Chapter 1: Launch of the USS Birkana

For hundreds of years the same bi-level whistle heralded the entrance of Captains and Flag Officers of ships and fleets through modern history. This one was no different, except for the man stepping up to the podium in the main shuttle bay. This whistle was for him. He lifted a small PADD and read aloud to the assembled crowd and to those watching on the video feed throughout the ship.

"From Starfleet Command, stardate 55020.4: Captain Joshua Morgan: You are commanded and requested to assume command of the USS Birkana. Signed: Admiral Katherine Janeway, Starfleet Special Operations." He lowered the PADD and scanned the crowd.

"Thank you all for your attention. I am looking forward to meeting and serving with each and every one of you. Most of you volunteered for and requested this assignment and for that, I am grateful. We have an exciting new mission as well as these spiffy new uniforms."

He smiled and the assembled crew looked at each other, inspecting the newly commissioned uniforms. They resembled the Starfleet black uniform jumpsuit but instead of the varying colors representing the standard Starfleet departments on the upper part of the shoulder, everyone sported the same color: safety yellow! The various turtlenecks worn under the uniform represented the department colors. Some thought they were ugly but the new Captain thought different. He thought they were very appropriate given the nature of their special mission.

"Again, thank you all for coming. Department heads report to your CO by 1100 in regards to your operational readiness. Senior staff report to the briefing room at 1300. You are all dismissed!"

The crew began milling toward the door. Captain Morgan smiled again and thought to himself, "ok.. that went well." He turned to his Yeoman and began giving him instructions and issuing orders.

Captain Morgan sat in his office off the Main Bridge. Captain Picard had called it his "ready room." He thought that term was terribly British, although he was French, but Captain Morgan preferred the term "office." Other options considered were "The Batcave" or "The Fortress of Solitude" in deference to some of his fanciful childhood heroes. An attractive young woman sat opposite him and behind her stood a young man with a Holocam covering one eye. The young man tapped her on the shoulder and she glanced down at her PADD. She looked up to the Captain and asked him if he were ready. He responded with a smile and an affirmative nod. The man held up five fingers, then four, then three, two..and dropped his hand and placed it on the young woman's shoulder.

"Good Morning San Francisco, this is Vashi Sangalli with live coverage of the launch of the newly commissioned Starfleet Search and Rescue vessel, the USS Birkana. I'm here with her new Commanding Officer, Captain Joshua Morgan, who will tell us a little about his ship and crew and its mission. Captain Morgan, first tell me a little about the inception of this program and how it differs from regular Starfleet Operations?"

"Well Vashi, first let me say thank you for your warmth and positive attitude and thanks to those who have believed that this ship and her mission were possible. The Starfleet S&R, which, for your viewers, is shorthand for search and rescue, is a branch of Starfleet Special Operations, is a pilot program designed for rapid deployment, special operations, mass evacuation, rescue and medical triage and assistance. Some critics of the program say that this is the mission of ANY Starfleet vessel, and they would be correct. However, what makes us unique is that this is our specialty. This is what we are specifically trained to do. That is why this ship was built. Our mandate will also cover the usual Starfleet operations but our specific mission is to save lives."

"Captain, there have been many critics who have been very vocal regarding this ship and the use of Borg technology. What can you tell us about that?"

"There are some that say that we are little better than the Borg by using their technology that we obtained in defending ourselves from Borg attack. They say that we are hypocritical to utilize the advances and gains that we have obtained through the study of the Borg, which essentially, is assimilated technology. Much of the Borg technology used here came right off of Voyager upon her return from the Delta Quadrant. The Birkana was under construction at the time and as the technology was inspected and tested, it was decided to begin to incorporate it into the systems of the Birkana as they were installed. Make no mistake..I am very fortunate to Command this vessel and her crew. In many ways, this is the most advanced starship in the quadrant. I also feel that the Borg technology, technology that was obtained by the Borg through assimilation by force, is now being used for a much more noble purpose."

"I think that most people would agree with that sentiment. Captain, you touched on some of the Borg modifications, what can you tell me about those?"

