It was a few days before the whole blackout would occur, before the Vaadwaur would make their appearance known to the galaxy. Hecate Station just manages to get their gears in check, Syndicate driven off the station and repairs were well underway. The Himalaya engineers focus on those repairs, Kusanagi focus with ongoing border patrols, Gemini ready to launch for Deep Space 17. News of a new ship, the Tornado, joining the squadron was still rumors as the Ukiah dropped out of warp, making its way to the docking ports to unload its cargo.

There was also another ship at one of the ports, a civilian ship pass by it as the hull reads USS Eclipse, one of the newest protostar-class ships that was used mostly for educational purpose. From the command office, Sazra leaned against the framework of the window looking at it, seeing worker bee’s doing their best to supply the new ship with cargo and checking its hull. A chime was heard as Sazra looked over her shoulder, “Come in”

The door slid open as the familiar face of the young Caitian came in view, K’Nala had been through a lot since she had been appointed as the new XO of Hecate Station. A heavy duty, especially with the mess that Hecate was in, additionally being Sazra right hand was more challenging that she thought. How did Silina keep up with it for so many years? She came to a halt and salutes her Captain “Reporrrting as requested”

Sazra let a small smile go and pushed herself off the frame from the window to turn around to face her XO. She crossed her arms over each other walking to her desk, “At ease, Lieutenant. I know It’s only been a few months that you are my XO, but you can relax if it’s only us” She sat down at her desk “Take a seat, I got a task for you”

Taking a seat across from Sazra “So, what can I do forrr you?”

Turning her screen to K’Nala showing the Pilgrim Flight personnel files and the Eclipse, “This, I need you to do something quite simple. As Starfleet rules dictate, I am not allowed to command a support vessel” Sazra shrugs a bit looking away “With my medical condition, not even allowed to be on it for long term anyway if I don’t want to make my life a living hell”

She felt where this was going, K’Nala eyes focus on the screen and narrowed slightly, “What can I do to support you and this class?” It should be something minor, like logistics or management of the administration. K’Nala was not expecting anything big, she knew that Sazra had a lot on her plate and was delighted to help her.

“I want you to be their Dean, I have placed you in command of the USS Eclipse and you will guide them through their exams and such” Leaning back in her chair she looked with a small grin at her XO, who’s face was honestly priceless. “Any objections? You seem a bit out of it?” Sazra knew she was asking for a lot, but for personal growth this might be the best.

A ship, she was put in command of a ship? K’Nala had her mouth open in surprise, gasping at what was just announced to her. She was put in second officer for a year, now less than two months as the xo of a station. How would she even be able to command a ship? How would she be able to teach cadets? Her mind was racing out of control as she closed her mouth, “I…why?” She finally manages to get out of her mouth.

Leaning on the desk, Sazra smiled, “Because I have witnessed a fine young lady being thrown into the depths of command and possibly do what I have never seen before. You can stand your own feet on that bridge, you can make the choices that most Captains not even dare to take. Captain Ruslanovna, Commander Valerio and I have taught you everything you should know, and you even surprised us in the heat of the moment” Standing up from her chair and pacing a bit in her office as she looked outside.

“I don’t know what to say, Captain” K’Nala knew exactly what to say, she was screaming out of her mind that she rather be at Hecate then be placed in such an awkward position with her background. But there was something that made her say that. Her eyes followed her captain, standing slowly up seeing the protostar out of the window at one of the docks “I will do my best ma’am” it felt like an honest answer, but for her, it was also a promise.

Taking a deep breath as Sazra looked at her young first officer and smiled “Don’t do your best, because you are at your best when you are yourself” It was some kind words to inspire her “Your first assignment was already approved by Starfleet Academy, take out the Eclipse and explore the borders of Grim Wall, the cadets know what kind of assignments they have. You will be supported by our former counselor, Hefaam who will be in charge of the cadet’s well-being.”

Slowly nodding to the given information, some support in this small task was going to be needed. K’Nala looked at Sazra “I will get the ship then ready for launch” She knew how to do it, been doing it for so many times with the Mariner.

“You are dismissed, keep me updated on the progress of these cadets” Sazra remembers their first encounter with these young and eager spirits “I look forward to their development on the frontier” That was the whole idea, to experience something unique, something that no classroom or book could explain “Good luck, Lieutenant”

Walking to the exit of the office, “Thank you Captain, I will be back beforrre you know it” K’Nala smiled, not knowing that this would be a precious moment that will be taken away for a week from her.