Robert had just finished his impromptu counseling session and now found himself in Operations. Several Officers were doing their business, so no one was paying attention to him. He knew the feeling wouldn’t last, but it was lovely. He stepped forward and said something. 

“Captain on the deck,” a figure standing to his left looked at him with a smile.

“Really,” Robert looked at the female Officer.

“I have four sisters and a few brothers. I’m used to being loud when needed,” the Officer approached the Captain, “Hunter Byrne, Sir, your Yeoperson.” 

Robert took notice; it seemed everyone in the room had stopped working and was now looking right at him. He pulled a PADD out of his duffle bag, “To Captain Robert Abernathy, stardate,” he read off the date, “you are hereby requested and required to take command of Deep Space 108, also known as Eos Station, as of this date, signed Commodore Uzoma Ekwueme, Commander, Fourth Fleet Expeditionary Group.”

He turned to the Petty Officer, “Please note the date and time in the log.” He tucked the padd under his left arm, “now the rest of you get back to work.”  He pointed to Bryne, “with me, Petty Officer.” He walked across Operations, heading to his office. Robert stopped to look out over Operations. “In her day,  this station was like the crown jewels set in the backdrop of space,” he leaned on a guard rail.

“She was Starfleet’s first line of defense in their battles,” he looked at the Petty Officer, “or their secret battles with the Romulans,” he added.   “This was a listening post, a strategic outpost, and a line in the sand back in the heyday of the Romulan War.”

Byrne interrupted a habit that had gotten her in trouble with more than a few Officers in her short career, “but for the most part, we are at peace with the Romulans. Most of them at least,” she smirked. “Why recall a station like this again,” Hunter gestured to some of the outdated terminals that dotted the room, “Eos is a relic, a remembrance of a forgotten age. Surely the Federation could have brought in something newer.” 

Robert nodded, “first off, don’t underestimate the Romulans, friend or foe; they are a people to be very mindful of. A single shift in power and a tragic event broke them into what we see today. An event equally as tragic could bring them back together. Secondly, don’t waste good. Eos is old, yes. She lacks the modern tech we are all used to, but a good Engineering Department could bring her into a more modern age. Besides, that outdated tech is a part of her charm.”

“Given our proximity to Freecould, this station will start to see an increase in traffic. People won’t think twice about an old, outdated Watchtower station,” Robert reminded her as he turned around, making his way back to his office, “but there is more here, or will be more here than most people realize. With the right people, Eos can shine again.” 

“Just not as bright,” Bryne interrupted again.

“Excuse me, Petty Officer?” the Captain questioned. Lost in conversation,  Robert failed to notice his office door hadn’t opened. Walking face first into the door, Robert let out a simple, “ouch, let me guess, Tuesday?” It was an old joke; no doubt lost on the younger Officer’s generation.

“Sorry, Sir,” Bryne blushed, “I should have warned you several of the doors here don’t work. Along with a few replicators, several turbolifts, and many of the newer station’s upgraded terminals. Let me guess, part of that old charm, right?”

“Let’s get this door on the Engineer’s list,” Robert took a step back as he waited for the computer to register his presence. “When our guests get here, I don’t need them trapped in rooms due to broken doors.”

“Yes, Sir, I will message the Chief Engineer,” Bryne turned to head to her own office, “wait, guests, Sir?

“You’ll find out, Petty Officer,” Robert replied, “that will be all.” 

Walking over to the replicator, he ordered a cup of coffee. “This will have to do for now, but next on the Engineer’s list is a water source and then my french press,” Robert sipped the coffee. It wasn’t bad for replicator coffee. A computer could be programmed to recreate an item with a taste in mind. For a computer, replicated coffee was ok at best. However, the computer couldn’t recreate the human factor in the growth of the beans, their roasting after harvesting, or the process in which they were brewed. There was a creative flare to it. A flare that gave each cup of coffee a unique taste.  

Robert touched his chair, moving it from side to side. He had to ensure he wouldn’t end up on the floor or something. He gingerly sat down in the chair as he set the coffee on the desk. “This will do just….” Robert could be heard letting out a string of unprofessional words as the chair snapped out from under him, sending him to the floor. 

“Rustic charm, my ass,” he muttered as he pulled himself to a standing position. “The door and a new chair,” he muttered. “This is going to be a long assignment,” he took a deep breath, “a very long assignment.” 

Yatokii continued to go through the Randori No Kata with a holographic partner. “Computer increase the speed of the partner to realistic attack speeds, and restart the kata sequence.” “Affirmative” 

The sequence reset itself and restarted at a more realistic speed versus the slower training/learning speed. Yatokii thought to himself, “There is something oddly peaceful and comforting about following a training regime, also hearing the sounds of feet and bodies on a hardwood floor in my dojo versus the chaotic mess of this station first thing in the morning.” As the sequence came to an end for the third time, “Hmmm, time to face the day.” “Computer, end Yatokii aikido dojo program.” As the program ended, he made his way out of the holo suite, and the room returned to the standard black tile look. 

0730 – Promenade Security Office

“I can’t believe this, three months of asking, three months of putting in requests, and this damn office is still nothing more than a hole-in-the-wall dump with a desk,” as Yatokii looked around what should be the de facto security headquarters of EOS station. 

He pressed his comm badge. “Engineering, when are you going to finally fix my brig? Let alone my office.”

“You’re on the list, sir. Though the brig is not considered a priority by the chief at this time.”

“What do you mean not a priority? Where am I supposed to hold folks who have broken the law or are wanted fugitives?”

“Sorry, sir, I’m just relaying the message.”

“I understand that; I’m not mad at you, just at the entirety of the system itself.” 

Yatokii thought to himself for a moment. “pass this to the Chief Engineer for me. If you do not fix the brig soon, I will be forced to commandeer his quarters to be used as my brig till he decides to fix the brig. During that time, I will make sure that he is assigned what should be the brig as his quarters.” “Ummmmmm yes, sir, I’ll see that he gets the message.”

“See that he does, Chief.”

He stood and looked at what should be a working security operations panel, “Like everything else on this station. Non-operational, broken, or just plain missing.”

The panel showed handwritten notes on current investigations on the station, lists of current security issues/breaches, security personnel assignments, and a list of the stations most wanted.

“Let’s see what Bravo shift had to report last night, hmmmm the usual squatters in the living quarters – removed from the quarters, and the quarters were locked with new locks and codes. One of these days, we are going to need to do something about this issue. I wouldn’t mind rounding them all up, putting them on a ship, and sending them somewhere, well, anywhere but here. It looks like we are getting reports of the pirate gangs and smugglers trying to move back into the lower levels. Going to have to double what personnel I have to patrol down there.” 

Yatokii blinked his eyes several times and ran a hand over his scalp. “ “Damn that Ferengi was back at it last night. How is he doing this? Better yet, how have we not found out who he is or who is helping him? There has got to be an insider or someone that has intimate knowledge of this station for him to pull off these so-called auctions. Better take this to the Captain ASAP.”

He tapped his com badge. “Captain Abernathy, Lieutenant Yatokii. Sir, if you have a free moment this morning, I need to come up and show you the latest security reports. We have a few issues that I believe you would want to know about.”

Rob tapped his comm badge, “absolutely, come on up,” the Captain replied.   Rob hadn’t had the chance to meet with the Security Officer since arriving but now was as good as any. He walked over to the replicator and ordered a coffee while he waited.

Yatokii made his way to the nearest turbo lift, entered, and held the antiquated control device “Operations Center.” Yatokii made his way to the Captain’s ready room via his yeoman’s office as it was closer to the turbo lifts than walking through the operations center.

“Good morning, captain, and welcome to EOS station.”

Robert lifted a box and set it on the box, and it was just a few personal effects to decorate his office with; nothing too special. “Good morning to you as well, Lieutenant,” he looked at the man for a minute, “Lieutenant,” he paused, “what brings you to Operations on my first day of work?”

“As you may know, sir, I have already been on board for a couple of months. Well, sir, as I am sure you already know, the station is a mess not just from an engineering standpoint but also from a tactical and, more importantly, from a security standpoint. We have reports that the local pirate and smuggler gangs have built back doors into our security and tactical systems. It would not surprise me to find out one or more of the Romulan factions are behind these back doors. Nonetheless, due to these back doors, we have reports of several nefarious businesses being run by these gangs in the station’s lower levels.”

“I expected a few things from the reports I read on my way over,” Robert looked at the Security Officer, “but this is a bit of a surprise; even on a station this old, we should have systems in place for such events?”

“I have been working on it, sir. Though with a skeleton crew like EOS has right now, we are stretched thin, even with additional support from the other departments. I have been expanding and upgrading the patrol sections as the new crew comes on board. I’m going to focus on getting those lower-level security offices staffed up.” Yatokii looked at the Captain, then at his PADD, and blinked a couple of times. “There is another idea, we put them out of business, make it so that it is not profitable for them to continue their operations on EOS. Lots of empty space on the promenade or on the lower levels. I can’t believe I’m going to suggest this; maybe offer them a type of free-trade zone agreement. ” 

Robert wasn’t sure where the man was going with this, this report seemed to cover all of security all in about a ten-minute conversation. He just looked at the Security Officer and sighed, “I’d rather not do that, just yet.”

Yatokii handed his PADD to the Captain. “However, sir, we have what I feel is a bigger threat to the station from not only a security standpoint but from the overall operational status of the station. For the past year, there have been unconfirmed reports of a Ferengi and his “corporation” running auctions selling systems, parts, and surplus supplies. Basically, anything they can get their hands on that they think they can or could make a profit off of.” 

Yatokii took a seat in front of the Captain’s desk. “I have made this corporation one of my top priorities over the last month or so, took me a bit to find out how he was conducting the auctions. Then I had to create a persona and a background to get invited to the encrypted communications feed.”

“This Ferengi,” Robert asked, “he any good at this?”

“He is good sir, smart, careful, and has an uncanny knowledge of just what the buyers need. He doesn’t promise anything and tells everyone that he does not have the goods upfront but that he has the ability to get the goods if the price is right. We have tried to set up sting operations to catch them in the act but if they see anything, hear anything or even catch a whiff that anything is not as it should be, then they just don’t acquire the auctioned-off item and move on. Which has led me to believe that someone or several people on this station are working with him. I’m investigating several areas; at this time, I believe he has at least someone in operations, engineering, and security on his payroll; now it’s just a matter of finding out who.”

“What you have on the PADD, sir was the feed from last night, now I did not partake in this one as I have been going through my yearly shed for the past few days and kept myself to my quarters. The first page that you see is his menu for the feed, he usually sends this out 24 hours before the actual auction. The auctions are quick, lasting only a minute or two for each item. Highest bid when the timer ends wins. His standard is 50% upfront non-refundable; the other 50% is paid at delivery, no delivery, no pay. But last night was different; he threw in a special deal last night. From what I have garnered, he will do this from time to time.” Yatokii blinked several times and ran a hand over his scalp. “Sir, have you been in the operations centre yet this morning?” Yatokii reached over the desk and hit play on his PADD.

A video starts to play showing a chair, but not just any chair; this is a captain’s chair. As the video plays, you can hear a pleasant-sounding female voice going over the attributes of the chair. When the voice ends, a 2-minute timer appears in the bottom right corner, and a list of bids starts to appear in the top left corner.

Robert stood up from his desk, “what the hell am I looking at?”  He looked at the man, “shut it down, shut it all down. I knew when I took this assignment that there would be some housekeeping; I guess we start with whoever is feeding this Ferengi.”

“Sir, can you secure the room? That way, we ensure this, for now, stays between the two of us. But before you do that.” Yatokii got up from his seat and stepped through the Captain’s operations door, and made a circuit through operations. Most importantly, he noted that the Captain’s chair was still where it was supposed to be as he brushed past it, he tapped on one of the armrests and went back into the Captain’s office.

“Well, sir, the good news is that your chair is still where it is supposed to be.” As he entered the Captain’s ready room.

“I’ll take this as good news,” Robert looked at the man, suddenly wondering if he hadn’t at least attempted to put up a fight over this command. Things were considerably worse on Eos than he was led to believe. ”I hate to say it, but having only taken over this command in the last 24 hours, this is a lot to process at all once. I think it best you give me time to review, consider options and format a plan. I know you’ve been working on this for a while, and it’s appreciated. I truly don’t want my first action on the station to be a cloak and dagger operation,” he smiled. 

“Understood, sir, though we do need to figure something out before too long. The more crew we have arrive, the harder it will be to figure out who is helping this Ferengi. Although,” Sesias looked towards the operations center door for a minute and then looked back at the Captain. “More crew sooner rather than later may be the answer. Make it harder for a single person or a group to try things. Along with some upgrades and tweaks to the security systems.hmmmmm it just may work.” 

Robert gave the PADD he’d been reviewing back to the Security Officer, “Give me twenty-four hours,” he stated, “let me get settled in and get a feel for things.”  He paused as his mind thought for a minute, “What’s been happening isn’t going to correct itself in that timeframe.”  He smiled, “That will give us both a moment to formulate a good strategy to combat the problems head-on.”

“Yes, sir, I believe that would for us both some good and give us both a chance to sit down and think things through. Now I gotta go see a certain chief engineer about getting my brig fixed.” Yatokii stood “ unless there is anything else you would like to discuss, sir.”

“Dismissed Lieutenant,” Robert nodded, “and good luck with the Engineer; I hear that the whole Department is a bit busy at the moment.”  The Captain nodded, “so go easy on him.”

“Sir, I’m sorry to report that we have not been able to relieve the station of the items that you have sold in the recent auction. It would seem that Starfleet has brought in a new crew during these most profitable times.” a hunched over almost cowering younger ferengi stated on the view screen. “They were not able to procure the captain’s chair either, our people on the station said that the new security chief has been snooping around and that he and the new captain have added more crew making it harder to procure the item at the agreed upon rate.”

“ You tell that Hu-Man that a contract is a contract, remind them of the penalty for defaulting on a contract from a ferengi. I want that chair, the owner is of great importance to us. They will bring me much business which means more profits for our, well my, wallet. 

“Rule 227, yes yes i will tell them that.” the younger Ferengi typed something on his console.

“Good, I will be deducting 5 percent, hmmm no 10 percent of your share from this sale for bringing me such news. You’re lucky I’m in a good mood this morning. A woman who knows how to work the lobes is always a good thing to have around.”  

“Yes sir, oh thank you sir for being so kind.” the view screen goes black.

The Ferengi tapped on the large wooden desk in front of him. “Sister! Come to my office, I have a job for you.”

“Yes brother.”

“ No, not you, the other one. The smarter one”

“Why did my parents only have females after me, how is a ferengi supposed to run a business with females?” 

“You called for me, Rottoka”

“ Yes Tiaba, I did. Find out all you can about his new security chief and captain on the station, they are cutting into our profits.” Tiaba took notes on her PADD.

“Rule 177 brother?”

Rottoka tapped on the desk “ hmmmmm, maybe. They will have to rebuild that old bucket of bolts won’t they? Why couldn’t you have been born a male Tiaba? We could have made so much together. Oh well,  you have a job to do. Now go.” he waved her off as he went back to  watching the view screen

As the starfield outside the viewport reverted back to inky blackness filled with tiny pinpricks of light, Mike picked up his duffel from the floor where he’d left it once packing it and began to make his way down to the docking ports a few decks below. He always traveled light, seeing as every ship he’d been on since leaving the Luxor had been progressively smaller, including his quarters. It made you really start to think about what you actually needed to keep and what could be let go. 

A few minutes later, he walked through the docking port and onto Eos station; looking around at the careworn decks and bulkheads, he inexplicably smiled. Just like the Luxor this place smacked of nostalgia for the “glory days” of the Federation and Starfleet. It wasn’t as picture-perfect and pristine as a ship straight out of a fleet yard, and frankly, he liked it that way. 

“Can I help you, sir?” a voice asked from around the vicinity of his right shoulder. 

Looking over, he saw a female crewman dressed in ops gold with a cheery expression on her face, a big smile and all. He returned the smile and nodded, “Yes, actually, can you point me towards the ops center? I need to check in with the CO.”