"Well, I can tell you what isn't classified!" They both smiled. "The Birkana is a Prometheus Class Variant, which is an Intrepid Class Variant, similar to Voyager. She is about 15 percent larger than Voyager and utilizes the MVA, the Multiple-Vector Approach system.."

Vashi interrupted, "Don't you mean "multiple-vector attack" or "multiple-vector assault?"

"I prefer to think of it as a multiple vector approach. It's doesn't sound as aggressive and it presents a more positive outlook, given the specific nature of our mission. I hope to be doing much more "approaching" than "attacking" or "assaulting" anyway. The ship houses a regular crew of approximately 225. This includes all of the usual Starfleet personnel but include additional medical personnel, counselors, rescue specialists, and a platoon of Starfleet Special Forces. We also have specialists who are cross-trained in multiple disciplines. In fact, most of us can and do serve in several different areas. I am a Tactical Rescue Medic as well as being a high-angle / high-altitude / subterranean rescue specialist. Everyone on this ship volunteered for and requested reassignment to be on this vessel. I take pride in the fact that everyone here wants to be here. The crew believes in our mission and our ship."

"What else can you tell me about the ship?"

"Her tactical status is, of course, classified. I can tell you that the normal crew compliment of an Intrepid or Prometheus class cruiser is between 150 and 175. The Life Support and Replicator systems of this ship are considered "next generation." The ship is equipped with holo-emitters, and back-up holo-emitters, throughout, as well as back-up systems in critical areas. We can supplement crew personnel with H.A.P.s, or Holographic Assistance Personnel, for medical, tactical, engineering, or even security needs. Most of the crew quarters are in the saucer sections. Another major difference between this and other ships of this class is the advanced and interlinked holodecks."

"Please tell us about those. Starfleet Information Services press release stated that they were interconnected and could be randomly configured. I thought that was the purpose of a holodeck or holosuite"

"Again, you are correct. However, what makes our holodecks multi-functional is that they can be linked together to provide various containment environments, isolation units, emergency medical suits, surgical bays, large-scale bunk space for evacuees, or tremendous storage space. Another component is their size. They are three times the size of the standard Starfleet holodeck. Due to the integration of regenerative power conduits, Borg-style power distribution nodes, and nano-enhanced bio-neural gel packs, they are about 86 percent more efficient than the standard Starfleet holodecks. We can sustain any environment for months with negligible power drain to the ship's systems. Our life support also utilizes that same Borg technology. This not only vastly multiplies our efficiency but also gives us the ability to provide long-term life support for about 3000 life forms."

"That is absolutely amazing! I also understand that you have upgraded transporters on the Birkana."

"Well, we have the standard transporters for everyday use that you find on every other starship in the fleet or at your local trans-mat station. However, we have also incorporated MCETs: Mass Casualty Emergency Transporters. We could have 3000 evacuees on the ship in a matter of about 12 seconds. We can empty a Sovereign Class starship, literally, in almost less time than it takes for me to verbally issue the order. But, what we gain in time we have to marginally sacrifice in safety by omitting the multiple redundant back-up pattern buffers and basically storing as many transporter traces as possible until we can finalize the transport integration process. That has been one of the most controversial issues for people to understand and with which to cope. By using Borg-style enhanced information and data collection and storage nodes, we can store hundreds of thousands of transport patterns until we have space and time to complete the transport process. Yes, they are in "transport limbo," but they are safe. To reiterate, they are safe and utilize redundant buffers and integrators, but not the numerous ones that are used in the regular transporter. They MCETs are strictly for emergency use only."

"Can you share with us how they work and in what circumstances you would use them?"

"Of course. Let us say that we were the closest ship to galaxy class starship in distress. Upon arrival, once we have ascertained the type of distress, the decision may be made at that time to use the MCETs; an uncontrolled reactor breach in progress and ejection systems are offline…as they are want to do. Once the MCETs are unlocked and the order is issued for their use, several things happen almost instantaneously. Both ships are scanned and all life forms and their positions are noted and logged. The Birkana preps herself and the Holodecks as part of a pre-programmed response to receive the evacuees. In the event that there are more souls than the Holodecks could accommodate, or they are being utilized already or time is literally limited to seconds, the evacuees will be placed in any spot on the ship not occupied by another person. There are three notable variations. The bridge officers are beamed to the bridge, detainees in their brig are transported to our brig here and medical personnel and patients are transported to Sick Bay or whichever part of the ship we are using for E-MED, or "emergency medical", whether it is the actual sick bay, a holodeck, or a shuttle bay."

