Before the Themis arrived at Rakosa V, Captain Cambil sat in her ready room, sipping deka tea across from Commander Flemen. The two had shared many missions over the years, and moments like these were rare amidst the constant responsibilities of squadron operations. 

Flemen, at the request of Commodore McCallister, had boarded the ship before it departed from their safe shelter within a cluster of protostars and pulsars. From how Flemen had behaved the moment he had beamed aboard, he appeared more than happy to take a break from the Odyssey. For the squadron’s senior most diplomatic officer and its Staff Judge Advocate, Cambil had imagined the last two to three months hadn’t been that interesting, and his work must have been mundane. Knowing Flemen as well as she did, Cambil had considered that he had been eager to jump at the chance to visit the Themis during this temporary assignment. Cambil was more than happy to have him with them as they made contact with the Rakosan government. 

Now, over a warm beverage, they were reminiscing over Flemen’s early days when he first joined the Odyssey over six years ago. 

“Do you remember the chaos we regularly encountered while we were assigned to patrol the Romulan border?” Cambil asked with a smirk, eyes gleaming with the memory.

Flemen chuckled, setting his mug down. “How could I forget? That was a baptism of fire for me. Every day was a new crisis. Between coordinating asylum requests, emergency mediations between warring factions and dodging rogue warbirds, I had more contact with the Federation Constitution than my own quarters. I practically recited the seventh guarantee in my sleep.”

“You handled it all well,” Cambil said fondly. “It didn’t surprise me when you trained with  Starfleet Legal Academy. That legal mind of yours was wasted just chasing Romulan officials around the neutral zone.”

“It gave me a better foundation,” Flemen agreed. “Understanding the deeper mechanics behind policy helps me avoid legal disasters.”

Cambil’s brow arched playfully. “Ever consider making the jump to the Executive Officer chair?”

Flemen raised an eyebrow, knowing where this was going. “You were surprised neither Tomaz nor I went for the position on the Destiny, weren’t you?”

“I was,” Cambil admitted, leaning back. “You’re both experienced, trusted. Both of you have shown you’re capable of the responsibilities that come with command. You could’ve brought so much to that role.”

Flemen offered a diplomatic shrug. “Funnily, Tomaz and I talked about it. Though we were both intrigued, we decided we could be more effective staying where we are. Our influence extends across the entire squadron. Plus, I want a bit more time before I need to sit back in the centre seat again. Having to be the acting captain of the Odyssey while the others were on that alien ark a couple of years ago isn’t an experience I want to endure any time soon.”

“I understand that Craigen,” Cambil said with a nod. “I was James’ right-hand woman for eight years, and I loved it, but I know what it’s like to believe you’re more useful in your current spot. Just don’t let a good opportunity slip past. And I would say the same to Tomaz. Both of you are fine officers.”

Flemen smirked. “You’re only saying that because you lost Commander Pharah to the Destiny. I heard she was a powerhouse here on the Themis; I heard she kept the Themis in strong order when she led either gamma or delta shifts.”

Cambil let out a hearty laugh. “Oh, she was fantastic and career-focused on wanting to become a captain one day. But I’m serious about the other stuff, Craigen. Career-defining moments don’t come often. When they do, don’t hesitate. I did, and it took me time to realise that and look how long it took for me to get the opportunity I have now.”

Before Flemen could respond, the intercom chimed.

T’Rani’s serene Vulcan tone came through. “Bridge to Captain Cambil.”

Tapping her combadge, Cambil replied. “Go ahead, Number One.”

“Captain, we are ten minutes from Rakosa Five.”

“Acknowledged, Commander. We’ll be with you shortly. Cambil out.” 

Cambil remained seated behind her desk, her fingers steepled together as she stared out of the ready room’s viewport. The Rakosan star system hung close by, and the light from the nearby stars reflected softly across her desk. For a long moment, she didn’t speak. The silence between her and Flemen wasn’t uncomfortable, but it wasn’t quite easy either.

He watched her carefully, noting the way her brow furrowed, just slightly, as if she were working through the angles of a particularly delicate move in springball. When she finally spoke, her voice was quieter than usual. “We’re the ones making the ask this time, Craigen. That changes the game.”

Flemen didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached for the cup of tea he’d set down earlier, wrapping his hands around it as if warming his fingers gave him an excuse to think. “You’re not wrong,” he said eventually. “The Rakosans have the upper hand. Their industries, their location. They will know we need them in about ten minutes or so.”

Cambil leaned back slightly, her eyes narrowing. “That’s what worries me. We’ve had so few meaningful exchanges with them over the last three decades, and now we’re hoping they’ll open their doors wide and let us stock up our cargo bays.” She picked up a stylus and began absently tapping it against her PADD, a slow, steady rhythm that betrayed her restless energy.