“Absolutely, sir,” she said brightly and turned on her heel, sweeping her arm up to point. “Just head that-a-way, take that turbolift up to the command tower, and you will find it easily enough. I’d be willing to bet Captain Abernathy is up there. Do you want me to notify them you are on the way up?”

“No, that’s okay. I’m sure they are busy,” Mike replied. “Thank you for your help.”

It took him a few minutes to make his way across the broad space and take the turbolift up, but soon he was walking out into the command tower. From there, it wasn’t too difficult to find his way to the station’s operations center, and, just as the young crewman down below had said, he found the station’s commanding officer there. Stepping up to him, he cleared his throat.

“Captain Abernathy,” he said with a nod after he’d gotten the man’s attention. 

Instinctively, Rob just stuck out his thumb, “Just give me the PADD,” he commented. In his short time here, he’s signed off on so many reports, requests, and requisitions he’d lost track of how many PADDs had just been handed to him. “What are we ordering this time?” something in him told him to turn. “Hmm, Commander,” he put his hand down, realizing he probably looked a bit stupid. 

“My apologies,” Rob looked at the man, “it’s been an interesting few hours. What can I do for you?”

Mike smiled, trying to stifle a laugh. He could tell the poor man had gotten so used to the tedious routine of getting something like this all set up and running again that he was operating on autopilot in some respects. 

“No apologies necessary, sir. Commander Michael Hayes reporting for duty as your new ex-oh,” he replied, offering the man his hand for a shake. 

Robert straightened up a bit at the mention of the man’s role; he had to admit he was very pleased even if he was very surprised.  “I gotta admit, last I spoke to Starfleet, my XO was at least a few weeks if not a month out.  I wasn’t expecting one so quickly.”  He returned the hand shake as he gave the Officer a look over.

“You don’t give me the Security vibe,” he paused, “Engineering, Operations, or Helm; what’s your background?”

“Helm, actually, sir,” he replied. “And I’m not sure why you weren’t updated as to my assignment or my impending arrival, but hopefully, it’s an opportune time. I’m ready to get my hands dirty, and this place seems right up my alley.”

Robert laughed, “given the state of things here, any time is an opportune time. We could use all the help we can get, trust me. I am not sure where to start but right now, I need someone to help spear heading repairs and getting our Engineering Department everything they need.  Security has some troubles, but I think I got a handle on that for now.” 

Robert looked over Ops as he spoke, “the Federation hasn’t maintained this station, so now that she’s back on their radar, they are attempting several upgrades all at once.  Between that and our broken systems, Eos needs help. Our Engineer is good, but I am certain he needs help.”

Mike nodded; his lips pursed in thought. “I think I can help with that. I took some engineering courses back at the academy and there’ve been a few times I’ve had to lend a hand with engineering problems that were affecting helm systems. I’ll set up a meeting with the chief engineer and make sure they can get all the support and material they need. Anything else you need me to be focusing on?” 

“That’s a long list, Commander,” Robert replied with a slight smile. “Right now, there is a lot, but I think getting security buttoned up is important, and I can help handle that,” he looked at the man, “remember part of good leadership isn’t doing all the work yours,” he was referring to the Commander’s lack of Engineering experience, “but lending a hand and being supportive wherever you can. Empowering the crew to exceed and excel beyond expectations.” 

“Definitely, sir,” Mike replied. He’d learned that very quickly on his last posting, and it was a lesson he ever planned to forget. “I’ll go ahead and get started then. Just shoot me anything you need me to handle, or to get handled, and I’ll make sure it gets done.”

“Careful what you wish for Commander,” Robert nodded as the Officer left.   Eos was going to be interesting but perhaps things were starting to look up.   He smirked,  “one could only dream,” he told himself as he returned to reading reports. 

The Operation Center was buzzing with activity. There was no console not occupied by some enlisted or officer, as problems were solved here to only get others on a different spot. But that was the usual way of Eos Station for the last few years. Arwa had already been going non-stop counseling around the station, her office was somewhat operational but still heavily understaffed, and most of the work was done by herself.

Her next stop, however, was going to be an easy one in her opinion, her executive officer that just arrived. The man had no real remarks on the medical dossier, whether physical or mental. But the protocol is protocol, and a check is required. Looking around, she noticed what she just stepped and sighed, grabbing an enlisted at his shoulder “where is Commander Hayes?”

The enlisted blinked a few times and then looked around then pointed in a direction “There ma’am” 

Arwa looked in the direction, and let go of the enlisted “Thank you, Sergeant” she walked to the man that was giving out orders “Commander Hayes?”

Mike looked up, not recognizing the voice that had just called his name. Turning he found himself facing a woman with olive skin, and long, silky black hair. She radiated a sense of calm, and sureness of herself that was instantly reassuring. It took him a few seconds for his mind to make the connection, but finally it snapped in place, and he smiled. “Lieutenant el-Imam, it’s nice to meet you,” he said, extending his hand for a shake.

Grabbing Mike’s hand and giving a gentle shake, “It is a pleasure to meet you as well. I do hope I am not interrupting you in your daily duties?”

Mike smiled at the counselor, “No, not at all. It’s a welcome distraction. What can I do for you today?” 

His mind, in the background was wondering if he’d put off getting to his boarding eval long enough that she’d come looking for him, instead of waiting for him to book an appointment. It wasn’t that he had anything about counselors, or anything of that nature, he’d just been so busy trying to help out and get stuff up and running properly again that he’d totally forgotten. 

Giving a soft smile at him, “Well I am doing my round, quite literally, with everyone to see how everyone is doing. I notice you have arrived quite a bit at the station. Now, no need to worry that you didn’t ring my bell. Counselors are not particularly the most wanted person” Arwa crossed her arms and continued “So I want to do it here to somewhere else, you’re boarding eval” She winks “Still got time?”

Mike chuckled. “Honestly, I like counselors. Never met one that I didn’t like. I honestly just hadn’t had time to come see you, what with all the chaos of getting this place back up and running,” he said, waving a hand in the air at the station around them. 

“But it just so happens I’ve got a little bit of time, so I’d love to get that out of the way, and also see if there’s anything I can do for you, as well,” he added. “Your office, or mine?”

Thinking back at the office, still having weird coffee in the replicator and some problems, “I think your office is in better shape than mine?” Arwa pointed out bluntly, “As you said. The chaos is creating quite a list for our engineers”

Mike let out an actual guffaw at that and stared at the stack of padds he’d been working through when she’d approached him. “Want to make a wager on that, Counselor?” he said with a grin, and waved for her to follow him. 

A couple of minutes later they walked through the doors into his office. “I would offer you something specific to drink, but so far, the only thing the replicator hasn’t managed to completely mess up is water, and I never keep anything stronger in my office. Care for a glass of possibly room temperature, but hopefully cold water?” 

“A recognizable problem, cold water will do” She pointed out as Arwa looked around “Your office looks more configured in one piece than mine” Sitting down at a chair “See the chair even holds together” She laughs at the idea. 

Returning to the desk to give her the glass of water Mike waved his free hand towards an engineering kit sitting by the door. “It didn’t the first time someone sat in it…” he said, with a chagrined smile. “I commandeered a repair kit and fixed it. Thankfully the previous occupant of the chair had a good sense of humor.” 

He then moved took a seat as well, deliberately not sitting across the desk so as not to make the situation too formal. “I’m glad you sought me out, with everything going on who knows how long it would have been before I remembered to come down on my own.” 

Looking at the kit and then back at the chair, “Ah” she mutters to herself. Arwa took a sip of her drink, “Well everyone is busy in one way or another. Be it work or avoiding me. Anyway, how are you doing? How was your trip to this station?”

Mike had to ponder that question for a few moments. The trip to Eos hadn’t been bad, per se, but he was never one for downtime when it came to himself, and the transport he was on didn’t even have a gym for him to stay active in. But still, it gave him plenty of time to familiarize himself with the station schematics, and the department heads that had already been assigned while Starfleet dithered over who they wanted to fill the XO position. And, now that he was here, he was energized and elated to be a part of a pretty ambitious project. 

Finally, he realized he’d been sitting without answering her for several moments and chuckled. “Sorry, got lost in my thoughts on how best to answer that,” he admitted.

“But honestly, the trip here was fairly routine. Maybe even a little bit boring. Now that I’m here though, I’m feeling like I can take on the world, as the old saying goes. I’ve always been a fan of the tech from this era in Starfleet history, and to be able to be a part of this project, to get this station back up and running at full capacity… It’s like a dream come true,” he added with a wide grin. 

“Sounds like a perfect start at Eos, even though you have a pile of work ahead of you. You seem…” Arwa taps her finger the tip of her chin while thinking, “…positive about your career ahead. Your records do not show any trauma throughout your years within Starfleet and well I got to say, it is rather a shining example of how every officer wants it to be” Arwa took another sip of the water “Thought do you desire your own command one day? Is Eos you’re proving ground to Starfleet Command of what you are able to do?”

Mike chuckled at her characterization of his time in Starfleet so far. It had been relatively unmarred by any trauma, or even anything exceedingly difficult like some had experienced. “Yes, I am positive, but that seems to be a continuing character trait,” he admitted. “I like to try to see the positive in things, and look towards to future, even when mistakes are made, or bad things happen.”

“And as to my career goals, I never even expected to be in the ex-oh seat at this point. I hadn’t given much thought to progressing beyond helm, if I’m being totally honest. But the opportunity arose, and it seemed intriguing. I learned a lot about myself through the time I spent training to understand the role, and I grew in ways I had never expected. I learned that I had skills that could really help when it came to leading others to be the best version of themselves as officers, and it was a great feeling. If a command is in my future, that’s all well and good, but if not, I’m happy to be able to work with great teams and learn from them on a daily basis. If any of that makes sense…” he said, with a small smile. 

“Down to earth man as they would say” Arwa nods slightly to that, “But being positive might be not enough on this station. I am saying that as first-hand experience. While you have a late start when arriving at this base, you have to understand that people here are …what is the word” Looking a bit around “neglected in their needs and wishes. They feel abandoned by Starfleet, and giving them that approach of….everything will be good, might backfire on you, Commander”

Mike nodded along. “I’m adaptable, counselor. I’m also driven to ensure that those I work with succeed. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to see that happen, and I’m not afraid of facing reality when it needs to be face. The situation here is definitely grim, and there’s a whole hell of a lot of work to be done. And those feelings you mentioned are one hundred percent valid. I won’t do anything to disrespect them.”

Taking a nod to that “Good, saves me some work in the future” Arwa said in a way that it sounded like a joke but at the same time very serious “So what are your plans Commander?” 

Mike wasn’t completely sure what she meant, so he gave her a puzzled look. “My plans while on this station, in the current situation? Or just life plans in general?” he asked, hoping for some clarification. 

Looking at him for a second, Arwa finally gave him an answer, “I guess both, what will you do at the station in the current situation? How will you tackle the adventures that Eos has to offer to you and what life plans do you have in store”

A glib answer didn’t spring to his tongue, even though Mike was often a man with a quick wit. Instead, he thought for a few moments. “With the station, and the adventure it has to offer, I’m going to do everything in my power to support the captain and the other officers on this station. To me that’s what a good ex-oh does. They give the needed support to make sure that everything can thrive. We’ve got a hell of a job ahead of us before we can even begin to think of thriving, but I’m going to get my hands dirty and help push us through.” he replied. 

“And as for life plans, well, those are always a little bit funny when it comes to being in Starfleet, don’t you think? There’s an old saying, ‘You make plans, while God laughs’  I believe is how it goes. Seems fitting when you really think about it. My ultimate life goal, though, is to serve the Federation in Starfleet, in whatever role they provide for me, and maybe to find someone to settle down with along the way.”

For a brief moment, she looked at him, scanned his emotions, and gave a soft smile thinking about how carefree her new boss is. She ponders a bit wondering what will happen if something happened to this station, the crew, or anything close to the borders. Arwa nods and puts that to the test “Good to hear that you are stable enough, healthy enough and have a prospect of what you want to achieve” Arwa sighs a bit “But you see there is a personal note that the JAG office might have contacted you, with me standing in for a witness testimony. Did you see that?”

“I have not, no,” Mike admitted. “I still have a vast amount of communication to get through. Hence why it most likely looked like I was avoiding you. Would you like to fill me in so I’ll be knowing what to expect when I get to that particular one?”

‘One minus point Commander’ Arwa thought to herself “The transport vessel Victus was intercepted by the USS Kennedy due to their attack by an unknown Cardassian ship. Upon further investigation, the ship was transporting illegal terms passengers in poor condition. What we found on that ship gave me months of mental health sessions for the away team” Arwa shrugs thinking back at what happened on that ship “I am one of the away team members Commander”

Mike frowned. “That’s awful, Counselor. I can’t even imagine how difficult that was to come to terms with. I sincerely hope you sought out counseling as well,” he replied. Having never been confronted with something like that he honestly had no idea how he would handle it, but quite a few counseling sessions would most definitely have been the first thing he added to the list afterwards.  

She didn’t respond immediately to his comment on getting counseling herself “Starfleet requires everyone to be evaluated on their mental condition. Even me” Arwa looked at him “But be aware that when the court session begins I will be unable to do my daily routine”

“That is quite understandable. I’m sure we will manage while you are indisposed,” Mike replied. “And for the record, I wasn’t asking if you were evaluated. I was saying I hoped you reached out for help processing the trauma.” 

“Now, was there anything else you needed from me today?” he asked, as he realized they’d already been talking for quite some time, and there was a lot of work still on his list of to-dos for the day. “If not, I will be setting up a meeting with all department heads in the next couple of days. As a way to get a list of things I need to ensure I’m focusing on to get us to a better operational status.”

Noticing the time herself she got up from her chair and shook her head to the Commander “Nothing else. I will clear you for your own evaluation Commander. It has been a pleasure“ With that said she walked out of his office to resume her own duties.

Having settled into his office and been given the most important part of the work he’d be doing for what would probably amount to the next several months, Mike set up a series of appointments to introduce himself to the various department heads that were already on the station and see if there was anything he could do to assist them in getting their departments up to where they needed to be. With that in mind he donned his uniform, did one last mirror check to make sure he was fully presentable, and headed out with a definite sense of purpose. 

First up on his itinerary was station security, it was paramount that that department was operating at peak efficiency with all of the issues with engineering making it so easy for things to happen that really shouldn’t. Padd in hand he approached the doors to the security offices and stopped just short of slamming face first into them. With a sigh, and a roll of his eyes he waited, and seconds later the doors swished apart to permit him entry. 

Across the room he saw the Saurian lieutenant that had been posted as the station’s security chief and began to approach him. He’d never actually worked with a Saurian before, and the chance to learn something about such a different species than his own was one he was excited about. Stopping a respectful distance from him he spoke.

“Good morning, Lieutenant Yatokii,” he said with a warm smile. 

Yatokii looked up as he heard someone enter the security office “Good morning, sir. There should be a PADD on the counter there, if you would please start filling in the information pertaining to your issue, I’ll be with you in just a minute.” as he went back to writing notes on what looked to be an inoperable view screen. “As you can see we are a bit short handed on office personnel and if I don’t get these notes on the patrol briefings than it won’t get a done before they start their next rounds.” 

Mike grinned, wondering how long it would take for the security chief to notice who he was talking to, but decided to just do as he was told. He picked up the padd and tapped in a few details, and then sat it back down where it would be in easy view of the Saurian as he worked, and then leaned back on a console not far from him and waited.  

Yatokii looked back down at his PADD and noticed the first blinking message reminder. “Hmmm” he looked back up at the briefing notes. “I don’t think I missed anything for the patrols.” he tapped on the message reminder and quickly read through it. “Ahhhhh damn it” he looked at the PADD than at the officer standing by the console than back at the PADD. “Real good Yatokii tell the new XO to fill out the security complaint paperwork and then you go and ignore him to finish your briefing notes. Real smart Yatokii real smart.”

Yatokii put down his PADD and approached the officer. “Commander Hayes, I presume? Lieutenant Yatokii, chief of security and tactical. Please excuse me for not paying attention earlier. As you can see security is a bit short staffed in office personnel, actually were a bit short staffed all over, and as you can see we are not exactly on the top of the engineer’s priority list for fixing things.” Yatokii offered a hand to the commander. 

