Mission Logs

Mission Logs

"Meeting the New CO"

Captain Brett Talbert Phillips
CO USS Victory

Captain Alex Carey
Liaison to the second fleet'
USS Victory

*****

Brett Talbert Phillips had barley stepped on board off the shuttle to look at the ship before people started handing her things to sign. She had left her daughters to visit there father in San Francisco, it would be the last time he saw them in two years.

Alex had been going over the PADDs that were on his desk, Mnarissa had resigned from the ship something he had regretted, perhaps she wasn't really ready for it. He sighed as he went through some more/

Brett walked into the co's office, arched an eyebrow. "I think you're at my desk."

"And you would be?" Alex asked

"Captain Brett Talbert Phillips. I've been assigned to the Victory as the CO but there seems to be one."

"You must be mistaken, the new CO is a male..." Alex stated.

Brett tapped her finger on her hip. "My name is from a literary novel of the 20th century. One of the females leads. Doesn't anyone ever read anymore."

"Verify your authorization code."

"Phillips, B, 3702," Brett said. "Now may I have my desk?"

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Of course Captain... just not many... women with that name."

"Blame my mother," she said, going over to the desk. "Of course lucky for you I haven't been drinking or you may have been punched," she said with a sly grin handing over a PADD.

"Well then I shall try and remember that." Alex replied. "So where are you from Captain."

"I've served the past 6 years as the XO of the Charleston, mostly patrolling the neutral zone," she said, taking a seat.

"I guess with the falling of the neutral zone left the ship sort of without a home."

"We've been doing patrols, watching the activities with the dominion," she said.
"And?"

"That's about it, so far quiet," she answered.

"Well this mission coming up is going to be a long one I hope you are prepared."

"Yes sir," she answered. "I do want to meet with staff. So what happened, I was pulled awful quickly for this position."

"My last was not ready for the position, and I was too hard into making her accept it."

"I heard I'm getting a new XO too?" she asked.

"And a new Second Officer."

"What the hell happened Captain?" she asked looking at him.

"Most got transferred." Alex replied.

"Is there a reason I should know about?" she asked.

"I wasn't really listening to her when she said she wasn't ready."

"I see," Brett said. "How much hand do you plan on having in day to day operations Captain?"

"I am part of the fleet personnel. I help coordinate the fleet. So ship operations, basically none."

"Are we going to run into a lot of fleet where we're going Captain?"

"More than likely no."

"So how do you plan to keep yourself busy? You can have a seat, I'm not going to bite," she said.

Alex sat in front of the desk. "Oh I got myself booked for the next two and a half year trip."

"Oh?" she asked.

"Detailing everything when we meet things and sending them back."

"So do you have any questions for me?" she asked nodding.

"None at the moment Captain."

She looked at him. "Well I am taking over your ship."

"This ship was never really mine."

"What?" she asked.

"My ship was the challenger, that ship is gone."

"Borg," she said.

"yes."

"Yes I've had run ins with the Borg myself," she said holding up her left hand.

"Oh and how did they fair."

"It was Wolf 359. I'm lucky to be here, and I know that."

"And how has that made you feel."

"A counselor in a different life Captain?"

"Perhaps, or maybe just picking something up from my wife."

"I'm sorry?" she asked.

"For what?"

"I mean I didn't understand your statement," she said. She was trying to judge the man in front of her.

"My wife often tries to get to know the people on what made people who they are. Sort of like a counselor does."

"Wolf 359 took a lot of people. I don't remember getting on the shuttle craft where I was found. And it took a lot of adjusting to this," she said.

"I would imagine." Alex replied. "My brother has something an implant also, not from the Borg but from me."

"Sibling rivalry?"

"Nope mission."

"You served together?" she asked.

He was marine platoon leader I was CO, or rather, I was under the control of some sort of entity."

"I take it that didn't work out so well?" she asked.

He blew up the bridge with myself and he in it, after I killed over a hundred of my own crew." Alex replied.

"Ouch," she said.

"Your telling me, women children and men died at my hands, and I still can't get over it."

"I'm sure no one blames you," she said.

"I can, and I will for a very long time."

"Perhaps you should speak to the counselor," Brett said.

"Every week for the past while I have been."

"I'm not particularly understanding why I'm here," Brett said. "You have the rank of Captain also. If there's going to be two of us on ship, aren't we going to be in each others way?"

"Nope, you are of the ship, I am flag staff of the second Fleet."

"So I don't have to worry about you taking over my bridge?" Brett asked.

"Nope."

"That's good, I'm not very good at sharing," she said with a wink.

"Well my Wife is Commodore higher than I and she never took it from me."

"That's good," she said.

"It helps a lot."

"So, Captain, what do I have to do before we get this guy out of the ship yard and start exploring?" she asked.

"In about three hours."

"So Captain, what do I have to do before we get this ship out into space?"

"I see we're missing a couple main departments."

"Well we are headed out to Starbase 769 to pick up out last few dept heads, then its off. Out into the unknown."

She nodded. "Now what do you want to know about me before I unpack and pick up my daughters?"

"No I think that's it Captain."

She nodded, and stood. "Unusual that you don't have any personal questions for me. But we do have two years."

"Actually four, including the way back."

"Four," she said nodding. "Surprised my ex is letting me take the girls."

"It took a bit of convincing," Alex replied

"What?"

"You really didn't think I thought you were supposed to be a man did you."

Brett looked at him. "Alright, what did you do Captain?"

"That's between the Commodore and I." Alex replied with a nod. "Shall be seeing you around Captain."

"Wait a minute," Brett said going around the desk. "I have a right to know. I don't want to be surprised that I'm going to be sharing this voyage with my ex. There's a reason we're ex's."

"Its nothing like that Captain. Don't you worry."

"Then tell me what is like?" she asked.

"New Holographic recreational programs. You could have meetings every day in the holodeck you and the kids with their father as if he was with them."

"But he won't see them grow?" she asked.

"and how did you get involved?" she asked arching an eyebrow.

"The holographic display is done in real time, he will be able to see them every day as long as he wants given that the time is right not in the middle of the night or anything."

Brett nodded.

"So you have nothing to worry about that." Alex replied with a grin and walked into the lift. "Your zippers up." Alex stated as the doors closed.

Brett shakes her head, zipping it.

***********************

"Moving In"

Commander Xavier Bell
Executive Officer

Stephanie Bell
Stellar Cartographer

Xavier Bell Jr.
Tony Bell
Cicely Bell

**********Executive Officer's Quarter's**********

After arriving aboard the Victory, Commander Bell and his family quickly received all their room assignment. As the five person family stepped into what was going to be their new home for the next four years, they stood in a amazement for a moment.

"I want to see my new room," Tony shouted. The younger brother soon sprinted off with his older soon chasing afterward.

"No running," Xavier shouted as he held his head. The runabout they arrived, even though was a pretty good size just didn't seem enough with those two around. He held the small two month up to his face and smiled.
"Does daddy's favorite girl want to see her nusery?" In response the infant smiled, while squirming in arms with excitement.

Stephanie looked over to Xavier. "I remember a time when I was daddy's favorite girl."

"Now your my favorite woman," he responded. He leaned down kissing her on the lips. The two walked into the nusery, where the crib and most of everything had been set up. "Looks like they wasted no time n getting our stuff delievered."

"That's because there aren't hardly anybody on board yet."

"Good," Xavier whispered as he placed Cicely in the crib. "That means I most likely will have the gym to myself."

"You can go to the gym in the morning," she cut in. "Right no we need to check out the rest of this place.

The two explored the quarters. Three bedrooms, an office, dining room and a living room area. They poked their heads in the room the boys would share.
On the floor Xavier Jr. and Tony were wrestling on the floor. Instead of intervening both parents just decided to leave them alone.

They walked into the office and sat down across from each on the two person desk. The desk was identical on both sides for two people to work on, each side had its own computer terminal. "She's definitely not the Hera," he sighed.

"Actually this ship is better."

"How could you ay that." Xavier sounded a bit disappointed.

"I loved the Hera, but the ship was over twenty years old," Stephanie explained. "When we stationed on the Hera, that was a nice ship, but we knew an Intrepid class was no place for a family."

"And your happy with a Galaxy class III?" he asked.

"Actually I love it," she sounded very excited. "It doesn't have as many years as the Nebula class. And the Astrometrics department here is great, I read all about it on the way here. You know you love this place too."

"Yeah this ship is nice," he admitted. "I'm not just quick to kick the old ship to the curb just yet."

Stephanie walked around to his side of the desk and sat on his lap. "I know you miss your ship and having your command, but I have a feeling that this here will be good for our family. By the time your done with this assignment. Starfleet will have no choice but to give you another ship, that's even better." She placed a kiss on his forehead.

"Your right," he gave in. "Its all about being patient." Just then the sound of children yelling could be heard in the background. The two got up and headed staight for the boys room.

****************

"Informal Meeting"

Captain Brett Talbert Phillips
Commanding Officer

Commander Xavier Bell
Executive Officer

**********Gymnasium*********

Brett just finished up using the gymnasium for kickboxing. She stretched out a bit, before rubbing her neck. She slowly observed the room for the other occupants. Since this was going to be a two year assignment, she would need a good partner. Of course the ship wasn't out of dock yet. She walked over to the new occupant. "Commander Bell isn't it? Captain Phillips," she said, extending her hand.

Xavier turned to the attractive woman walking in his direction. "Your correct Captain," he said accepting her hand. "Did you have a good workout?"

"It was acceptable. Considering we'll be on this ship for approximatley 4 years in the round trip, I'm glad they have a good gym. I suppose we need to talk."

"Yeah, we do need to talk," Bell replied. "My family and me arrived yesterday evening. Figured I meet with you around 0900. Didn't think anyone would be in the gym this early in the morning."

"Six am, then back to my quarters to wake up my girls get them off at school. They'll be aboard this afternoon. Do you mind talking here or wait til later?"

Xavier sipped on his bottled water. "Now is a perfect time. It'll give me and wife time get the kids enrolled for school."

Brett nodded to the bench. "I glanced over your file yesterday. I didn't go over it with a fine tooth comb. We're going to be stuck with each other for a while, and I'd like us to become friends. And the start of that, is not to judge what's in files. God knows, mine isn't exactly spotless."

The Commander sat next to her on the bench. "Your right we are going to be with each for a while. So what do you need to know? Because its always better to get things out in the open."

"What do I need to know?" she asked.

"I'm sure you heard already," Bell explained. "But I lost my own command a month ago, which involved me in being demoted to the rank of Commander."

"So being second banana is going to be a problem?" she asked. It was an honest question

He hesitated a moment before answering. "Its going take some getting use to, but I'll adjust. Right now I'm just trying to move on with my life."

Brett nodded. "I wouldn't expect a less of an answer," she said. "This is my first command," she said.

A huge smiled appeared across his face. "So they decided to give you an assignment with a long journey ahead. Congratulations...There's nothing like the joys and fears of your first command."

"And they give me a commander with experience," she said with a smile.

"I remember during my first command I recieved an Executive Officer who swore he knew more than me," he brought up. "Even though he had a lot of potential we still bunted heads for a short while." He grinned at the thought that passed through his mind. "I promise to try not to be the XO that knows everything."

Brett nodded. "I do appreciate that and if you do have some critical information that I need to know, please do it in my ready room," she said with a smile. "I did notice that you are exactly 11 days older then I. God help this ship, two Virgos in charge," she said standing. "I do have a serious matter to discuss with you."

"I think the ship will survive with two Virgos," he laughed. "Even if just barely. So what do you need to discuss?"

"Usually, a crew has the luxery of knowing that if something happens to them, that any children they leave behind will be sent to the next of kin. I don't have that luxery," she said. "I'm not sure if you read my file. I'm divorced, my two daughters will be coming with me. If something happens to me, I want to know that you will make sure they are taken care of til this ship returns home."

"You have my word Captain," he promised.

Brett nodded. "So I've been asking all the questions, your turn."

"I guess you could start by telling me what this first mission is going to be."

Brett nodded. "It's a long term one, I know you know that. Alot of first contacts, science is going to be used alot no doubt. I plan to be having a mission brief once I get more information."

"Alright...For question number two," he spoke. "Why the need for a Fleet Liaison on board?"

"You know I asked him the same question when I took over my desk," she said.
"His response was that he was going to be sending all the information to the fleet that we gather. I swear if he tries to take over my bridge, I'll put him in the brig myself."

"I don't believe that Captain Carey will be trying to take over anything,"
Xavier responded. "In my personal opinion I believe the Federation has lost faith in his command abilities."

"Then why is he still on ship?" she asked.

"Obviously clearly as an observer," he smiled. "Captain...I wouldn't worry about your bridge anytime soon."

Brett nodded. "Alright."

"So you choose to keep your ex-hasbands last name," Bell sounded curious.
"No offense, but I figured most Captain's would want to use their own name."

"I wasn't a captain when were married plus I have two daughters by him."

The Commander nodded. "Well then...I won't keep you from your daughters too much longer. Like myself I'm sure you have plenty to do this morning."

Brett nodded. "Ofcourse. We do have to have a formal meeting."

