CAPTAIN'S LOG – ANDREA THOREA
JARVIK STATION

MY FIRST ENTRY AND IT STILL SOUNDS STRANGE TO SAY CAPTAIN EVEN AFTER A WEEK. I AM CURRENTLY ON THE TRANSPORT TO JARVIK AND WILL GET MY FIRST ACTUAL VIEW SHORTLY.

THINGS HAVE MOVED QUICKLY SINCE BEING COMMISSIONED. CAPTAIN MALI ALREADY HAD MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS CRATED AND SHIPPED TO JARVIK; SUCH WAS HIS FAITH IN MY APPOINTMENT. I WILL MISS HIS QUICK WIT AND FRIENDLY SMILE AND AM GLAD I GOT TO SERVE WITH HIM.

MY FIRST HIRE, SO TO SPEAK, WILL BE MY FIRST OFFICER. I HAVE ALREADY REQUESTED TWO DOCTORS MEET ME HERE AT THE STATION. THEY HAVE BOTH AGREED AND WILL BE ARRIVING ON THE TRANSPORT TOMORROW AT ELEVEN-HUNDRED HOURS. WE'LL SEE HOW THAT GOES.

Andrea's first view of her new assignment was impressive, in a way, for its incompleteness. The center geosphere with the transport docking areas, mall and promenades and observations wings was complete. The central sphere would also house most of the Starfleet personnel to be assigned to the station. The wings, three of them, were in various stages of completion, resembling, well, Andy didn't really know what it resembled. It just wasn't finished.

The transport docked and she grabbed her old Navy duffle bag. It was always a topic of conversation, she had found it at an antique store and used it, as the sailors of old did, to transport most of her personal belongings. She was greeted by a young ensign. Just a few months out of the Academy, Ensign Zola, or Zo, as she preferred, had been handpicked to assist Andy. Of mixed blood, she had the typical Bajoran facial markings but her eyes said Betazoid. She greeted her new commander genuinely,

"Welcome to Jarvik Station, Captain Thoreau." And extended her hand in a typically terran handshake.

Andy smiled and returned the handshake, "And you are?" As she stepped onto the platform by the Ensign.

"Ensign Zola, Captain. I have been assigned by Admiral Powell as your personal attaché to assist you here on Jarvik."

Andy looked askance at the ensign. An assignment of that nature was normally unheard of for this type of position. "Admiral Powell requested this?"

"Yes, Captain." As they continued walking the halls to the nearest transport station. The ensign gave the commands and they were shortly in the temporary housing area. "You'll have to excuse the mess, ma'am."

The ensign continued as they walked down the long hallway. "These are the best quarters available for you. There's a row of guest quarters that are fully finished but that's where we've been housing most of the candidates coming in for review."

Andy knew that several of the line officers and staff had already been appointed. A necessary evil to get the station up and running. It was the senior command staff that Andy and her new First Officer would seat.

Zo stopped before a door and entered the pass code which she then gave to the Captain. Andy took a few steps in, noticing her personal items from the Ojai had already been delivered but not opened. She took several deep breaths as the walls started to close in. There were only two small windows in these quarters. Again, Andy took several calming breaths, determined not to let the new ensign see her discomfort, less than ten minutes on the station.

"This will do, for the time being, Ensign. I may want to see if something a little less closed off becomes available? I prefer more open viewing." Andy motioned toward the walls.

"Yes, Captain. I'll see that the architectural plans are forwarded to you. Is there anything else?"

"Not at this time, Ensign. Thank you."

Zola nodded and left the quarters. The doors closing behind Andy making a slight sucking noise. Once more, she attempted to regulate her breathing rather than running out into the halls like a lunatic.

"Enclosed spaces still rattle you, huh, Andy?" The deep, familiar male voice spoke behind her.

Andy wheeled and looked into the familiar, smiling face of her best and dearest friend, Captain William T. Riker.

"Will!" She yelled, running full force to hug the Captain. Will was ready, knowing Andy would hit him like a ton of brick. He returned the embrace and kiss and then held her back at arm's length.