“Is there something more here, I should know, ma’am?” Flemen carefully asked.

She sighed and placed the stylus down. “Sorry, Craigen, but the last time I was sent on a diplomatic mission, it involved time travelling and ensuring the occupation of Bajor took place. I’m just worried where this one will go.”

Flemen showed he understood by a simple nod. “Well, thankfully for us, we know the Rakosans don’t have advanced temporal technology like the Krenim. This should be more routine than ever.”

Appreciating his optimism, Cambil chuckled at Flemen. “Thanks for the prep talk, Commander Flemen. Shall we join the rest of my crew?” She stood, gesturing for Flemen to join her. They entered the bridge, the doors hissing open to reveal the Themis’ senior staff already engaged in lively discussion.

Counsellor Samris was finishing a thought. The Romulan officer looked at his peers for their thoughts as he spoke. “It remains one of the more impressive diplomatic turnarounds in Voyager’s journey home. Captain Janeway’s efforts with the Rakosans were masterful. This was one of the biggest diplomatic achievements she had gained shortly after their arrival in the Delta Quadrant.”

Abbej agreed somewhat with his statement. Before she chimed in, she pushed a stray lock of her purple Boslic hair behind her ear. “It helped that Voyager saved them from a Cardassian-designed AI missile.”

Standing beside Lenjir, Doctor Forbes gently corrected the chief science officer. It was rare for him to always be on the bridge, but when he did, he usually stood beside his friend at the security and tactical station. “Actually, the Maquis reprogrammed that dreadnought missile before it was accidentally brought into the Delta Quadrant by the Caretaker.”

Abbej tilted her head thoughtfully. “You’re right, Remi. Still, it was Voyager’s resolve and ingenuity that transformed the incident into a diplomatic opportunity.”

Lenjir folded his arms across his chest. “Let’s hope the Rakosans haven’t forgotten those days. Their goodwill from thirty years ago might make the difference in these negotiations.”

As Cambil took her seat, she turned to Flemen, who was making his way over to the mission ops station. “See, Craigen, even my crew believe we’ll be fine with this mission.”

Flemen chuckled at Cambil’s optimistic take as he sat down. 

The aft turbolift doors opened with a soft hiss. Perez entered the bridge alongside Jines.

“Captain,” Perez reported, her tone firm but upbeat, “we’re almost finished with the quantum slipstream drive. By tomorrow, we’ll be ready—as soon as we get those benamite crystals the Odyssey is harvesting.”

Jines added, “The Constitution is in a similar position. We’ve both followed the same modular design updates.”

“Excellent work,” Cambil said with approval. “Take your stations.”

At the helm, Andar, the Phylosian flight control officer, pivoted from their station, their vine-like appendages coiling with practiced ease around the console. “Dropping out of warp now, Captain.”

Twin flashes of brilliant white light flared into existence as the Themis and the Constitution exited warp, arriving in tandem in the Rakosan system. The Themis gracefully decelerated as her sleek frame settled into a slow sublight trajectory towards the fifth planet. The smaller yet sharp-edged silhouette of the Constitution followed closely, aligning into a complementary course nearby.

The crew snapped to attention on the Themis’ bridge. Cambil, seated confidently in the center chair, watched the viewscreen as the blue-green orb of Rakosa V rotated slowly before them. Its vibrant atmosphere was unmarred by artificial satellites, shipyards and other stations. There were many ships in orbit or flying nearby. It was a busy system. 

“Captain, I’m detecting quite a sizable sensory array on the Rakosan moon,” Abbej announced as she looked up. “This lunar observatory appears to be monitoring deep space traffic.”

“Keeping a close eye on their neighbours?” Flemen suggested.

“That would be a logical course of action, especially knowing who their neighbours are,” T’Rani remarked. 

“There’s also an impressive range of orbital weapon platforms,” Lenjir reported. “They’ve certainly increased their defence network since the last time Starfleet visited.”

“Maybe more has happened than we know,” Cambil said, sharing her officers’ intrigue at the state of play with the Rakosans. She looked down at the helm. “Lieutenant, what’s our speed and status?”

“We’re maintaining one-third impulse, ma’am,” Andar reported. “The Constitution is maintaining formation and mirroring our trajectory.”

“Very good. Open a channel to the surface and plug in Captain McCallister on the Constitution,” Cambil ordered.

“Channel open,” Jines confirmed.

A moment later, the image on the viewscreen shifted and divided into two. On the left side, Captain McCallister was seated on the Constitution’s bridge. On the right, the face of a middle-aged Rakosan appeared, his pale, iridescent skin contrasting with his piercing gold eyes. Behind him, a delegation of aides and advisors stood in elegant, formal attire. He spoke first. 

