The corridors at the ports of Hecate Station, were crowded, people were doing their daily business. But this port was more Starfleet presence as the USS Saturn was docked at the port, dominating the view with its active lights and worker bee’s doing the final checks on the Sutherland-class. In the distance, you saw the convoy getting slowly into formation as the USS Wakefield undocks and moves to their respective position at the head.

Kam eyes were fixated on the convoy as she stood at the window, her hands behind her back, standing there with a sense of duty. She knew that this not just a humanitarian mission, there was more at stake than just providing a helping hand.

“It is quite the sight, I am honestly impressed that Starfleet approved this operation on such a short notice” Sazra joins Kam at her side looking at the convoy. “Of course, it’s purely politics and showing the idealism of the Federation to the Klingons that we are there to help.” Turning her head to Kam “This operation might be the first step after a long period that can benefit the Federation, but be wary of the emotional cost that it might bring you, the Klingons are not going to receive you with open arms. Well, at least some houses”

Staying calm, Kam did shimmer in the sheer amount of responsibility that lies on her shoulders. She didn’t turn to face Sazra “I understand Captain Kobahl, this operation relays more than just this convoy. I will do my best to ensure our message is brought to them.” She stood firm and truth to her word.

A smile appears on the face of Sazra and nods slowly as she looked at the convoy once again, “I bet you are, I believe in you Captain Min-Yung.” The two senior staff shared a moment of mutual understanding on the weight and importance of this mission.

Bridge

The clean, wide layout of the Sutherland-class bridge brought a certain synergy with it. In the center, the command chairs of the CO and XO were. Flanked by the tactical and operation consoles. Up front was the flight operations and on each sides the engineering, science and communication stations. The view screen showed a realistic view of Hecate Station and in the back the Grim Wall. With formation details of the convoy and route projection through the Grim Wall. The lighting was neutral and systems were humming in tune as ready.

Kam enters the bridge as the door had slid open in front of her. “Status report” Her order goes through the bridge as she walked to her chair and sat down.

Looking at the entrance of the Captain, Stefania gave her a respective nod, “USS Wakefield has sync with our navigational telemetry. They are getting into formation position up front. We shall take the tail of the convoy. Hecate Station gave us greenlight to undock and systems are at the ready for launch. We have received the latest supplies and transfers to fill up any gaps.” Stefania saw some shrugs from the bridge crew, knowing that it felt insensitive to say it like that after losing their fellow crewmates in the battle against the Vaadwaur. But she was not one to care, it was her duty to report it and not heat the words she said.

“Security systems are active, torpedoes are stocked, weapons have completed testing and shield arrays are showing no errors, Captain” A Vulcan woman spoke up looking at Kam.

A nod in the direction came from Kam “Thank you, Lieutenant T’hu and Commander Cerrito. Lieutenant Hirrigas, what is your status?” She looked at the young Vidiian that sat at the helm.

Hirrigas looked up from his console, “Navigation systems are getting the final diagnostics, warp engine and thruster systems are in the green.” A beep came off his console, “And Saturn is responsive to my helm commands. We should be experiencing no problems, but I advise slow approach in the Grim Wall narrow path at the Pilgrim route.”

“Understood, Lieutenant” Kam confirms, keeping a note of that. “Lieutenant Kayrun, could you provide this information with the rest of the convoy, additionally provide me your update please”

The Angosian woman didn’t look at her Captain, but did in response, “The message will be provided to the convoy, Captain. Operational status is green, our internal systems are showing green and external systems have to be checked as a go as well. I provided Lieutenant Jackson with some minor repairs. But those will not affect our operation” She concluded.

Nodding to the final confirmation she wanted to hear “Alright” Kam presses her command console as a ship wide communication gets active. “This is Captain Min-Yung, we will be embarking soon on a mission of humanitarian aid to the Klingon Empire. This will bring its own challenges, the Klingons will reject our hand gesture and sees it as a sign of weakness. But after the devastating actions of the Vaadwaur, they can’t ignore it either. It is our duty to uphold our principles and help those that need it. You might be wondering why we turn our backs of our own people, but trust me when I say, they will be helped. Hecate Station and the Betreka region is one of the few areas that have not been affected by the Vaadwaur war machine. This gives us the chance and opening to restore our old friendship with the Klingons. I believe in our strength, skills and professional duty. Get ready for launch, Saturn is heading out” With that she closes the channel.

The bridge stayed quiet for a moment as Kam looked at Hirrigas “Lieutenant, get us moving”

“Acknowledge, Captain” He responded and tapped onto the console “Hecate Station sealed port, airlock is sealed, thrusters are activating, docking clamps are released. Saturn is moving into convoy tail position now” Saturn slowly moves away from the docking port and pushes forward towards the convoy that was ready for departure.

“Lieutenant Kayrun, signal the Wakefield to proceed to Grim Wall, adjust speed to reflect that of what Lieutenant Hirrigas requires for a safe passage” Kam orders as the Saturn joins the formation in the back. USS Wakefield engines power-up, followed by the engines of the civilian freighters as they start to move towards the Grim Wall to start their mission.

The first step was set, the journey has begun, but the destination is still far away.