"Look at you. A Captain. Doctor would be so proud of you." Will referred to her dad, Dr. Walden Thoreau. Will Riker had been one of his favorite students at the Academy. During breaks in the rigorous training, Doctor would bring Will to their home in Texas. Riker had known Andrea since she was fifteen and was instrumental in convincing her to join the Academy. Will was also the First Officer on Andrea's ship assignment out of the Academy, the Enterprise. He had been her confidant, confessor, and, truth be told, first crush. That he was here, now, on her first posting as Captain made the whole thing perfect.

"I just don't know what to say. How'd you know?' Andy asked.

Will took her hand and led her out of the temporary quarters, knowing her claustrophobia would eventually kick back in. They began walking the geosphere while they talked.

"Admiral Powell is a friend. When she found out our connection, she contacted me. Gave me permission to be here when you arrived. Thought it might help the butterflies" Will answered, knowingly.

Andy shook her head, "She also arranged for me to have an assistant."

"I know. Zo was on my ship."

"You're giving her up?"

"She's only been with me about three months and, between us, I don't think she's quite cut out for a starship. When Questa contacted me, she asked if I had anyone and Zo came to mind immediately." He stopped, looking Andy in the face, "Don't get me wrong. Her record in the Academy was fine but you know how it is."

"Yeah, some of us are meant for the stars and some of us are meant for terra firma." Andy smiled. "I'm not sure why the Admiral has taken such an interest in me, though."

"Don't question it. When you can have an ally as powerful as Questa Powell, you be grateful. I know I am."

They had reached the main observation ring of the geosphere. From this location in the installation, the reaches of space could be seen all around. It also opened down to the clear floors of the promenade and mall areas of the station. Will stopped and leaned against the railing, still holding Andy's hand.

"You ready for this?"

"I don't know. Are you ever ready?"

Will smiled, "Good question. I don't really think so but you make the best of it and rely upon the years of training and experience you've had. Never be afraid to ask for help if you truly don't know and surround yourself with officers that will give you an honest opinion but still support you when the time comes."

"Sounds like what Admiral Powell told me, too," Andy answered ruefully.

"Good advice then, if you're getting it twice." Will leaned in, head to head with his friend.

Andy smiled and then changed the subject, "So, how long are you here?"

Will let go of her hand and turned to face the inner ring. He knew her bubble was about to burst. "I'm only here for another hour."

"Will." Andy whined.

"That is so unbecoming for a Captain," he answered, shaking his head.

"But I haven't seen you in almost a year and now you tell me I've got less than a day? Will, please, can't you stay longer?" Andy still whined.

"I wish I could, kiddo. You know nothing would please me more. But, I have a command of my own and a mission the Admiral delayed in order for me to be here. Besides, you need to stand on your own two feet. As long as I'm here, you'll let me make your decisions."

Andy frowned. Unfortunately, he was right. She would let him advise her rather than taking her own risks. She trusted Will Riker with her life. The only person she had ever hated to disappoint more than Dr. Thoreau was standing here beside her now. Will let her work through everything on her own, knowing she would resign herself to what had to be done.

Andrea faced the same direction Will faced and linked her arms through his, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. Instead of being sad for what I can't have, I should be happy for what I do have."

Will leaned over and kissed the top of her head, "Yes, Missy, you should. And I'm glad that I could be here on your first day."

They continued to walk around the station, talking about different things that really didn't matter. Just spending time together before Will had to return to his ship. They finally made their way just outside the docking bay for Will's shuttle, "It's time, Andy." Will spoke quietly.

"I know," she replied just as solemnly.

"You'll do fine, Andrea. Trust yourself and choose a good First Officer who won't be a 'yes' man. And, if you need anything, you know how to find me. I may not can get to you but I will always do my best to be available to talk to you."

"I know, Will. You've always been there when I really needed someone. You'll never know what that means to me."

"I am so proud of you, Captain Thoreau." And he hugged Andy one last time before opening the docking bay doors.

"Thank you again, Captain Riker. Be safe." Andy returned his hug and then let him go. Will smiled and waived as the bay doors closed and he turned to enter his shuttle. Andy watched as the docking clamps released and the shuttle returned to space and to Will's ship.

The loss was almost overwhelming but, again, Andy clung to how special it was that Will was her first official contact on her new assignment. Andy returned to her assigned quarters. She knew she wouldn't sleep but she had to be ready for what tomorrow held. Again, if all went well, she would have her first member of her senior staff and Jarvik would have its second in command.