Disclaimer: Characters, starships, space stations, etc from the Star Trek television shows and franchise belong to Paramount. My characters are my creation and belong to me.

Gerald Weeks

Prologue

Captain Michael Edwards walked down the corridor of deck 7 to his quarters to relax. The USS DARRKCLOUD was on course for Starbase Titan within the Titan System. Edwards was tired and needed some time to himself before they got to the starbase. As he entered his quarters he started to strip away his uniform. He was about to go up to the replicator and get a drink when his eye caught a figure within the other room. He dropped his uniform jacket and walked into the room to see his boyfriend Jeffory Larson looking around for something.

"I didn't realize you were back."

"Jeffory turned to see his boy and spoke, "Yes. I forgot one of my Padd's here which I need for the study. Off duty?"

"Yes. Actually I am giving everyone a little R+R for the next day or so until we reach Starbase Titan."

Jeffory walked by Edwards and walked up to the replicator. He ordered a hot tea and sat down on the couch. He looked at Edwards and spoke, "New orders huh? How did I guess?"

"It comes with the job," replied Edwards as he started towards his boyfriend of 2 years. He sat beside Jeffory, "Your mad aren't you?"

"A little. I was hoping to go to Risa for the next couple of days with my boyfriend, but what can I do? You have a career and I don't," replied Jeffory with a little sadness within his voice.

"Being a Starfleet captain I do have my responsibilities and you new that before even started to date. Besides, I wanted to…"

Before Edwards could finish what he was saying, the comm. came on overhead, "Bridge to captain."

"Go ahead commander," replied Edwards after touching his badge.

"Sir you have an incoming message from Admiral Jason Bonkowski."

"Pipe the call down here." Edwards kissed Jeffory on the cheek and walked over to his desk. He sat and turned on the computer that was before him. Admiral Bonkowski's face appeared on the screen and Edwards smiled, "Admiral. Its been a long time."

"Mike. What is your ETA till you reach starbase?" he asked in a formal matter.

"Another day or so. What's on your mind?"

"Starfleet has a new mission for you. You will be taking command of another Federation starship to head into the Gamma Quadrant."

Edwards just looked at his friend and wondered if everything was going to work out with that. The Federation had just gotten out of the Dominion War two weeks ago. Was it time to explore again? Or was the Dominion threat still alive?