"Name the time and place. And I'll be there."

Brett nodded. "My office at 10? We need to go over the crew and what's missing, and get supplies. "We'll be picking up the rest of the crew at the Starbase, once we get out of utopia."

"Ten it is then," Xavier laughed. Bell then made a small sprint for the door.

"I think we'll get along well," Brett said.

*************

"Mother Daughter Time"

Captain Brett Talbert Phillips
Gwendolyn Phillips
Jordana Phillips

Brett put in her code, making it easy for Gwen and Jordana to remember, and walked in, the girls right behind her. "Ok, this is home sweet home for a while girls, look around."

Gwen put down her bag and went and looked around. "YES, I have my own room," she said.

Brett smiled. "Thought you'd like that," she said, looking down at the 5 year old. "Ok Jordana what's the matter?"

"Do we have to leave daddy?" she asked.

Brett sat down on the couch, pulling Jordana into a hug. "Gwen, come out here," she said.

Gwen came out and sat down. "Yes mom?"

"Ok you two, I know this is a big change. We've talked about this, but I want you both to know that both your father and I love you more then the world. And both of us would miss you horribly. I've been sepearted from you, and I hate it. Just like your father will. But writing and dailey diaries to him. Just as he will to the both of you," Brett said.

"Plus dad's a commadore, and barley has time for us," Gwen says.

Brett kissed the top of her head. "Demands of the rank Gwen. It doesn't mean he doesn't love you any less."

"I'll miss daddy," Jordana said.

"We can always go to the holodeck and make daddy up there," Gwen offered.

Brett smiled. Gwen always looked out for her little sister. "Yes, see and the 3 of us, we're having our own adventure. Now you two need to go unpack while I can help."

Both nodded and got up being followed by Brett.

***************

"Family of Counselors"

Lt. Commander Trini Corlett, Chief Counslor
Master Chief Gustavas "Gus" Kingsley, Assistant Chief Counslor
Rayne Corlett
Sierra Kingsley
Roman Kingsley

Master Chief Gustavas "Gus" Kingsley put his kids bags plus his away. "Take a seat, you two, Roman let your sister sit first."

"Yes dad," came the soft southern drawl of his son.

Trini Corlett smiled as her and her daughter Rayne boarded the transport and walked towards their seats. Rayne got there first and grinned. "I think you're in my seat." She said to the young man.

Trini shook her head. "Rayne we can find other seats, come on."

Gus stood. "It's alright, ma'am. Roman," he said.

Roman stood. "Sorry ma'am," he said. Both of them having souther drawels.

Rayne blushed a little after hearing them, stowing her bag. "I'm Rayne." She said extending her hand.

"Sorry about this Chief." Trini said, repeating her daughter's gesture. "I'm Trini Corlett."

Roman shook it, Sierra stood shaking it. Gus smiled, kissing both of there hands. "I'm Gustavas Kingsley, this is Seirra and Roman. Ladies first," he said gesturing to the seats.

A blush spread across both of the young women's faces as Rayne took a seat and, after fighting for a moment with her bag, Trini sat in the one next to hers. "Thank you Mr. Kingsley."

Sierra had to laugh. "Southern charm. "

"And manners," Gus said sitting down. "Heading to Utopia ma'am?"

"Yes sir we are. Mom's taking a post on one of the new ships there." Rayne answered before Trini had a chance to speak.

"So's dad, even though he's retired," Sierra said.

"Retired from what?" Rayne asked.

"Rayne that's rude." Trini scolded.

Gus laughed. "It's true. I retired from the Marine Corp two years ago."

"Well, There's nothing wrong with that." Trini said smiling.
Rayne sighed, shaking her head. "Sorry, I just get curious. I blame mom being a counselor."

"Gee thanks."

"Dad's a counslor too," Roman said.

"This saves some time then. You're the assistant chief yes?" She asked him.

"On the Victory ma'am?" Gus asked.

"Yes, I'm the chief Counselor there."

"Well it's nice to meet you ma'am," Gus answered.

Trini smiled and nodded. "Nice to meet you too Gustavas."

Roman and Sierra both cringed, knowing there father hated Gustavas.

"Please Gus," Gus said. "My mother gave me her maiden name as a first name."

"Sorry..Gus. I know how it is with names and mothers. Mine made mine up."

"I had to be the oldest," he said with a laugh. "You're only one?" he nodded to Rayne.

"Yes, she's my only one." Trini said, putting her arm around her daughter, who tried to duck out from it.

"Knock it off mom. Gosh, you get sappy sometimes." Rayne said getting her headphones out of her purse.

Sierra and Roman laughed.

Gus shook his head. "They grow up fast."

"Too fast." Trini said laughing, shaking her head. "Are these your only two?"

Sierra laughed. "He's a grandfather."

Gus arched an eyebrow. "I don't need that advertised."

"No he's not old enough for that. You can't be more then 35." Trini offered, drawing a laugh from Rayne.

"He has to be older then you mom. And you're 40."

"You can be quiet down Rayne!"

"Well I appreciate the compliment ma'am. I'm 45, and I started at 18. Something I'm not recommending for you two," he said point blank. "Oldest is 27."

"I was 27 when I had Rayne. So you better be 30 sweety." Trini said with a small grin.

"Oh come on mom, you arn't going to make me wait that long are you?" Rayne said watching her.

"Oh you know it. Your father wanted to lock you in the attic until you were older then that.." She stopped herself and sighed. "Just don't argue." Trini offered, shaking her head.

"Ok mom"

Roman laughed. "Dad and I are gonna stand on the front porch with phasors when Sierra gets of age to date."

"What we don't use rifles any more," Gus said.

"And I've got two older brothers too," Sierra said.

Trini laughed and shook her head. "Can I lock mine up with yours?"

"Please! Don't encourage her, she will!"

Gus laughed. "Well my oldest waited til he was 27, so I can deal with that."

Rayne laughed and shook her head. "Okay, my mom has a new insane friend who sounds like a bad holonovel."

"Rayne Alexandria Corlett! I raised you with more manners then that. Appologize."

"Not the first time I've been told that. I come from an old southern family," Gus answered.

"It still doesn't make it right. IPod please" Trini said putting her hand out.

Reluctantly, Rayne gave it to her mother and sighed. "I'm sorry Mr. Kingsley."

"You're forgiven, ma'am," he said with a wink.

Roman laughed.

"So, have you met the captain yet? I heard he's not bad." Trini said, trying ot make conversation.

"She ma'am," Gus answered.

"She...But Brett's a guys name?"

"Comes from an old 20th century novel," he answered. "Her sister is married to my brother."

"Ooo, ten minutes and mom's already in some shit!" Rayne said with a giggle before realizing what she said.

"Ok two more days no IPod and that's a dollar in the swear jar!" Trini said sighing.

"Fine.." Rayne said sighing.

"Hey we have a swear jar too!" Sierra says.

"I've only met her twice, the first at the wedding and the 2nd at her sisters birthday party right after our first nephew was born," Gus said.

"Sorry, I really didn't know." Trini said with a small smiled, shaking her head. "I don't know what's gotten into you today Rayne."

"Lets see, one of the most stressful times is moving and we've done that how many times recently?"

"Hey, it's not my fault Rayne. Just relax and enjoy the ride. You've made some friends already."

"Maybe we can go to the holodeck while our parents are doing all the parent stuff," Sierra offered.

"Yeah..I guess that would be fun.." Rayne said, looking at her. "Is this thing ever going to take off?"

Trini laughed, hugging her daughter. "It should be soon sweety."

"Doors are closed, we'll be leaving soon," Gus said with a smile.

***************

“Don’t Make Me Sign”

Commander Vilotanzia “Violet” Bounlutay
CMO, USS Victory

============
Utopia Planitia
============

Violet stood on the Observation Deck and watched as the Worker Bees whirled around the USS Victory, taking care of the seemingly endless last minute details before the newest in the line of Galaxy Class III ship’s set sail. She was still in her ‘cage’, which to Violet looked rather like a huge spider that had caught some poor unsuspecting moth and was even now getting ready to devour its kill. The ship was huge, and Violet studied the mammoth as she committed her new home to memory.

“Commander, they’re ready to beam your things onboard,” the duty officer told her.

Violet turned to smile at him. “And my medical supplies?” she asked pointedly.

“The supply officer—“ he began, stopping when Violet held up a hand.

“They will go with me,” she told him. “Come, I will instruct the transporter chief which things go where.” She motioned for him to follow her and lead the way to where her things were being kept. She was dressed in civilian clothing. Comfortable looking cargo pants with a long sleeved shirt over the top, un-tucked, and a muti-pocketed vest over the top of that. She looked more like she belonged in the outback rather than on a Starship. The hat that hung on her back via a tie that looped around her throat, added to the impression.

“But ma’am… all ship’s supplies are supposed to go through the quartermaster,” the supply chief argued when Violet explained what she wanted.

“These are not part of the ship’s manifest,” Violet informed him. ‘They will stay with me.”

“But ma’am… if they’re medical supplies…”

Violet interrupted once again, and after a bit more haggling, which finally culminated in her getting frustrated enough that she resorted to sign language, the young transporter chief and supply officer bowed to her wishes. Several of the cases were beamed to her quarters and the rest of the supplies, along with Violet, were beamed directly to sickbay.

The medical staff under her care would soon learn the same thing that the transporter and supply officers had. Violet could be an exceedingly stubborn and persuasive women when she’d set her mind on a thing.

**************

"Command Meetings"

Captain Brett Talbert Phillips
Commanding Officer

Commander Xavier Bell
Executive Officer

Commander arrived outside the Captain's ready room. As far as he could tell, so far all they had was a skeleton crew. He pressed the chime and waited to see Captain Phillips.

Captain Phillips looked over her shoulder from the fish tank. "Enter," she said, feeding the fish.

Xavier walked in the room with a PADD in hand. "How have you been doing, since this morning?"

Brett smiled. "Pretty good, and you?" she asked.

"After getting the boys to school and dealing with an infant," Xavier said sarcastically. "Surprisingly not too bad."

"Atleast you have help," she said as she nodded to the couch. "Couch or chair across from desk?"

"Chair sounds good," he said. "Trust me I appreciate having my wife around. With Xavier and Tony I can see why my parents decided not to have more than one. So what do you want to start with?"

"Supplies we'll need, extra things we may want to stock. "

Xavier tapped on few things on his PADD. "Ok supplies. What's Starfleet going to allow us to take?"

"We're allowed anything for a long mission. There are a few star bases. But basicially it's a 'bartering' mission," she said with a small smile leaning
in her chair.

"I like the term anything," he returned the smile. "So what else?"

"We're behind the curve ball, as in we're both taking over way behind the game. I'd like us each to meet with the members of the crew."

"Agreed. But we still have many of the senior staff who still aren't
present."

Brett nodded. "They should be arriving soon. And unfornatley, I won't have time to take them all. And we do have to have a staff meeting. As soon as everyone is aboard."

"Which officers would like me to meet?"

"Why don't you take the Chief of Science....and chief of engeneering? Give them my aplogizies, and I will make it down there at some point."

"Science and engineering," he spoke. "What else on the agenda?"

"Anything you can think of? I've met the assistant engeneer," Brett said. "And I think the chief engeneer is the second officer right?" she asked, looking through files. "I swear I feel like I'm behind the learning curve."

"Don't stress yourself too much," he spoke softly. "Remember behind that
curve together. So when are we heading for Starbase forty five?"

"Two days. What concerns me is that we don't have a head of operations."

"Starfleet has to send us somebody," Bell responded. "A ship just can't run
as effienict without an Operations Chief."

"We may have to make do," Brett said. "Not that I like it."

"Will see if we can come up with an acting Chief of Operations," he
suggested. Its better than having no chief."

Brett nodded. "Another thing I want to discuss is how willing you are not to stick to the prime directive."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we're out there on our own. Sometimes, I'm not saying 100% of the time, we may have to bend the prime directive. Not something I really look forward too."

"Trust me I have no problem bending it to the extreme," the Commander chuckled. "Sometimes there's more than just black and white. There happens to be many shades of grey in between."

Brett nodded. "I'm not a Captain Janeway, trying to stand fast with the prime directive."

"I take it that you don't really approve of Admiral Janeways methods,
particular on how she handled the whole Delta Quadrant thing."

Brett leaned back in her chair. "It worked for her," she said honestly.
"But from reports I've read, sometimes it didn't work out to well. And she even switched tactics. I'm not saying let's go there and break the rules."

Xavier smiled. "Let just wait and see what happens first. Personally I'm not really sure if I could've allowed my crew to be stranded in the Delta Quadrant."

Brett nodded. "It's a learning curve, and this is ours."

"Alright...So what else for our list?"

"What do we need at starbase?"

"Besides a full crew," he responded. "Nothing that I can think of at the
moment."

Brett laughed. "That would be nice, but I'm not holding my breath?"

"One other thing," Xavier spoke. "Are you going to be ok?"

Brett looked at him. "Sorry Commander?"

