Stardate 54255.9 (11 April 2377)
USS Bluefin
Star Station Echo – Berth 6
Captain’s Ready Room
Weary from filing his long and complicated after-action report, Captain Akinola slid open the bottom right-hand drawer of his antique desk and withdrew his current wood-working project. He unrolled the leather pouch that contained his assortment of carving tools, selecting a v-groove gouge. Picking up the block of Myrtlewood, he eyed the roughed-in shape of the starship model with satisfaction. As he reached for his magnifying loops, his terminal chimed softly.
Sighing, he placed the magnifiers back on the desk and tapped the reply stud at the base of the terminal.
“Akinola – go ahead.”
Ensign Vashtee appeared on the screen – an apologetic look on her face.
“Sorry to bother you Captain, but there’s an incoming transmission from Captain Sandhurst of the Gibraltar.”
Akinola’s eyebrows arched upwards in surprise. “Sandhurst? Very well, patch him through, Maya.”
“Aye, sir. Stand by.”
As Vashtee routed the transmission, Akinola wondered about the younger captain and the purpose of his call. He’d heard of the tragic events in the Velkaris system, though he wasn’t sure how much was rumor and how much was fact. What he did know was that the Gibraltar had lost several of her crew – including her XO, Liana Ramirez. Scuttlebutt hinted that Sandhurst had issued the order that resulted in her death. He’d also heard that fractures had developed between the senior officers of the Gibraltar and Captain Sandhurst.
His train of thought was interrupted by the appearance of Captain Donald Sandhurst on his terminal screen. Akinola noted additional lines around the younger captain’s dark eyes.
“Captain Akinola, it’s been a while. I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.”
Akinola smiled. “Hardly! I was just taking a break from dictating reports and about to indulge in some wood-carving. What can I do for you, Sandhurst?”
“I can only assume you’ve heard about the loss of Captain Ramirez in the Gamma Quadrant. That mission resulted not only in her death, but in the shakeup of my senior staff. I’m down an XO, second officer, and chief of security right now. My top candidate to fill the XO’s post just pulled out after being offered a spot in this year’s AdvancedTacticalSchool. I’ve been made aware that Commander T’Ser has submitted a request for reassignment, and I wanted to ask you if you’d object to my offering her the XO’s billet on Gibraltar.”
Akinola’s brow furrowed. “Isn’t that something you should be taking up with her? Why come to me about it?”
A thin smile formed on Sandhurst’s face. “Because I know that if you objected to the offer, you’d be able to steer her in another direction with a single word. You take care of your people, and that’s an attribute I respect tremendously . . . ” His expression grew pinched as more memories threatened to intrude into the present, “ . . . though recent incidents might seem to suggest otherwise.”
Akinola shifted in his chair. “Well, I have to admit that this is a surprise . . .”
Sandhurst frowned slightly. “You didn’t know Commander T’Ser had requested a transfer?”
“Oh yes, she told me some time back. You just caught me off-guard, that’s all. T’Ser has been with us a long time – it’s going to be tough to see her go.”
Something passed over Sandhurst’s face, an expression Akinola couldn’t read. It passed as quickly as it had appeared. Part of Akinola wanted to interrogate the younger captain – to ask, What the hell happened in the Velkamis system, Sandhurst? Did you screw up?
But the Nigerian cutter commander did not give voice to any of these questions. Instead, he asked, “How are you doing, Sandhurst? I heard about your run-in with the Velk and that rogue Founder. It sure sounded bad.”
Though he would never speak it aloud, Akinola harbored some feelings of responsibility for Gibraltar’s participation in the tragedy. After Bluefin’s recent mission to rescue Gibraltar from Maquis raiders, it had been Akinola’s request, routed through Starfleet Command, that had resulted in Sandhurst’s ship being reassigned from hazardous escort duty in occupied Cardassian space to a presumably safer diplomatic mission to the Gamma Quadrant.