Mike chuckled and waved away the apologies before reaching out to accept the handshake. “Nothing to apologize for Lieutenant. I’d probably be just as frazzled if I hadn’t just arrived. Give me a week and I might do the same to the captain. I honestly just came down to see if you could give me a quick rundown on what you most needed from me to get your department running the best it realistically can in the current situation.”

Yatokii looks around. “Well sir, should I state the obvious? Personnel, especially some with some experience would be nice. A few yeomen would help. Armory is not too bad, some of it is dated but serviceable. If I could get a competent Ensign and or even a chief and I could spend more time in the ops center handling Tactical and security from there. “  

Yatokii looks over the XO. “Any experience in security sir, you have the build and look for it?” he looks up as a few civilians walk by the office and shakes his head. “Would you like a quick brief on the current issues, sir? I gave the Captain a pretty detailed one yesterday. Or would you like to talk the tactical first, that one’s going to be a doozy. It’s not people it’s the equipment for that side.” Walks over to the replicator “Iced coffee, large.” takes the cup as it appeared “care for anything, sir?”

Mike was not expecting so much all at once, and he had to keep his mind focused on what was being said so that he didn’t lose the threads of what the officer was saying to him. “No thank you,” he said to the offer of something from the replicator. “I can tell this is something you are very passionate about Lieutenant. And from what I’ve already been told not a lot has been done to get any of the department heads the resources they truly need to be up and running. I’m glad I’m here and able to correct that.

“I guess what would be most helpful to me is a concise rundown of everything specific you would need to get your department to where it needs to be as quickly as possible so I can take it a try to do a home run with it and get it for you as quickly as possible,’ He added, crossing his arms, a pensive, worried look on his face as he contemplated the rest of the department heads having similar issues. He could already see that today was going to be a very rough day.

“Very well sir, I’ll write up a report for both security and tactical and send it your way. I guess you have some more meetings such as this scheduled for today. If you need anything at all sir, I’m just a combadge yell away. “ 

“Thank you, Lieutenant, and the same goes for you. I’m always on call, and I don’t mind lending a hand if it’s something I can be truly helpful with. I’ll be on my way to the next poor soul who has to deal with me today,” Mike replied with a grin. He would have included more pleasantries, but he could tell that at this moment, they probably wouldn’t be exactly welcome, so he left it at that and turned to leave. 

Next stop on his list was medical, and he wandered into sickbay a few minutes after leaving the security offices. He snagged a passing officer and inquired about where he might find the ship’s chief medical officer and was pointed towards their office. Walking up he rapped his knuckles on the doorframe to get the man’s attention. 

“Doctor Longfellow,” he said by way of greeting. 

Henry glanced up, PADDs covering his desk as he continued to work on the various ailments both technical, mechanical, and biological, that were ailing the station.  He glanced at the rank pips and stood, “Lieutenant Henry Longfellow, Chief Medical Officer.  Commander…?”  He hadn’t had the chance to read the updates to the station’s roster yet with everything that was going on.

Mike smiled. “Hayes, Mike Hayes,” he replied. 

Longfellow gestured to the chair in front of his desk, “Welcome to sickbay, Commander.  We’re playing catchup in more than a few ways.”  He leaned forward on his desk, “What can I do for the Executive Officer today?”

“Actually, I’m here to see what I can do for you, Doctor.” Mike replied as he settled into the offered seat, wondering if he was going to see a repeat of what happened in his own office with his first visitor. “I’m meeting with all department heads today to try to get an idea of what I need to be working on specifically to help you all be able to do your jobs to the best of your abilities.”

Henry chuckled quietly and dug through his desk until he found a PADD with the latest sickbay reports and handed it over to the XO, “Half our beds actually work…and of those working, we’ve got three that’ll need more than just our patchwork to get them working long term.  Engineering’s been working miracles with what they have, and our computer systems are lightyears from where we started with.”  He shrugged, “We’re getting staffed with nurses, orderlies, and the like.  Two station physicians are in transit and should be here within the next few days.”

Mike stared at the PADD in the man’s hand, and then took it, blinking in surprise. “Well, that certainly seems like you’ve got things well in hand. I’ll look over this and do anything I can to make sure everything happens on time, or even faster. If there’s anything that needs to be added never hesitate. I’m here to help y’all get what you need to succeed.”

He looked back over his shoulder. “I do have to say though, I’m pretty damned impressed with how well you’ve done with what you had. A lot of people might have looked around and had a panic attack before running. You look like you’ve got things well in hand. You settling in okay outside of Sickbay as well?”

Henry held his answer.  There was a lot to be said in response to such a question, but the reality of his situation was…he was in a new place with new people.  The recent loss of his wife was still weighing heavily on his heart and sharing that pain, that loss – that was not a task he took lightly.  He was sure that the XO was a good man and worthy of the position he held, but he wasn’t sure his burden was ready to be openly shared at the moment.  He settled on, “As settled as one can be in the far reaches of empty space, Commander.  I’m sure the more folks I meet the more relationships that I’ll build.  Settling into a place like this takes time…and thankfully we’ve all got plenty of that.”

Mike smiled, “I like that answer, Doctor,” he admitted. “I’ll check in with you a little later one for my physical. Until then, remember, I’m available, no matter what time it is. If you need anything, just let me know.”

As he turned to leave, he considered who was left on his schedule for the day and remembered that his next appointment wasn’t until after lunch. At that thought he felt the slight rumble of hunger and sighed, wondering what sort of disaster the replicators in the mess hall would be able to cook up. There wasn’t a way around it, no matter what, so he shook his head in weary resignation and headed off to see what was in store. 

The week so far has been fabulous, meant in the most sarcastic way, Arwa had been dealing with damage control mostly throughout the base as it has seen neglecting not only on the engineering side of things. The next on her list was the avoiding Chief Security, that always seemed too busy to incline an appointment with her. Was there a certain hatred for counselors in general? Arwa shrugs as she enters the office and notices a civilian being roughly taken to the brig, yelling being innocent by two security officers, “Lovely start…” She mutters, looking around.  

“Morning counselor, is there anything we can help you with. We have to take this one to brig to see the Lieutenant “ the security crewmen nods at the civilian between them. “But we can call someone if you need help with anything.” 

“Well, got nothing security related” Seeing that it was calming down”I am looking for your chief, Lieutenant Yatokii if I pronounce it correctly”

“He is probably in his office ma’am if he’s not up in the ops center.” he reached down and hit a button on one of the consoles and the door into the back area opened. His office is down the right corridor second door on the left ma’am.”

Giving a nod to the officer, “Thank you for your time, I will leave you to your work” Arwa smiled softly and then walked to the destination that was given by them. She pressed the chime at the side of the door, “Lieutenant, do you have a moment?”  

Yatokii looked up as her heard the door chime announce that someone was requesting to enter. “Come on in, ahhhh counselor. How are you today? Is there anything I can help you with? “ as he stood and offered his hand to the lieutenant. 

Walking into the office and looking at the Chief, “Good day Lieutenant, I am doing good, it has been quite a busy day. But here actually for you” She reached out and shook his hand “I am here for the evaluation for your medical records. It has been a while since I saw” Arwa lets go of his hand and stood there at ease looking at him. 

Yatokii raises an “eyebrow” “ since you saw a saurian or? “ flashed a smile. “ Hmmmm, guess your right it has been awhile since of done a psych update for my records. Can’t say that your predecessor tried or even scheduled me for one upon my arrival.” shrugs his shoulders “oh well, your here now and that’s all that matters. So what would you like to know? “ motioned towards the two recliners set in the corner of his office. “Please, these are here for when I need to take a moment to think or when some of importance needs to talk about security precations or plans.”

Hearing about her predecessor, she shrugs a bit, “That was two years ago since the last counselor was here…. I believe she transferred” Arwa tried to think back to that. “But before we start with the common questions, how are you doing? You have been present at this base for quite some time now, at least longer than us” Following Yatokii into the office. 

“Well Doc, I could bore you with the tactical situation on the EOS or I could tell you some stories about what hornets nests I’m kicking up since I took over security. But for the time, I’m doing ok. Though it is getting close to that time of the year” he shrugs his shoulders much like a human would when they are dealing with a sunburn that is starting to peel. “Yaaa, about a week may be two before I need to seclude myself for a few days.” he takes a seat in one of the recliners and steeples his fingers as he looked at the counselor. “ I find my time in the dojo each morning, practicing my forms taking in the silence helps to center myself for the day.” 

Nodding to the medical issue, “That is quite okay, I believe that is more doctor Longfellow department than my own” Arwa continued to listen to what the Lieutenant had to say “Mmm, that is good that you find a way to centralize the focus of a day and take it with you along your work. So I have read your profile and there is nothing significant that I would say that would tip the balance of your focus, though I did wonder about your ship life. Your youth was not that easy, right? You overcame that with ..ehmm” Arwa shrugs a bit while thinking, “Aik aik…what was the name of it again”

Yatokii laughed at the idea of doctor Longfellow helping him during his yearly shed. “Sorry doc, I’m not laughing at you just have at the picture of doctor longfellow helping me. I think you misunderstood Saurians go through a yearly shedding the of our skin, much like snakes and some lizards do on earth. I’m just getting close to that time.” Takes a sip from his glass of iced coffee. “ Aikido is the word your looking for and yes it helped, it helped in many ways through the years.”

She points at him briefly “Yes Aikido that’s what I read, good that it works” Arwa nodded “But have you …dealt with your past insecurities?”Arwa felt that the conversation was going in circles, and it was best to take the offensive approach, “If the file is not lying, you had some bullying problem at a young age?”

Yatokii looked towards the ceiling and blinked a few times. “Yes, yes I did. Had to think about it for a second. Honestly doc yes and no. I have found that those insecurities are always there, always just under the surface. The  practice of aikido has helped me learn that sometimes you have to flow with what is happening around you. Yes, it helps me keep centered and focused but those insecurities are always there always waiting to try and show themselves. “ he looked at the doc blinking his eyes with a slight head tilt as if thinking on what he just said or thinking on the memories that the question brought up.

“Interesting” Arwa spoke a bit softly, “Well I don’t often hear people say that. It mostly comes from an experienced counselor to speak about it like you just did” Nodding to that as she thinks a bit “So you are saying you can live with it, it doesn’t impact the choices of your duties?”

Yatokii tilts his head “Not the first time I’ve been asked that question doc. So I’ve had time to realize and confirm the answer as I’ve looked at myself and confronted my own thoughts and feelings over the last couple years. Doc, I’m not going to lie it’s tough and there are times that I have to take a step back during situations and adjust my thoughts before taking action. So far those insecurities have not impacted my decisions and at this time I can say that yes I am living with it. However, if it’s ok with you having a helpful doc around is always a benefit and I wouldn’t say no to a friendly conversation from time to time to help talk things out.”

Arwa had her hands over each other on her lap as she calmly looked at Yatokii “That is my duty Lieutenant, I am almost always available for those that require a peaceful conversation”  Her voice was rather soothing and calm “But keep in mind that if you find yourself in a position where you have become the bully, do take your own words to heart and step out of the situation or if you allow me, I will stop you”

“Doc, that’s one thing I strive to do every time I go out this office. I hope you would doc, if I can’t take that step back before I cross that line than you have my permission to make sure I don’t. That’s a line I do not want to cross.” 

“Noted Chief” Arwa spoke “So is there anything else you wish to discuss with me right now?”  

“Not at this time, at least as far as what would be considered your field of specialty. Lots of things going on around this station if it’s ok I may call on you to give us insight on how to deal with certain issues that we have going on,  especially if you could help us with profiling certain folks that we are investigating.”

Giving a slight nod “Sounds good to me” Arwa stood slowly up hearing about the profiling “Well I’m a simple-minded counselor chief, my profession is not the best at doubt your work. But if I can help, I don’t mind” 

“That will work for me doc. Please let me know if there is anything security or myself can do to help you out at second anytime.” Yatokii stood and offered a hand as he escorted the same counselor out.

Shaking his hand “I will” With that Arwa took off and was curious how well this station would develop now that she was here. 

Lieutenant Commander Krajj made his way towards the counselor’s office. As things got piled onto him, he completely forgot about coming to her office to chat. The engineer brought his toolbelt with him wherever he went at this point. He did not trust anything not to break. He stood outside the door and pressed the door chime.

No sound came from the other side. After a while, a noticeable spark was seen from the chime, indicating it didn’t function proper. 

Granth groaned softly and murmured to himself, “Glad I came when I did.” He stepped up towards the door and took off a panel just beside the doorframe. He grabbed the manual override switch and pulled on it, the door dragged open slowly. Granth stepped in the doorway and shoved it the rest of the way with his bodyweight, swearing under his breath.

He strode in and wiped off his brow with his sleeve, “I’ll fix that while I’m here.”

Looking up from her PADD as Arwa blinked and gave a soft smile “Nothing wrong seeing a man of your caliber work for a woman” She teased “But I honestly thought you forgot about poor me” She points her PADD at him. 

Granth emitted a small snort, “Guilty as charged. Work kept getting piled up. I’m sure you already know. You have my utmost attention and I am listening to you.” He glanced over at Arwa as he stepped towards the door and pulled off the interior panel, leaning over and started to work on the circuitry and wiring, “How has the station been treating you so far?”

Placing the PADD down on the desk “The station speaks chapters by itself. You’re fixing that door is one sentence on its own” Arwa smirks a bit. “But so far I have a station full of people that are far from having a proper mental health check for the past few years as this station has neglected the basic layout of medical care. I am understaffed and got Starfleet Personnel to ignore my request….so yea it is going lovely” She took a deep breath “What about you? I believe you are doing over hours?”

Granth replied wryly, “I feel like this door is just one word.” He glanced over towards Arwa and nodded sympathetically, “Understaffed and overworked seems to be universal here. It’s a constant for me too. I don’t think I had a proper night’s sleep or break since I arrived here.” He emited a small sigh

Giving a sigh at that comment, “Yea I can agree with that. While being optimistic when I arrived I dire to see now that the condition of this station is far from ready to be considered worthy for service” Arwa shrugs at that “But that is of course between us. I think you can vow that the work you do now only multiplies by four when you are done with the current task” 

Granth hums and nodded, “Oh boy does it ever.” He tries to close the door, sighing as it gets stuck and opens back up. He muttered darkly and walked over to teh door and gave in a swift kick and it slid shut smoothly, “Seriously?!” He turned back towards Arwa, “I agree, it’s far from service, though. I can never get a break…” He tested teh door a few more times, shaking his head as it opened and closed smoothly now.

“What a swift kick can do…” She grins a bit “Thank you for your gentle work on that door Chief. But really, how are you doing? Have you settled in, and I am not meaning a nearby Jefferson tube” Arwa leans back in her chair, “But more you?”

He stepped away from the door, “I mean, whatever gets the job done.” He stepped towards the replicator in the room, “Mind if I grab myself some coffee? Honestly, I haven’t any time to myself to properly settle in. I’m always tired, haven’t been able to socialise.” He paused and turned off his chronometer and PADD to have a little peace while he chatted with her.

She waved her hand. “Be my guest. I got a nasty Cardassian drink last time I ordered a coffee.” Area listen to the rest. “If the Doc heard that, he might confine you to your living space” She laughed softly

Granth lifted a brow, trying to order a coffee. He sighed as it spat out a glass of kanar for him, “Ok, so that’s not what I wanted but a glass of kanar sounds good right about now.” He set the drink aside and pulled the panel off the replicator. He plugged in his PADD and started to mess around with the code. He laughed at Arwa’s words, “Honestly I would welcome that right about now. It would be a break with no interuptions. The naps I could take…”

“Is that a what’s the word” Arwa thought for a moment. “A tick? Seeing something that doesn’t work needs your immediate attention?” Arwa references the replicator being fixed right now, “I don’t mind, but it seems that you talk better while moving those hands”

Granth chuckled softly, “It could be. Its a minor problem and its easier to fix it as I’m here, otherwise I’d have to file a work order for that and atars only know when that would get fixed. I’d call it laziness almost.” He emitted a small snort.