"I know this is all new to you," he replied. "Stephanie and I were talking.
If you feel the need to take time off to relax by yourself. We wouldn't
mind if you left the girls over at our place. Being a single parent is hard
enough without having to be responsible for everyone else. Remember every
parent needs the night off occasionally."

Brett smiled. "I appreciate it, and believe me, I may take you up on it.
Honestly, I almost didn't take this assignment because of that."

"That would've been a shame," he said leaning back into his seat. "All you
need is a good support system."

Brett nodded. "And my exhusband and Captain Carey somehow got together and
made holo programs so my daughters can talk to there father in real time.
And, a file just came over my desk. The acting assistant chief of
counseling, we know each other. His brother is married to my sister. I've
only met him twice, once at the wedding and once at a birthday party, but
you can't help not to like him. Are you sure you and your wife won't mind
watching the girls at times? I want to return the favor."

"Trust me we don't mind at all," he assured Brett. "And who knows we may
take you up on that favor. At least you'll have more family here. No
matter how distant he may be."

Brett nodded. "It'll be interesting to say the least."

"You'll have plenty of time to get to know him."

Brett nodded. "We should have dinner, Commander. Your wife, children, my
girls and you."

"Sounds like a plan," Xavier agreed. "So when would you like to make this
happen?"

"Dinner?" she asked.

"You mean tonight?"

Brett laughed. "I don't know if we've got time tonight," she said with a smile. "Once we launch?"

Xavier nodded. "Give me time to round up the kids. The boys are involved in so much. Will have to pick a night that works for everyone.

"Gwen's starting kickboxing lessons, and soccar. And Jordana's starting plays. She's a ham."

"Both Xavier and Tony are involved in kickboxing," he replied. "Xavier is also into anything involving science. Tony is also playing basketball."

"I haven't got Gwen into it. Ofcourse, I didn't get into it until after Wolf 359 and this," she said, holding up her left hand. "I think we should make it a once a week think in the morning."

"Kids will be in school," he chuckled. "That would be more of a breakfast set up for two.

Brett laughed. "Alright, you tell me when is good," she said with a smile.

"After we get our new schedules worked out, will work on getting our families together for dinner," Xavier explained. "I take it that you would like to have these meetings on a weekly basis over breakfast. Now that works just fine."

"If we can manage it," Brett answered.

"I guess I should begin meeting with that staff," the Commander spoke. "And making everything on this PADD happen. Is there anything else?"

"Who will we be picking up at the Starbase?"

"I know that we'll be picking up the Marine Co and the Hazard Team Chief," he answered. "A few civilian personnel who will be working on board. Other than that, I won't be sure unitl we get a manifest from Starbase forty five."

Brett nodded. "If we don't have a helm officer, do a rotating list of personell that can fly this ship. It won't go far with out someone flying it."

"I'll look into it right away."

"Anything you need for your office?"

"Surprisingly enough things are going well in my office." Xavier quickly knocked on the wood of her desk.

"I'd be knocking on wood to, so you don't curse yourself," she said with a laugh.

Commander Bell stood from his seat. "If you need me for anything else, I'm just a call away."

Brett nodded. "We both have work to do," she said.

***************

"Impressions"

Captain Brett Talbert Phillips
Commanding Officer

Lt. Commander Jerome Hunt
Chief Tactical Officer

Brett unpacked boxes waiting for Commander Hunt. She felt like she was
running on rapid fire meeting people.

Hunt pressed he chime to the door. He sure as hell hoped that this new
Captain wasn't anything like the old one's. One kept losing ships and the
other wasn't even bold enough to deal with the pressures of command. Not
that he really cared about their leaving, it was how it affected him.
Everytime they lost a Captain the crew ended up stuck in drydock.

Brett turned. "Enter," she said, making sure a path was cleared.

"Commander Hunt reporting for duty ma'am," he spoke, while standing in front of her desk.

"Captain Phillips," she greeted. "Have a seat. I glanced over your file,
you've been through all the transformations of the challeger now Victory?"

Jerome sat in the seat. "I guess you could call me a survivor,"

"And I'm sure that this is not hte first time you've been called to this
office to meet a new commander."

"Within the past year you would be number three."

"I can understand that is a bit fraustrating?"

"It seems we spend more time in drydock than anywhere else," he said
sounding a bit frustrated. "I'm sorry if I appear angry, but this whole
thing has been a disappointment."

"I can understand that. But this is a new start. And I promise you we will
get out of dry dock if I have to push this ship myself."

"You might find me next to you helping with the pushing," he chuckled.

Brett smiled. "See, I'm not that bad am I?"

"So far so good," he replied. "I'm beginning to have a little faith now that things will turn out fine."

Brett smiled. "All I can say is that I have no control of what happened before. And, it does put me behind the curve."

"You'll do fine," he spoke softly. "Winning me over was probably your hardest task yet. Should be down hill from here."

"The hardest task, is getting this ship a full compliment," Brett said.

"So who are we still missing?" he asked. "If you don't mind me asking."

"Helm, and chief of Ops," she answered. "Marines are a bit scarce."

"If there's anything I can do. Just let me know."

"Well first thing you can do, is tell me what you need."

"A few years worth of Quantum torpedeos," he requested.

Brett put it down on her ever growing list. "I want shuttles."

"Shuttles would be bice, but I prefer weapons personally."

Brett nodded. "Go ahead and make me a list."

"I get that list to the Commander as soon as possible," he answered. "Then he can run it by you."

Brett nodded. "Good. Now what do you expect of me?"

Jerome raised an eyebrow. "I'm afraid for the first time you have me speechless. Never been asked that question before."

"I look at it this way, I'm your commanding officer. Whatever I do, effects every man, woman and child on this ship. And, I would like to know what some opinions are."

"Well...I expect for you to just be yourself," he replied. "If I have any future opinions, I'll let you know. With your permission of course.

"The door's always open," she said.

"I'll take you up on that sometime."

Brett nodded. "It was a pleasure to meet you."

Hunt stood from his seat, heading for the door. "It was good meeting you too Captain."

Brett nodded. "Let me know if I can do anything."

***************

"Crew Welcome From the Phillips"

Captain Brett Talbert Phillips
Gwendolyn Phillips, Age 10
Jordana Phillips, Age 5

*****Phillips Quarters*********

Brett had some how let her two daughters talk her into helping with there project. She looked at her table, or what should be her table. But it had been covered by baskets, of varying sizes and shapes, cookies, chocolate, and tins filled with coffee or hot chocolates, and mugs, also of varying shapes and sizes. Her daughters had returned from visting there father with all the supplies to make the crew welcome baskets. She had to admit it was nice of them to think about it, and had no doubt it was Gwen's idea.

"Mommy can we deliver these?" Jordana asked, doing her part by filling each basket with colored tissue paper.

Brett smiled. "I'm not really sure I like the idea of the two of you tramping up and down various parts of the ship alone," she said.

"Mom, I'm old enough," Gwen said simply, filling out the name cards.

"Please?" Jordana asked, with big old blue eyes.

"Oh don't do that, not fair!" Brett said with a laugh. "I'm sure we can work out a workable compramise, considering that there are some places you two aren't allowed. I don't think my chief engeneer would like you tramping down in engeneering."

"Compramise, the magic word," Jordana said rolling her eyes.

"Hey, we'll have none of that. Or Gwen gets to do it all by herself," Brett says.

"I'm sorry mommy! I want to help!" Jordana answered.

"Alright so what's the compramise?" Gwen asked, as she filled the baskets with goodies.

"I'll make sure that the baskets get to the appropiate department heads, that you can't get to. I'll accompany you to sickbay, counseling and the XO's office."

"But we get to deliver them ourselves, with out you hovering," Gwen said.

Brett arched an eyebrow. She hated arguing with Gwen it was to much like arguing with herself. "Then I'm putting a two minute time limit," Brett said.

Jordana whispered something to her older sister. "Five," Gwen responded.

"Girls," Brett said in a warning tone. "The head of the departments do have things they have to do and don't need to be bothered. It does NOT take five minutes to drop off baskets."

"But it does take five minutes to properly introduce ourselves. And the assistant chief of Counseling is technically family," Gwen answered.

"And they just got aboard, and we are trying to prepare for a launch," she said with a laugh.

"Which is why we're making welcome baskets," Jordana said with a giggle. "And, Gwen takes medical!"

Brett laughed. "You and doctors!" she said tickeling her. "Alright, we'll judge and see if there busy. And if they aren't there, then we drop off the baskets and leave."

Gwen and Jordana looked at each other. "Deal," Gwen said as she finished the baskets.

OOC: This is pre launch. Each department head will find a basket filled with goodies and the message 'to: (insert name) welcome aboard! From Captain Phillips and her daughters." Obviously written by a neat 10 year old. LOL you don't have to respond unless you want:) if you want to do a jp w/me i can if not they're on your desk

***************

"Science Department"

Lt. Commander Eve Sterling
Chief of Science

Stephanie Bell
Stellar Cartographer

Eve touched Elisabeth's cheek, her asleep in her playpen. "We need to get
you settled in day care," she said as she fixed her office up.

Stephanie had spent the early hours of the morning getting the children
enrolled in school and daycare. Now it was time to check out her own job.
Arriving to the science chief's office, she pressed the chime.

Eve turned at the chime. She hadn't been expecting anyone this early.
"Enter."

Stephanie stepped in the doorway to find the science chief along with her
daughter in the playpen. "Commander Sterling," she spoke. "I'm your new
Stellar Cartographer...Stephanie Bell."

"Oh come in. Please ignore the makeshift nursery," she said.

Bell smiled and waved to the child in the pen. "How old is she?"

"Elven months. Say mommy's having seperation anxiety," Eve said laughing.

"I know what you mean," Step said. "Remember having the same feelings with
my first child, but it got easier."

"If you'd rather do this at another time, I understand," Eve said with a
smile.

"Now is as good a time as any."

"Please have a seat, she's falling asleep. Can I get you anything?"

Stephanie sat across from Eve. "Orange juice would be nice if you don't
mind."

Evie got it for her. "Her you go," she said with a smile.

"Thanks," she sipped her drink. "So how are things going with the new
department?"

Eve laughed. "I've barley had time to check a supply list. I hope to be
able to settle down and get things in check today."

"If you need any help feel free to pass that list over here."

Eve smiled. "Well what do you need for your department?"

"To tell you the truth, I haven't even been in Stellar Cartogarphy yet," she
brought up. "I'll add that to second thing I need to do today. But I'll
make up a list for you."

"Well why don't we head that way?" Evie asked. "Have you ever been on an
extended mission before?"

"Almost did once on the USS Legend," Step explained. "We were to explore
the Gamma Quadrant, then war with the Dominion broke out. Never really had
the opportunity to get back out there."

"This will be my 3rd. This ship is alot bigget then the other ones. The
first one was a whole staff of 12, transforming a planet."

"Transforming a planet, now you have to tell me more."

"It was isolated, but very nice. My parents are civilian teraformists, I
grew up with it," Eve said with a smile. She picked up the baby monitor.
"Shall we go look at your area?"

She couldn't help, but to start grinning. "After you Commander."

"Someone's excited," Eve said.

Stephanie smiled. "Let's just say that I live for these moments."

"Is your husband as excited?" she asked walking with her.

"He's excited about the trip," she answered. "Stellar Cartogaphy just
happens to be my passion. I've studied up on all the latest things
Starfleet has added for thi mission."

"I have to admit, that is one aspect of the science department I need to learn more about. "

"Maybe I could help you out there some."

"I would appreciate that. Do you know how many is in stellar cartogaphy?" Eve asked, checking her PADD and listening to the baby monitor. "You have 3 right?"

"I wasn't really sure," she answered. "As a civilian I wasn't sure if I would be under or over anyone."

"The department is a bit short handed, which is odd because of of the type of mission we're going in."

"Then I guess I'll be running this section," she replied. "I could use about two or three of the enlisted members if you don't mind."

"Sounds good to me, we may have to share but I'd like everyone to get a feel for the whole department."

"That works for," she replied. Bell looked around as she was easily impressed by the room.

"You look impressed. It's a very impressive ship," Eve said.

"Trust me I am," the civilian smiled. "The last ship we were on the science department was kind of outdated. The Hera definitely needed a refit."

"Well I have to admit that I'm excited about being on a brand new ship."

"I look foward getting right into it right away," she smiled. "So when do I start?"

Eve looked around. "Well there seems to be alot of supplies to unpack. No time like the present."

"I'll start right away and let you get back to your daugher."

"Getting rid of me already?" she joked. "I do have to register her in day care."

"Good luck," she said. "First there's the line and then the paper work. And we haven't even picked up all the families yet."

"Is that a hint that I should get going now?" Eve asked with a laugh.

"I'm just saying that I was lucky enough to be number three in line."

"Maybe I should have done this when I first came aboard," she said sighing.

"Don't worry about it," Stephanie assured her. "Your a new parent. Once you get three times the experience, it'll be so much easier."

Eve nodded. "My mother didn't want me to take this assignment. She said I needed to stay close to home so I'd have support. In other words: Gramma wants that little munchkin."

"I guess she's not too fond of you taking her away for almost four years."