"Captain Morgan, one last noteworthy item. Some have been critical with regards to some of your choices in Senior Staff but none have peaked more interest than your special scientific advisor. She is something of a celebrity but some consider her a security risk. However, she is credited with being instrumental in the safe return of Voyager"

"You are correct. However, I stand by my decisions in choosing my senior staff. More importantly, Admiral Janeway supports my decisions. Each and every one of them, regardless of whatever "checkered" past they may have, have proven themselves as capable and willing to serve. I mean, how many times did the almighty James T. Kirk break the prime directive or rip holes in the fabric of space-time? They still kept sending him out to explore strange, new worlds! People deserve a second chance. Just look at Tom Paris from Voyager. He left the quadrant a work-release penal prisoner and returned 4th in command of Voyage. However, you asked about my Special Scientific Adviser, Anika Hanson. Most people know her as Seven of Nine. She has agreed to accompany us as a special scientific adviser because she knows more about the integrated Borg technology than the engineers who installed the systems. She is a welcome part of my staff and I trust her. She has saved the life of every crew member of the Voyager several times over and, yes, was instrumental in getting them home. I look forward to serving with her and the rest of my crew.

"Well, Captain, that is about all we have time for today. I want to thank you for your time. I, as well as all of our viewers, want to wish you, your crew, and your ship a safe journey. In the words of the Admiral James T. Kirk, we wish you smooth sailing and may the wind be at your back."

"Thank you Vashi."

The cameraman slowly lowered his hand to the young woman's shoulder. When his hand came to rest on her shoulder, he blinked, reached up, and deactivated the vidcam. He gave Vashi a nod and everyone visibly relaxed.

"Well Captain, I thought that went well" she said.

"My thoughts exactly" the Captain replied.

The Captain looked up from his desk and PADD. Something was different. It was almost imperceptible but something had changed. He looked from one side of his ready room to the other but nothing seemed to have changed. As he listened, he realized that the steady, low volume "thrum" of the decks sounded a little different in pitch. He fleetingly thought about running a diagnostic when the sudden whistle of his ready-room door, which he thought was entirely too loud, brought his attention back to the then and now.

"Come"

The doors opened with an almost imperceptible "swoosh" and he knew why things felt and sounded different. Admiral Janeway was on board. She walked through the door and trailing her was Anika Hansen.

"Permission to come aboard?" she said with a grin.

The Captain stood and walked out from behind his desk, his hand outstretched. The Admiral took his hand and shook it vigorously then they gave each other a friendly hug. He felt very fortunate. The Admiral had taken a liking to him and the feeling was very much mutual!

"Admiral, you are always welcome on my ship. It is great to see you and Seven. Did you see the interview?"

"Why, yes we did." Admiral Janeway grinned. "You are a natural on the Holovid. Although it is said that Holovid adds 10 extra pounds, I must say that you looked dashing in your new uniform. The reviews and the general reaction, both in Starfleet and in the public, are very positive. How are you settling in?"

"As well as can be expected; I watched over her construction, then the drydock refit with the modified Borg and Delta quadrant upgrades in technology, but I still feel a little lost in her. Which reminds me.. Seven...which do prefer: Seven of Nine or Anika?"

Seven turned toward the Captain with a somewhat quizzical look.

"My preference of designation is.." She trailed off, catching a sideways look from the Admiral, who was sporting her trademark grin. "Seven will do. In your pre-warp military, was it not a custom to have peer-friendly nomenclature…a nickname?"

"Great….Seven it is. Well, ladies, would you permit me the honor of giving you the grand tour?"

Remembering the pride she had when she gave Admiral Patterson the grand tour of Voyager in Drydock, Janeway stepped aside and with a sweeping arm gesture said "Please. After you, Captain."

