B'ros got to the door he struck a quick back handed blow to the face of Korros with his left hand. He then turned with his right hand and threw a hard, solid fist into Korros' mid section. Then as Korros bent over, B'ros pounded the back of his neck with a two-handed blow.

Bros left the transporter room. He figured that if Korros didn't die from the pounding, then at least he should learn a lesson.


{On board the Griffin}

Jaquelle walked into the secure lock up area. Ens. Lysa was on duty.

"Hello Ensign Lysa," she said with a smile, "Has our guess wakened yet?"

Lysa looked at her puzzled for a second and then realized that she did not know.

"Lt. Travin released the prisoner two hours ago," he said.

"What?" Jaquelle could hear the cross between astonishment and annoyance in her voice.

"Lt. Travin just said there had been some type of mistake," he responded to her.

Jaquelle calmed herself.

"Oh, all right," she said. But she knew it was not alright. She left the locked area into the corridor.

"Computer, where is Lt. Travin?"

"Lt. Travin is in the Security Office," came the cool voice of the computer.


{Security Office}

"Come," responded Lt. Travin to the chime of the door.

Jaquelle walked in and laid a padd on the desk in front of Travin. Jaquelle said nothing.

As Travin read the padd her blank look turn to an icy glare.

"You released a known smuggler wanted by the federation as well as a half-dozen other planets before his security record was transmitted, and without proper paperwork. Why?" said Jaquelle.

Before Travin could answer through the intercom came the captain's voice.

"Lt. Travin."

"Yes, Captain?" responded Travin.

"My ready room immediately please," Myst replied.

"Right away Sir," Travin replied and then looked up at Daem. "The Captain knows, too?"

Jaquelle's manner softened a bit.

"I don't know, I did not talk to the Captain, I wouldn't do that," responded Daem, "I like to deal face to face first to resolve things."


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Chapter 12

{Captain's Ready Room}

From the other side of her desk, Priscilla motioned for Rinali to sit as she entered. Rinali moved directly to the chair opposite the Captain and sat. Priscilla picked up one PADD and looked at it.

"Why is it, Lieutenant," she began slowly, "That in one hand I have a rather lengthy smuggling record belonging to an Eli Korros..."

Priscilla picked up another PADD. "And in my other hand I have transfer orders for a criminal I told Starfleet we have in custody..."

She looked down at her desk, and then around before her eyes landed on Rinali. "But no where do I see any sort of paperwork or permission to release the prisoner we had been holding, who, I am told by sickbay, is indeed Eli Korros?"

Rinali resisted the urge to figit. She thought quickly, trying to decide if she should tell Myst the whole truth now. "Eli Korros is a member of B'ros's crew," Rinali explained. "He called in a favor I owed him."

Priscilla's face visibly darkened. "Let me get this straight," she said, placing the PADDs back on the desk with an audible in unison Thwack! "You released a wanted criminal, a man who up until yesterday had eluded seven governments for nearly as many years, in seemingly complete disregard for your job as a Starfleet Security Officer, to repay a personal favor without knowing or caring who that man was?!"

Rinali waited for Priscilla to breath again before replying. Then her reply was simple: "I knew."

Priscilla blinked. That clearly wasn't anything she had expected to hear. "You knew?" she asked Rinali with a slightly confused expression. She closed her eyes and placed a hand against her forehead. "I think for both our sakes you'd better explain everything," Priscilla informed her.

Rinali pursed lips and nodded just once. She took a deep breath, then began. "While working undercover Zosin discovered that the Andorians' contact for the torpedo casings was a Trilant Endowen. Sliea's rosters show a person with that name having arrived a week ago on a large transport ship. When the crew was questioned they gave varying descriptions of that person, each of which partially fit Eli Korros."

Priscilla was looking directly at Rinali now, absorbing every word. She continued.

"The one thing about Ferengi, for good or ill, is that they can be bought. The right mixture of bullying and bribing managed to get them to reveal that the Ferengi arms dealer B'ros had that incident with had been tipped off by one of B'ros' own crew that he was working with us. Hence why that Ferengi turned on him."

"Why would one of his own crew do that?" Priscilla wondered aloud.

"There could be many reasons," Rinali commented.

"But you have a theory," Priscilla realized. "Which is?"

"Which is that Eli Korros knew exactly who he was following when tracking Commander Daem. She was being, as instructed, too obvious about being from Starfleet and poking around to try and get information about smugglers. I believe he is one of, or is at least working with, the smugglers who stole the torpedoes. There were a couple other almost insignificant incidents that lead me to believe he has been trying to divert us from finding the torpedoes. I had not given them a second thought until B'ros told me Eli Korros was part of his crew."

"So you just gave him back-?" Priscilla began to ask in disbelief, then shook her head at herself. (Rinali wouldn't do something like that, even to repay a favor,) she assured herself.

"No, sir," Rinali confirmed. "I placed a tracer in him while he was unconscious before B'ros picked him up."

Priscilla let out her frustration in a sigh, then looked much more pleased.

"I have been tracking him with low intensity sensors ever since. Wherever he goes, if he sends or receives any transmissions, or if he comes within ten meters of any parts of the Olimbar torpedoes, I will know."

When Rinali had finished, Priscilla nodded. "Good thinking." Then she had another thought. "Does B'ros know?"

"I do not know what B'ros knows," Rinali replied. "Though I highly doubt he thinks one of his own crew is working against us and him."

"Very well, Lieutenant," Priscilla said, then steepled her fingers. After a moment of silence she spoke again. "In the future, I'd like to be made aware of such things at your earliest convenience. That way when Starfleet Command, or anyone else, comes knocking I can stall them for as long as you need."