"Well both of my parents were teraformists, they know about long missions," she said with a laugh.

"Both my parents didn't really approve when they heard of our assignment," she spoke. "Its hard enough for them to see their grandchildren, especially with the newborn."

"I think it's hard on them," she said.

"It's something that their going to have to get use to," Stephanie explained. "But it makes seeing them after a while even more special."

Eve nodded. "And for me, I'm sure I'm going to miss the built in baby sitter."

"Now you have a ship full of babysitters," she smiled. "Now its just about finding someone you trust."

"I wouldn't want to intrude on anyone," she said honestly. "Truth be told, my mothers one big concern was the fact that this was a 5 year mission, and I was a single parent."

"Who knows by the time this misson is over, you may no longer be single."

"My last two assignments, I've met people. One I was engaged to. Unfornatley, he died. I'm not sure if I'm ready for a long term relationship again."

Stephanie nodded. "Well...A lot can happen in four years."

"We'll see," Eve said with a laugh.

"If you don't mind I have to head down to cargo bay one," she spoke. "It appears that instead of sending my stuff directly to this room, they just left it down there to be signed out."

"Of course, I need to check on Elisabeth. It was nice meeting you."

"You too." Stephanie walked out of the lab on her way down to cargo bay one.

Eve went back to her office to wait in the long line of day care.

***************

"The Meeting of Minds"

Commander Xavier Bell
Executive Officer

Lt. Commander Eve Sterling
Chief of Science

**********XO's Office**********

Commander was finally starting to unpack the crates that had been sitting in his office. Between meeting with the Captain, getting his own family situated aboard this ship and meetings with the senior staff, its a wonder he managed to unpack anything. Xavier had managed to leave a message for the Chief of Science to meet with him at 13:30 hours, which was about five minutes from now.

Eve had finally managed to put Elisabeth in day care, had went and checked on her 3 times. She went to the xo's office and buzzed.

"Come on in," he called out.

"Commander Bell? Lt Commander Eve Sterling reporting as ordered."

"Right on time," Xavier. "Please have a seat. So are you adjusting well to the move?"

"Yes, it's quite different doing it with a baby. I met your wife, a sweet
woman."

"Yes...She's something else," he agreed. "The Captain wanted me to
apologize on her behalf. Were behind on alot and she wanted me to let you know that she looks forward to meeting you, during the senior staff meeting."

Eve nodded. "I understand. I was on a Leave Of Absence when I got the orders. I wasn't expect to be recalled so soon."

"So soon?" he quiered. "How come you didn't expect to be called back?"

"I've been on 2 long term assignments like this, and had...some medical issues. Miscarriages. I had asked for a year and half off. I don't mind, I love the fact that it's another long term assignment."

Xavier frowned a bit. "I'm sorry to hear about your miscarriages. But I'm sure this assignment will be right up your alley. Speaking as a former science officer myself, I klnow I'm going to enjoy the trip."

Eve smiled. "Oh I'm looking forward to it. I adopted a little girl about 10 months ago. I'm actually glad to be back to work. What exactly do I need to know?"

"I suggest going through your department and making a list of everything your going to need," Xavier mentioned. "We'll stopping at Starbase forty five prior to departing. As I here Starfleet isn't going to hold on supplies."

"Your wife has offered to help me with that. What's the chance of actually getting an assistant?"

The Commander laughed. "I'm still in need of Chief helmsman and Ops officer. As for an assistant, I'll let you choose. Send me the information and give you the thumbs up."

"We're leaving without a chief helmsman? Why does that scare me?" she asked with a laugh.

"Your not the only one who's in fear."

"Anything I can do,sir?" Eve asked. "What do you need to know about me?"

"Besides what's on this PADD," he held up. "Tell me about yourself."

Evie adjusted in her chair. "I'm not sure how to answer that, sir. Being from a family of boys, I am very tomboyish, sir. I enjoy my work and looking forward to the mission ahead?"

"If you come from a family of boys," he responded. "Then you must enjoy sports. Anything in particular that you like?"

"Baseball. A couple of my brothers were almost out of the house when I came into the family, sir. But I could rough house as as the next person," she said with a laugh. "I love to rock climb."

"Xavier smiled. "Rock climbing has beeb something, I've been wanting to try out. My youngest son has been trying to get me to do that with him."

"I could give you lessons. I think my mother was happy I got into dance at least."

"I may have to take you up on that."

Eve nodded. "I'd like it. I know how these extended missions can be. Crews are really each other families. I have to admit this is the biggest crew I've ever been on for this. And I have my little one, which I am glad for."

"A little one," Bell spoke. "How old is the child?"

"Eleven months. And, I'm not married. Everyone asks."

Bell simply nodded. "If you don't mind me asking. Where is the father?"

Eve smiled. "Actually my daughter is adopted sir. I had started all the paperwork over two years ago with my fiancee. He unfornatley died and I had forgot all about it. But then I was contacted Elisabeth was available. I was adopted, so I know a child doesn't have to be a natural child to be loved."

"That's wonderful." he said. "Sorry about your fiancee, but do you plan on adopting anymore children?"

"It's never out of the question," Eve answered.

"I have two sons if you what to take them in," Bell joked.

Eve laughed. "I think your wife would object?"

"I'm sure I could talk her into on most days."

She laughed. "I see. My mother used to say that about my brothers."

"But seriously if you need anything let me know as soon as possible," he replied.

"Your wife is already making a list for her area. I would, if at possible, like a much bigger area to be able to raise our own food."

"Just let me know what kind of space you need and a plan," said Xavier. "I'm sure the Captain will have no problem approving that."

Eve handed him a padd. "Already done sir," she said. She handed him a PADD that clearly showed a converted cargo bay into a hydroplanics lab with attached lists of seeds and equipment.

"Damn...You waste no time," he laughed. "I'll get this to the Captain right away. "Is there a deadline that you have on this project?"

"I'd like to get started right away," she said, with a small smile. "I hope that I didn't do anything wrong by compiling the list?"

"No not at all," the Commander spoke. "If there isn't anything else. Then I'll let you get back to work. I'm sure your going to be bringing me plenty of ideas with in the next few years."

Eve smiled. "I do have experience with long term missions. And I've found that even feeding 11 or 12 people replicated food for over a period of time, can get old. I know we have a few restuarants on board, but even then," she said. "I can't imagine a crew this big not having some real food. And my job as science officer is to provide scientific ways to make this mission easier."

Bell returned the smile. "Well...Nobody appreciates real food more than I do. If it means anything, you already have my approval. You kind of make me miss the old days as a science chief."

"Oh?" she asked.

"Working in the science department was my main reason for joining Starfleet," he explained. "Command was something that just came along, but I enjoy doing this. But every now and then I have the urge to get into a science lab."

"So you met Stephanie during those days I take it?" Eve asked. "If I'm getting to personal, I'm sorry sir.

"Oh no your not getting to personal," he smiled. "I met Step aboard the the Legend, I a Lieutenant and was the Chief of Science. She was assigned as a Stellar Cartographer, who was helping us map out the Gamma Quadrant. We were good working together, but after a year our feelings for each other started to change. And now here we are three children later."

"My parents both were civilian teraformists," Eve said. "They met at 19, in training."

"Now that's young. I couldn't see myself in a serious relationship at that age."

"They have to be doing something right, just celebrated 52 years," she said.

"Congratulations to them for being able to make it work."

"And they are still in love," Eve said.

"Makes my ten years of marriage seem small in comparison," he added. "I'm sure that I'll still be in love at fifty two years of marriage, but will I even still be alive."

"We as a species are living longer lives," Eve pointed out.

"You have a point," he finally gave in.

Eve laughed. "Now that I've been giving you a lecture sir about long life and marriage. Anything you need to ask me?"

"I'm good to go," the Commander spoke. "I believe I've taken up enough of your time."

Eve stood. "Thank you sir."

"See you around the science labs Commander."

****************

"Snacks and a Small Meeting"

Commander Xavier Bell
Executive Officer

Gwendolyn Phillips, Age 10
Jordana Phillips, Age 5

**********XO's Office**********

Gwen walked to the XO's office with Jordana. Gwen glanced to make sure that there mother was out of sight. She buzzed and waited.

Xavier sat at his desk when he heard the chime. The Victory was still quite awhile from arriving to Starbase forty five and he still needed to find officers to fill certain positions. "Enter, he called out without even looking up.

They walked in. "Commander Bell? Gwendolyn and Jordana Phillips, welcoming you aboard," Gwen said putting down the basket on her desk, stepping back.

The Commander placed his PADD down on the desk. "You two got to be the Captain's daughters," he smiled. "Please have a seat and thank you for the basket." Xavier began going through the basket, as he looked over to Jordana. "So young lady...What do we have here?"

Jordana grinned. "Cookies, and chocolate, and a tin filled with tea. We made the baskets," she said proudly.

Gwen smiled. "We don't want to bother you sir."

"What...Bothering me," he grinned. "I was just about to take a break. And what better way to break than with a snack. You two care to try a few of these cookies with me."

"No thank you, they're for you," Gwen said.

"Mommy gave us five minutes, before she'll come get us." Jordana said.

"Then I'll try not to keep you to so long," said Xavier. "So who's idea was it to pass out baskets?"

"ME!" Jordana said.

"Actually," Gwen interuppted shaking her head, "we both discussed what we could do with our father. He took us out shopping."

"This was a wonderful idea," he explained. "I'm sure evryone will appreciate the gift. I just wish my two sons were as giving as you two. So how are you young ladies enjoying the ship so far."

"It's big," Jordana answered.

"SIr permission to speak to you alone?" Gwen asked.

"Mommy only gave us five minutes," Jordana protested.

The Commander nodded. Gwen was definitely like her mother. "Jordana if you look in the corner, there are some fish that I would like you to see."

Jordana arched an eyebrow. "You could have just said that you needed me out of the way," she said, going over.

"I'm sorry," he apologized. "But your sister and myself need to speak in private. If you don't mind?" After she left out of listening distance, he turned to Gwen. "What is it that you needed to discuss?"

"I want to be sure we understand each other sir, you are responsible for our mother and I want to make sure you know how important she is to us," Gwen said.

"Yes, she is definitely her mothers daughter," he thought. "I understand how important your mother is to you both."

"You aren't going to tell mom about this conversation are you?" Gwen asked. "I'd like it to be a clear understanding between us. When mom was first officer she always said that it was her responsibility to her captain to make sure he didn't do anything stupid. Like going on away teams sir."

"I feel the same way you do about away missions," he explained. "But you must understand that your mother could be stubborn at times. She won't always do as I wish, but I promise to do whatever in my power to keep her safe. And don't worry...Whatever is said in this room stays in this room."

Gwen nodded. "I know that she'll want to do alot of the away teams because of the type of mission she's on." Gwen looked at her chrometer. "She'll be calling for us soon...unless you call her and tell her something sir."

"It depends, Xavier responded. "Is there anything else that you needed to discuss with me."

"No sir, I'm sorry to have taken so much of your time. Jordana, time to go."

"Your right...I don't want your mother to worry too much," he smiled. "Try not to worry about your mother. She knows what she's doing. If you need to discuss anything, remember my door is always open to you and your sister."

"It is?" Gwen asks. "I believe I'm in the same class as your son."

"Xavier is a year younger than yourself," the Commander explained. "But he was skipped up a few years ago. Have you two met."

"No sir," Gwen answered

"I'll tell him to look for you. You two should be in the same class."

"Thank you sir, we should be going," Gwen said. "Come on Jordana."

"Tell your mother I said hello," he said.

"Yes sir," she said as they left.

***************

"Starbase 45"

Major Steven Johnson
Marine Commanding Officer
USS Victory

Lt Commander Heather Yamaguchi
Chief Conn Officer
USS Victory

Master Chief Benjamin Yamaguchi
Command Chief (Chief of the Boat)
Starbase Forty-Five

***** Shuttle White Halo *****

Lt Commander Heather Yamaguchi was nervous, it showed
too in that she was jumpy and fidgety, she raised an eyebrow
as she sat foreword in the pilots chair "We're approaching
Starbase 45's outer marker... " she raised an eyebrow as she
looked on, there were over three dozen ships here of various
types "Not often I see so many ships..."

Steven walked over to her, placing a hand on Heather's
shoulder. "Don't worry so much," he smiled. "Everything's going
to be just fine. Most of these ships are here due to transfers."

Heather blinked "Its not that.... My Dad is on the starbase...
and he wants to try and spend some time with his only daughter"
she looked at him "This should be an experiance" "You should s
pend some time with him," he spoke. "We are about to end up
on a two year assignment. By the way you never did tell me his
position on the Starbase." "He's the Command Master Chief,
wearing the rank of Master Chief" she replied "Hes not an easy man
to deal with either.... plus when you meet him... you'll understand..."

"Can't be as hard as dealing with my father," Steven sat in the chair
next to her. "Good ole Vice Admiral Marcus Johnson of Starbase
fourteen. He was disappointed the day I joined the Marine Corps instead
of Starfleet. Sent a message about my promotion to Major two days
ago and still haven't received a reply. Trust me I shouldn't have too
much problems with your father."