“You can also call it bureaucratic” Arwa softly laughs “But I do appreciate it, if all our sessions are like that then you need to slow down on the repairs. You will be done within 3 sessions if you keep this up”  Arwa teases a bit. “Thought back to the core of it all, is there a reason you are doing these over hours of working?”

Granth sighed softly, “There’s so much breaking and so much to do, I doubt I will run out. Which ties in with your question. Critical things keep breaking or minor things that would get lost on the list. And if I don’t do the minor things quickly, people get mad. People are mad that things break. All seem to think its my fault.” He paused and disconnected his PADD, putting the panel back on. He replicated two cups of coffee, setting one on Arwa’s desk and kept the other for himself as he sat down across from her, “I’m tired of getting yelled at accused of things breaking being my fault.”

“Are you sure that is the main reason you keep ….well, working? Is it not a way to escape the thoughts that initially made you come here?” Arwa nods as thanks for the cup of coffee and takes a sip. “Taste good,” she mutters to herself. 

Granth faltered at her words, frowning, “Well, partially yes and partially no.” He sighed and leaned back, sipping his coffee slowly. He spoke softly, “Wife caught me in an affair and took the kids and left. Been running from my problems ever since. Ended up here. The whole reason I joined Starfleet…”

“Well got to say, you are one of the few that give that as a reason to join Starfleet” Arwa took a sip of the coffee “Nothing wrong with that, but in the end, you should stop running from your problems and face reality. What do you want with your life? Do you want these problems to keep following you, or will you face them?” She realizes that the question is quite tricky to answer and leans a bit forward, “If you face those problems, I will be there every step of the process. If wanted, of course” 

Taking a brief moment to think, “It is not that I am saying, go talk to your ex-wife about it. I am saying…sit down and let it come to you. Those emotions need to get out”

Granth frowned gently, “Ya know? I don’t even know what I want anymore, to be quite honest. I clearly wasn’t ready to settle down back then. Now that I’m older… Who knows. It does sound nice some days. I would gladly accept help.” he sips his coffee slowly in thought, then grimaced at the mention of talking to his ex-wife, “She forbid me from contacting her or the kids… That is surely not happening.” He look of grief crossed his features at the mention of not being able to see, let alone speak to his children. He hid the expression quickly, sipping his coffee once more, “That sounds easier said than done.”

“You never know, the kids might ask questions” Arwa gave some relief to that “It does sound easier than it actually is, but I know that it takes time, and I am here for that precise reason” Taking a sigh at that “But it might take longer as expected due ….well” She saw the lights flicker above her head and pointed at it “The problems don’t sit still either, this base is a cluster bomb of emotions that is ready to pop”

Granth nodded slowly, “They probably would. They are curious.” He smiled genuinely at her, “I appreciate it, I really do.” He sighed and looked up, “I.. yeah. I can see that. This will be a slowburn case, I can see that already.”

Giving that soft smile “Good” Arwa looked at her PADD “How are you planning for next week Friday?” She asked, trying to get some order in this planning chaos that was left behind.

Granth leaned forward and sipped his coffee, “I can free up a block of time for that, not a problem. Think getting me out of Engineering for a bit may do my mental health some good.” He chuckled softly.

Leaning forward onto the table, “That is what we are….” She shrugs at that “…that is what I am here for” Pointing out the understaffed issue again she sighs a bit “So anything else you wish to talk about Chief?” Arwa looked at him.

Granth thought for a moment before shaking his head, “Nothing that can’t wait.” He paused, tehn offered a genuine smile, “If you are off duty and wanting to get a drink, feel free to let me know. I think I need a few some days.” He joked lightly.

Tapping the side of her cup as she looked at him, letting that joke settle in and take root. Taking a sip while letting a soft smile go, “That won’t do Chief. I want you to keep track of your shift today, and when you are done with it” She placed her cup down. “You contact me, and we will meet at the bars to toast away the day. No buts,” Arwa points her finger at him, “We both need it”

Granth chuckled and nodded slowly, “You are correct, asbolutely and a hundred percent correct.” He paused, “I’ll take you up on that, though. That sounds like a perfect ending to a day. I’ll be in contact, yeah? I should get back to work, regrettably.”

Giving that soft smile at him “Good to hear that, I look forward to talking to you about not work-related stuff” She placed her cup down on the desk “And don’t worry about the fixes that this station needs. Your health in this all is also important, if the Captain dares to push you to get it back operational feel free to contact me and I will knock some sense into his head” With that Arwa leans forward “I will see you at the end of the day Chief”

Granth smiled at her, “I’ll see you then, Counsellor. I look forward to seeing you later!” He bowed his head and turned to step out to get back to work.

Granth made his way towards the commanding officer’s office. He felt he should deliver his report for engineering progress in person. Due to suddenly getting swept in a massive pile of work from the moment he stepped onto the station, he neglected actually meeting Captain Abernathy. He needed to change that. Krajj stopped outside his office and pressed the door chime, and waited.

From the other side of the door, Robert had been attempting to leave his office for several minutes, only to be met with a very uncooperative door. He switched his coffee into his left hand as he kicked the door, “you stupid piece of…” he failed to realize that the door had finally opened. Before Robert could catch himself, he’d slipped mid-kick and landed on a figure standing opposite the door. He’d tried to get his coffee, but it was too late. Before he’d landed on the floor, he noticed the hot liquid beverage landed in the middle of his Engineering Chief’s chest. 

“Lieutenant,” he blushed, wishing he could start this all over again, “I swear that door wasn’t moving,” he could feel the heat burning in his face as the embarrassment swept over him. 

Granth’s eyes widen, and he let out a hiss of pain as the hot liquid seeps through his uniform. He didn’t give it much thought as the man who once held the coffee came hurtling towards him after it. With a clatter, he dropped his PADD to the ground and moved to catch Robert, “Are you alright, sir? Good thing I am here. I’ll fix that door.” 

“That’s very humble, Lieutenant, but it’s ok to be pissed off,” Robert pulled himself to a standing position, “I didn’t, after all, empty a 24-ounce cup of hot coffee on you.”  Robert turned to head back into his office as the Engineer picked up the padd from the floor, “Replicator is right over there, and I am sure you have more pressing matters than a temperamental door.” 

“And what brings you to my office,” he looked at the PADD, “a list of good news, I hope.” His voice hinted at a pleading tone; he was tired of the growing list of bad news. 

Granth shook his head, “Nah, I’m not pissed off. If spilled coffee is the only thing that goes wrong, then it’s a good day.” He added in good humor, “I just didn’t expect anyone to be literally falling for me!” He gave a crooked smile of amusement at his own joke.

Granth glanced over at the door momentarily before he looked back, ” I may as well fix it while I’m here. Saves a work order being put in and lost.” He brushed some coffee off the PADD and turned it on, making sure it worked. He strode forward and held it out towards Robert, “Report so far, sir. Decided to deliver it in person and check in with you. I got a little occupied and forgot to do so after my arrival.” As he spoke, he pulled his engineering tricorder off his belt and glanced it over. He really did not seem bothered by the coffee now. It was likely the least offensive thing he’s been covered in lately.

“Our station has been lacking serious upgrades for some time,” he glanced at the report, “I worry that tossing all those upgrades at a station this old will only cause more problems as we update things too fast.’  He had to admit, ”And if we are honest, Engineering is not my strongest skill. Therefore I will be relying on you a lot while we get through this.”

“And a personal request, and not a pirority,” Robert looked at the man, “I’d like a kitchen at some point installed in my quarters. Mama Abernathy made sure all of us kids could cook, and it helped with stress levels. It’s a minor request I know we have more pressing issues, but as long as it’s on your radar. In time I hope to have a work-dinner meeting in my quarters weekly for the Senior Staff. I feel they accomplish more than a stuffy briefing room.”

Granth nodded a bit, “So I’ve noticed, sir. At this rate, we will have an entirely new station with all the needed base upgrades to support any other upgrades.” He gave Robert a reassuring smile, “I would be more than happy to help you where I can. Feel free to call me when you need.”

Krajj regards his next words, “That can be arranged. I’ll make that my personal project in between work order if that is alright? I’m only speaking for myself, but I am sure others are easily placated and convinced to a meeting with food.”

“When you get time, and I know it’s a big task, I would like a rundown of all of the repairs needed on the station,” he smiled, “it’s a large task, but it will help me prioritize resources in your direction. On, and our new XO will be assigned to assign you in whatever you need.”

Granth bit his lip then exhaled sharply, “Easier said than done, sir. There is a lot, and it’s constantly growing and changing. I can either make a generalized list or give you access to all my work orders. I think a shorter, easier task would be what doesn’t need to be repaired.”

“The last thing I want to do is make your job harder, whatever works best,” Robert added, “just keep us in the loop so we know where resources are needed best.” Robert looked at the man; he almost felt sorry for him. “Eos is a station operating out of a different time, and we select few have the task of bringing her into a modern age,” he looked at the man, “I don’t envy you for the next few weeks, month.” He walked over to the door where the Engineer was just wrapping things up, “if there is anything I can do to make your job easier, please let me know.” 

Granth nodded at that, “Of course, I’ll keep you in the loop on what is or isn’t needed.” He paused for a moment, “It’s trying; I won’t deny that. Especially with staffing issues.” He straightened up as Robert approached him with a tired smile. “I appreciate it, sir.”

Robert watched as the man turned and left, “not the best first impression, but I am sure it won’t be the worse.”  He turned and head back to work.  He wasn’t going to get anything accomplished standing here doing nothing.

Having lucked out upon his arrival to the mess hall, finding that there were rations available, since the replicators were once again not functioning correctly, Mike found himself in a bit more relieved, and even jovial mood than he would have been had he had to force down whatever monstrosity they’d been able to throw together from random atoms and molecules. He now found himself on track to make his third meeting of the day on this wild goose chase of speaking to the department heads, in their own domains, to get a full view of what he could best do to help them accomplish their goals to get Eos back up and running. 

Next up on his list was the ship’s Chief Counselor. He’d already met her, so this was a bit of an easier meeting, but he’d yet to meet with her on her turf, as the saying went, so he was intrigued to see how the meeting would unfold. With a bemused smile quirking up the corners of his lips he approached the door to her office and pressed the small button to announce himself. He was in no way surprised when nothing happened. 

With a sigh he reached up and tapped his combadge. “Hayes to el-Imam, the chime on your office door is not functional…”

“I am right behind you Commander” She was holding a few PADDS and had actually just arrived a few minutes later than he did “Hope I didn’t startle you” Arwa gave away a small grin on her face and walked into her office “Please do come in”

Mike was able to keep himself from jumping, though he did feel a spike in his pulse rate at the words of the counselor coming from directly behind him. He turned to her, and gave her a pursed lip look, and then cracked a smile. “You did, and you meant to the whole time,” he said, teasingly. “But it’s okay, I like jump scares. Are you having a good day?” he asked, as they passed into her office. 

“I would never” Arwa kept that grin to herself as she placed the PADD on the desk and heard the following question, “Well the station is on the edge of a mental breakdown, I am barely holding my agenda together with all the appointments. But I am doing good” Arwa gave a soft smile to him “Thought I do believe you didn’t come here to check in for your counsel session, or I missed that request”

Mike chuckled lightly. “No, you didn’t miss anything. I’m actually here to ask what, if anything, I can do to help you get everything in your department at least a bit more settled so you aren’t having to ‘barely’ hold your agenda together.” he replied, while looking around at the office they were standing in. “All I ask is that you make sure you give me a list, that way nothing gets forgotten, or falls through the cracks.”

“A list?” She leans onto her desk and looks at him with her arms now crossed over each other, “Well, I am understaffed for one. I require more people to handle all the sessions, get everyone on this station approved for their mental health status, and get access to the updated personnel system. This means that I found out that there is an irregular batch of personnel information that should be ….checked out” She had already one finger up, followed with the second finger, “The office looks more like a dump than an actual operating office. Outdated panels, furniture that is barely holding together, not functional doorbell and don’t get me started on the electric and replicator issues” 

She put up the third finger, “Equipment that we use is….missing, and we do use them for extreme cases of PTSD for example. I need them back, and I don’t really care how they come back” The fourth finger goes up. “The station morale is an all-time low, it ties in with my responsibility of having a functional office and additional personnel, but people are….afraid” She lowers her fingers. “Afraid to get a medical check from either doctor Longfellow or me because that might be the end of their career, as Eos station is seen as a final departure station. Do something about that growing fear. There is only so much I as a counselor can do” Arwa sighs and places her hand behind her back “If you can start there, then that would actually help me”

As she’d been speaking Mike had been taking notes on his padd, which he’d been carrying with him throughout the day. He stopped when he realized she’d finished speaking, and glanced up, stylus still poised over the screen. “Is that all?” he asked, eyebrows raised a bit in surprised. He’d honestly expected more of a list, but he’d take any small blessing that came his way. 

“For now, that is all” Arwa blinked a bit and wanted to have priority to that list first. 

Mike tapped the stylus on the padd to deactivate it and laid it in the notch on the top to keep it in place. “I’ll be compiling everything from all my meetings today into a report tonight, and giving it to the captain, and I’ll be getting started on the things that are absolute top priority. Expect regular status reports on everything you’ve asked me for. I want this little experiment to work, and it won’t unless we work together. 

As he moved to leave the room he stopped and glanced back. “Thank you for mentioning that people are afraid,” he added. “I hadn’t been able to meet enough of them to realize that, but it’s troubling. Postings like this often have that fear attached, and I’m going to do my best to make sure we dispel that fear.”

Outside, in the corridor he took a deep breath and let it out. He knew deep down that she was correct. There was a lot of work to do regarding the mental health of the crew here on Eos, and it was his responsibility to see that it was given top priority by the people who could actually do something about it. Shaking his head a bit he headed off to find the stations chief engineer. His last meeting of the day. 

Half an hour later he finally managed to find the man, and approached, his face kept carefully neutral. He knew appearing too chipper and friendly could be seen as obnoxious to someone who was under as much strain as the stations chief engineer was under. 

“Lieutenant Commander Krajj?” he said, as he stepped close enough to speak. He knew it was him, but still, out of politeness he let the end of his sentence tilt up a bit to indicate that it was a question. After all, the two had never actually met before. 

Granth was on his knees, his head stuck inside a panel, rewiring the circuitry. He was not anticipating an unknown voice to address him. He startled and jumped, slamming the back of his head on the inside of the panel. He uttered a few expletives and crawled out, pressing a hand to the back of his head as he blinked the stars out of his vision. He should probably go see Longfellow after shift. That was the third knock to the head today. He sat back on his heels and looked up, “What broke this time?”

Mike gave the chief engineer a concerned look. “Well, from the sound of that I’d be willing to guess maybe part of your skull…” he said, holding out a hand to help the man to his feet. “Are you alright?” he asked. Wanting to make sure before he got started on the reason for his visit. 

Granth grimaced and took the man’s hand, using his help to stand up. “I’ll be fine. Not the first, surely not the last.” He gave an awkward smile of embarrassment. He asked, “Did you need help with something?”

“Actually,” Mike said, after released the man’s hand, “I was coming to ask you what I can do for you. I’m the stations new executive officer, and I know that getting this place back to peak performance is going to be a whole lot of work, and stress on your part. Anything I can do to make it easier, or facilitate the process?”

Granth lifted his brows and sighed deeply, “Uh, well.” He paused, “I need like… everything; staff, supplies, more staff more time, more energy, a good few strong drinks. Oh, and staff.” He grimaced and then gave a tired smile.

Mike returned the smile. “How about this, you get me a sort of list of things, in order of most importance, which means I expect staff to be at the top of that list, and I will work on getting it fulfilled. You can’t get this station up and running on a skeleton crew, hopes, and dreams. I’ll do everything I can to get you what you need, and get it fast,” he said, his voice serious, and his expression one of earnest understanding. 

And, if you are still in need of that drink by the end of your shift, let me know. I haven’t had a chance to get around to the bar I’ve been hearing about, and what better way to get acquainted with a chief engineer than over a couple of drinks, and some good-natured complaining, off the record?” he added, with a chuckle, his expression softening.

Granth listened and nodded, “I can do that, sure thing. I’ll get that list to you as soon as possible. I’m working with blood, sweat and tears right now, not hopes and dreams.” He gave a wry smile. He smiled genuinely at the offer for drinks, “And that sounds really nice. I’ll let you know when I’m done here, how about that?”