In the conference room, the Captain stood at the head of the table. It was 1300 and one chair was empty in the Senior Staff briefing. Captain Morgan looked toward Admiral Janeway who was observing the construction of a new class of ship in spacedock that he did not recognize. She turned to him, smiled, and nodded almost imperceptibly. This was his show and she did not want to grandstand or upstage the new Captain at his first briefing with his senior staff.

Captain Morgan remarked, "I don't believe that Starfleet will ever design a conference room that is comfortable."

A strange look came over Admiral Janeway's face and she looked over at Seven, gave her a quizzical, knowing smile then she turned to him.

"Funny, I have thought the same thing over the years." Seven looked as if she was about to say something, but again, an almost imperceptible shake of the head from the Admiral changed her mind. He would have to ask later what the inside joke was.

"Well, Admiral, let's get this antimatter reaction started."

The Captain moved to the head of the table and a hush came over the room.

"Good Morning. I have met all of you and worked with some of you here and there over the years. I wanted us to make this a combination meet-and-greet as well as well as a briefing. We have two notable absences but we can proceed.

"Our science officer, JacreenBosinotAcNorgery, unfortunately, entered her hybernation cycle last week. Needless to say that with that plus her molting cycle, we will be minus a science officer for at least several months. With that being said, Starfleet doesn't have anyone that is fully rated on the integrated systems. I have been given permission to utilize Seven of Nine in that capacity. She will be filling in that post until further notice. I have granted her a temporary Field Commission of Lieutenant Commander. I know that this is going to rub some people wrong, but her knowledge and expertise are invaluable here and cannot be over-stated. She will be in a position to make command-level decisions and I don't need people second-guessing her or doing and end-run around her command. Besides, if you piss her off, I have given her permission to assimilate you." Every one laughed except for Seven, who looked to the Admiral, who was, again, sporting her trademark grin.

"It would be inadvisable to assimilate. The Borg look for species that would add to our perfection, not detract from it." Seven cocked her head slightly and gave the Admiral a half-smile, who returned it. "You said I should attempt to cultivate my sense of humor."

The Captain, after letting the laughter lie down and wishing to regain control of the meeting, tapped his glass of tea with his spoon.

"Beginning here, if anyone doesn't know her, and if you don't, you've been living in a Horta hole… this is Admiral Janeway. To my left and working around the table: Commander Barclay is the CHE, the Chief Holographic Engineer. The Commander's work, not only on the Lassiter but also on the Enterprise and with the Pathfinder project have earned him note not only as a mechanical and theoretical engineer, but also as a holographic designer. He has been working with the shipyard to enhance all of the holographic systems. With all of the inter-related, dependent, and redundant holographic systems, I felt that it was important to have an engineer who knew the in's and out's of holographic systems.

Next is Helm Officer T'Pai. She served on the Saratoga as "B" shift helmsman. She performed all the navigational calculations in her head, on the fly, to get them out of the Miritani nebula after critical systems failure left the Saratoga stranded. She received commendations for her work there.

Next is our Tactical officer, Lt. Katya Moreno. This will be our first posting together but her service record is impressive. If any of you remember the Coatomo incident on Celestus, Lt. Moreno was the officer in charge and was able to salvage, not only the ship, but the mission as well. She received the Starfleet Medal of Valor for her actions that day.

Beside her is Lt. Simon Tarses. He is our Tactical Medic and Rescue Specialist. He served with Lt. Moreno on the Coatomo. Captain Jared spoke very highly of them both and cursed me for having taken them." The Captain paused, and took a breath.

"Before any of you ask, yes, Simon was involved in that business on the Enterprise several years back with Admiral Sateé. His paternal grandfather was Romulan, but Captain Jared, as well as Captain Picard and I have placed our full trust in him. He is an excellent officer, and Starfleet Infernal…er..Internal Security be damned."

"Our Chief Engineer, Clark Kent, who served with distinction on the Melbourne."

The Captain smiled, "and before any of you ask, this is not his secret identity. I've had him scanned multiple times. If he were Kryptonian, I'd know!"

Seven of Nine looked quizzically at the Admiral but she put a restraining hand on her shoulder and told Seven that she would explain later.