"Well my father and I are all thats left of the Yamaguchi's" she replied
evenly "you could take my last name"

"You tend to forget that I'm an only child," he laughed. "So I have to keep my last name, but if
we should ever get married. You could feel free to add it on."

Heather looked at him as she brushed some hair out of her face "Heather
Johnson-Yamaguchi" she paused "try saying that three times fast"

"I guess it would take some getting use to, Steven shrugged. "Are
you sure you want me meeting your father so soon?"

"Dad will be fine" she replied evenly" he wants to make sure his little girl is provided for" she raised an eyebrow "you have nothing to fear"

He took hold of Heather's hand and kissed it. "Good, so when do I
meet him?"

"As soon as we land.... we've been asked to land in Hanger Bay Eleven on the base.... lucky us" "I guess I could meet with the Captain tommorrow." Soon they entered the spacedocks and were on final approch to enter hanger bay eleven

"He's waiting for us.... this will be intresting" she said as she guided
the shuttle in for a flawless landing.

Steven moved to the back of the shuttle, where he grabbed his and Heather's duffle bag. "Whenever your ready...sweetheart," he said smiling at Heather.

Heather rose to her feet as she accepted her duffel from him "lets
go see Dad"

"I hope your not expecting me to call him dad," Steven joked.

Heather almost chuckled "No. we're not married" she replied, also
joking as she stepped off the runabout, there on the tarmac stood
this massive man who wore the rank of Master Chief, he also had a lot
of features he shared with the tiny woman before him as he picked
Heather up in his arms as he gave her a big hug "Hi Dad" she greeted
him as he set her down "Hey Heather..." he smiled warmly at her "so... "
he looked at her would-be boyfriend "Hello Major. I come with an
open heart and hand" Master Chief Benjamin Yamaguchi looked human
but his size was in a whole different league "I am also Capellan" explaining
his sheer size

Johnson walked over to the large man. "Just call me Steven...Sir," he
said shaking his hand. Meeting fathers for the first time was always a
stressful situation, but why did he have to be a giant. "At least he
claims to have an open heart," he thought.

Heather noticed his discomfort as did the Master Chief "Don't worry
Major." he smiled at the other man "I just wanted to be on hand to
greet my daughter"

"Yes Dad, here I am... " Heather chipped in "now stop intimidating
my boyfriend" she commented

"for you... alright.." Benjamin said to Heather

"I know I appreciate it," he joked.

Benjamin raised an eyebrow "And What Major would that be?" he
asked simply

"The part where you stop intimidating the boyfriend," Steven admitted.

"Surly you jest?" Ben replied "Its my job to intimidate my daughters boyfriend" he caught the withering glare from his daughter that could have melted solid neutronium

"Oh Alright" he added a second later

Steven looked over and smiled at Heather. She was indeed daddy's little girl. "I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up without me getting in the way."

Both Benjamin and Heather looked at him "And where you going?" Ben asked as Heather mearly raised an eyebrow

"I was going to drop my stuff off and check into guest lodging," Steven asnwered.

"Oh Okay" Heather replied "We'll be in the lounge so we'll see you there when you done?" she asked "and not showing will cost you.." she smiled evily

Ben raised an eyebrow but said nothing

He kissed her on the cheek. "Don't worry I'll be there. This will give you two time to catch up on some things.

"Cool.. " she smiled up at him as she watched steve leave

"Heather I got your new orders.." he handed her a PADD "You've been reassigned back to Conn..."

Heather smiled as she accepted the PADD "At Last... home..where I belong...

***************

"Departure"

** Bridge of the USS Victory **

Alex stood on the bridge, the time had come, the ship yard was full of
people waiting for the new ship to launch, and he was as excited as they
were as the launch.

Brett walked onto the bridge and nodded. "Captain, don't mind if I take the
middle seat do you?" she asked with a smile.

"Please, its why I hadn't taken the seat." Alex smiled as he gestured to the seat. "Although i miss it, its something I dont regret giving up. My time
went when the Challenger left."

Commander David Yeager was at the back of the bridge, doing the last check on the warp drive, he smiled as the results came in, he watched as Brett walked onto the bridge and he stood up along with everyone else present.

Jerome Hunt watched from the tactical stationed. Like the chief engineer he had run one last systems check also. He looked over at Commander Bell and nodded in approval.

Commander Bell who stood on the right hand side of the Captain in front of his chair, nodded back to the tactical chief. He couldn't wait to get all this preparation out of the way and get on with ther mission.

Vilotanzia Bounlutay, the ship's CMO, stepped onto the Bridge. The petite red head let her violet gaze move around to the different stations, making note of the people she'd yet to meet and acknowledging the ones she had. Her eyes met the Captain's and she smiled before moving over to one of the science stations. Although there wasn't a designated medical station on the bridge, as a member of the senior staff, the CMO was allowed to take up one of the science station. The voice synthesizer implanted in the side of her neck only added to her rather exotic appearance.

Brett took her seat. "Thank you, Captain. Commander Yeager, whats our
status?"

Yeager turned his head to address her "All Engines are online and at 100%, warp drive is availible at your command" he replied with a smile "The Last of our shuttles and runabouts are aboard and all systems are at 100%.”

Lt Commander Sterling took her Science spot as she came aboard.

Brett hit her com badge. "Commander Corlett to the bridge," she said. "Thank you Commander Yeager."

"Acknowledged," Trini responded and left, making her way to the bridge. Once there, she walked over to the side of the captain. "Reporting as ordered sir."

Brett stood up. "Open up communications to Utopia Station."

“Utopia station, this is the USS Victory,” the blonde communications chief hailed the station.

"Go ahead, Victory,” the station responded.

Lt Llewellyn Moreau turned to the captain then and nodded for her to proceed. She understood that some of the Captains liked to do this part themselves and Llew didn’t mind at all.

Brett stood. "Lt. Moreau, open up ship wide communications. Utopia, this is Captain Phillips of the Victory."

“Aye sir,” Moreau nodded and did as instructed. Ship-wide communications began broadcasting Phillips and Utopia.

“We read you loud and clear, Captain Phillips,” Utopia responded.

"This ship's been in space dock long enough, we are ready to disembark. Commander Bell, ships status?"

The Executive Officer looked up from his terminal. "All departments report cleared to go."

"Utopia, ready for disembarking countdown."

“Acknowledged, Victory,” the Utopia Harbor Master replied. “All umbilical’s have been disconnected. You’re on your own power now. Releasing docking clamps in five… four… three… two… one. You are now free to depart, come back soon, and good luck, Victory.”

Alex had to chuckle at that statement, the next time they would see this place was in five years, but he never said anything. He looked over to the lift which had just opened.

"Did I miss anything?" Jessica replied walking out, and stood next to Alex.

Yeager was now standing, facing the view screen "Now bring me that Horizon .... Mmmmmm Hmmmmm" he smiled "Don't worry me hearties.. " he hummed a tune that a pirate sailing one of earth's wet water oceans would have normaly sung "And Really Bad eggs..... Drink up me hearties... Yo Ho" and with that, he turned and marched off the bridge as he did his best pirate impression

Trini did her best not to laugh at Yeager's bad impression and forced herself to look away. One thought crossed her mind, 'What in the hell have I gotten myself into now?'.

Eve looked after him then at the Captain. He seemed normal when they first met.

Brett gave a sideward glance at the turbolift, then at Bell. "Did you let the Pirate on my ship?" she asked with a small grin. The grin also said there's a time and place for that and this isn't it. "Now Helm, warp three," she said. "Let Starbase 45 know we're on our way."

Commander Bell leaned over to the Captain. "I'll have to go over our manifest for a pirate," he whispered jokingly. "But we could have a stow away."

Brett nodded. "Lt. Moreu, is the ship ready for a ship wide announcement?"

“Aye sir,” the Chief Communications officer answered. “Ship-wide communications are open and at your command.”

Brett straightened out her uniform. "We have officially started our journey together. It will be exciting at times, and also dangerous. When we return, we'll be older, and hopefully wiser. Some of our children will be ready to start there own lives. We are in a unique position, that we don't have Starfleet readily available, we are mostly on our own. We are going to have to rely on each other, and listen to each other. My door is always open as is Commander Bell's," she said. "End ship wide communications," she ordered. "Helm how long to Starbase at warp 3?"

Ensign Tremell looked up from Helm control. "Should take approximately five weeks...Ma'am."

"May I suggest warp seven Captain," Bell whispered. "It should knock down are trip to about seven days."

"Warp Seven, Helm," Brett said nodding her thanks to Bell. "Lt. Moreau let Starbase 45 know we are on our way.”

“Aye, Captain,” Lt Moreau nodded.

“Commander Bell send them a list of things we will need, and notify our remaining crew we will be there to pick them up. I want to be on our way a week after we get there."

"I'll get on it right away," Bell replied.

Brett nodded. "Commander you have the bridge," she said as she went into her ready room.

(OOC: Missions started if you are on starbase then get ready to be picked up lol in a few days.)

***************

"Lions, Lambs and the Lost...."

Commander David Yeager, CEO
LtCmdr Piper Shae Chayton, Assistant CEO

======================
USS Victory: Main Engineering
======================

Piper wore an old training jumper that she'd long since slipped out of the top portion and the arms were now tied around her slender waist, exposing the very utilitarian, standard Starfleet issue sleeveless undershirt. At the moment, she was flat on her back half buried in an access panel. The only visible part of her now was her bent legs and a pair non Starfleet, well worn roping boots that were firmly planted on the deck.

"You contrary, mother's son of a jackal's ass!" she told whatever she was working on. "Peters!" she called out. "Try the blasted thing again!"

Ensign Bart Peters, fresh out of the Academy, stood at a nearby console monitoring what the assistant chief was doing. Or trying to. His hand hesitated over the keys.

"Touch the screen on the left side, Peters," Piper called out again. "And then the 'tomographic imaging scanner relay'," she added.

Peters let out a little sigh of gratitude and reached for the proper key sequence.

Commander David Yeager chuckled softly to jimself in amusement as he watched the Ensign listen to some loudmouthed woman who was obviously in charge here. He was here to find his new assistant chief engineer, in short he was expecting someone totally incompetent and almost useless, so he had this horrible picture of an academy cadet tripping over himself as he tried to impress the newly arrived chief engineer. "Who is in charge here!?" he almost snarled loudly, clearly wanting attention.

Yeager stood in at a whopping 6'2 tall and weighing in at 320 pounds, mostly muscle. He carried a large pack over one shoulder as well as two swords across his back in the traditional Scottish highlander style, one appearing over each shoulder.

Poor Peters nearly jumped out of his skin and spun around to look at Yeager.
The kid was so fresh that Yeager could smell baby powder on his breath. He looked like he was about to salute, but couldn't quite figure out which hand to use. "Sir!" he finally squeaked. His Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed heavily and managed another "she is," as he pointed to the legs protruding from the access panel.

"I am!" Piper called out almost simultaneously with Peters' shaky pointing finger. "I'll be right there! Just give me a second to finish up with this relay!" she added and popped her gum.

When she finally appeared, it wasn't in the least what Yeager expected. She didn't look fresh out of the Academy. This woman had some age on her and looked like she knew what she was about. She got to her feet in a single graceful move. She stood at five-five and wiped her hands on a red bandana before extending to him. "Commander Yeager, I presume," she grinned.
"Piper Chayton, Lieutenant Commander, your assistant," she told him.

She had piled her chestnut hair up out of the way on top of her head, and secured it there by several odd pieces of engineering gear. There was a PADD stylus, and a couple of small retaining clips that Yeager could identify, and a couple of things he couldn't quite see well enough to label.
Her hazel eyes were alive with emotion and hovered between being green... or were they blue... no... brown...

David Yeager offered his large hand to her. "They told me you were more then just spit and polish," he regarded her as his eyes roamed over her figure.
"They told me you were one of the best Engineers in the Fleet these days...
are you?" he decided to be honest with her. "I've not served on a Galaxy III before so this is new to me.... " he paused a moment "Where do we stand with repairs?"

Piper arched a brow at the slew of questions. "I'm a lot of spit and not so much polish, yes, actually, I am, it won't take you long to get to know her, and the last minute repairs are all but done, she answered his questions in order. "Nice swords," she motioned with a hand. "Victory's been equipped with latest and greatest Starfleet has to offer," she told him. "But you know how *that* goes. For every new component you install, half dozen things can go out of whack. We've got a day or so to finish up killing all the rats."

"Ahh... we got a rat infestation?" he replied as he looked down at her. "I have some things I'd like to drop off in the office," he phrased like that deliberately.

"Alright...." She caught his words but wasn't sure she got exactly what he was implying. "Your office is this way," she told him and motioned with a small hand. "Peters, check out the transporter maintenance logs and make sure that last repair was done," she told the Ensign.

"Yes ma'am," Peters squeaked back and almost rushed from the area where the two engineers were.

Yeager followed her into what passed for an engineers office "Intresting place this..." The room looked like it had been used as a meeting room a few times, as well as a small messhall for the rank and file engineers. "I see people have been in here."

