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Dawning A New Day

Posted on Sun Jul 24th, 2022 @ 7:24pm by Commodore Keiben Haistro & Commander Peter Horn & Commander Lillian Carter & Lieutenant Commander Melanie D’BrooNi- Haistro & Lieutenant Commander Hiro Sommers-Yoshida & Lieutenant Commander Tiandith 'Tia' Tobru & Lieutenant Commander Junjie Han & Lieutenant JG Alena Alessa & Glin Slorir Varin

3,122 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Episode 5 - Objects In Motion
Location: Station Operations
Timeline: Mission Day 1 @ 0800 Hours

ON

Several days had passed since the station had been propelled back to its own time and Keiben had made a point of giving his senior staff some much needed R&R which he intended to continue for the next few days also but with the Admirals unannounced visit he felt it prudent to bring his officers together for a quick meeting before the welcome gathering at the airlock to greet the man who was springing a surprise visit of the newest outpost in the region. He had a few new assignments to hand out, some of which he felt were needed to keep the station in its optimal operations condition but also to help some of his officers who were in the wrong positions but also some of the more interesting elements of running a station. He needed to assign his soon to be new Counselor to set up the promenade for the first civilian holiday he intended to celebrate on the station.

He strode through the open doors of his office into the smooth operating nerve centre of the station, a number of officers at the rear stations as usual but at the Ops Table was Tam and Alena, operations was Stoun and Hiro in deep discussion no doubt over the workload they now had with both the station and the two ships waiting for repair. Junjie was at the science station which in truth was more about directing the local traffic around the station. Sher'ra and Tia had just entered from the small door and the turbolift could be heard arriving carrying the rest of his officers.

"My apologies for calling you all away from your R&R but the sooner we can get this done the sooner I can let you get back to your down time."

Alena looked at the Captain, curious as what he had to say. She had often been called too curious for her own good by her mom. But if no one asked, no one would know. However, now wasn't the time for her to speak her mind. Even if she was curiosity from hell right now. She was one of the newest additions, not someone who could pull rank. She knew that respect was the most important thing in a situation like this. She waited, her eyes studying the Captain's face. He still seemed rather tired, or maybe exhausted was a better word, from the recent events that had turned everyone's lives upside down.

Peter nodded quietly at the captain's words. "You as much as any of us sir," he reminded the man, "we all need some down time. This does include you."

Junjie looked up as he heard Keiben's voice and motioned a nearby Ensign to cover his station briefly and walked over to where Captain Haistro and Commander Horn were standing. " Excuse me Captain, Commander. If I may have a moment of your time I would like to make a request, this may seem a bit out of the blue but I have a promise to keep." He looked about Ops and smiled. " Just about everyone who is important to Tam and I are here in Ops at this time. " He tugged at his collar to loosen it a little. " Tam and I would like you to marry us today before anything else crazy happens here. That and we have plenty of witnesses here, Would you be willing to do that for us Captain Haistro? " Junjie asked looking a bit nervous.

"Happily once the Admiral has departed."
Keiben beamed at his officer and shaking his hand in congratulation.

Junjie walked over and informed Tam of the news and gave her a hug, Knowing that after the Admiral departed that they would be married. " I have been looking forward to this for a long time Tamaska, Now we'll get to spend the rest of our lives together as husband and wife. I guess I'd best return to my duty station. "

The turbolift rose into ops revealing Lillian. She stepped off as it came to a halt and headed down to the central command area. She was going to speak to the Captain to fill him in on Musk and other things but noticed he look to be involved in rather an intense discussion with Commander Horn and Lieutenant Han.

She studied the command table while she waited for the Captain.

Tia had already been in Ops as people began to arrive. She was acclimatising to her new position on the station as Chief of Security. The collar of her uniform still felt stiff, almost as if it didn't quite fit right, but for the moment she felt more peace in her heart than she had done for many decades. A bustling station full of diverse life, life free from tyranny and subjugation, was a nice distraction and one she'd have to explore in more depth.

"While we wait for the Admiral I have a few announcements. Ensign, I spoke to your previously about combining your role as Diplomatic Officer with the Counselor role... I want to make that effective immediate which means your are technically out of uniform Lieutenant Junior Grade Alessa... Congratulations!"
He has lead into the announcement as if it would be nothing more than the usual hum drum information that usually started these meetings. He was happy to have been able to start with the good news.

Alena looked at the Captain, taken aback. She hadn't expected a promotion. She hadn't been here for long. "Thank you, Sir. It's quite an honor", she said when she had gathered her thoughts. Well, she thought. It was going to be interesting to see what the future in her new position would bring.

The Captain next turned his attention to Peter. He had known for some time that Peter had been uncomfortable in his role and in many ways had not been performing to the best of his ability. It had always baffled the Betazoid that Starfleet would have allowed a security and tactical specialist to move to a therapy role... Still, he now had the chance to course correct on this over sight.

"Commander Horn, I am reassigning you to Strategic Operations... I feel this would be a better fit for your skills and abilities... We will have a complete discussion about this reassignment in time but it will mean a transition from the medical and science division to Command!"