"And finally, our Chief Medical Officer, Commander Evan Pollard...also my first posting with him but I'm looking forward to getting to know you; getting to know all of you in time. I have an open ready-room policy and I want all of you to feel free to come to me at any time with any concerns. I am quite informal, much to the Admiral's dismay, and value each crewman's unique talents and contributions. All of you requested this assignment. All of you have taken a chance to be here…perhaps put your careers on hold for a while. We have something to prove… and that is that this ship and her mission are important to Starfleet and the Federation. Now, with all of that out of the way, let us begin with the operational readiness. My XO, Oneal Thomas is stuck on deep-space assignment so Lt. Moreno will be subbing for him until he can join us. Now, let's hear from each of you on whether or not we can kick the tires and light the fires tomorrow."

Captain's log, Stardate 55069.7. We are on our second week of the shakedown cruise and all is going extremely well. We have not had any noteworthy issues arise, unless you count the intermittent problem of my cat getting out of my cabin. Barclay has finished the interlinking holographic emitter tests and has given them the green light for use. There was a little issue with the warp field harmonics causing a vibratory noise to come out of the bulkhead in Jeffries tube 12, section D. That was corrected with no problems, much to the delight of everyone in the aft science section labs. All in all, I would say that all is going better than expected. I can't wait for the other shoe to drop. Today, we begin a series of coordinated drills with the Multi-Vector Approach systems and see how well this next generation of bio-neural gel packs will keep the chaos down to a minimum. I've run some holodeck simulations with "acceptable efficiency" as Seven of Nine puts it. Admiral Janeway tells me that's "high praise" so we'll see.

Captain Morgan entered the bridge from the aft turbolift and Admiral Janeway was already seated at an aft science station, looking right at home.

"Admiral, may I offer you my XO's chair and a front-seat view?"

"Why, thank you Captain. I will." The Admiral walked down and sat in the XO's vacant seat.

"She'll either be completely blown away with this or I'll be scrubbing out deuterium tanks in the near future!" Captain Morgan thought to himself.

"Lt. T'Pai..what is our ETA to rendezvous?"

"Approximately 3.5 minutes. Sensors are indicating four ships in the area."

"Lt. Moreno, report."

"There is a significant amount of debris and energy signatures suggests phaser fire. A small transport frigate is heavily damaged and we're reading 63 life signs. Shields are gone, no propulsion, multiple hull breaches, life support at minimum. There are two Defiant class vessels holding station near the frigate and a Galaxy class vessel holding at heading 330 mark 045, distance 500,000 Km. ETA to intercept with the frigate, 3 minutes 8 sec. The frigate has been declared the objective and the Dorchester and the Resolute declared enemy combatants"

"Alright, let's do this by the numbers. Computer, prepare for MVA and unlock MCETs, authorization Morgan 33-Theta."

"Authorization confirmed, MVA and MCET systems are on standby. Awaiting final authorization for key personnel transport" the unflappable feminine voice of the computer informed the bridge crew.

"Crew assignments: Morgan 1. Seven, you have the Beta, and Katya, you have the Gamma. Command codes release on my next authorization. Morgan to all sections, set condition three throughout the ship. All personnel stand by for tactical transport reassignment. Computer, commence TTR."

On the bridge, Seven of Nine, Lt. Moreno, and Cmdr Kent all vanished in a transporter haze to be replaced by Cmdr Tarses, who took up the position at Tactical and a junior engineer whom he didn't recognize, who went to the Engineering station. Tarses, after punching in his console configuration, looked toward the Captain.

"All personnel have been reassigned and we have a green board for MVA."

"Thanks Simon...Computer, initiate auto sep sequence MVA on my mark..Approach pattern Gamma 4. Folks.., like we discussed, I want to see a beautiful Praxian Corkscrew on this one. Beta and Gamma, focus initial salvo on the ship at bearing 340 mark 010 and I'll get the other. Computer, initiate MVA.. authorization Morgan zero-3 Wiskey-Tango-Foxtrot." Admiral Janeway watched everything unfold, wide-eyed, without saying a word.