"Command central during most of the building and installation," Piper nodded and brushed off a bunch of stuff into a trashcan. "Don't worry, I'll get it cleaned up for you," she smiled.

"Nah, don't bother. a little clutter is good. I'll clean it myself later" he proceeded to pull both his swords off his back and with their scabards, he placed them on the table along with his rather heavy pack "They added a medical aid station?

"There's a lot of features on the Galaxy class I think you'll like," Piper told him. "A medical station is just one of them."

Yeager blinked as the sound in the room seemed to suddenly fade away and he mentally cursed 'No.. not now.... ' he looked at Piper, he narrowed his eyes as he watched her mouth move and he raised his hands to reply in sign.

Piper quirked a brow as Yeager began to sign. "Commander... are you alright?" she asked.

In sign he replied; =Well... yes and no..= he paused a moment as he appeared unsure of exactly how to word what he wanted to say so he began. =I have a... hearing problem.... its degenerative and inoperable.. without taking my...= and just like that, sound returned.. "My Head apart," he spoke aloud.

Piper blinked. "Well now... that has to be a little... disconcerting," she observed and placed her hands on her hips as she studied him. "Auditory implant won't help?"

"Been tried... it fried out in a week," he replied evenly.

"Hmmmm..." Piper looked like a typical engineer with a puzzle standing before her that needed solving. "Nanites perhaps..." she mused.

"Why not make me into a full Borg drone?" he paused a moment. "Mmmmm"

"Oh, I don't think we'd need to go *that* far," Piper answered seriously.

He opened his pack, spent a moment rummaging then he pulled out a small case. "here.... this is the hearing implant Starfleet gave me..."

Piper took it from him and turned it over and over in her hands. "Hell, we can improve on this.... I'll work on the design specs if that's alright?"
she asked and turned her hazel eyes to him.

"I was going to ask you to re-design it."

"Great minds think alike," Piper gave a short laugh and nodded. "I'll work on it. In the meantime, I've been preparing a list of things I think we might need..." she told him and pulled out a PADD to hand over to him.
"Captain was down here not to long ago and seems willing to get us whatever we want...."

Yeager accepted the PADD from her and he looked over the list "Anything hmm?" he smiled evilly.

Piper quirked a brow at him. "What is floating around in your head, sir?"
she asked curiously.

"I want some spare parts for the Master Chief's battle suit" he replied evenly "Have you met him yet?"

"I haven't," she admitted. "We have a battle suit to play with?" Her interest was definitely piqued. "What kind of spare parts did you have in mind?"

"I want spare parts to be able to build three more suits" he replied "The Chief .... is an interesting character... you'll understand when you meet him."

"I will? Hmmmm... Can't wait." She was serious. "Who are you going to put the other three suits on?"

"I'm not, he is one of Six special forces troopers...and he is.... well...
I'd be better off letting you find out for yourself."

Piper quirked a brow at him. "Then won't you need spare parts for and extra five suits?"

Always be prepare" he replied evenly "never hurts.."

"Well hell, then lets get spare parts for seven suits," Piper replied.

"He's comming alone.. the rest of the Spartans are assigned elsewhere"

"Oh! Well, you should have said that in the first place..." Piper pointed out. "But with parts for =three= extra suits, then you're planning on putting them on someone..."

"No. they are all for the Master Chief, he requested that many."

"Hmmm.. must be hard on them then," Piper observed. Why else would he want three spares?

Yeager smiled. "You never." he stopped as the sound went out again, and again he raised his hands to gesture to her in sign. =I truly hate this!= he gestured.

"I can see why," Piper commiserated. "What are you going to do with the rest of the crew? I don't think sign language is a common practice."

=I have no idea....= he looked puzzled.

"Hmmmmm.. That could be a problem," she admitted. "Is this going to be common knowledge?" she asked.

=I've not..= he paused a moment as he cleared his ears and the sound came back. "not decided yet but its random and happens without warning."

"Well. then you're going to need to learn to talk through it and read lips..
Cause the sign language is a dead give-away," Piper old him.

Yeager snapped. "Thank you Doctor. I think I know that already."

"Hey, don't kill the messenger, sir," Piper held up her hands in surrender.
"I'll do what I can to help, but that's going to be a little tough if you bite my head off."

Yeager simply looked at her. "I am aware of my issues.. thank you."

Piper looked contrite. She wasn't totally insensitive. "I'm sorry sir, I didn't mean to upset you. Too used to speaking my mind, I'm afraid."

"Indeed," he replied. "Well... My issue is not something i share lightly."

"Then I am indeed honored, sir," Piper replied, extremely serious now.

Yeager raised an eyebrow. "Very well.." he replied. "I'm going to roam the ship.... you hold the fort here "

"Aye, sir," Piper nodded. "I'll do that."

Yeager turned and walked out of the office without another word.

Piper let out a little sigh and jumped a bit when the door whooshed closed. "Great one, Piper... Way to make a good impression on the new Chief..." she muttered to herself and headed back out to Main Engineering where she could interact with non-sentient things and keep her feet out of her mouth.

***************

“The Bell Family Visits Sickbay”

Commander Xavier Bell
Executive Officer

Commander Vilotanzia "Violet" Bounlutay
Chief Medical Officer

Stephanie Bell
Stellar Cartographer

Xavier Bell Jr.
Tony Bell
Cicely Bell

**********Sickbay**********

Sitting in the waiting room, Commander Bell sat waiting with his family. Normally these appointments were dreadful with Xavier Jr and Tony fighting over who touched who. But surprisingly they weren't causing much trouble at all. Cicely who was sitting on his lap was the child that cost him the least amount of headaches.

Violet stepped out of her office and moved directly to where the Commander and his family were waiting. “Hello.” Her violet eyes were warm and friendly and her mouth moved, but the words emitted from the voice synthesizer imbedded in her throat. The technology was such that it sounded very natural. It gave her a rather oddish accent but her “voice” was quite soft. “I am Doctor Bounlutay,” she told them and crouched down to the kid’s levels. “What are your names?” she asked curiously. She didn’t wear a standard Starfleet uniform. Instead she wore a soft pale teal tunic over black pants.

"Xavier," the older boy spoke.

"And I'm Tony," the younger shouted, while jumping out of his seat. It was clearly easy to see who the hyper child was.

Stephanie stood from her seat. "And this little on her daddy's lap is Cicely."

“Cicely, Tony, and Xavier,” Violet smiled and touched each of the children as she repeated their names. Her touch was warm and pleasant and extruded comfort. “It is truly a pleasure to meet each of you,” she told them. She was clearly at ease with children. “Mrs. Bell… Commander,” she stood and acknowledged the XO and his wife.. “It is good to meet both of you. What can I do for you today?”

"Its good to meet you too doctor," Xavier spoke. "Were here for our initial on board check up."

“Wonderful,” Violet motioned towards the center of Sickbay. “Come this way and I believe we can take care of that.” She led the Commander and his family to a section where there were a couple of vacant beds that weren’t being used as a catch-all while supplies were still being sorted out and properly stowed away prior to departure. “How are you settling in?” she asked.

"Mostly done unpacking most of the rooms," Steph answered. "But were still trying to com up with an arrangement for the nursery. Difference of opinions between mother amnd father."

"So are you settling in?" the first officer asked. "Especially here in sickbay."

“I’m settling in pretty well,” Violet answered as she slipped the detachable scanner from her tricorder. “I have a list of supplies we haven’t received that I will give you when we’re finished if you like,” she offered. “Now who’s first?” she asked with a smile. “And would it be impertinent of me to ask what kind of nursery arrangements the ship has to offer?”

"I'll go first," Xavier Jr. volunteered.

"I'll get that list to Starbase forty five," the Commander responded. "So they can have everything ready to bring on board by te time we arrive. So are you fully staffed yet?"

“Not yet,” Violet replied and patted the biobed for Xavier Jr to hop up on. “I’m still missing an assistant chief, and I’m down a few nurses. What I’d like is a good nurse practitioner or two,” she told him. “So young Master Xavier.. any complaints I should know about?” she asked the boy before her.

"No complaints here," he spoke as he hopped on the bed.

Xavier nodded. "Whatever you need add to the list. I hear Starfleet is going to go all out for this journey."

“Perfect,” Violet said to both of them. She wrapped her fingers around young Xavier’s wrist as she began scanning him. “Starfleet is going all out, hmm? I could get greedy with a statement like that,” she admitted with a soft sound that passed for laughter when translated by the voice synthesizer.

"Take advantage while you can," he suggested. "You may never have this opportuntity again."

"I know I'm taking advantage," Stephanie laughed. "What till you seee my list from Astrometrics. This ship here is no joke."

“Then I will most assuredly take advantage of the situation,” Violet grinned. “I will go over my list again before bringing it to you, Commander,” she assured him. “You are exceedingly healthy,” she told Xavier. “Who’s next?”

Tony pushed his older brother out of the way as he went for the bed next. "I would be up next," spoke the six year old.

"What did I tell you about pushing your brother," Stephanie scolded him.

“One day you may need his hand to help you,” Violet told the young boy. “Now, any complaints?” she asked as she reached for his wrist and began scanning him.

The boy sneezed and rubbed a hand across his nose. "No problems at all."

"Sounds like a cold to me," Xavier suggested.

Violet quirked a brow and ‘hmmm’d’ in typical doctor tradition. “It does at that,” she agreed and pulled out a stethoscope. “Take some deep breaths for me, please,” she instructed Tony after placing the ear pieces in her ears and the chest piece on his back.

Tony did as he was instructed.

“Umm-hmm… Definitely have a cold brewing in there,” she pronounced and pulled the earpieces from her ears, leaving the stethoscope hanging from her neck. “Let’s take a look at your throat…” she went on to instruct the young boy, giving him a thorough exam. “I think a little anti-viral is in order.”

"An anti what," Tony said nervously.

Xavier Jr. laughed at his little brother. "Anti-viral. You know your far from being smart."

"Stopping picking on your brother," Xavier spoke up.

“Don’t worry,” Violet told Tony. “You’ll catch up to your brother before you know it and most likely before he wants you to,” she winked conspiratorially. “The anti-viral isn’t a hypo,” she added so he wouldn’t worry. “It’s just a single dose of medicine under your tongue. Doesn’t even taste bad,” she assured him.

Tony smiled reveiling just how excited he was. "Thank you."

“Any time,” Violet smiled and reached inside a drawer to pull out a small vial. “Alright then.. Open your mouth and lift up your tongue,” she instructed and drew up some of the liquid into an eye dropper. “I think five drops should be sufficient.”

Tony opened his mouth gladly accepting the medication.

"Now its you turn," said Xavier as he placed Cicely on the table.

“Hello to you,” Violet bent down to Cicely’s level and smiled as the toddler. “And how are you feeling young lady?” she asked and held out her hands to pick the baby up. “Not getting your brother’s cold, are you?”

The infant giggled as she reached for the stethoscope around the doctor’s neck.

“I don’t think you are,” Violet announced and tickled her tummy, not seeming to mind a bit if the baby got a hold of her stethoscope. “Inoculations all up to date?” she asked and looked from Xavier to Stephanie for the answer.

"Everything was updated before leaving DS9," Steph answered. "She received a clean bill of health. "Unlike some of us that need to take our shots." She looked over towards Xavier.

Violet looked from Stephanie to Xavier and smiled. “Never fear, we will take care of that,” she assured her. She then made quick work of giving the baby a check over, making sure she hadn’t contracted her brother’s cold or picked up any nasty bugs during her trip from DS9 to the Victory.

“And now it is your turn?” she asked Stephanie as she handed Cicely off to her father. It was a rhetorical question and the petite doctor patted the biobed.

Stephanie hopped up on the biobed. "So doctor...Do you have a family of your own?"

“I have a father and mother on Betazed,” Violet answered as she began the scan and reached for Stephanie’s wrist. “Along with some aunts and uncles and cousins.”

"But nobody who's currently on board this ship?" she asked.

“No,” Violet shook her head and smiled a bit. “I do not have a partner,” she told Stephanie. “I have some fish though.”

Stephanie smiled. "You should get a pet that you could walk," she suggested.

“One that I could walk?” Violet looked rather curious. “Like what?”

"Perhaps a dog or a cat."

“Can one walk a cat?” Violet asked, unsure if that was something that cats allowed.

"I guess they wouldn't be too comfortable with," she answered. "But their good to have around."

“Hmmmm…. Interesting…” Violet seemed to give the matter some thought. “I will look into it,” she nodded. “Although… where would one find such a creature?”

"A cat normally can be found on Earth."

"But I'm sure that one can be found on Starbase forty five," Xavier said cutting into the conversation.

"Are we getting a dog," Tony shouted with excitement.

"No," both parents answered at the same time.

The doctor laughed softly and settled her violet gaze onto Tony. “Do you like animals also?” she asked him.

"Yeah," the boy answered. "I want a dog, but dad says that I can't even clean up after myself."

“Ahhh… then you should strive to prove him wrong, no?” she asked, gracing the young boy with a smile and a wink. “Your mother is extremely healthy,” she announced and turned her smile to Stephanie.

