Prologue

Torad V, Gamma Quadrant, Old Earth Calendar Year 2388

"Expedition log, stardate 59210.4, chief science officer reporting. This will be my last official log entry as head of the science division here on Torad V. While not the most glamourous of positions, I have found the experience personally fulfilling beyond measure. With the necessary reallocation of resources during the Dominion War, a proper botanical study and bio survey was never conducted by Starfleet. Current interstellar political affairs have kept the Federation busy at the moment, and I will admit a certain amount of relief at being able to continue my research these last two years. But all good things must come to an end, and it is with a heavy heart that I prepare to say farewell to some of the most brilliant and talented scientists and officers that Starfleet has ever produced."

"End log." Theus said.

His PADD acknowledged his command with a standard confirmation chime and he pressed a key, putting the device into standby mode. Theus stood up for a long stretch before making his way outside the field tent. His eyes had to readjust to the blazing orange light emanating from the K-class star above, but relished in the scented pollen that was being released from a field of wildflowers not even half a kilometer away across billowing violet grass.

The heated air smelled of an exotic, tangy citrus with notes of coriander. And while it was more than pleasant, what was truly fascinating was how the plants lived up to their namesake of being 'wild'. The shortest ones were over one and a half meters tall, with the highest being over four and a half. One researcher asked would it be more accurate to call them small trees, but their stalks were made of a surprisingly thick stem and not bark that was filled with a blue chlorophyll. When in bloom, as they were currently, the 'heads' of the flowers resembled terran coconuts that were split into four peeled back sections. The inner leaves, a kaleidoscope of colors with 10 jagged, but sweet-smelling stamen releasing the shimmering pollen into the air.

"Commander."

Theus turned from the far-off sight of his final study toward the sound of a young Bajoran research assistant piloting an Argo land vehicle up to where he stood. The eager boy loved to drive around needlessly, and had shown interest in joining Starfleet to pilot a 'real' model. Real in the sense of it being militarized, and not the current modified version they were using that held an impressive mobile science and communications package, instead of heavy assault weapons. Instead of parking next to him, the driver stopped a few meters away from the research tent and began to run up to Theus.

"Slow down Petas, I'm not gone yet." Theus said.

"I-I know sir." He said slightly winded. "But you've probably spoken to soon."

Theus furrowed his brow before asking "What's this about? If the Bozeman is on subspace again, just remind them that we're well ahead of schedule and will be ready when they arrive in orbit."

"You're only half right this time." He said. "The Bozeman is hailing, but they're in orbit right now."

"What?" Theus asked incredulously.

Petas shook his head, "I'm not sure what's going on either sir. Lt. Itix told me to bring you a comm terminal immediately. He said the channel we were being hailed on is priority 1…1 delta?" He said trying to remember.

"Priority 1 Alpha?" Theus asked.

"That was it sir. They also said that I couldn't be around when you took the call."

"Then why didn't you park closer and just walk away?" Theus asked dryly.

Petas mouthed a few silent words before Theus smiled and left him. He wasn't at all upset, more aggravated at this disruption of his work. He reached the back of the Argo and activated the subspace transceiver to open the channel.

"Identify." The stoic voice of the computer stated.

"Eridos, Theus L. Lt. Commander, authorization Eridos 2730 Gamma."

"Acknowledged."

Theus waited as the emblem of the United Federation of Planets was replaced by the face of someone that he was well acquainted with, and not looking forward to seeing.

"Commander Williams." Theus said diplomatically. "I didn't know that you were serving aboard the Bozeman."

"Commander Eridos, forgive me, Lt. Commander Eridos," he enunciated the prefix on Theus' rank, "I didn't know that my mission was to escort your rotation back to the Admiral's flagship. I was told that I would be bringing aboard a VIP. And for the duration of this mission, I'm commanding. A position that will become permanent soon enough."

Theus pushed down his first reaction to respond in the same subtle condescending manner as Williams. It wasn't difficult, as he was more concerned with why he was having the conversation in the first place.

"I suppose someone has a high opinion of me." Theus said. "But more importantly, why are you here Greg? We aren't slated for rotation for another 3 days and it's pretty unusual for a starship to change its schedule. Beyond that, why am I contacting you on a priority 1 secured channel?"

"Because Admiral Harris ordered so." Williams said plainly.

Theus took a breath. "I understand that, what I'm asking is why."

Williams glowered for a moment and took in a sharp breath of air. "You know Lt. Commander, I understand that you've been away from the fleet for a while on this field mission of yours, but under the commands I serve, we don't question the decisions of superior officers."

"I understand that sir but-"

Williams glowered again.

"Sir, I still have many research notes and personal items to gather. Half of my team is spread between 4 continents. If I could just have a day or so I'm sure we will-"

"I'm not here for your team Eridos, I'm here for you. Your personal items will be handled with the utmost care by a Quartermaster we're leaving behind. Prepare for transport."

"Wait? Now?" Theus asked taken aback.

Williams touched his combadge on his chest. "Williams to transporter room 1, energize." He nodded at Theus. "See you soon. Williams out."

The screen went dark. And before he could protest, Theus felt the restriction of the confinement beam and tingling sensation of the transporter as the lush, vegetated planet he had called home for almost two years began to disappear in a quantum shimmer.