“Welcome to Rakosa Five. I am First Minister Bennan. We are honoured by the Federation’s unexpected arrival into our territory.”

Cambil gave her sweetest smile before she replied to the Rakosan leader. “I’m Captain Cambil Bexa of the U-S-S Themis. Joining me is Captain Horatio McCallister of the U-S-S Constitution.”

“Captains Cambil and McCallister,” Bennan said warmly. “Your arrival is most welcome. It is an honor to host the Federation once again.”

“The honour is ours, First Minister,” Cambil replied with practiced diplomacy. “The Federation has always cherished the relationship we’ve cultivated with Rakosa. We hope this mission can further strengthen those ties. I know we’ve had brief contact over the last decade. Still, Captain McCallister and I are wondering if we might open negotiations with you regarding trade for essential supplies for our ships.”

Bennan smiled faintly. “We still remember the crew of the starship Voyager with great admiration. I had the privilege of witnessing their visit as a young man. My father was First Minister then. He spoke highly of Captain Janeway and her crew.”

“We’re honored to be following in their footsteps,” McCallister replied with a gracious nod. “Seeing how far your people have come since then is inspiring.”

Bennan’s expression brightened. “We have made many strides. You will see that with your own eyes. I invite you and your crews to visit our capital city for an official welcome and discussion. We are eager to engage in peaceful trade.”

“We’ll prepare a delegation immediately,” Cambil replied. “Thank you.”

“I look forward to it,” Bennan grinned eagerly. “Rakosa Five out.”

Cambil looked to McCallister after Bennan disappeared. “Horatio, can I suggest we take a small team down?”

McCallister nodded in agreement. “Agreed. We want this to go smoothly. I recommend we take a shared shuttle.”

“I’ll have a shuttle prepped from here and then beam you and your team on board,” Cambil advised.

“Sounds like a plan to me,” McCallister said before closing the channel. 

“Craigen, Cline, you are with me,” Cambil said as she rose. “Lieutenant Andar, prepare a shuttle for launch. You will be flying her.”

“Aye, ma’am,” Andar replied before getting up to do as they were told.

Rakosa V 

“The atmosphere is dense,” Andar remarked as he piloted the shuttle towards the Rakosan capital city. “Wind shear at fifteen hundred meters. We’ve got escorts coming in.”

Outside, streaks of pale silver clouds tore past the shuttle as it dropped into a controlled glide, Rakosa’s sun casting their edges with lavender light. The small one-person Rakosan ships appeared in formation around them as the shuttle continued on its descent. 

Flemen leaned toward the viewport, his mouth parting slightly. “That city is gorgeous.”

Cambil moved beside him. Below, the capital was laid out in concentric rings, its towers rising like spiral seashells. The city was close to the shoreline, and a massive structure swept across from one side to another. “Looks just like San Fransisco.”

“It’s just missing Starfleet Command and the Academy,” McCallister joked beside her, then added with a grin, “Though I wouldn’t be surprised if their city planners made some adjustments after Voyager left. Maybe we’ll find a Rakosan version of the Night Owl tucked away somewhere. I’m sure Admiral Janeway would appreciate it if we report that her favourite coffee shop has appeared over seventy-five thousand light years from home.”

Flemen chuckled, and even Cambil smirked slightly as the shuttle glided lower.

McCallister leaned toward the viewport, hands clasped behind his back. “They certainly know how to impress on approach. First impressions are everything.”

​​The shuttle gently touched down on a landing pad nestled within a walled garden at the edge of a government complex. The platform was sleek with slate-gray duranium inlaid with copper-toned accents forming interlocking diamond patterns, polished to a mirror finish. The entire space was quiet and calm. The sound of the shuttle’s landing struts releasing echoed faintly off the surrounding walls.

Cambil straightened her uniform, brushing one hand along her side with casual precision. “All right, let’s see what kind of welcome this is.”

As the hatch opened, a dry, temperate breeze met them. It was cooler than expected, and the air smelled metallic, like ozone after a thunderstorm. After the ramp had descended, McCallister glanced back at the team and quipped, “Let’s smile like we’re here to make friends and not just trade manifests.”

Flemen gave him a knowing look. “Is that the official Federation approach now?”

“No,” Horatio replied with a wink. “Come on, Craigen, you know that’s just the McCallister allure. James always puts on the charm before he meets with high ranking officials.”

“Let’s definitely take a page out of the commodore’s book,” Cambil said as she led the team towards the Capital Spire’s central atrium. “We need them to agree to give us a lot!”