"Thank you...Doctor."

"I guess I'm next," Xavier hopped up on the table.

“Yes sir,” Vilotanzia agreed and waited till he got settled before she reached for his wrist and began the scan.

“What about you, young Xavier, do you also like animals?” the doctor asked the oldest of the Bell children.

Xavier Jr. was standing in the corner admiring all the medical equipment. "Yes ma'am," he spoke. "Its hard not to like one."

“This is true,” Violet agreed. “You are also interested in technical things, no?” she asked as she peered into his father’s eyes.

"I'm into several technical things," he replied. "Mostly the sciences of course. And since medical and science deal with a lot of the same things. I have an interest in it somewhat."

“Going to be a scientist, hmm?” The question was rhetorical. “You are due for your birth control shot, Commander,” Violet told the XO.

Xavier sighed as he rolled up his sleeve. "Let's get it done with."

Violet quirked a brow. “You seeM… reluctant,” she observed and glanced from him to Stephanie and back.

"Its trying to keep up with these shots," he explained.

Stephanie smiled and looked over to Cicely. "That's how we ended up with this one here."

“And what a nice little surprise addition to have,” the doctor grinned and reached over to tickle Cicely on her belly. “If you like I can make sure that you are kept current, Commander,” she offered and prepared the injection.

"We both would appreciate a warning evry three months to be updated," he requested. "As much as we love our children. Were beginning to run out of room for them."

“Then I will take care of it,” Vilotanzia nodded, assuring them both. A small hiss later and the Commander’s shot was over. “There we go, all up to date,” she announced with a smile. “Tony,” she turned to the youngest of the Bell boys. “Perhaps when we get to Starbase 45 you could accompany me in my perusal of animals suited for life on a Starship?” she asked with a slightly raised brow. “With your parent’s permission, of course,” she added. “And Xavier, what do you know of holographic programs?”

Tony looked over to his parents, who nodded their aproval. "I like that idea," the boy replied.

"It depends on what you want to know about the programs," Xavier Jr. spoke.

“I think mine has developed a little… glitch?” Vilotanzia answered.

"I suppose I could take a look at it," Xavier said. "Shouldn't be anything to difficult."

“I did not design it,” she assured the young boy. “But the pixies are flying backwards.”

"What pixies?" the boy sounded curious.

“The pixies in my office,” the petite doctor pointed. “The program uses the same holoemitters and field generators as the EMH system, so I’m sure they are fine. I’ve determined it must be a glitch in the program.”

"When would you like me to work on them."

“Anytime that is convenient for you,” Violet answered.

"I have to get to school," Xavier replied. "But if its ok with mom and dad, I could come back afterwards to work on it."

"I have no problem with you taking care of that," Stephanie answered.

“That would be perfect,” Vilotanzia smiled. “I’ll put it on my schedule for this afternoon then. And thank you, Xavier.”

Xavier was grinning from ear to ear. "Your welcome doctor."

"Thank you for your assistance doctor," the Commander spoke. "Come on kids let's get you guys to school."

“Come back any time,” Vilotanzia smiled. “It has been a pleasure meeting all of you

"Same to you," they all spoke. The family waved as they left the office.

***************

“The Captain Gets Her Physical”

Captain Brett Talbert Phillips
Commander Vilotanzia Bounlutay, CMO

** USS Victory Sickbay **

Brett walked into sickbay, looking around. The medical staff was busteling around. "Hello?" she called out.

The petite red-headed medical officer turned at the sound of the call and regarded Brett with intensely violet eyes. There was a voice synthesizer imbedded in the left side of her neck and she tipped her head just a bit as she regarded the Victory’s CO.

“Captain…” The synthesizer sounded remarkably natural and it gave her ‘voice’ a slightly ethereal quality. The mechanics of the synthesizer had dictated the necessity of her learning how to “speak”. Through the years she’d discovered that it also helped so that people felt more at ease when she did talk. “I am Commander Bounlutay, your CMO. Can I be of assistance?” she asked. She wasn’t dressed in a uniform. Instead she wore loose fitting civilian clothing and looked like she’d just gotten onboard judging by the pile of equipment around her.

Brett smiled. "Dr. Bounlutay, I'm Captain Phillips. Welcome aboard," she said extending her hand.

“Thank you, Captain. Please call me Violet,” she smiled and took Brett’s hand in both of hers. They were very warm and extruded a sense and feeling of comfort.

Brett smiled. "I seem to have come at a bad time?"

“Not at all. It is a pleasure to meet you,” Violet assured her. “It will be.. hectic here for a while with last minute equipment and supplies before we sail, no?” She smiled and motioned with a hand towards her office. “Would you like to sit? Some tea? Or coffee?”

"Coffee please. If you're sure I'm not intruding. I know we are all a bit behind."

Violet waved an airy hand of dismissal as she led the way to her office. “Not intruding at all,’ she assured Brett. “It will all get done.” Even with the synthesizer she managed to inflect the proper tone to convey confidence. She moved to the replicator, letting Brett find a seat on her own. “Do you take anything in your coffee?” she asked.

"Iced, with milk please?" she asked.

“Iced?” Violet quirked a brow, clearly never having heard of coffee that way. “Is it good?”

"Only way I can drink my coffee," Brett answered with a smile

“I have never had it that way…” Violet looked rather intrigued and extremely curious as she ordered the Captain’s coffee and then bent over to watch as it appeared. “It looks… Very interesting,” she had to say. “Does making it cold change the taste that much?” She brought Brett’s glass over to her and then went back to order another. “I think I will try this.”

Brett smiled. "I haven't had a chance to read your file, where are you from?" she asked curiously.

“I was born on Betazed,” Violet answered, once again bent over slightly to watch at eye level as the ‘iced’ coffee appeared in the replicator. “My mother is Betazoid. She is the daughter of the Seventh House. My father is Minaran,” she finished as she gathered her glass and brought it to her nose to gently sniff before trying a sip. “This is….” She looked over at Brett, her eyes wide with light surprise. “Quite good.”

"I was turned onto it, in my acadamey days," Brett said.

“I think I could become addicted,” Violet admitted with a sound emitting from the voice synthesizer that sounded like soft laughter. “Thank you,”
she added and sat near Brett.

"It's really good on hot days," Brett assured.

“I can understand why,” Violet agreed. She got comfortable in one of the two oversized stuffed chairs that should have looked out of place, but didn’t. “We should discuss how you see my roll, no?” Her hands moved gently as she spoke. She wasn’t exactly signing, but her hands and finger made vague expressions that were like shadowy echoes of her words.

Brett nodded. "I've spent time in sickbay before, as a patient. I have a medic qualification but that's about it. I trust you completely down here,"
she said.

“Then I will take charge,” Violet nodded decisively and smiled. “I make house calls. I hope that is not going to be a problem,” she informed her CO.

"House calls? That's odd for this time and day, but to be honest, because of our mission, I want us to be more like a family."

“I like that,” Violet smiled. “And house calls because I refuse to harass and threaten people into coming in for routine checkups and physicals,” she explained.

"Captains make the worse patients," Brett warned.

Violet wasn’t sure how accurate that statement was. She’d met some pretty
*Bad* patients during her lifetime, and they weren’t all Captains. “Then I will have to ply you with iced coffee before every examination,” the CMO smiled and took a sip of the cold drink.

"I'm not as bad as my 5 year old. She sees a doctor and runs."

“I have a way with children,” Violet smiled. “And we have quite a few onboard. I cannot wait to meet them. Did your daughter have a bad experience?”

Brett shook her head. "Jordana's always been like that. Gwen is just the opposite," she said.

“Interesting. I still look forward to meeting them both,” Violet told her. “Have you been told yet how long it will be before we leave?”

"A few days, then we go to starbase," she said. "We're behind schedule."

“Hmmm… which gives me an opportunity to pick up extra supplies if I need them, no?” Violet asked.

"Yes, my plan is to rob the Starbase of necessity supplies."

“Rob?” Violet laughed. “I like you, Captain.”

"Well Starfleet has given me permission to get what I think is reasonable for a 4 year mission, basically rob?"

“I like it,” Violet continued to express her mirth. “So then all I need is to find what I want and hand you a requisition form to sign?”

"The Xo or myself, yes," she said with a smile.

“I have not had the pleasure of meeting him yet,” Violet told her.

"He's a very nice man. Has command experience, and I'm glad to have him aboard."

“Then I look forward to meeting him also,” Violet assured her.

"I take it you'll be wanting us all down here for physicals soon."

Violet laughed once again, the sound rather hauntingly comforting. “I am sure that getting the ship ready to leave port for her first voyage is taking up most of your time. Whenever you have a minute will be fine. If you’d rather, I can come to your Ready Room.”

"I want to set a good example for the crew. If I run from a physical, then I mean how can I expect the crew to do it?"

“That is true,” Violet agreed. “Do you run from physicals?” As a doctor who adored her work, she had yet to understand the propensity for avoiding her kind and Sickbay altogether.

"I wouldn't say I run from them. I do find myself busy at times, but I'm here now."

“Would now be a good time for you then?” Violet asked.

"Yes, if it is for you," Brett said standing.

“Of course,” Violet smiled and also stood. “Come and I will give you a quick tour as we located a empty bio bed.

"Since you haven't unpacked sickbay, that may be hard to do."

“Well, the biobeds are all installed… it will just be a matter of finding one that’s not piled full of things,” Violet answered. “But I believe there is a bed around here somewhere that’s been kept clear.” And indeed, once they moved through the piles of supplies that were even now being unpacked and stowed away by the Medical crew, they located a lone, free bed.

Brett sat down on the bio bed, removing her uniform jacket.

“Is there anything I need to know?” Violet asked her as she activated the biobed scanners and reached out a hand for Brett’s wrist. “Are you having any problems?”

"Just some trouble reading. And I'm allergic to 24th century treatments."

“Allergic?” Violet quirked a brow, although it was quite difficult to discern under her bangs. “Allergic how exactly?”

"I can't have the treatments, my eyes blow up the size of balloons," Brett answered. "Gwen inherited it."

Violet looked a little puzzled by that. “Which treatments, exactly?” she asked.

"The ultra drops to repair vision. "I need reading glasses."

“Ahhh… Yes,” Violet nodded. “I believe they have had trouble with that in the past,” she agreed. “Captain Kirk was similarly allergic. I will take great care when administering any remedies to you,” she promised.

"Gwen hopes never to need glasses."

“What about contacts?” Violet asked.

"Since I only need them for serious reading, I didn't consider it necessary?"

“That is very practical,” Violet agreed. “You do not have headaches when you read, do you?” she asked.

Brett nodded. "Yes," she answered.

That caused Violet to frown. “I do not like that,” she told Brett and motioned for her to lie back on the bed. “The glasses should keep the headaches away. Or do you not always wear them when you should?”

"Guilty as charged," she admitted.

Violet laughed in that soft, musical way the synthesizer had. “Then I am not so worried,” she admitted as she checked the readout just to make sure there wasn’t anything else going on in Brett’s head besides simple eye strain.

Brett laughed. "My mothers been yelling at me since I was a child to wear them."

“Because she is concerned for your eyes,” Violet smiled. “And she is a mother. It is written somewhere that she must nag, I’m sure.”

"Yes Gwen will swear by that too."

“Because I am sure it is true,” the petite doctor laughed softly. “You are extremely healthy, Captain. I think we are done.”

"Well it's a good thing to be healthy and be the Captain," she said.

“That is very true,” Violet smiled. “How is your hand, by the way?” she asked. “The scans all look very good.”

"I hardly even know it's there."

“Good, good,” Violet nodded. “I like to hear that,” she smiled.

"It's been there for a while, Wolf 359," Brett said.

Violet tilted her head a bit. “Has it ever been upgraded?” she asked curiously.

"No," Brett answered. It had never been an issue.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply that there might be anything wrong,”
Violet assured her. “Because there’s not. The prosthesis is fine.”

"If there is an update or something, I'm all ears," she said.

“It’s been sixteen years since your prosthesis was installed,” Violet reminded her. “There have been a lot of advancements in that time.”

"Sixteen years," Brett said with a shake of her head. "Thanks for making me officially feel old," Brett said with a wink. "Alright Doctor this is probably the only time you'll have me for this long. Make your pitch."

“I’m not sure I have a ‘pitch’,” Violet laughed softly.

Brett laughed. "I see."

“They have perfected a process that re-grows the biological structures over a medical grade ceramic polymer skeletal structure attached directly to the bone,” Vilotanzia told her.

"And what is the difference?" she asked.

“The difference is that the skin and muscle and tissue would be biological in nature,” Violet explained. “Your own tissue.”

"How long would that take? And how painful?" Brett asked. "Wouldn't be good for the Captain of the ship to be out of commission for to long."

“It shouldn’t be very painful,” Violet answered. “I think the hardest part would be in removing the old prosthesis and attaching the skeletal structure for the regrowth. That phase should take four or five hours of surgery,” she went on to explain. “The regrowth itself would take about a week or two, during which time your arm would be in a cast.”

Brett nodded. "And when could it be done?"