Before Rinali could respond, Priscilla leaned back in her chair and said: "Carry on."


{Bridge, 3 hours later}

"B'ros's ship is moving off," Freeman announced.

Ivanof tapped his communicator. "Bridge to Captain, you wanted to know when he left."

"Yes, Commander. Thank you," was Priscilla's reply.


{Security Office}

Minutes later Priscilla emerged entered. Rinali looked up as Priscilla walked over and stopped by her side.

"How's it working?" Priscilla asked.

"Perfectly," Rinali replied.

"How far can they get before we have to follow?"

"We will be able to track him up to ten light years away, but we will only be able to get sensor readings within the limit of the short range sensors," Rinali explained.

Priscilla tapped her communicator. "Myst to McInnis."

"McInnis here," came the immediate reply.

"What's the stats of the TCD?"

"Fully operational," he said.

"Good. Standby to engage it," she informed him. "Myst out."

"Myst to Bridge, lay in a course back to Federation space and engage at Warp One."

"Yes, Captain," Ivanof replied.

"Lieutenant, transfer those controls and join me on the Bridge," Priscilla said to Rinali. "We'll fill the Senior Staff in when we get there."


{Bridge, several hours later}

Things had been quiet enough in the last hour that you could hear a pin drop on the carpet, ever since they had followed Eli Korros into Breen disputed territory. B'ros's ship had dropped Korros off fours hours before, and he had made two transfers since. Every moment seemed to indicate more and more that he would lead them where they wanted to be.

Finally Freeman's voice broke the silence. "I'm detecting Olimbar power signatures."

"Direction and distance?" Ivanof asked.

"Number?" Priscilla asked.

"All four," he replied, deliberately answering the Captain first. "Bearing 012, Mark 334. Range, one quarter light year."

"Lieutenant Travin?" Priscilla inquired.

"He's heading relatively in that direction, but not directly. It looks like he's heading to a small outpost on a nearby moon."

"The power signatures are on a cargo ship being escorted by three very small fighter ships," Freeman added.

Ivanof turned to Myst. "Do we go after the torpedoes or the smugglers?"

"Taking one will certainly alert the others to run, most likely before we could reach them," Sable noted.

Myst thought for only a moment. Then she stepped in front of her chair and turned towards the view screen. "Our mission is to recover the torpedoes, it's more important to Starfleet that they be recovered. If we can catch up with the rest of the smugglers afterwards... well, we will at least try."

Ivanof moved to stand in front of his chair. "Commander Sable, bring us within transporter range of the Olimbar power signatures. Lieutenant McInnis, keep a close eye on the TCD," he ordered.

"Lieutenant Travin, target the cargo ship's shield generators, and if they start to run, their engines," Priscilla ordered. "Sable, keep the fighter ships on the side of our strongest shields in case they manage to locate us."

Priscilla and Yuri then sat down at the same time. "I know I don't need to remind anyone about the danger of setting off the torpedoes," Priscilla said. "Let's make this quick and painless, people."


{Captain's Ready Room, The Next Day}

"The tracer is still active," Rinali reported. "As soon as Starfleet can get a ship out there to follow it, whether that's us after we deliver the torpedoes or another ship, they will have finally Eli Korros. Again."

"Good work," Priscilla said to Rinali with a smile. "Starfleet is impressed, Lieutenant." Then she stood and walked around her desk to Rinali.

"Rinali, you've done an excellent job as Chief of Security this past year. I'm very happy you're part of my crew. You have all the talent and instincts to be the best Security Chief I've ever worked with. And I don't think it's going to take very long for you to get there. In the meantime, I've recommended you for Special Commendation. I'm sure it will come through. And perhaps it will help you to trust in yourself as much as we trust in you."

Rinali's eyes grew large in surprise at the mention of a special commendation. She blinked several times and rubbed her chin with one finger, obviously quite startled. "Captain, are you certain this is...? After I acted without....?"

Rinali trailed off, shut her eyes for a moment, and inhaled deeply. When she opened her eyes again, the surprised look and been replaced by Rinali's customary steely gaze. "I understand, Captain. Thank you, Captain."

Priscilla inwardly sighed heavily. "You're welcome," she replied with a soft smile, "You deserve it." While she was thinking to herself: (I almost got through to her...) She then headed back around her desk.

"That's all for now," Priscilla said to Rinali. "Could you please send Commander Daem in?"

"Yes, sir," Rinali replied, and headed out.


{Minutes later}

"Come in, Commander," Myst said in response to the door chime. Jaquelle entered and took the seat Priscilla offered.

"Jaquelle, you've come a long way since we first met," Priscilla began. She sat down in her chair with a smile. "You've shown talent in medicine as well as being a wonderful Counselor."

"Thank you, Captain," Jaquelle replied with a smile of her own.

"You're welcome," Priscilla answered. Then she continued. "You've also shown an aptitude for Command. I don't know of anyone in the crew who doesn't like or respect you, which is one quality of a good leader. And you exceeded expectations as my XO during the war games; coming up with creative solutions, bringing crew together on a project based on your knowledge of their talents, and knowing how and when to assert your authority."

Jaquelle wasn't quite sure where this was headed. Despite it sounding promising, as she did have ambitions for Command one day, she didn't allow herself to get excited just yet.

"Therefore, Commander Ivanof and I have decided to promote you to Second Officer," Priscilla said with a large smile.

Jaquelle's eyes went wide. "Captain, I- I-"

Priscilla waved off her needing to reply. "You've earned this chance. You will still also retain your position as Counselor. But I'm sure you can handle it."

Jaquelle nodded in understanding. "Yes, Captain. Thank you!"

"You're very welcome," Priscilla replied. "Now, I have your first assignment as Second Officer..."


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