The sounds of bulkheads closing and the muffled sounds of the huge mag locks retracting could be heard throughout the ships. The saucer section sprouted nacelles and separated from the drive sections. The drive sections separated and slid to flank the saucer segment on each side. The Beta and Gamma, the two drive sections, then flipped over the saucer section, twisted, and went into a steep dive. They then crossed and vectored upward again, spearheading toward the undersides of the other ships, like going for the soft underbelly of some great beast. Spiraling, like a corkscrew, they vectored toward their designated target. With phasers set on minimum and photon torpedoes set on proximity contact flash only, both ships let loose with a barrage of fire. With engines and weapons targeted, the ship's shields tried to hold but could not bear the brunt of the attack. The first ship was dead in the water. The other ship, caught with surprise at the non-linear direction of the attack, concentrated its fire on the saucer section but with its backup now incapacitated, it re-routed its efforts back to the primary hull segments of its attacker. The saucer section, literally unhindered, went straight for the prize.

"Computer, initiate MCET transport of all lifesigns on the freighter."

"Initializing… beginning transport"

"Captain, all life signs have been transferred to Holodeck 1. EMED and EMH's have been activated. "

"Captain to all ships, break off your attack and make your heading to the rendezvous point. T'Pai, set course 090 mark triple-naught, warp 3." Without realizing it, the captain had stood up and was standing in the middle of the bridge with one hand on T'Pai's chair.

"Aye sir. Engaging course and speed.

The captain turned and looked to Tarses, who was grinning broadly. He stood and extended his hand toward Tarses, pointing to him.

"Go ahead….say it…you know you wanna."

Tarses, still grinning broadly, looked around and noted that everyone was looking at him. "That went well!" The bridge erupted in applause and laughter. Janeway sat there somewhat bewildered at how quickly, efficiently, and totally not by-the-book the entire exercise had transpired. But, she thought, I can't argue with results.

The Admiral sat in her stateroom on the Farragut. The rest of the week's exercises resulted in approximately the same results. She had to repeatedly ask the name of the various approaches and attack patterns that the Birkana took. They were all very unconventional but highly effective. With names such as the "Praxian Corkscrew" and the "Vegan Sunburst" and another called the "Arthur Dent," they were able to cause sufficient pandemonium and chaos to achieve their objective. Personally, she thought the attack patterns sounded like names of various mixed alcoholic beverages… something Neelix would cook up if he had made it to the Alpha Quadrant.

Then there was the "Vulcan Sunrise" which uploaded a viral program, intensifying the lighting in the enemy ship by a factor of 3, blinding them during the engagement. But, the "piece de resistance" was a maneuver called the 'intruder alert.' This was another program that was uploaded to the enemy vessel's computer that told the integrated security systems to initiate containment methods, including flooding the ship with Anethezine, if intruders were detected. All that remained was to beam a bio pod over which mimicked the bio-signatures of a group of Cardassians or Ferengi. Since Admiral Flatterly on the Odyssey fell for that one, he was not too particularly fond of Captain Morgan's unconventional methods. Personally, Janeway felt that her selection of Captain couldn't have been better. She valued unconventional thinking; thinking outside the warp containment field, which is what got her and her crew home, with a nod to her future self who had died in the process.

She transmitted the orders giving permission for the Birkana to assume her primary mission. Their first assignment: to escort an envoy from the Tira Epsilon system to a neighboring system for diplomatic talks. She did not expect there to be any issues with that assignment. She leaned back in her chair, stared at the stacks of PADDs on her desk, and with both hands, held the steaming cup of Earl Grey tea. She took in the aroma, the warmth, and the sensation of the steam on her face. Jean Luc swore by this concoction to relax. The jury was still out but she was hopeful.

"Captain's log, 55099.3. We have just completed our first space assignment of escorting a group of squabbling nobles to chitchat with another group of squabbling nobles. It was full of danger and excitement and something that was worthy of the most advanced ship in the quadrant's time and energy."