“Whenever you like,” the CMO answered.

The captain nodded. "Understood."

“And I think that concludes your exam,” Violet smiled. “If I can be of any help in any way, let me know.”

"Be sure to get that list to Commander Bell," she said.

“Of course, Captain. Count on it."

***************

"Meeting With the Doctor"

Master Chief Gustavas "Gus" Kingsley
Assistant Chief Of Counseling

Cmdr. Vilotanzia Bounlutay
Chief Medical Officer

~ Sickbay ~

Gus walked into sickbay, a slight limp visible from his previous injury. "I'm here for my initial check up."

Violet tilted her head a little and studied him a moment before responding. “I am here to oblige you,” she offered with a smile, her voice synthesizer quite melodic. “Have a seat, please..” she indicated one of the nearby biobeds.

Gus sat down. "Hello ma'am."

“Chief,” Violet smiled. “I am Doctor Bounlutay,” she told him as she started the bio bed scanner running and reached out a hand for his wrist. “Any complaints? I saw you limping. Is that a recent development, or an old one?”

"Old one ma'am, war injury," he explained.

“Ahh…” Violet nodded. “Any complaints?” she asked again. Her fingers moved warmly over his wrist until their tips settled warmly over his pulse.

"No ma'am," he answered.

“Then this should not take long,” Violet assured him as the scan began to run. “How are you settling in?” she asked.

"Very good ma'am. The children are registered in school."

“That’s good. Did you like the school?” she asked him. She hadn’t gotten a chance yet to check it out for herself.

"THe teachers seem very well prepared for a long voyage," Gus answered. "And this is a great learning experience ma'am."

“For you or the children?” Violet asked with a smile.

"For both, ma'am," Gus said. "Retirement is good for some, but there's only so much a person can do riding a horse."

“I have never done so,” Violet admitted. “And please, call me Violet.”

"It's not proper ma'am, respect," Gus explained. "My kids call it 'dead southern manners."

Violet had never felt comfortable being called ‘ma’am’. Not that she felt ‘un’ comfortable, but she had a more relaxed attitude and had to often remember that others didn’t. “Ahhh… Perhaps when we get to know each other better,” she smiled.

Gus smiled. "I've been told that I sound like a bad holonovel," Gus said with a wink.

Vilotanzia laughed, the sound emitting from the synthesizer one of soft amusement. “And do you?” she asked. “

"I don't think I do, but I've talked like this my whole life," Gus answered.

“I’ve not seen a ‘bad holonovel’, but I think you sound quite nice,” she assured him. “And you are quite healthy.”

"Thank you ma'am," he answered.

“You are very welcome, Chief. And free to go,” Violet smiled. “If there is anything I can help you with, you know where my office is.”

***************

"Engineering Tour"

Commander Xavier Bell
Executive Officer

Commander David "Oddball" Yeager
Second Officer/Chief of Engineering

~ Engineering ~

Xavier walked down the corridor scrolling through the PADD on his lastest appointment. It was sixteen hundred hours and he was now scheduled to meet the new second officer, who just happened to be an engineer. Like most engineer, he probably always on the move so Bell already had told himself that he wouldn't keep the man for too long.

Commander David Yeager sighed softly as he tapped something on the PADD in his hand "so... assides from the faulty relay in the port plasma rellay, we're in great shape. is that what your telling me?" he asked some nameless Chief

"Thats right Skipper"

"Alright. strip out the relay and replace the bloody thing..." Yeager replied

"Willdo Skipper" and the Chief walked off, Yeager turned and found himself with another officer, one he didnn't recognize, but hr wore command red and spoted three pips, 'probably the XO' Yeager thought "Can I help you?"

Xavier smiled briefly. "I'm Commander Xavier Bell...The ships XO. Just doing an inital meeting with everyone. The Captain apologizes for not being able to meet you herself, but we seem to be a bit behind schedule."

"Its all good Commander, she like everyone else are all busy with the ship." he replied evenly "Engineering is ready to go. the ast of my personel are reporting abaord and all my extra supplies have been inventoried"

"That's good to hear," he replied. We on our way to Starbase forty five for additional personnel and supplies. Is there anything that your going to need for your department?"

"Just some parts for the Mjolnir battle suit, enough to make 5 more.. its for the Chief.. as well as some replicator power cells and parts to build two more replicators"

"Just make up a list and I'll put in an order to Starbase forty five."

Yeager nodded "Yes sir" he replied "Assides from that, Engineering as well as most of the ship is in great shape."

Xavier nodded in approval. "You mind giving me a quick tour?"

"Alright... we'll start with the engine core..." Yeager was larger then the XO but he went around him all the same "shes the newest in starfleet, designed from the Sovereign class, we're also one of the fastest ships in the fleet as well"

"I never really considered the Galaxy class to be one for speed."

"No. The older Galaxy class ships were designed to long range exploration, we're designed for speed. nothing more or less then that... " he commented "as you can see. the core is larger then the sovereign design no less and has 4 coolant tubes running down it to compensate, rather then the basic two on the Sovereign"

"Very impressive," Xavier commented. "So we can keep up with the Sovereign class with ease. How can long can maintain maximum warp?"

"With enough Warning for me to prepare... Eighteen hours.."

"Good...The Captain and myself looking foward to seeing these engines at work," he responded. "Are there any more additions?"

"Actuly yes.. we hav ea new impulse overdrive, it lets us go 10% faster then normal full impulse and it also provides a major speed boost, going from zero to 10 thousand kph in a snap of ones fingers. the inrtal dampiters are undergoing some minor retrofitting to counter it. you'll probably need to set them for the impulse burst"

"So how many other ships have this at the moment?"

"We're the first ship outside of the Fourteenth to get this Impulse Engine upgrade.." Yeager replied "It was field tested on the Relentless last month and now all the ships in the Fourteenth have it. we're the first one outside that force to get it"

"Seems like you have everything under control here," he laughed. "Anything that you have to ask me?"

"Not really sir... you do have my order request right?" he asked

"Got it right here," he said, while holding up the PADD. "Everything should be ready to bring on board by the time we arrive."

Yeager nodded "What abut fuel?" he asked "5 years is a long time to go without refueling..."

"I suppose will be receiving a five year supply when arrive to Starbase forty five."

"I hope so.... otherwise we could run out of fuel"

"I'm sure that will find al kinds of fuel sources along the way," Xavier assured him. "Were not just going to meet new races, but to find other resources."

Yeager nodded "and we'll need to be able to refine it into fuel we can use.." he replied "Let me design and build something..."
he smiled, it helped to have notes from other engineers like Captain Scott and Commander B'Elanna Torries on hand to reveiw

"Now your getting the idea," the Bell chuckled. "I say consider this assignment as a scavenger hunt. Whatever we find we use."

"or if the natives own it... buy it or barter for it" Yeager replied as he looked at the XO

"I don't know about you, but I'm looking foward to getting this mission started."

Yeager smiled "That makes two of us Commander, lets get this show on the road, I joined Starfleet to see what was out there and not to police the alpha quadrant"

"I wanted to work in the science department early in my career to explore the galaxy," Xavier commented. "But I ended up spending the majority of my career policing the alpha quadrant. I finally get the opportunity to explore and now I'm in a command position."

"Could be worse, you could be a marine, trained to do only one thing..like the Master Chief"

"I don't know, the Commander said. "I've known Marines who've earned their own commands. But what about a Master Chief?"

Yeager nodded "you mean the Master Chief, its more his name then his rank" he raised an eyebrow "the Chief is the only Spartan Trooper aboard and... well.. he's unusual.. " he paused a moment "you're security classification is higher then mine so you should be able to reveiw the entire file"

"Since your bringing it up, I'm going to have to take a look at his file," he gave in.

"Alright, the Chief is also rather ... unique... so don't judge him because of where he came from, others have done so and most have lived to regreat it...."

"Trust me I am not easy to scare," said Xavier. "My judgement about the man will be based on facts. You forget I have a science background."

"Alright fair enough, others have had bad reactions to the Spartans, I had to put an ensign on report on my last posting for insubordination and aggrivated assault.... when you read his file... you will understand"

"I'll let you get back to work, he spoke. "I need to get back to work myself and now I have to look up these Spartans."

"Yes sir.." Yeager replied with a nod.

****************

~Intel Memo: Welcome Aboard Interviews ~

608310.03

From: CDR Alan Dulles
To: Intelligence Department, USS Victory (NCC- 73094)

Subj: DEPARTMENTAL INTERVIEWS

1. As I assume responsibility for the Intelligence Department, it is my goal to knit us into a well meshed team that fully supports whatever mission USS Victory is assigned. At the same time, I want to see each of you grow and develop in your professional skills.

2. As a first step, I will be taking the time to meet with each of you individually to get to know you, discuss my leadership philosophy and explore your career and personal goals. I will post a schedule of available times on the department server. Please sign up for the earliest slot that works with the other demands on your time by 608310.15. After that, any outstanding names will be slotted into the remaining available times.

3. I look forward to working with each and everyone one of you.

Commander Alan Dulles
Chief Intelligence Officer

***************

"Surprise Visit"

Lt. Colonel Steven Johnson
Marine CO
USS Victory

Vice Admiral Marcus Johnson
Commanding Officer
Starbase 14

Commodore Marie Johnson
Commanding Officer
USS Phoenix

~ Observation Lounge ~

Steven sat on the couch admiring his mother's ship through the window. Being a Commodore definitely had it advantages. There was something about the Sovereign class starship that was impressive to him. Almost made him want to switch over to the Fleet. He received word of his parents surprise visit just an hour ago. Now they were here and on their way down to the observation lounge.

The doors to the lounge opened as two flag officers stepped through in uniform. Johnson stood from the couch and quickly greeted them. First he embraced his mother, who in his opinion had to be the strongest willed woman, he knew. Which was probably the reason that he was quickly attracted to Heather. The two women were the same in some ways, but yet very different.

"How are you doing...Son?" Admiral Johnson extended his hand to Steven. He had never been one for public affection, while in uniform.

Steven shook his fathers hand. "I'm doing good," he replied. "So how was your trip?"

The three quickly made their way to an available table. "It could've been better," Marcus commented.

"Your father's just upset that I didn't let him sit in the center chair," Marie joked. "He knows what he has to do to get a center of his own."

"I'm just fine with the one on my Starbase," he growled. "First off...Congratulations on your promotion to Colonel. And speaking of center chairs have you considered my proposal? You know the one about switching over to the Fleet."

"I've considered you offer," he spoke. "And at the moment I'm going to have to decline. I'm happy where I'm at right now."

"Are you sure?" the Admiral asked. "I know someone looking for an Executive Officer with combat experience. You could use this opportunity to get your own command."

Steven leaned back in his seat a bit. "Come on Dad. You both know that being a Marine is what I always wanted. I can't just give that up to switch over."

"Marcus stop stressing our son," Marie interrupted. "He's been old enough to make his own decisions for a while now."

"Thanks for the confidence mom."

"All I'm saying is that one day your going find yourself extremely bored," Marcus brought up. "Fighting with the Klingons has been over. The Cardassians are in condition to cause any conflict. We just took a big step in ensuring peace with the Romulans and the Dominion are far from being interested in bothering us right now."

"There's always going to be a need for a marine," Steven countered. "Were the fighting force of the Federation."

"Well...Until the need for fighting comes up," the older man spoke. "Your going to be obsolete. Once again the doors are opening up for exploration. And here you are waiting for a fight. All I'm trying to say is that you have plenty of options. Who knows if things get bad again, you can still fight."

"Your father does have a point there," the woman agreed. "You don't have to make any choices today, but while your on this mission think about your future."

The Colonel sighed as he gave in. "I'll take what you two are saying under advisement. Now can we move on to a different subject."

"Your right," his mother agreed. "So when do we meet this girlfriend of yours? We didn't come all this way just to see you."

"Don't worry, you'll meet her soon enough."

***************

"A Meeting"

Lt Commander Chris Currington
Chief Security Officer
USS Victory

Lt Robert Carey
Hazard Team CO
USS Victory

~ Hazard Team Briefing Room ~

Chris walked into the Hazard team briefing room, the officers that had decided to try to get in was already starting to file in. "Lt Carey can I talk with you a moment?"

Robert looked up from the front podium. "Of course commander." He replied as he walked around the podium and followed the commander out of the room. "My office will suffice."

Following him Chris watched as more and more people of his department walked into the hazard team briefing. "I don't think you understand this, you can't have all the security to yourself."

"I don't plan to. I have my people picked out, this is just the people who tried out, I am only taking a handful of who I believe are strong nough and want it enough. If you want to look at the list here it is."

Chris took the list and read it. "Alright, just making sure, I do however want to fix things up with you before you begin anything."

"Understood, tomorrow morning would be best, I have tomorrow afternoon set aside for their training in the hazard team."

"Tomorrow morning it is." Chris said as he turned around. "I see you have changed since the academy."

Robert smiled as he looked over. "I learned from the best." He replied as he looked over. "You taught me a lot on my cadet cruise, and I appreciate it."

"Not a problem, just don't let it all go to your head." Chris replied walking out.

***************