Mike nodded, “That sounds like a solid plan. I’ll be in my office if you need me for anything, and you can just send that report on through whenever you get it done.”

Granth offered a tired smile and a nod, “I’ll try to get it to you as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to nag me, I’m a bit absent minded the last few days. I’ll see you then, yeah?” He heaved a sigh as his commbadge chirped and someone called him away to see to something. He gave an apologetic smile, “Sorry, gotta dash.” He grabbed his tools and hastily ran off.

Mike watched the obviously exhausted chief engineer lumber off towards the next train wreck of a situation on the station with a sad look on his face. He knew he’d only just arrive, and that it was going to take time to get things running as they should. He knew that there wasn’t anything he could do to fix the fact that most the officers had been running on fumes well before he got here. Still, though, he felt like there had to be more that he could do. 

With a shake of his head, tapping his padd on the palm of his hand, he turned and left, heading back to his office to start going over the lists he’d already received so far so he could report them to the captain. 

Longfellow sat in his easy chair, a glass tumbler filled with chilled apple cider on the coffee table.  The days were long in sickbay, and he’d found himself retreating further and further into himself as the days had gone by.  The dull ache that had begun in his soul when his wife died had spread to his heart and mind, making it a challenge to get through the day without tears threatening to crest over his eyes and onto his face.  He had been quietly questioning his transfer to this station for weeks, and now the voices of doubt in his head had grown to a chorus.

Why was he here?  Why hadn’t he simply turned in his notice and retired to a small town in Montana to finish his years in local practice?  What had led him to flee the living to work amongst the dead?

The door chimed, and he sat up with a start.  No one had come to visit him in his quarters since stepping aboard the station.  He frowned and shuffled to the door, wondering if he could just ignore it and return to his ruminations on his life choices.  The door chimed once more, and he sighed, “Come.”

The door opened, and Longfellow gasped. “Hiro-san?”

Asato Hiro gave a quiet bow, “Sensai Longfellow.”

He regarded her in shock for a moment longer and found his words, “Come in, come in.”  He welcomed her into his quarters and offered her a drink, which she accepted quietly.  They sat down across from each other, and Henry simply stared at her for what felt like an eternity.  He spoke, his voice just above a whisper, “What are you doing here, Hiro-san?”

Asato looked her former teacher over.  He looked more gaunt since she had last seen him on Bravo and his eyes looked dull as if the lights within had faded.  She played with her hands until she found the words, “I have missed you, Sensai…and I grew worried about you.  You did not respond to my messages.”

Henry felt his throat run dry.  Had he forgotten to return her messages?  He had been so busy with the sickbay…but it had also been the added weight of the loss of Thea.  He looked around the room and began to notice things lying around and a lack of order in his quarters.  A moment later, he sighed, “I…it has been hard, Hiro-san.” She hesitantly stood and shifted over to sit at his side, gingerly placing her hand on his shoulder.  She did not speak but leaned her head against his as he continued, “It’s…been hard to know what to say…and how to say it.”  It was his turn to play with his hands as he attempted to explain his heart, “You’d think after all these years of giving advice and helping others grieve I’d be better at it, you know?”

His oldest friend turned to him, “It is often the hardest for those who have led others…but never experienced it for themselves with such magnitude.”  She reached out her hand, and he put his in hers as she encouraged him, “I applied to the nursing position here, Sensai…and they’ve accepted me.”

Longfellow frowned, “But you will be so far from your family.”  He searched her eyes for an answer.

Hiro smiled quietly, “The older we get, the farther we must fly from the nest.  The love of family is just as strong in the depths of this place as it is on Earth.”  He nudged his shoulder, “But we are back together again, Sensai.  Only good can come of this, I am certain.”

Henry leaned in, and they embraced.  He hoped he was right.  In his heart, he suddenly felt as if a semblance of hope had returned to his life.

Rubbing her head a bit after a tense day, Arwa admits that she had not slept well the last few days. The people in this station are more than she as a single person could handle, “Was that the reason that the previous left?” Arwa muttered and shook the idea or temptation away as she enters a bar and walked to its bar. Sitting down, she placed her arms so that she could lean her head on them. 

McCreery sprang up next to the patron with a smile “What can I help you with on this fine afternoon? It looks like you need something to help alleviate your stresses of the day. Is there anything you prefer?” He said as he pulled a menu over to her spot. He took another puff of his cigar and waited.  

Looking at him “Something strong, that hit the spot but doesn’t leave a nasty hangover” Arwa was quite specific knowing she had another shift soon “If that is even possible” She smiled and looked at the man “You are new here right?”

Haggis immediately snatched a bottle behind him of Belvedere ‘Smogory Forest’ Single Estate Rye Vodka and poured a tall glass for the newcomer. “This should help with the most minimal hangover. Also, I am newer yes, but that seems to be besides the point right now. Looks like you need some help.” He said as he handed her the glass.

“I need help” She smirks at that and shakes slightly her head as she took the glass and one-shots it as she placed it onto the bar “Oef….nice kick to it…” Arwa approved it, “Well, I think in the overall estimated time that I have processed throughout this base thus far. I can conclude that the people on this base require this more than you think” She pointed at the glass “The station had not received a replacement counselor for more than a few years….well, records got vague about it anyway. I now understand that Starfleet neglected its duties here that I need to clean up”

McCreery knew very little regarding counselors or their exact job, but he knew it had a stress of itself “The best advice I can give you is what my dear old pappy used to say. Just give it your best and you will never be disappointed. I am sure you know your stuff or you wouldn’t have been asked to take this assignment. Would you like another drink?” He said as he waited to see what the counselor would reply.

“That would be lovely” Pushing her glass to the man “And for the record, your ….pappy is a wise man to say that” Arwa gave a smile to McCreery “But it is more what this station will offer in the extended stretch of its revival. Will it be a phoenix that we all desire it to be, or just a pile of burned wood”

He poured another glass for the woman and smirked “Who cares when you have alcohol to help you through?” He said as he poured a glass for himself and took a sip.

Grabbing the glass as she lifts it “I cheer to that, just don’t tell the Captain I said that” Arwa spoke taking another shot of the glass “Mmm where were you the last few years” She enjoyed that sip and felt that she needed it “What is your story, why are you here on the edge of….this” 

McCreery smiled “I have a huge empire of stores throughout the galaxy, but I realized even a station on the fringes needs something to lift their spirits. So I decided to open this establishment and come out here to lift the spirits of all the people here.”

“A huge empire of stores, are you bragging mister McCreery” Pushing the empty glass to him, “Because you just piqued my interest. What kind of other stores do you own? And where is your best store to be found?” Arwa was quite interested in the venture of what he had to offer. 

McCreery chuckled for a moment “I own a huge empire of alcohol stores in fact I am surprised you have never heard of it before, In most places my name is quite popular. I can’t say any store is better than another because I have tried to make them all equal, but my starting location in San Francisco is the most popular.”

“Well I do admit, your drinks do hit the home run” Awra got the next glass and now took a sip to enjoy the flavor “That does mean you have the connections to obtain a certain amount of ….rather rare alcohol out there right?” Arwa leans a bit forward, looking at him more curiously. 

McCreery looked at her suspicious “I can, but I have to follow the right regulations in any merchandise I go to obtain.” He said as he lit one of his cigars.

She nods to that “Make sense…what about the rather not-so-legal way” Arwa said a bit cryptic and leaning a bit more to him as she took another sip of the drink “God this a great drink”

“What are you getting at?” He asked as he was getting curious as to what the counselor was trying to get at. He smiled and nodded “ I am glad you approve! I try to make sure my customers are happy.”

“Well” She rose her glass at him feeling the alcohol kick in which make her rethink her words for a second, “Romulan Ale of specific worlds are rather rare and …far from legal. I was wondering if I could have a bottle of one by your raw talent of exploration”

McCreery looked at her for a moment with a grin. “I may be able to help. I have a friend who is a Romulan and I am able to get Ale through him. I keep that under wraps for specific reasons.” He went under the bar and came back up with a bottle of light blue liquid and handed it to the counselor.

A tear of joy came to Arwa as she grabs the bottle, “Oh my….” She looked at the familiar liquid in it “I got so many fond memories when it comes to this. It is such a delight to be able to have it in my hands again” Thought her face become more serious “How much are you asking…and what world did this come from?”

McCreery thought for a moment “Consider this a gift, but do not think the rest will be free, as to the world. I cannot say for sure, but I have never been told anything bad regarding it so it must be pretty good.”

If sparkles could be added, it would be in Arwa eyes as she was overjoyed “Thank you so much for your kindness I really appreciate it. But if I would like to acquire more, how does that go into the works?” Arwa spoke curiously wondering how it would go down.  

McCreery shook his head “No need to worry about the technicalities. Just suffice it to say that I will be able to acquire what you want albeit maybe not quite as quickly as some of my other product but I can assure the best for my customers.”

“Sounds like you are taking that extra mile with your customers” Arwa smiled at him “I appreciate the extra care quite a bit. Maybe I will make this my to-go bar after my shifts” She laughed a bit

McCreery smiled and looked around “Hey now don’t go spreading around I am some nice guy I have a reputation to uphold.” He said before laughing heartily. “I am always here if you need somewhere to get away.” He handed the counselor the schedule for the tavern. “Just don’t come when I’m closed or you’ll be sorely disappointed, which I don’t want.” He said as he puffed his cigar once again the smoke covering his face for a minute.

Taking the last shot of the glass and making that sound of being pleased by that taste “Your secret is safe with me sir” Arwa looked back at him “You know that cigars are not that healthy for you right?”

McCreery smirked “That hasn’t stopped me for years. If they don’t kill me the consumption of so much alcohol over the years will.”

She slaps both her hands onto the counter “And there you are completely right in dear old sir” Arwa smiled at him as she gets up from her chair and looked at him “I should be getting some sleep, I need to get some rest after all” She grabs the bottle “This will definitely help me sleep, good night” Arwa winks at him and makes her way to the exit. 

Mike had just wrapped up the last of his meetings, and made it back to his office, padd in hand to download data into his terminal. As he did so he realized that the reports he’d requested had also been sent in, leaving him with an overwhelming amount of data, and a whole hell of a lot of work to do. Stepping over to the replicator he requested an extra-large white chocolate raspberry coffee, with cream and sugar, and watched as it miraculously appeared. With a surprised nod he picked it up and tasted it, expecting to find it completely wrong, or cold, or any number of things, and was again, pleasantly surprised to find that it was perfect. 

Returning to his desk he sat down, and began to read over the collected information, both from his own notes, and those from the reports the department heads had sent in. Just going over it took him nearly an hour, and by the time he got to the actual note taking he was on his second cup of coffee. Finally, almost three hours later, he felt he had a workable plan of action, and set to filling in the necessary requisition forms, and reaching out to the people he knew back at Fleet Command to see if he could pull some strings and call in some favors. Eos was in dire straits, and her department heads were barely keeping their head above water, as they floundered in the deep dark depths. He needed solutions, and he needed them fast. 

He had just finished sending a request when the screen suddenly flashed to the incoming signal screen, and a strident tone filled the air to alert him that he had a live communique coming in. Tapping the command to accept the signal he waited for it to resolve. “You can’t be serious…” Commodore Juana Ortega said as soon as her face appeared on the screen. As one of the more influential members of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers he figured it was worth a try to enlist her help. 

“I wouldn’t have contacted you unless I was, I assure you,” Mike said, “Also, good morning,” he added with a smile. 

She scowled at him, and then smiled back. “Evening where you are, I believe. But listen, Mike, this is a big ask. Do you have any idea what Eos is called around Command? And you want me to dispatch a whole CoE team to assist your chief engineer in getting her back into shape?” 

“Honestly, yes. But I’ll take what I can get.” Mike replied, with a resigned nod. “We need help here, Juana. Not only is that station in disrepair, but morale is also awful. This is seen as a punishment assignment, somewhere you are sent to be put out to pasture, or because Command doesn’t think you can cut it anywhere else, but they don’t want to just toss you out of the service. If we don’t get at least a little bit of help we are going to have a real crisis on our hands…” 

Juana stared at him for a few brief moments, and then sighed as she sank back in her chair. “I knew you were going to cause my trouble back when you were in my Intro to Engineering class, Mike,” she said, and then gave him a broad smile. “Be glad I like trouble! I’ll see what I can do. No promises, and it may not be a full team, hell it might not even be CoE, but I’ll take a look at your list and get you anything I can to help. Word on the street is your chief engineer has already been hounding for supplies and stuff, so some of what you asked for is likely already in the pipeline. I’m going to focus on bodies on the ground first if that’s alright, and then go from there?”

“Sounds fine to me, Juana,” Mike replied, a genuine smile beaming. “They don’t call you engineers miracle workers for nothing!”

Juana let out a guffaw, “Flattery will get you nowhere, Commander! Besides I’m not your type.” 

Mike laughed deeply. “Thank you so much for being willing to help, Juana. I mean it. Next time you are out this way stop by; I’ll buy you a drink. Bring Michelle, I haven’t seen her since y’all’s wedding!” 

“Will do, Mike. Invitation works both ways; you find yourself on Earth and we’ll treat you!” came Juana’s reply, with a genuine smile. 

After they disconnected Mike settled back in his seat. It wasn’t anything definite, and it was only a small step in the right direction, but it was a step. He would just have to settle for what he could get and make the best of it. 

The reports continued to stack up, and Longfellow continued to organize them as they were completed.  The physicians were settling in while the orderlies were becoming familiar with the inventory and where everything belonged.  The beds were still an in-progress item, and he'd made a note to set aside some time later today to do just that.

“Sensei Longfellow?”  Asato stood at his door, a curious look on her face, “You have visitors.  A Romulan and a Vulcan."  She stepped forward and handed him a PADD with their information.  He did not recognize the Romulan name, but he immediately felt a chill as the Vulcan name jumped out at him from the screen.

“What are they doing here?”  He glanced up, his nerves bunched tightly in his stomach.

Hiro sensed his tension, “They are here to debrief you on the events on Starbase Bravo and beyond.”

Henry looked at the files again, “Neither of them is Starfleet…or Federation credentialed.”

The nurse nodded, “It is unusual.  I would recommend you accept them, Sensei.”

The chief medical officer let out a long sigh as he thought about what this meant.  He hadn't seen Major Tulak and his entourage since March.  They had fled into the darkness of space, and no trace had been found.  It had always rested in the back of his mind that the Major and whoever he was working for would find him again or have need of finding him again.

“They cleared security?"  She gave another nod.  Henry pushed back his chair and stood, “Let's find out what the hell is going on.”

Hiro stepped into the hall and returned with Major Tulak and an older Romulan woman.  She stepped forward, and Tulak remained slightly behind her as she spoke, “Good morning Lieutenant Longfellow.  I am Captain Thasaz of the YAR Journey, and this is…”

The CMO interrupted, “Major Tulak.  We're acquainted."

Thasaz held the pause and glanced back at the Vulcan, “I'm aware of Tulak's previous…encounter with you.  I assure you we are not here in his…previous capacity.  He is no longer a Major, for one.”  She gestured to the chairs, “May we sit?”

Longfellow regarded both of them cautiously and relented as he took his seat as well.  “What do you want?”  He gave a thankful look to Hiro, who remained standing at the back of the room.

The Romulan captain looked him in the eye, “We're here to give you some information on the events and causes of what occurred to you and yours at Starbase Bravo…humans would call it ‘closure’ or something similar to that.”

Henry felt his anger spark, the raging wildfire of furor threatening to let loose upon each of them, no matter their words.  He took a few breaths, and the sparks remained while the fire retreated behind the lines.  He merely gestured for them to continue.  Thasaz related the connection that his Vulcan patient T’shalaith shared with the Romulan known as Commodore Patra - the one who had unleashed the virus that had impacted both Longfellow and the USS Edinburgh.