Relief seemed to wash over the now prior counselor. "Thank you sir," he answered, more than grateful for the reassignment. "I have no doubt lieutenant Alessa will do extremely well as my replacement in counseling."

Alena smiled to Commander Horn, grateful that the man approved of her promotion. She had been worried for a moment that she would butt in into his work. Which was the last thing she wanted. She made a list in her head to look at later. Sorting out a schedule for therapy would be first on her to-do list. Then making time for "open scene" where people could merely show up for a quick word, or to make an appointment. Many would call her old-fashioned, but she rather liked meeting up with people, whenever possible. A screen or call didn't give her the same feeling as when she was sitting across from a person.

Riding the open concept turbolift toward the Operations Centre, Vice Admiral Gregory MacCray kept his back to the wall as the lift ascended just watching as the different levels passed by. After having served in Starfleet for so long he could feel his career entering its twilight. Today wasn't the end, but he knew that it wasn't going to be much longer until he chose to leave this adventure behind and find a new one. He had been in Starfleet since he was 18 years old, commanded the greatest ship in the fleet (the Geronimo), and been in charge of an entire Sector. It was almost time to seek other adventures. Plus, Starfleet wasn't what it once was. Ever since the disasters of the recent years the Fleet had gotten more and more focused on security and defense than good old exploration and discovery. When the 2380s hit his Sector was the future of the galaxy, all it took was one bad day to change that.

The lift completed its ascent and allowed him to see the Operations Centre for the first time. Stepping through the open portal, before the lift was fully stopped even, the Admiral looked around in awe. The Cardassian architecture was certainly more intricate than anything else he'd seen before. While he loved his station, he would always be a fan of their choices.

"Admiral" Keiben called, his officers all snapping to attention at the title. "Welcome to Deep Space 21. I was bound to meet you at the airlock. My apologies I must have gotten your arrival times confused!"

Junjie glanced at his console and then spoke just loud enough for Keiben to hear. " Captain, the Admiral was scheduled to arrive at 0900. It's 0820, he's early. "

"I find it lets me get a better feel for a station and its crew," the former Captain of the Geronimo answered from his vantage. "Besides I hate people who are late for anything. My ex-wife was never on time," he laughed, "neither was my ex-husband. In Starfleet being late can be deadly. Back in the early post war days, during Legate Matan's insurgency, the Sovereign was almost late to the Battle of Starbase 12 and the damned Cardies almost destroyed it." He saw Glinn Varin, "Present company excluded."

"Don't worry about it, Admiral. On Cardassia we are taught to listen to the stories of our elders, no matter how insane or far-fetched they sound," the Liaison said smartly.

" I know that feeling very well Glinn Varin. "Said Junjie with a smile. The chinese people have the same values. We have three generations living under the same roof. Our grandfather would regale us with wild stories under the stars and around the firepit. Of course he swore every one of them were true. "

"That makes sense," Peter chimed in, "the stories of our elders help shape us and our future. We would do best to remember their lessons."

A beeping on Lillian's console got her attention. "Excuse me, Captain. Sorry for the interruption but we're receiving a message from the USS Pegasus. they say they're en route and should be here within the hour. They responded to a distress call from the Merin and they had to evaluate their crew. It was heavily damaged and is being towed in. There are also orders from Starfleet Command detailing an extensive repair and refit. Captain Jones has the details."

"Thank you Commander. Ask them to bring Merlin in and disengage tractor beams at fifteen thousand kilometers out and then direct them to the upper pylon!" the Captain clapped his officer on the shoulder knowing full well that Lilian would be due another promotion before long but cast an eye up to Hiro. "Merlin will be in your hands Lieutenant. Could you coordinate with her Captain. My apologies Admiral, looks like we have one of those days starting!"

Hiro had to suppress a sigh, as really Senior CPO Stoun and he already had more than enough on their plate. He only made a small nod in the direction of the Captain. "Of course, sir. I'll contact the Merlin and she'll be cared for."

"Then I won't keep you all long," the Sector Commander intruded. "I mainly came to recruit my new First Officer anyway and hit the road. Though, Command did ask me to fulfil one other responsibility before heading out."

"Deep Space 21 and the Cerberus stand at your service sir" Keiben added assuming it would be the need for the stations services or perhaps a ship.

Tam wondered who it was that the Admiral came to collect. She did feel slightly worried that it could be Keiben. Though she'd know about that if it were to happen. Wouldn't she? She hoped that she would.

MacCray smiled, "I have no real desire to be so intrusive as to your ship and station, Commodore."

Keiben was about to correct the Admiral but caught himself quickly enough, his mouth having fallen open as the realisation descended around him, taking a hold of his thought process.
"Commodore?"

"Damn. I never was all that good at keeping a secret," the Admiral laughed.

Tamaska's eyebrows rose, Commodore? "Congratulations Commodore Haistro" a brilliant smile could be seen. This was certainly a surprise.