The building they approached was a fusion of crystalline architecture and polished alloys. It soared with geometric grace above the Rakosan capital. Bennan, the head of the welcome committee, stood prepared.

Cambil’s gaze swept the chamber, noting their hosts’ elegant and peaceful demeanor. Rakosan guards stood at ease with ceremonial polearms while staff and diplomats offered gentle bows.

“Captain Cambil,” Bennan greeted her personally, stepping forward with a smile. “Captain McCallister.” He extended his hand in a distinctly Federation-inspired gesture.

McCallister, standing beside Cambil, returned the gesture firmly. “First Minister, thank you for receiving us.”

“We are honored by your presence,” Bennan said.

“The honour’s mutual,” Horatio replied smoothly. “It’s not every day we’re welcomed by such a forward-thinking world with such excellent architectural taste.”

Bennan’s smile widened a touch. “You’ve only seen the landing pad.”

“And already I’m planning my next visit,” Horatio said with an easy grin.

Cambil introduced Flemen to the First Minister. “This is Commander Craigen Flemen, our squadron’s chief diplomatic officer.”

“Welcome to Rakosa, commander,” Bennan greeted him with a handshake.

Flemen showed his appreciation with the Rakosan leader by gently bowing his head towards him after finishing shaking his hand. “Thank you, sir. It is an honour to be visiting your homeworld.”  

Bennan gestured for them to come away from the outside. “Come, let us talk in peace.”

The delegation entered a high-ceilinged chamber adorned with skylights through arched passageways. Elegant carafes served tea and fruit-infused water. Bennan motioned for everyone to sit on numerous royal red sofas in the centre of the room.

McCallister accepted the glass of fruit-infused water with a gracious nod. “I’ve had a lot of diplomatic receptions,” he remarked, examining the crystal glass, “but this might be the first where I’m genuinely tempted to ask for the drink recipe.”

Bennan smiled, appreciative of the casual charm. “The herbs are Rakosan sea plants. They’re bitter to the tongue but purifying.”

“Then I’ll be taking a bottle back for my brother. He could use a little purifying,” McCallister said with a wink at Cambil.

“Your vessels are impressive,” Bennan said as he thanked one of the servers who had a glass of the drink they were serving. “The larger one is the Themis?”

“That’s us,” Cambil said. “A Ross-class. One of the newer explorers.”

“You’ve clearly grown in size and scope since Voyager visited us. Our own ships are now capable of higher warp speeds and longer-term deep space missions.”

“Impressive,” Flemen commented. “You’ve made remarkable progress.”

Bennan leaned forward. “Much of our technological advancement was made possible by the Dreadnought missile incident. We studied what debris remained and reverse-engineered what we could. Coupled with Voyager’s influence, we found a new path.”

Cambil raised an eyebrow. She was not keen to hear that their hosts’ development was being led by Cardassian technology. “Cardassian technology isn’t easy to adapt. You’ve managed that without compromising your values?”

Bennan nodded slowly. “It was difficult. There were disagreements. But our Space Advancement Council chose a path of peaceful development. Still, we’ve had to remain vigilant.”

“The Kazon?” Captain McCallister guessed.

“And the Vidiians,” Bennan confirmed. “Both have tested our borders. We’ve grown resilient. But war is never our preference. We’ve tried our best to only engage with others who share similar values or are interested in peaceful exchanges.”

“You’ve made allies?” Flemen asked.

Bennan smiled. “To a certain degree, yes. We now have mutual trade with the Ocampans, the Talaxians, the Akritirians, the Drayans, and even the Sikarians. They were elusive at first. But over time, a dialogue formed.”

McCallister chuckled. “The Sikarians nearly stranded my ship a year ago. One of their deep-space outposts activated a spatial trajectory relay. We were flung halfway across the quadrant.”

Bennan laughed with genuine mirth. “That sounds like them. They can be unpredictable, especially when eager to hear new stories. Still, their knowledge of space-folding is unmatched.”

“I am sure the Federation would be invested in helping bring stability to this region,” Cambil said. 

“That is heartening to hear,” Bennan said. “There are powers who would benefit from your presence. The Haakonian Order keeps to themselves unless they think they will get something out of a matter. The Pralor and Cravic remain in their conflict. And the Numiri-Banea war continues to destabilise their sector.”

Flemen leaned in. “After our trade mission, we’d happily escalate your concerns to our command staff. Perhaps we can act as a stabilising force.”

Bennan looked deeply appreciative. “That would be most welcome. Now, you mentioned you are in need of supplies. How can we help?”

Cambil, McCallister and Flemen looked at one another before looking back at the Rakosan leader. 

“Where shall we start?” Cambil asked as she leaned forward to share what they were looking for and what they could offer.