Tulak spoke up, his voice quiet, “I was employed as a high-level envoy within his… organization.  I was tasked with retrieving T’shalaith or her Katra at whatever cost.”  He gave a look of deference to Longfellow as he spoke, “You make it impossible to complete my mission.  I can say now I am…appreciative of your efforts to prevent me and my group from making any progress in our mission.”  He shifted in his seat, “If you had not protected her as you did, Lieutenant, the Commodore would have had access to a great mind who knew the shadows intimately.”  He put his eyes on the floor for a moment and then returned his gaze to Longfellow, “You will be relieved to know Patra is dead…or as dead as one can be.  Captain Thasaz and I are working to dissemble and disable the remainder of his operation and operatives.”

Henry sat back in his chair, taking what the former Major had said.  He wondered aloud, “What changed for you? What brings you back to the side of justice?”  He leaned forward, his arms on his desk, “Why should I believe you?”

Tulak understood the doctor's words.  He tried to explain, “I came to realize the darkness in my heart…the evil that my hands practiced…that my feet led me to…it was going to kill me eventually.  My Katra…would be sullied…unclean…and poisoned.  It is an old human saying, but I found religion.  I…rediscovered Logic…and the need for it in my life.”  He looked to Thasaz, “Justice is a concept the galaxy calls out for every day.  We know the right things must be done.  We've both walked on either side of that line.  We no longer wish to walk in the darkness, Lieutenant.”

Longfellow felt his throat growing tight, an emotional urge pulling at him.  His wife had always talked about righting the wrongs and doing the right thing.  She'd had a special place for people who had lost their way.  He gave a quiet nod, “You're words are appreciated, Tulak…Thasaz.  I'm still grieving…, and I'm not sure when that will fade from the sharp pain it feels like to the dull ache I know it will eventually become…but you've reminded me of her in this moment.”  He looked to each of them.  “She would have liked you both if she was sitting here."  He let out a sigh, “What else can I do for you?”

Thasaz stood, and Tulak did the same as she stepped forward and held out her hand, “You've done more than enough, Lieutenant Longfellow.  I hope this information…helps.”  He shook her hand and regarded Tulak as he held out his own hand.

He stepped out from behind his desk and approached Tulak, who flinched as Longfellow spoke carefully, “I studied a story of a woman in old Earth history.  Eva Mozes Kor.  She was a survivor of the Holocaust…a genocidal horror.  She did something later in her life after surviving the event…she made a public statement of forgiveness."  He shook his head in disbelief as he remembered reading about her decision and the reason she made it her remaining life's work to talk about the idea of forgiveness.  “It was not that she forgot what had happened to her…but she let go of the anger…the rage…the fear…she put it behind her and lived for the new life and journey that awaited her.”  Longfellow looked to Tulak, “I don't imagine I'll ever forget what you or Patra did to me…what was taken from me.”  He put his hand in the Vulcan's, “But I can move past holding the weight of it in my heart, Tulak.  I have so much life to life…, and you have plenty more than me.  Let us find ways to bring light into the darkness.  I wish you both godspeed."

Tulak gave a small bow, “Thank you, Lieutenant Longfellow.  I hope we find each other again before the end." Thasaz thanked him again, and they both departed as Hiro walked them out, the door sliding shut behind them. 

Asato returned and sat in the chair across from him, "Was I right, Sensei?"

Longfellow sat in his chair once more and gave her a quiet smile, “You were right, Hiro-san.”  He regarded her a moment longer before handing her a PADD, “Let us return the work of today, shall we?”

It has been a busy time since she arrived at Eos Station. The condition of the station is not the best. The personnel is hanging with a thin gray thread, and being unable to provide proper care to everyone without burning herself out was almost impossible. Arwa sighs as she leans on the wall for a moment, closing her eyes and letting it all sink in. This was a moment she needed to gather whatever courage she had to face the task ahead. She was by far ready for whatever was waiting for her right there.

The JAG court testimony was about to begin against the Victus that was accused of transporting people under poor and illegal conditions. Arwa was one of the away team members that had to endure the horrors on that ship. It took months of therapy to get all the crew of the Kennedy back to normal. Now she had to face the music again and relieve the horror she had endured years ago. Arwa opened her eyes and walked into the holodeck that closed its door, “Computer secure the room Arwa-414-Alpha. Connect to JAG per the invitation they sent to me” 

[Acknowledged room is secure. Connection is being established right now]

The room started reshaping into a waiting room as Arwa walked to a Lieutenant that appeared in front of her, “Lieutenant el-Imam, glad you can make time. The judges are interviewing another crew member right now. They will be done soon,” The man spoke formally.

“Thank you, Lieutenant. I shall wait for my turn. Did many of my former crew go into that chamber?” Arwa was curious as to how far this court had gone already. She was not given any specific information on dates or hours. There were no messages from the Kennedy crew or any way involved in that operation. 

The man looked at her. “Not that I can specifically tell you who went in and when they went in or how long they were inside. But I can say that it has been an ongoing investigation against the crew of the Victus. Your contribution will help to get justice for those victims of their savage ways”  The man kept it vague, but enough for her to understand the situation. 

People would pry for more information, but Arwa just nodded and knew when to keep specific questions to herself as the door opened, and the man stepped aside, waving to the door to enter. Arwa nodded to him and just walked into the room. It looked very formal, yet smaller than she is used to. This was, after all, a classified investigation. Arwa halted before the judges and stood at attention, “Lieutenant Junior Grade Arwa el-Imam. Head Counselor of Eos Station reporting per request”

Three judges were sitting at the table. An older Bolian man spoke, “Welcome, Lieutenant el-Imam. Thank you for making time for this investigation. My name is Captain Thend Sann. I am joined in this session with Commander Gozoni” He points at a Saurian male that sat next to him and then pointed at a female Betazoid. “And Commander Nenne Vosi. They will be part of this hearing. In this session, we will ask you questions related to the events of the Victus incident.. We expect you to speak truly and directly”

Arwa nodded to them, “I will speak nothing but the truth sir” 

“Good, I will begin then. In 2398 the USS Kennedy responded to an SOS signal from the transport vessel the Victus. Is this correct?” Thend spoke.

“This is true. We were informed that the ship was potentially attacked by a Cardassian ship. However, when arriving, there was no ship to be found” Arwa kept her answers as short as possible.

Nenne continued, “The Kennedy, after arriving at the given location, launched an away team to verify the damage to the Victus. You were part of this away team, correct?” 

Nodding towards the Commander, “This is true. I was given the task within the away team to check the crew’s health and potential passengers. Initial scans indicated that there were more lives on the ship than was reported to us” Arwa tried to stay calm. She didn’t know why she got nervous. 

“Then, when you arrived at the ship, what did you see, Lieutenant?” Gozoni asked.

Arwa shrugged as this was the part she was trying to forget and nodded slowly, “We arrived at the transport room and were welcomed by a nervous engineer who required help directly with the engines. Our team lead already noticed something off; we were asked to stick close and not to go anywhere else but to follow him. However, because of the attack, some ship’s doors were malfunctioning, and thus, we found out after a door opened that there was a bunch of people hiding in the cargo area, sir” 

Gozoni looked at Arwa. “What was the condition of these people, and how could they avoid the Kennedy initial scans?” 

“It was a classic masking trick, sir. The cargo hull was given a coating that could scramble scans from penetrating its hull. The conditions…” Arwa had difficulty stating the details of what she saw and kept quiet for a second or two. “The people in there were in their feces. They were in poor health condition. Some were already ill as a few fell to these conditions,” Hoping that was enough explanation.

Thend nodded, “What happened after this discovery?” 

Arwa took a deep breath, “The away team changed their objective to assist this ship in assisting these people and arresting the ship’s crew. Security members arrested the engineer and quickly also other crew. I started with medical assistance to help people. Our lead informed the Kennedy of the situation. Reinforcement quickly came after that. The whole situation was under control within five to ten minutes” 

“What was the after-effect of those involved in this rescue operation, Lieutenant?” Nenne asked.

“From what they had seen, from what they had to perform and witness. The crew of the Kennedy was taken a blow. It took months to get their mental health back in order. I could only provide basic mental health support for those victims on that ship, but some would carry this for the rest of their lives. This ship should have been stopped much sooner” Arwa became more emotional than she had hoped.

The people at the table looked at each other as Thend gave her a nod. “Thank you, Lieutenant, I know this was quite difficult for you, and we appreciate your contribution. You are dismissed and if we require any more information from you, then please stand by to answer if requested” 

Arwa grabbed her emotions together and nodded, “Yes sir, I stand ready if you require more from me” The three nodded to her as the connection broke off and changed the room back to the holodeck. Arwa took a deep breath, “I need a drink…”She rubbed her eyes and walked out of the holodeck, knowing she had survived something she didn’t want to witness anytime soon. 

It had been a rather lengthy discussion, with various points being brought up.   Robert knew his argument would not prevail, but he still had to push for good people.   “This is not a wise choice,  Sir,” he protested.  “Eos is simply not ready for an event of this status.   We’re making progress but still a long way out.” He folded his arms,  “I wasn’t my objection noted in the long.” 

“So noted, Captain,” the Commodore replied.  “Look, this is simple,  the Romulans have assigned an Ambassador, and your new Ambassador wants a full state event.”

“And, which Romulans would this be, the sort-of-allies, the not-so-much allies, or the certainly-not-allies,” Robert looked at the Flag Officer.

“Not funny, Captain,” the Commodore replied as his image shrunk to half the v screen.   Opposite the Commodore’s face was the image of the incoming Ambassador.  “This is Ambassador Tomek; he’s new… very new.”

“Wait, isn’t that the son of….” Robert asked but was interrupted.

“Yes,” a quick reply came. 

“Then we know how he got the job. The question is why,” the Captain added.

“Starfleet Intelligence has been keeping an eye on him.  He’s stubborn, impulsive, and very egotistical.  However,  his father is a key figure in their government,” the Commodore gave that look.   The look said enough.   “The Ambassador will have full diplomatic courtesy and be at your station in two hours. Play nice.”

Before Robert could reply, the Commodore ended the call, and that was it.  The station was getting an Ambassador who had a giant silver spoon stuck up an orifice; it wasn’t his mouth. 

With a state dinner, an embassy, and an Ambassador, he was wondering just how ready he was. He wasn’t the most diplomatic Commander in the Federation. This was going to be interesting. 

Several hours had passed, and knew Robert found myself standing, in dress uniform, in transporter room 2.  As the Ambassador and his staff materialized on the padd, the Captain stepped footrests forward.  “Ambassador, welcome to Eos….”

“Is this the extent of my greeting,” the Ambassador interrupted, “an old man in glasses and a dirty transport room.”

Robert took a deep breath,  “my apologies Ambassador; most of my staff is currently dealing with your Embassy and our state dinner….”

Again the Romulan interrupted, “typical human incompetence.  My Aide,” the man gestured to another Romulan.  

This time Robert interrupted, “General Rempeck, it’s a pleasure to see you….”

“Diplomatic Aide Rempeck,” the Ambassador hissed as he dismissively waved his hands.  “We are done here. I will see my Embassy now, alone   Rempeck, see to the formalities with the Captain.”

Before Robert could protest, discuss policy, or even talk about the event, the Romulan was gone. “Well, he’s going to be fun.”

Sometime later, Robert stood in his office,  looking across the room at Rempeck.  The man had an extensive career as a military leader. He was well-known in many circles. “My friend, what happened?” Robert asked, retrieving a bottle containing a familiar blue-green liquid from the cabinet behind his desk.  

“Same thing that always happens with my people,” Rempeck took the offered drink,  “this is illegal for your people,  is it not?”  The Romulan took a sip, ” politics changed, the landscape morphed, and my former alliances were called into question.  I am a traitor to my former home and a backstabbing spy in my current home.   How is the family? When last we spoke, you were getting married?”

“Divorced, a by-product of the job,” Robert shrugged it off.  I was sure our allies within the Romulan government would accept you.”

“My friend, our government is no more, you know this.  And your allies have people like Tomek’s father.   Please make no mistake. Robert, the Ambassador, is very cunning, and his father is mighty.  Do not make an enemy of his family.”

“That was not my intention,” Robert topped off both their glasses, “yes,  it’s still illegal.” Robert looked at the man. He was a shell of his former self.   He used to be commanding,  fierce, and strong.  Now he was broken, defeated, and alone.   Robert made a mental note to see what Starfleet had on Rempeck.

“I can see the wheels in your head turning, Robert,” Rempeck spoke, “it’s a long story and one I don’t like to speak of. Perhaps if I get enough of this in me,” he held up his glass, “who knows.”

Robert stood up without speaking a word.   Going back to the cabinet behind his desk, the Captain pressed his thumb to the control panel.   As the holographic doors disappeared, Robert produced another bottle of Romulan ale.  “I think I got that covered.”

“Nice trick,” Rempeck smiled. The Romulan picked up his glass, twirling it in his hand for a bit.  “When we rescued those people, I knew my time was limited.  The Free State wasn’t taking me back, and the Republic thinks, well, gods know what they think.” 

“I am pleased to see you here,” Robert replied, “even if it hasn’t been easy, I know you are a good man, and perhaps in time, some of that will rub off on our Ambassador.”

Meanwhile, in the Romulan Embassy, Tomek’s rage was fully displayed.  “How did we not know that turncoat was friends with the Captain?”  Tomek didn’t like surprises, and when the Captain greeted his side, he was certainly surprised.

“There’s nothing in his file to suggest…” a reply came but was interrupted as Tomek hissed.

“I’ve read his file; I would have known. After this state dinner, I want that old man transferred to another assignment, General,” he mocked, “Rempeck can’t be sent to Ferenginar for all I care. He’s useless.”

Turning his attention to another figure in the room,  “Contact our Ferengi friend here in the station to ensure that everything is still on track.  We’ve put too much into this deal for things to backslide now.”  

Tomek looked around the Embassy, “definitely substandard Federation construction.” He smiled, “but give it time. We will rebuild but first, that geriatric Romulan needs to go.”

The Ambassador’s aide typed on the keypad of the console in front of them “Have the items been acquired?” 

A reply comes across the screen. “They have, do you have our Latinum?”

“We do.”

“And the ambassador has agreed to our terms?”

“He has, with some stipulations.”

“As long as those stipulations do not lessen my profit, we can negotiate these stipulations he is adding.”

“They may actually make you more profits, in the long run, Ferengi.”

“Now that,Romulan, is the first good thing I have heard since that new captain and that nosy, scaly new security chief came to the station. I have taken a large hit to my profits and my customers are starting to look elsewhere for the items that I was providing so easily before.”

“We will correct those issues soon, my new friend.”

“When would you like to have the items in place? “

“I will get those details to you as soon as we have them, I believe the plan is for the official opening of the embassy.”

“Hmmmmmm”

“And the make of the items? Are as we asked.”

“They are.”

“Good, good. We have one more issue we need to deal with, we will pay well for it.”

“What?”

“We need a certain member of our delegation to meet with an unfortunate accident.”

“Dead or just gone?”

“Preferably dead, preferably found in a public location, preferably in a way that leads back to the ones who made the items but not in a way that could lead them to suspect what is happening.”

“That will take some planning, and the right person or people to carry out. It will be costly for both of us.” 

“Price is of no concern for this, make it happen! He knows things that we do not want him to tell his friend.”

“His friend?”

“Yes, we found out upon our arrival that he has known the Captain for some time and they are quite close.”

“You realize this may cause more issues, they may heighten security or any number of things that will make the plan harder on all involved. However, there are benefits to the chaos that will arise from this to consider.”

“Do not worry about that. We will handle that from our side. One must always let the cards fall as they will, it’s how you pick them up that matters. I will contact you through the usual means with the information you will need to provide to whomever it is that you arrange to handle our problem.“

“Very well, I will need that as soon as you can get it for me. I will need it to create our contract and the terms and they will want to see it to set their price.”

“I will get youtube information once I confirm schedules and locations.”

“Very well.” 

Lieutenant Yatokii welcomed the Romulan lieutenant into his office.

“Sorry about the mess out front, engineering is just finishing up with the remodel and updates to the security office. I asked you to join me so that we can come to some sort of understanding on how we are going to work together.”

“That’s easy Lieutenant, you will stay out of embassy business and you will turn over all of your security protocols to us.”

“I’m not sure you understand how agreeing works, that is not an agreement, those are demands. While we are willing to work with you on certain things we will not be giving up all of our protocols to the embassy. Remember this is a federation station, not a Romulan-controlled one therefore certain things must remain as they are.”

