It has been a few weeks since the Vaadwaur had pulled back to the Delta Quadrant, and the blackout has shimmered away as if nothing had happened. But what the curtain that had blinded the galaxy to the actual happening is now exposed, revealing the deep scars that the Vaadwaur had left behind. The Wall protocol, put into place by the Cardassians and their allies, had dealt a decisive blow to the enemy. But plans were now in motion, to reforge alliances that were weakened before now took priority.

Federation worlds still had a long way to go, but the plan was put into motion, convoys were created to support allies like the Romulan Republic, Cardassian Union, and more. But it was also a golden opportunity to strengthen old alliances. Such a convoy had gathered at Hecate Station, at the Observation Lounge, where a mix of Starfleet and civilians, Captains and their First Officers had gathered to hear their mission, perhaps an impossible mission.

“How long are we going to wait, a typical Starfleet way. Time is money, do they not know?” An older Bajoran spoke a bit agitated.

A Betazoid woman, with a red Starfleet uniform, looked at him “We do know, but they have to verify our flight. I do advise some patience. You are here to do the greater good for the Federation. Right?” She had a sharp tongue, Lerii Zhorash had manage to silence the older man. She was not in the mood for this kind of impatience and rather shove those out of the door if she had the power. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, made her turn to see her commanding officer, “What? Am I wrong, Richard?”

Richard Davince, the Commanding Officer of the Wakefield, smiled softly at her, “No, but we need these Captains for the upcoming mission. Let’s not scare them away, it was already difficult for Fleet Captain Kobahl to get them here.” He told his Executive Officer.

“Oh sugar, we are here not for the greater good of the Federation, we are here because the Federation provided that juicy contract” Sarah looked at the elder Bajoran and smiled at his direction “A contract that not many can resist, so if you wish to walk away. I bet there are more eager captains ready to snatch that contract, don’t you say?” She leans backward in her chair with a sneaky grin on her face.

The man narrowed his eyes as he understood the underlining of what Sarah was saying. This deal that was provided to a selective few was quite lucrative, and it would be a foolish move to reject it. He thought for a moment, knowing that another Captain wouldn’t mind stepping into this deal and sighs “Fine, you make a fair point Captain Dufrai” He calms down and doesn’t provide another fuss to waiting so long.

“Who is she?” Richard mutters, impressed by how a civilian dealt with the situation so, smooth and swiftly.

Another voice whispers close to him at his left that made Richard turn seeing a short blond lady in also a red uniform, “That is Captain Dufrai of the SS Duchess Veritas. She has quite the record when it comes to delivering service. She has a high rating with the Federation, Romulan Republic, Ferengi and the Klingons.” She looked finally at Richard, “Her skills speak chapters, if not books.”

“Commander Davince, Wakefield” Richard gave a quick introduction “You’re from Saturn right?”

She nodded, “Commander Cerrito, I am the Executive Officer on the Saturn” She gave him a soft smile.

“Commander Zhorash, his Executive Officer” Lerii Leaned a bit forward to look at Stefania, giving her a smile back “So I heard the Saturn is leading this mission?” She kinda whispers in Stefania direction.

But before Stefania could respond, the door of the Observation Lounge opened as both senior staff of Hecate Squadron entered the room and made their way to the front of the table. Sazra sat down in her chair placing a PADD on the table, “My sincere apology everyone, I was gathering the latest information from Starfleet and Task Force 17 command. Let me introduce myself for those that don’t know me, I am Fleet Captain Kobahl, Hecate Station Commanding Officer and Hecate Squadron Commander” She looked at Kam.

Kam nodded looking at everyone, “I am Captain Min-Yung, Commanding Officer of USS Saturn, Commander of Saturn Division and Deputy of Hecate Squadron. Pleasure to meet you all” She sat down next to Sazra.

“Right, with introductions away, because you all know who sits in front of you. I will explain this mission,” Sazra waves to the Starfleet officers on one side, “Or contract,” waving her hand to the other side where the civilian Captains sat.“Operation Heartline.” She started looking around. “That is what this mission is called. The Vaadwaur left a devastating blow behind in the Klingon Empire. Starfleet Diplomacy feels that this is the perfect timing to reach out a hand and provide humanitarian need to these locations”.

A shrug came from a civilian Captain, “A hand, the Klingons will most likely bite that hand if they get the chance. They have become a thorn in our side when trying to ship cargo to one of their houses.” He taps the table “Mark my words, these animals are out for blood and if they can steal our cargo, wound our crew to damage their enemy house, they will”.

Some other Captains nodded as Kam tunes in “Understandable concern, which we already took into consideration. This is where both USS Saturn and most importantly USS Wakefield under the guidance of Captain Davince shines in” She looked at Richard, “USS Wakefield mission is to escort the convoy and protect it from potential smaller houses raids.”

Both Richard and Lerii nodded in synchrony, “We will be there for you all, the Wakefield is designed for this task, and we will do our utmost best to deliver”

The elder Bajoran smirks, but kept himself quiet from the discussion.

Sarah narrowed her eyes and looked from Richard to Sarah and Kam “We were told that the mission would be a convoy mission, yet its destination was to be revealed, but experience is needed. Now I can see why these criteria was made. But the Klingon Empire doesn’t cover the contract offer, you are asking us to risk our ship and crew to go into the Targ’s den”.

Leaning forward, Sazra gave a nod to Sarah, “That is why the Federation has included an additional clause in the contract. If any damage is given to any of your ships, your crew or in worse case death of result. We shall reimburse fully to you as Captain, or in worse condition to your family. This clause is not negotiable, as the Federation is quite reasonable in this offer in the contract.” Sazra shrugs slightly as she crosses her hands over each other, “If this is a contract that is beyond your ability or as high-risk, as we understand and shall offer this contract to another”.

Some civilian captains look at each other but suddenly look at Sarah who claps her hands together, “High-risk is in my service’s lady, so if that clause is built-in then count Crystal Fruits in. We are at your service” Sarah smiled widely as other Captains nodded slowly being effected by the positive energy of Sarah to an agreement.

The elder Bajoran shrugs seeing that he was the last “Fine with me” He finally conceded.

“Good, in name of the Federation, thank you for your service, and we shall begin with loading the cargo that was received up front at Hecate Station before your arrival.” Sazra spoke.

Thenira had her arms crossed, as the older Bajoran woman looked at Sarah that was having a field day, this contract had strings to it. She knew that there was a bigger picture to it, with Sarah there was always a bigger picture to these kinds of missions. She looked at Sazra “I will take a look at your cargo manifest and see what can be attached to the Duchess Veritas. I hope the cargo is categorized, our loadmaster is quite picky when it comes to that”.

“Yes, the cargo have been sorted to fit the configuration of each ship. We shall send the information, formation, and navigation points to the convoy. Any additional information needed can be requested to Saturn. We shall do our best to answer your questions as soon as possible” Kam replied directly and yet with firm in her tone.

With that, the operation was set in stone, Sazra nodded slowly “I wish you all a safe voyage, and we shall see you all soon back” Sazra stood up, gathering her thing as it marks the ending of the conversation and every Captain made their preparation for the convoy operation.