Captain Forrester stood at the windows of his temporary office at Starfleet Headquarters in San Francisco. It had been one week since the Endeavour limped home to Earth after battling the merciless Khynah. They had attacked a Science Station for no other reason than they wanted a fight. The Endeavour was the first ship on the scene and had engaged them in battle. A battle which had cost many lives on the station and aboard the Endeavour.

The ship was almost destroyed in the fight and had barely made it back to Earth. After unloading the wounded and crew, the Endeavour had been taken to the Utopia Planetia Fleetyards where she would undergo extensive repairs.

For the past week, Captain Forrester and his senior staff had been briefing Starfleet on what had happened. Now they were awaiting new orders since the Endeavour was going to be in space dock for the next six months.

As all Starfleet captains, Marcus Forrester was responsible for the safety of his ship and crew. Had he failed? he wondered. What did he do or didn't do that would have made any difference? He had reviewed every aspect of the battle in his mind, over and over again. No, he had decided, there was nothing more he or his crew could have done which would have made any difference in the outcome. They were lucky--this time.

The comm vid on his desk suddenly sounded, breaking his train of thought. He sat down and touched the controls. A familiar face shown on the screen.

"Marcus. How are you feeling this morning?" Admiral Drake, a close friend of Forrester's asked.

"Better, Admiral, thank you for your concern."

"I'm calling to inform you that your crew is being sent their reassignment orders. We have taken your suggestions into consideration and have incorporated your thoughts in making these assignments."

Even though Forrester's crew would not be on his ship for the next six months, he still felt responsible for each and every one of them. "Thank you James. I appreciate that."

"We value your input Marcus. I have forwarded a copy of their assignments to you."

"Does this include my command staff?" asked Forrester.

"You and Commander Sinclair will be stationed here, at Starfleet Headquarters, as will the rest of your command crew. Don't worry Marcus, you won't be bored here I assure you."

"Boredom has unfortunately never been much of a concern for me, James. Frankly I wouldn't mind being bored for a few days... or weeks."

"I understand Marcus. I wish I could tell you that you and Commander Sinclair have the next few weeks, off, but frankly I can't. We need your expertise. The rest of your crew will be able to take some time off though before reporting for their next assignments. Extent of leave will vary."

"I see. Thank you again for informing me James. You are a good friend."

"Always have been Marcus. And always will be. And Captain..."

"Yes?"

"You did a good job in getting the Endeavour and your crew home. Don't underestimate that accomplishment."

"I'm glad I could get the Endeavour home in one piece, such as it is, but as you know, not all of my crew returned safely."

"Yes, and I'm sorry for that Marcus, but that is the risk everyone of us takes when we join Starfleet."

"Yes. I know that only too well."

" Marcus, take the rest of the day off and I'll see you at our briefing tomorrow morning at 0600. Admiral Drake out."

Captain Forrester leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh. For the next six months he was a Captain without a ship or crew. It was not going to be a very good six months, he thought.