There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare.
~Sun Tzu
PROLOGUE
Stardate: 54031.2 (12 January 2377)
USS Independence, Main Lounge
Sector 32981 (Unclaimed Space between the Federation and the TamarianRepublic)
“Captain’s Log: We’ve been traveling rim ward, practically non-stop, for almost three months to return our Tamarian exchange officer.
We’ve left Federation space behind. Before us, is a region that has been explored very little. The crew is hoping Starfleet will cut us loose for awhile after we drop D’nas off and we can do some exploring. I must admit, the prospect of becoming an explorer is…something I’ve never really considered before.”
*****
“Jinal’s,” the Independence’s lounge, had become rather popular since the re-launch of the vessel. It was named as a tribute to the fallen hero that saved thirty-eight crewmembers of Aurelia’s previous ship.
At any given time, there were about 150 people onboard that were off-duty. Of those, half slept. A majority of the remaining 75 could often be found at “Jinal’s.” The lounge had a wide variety of games including: a dom-jot table, a pool table, darts, 3D chess, and a table in one corner for an old Earth game, Dungeons and Dragons. Luckily, Steamrunners sported a rather large lounge.
There was a group of officers and crew that created an impromptu band. It consisted of a Terran guitar and saxophone, a Risian lute, Caitain drums, and a Deltan harp. They played nearly every night. Unfortunately, they came from different musical backgrounds and produced some type of mutation between Caitian classical and Terran jazz. All and all, it didn’t sound too bad. It was at least…mellowing.
Unlike some other captains, Sintina Aurelia had no qualms about socializing with her crew. Though, she still struggled to make any real connections to her new subordinates. She was always one to make friends…and to trust…slowly. Once you got in her good graces, however, she would protect you veraciously; even to her own detriment.
Karim bin Nadal, the ship’s new executive officer, knew all too well about his captain’s quirks. He, along with Lieutenant Kimula, were the only people on the ship that Sintina had elevated to the level of ‘friend.’
Everyone’s emotions were erratic since the destruction of the former Independence and the loss of two-thirds of her crew. Sintina made every effort to keep her grief discreet, but didn’t attempt to hide her contempt for the situation. She had been a particularly sour mood for a few days now.
The trio all sat at a table; sipping drinks and listening to the music. Although, she was off-duty, Captain Aurelia never really internalized the concept of separating work from recreation. She leaned over to Karim, “Well, exec, you’ve had a few months to revaluate our crew. What’s your opinion?”
He smirked at the question and attempted to lighten the mood at the table, “I’m not used to all these science personnel.”
Kimula, the Andorian counselor, chimed in, “Zian was telling me how happy he was to be in charge of an actual section; instead of just 3 people, like on the old Indy.”
“The ‘old Indy,’ sighed Sintina, “is that what we’re calling her now?”
Kimula and bin Nadal shared a glance, knowing their attempt to perk up Sintina failed, once again.
The captain elaborated, “I’ve commanded three ships, in two years. It doesn’t bode well.”
The Persian XO attempted to console her, “This is a good, sturdy ship. We have a fine crew. And we have a hell of a captain.”
“Here, here,” added the Andorian woman as she rose her glass.
Aurelia, however, continued to sulk, “Are you sure? My stubbornness got our ‘old’ ship destroyed along with a good part of her crew.”
Kimula retorted, “Nonsense…”
“No, I mean it,” plowed Sintina, “I only got my first command because it was wartime and Captain Camar died. Then, I was told to my face that the only reason I got that Courageous-class ship was because I was a non-thinking drone. Now, I get my third command due to the pity of an influential admiral. If it weren’t for all that, I’d be a first officer still…at best.”
The counselor had an edge to her words, “You’re being too hard on yourself, Sintina. You’ve proven yourself against the Dominion, Cardassian insurgents, the Alshian…hell, we even bested a Sovereign under your leadership.”
The talking up wasn’t enough to bring Aurelia out of her funk, “A monkey could’ve been in charge of the ‘old Indy’ and won those battles.” She listed off, “Since I assumed command of the Midas, I’ve lost two ships, alienated some of the most respected admirals and captains in the fleet, and let’s face it, this whole mission to return D’nas is to get me out of peoples’ hair.”
“No,” countered Karim, “it’s to bring our profile down a little. It’s to protect us.” He added, “Besides, you personally saved the president’s life. So you have at least a few powerful allies.”
The captain unenthusiastically said, “Oh yeah, go me.”
Kimula could take no more of Sintina’s pouting. She puffed and began to shake her head. Then, addressed her captain, “Uh-uh, poor you.” She raised her voice…a bit too much, “You’re not the only one who lost something, or someone, you self-centered…” She managed to restrain her curse, but continued as she left her chair, “If that’s really how you feel, request a demotion like Windslow did. At least, he stopped feeling sorry for himself.”
She didn’t give Aurelia a chance to respond. Kimula turned and stomped out of the room.
An uncomfortable silence followed between Karim and Sintina. The first officer cleared his throat and stared at his drink.
The captain finally offered, “It’s your job to defend me against attacks like that now.”
Somberly and deliberately, he got out of his seat as well and stated, “No, it’s my job to make sure you hear it.” He coolly walked away from the table, leaving Sintina alone.
Aurelia glanced about to see if anyone overheard the exchange. Luckily, no one seemed to notice…or knew enough to actively ignore it. She ran her fingers through her hair, got up, and headed for the exit as well.
*****
Sintina silently entered her quarters. The cabin was only lit by streaks of passing star light. She sat on the couch next to the windows and stared out into space. She sighed deeply, rested her head on her arm, and quietly said, “goddamnit.”
END OF PROLOGUE
) The following is my effort in that regard.