“Then we have nothing further to discuss here and I will file my report with the ambassador.” the Romulan lieutenant said as he started to get up.

“Now hold on lieutenant, just hold it right there.” as he slapped his desk “We can either work this out right here and now or we draw both of our bosses into this, I know that I have the backing of mine as I’m sure you have the same.” 

The Romulan looked at Lieutenant Yatokii, raised an eyebrow, and remained standing. “They are not demands, it is what the ambassador wants. I’m sure you understand that if that is what the ambassador wants then it is what I want.” he placed his hands on top of the chair’s back. “So, Lieutenant. I guess we are at a proverbial split in the road. I have my orders as you have yours. Which path do we take?”

Yatokii reached down behind his desk, opened a drawer, and came back up holding a blue bottle and putting it down on the desk. “Well, we could continue as we are or ..” he looked side-eyed at the bottle on the desk. “We could sit here with this bottle and discuss it like two like-minded individuals who are following the orders of their respective bosses.”

“Is that Romulan ale? Or that Synthol stuff you federation types drink.” He took a couple of steps around the chair looking at the Lieutenant.

“Well, that’s what the smuggler said it was when we impounded his ship and the goods. He thought that the old security chief was still here. He found out the hard way that he isn’t.”

The Romulan lieutenant let out a chuckle and returned to his seat. “Do you have glasses to drink this from?”

Yatokii reached back down and pulled out two tumbler-style glasses and placed them on the table. “This is all I have, hope it’ll work.”

“Those will do.” As he grabbed the bottle and filled the two cups. “So where do we start?”

“Let’s start here, what will make your boss happy besides giving him the keys to the station.”

Lieutenant Ninsai took a sip of the ale and sat back in the chair. “That’s a good question. I’m not privy to all of his plans but I know enough. He won’t be very happy unless he gets what he wants.”

Yatokki sat in his chair with the glass in his hand, gave it a slight swirl, and took a sip. “Hmmmmm, that is good.” He looked across the desk at the Lieutenant. “One security officer to another, we both know that he is trying to see what he can get away with, probably wanting to test the captain as well.”

“This is true.” He leaned forward in the chair “the question is what sort of agreement can we reach that will make both our bosses happy.”

For the next couple of hours, the two lieutenants sit in the office and hammer out a security agreement that both sides would be happy with.

Yatokiii made his way into the security operations office. “Chief, we are going to need to make some changes to the patrols and some of our operations.” he handed her the newly agreed upon security agreement between the Romulan embassy and the Eos Station.

Looking it over the chief started to nod and shake her head as she read through the agreement. “Sir, are you sure about some of these? A combined Hazard response team? They have full security control over the embassy and the ambassadorial quarters? Only thirty-six-hour notice for any embassies coming to deal with the Romulan ambassador? Outside security during Romulan embassy events unless it’s dealing with federation members.”

“Yes, yes, yes… I know I know. Captain Abernathy will probably have the same issues with it. But believe me that Romulan didn’t even want to give us that much. “ He nodded towards the main door. 

“Oh that reminds me, Chief Krajj will be sending us some bodies to help with crowd control and promenade security over the next few days as we go through these station grand Reopening  events.”

“Great, great. Now I’ll have to deal with those buffons as well as the Romulans.” she shook her head.

“Be nice, chief. They’re on our side, you know.” He chuckled. “Besides, isn’t your fiance one of those so-called buffons as you put it.”

“Yes, he is. That’s why I can get away with calling them that. You know they are going to try and push things as far as they can, meaning the Romulans.”

He looked at her, blinked several times, and let out a sigh. “Yes, I know. Going to be interesting the first time they leave the embassy with their sidearms and we have to round them up. I wouldn’t want to be in the Captain’s shoes when that happens and believe me it will happen.”

“So who will be your plus one for the dinner, Lieutenant?”

“I’ll be working chief, no plus one for me. Tell you what, you can take my place at the dinner table. I’m sure you two will enjoy yourselves far more than I would.”

“Plus it will give you two extra bodies in the dinner plus an extra set of eyes and ears. I wasn’t born yesterday, Lieutenant. We will gladly accept. Besides, It’ll let me know if I need to take the buff on to the tailor for a new dress uniform before we get married.” 

“Well I’m going to go and hand deliver a copy of this report to the Captain, plus check in on the tactical side of the house.” He showed her another PADD in his hand and made his way out of the main security office and onto the promenade.

The station had undergone many changes, even in the short time Robert had been assigned here. While many of the station repairs were well underway, there were so many more still left to fix. He walked over to the replicator and ordered a black coffee while waiting for the rest of their meager Senior Staff to arrive. He didn’t want a long meeting, but there was so much ahead of them that Robert felt a quick briefing was warranted. He looked out the large window as he took a sip of the beverage. He couldn’t help but wonder who was going to arrive first.

The door slid open as Arwa walked in with a few PADDS in her hands and took place at her seat, nodding to her Captain. I hope you are feeling good today. It might be difficult with the sudden departure of the Commander, but if you feel stressed, please make an appointment at my office.   

The Captain looked at the Counselor, “funny, you should mention that; we will circle back that in a few,” He smiled a bit as if a kid trying hard to keep a secret. Before Robert could add more, the Security Officer arrived, “Lieutenant,” he greeted the Officer. 

“Captain, we are going to have to have a talk about these Romulans. They came into my office this morning demanding to see our security protocols and then telling me that our services will not be required for anything dealing with the Ambassador or their embassy. “ Lieutenant Yatokii took a seat across from the Counselor, dropping his padd rather harshly on the table. 

Granth was the next to arrive. The iconic jingling of the tools announced the Engineer on his tool belt. The Barzan had a death grip on a mug of coffee and looked particularly grumpier than the usual jovial man he was known to be. He slumped down tiredly in a chair and dragged a hand down his face, nearly knocking off one of his breathing apparatuses.

“Chief,” Robert looked at the Engineer, “Welcome.”  He gestured to the Security Officer, “actually, the Romulans are, in part, the reason we are all here today. You all might wanna sit down for this one.”  He paused, taking a sip of his coffee before he continued. 

“I realize we are short staff, and a few key positions have been transferred,” he looked over to the Engineer, “I also know that there are still waiting on several repairs, but things are about to get more complicated, so that I will apologize now. In approximately twenty hours, the first of several visiting delegates will arrive for our grand opening. Starfleet feels it’s time to open the doors and ensure that everyone knows Eos is ready for business. I partly understand their motive, but I know it will add great stress.”

“Counselor,” he smiled at the Officer again, “I think anyone who read my file will see that diplomacy probably isn’t my strongest skill, and as we are short, a First Officer.”  He leaned back in his chair, “I am officially, unofficially moving you to Acting First Officer. Starfleet wants a full state dinner complete with dress uniforms with all the bells and whistles. I know it’s a bit sudden, but this situation is more built for your skills, not my own.” 

Hearing that she was appointed as the acting First Officer, she blinked and looked at him. “Mmm yes sir, I will help the station as well as possible in my temporary position” Arwa was still shocked about the sudden appointment but logically thought it was a common choice to have someone at his right side. Taking a deep breath, “I will focus on the full state dinner and everything that will come looking as part of it.”

“Lieutenant Krajj, I know you have a lot on your plate, but we need to switch focus to the key systems,” Robert gestured, “Security protocols, replicators, and turbo lifts. I can’t have a replicator accidentally poisoning something, and I don’t need a visiting Ambassador getting stuck in a lift. You already have a list of needed repairs; I won’t tell you how to do your job. Prioritize your work to that which will be important to the grand opening; anything minor can wait… for now.” 

Longfellow had slipped in as the conversation had begun. He held his PADD in one hand as he settled into the chair to hear the crafty Engineer’s response. Sickbay was approaching functionality, and it had taken most of his favors and some ingenuity on the part of the engineering crews together with operations. For now, his sickbay was looking like an actual sickbay.

Engineer Granth had watched Doctor Longfellow enter, dipping his head to him in greeting. He sighed and looked over at Robert, and nodded slowly, “I understand, sir. I’ll shuffle around the work orders for my engineers. We are a bit stretched thin at the moment.” He reached for his PADD and started to do precisely just that.

Henry motioned with his PADD, “Sickbay and medical are nearly operational. We’re brushing up on our Romulan physiology, but given how they’ve told security off, I suspect they will not be beating down my door anytime soon. We’re prepared in any case, sir.”

“Prepare is all we can do,” Robert replied, “and I agree. I don’t think .our Romulan friends are going to be that cooperative.” 

“Lastly, our Security Chief, I want extra details posted in critical areas of the station,” he nodded, “we are going to have a lot of excess people here, and we don’t need an incident or problem.” He paused, realizing that they were so not ready for this.

Lieutenant Yatokii blinked a few times and picked up his PADD. “Going to be tight, sir. We still don’t have a full security team onboard, and my guys are already stretched pretty thin. The problem is I’m afraid if we let up too much on cleaning up the lower levels, those factions are just going move right back in and be that much harder to get them to leave. “ He looked around the table. “I hate  to ask, as I know we are all stretched pretty thin, but does anyone have any extra bodies, preferably with some security training, that they could lend me until the event is over?” 

Lieutenant Commander Krajj looked over at Yatokii, “I mean, I don’t have much more staff than you, but my engineers are grumpy and tired enough that anyone would think twice about crossing them if you need a hand.” He chuckled sarcastically.

Yatokii blinked a few times as he thought over what the CEO offered. “That would work , Chief. We could use them around the promenade and certain other areas for crowd control. “

Putting his PADD down rather abruptly, he looked at the captain. “Sir, I am not going to hand over our security protocols to them. That would open us up to many possible issues, especially if those protocols were to get into the wrong hands. We still don’t know fully who is on the Ambassador’s staff, and let’s not forget that several of the enterprising individuals in the lower levels are Romulan.”

“Right now, these particular Romulans are to be treated with full diplomatic preference,” Robert stressed, “that doesn’t mean be stupid about it, but they must act first. I won’t start an incident based on hunches or gut feelings.”

“This dinner is meant to focus on our partnership with the Romulans and show everyone that Starfleet is operational in this area and ready for business. So, for the time being, we plaster on the smiles and play nice with the neighbors. Once this is over, then we will see. However, its game faces now, and we hope for the best.”  He sighed, knowing full well that wasn’t much of a speech. 

If they wanted a pep talk, they had the wrong Commanding Officer.  Robert wasn’t the type to pat you on the back and give you an atta boy. He was a roll the sleeves up, get the job done, and then have a drink once it was all over type. “And Doctor, something tells me you might wanna brush up on your Romulan physiology a bit faster,” he nodded, “call it an,” he paused, “educated guess.”

Longfellow raised an eyebrow in acknowledgment. Romulan diplomacy was challenging in the best of times. He sent his team a note to put in the extra time. Whatever came next, they needed to be ready for a number of possibilities. Short of a brawl in a pub, the rest of the list was less and less friendly.

“I can deal with the arrival of the Romulans and show them around. I would advise our Chief Engineer to give me a …path I can take to show them around areas that are patched up. The Romulans do tend to play on weaknesses, and if we show them our lacks here and there, it makes our diplomatic standing difficult,” Arwa points out. 

Granth nodded, gesturing, “She has a point there. I can easily create a safe green light area to go through and show off to visiting dignitaries. Shouldn’t take too long.” He drew a sip of his coffee and set it down.

” I can work with the Chief to ensure that everything is secure and legit that they may see as they walk through.” He picked up his PADD. “ The tricky part is going to be how do we camouflage or hide the stuff we don’t want them to see right now? or keep them from going to areas that we know are hotspots? “ Looked over at the Captain. “Any chance we could get the full records and any reports, official or unofficial, on the Ambassador and his team? “ 

Arwa blinks. “Perhaps just place some cargo boxes at the locations that are off-limits” She made quotes with her fingers and winks at them. 

“That is a great idea,” Robert gave a rare smile,  “good idea,  Number One.” He leaned back in his chair, “this whole thing will be a giant case of what ifs. Play it smart, don’t get trapped, and when in doubt, run it up the chain.”

“Remember, play it safe because that is true; they will look for weaknesses. So whatever you do, don’t give them a reason to find any.”  He looked around the table, ”we could sit here forever and debate the what-ifs. As things come about, bring it to our acting XO.”

“Until then, dust off those dress uniforms, and let’s polish things up a bit. Dismissed.”

Robert sat in his ready room aboard Eos Station, staring blankly at the star-filled viewport in front of him. He rubbed his temples, trying to will away the headache that had taken up residency there ever since he received the news of Lieutenant Yatokii’s departure.

The room was sparsely decorated, with only a few personal items scattered about. Boxes still sat in the corners, their contents left unpacked as Robert threw himself into his work. Despite being aboard Eos for several weeks now, he had yet to fully settle in, his endless stream of responsibilities and tasks leaving little time for anything else. Nevertheless, he tried to make the best of his small space, finding solace in the familiar hum of the station and the endless expanse of the galaxy beyond his window.

As the commander of Eos Station, an aging watch tower class station, Robert had a lot of responsibilities. But with the loss of his Chief of Security, the arrival of the Romulan ambassador, and the fact that he didn’t have an Executive Officer, Robert felt like he was in over his head. He was starting to wish he had never taken this assignment.

He had just finished a staff briefing when he learned the news of Yatokii’s departure. “As if having no damned First Officer wasn’t enough,” he cursed under his breath as he tossed the padd. Everyone was well aware of the state dinner planned to welcome the Romulan ambassador, and the station was far from ready. In a series of blows, this was just another blow that had the Captain truly wondering if Eos would ever get off the ground.

Robert sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair. He wanted things to go differently. He had always prided himself on being a competent commander, but now he felt he was failing his crew and mission.

The door to his ready room chimed just then, indicating that someone wanted to speak with him.

“Come in,” Robert called out, straightening up in his chair.

The door swooshed open to reveal his Yeoman, Petty Officer 3rd Class Hunter Byrne. Hunter was a professional figure, with her neat uniform and confident demeanor.

“Captain,” she said, standing at attention.

“At ease, Hunter,” Robert said, waving her over to a seat in front of his desk. “What can I do for you?”

“I came to report on my investigation into potential Executive Officer candidates,” Hunter said, getting straight to the point. “I figured you could use the help.  After all, people talk to a lowly Petty Officer before they speak with the Commanding Officer,” she let a slight smirk cross her face.

“Very well,” Robert said, leaning forward in his chair. “What have you found?”

“I have been speaking with the crew, and a few individuals have expressed interest in taking on a bigger role on the station,” Hunter said, her tone professional and to-the-point.

“Ok, who are they?” Robert asked, intrigued.

“One is Lieutenant Cruz from Security,” Hunter reported. “He has been with us for a while now and has demonstrated strong leadership abilities. I believe he would make an excellent Chief of Security.” Hunter handed a padd to the Captain, with the Officer’s background listed on the screen.

Robert nodded, considering Hunter’s words. “I appreciate your thorough research, Hunter. I will speak with Lieutenant Cruz and determine if he is interested and capable of assuming the role.”

Hunter Byrne continued to speak with Robert, listing off the potential Executive Officers she had researched.

“In addition to Lieutenant Cruz, two more officers have shown potential for the Executive Officer position,” Hunter said. “One is Lieutenant Johnson, who is currently serving as the head of the Science department. She’s an expert in her field and has a reputation for being meticulous and thorough in her work.”

“And the other?” Robert asked, jotting down notes.

“That would be Lieutenant Rodriguez, who is serving as the head of Operations,” Hunter explained. “He’s known for his quick thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as his ability to keep the station running like a well-oiled machine.”

Robert nodded, taking in this information. “I appreciate you bringing this to my attention, Hunter. I’ll be sure to speak with each of these officers and see who would be the best fit for the Executive Officer position.”

Hunter gave a nod before standing up from her seat. “If there’s anything else I can do to help, Commander, just let me know.”

“I will,” Robert said, offering a smile. “Oh, and Hunter?”

“Just between you and me, if you get tired of being my Yeoman, you could always step up and become the new Chief of Security,” Robert said with a chuckle.  “I am sure you’d do well at the position.”