Sandhurst uttered a short, mirthless chuckle. “Bad? That doesn’t begin to describe it. I did what I had to in order to find out who‘d killed nearly twenty-five hundred of our comrades, but that knowledge came at a price.” He settled back into his chair haggardly. “Apparently, the board of inquiry agrees with me, so I’m still commanding the Gibraltar. As to ‘how I’m doing,’ the counselors consider me fit for duty.” He paused and gazed at Akinola across the light-years. “You’re afraid I’m going to get T’Ser killed, aren’t you?” It was a blunt, graceless assessment, but Sandhurst had found himself short on tact of late.
Yes! thought Akinola. Aloud, he said, “Captain, I didn’t say that. Still, you can’t blame me for watching out for her – she’s an outstanding officer and a dear friend. I’m not going to second-guess what you did, Captain – I made that mistake once before. But I am going to offer some advice.”
“What’s that?” asked Sandhurst, warily.
“Put what happened behind you. Mourn your losses, learn what you can, and move on.”
A weary expression formed on Sandhurst’s face. “That’s good advice, Captain. I’m sure I will, in time. This last year... well, it’s been the year of hell for myself and my crew. We’re picking up the pieces as best we can. Last time you and I met, I didn’t think we could take any more tragedy. Turns out not only did fate have other plans, but we’re stronger than I’d given us credit for.” Sandhurst’s features registered a look of resolute determination, however briefly. “Regardless, I can’t run this ship without a solid first officer at my side. T’Ser’s record indicates she’d be well suited to that position.”
Akinola nodded in acknowledgement. “She’ll make an outstanding first officer, Captain. Take good care of her.” There was the faintest hint of warning in Akinola’s voice.
“You have my word, Captain Akinola. I’ll go ahead and officially tender the offer. Thank you for your time, sir.” As a fellow captain, Sandhurst need not have affixed the ‘sir’ to his farewell, but did so anyway in deference to the senior captain’s decades of experience.
Sandhurst terminated the comlink. He stifled a deep sigh as he mused dourly, My word . . . for whatever good that is, eh, Liana?
Akinola sat quietly as the Border Service insignia replaced the image of Donald Sandhurst. Momentarily, he picked up the magnifying loops and the unfinished wooden model. He hefted it absently, his gaze unfocused, but his eyes clearly troubled.
* * *
T’Ser pulled on her old Academy sweats and began to brush her hair. Her dark tresses touched her shoulders – the longest her hair had been since . . .
Since before I met Dale, she thought. The memory did not make her sad, however, and she smiled at her reflection in the mirror. She would always miss Dale, but she was glad she could now think about him without sinking into the abyss.
The musical chime of an in-coming message caught her attention. She quickly pulled her hair back into a pony tail and applied a band with practiced ease before moving to her desk. It’s probably Mom and Dad, she thought.
Upon tapping the reply tab, she was surprised to see a different face, though one not unknown to her.
“Captain Sandhurst?” she blurted, surprised.
Donald Sandhurst, C.O. of the USS Gibraltar, smiled. “Commander T’Ser – I’m surprised that you remember me.”
She tapped her head. “Eidetic memory – standard equipment for Vulcans.”
Sandhurst chuckled. “Of course. I apologize for the interruption – if it’s convenient, there’s a matter I’d like to discuss with you.”
T’Ser was unable to prevent a slender eyebrow from creeping up. “No problem, sir. What did you wish to discuss?”
The Captain leaned forward in his chair and folded his hands on the desk before him. “The XO's position on my ship is presently vacant. I’ve received your transfer request and checked out your personnel jacket. To be straight, your references are impressive as hell, and I'd like to offer you the billet of first officer on Gibraltar.”
T’Ser was momentarily speechless. “Um, thank you, sir! I’m honored that you would consider me. Did Commander Ramirez transfer to another ship?”
T’Ser regretted the question when she saw the stricken look that crossed Sandhurst’s face. He composed himself quickly.
“Obviously, you don’t know what happened,” he said, quietly.
“No sir, I’m afraid not. I was on Earth for two months, then we got involved in the incident with the Queen Elizabeth shortly after I returned. I’m still behind the times on ‘Fleet news.”
Sandhurst nodded in understanding. “I see. You deserve to know what happened before you make a decision, Commander. This would be one of those full-disclosure situations.”