"Indeed commodore, it is a promotion well deserved," the newly assigned StratOPS chief chimed in, offering a slight incline of his head in acknowledgement of the new rank.

" Congratulations Commodore Haistro!! " Junjie called out. " They've found the right man for the job and it's well deserved. " Junjie was well pleased with his friends promotion and the fact that Starfleet could recognize good people and put them where they'll do the most good.

"Oh we are late," came a voice at the door. Charlie stood there holding a cake.

Mel following behind. "Your not supposed to be here at all. I kept telling you. Not that I could keep up with you ..... " she panted slightly.

"I'm sorry Sir, Admiral ..." she snapped to attention noticing the other man. She had received a communication beforehand letting her know this was happening. A friend of hers at Starfleet central and Charlie had decided to take things into her own hands celebrating her step dad. "And for being late for the meeting."

"That's my fault," the Admiral excused as he noticed the cake, "I misspoke and things just went a little out of sequence."

"She didn't bake it," Charlie said innocently holding the cake out towards the senior officers.

Tamaska hid a smile, "Well the cake certainly smells wonderful. And definitely something to celebrate with Commodore Haistro." once this quick celebration is over, Tamaska wondered about she and Junjie getting married right now. Would it be appropriate, they could do a party later on during the week though in celebration of she and Junjie getting married.

Junjie walked over and stood next to Tamaska. " Commodore Haistro has agreed to marry us and it will be done before the day is over." He said quietly to her. I've been looking forward to this for awhile now. " He said with a smile.

In a soft voice Tamaska replied to Junjie. "Actually I have something else in mind. I know you are eager for us to get married but love, this is a special occasion and I want to do this right. I appreciate you making the request but, let me take care of details. He has just been made a Commodore and lets celebrate this auspicious occasion and we make plans. I would like to wear the dress I have waiting. Let's you and I talk later, okay?"

Junjie took her hands and looked her in the eyes. " If it will help make your day that much more special, then I am willing to follow yur lead on this. " He said and then turned his attention back to what was going on with his friends promotion.

"So, as the Commodore has a station to command and I a crewman to recruit, let's get this show on the road," the older Admiral announced as he stepped up to the replicator mounted to the wall. Tapping the keycode into the Cardassian interface, a small box appeared on the materialization grid. Admiral MacCray reached in and picked it up. Walking back, "Computer, recognize Vice Admiral Gregory MacCray - Maelstrom Sector Commander."

"Identity Confirmed."

Extracting the new pips from the box, "Computer, execute Starfleet Order Zulu 48 Mike 27 Echo. Authorization MacCray Victor 17 Lima 98."

"Command Confirmed. Transfer Complete. Keiben Haistro has been promoted to Commodore by order of Starfleet Command as of this date."

"Admiral... I'm speechless. Thank you!" was all the newly minted Commodore could muster as he accepted the small box, his fingers having lost their ability to function correctly, a pleading look shot to Mel to come and replaced his Captain pips with the new Commodore pip.

Mel smiled proudly at her husband as Charlie decided as the ice cream in the cake was melting she was just going to start dishing it out.

“Well done,” Mel said softly.

Lillian had been occupied arranging for the Merlin to be paled in the new dry dock as well as providing births for the other ships, including the Pegasus as well as arranging temporary quarters for the crew of the Merlin now looked up and smiled "Congratulations Commodore. Does this mean I can't argue with you anymore?"

"You couldn't to start with Commander... I was just a low enough rank for you to think you could!" Keiben chuckled, already feeling the weight of the single pip on either side of his collar.

"If you will all excuse me," the Admiral interrupted, "I have some other business to attend to and have interrupted your regularly scheduled programming long enough. Unless there is anything else?"

"No sir... Although I feel we owe you a formal tour of the facility... if you have the time?" Haistro started to indicate for Junjie to stand ready to show the ranking officer around if he took up the offer.

The Vice Admiral looked, carefully, around the Operations Complex of the Station for a moment as he pondered the offer. Tugging lightly on the uniform jacket he wore he nodded politely to those present, "I would be more than delighted to tour your lovely facility, Commodore. I rarely have been able to see stations such as these in such favorable conditions. Actually, the last Nor Class Station I ever visited in the Geronimo I was part of the team that blew it out of the stars." He rambled a bit.

"Jerk," Varin mumbled from one of the wall mounted consoles in a near whisper, momentarily forgetting his earlier comment regarding Cardassian elders.

In a short time span a lot had happened in Station Operations. It was certainly not your normal run-of-the-mill day here on SB21. Hiro had not found the opportunity to congratulate the former Captain now Commodore Haistro. It was something he would have to do as soon as the situation permitted him. While he was thinking that he put together a subspace message intended for the Merlin making an official request for a subspace call and meeting with their Captain.

Charlie heard the Cardassian quietly moving between people covering "the refreshments".

"Cake sir," she merely said not commenting but placing a slice in front of him. Whatever the Cardassian's beef with the admiral was, it wasn't her business. It sure was an interesting development though.

END

 

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