Hunter let out a laugh that was uncharacteristic of her professional demeanor. “I don’t think I have the patience for that job, Sir,” she said with a grin. “Besides, I hear our Commanding Officer is a real taskmaster. I don’t think I could handle working for him.”

Robert couldn’t help but smile at Hunter’s remark. He knew that he could be demanding at times, but it was only because he wanted the best for the crew and the station. “Well, I’ll take that as a compliment,” he said with a chuckle.

Hunter nodded and smiled before making her way out of the ready room. Robert watched her go, feeling relief. He was grateful to have such a competent and professional crew supporting him on the station.

Robert watched Hunter leave, feeling a sense of relief. He couldn’t help but reflect that it was nice to have a crew that could see and fix a problem, even when they weren’t asked to. He was grateful for their hard work and dedication, especially given the challenges they faced.

As Robert settled back into his chair, his thoughts were interrupted by Rempeck, the Romulan Ambassador’s aide. Robert listened intently. He was grateful to friends like Rempeck, whom he trusted, but he did not want this news.

Robert listened intently to Rempeck’s news, his mind racing with the implications of what he was hearing. The Romulan Ambassador had been sending teams to meet with a local Ferengi named Brot, who had been running illegal activities on the station for some time now. This was not good news for Robert, especially given Brot’s reputation and the fact that he had been operating on the station long before Robert’s arrival.

The call left Robert feeling uneasy; he couldn’t help but worry about the safety of his crew and the station. As the commander, he was responsible for ensuring that all regulations and laws were being upheld, and the thought that potentially illegal activity was taking place on his watch was a daunting prospect; especially when those illegal activities involved someone with complete diplomatic immunity. 

With a deep sigh, Robert leaned back in his chair, lost in thought and uncertainty. The future of Eos Station, and the well-being of his crew, were now at the mercy of forces beyond his control. Robert couldn’t shake the feeling that the challenges they faced were only just beginning, and he couldn’t help but wonder what the future held.

Having met the Captain and settled into his office. Hadir realized he had two things left that he must do on his new posting checklist. Seeing the doctor for a physical and seeing the Counselor to check in for his mandatory sessions. Neither was appealing and so he chose the lesser of the two evils, Hadir made his way to the Counselor’s office.

He had to check the deck listing for the station about a hundred times as he made is way there. It seemed that with all the construction nothing was actually where it should be. It took him the better part of ninety minutes to find the office and when he got there he was sure the Counselor would have her work cut out for her as to say he was angry would be putting it lightly. As he stepped through the door he ducked his head, which seemed to make him even more out of sorts. None of the doorways were constructed for a person of his stature. When Hadir stepped in he saw the rather demure woman seated behind her desk. The Cardassian came to attention. “Commander Hadir Prenar reporting as ordered.”

The lights in the room were flickering making Arwa look at it “I better contact Krajj again” She mutters as she notice the Cardassian entering and introducing himself. She gave a warm smile at him “Commander Prenar, welcome to Eos Station. I am the station counselor and I have to admit that I have not been able to check your file yet. Been playing catch up since my arrival so to speak” She waved to a chair “Please take a seat”

Hadir sat rigidly with his back perfectly straight. He had not counted on her having not read his file. He is going to have to go over everything now. He smiled one of the many trademark Cardassian smiles, however, this one was to cover up the trepidation and anger he felt. “Thank you for the welcome Counselor. Once you have the chance to read my file you will find that I am under Starfleet orders to attend monthly counseling, that is unless you find that more often is needed. I would also ask your forgiveness as I have not had time to check over the manifest for this station. As such I am at a loss for your name.”

She hums a bit “Ah my apologies my head is in the clouds of work. Lieutenant Arwa el-Imam” She gave a soft nod in his direction “In my years that I have been counselor I had countless Starfleet personnel cross my desk and Cardassians are no exception to that” She winks “So I can see when you have a poker face Commander, what is troubling you?” She puts up her hands “It is after all a safe place to talk”

Hadir had no interest in telling her the real reasons for his anger at the moment. However, he knew he was going to have to give her something. “It is just the general sort of feelings that comes with a rather long journey. Once here there is no rest for the weary as the Executive Officer has to hit the ground running and get into the thick of it.” He paused for a moment in an effort to change subjects. “Most of the reasons why I have to attend counseling would be in my record. I guess today we should just get to know each other and set up the session schedule.”

“Hmm” She paused for a moment and just nods “I will look into your file, no worries there” Arwa gave him a soft smile “So could you tell me who Commander Prenar is, not the full history but your personality” Arwa stood up walking to the replicator “Any drinks….” She looks at the replicator “Tea lemon” 

Hadir desperately wanted a kanar but that would have to wait until he was off duty. He hoped the bar on this station, if there was one stocked the Cardassian drink of choice. “I would love a double strong coffee. Thank you.” He said with a smile. “I am a loyal friend and officer. I know that sounds cliché but it is the truth. Although most people don’t believe me. So, most of my days are spent proving them wrong. But loyalty of course must be earned.” As he took the coffee he smiled but there was a sadness behind his scarred eyes. 

“A double strong coffee” Arwa asked narrowing her eyes at the replicator and listening to Hadir at the same time. She was surprised by the coffee actually being processed “Oh my…” She mutters getting the cup to Hadir and sitting down with her own tea at her chair. She nods to him “Qualities that are well needed on a ….special station like this one” She pointed out “Eos has been neglected for years by Starfleet and now that the Romulans are at the borders stirring up whatever they are doing, it gave new purpose to this station” She took a sip and notice that it was not lemon tea, but vulcan tea “Close..” 

“I think neglected would be an understatement. I wonder why Starfleet just didn’t decommission this old girl and build something newer and more modern. I mean it has to be better than wasting the manpower and resources repairing something this outdated. Besides that… This far out it has to be nearly insane to do something like this with so far a distance for any resupply ship to travel…” The tone of Hadir’s voice got angrier as he spoke. The idea that he felt he was here as punishment roiled to the surface. He caught himself and stopped midsentence. With a quick hand through his hair the anger was replaced by a smile. “…Forgive me Counselor I worry too much. Perhaps that is my fatal flaw.” 

Taking another sip of her tea she nods “Starfleet still has her reasons to show some form of strength to outsiders. You know….we are still here kind of message” Arwa concluded. “But we will find out soon enough with the Romulan convoy coming over what their perspective is” She took a sip. “So your worries are…valid and well known to anyone on this base shares them with you”

Now Hadir wondered why the Captain had not shared the information about a Romulan convoy arriving, he was the XO and would have to make preparations for that. Hadir chalked it up to probably slipping the Captain’s mind, however, he took a mental not to talk to Abernathy about it. “With this area becoming a hotbed again that is all the more reason that something newer, and up to the task should be constructed.” Hadir sipped his coffee and savored the flavor, the caffeine and most of all the warmth. For a Cardassian with cold blood the rush of warmth from a hot drink was akin to a small dose of pleasure. “Counselor if I may be so bold. Why did you choose this assignment?”

“Oh the patient becoming the counselor” Arwa nodded and sat back. “Alright I entertain that idea, I served for years on starships and have seen the greatest minds work together but in the end, it was my task to get their minds back to focus on what is important. Themselves and their duties. This base is a ….” She tries to find a word for it that is recognizable for the Cardassian “…an animal that has lost its way from the majority flock and my mission is to bring her back”

“I can see that as a noble calling, a truly great reason to be here. However, what if I was to tell you that someone had achieved everything that they wanted in this fleet. Then had it torn from them because the fleet needed a scapegoat. Then perhaps to add insult to injury they demote you and send you out to the edge of space.” Since he met the Captain this was the thoughts that had roiled through Hadir and so who better than to toss them at then the Counselor.

Leaning back in her chair, she took a deep breath and gave herself a slight nod “Then I would say welcome to Eos Station. Yoou see this station has the reputation to be the …” Arwa thought for a second “The dumpster of Starfleet. If you mess up even here, there is truly no place in Starfleet. At least that is what most of the crew members say when I speak them”

Yet another of those trademark Cardassian smiles crawled across Hadir’s face. “Isn’t it your job to make people feel better?” He hung his head for the moment as she had just confirmed everything he had been thinking since he boarded the shuttle for this rundown hunk of space junk. “Such is the lot of the first Cardassian in Starfleet.”

She smirks a bit “Why do you think I am here?” Arwa sips her tea “To make sure that people get their mental state back and send them back to Starfleet so that they can resume their career. Meanwhile working with the Captain to get this station going and better operational” Arwa smiles “I am one of those people that wont sugar coat what is clearly in sight, I know the situation here is bad. I know that people are miserable here…but that is the duty of a counselor to make it better” She put her cup down “So what will you do for this station? For yourself?”

This whole time Hadir had been thinking of the best way that he could get out of this assignment. He hoped that this conversation would have provided him with some inspiration toward that end. However, he had no answer and neither did the Counselor it seemed. But now, the question that she just asked him hung in his head and Hadir was not sure if he had an answer. He took another sip of the coffee to cover his lack of conversation. “I am who I am, I am Cardassian. We are a vigilant and oft times a stubborn people. So, I will not give up… I will serve this station and her Captain to the best of my ability and prove that as I have done hundreds of times before a person can soldier on.”

“Good” She smiled “Because we need that kind of attitude in this station. Someone that wants to make a change and willing to go through the mud to get it done” Arwa sits straight “I believe that we do make progression now, a good start”

Hadir took her comment as a win. He did not want to tell her that he really did not have the want to make a change and all that. He would merely go through the motions until he could get a transfer or retire, whichever would come first. “Well… progress is always a good thing. I believe as you journey through the mind of a Cardassian you will find a lot of twists and turns. Let us just say the journey will not be uneventful.”

“I would cheer to that, but I am not off duty yet” Arwa gave a small laugh “But when you entered my office, you were not clear on what you really wanted, not sure what your purpose was on this base. Which is an understanding feeling, now that you are here and we concluded that you want to do what you need to do. I see it as progress and this base I feel will give lots of twist by itself”

“Perhaps Counselor Perhaps. Well, since this meeting is mandated, as is our future meetings. I for one hope that we can meet while not mandated. It has been a pleasure talking to you. Shall we say same time next week?” As much as Hadir wanted to make friends he would have to keep the Counselor at arms length. He may be a dissident from his people however, he still believed in revealing only what he had to as most Cardassians do. 

Giving a nod to him and looked into her agenda seeing it being quite full “Next week a bit later, got a meeting with another client” Arwa looked back at him “Again, welcome to Eos, if something is up just send a message to me and I will do my best to answer it as soon as I possible can”

Hadir took the last of his coffee down and stood with a smile. “It has been a pleasure to meet you and quite refreshing to have a conversation that was stimulating. Until next time Counselor.” Hadir turned on his heel and left the office. As much as he would hate to say it he meant what he had just said. This session was perhaps the most stimulating that he had in some time. Perhaps, just perhaps this assignment would not be as bad as previously assumed.

It had taken the better part of a month, but Hadir Prenar’s shuttle had finally docked with Eos station. The journey from Empok Nor to Eos was long and tedious. It was also a journey that he did not want to take—after what occurred on the Katana Hadir almost left the fleet. However, most of his friends encouraged him to stay, so he was banished to the edge of known space and Eos station to serve as the station’s Executive Officer.

Hadir was offered quarters which he took, and asked his belongings to be brought there. The station was a mess as repairs and upgrades were underway for this old station. Hadir exhaled sharply and wondered why he stayed in the fleet if this was his destiny. He decided that the best course of action for the moment would be to go see the Commanding Officer. The tall Cardassian made his way through the station, getting weird looks from more than one repair crew. When he arrived at the Ready Room, he rang the chime and solemnly decided to face the beginning of the end of his career.

Robert looked up at the door, and he almost didn’t want to answer the call. The better part of the last two days had been bad news, followed by more bad news. He pinched the bridge of his nose, “enter,” he instantly regretted saying, but he knew one thing. Whoever it was, wasn’t going away. As the doors opened, Robert was greeted by the sight of a tall Cardassian and one in a Federation uniform. 

“Commander,” Robert stated, more than a little confused. “What can I do for you?”

After Hadir ducked his head through the doorway, he came to attention. “Commander Hadir Prenar reporting as ordered, sir…” He placed the PADD that contained his official orders on the Captain’s desk. “I am your new XO sir.” He could feel the resentment as it swelled inside him, and he did not like it. Hadir had been through enough therapy to know when he needed a session. So, he took a mental note that the Counselor’s office was the next place he would stop.

Robert took the offered padd, “I must admit I am a bit surprised at your arrival; Starfleet hadn’t informed me of a placement yet.”  He paused and shrugged, “then again, Starfleet doesn’t do much to inform us of anything here lately.”  He motioned to an open chair, “please have a seat.”  He tossed the padd on the desk, “tell me, what do you know of our current situation and events?”  It was a test, knowing that he was coming here to serve as XO. Had the Commander done his homework?

“I know that this station has been rotting out here if you pardon the expression. However, now Starfleet sees a need for her and so has brought the staff to full and begun an expanse refit. However, that is what perplexes me. If an installation is needed here, why not decommission this old station and build something new and more aligned with the times? I mean, with the former Romulan Empire in chaos with vying factions, it makes sense to have an installation out this far. But a rehabilitation now that strikes me as odd.” Hadir felt that he may have overstepped his bounds a bit. After all, this station that he spoke about was Abernathy’s command, and most Captains had an affinity for their commands.

“Don’t worry, Commander,” Robert smiled, “that is a question I think each of us has at least entertained after we arrived. The simple answer is, well,” he paused, “I don’t have the foggiest idea. I am almost in agreement with you, if the situation is as serious as reports say, then a modern installation would be the right choice. However, that would require a lot of resources and staff, staff that is lacking at the moment. Humans have an expression, don’t reinvent the wheel.” He paused, “or something like that. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”

“Eos may be old and certainly not up to standards, but,” he smiled again, “she is repairable, and she can have her systems updated. For now, she fulfills a need. Ours is not to wonder why. Ours is just to do…” he intentionally left off the end of that quote. 

Hadir nodded, “I come from a race that just closed the book on following their military’s orders without question. It did not work for Cardassia, and I am sure it will not work here.” He did not mean the comment to be an insult, just merely an observation. Before anything could be made of it, Hadir tried to shift gears into another topic of discussion. “So what exactly have the Romulans been up to that has the fleet in such a quandary.” 

“Which part,” Rob smirked, “the collapse of the Romulan Star Empire of Rator; every unknown independent Romulan faction is dying to get some form of control. I personally find it hard to track which faction is our ally and which is not, so I treat each side as suspicious. Our new Ambadassaor is probably the most suspicious of them all. But that can wait.” 

“For now, we focus on repairs,” Rob added, “and apparently a dress, formal dinner in a few days…” his expressionless face indicated his lack of approval, “for our official opening.”

Hadir exhaled sharply through his nose as the idea of a formal dinner did not appeal to him. “Tell me, is there a tailor on board? I am going to have to get a dress uniform specially made for the occasion. It seems that Starfleet did not have Cardassian necks in mind when they created their uniforms.” He cocked his head to the side as another idea occurred to him. “Or would I be of better service at Ops. I mind the shop as it were while you have all of the fun.” His trademark smile came across his face. This was indeed one time he would instead be working then at a party.

“Don’t think you are getting out of a formal dinner that easy,” Robert smiled, “I will find someone to stand at Ops, while we,” he stressed the word, “attend the dinner. Besides, don’t think I am going to do this alone, Commander.”  He smiled, “as to the uniform, I am sure someone here can assist you with that.” 

“I think for now we both have jobs to see you before this event takes place,” Robert stated, “get settled in, and perhaps we will meet later today for dinner and discuss matters further. Welcome aboard, Commander and,” he grinned, “good luck.”

“Thank you Captain It seems that I am going to need it.” Hadir said as he stood up and turned toward the door. He did not like this posting, however, the Commanding Officer seemed genial enough. As he stepped through the door he thought that he had come to this meeting with the idea of asking for a transfer. But, now he could almost sense that this was where he should be at least for the immediate future. Hadir would stay here for a time and earn his way back to a command. However, once that happened he would leave and never look back.