The Captain gave a brief account of the events in the Velkamis system and how events rapidly spiraled out of control. T’Ser winced upon hearing of Ramirez’ death as well as the deaths of others of the Gibraltar’s crew.
“To summarize the situation,” continued Sandhurst, “we’re trying hard to pull things back together and build a cohesive crew. I won’t lie to you – this won’t be an easy assignment if you accept. But I wouldn’t be offering you the position if I didn’t think you could handle it.”
T’Ser nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Captain, have you mentioned this to Captain Akinola?”
The smile returned to Sandhurst’s face. “He was my first call, Commander. I know your Captain well enough to ask for his blessing before stealing one of his top officers.”
“And what did he say?”
“He thinks your ready – that you’ll make a fine first officer. And if I don’t do right by you, he’ll hunt me down and cut my throat.”
T’Ser laughed. “He said that?”
“He didn’t have to. I could tell by the look in his eye.” Sandhurst became more serious. “I realize this is rather sudden Commander, but I’d like an answer as soon as possible. How much time to you need to decide?”
The lovely Vulcan officer let her gaze drift above the terminal screen to a shelf containing a holo-cube of Dale McBride. She smiled at the sight of his goofy grin.
Dale, your ghost isn’t here on the Bluefin, she thought, and your love will always be in my heart – wherever I go.
Returning her gaze to the terminal, she said. “My decision has been made for a while, sir. When do I report to Gibraltar?”
* * *
Stardate 54257.3 (13 April 2377)
USS Bluefin
Star Station Echo – Berth 6
The attractive green Orion female caused heads to turn as she shouldered her way through the throng of beings in docking pod A. Certainly, she was a striking woman, with beautiful features, a trim, athletic build and shiny green hair. The fact that her pheromone suppressor was wearing off probably accounted for a few stares. Most were simply surprised to see a green Orion female wearing a Starfleet uniform.
Lt. (j.g.) K’lira Rune approached Berth 6. An electronic sign identified the docked vessel as the USS Bluefin, NCC-4458.
“It’s been a while, Bluefin," she mused wistfully. Her expression was a mix of affection and apprehension. She hitched her duffle bag up on her shoulder and approached the airlock connecting the ship to the station.
A young-looking Asian ensign stood watch by the air-lock. His eyes widened perceptibly as Lt. Rune approached.
“Permission to come aboard?” she asked, handing the PADD containing her orders to the young officer.
For a moment, Ensign Li merely gaped at the beautiful Orion woman. Rune sighed inwardly. I’ve got to put on a new suppressor patch, she thought, torn between amusement and aggravation.
“Ensign?” she prodded, adding a hint of steel to her voice.
“Uh, oh, yes ma’am! Sorry – Permission granted! Welcome aboard the Bluefin.”
Lt. Rune nodded. “Thanks, Ensign . . .?”
“Li. Ensign Yun Li, ma’am. May I help you with your duffle bag? Show you to your quarters?”
Rune had no doubt that the enchanted young man would follow her to the ends of the universe, if she so bade him. This time, she did allow a sigh to escape.
“No, thanks, Mr. Li. I can find my way around. This isn’t my first tour on Bluefin. Oh, don’t forget to log me in.” Rune gently pried her PADD from the wide-eyed ensign and entered a place she thought she’d left for good.
Inside the ship, the familiar smells and sounds of a border cutter tickled her senses. She’d missed serving on a ship. It had been almost four years since . . .
She entered the turbo-lift, intending to go to the bridge and report to the Captain. She hesitated, then said, “Deck seven.”
The lift descended into the engineering section and the flight-deck level. She exited the lift, moving aft past the hangar deck toward the armory.
Before she reached NCO country, a familiar form stepped out of the armory and moved her way, stopping abruptly a few paces away.
The expression on Solly Brin’s face was unreadable – neither surprised nor pleased. Lt. Rune had seen the “mask” as she called it, many times before.
“I see you made jay-gee again,” Brin said, his voice as neutral as his expression.
Rune cocked her head at the big Orion. “Hello, Father. Nice to see you, too.”
* * *
END
Tales of the USS Bluefin – 9: “Ghost in the Machine,” is coming soon!
