Elena stood at her desk, staring at the PADD. The USS Yeager, Saber-class, sat docked at the station awaiting crew. Her arrival felt lucky, a bit of opportunity among the challenges that had defined the past few weeks. She tapped her communicator.

“Commander Harris, report to my Ready Room,” she said, her tone rather formal.

When Gab arrived, he found Elena standing by the viewport, hands behind her back, the PADD on her desk. She turned to him, a smile told him she was clearly up to something.

“Gab, there’s no easy way to say this,” Elena began. “Starfleet’s made a decision. They’re not assigning new officers or ships to Eos Division. It seems…we’re on our own for the near future. They have Tranquility Station, Overwatch, Mirage,” she paused, “in a real emergency, the fleet has resources available. Should they need it, or something like that. I stopped reading the report at that point.”

Harris nodded. “That’s not surprising. Things are still tight, and Eos isn’t exactly the price posting.” He looked at her, “No offense.”

Elena smiled at him. “True, but there’s more. I’ve been promoted to Divisional Commander, replacing Peter.”

Harris raised an eyebrow. “Congratulations, Captain.”

“Not just that,” Elena continued, “With this promotion comes the need for me to look at the station differently. It’s not just a watchtower anymore; she’s important for the stability of this sector. And for that, we need the right people in charge.”

Gab looked at her quizzically, sensing where this was heading. “Elena…” He rarely used her first name.

She grinned, her voice showing some emotion. “Gab, Eos doesn’t need a Captain with a security background anymore. We need someone who understands its bones, its heart, and its systems. It needs you, an Engineer. Starfleet has approved your promotion to Captain. You’ll command Eos Station moving forward.”

Gab stared at her, stunned. “Captain, I..”

“You’re ready for this,” she said, “No one knows this station better than you. You’ll bring Eos into the modern era and do it with style.”

Before Harris could respond, the door chime interrupted. “Enter,” Elena called.

The doors slid open to reveal a tall man with a rigid posture. His Starfleet uniform was immaculate, his appearance precise. He stepped into the room and stood at attention.

“Commander Samuel Malik, reporting as ordered,” he snapped to attention.

Elena gestured for him to relax. “Commander Malik has been assigned as Eos Station’s new Executive Officer. You’ll work closely with him, Gab. He’s strict, formal, and by-the-book; but he’ll complement your strengths.”

Malik nodded curtly. “Captain Mitchell, Captain Harris, I look forward to seeing what we can do for Eos. She has a lot of potential.”

Elena exchanged a knowing glance with Harris, who offered a small, amused smirk.

“Thank you, Commander. You’re dismissed for now,” she said as Malik left the room.

When the doors closed, Elena returned her attention to Gab. “You’ve got your XO. And as for the Yeager…” She tapped the PADD and handed it to Harris.

“The Yeager is being assigned under Tindal’s command. He and most of the Edison’s crew will transfer there. It’s an older ship, but AJ will make it shine.”

Harris scanned the PADD, taking in the details. “The Yeager, it’s certainly not the Edison. And, it’s not built for glory, but it’s reliable.”

“Just like AJ,” Elena replied.

They stood in silence for a moment, “Elena,” Gab said finally, “You’ve done more for this station than anyone could’ve asked. We won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t,” she replied. Her voice grew softer. “Eos is our home. And you’re the one to carry it forward.”

Harris gave a firm nod.

As he left the room, Elena turned back to the viewport. Beyond the glass windows, the Yeager sat in the docking bay. Though the fight never truly ended, she felt certain Eos would continue to thrive. However, for the moment it was time to pack and find her new office.

The corridors of the USS Yeager were quieter than AJ expected. The ship was smaller and leaner than the Edison, and walking through its halls gave him the distinct impression of being on a relic. Thirty years old, the Yeager was no state-of-the-art ship, but it had a reputation for reliability. Now, it was his responsibility. He worried about Elena’s potential backlash, but she was determined to confront it head-on. Starfleet’s opinion didn’t concern her in the slightest.

Standing in the modest Ready Room, AJ stared at the few personal items he’d brought, neatly arranged on his desk: a holo-image of his family, a model, and a framed commendation from Starfleet Command. His reflection was interrupted by the chime of the door.

“Enter,” he called.

Liz stepped inside, her expression composed. Her first act was a crisp salute. “Commander Tindal, the senior staff is gathering as requested,” she said.

“Thank you, Commander. Let’s see what we’ve got,” AJ replied with a nod. “I am sure everyone is just excited about this transfer.” The two made their way to the Yeager’s conference room, where the crew waited.

The room was a mix of old and new faces. AJ recognized most of the officers from the Edison’s crew, though there were two notable additions. One of them, Commander Miles Beckett, the Chief Medical Officer, was leaning back in his chair with arms crossed. His expression was less than welcoming.

AJ cleared his throat and stepped forward.

“Thank you all for coming,” he began, scanning the room. “I know transitions can be difficult, but this is an opportunity to make the Yeager into something extraordinary. Eos Division is counting on us. Let’s start with introductions. For those you new additions, I’m Commander Austin Tindal. You’ll get to know me as someone who values collaboration and speaking your mind. Now, let’s hear from our new players.”

Beckett interrupted. He didn’t bother waiting for permission, “Commander Miles Beckett, Chief Medical Officer. I’ve served on ships older than this one, so I’m familiar with their… quirks. I’ll be blunt, this isn’t my first rodeo, Commander.” His tone was pointed, and AJ caught the edge of doubt directed his way.

Lieutenant Commander Nathaniel Keller stood awkwardly, clutching a PADD. “Lieutenant Commander Nathaniel Keller, Chief Operations Officer. I—uh—I was surprised by the assignment, I wasn’t aware we were getting a new crew so suddenly.” His nervous demeanor stood in contrast to his reputation as a brilliant, if socially inept, officer.

With the introductions complete, AJ addressed the group. “I understand this ship might not meet everyone’s expectations. It’s not the Edison, and it’s old. But the Yeager has something those ships don’t. A chance to prove we can thrive under any circumstances. We’re here to get the job done. And that starts today.”

“Starfleet Intelligence has picked up fragmented subspace communications suggesting a meeting between some Romulan factions and an unknown third party near the Klingon border. Our mission is to investigate and remain undetected. This is simple go there and report our findings. The last thing the Federation needs is some rogue Romulans assisting some Klingons. If these factions align, it could further destabilize Klingon relationships and reignite old hostilities. Starfleet Intelligence believes this alliance could pose a direct threat.”

The room was silent until finally, Elizabeth broke the tension. “Well said, Commander,” she said, a small smile on her lips.

AJ nodded, appreciative. “Thank you. Now, let’s focus on preparing for our first mission. Lieutenant Keller, I want a full diagnostic on the Yeager’s systems by the end of the day. Lieutenant Parker, coordinate with engineering to ensure we’re ready to move if needed. And Commanders Beckett and zh’Vael, work together to review medical and scientific supplies. Dismissed.”

As the senior staff filed out, Beckett lingered, arms still crossed.

“You’ve got a lot to prove, Commander,” he said bluntly. “A ship like this doesn’t leave much room for error.”

AJ met his gaze evenly. “I wouldn’t expect anything less, Doctor. But I suggest we focus on proving ourselves to each other instead of questioning our assignments.”

Beckett gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable. Without another word, he left the room.

Alone, AJ looked around the Yeager’s conference room. The ship might be old, and its crew a mix of reluctant officers and eager ones, but there was potential here. For the first time since leaving the Edison, AJ felt the faintest spark of excitement. The Yeager wasn’t perfect, but it was theirs. And that meant it was time to get to work.