"Computer…erase previous entry. Belay that! Transfer previous entry to personal log and begin recording again. I have received several personal messages and advice from fellow Captains. Of note were Captains Picard and Riker, as well as my old friend, Captain Chakotay and my old CO, Captain Phares. I also received a communiqué from 'The Captains Calhoun.' Mac conveyed his condolences for having so many admirals wedged up the south end of my northbound power conduit, but otherwise, it was quite positive. He also states that some of my maneuvers have irritated the Admiralty, specifically, Admiral Flattery, which gives Mac no small sense of satisfaction. I have had a chance to get to all sections and to meet everyone. Morale seems very high, as is the level of excitement. We're all like a bunch of school kids who have just been handed the 'coolest toy' on the block. I don't think most of these kids have been in a firefight so here's hoping that they will do well under fire. I've had Moreno and Tarses put the crews through various drills, which have included large battle station drills on the holodecks, as well as drills to familiarize ourselves with the MVA, as well as a unique drill which consisted to a group of holograms which try to take over the ship. I like off-the-wall, or as Admiral Scott likes to say, "wingnut" operations. I have no idea what a "wingnut" is and one of these days I plan on looking it up."

It was 2300 hours and the Captain was just about to go to bed when the whistle of the door drew his attention. He stood from his desk and called to the computer, "come in."

Simon Tarses walked in, surveying the Captain's quarters, looking around a little sheepishly, like he was not supposed to be there. The Captain regarded him with a smile.

"So, I wondered when you would come a knockin' at my door. We've only been out of Spacedock for, ohhh, a couple of weeks now. What took you so long?"

"Well, technically, I used the proximity door chime and didn't knock… I'm being too literal again, aren't I? My apologies" he corrected. "May I sit?"

The Captain gestured to the sofa and Simon sat down on the edge, not looking comfortable. Josh sat on the opposite side facing him, trying to look relaxed.

"Simon, you look like you're at a cadet review. Relax! As I recall, you used to be very relaxed when we shared quarters on the Enterprise." Simon smiled and his cheeks flushed, though he still continued to scrutinize the carpet. It was then that Josh had his first regret in accepting this command. He still had feelings for Simon and had hoped that those feelings were all behind him. Obviously, he was wrong.

"You weren't 'the Captain' then." He turned and regarded the Captain. "I just want to make sure that there isn't going to be any… weirdness… between us. I mean, I know that it has been years since we were… well… close, but … " he hesitated. "…and I know that you chose me for this assignment. I just wanted to talk to you, you know, as former partners and make sure that we were OK; that there was no…. weirdness!"

Josh leaned over and placed a hand on Simon's knee. They had both gotten older but Simon was still a very handsome man. They had been kids, barely out of Starfleet Academy, together on the Enterprise when this business with Admiral Satee blew up. Simon had told him that the only people that believed in him were: Captain Picard, Commander Data, Josh, and Dr. Crusher. Well, five if you count Spot, Data's cat, but he only had Commander Data's word on that. He had said that Josh didn't count since he was sleeping with him. Simon had found comfort in Josh's arms and he fondly remembered wiling away the hours off duty while he and Simon held each other in his bunk and staring at the stars and dreaming about the vast universe beyond the bulkhead and their place in it. Simon stayed on the Enterprise D until her destruction and he accepted a deep-space assignment, away from the Enterprise crew he had come to call family and away from Josh, whom he called his husband. Captain Picard said he had been honored to perform the marriage ceremony, and that it was one of the more pleasant duties to perform as a Captain. They had kept in touch over the years as they had risen through the ranks and taken different post assignments, but, as parted lovers often do.. they both moved on. Or so he thought. He still had very deep feelings for Simon and had really hoped that his feelings had not influenced his decision to promote his former spouse and take him on as senior staff.

"Simon, I want you to know something. I loved you..love you..and still care a great deal for you. I chose you for this assignment because you are an exceptional medic and a brilliant tactician. Our past relationship is that… in the past. You are a friend and a valued officer. I will command you with the same respect that I command any other member of my crew. There will be no 'wierdness.' I will tell you that I have thought very fondly of you over the years and when I saw your name come up on the list of officer candidates, I was excited. I'm telling you, this 'Captain' thing scares the hell out of me. Maybe it was a bit selfish, but I thought it would be nice to have a familiar face around. Plus, Janeway and Jean Luc personally recommended you."

Simon blushed slightly and smiled. "Ok… I appreciate that. I'm glad that you did choose me. I was really itching to get onboard the Birkana and check her out. Which reminds me, we have intruder and mass cal drills scheduled for the next couple of days on the Holodecks. We got the approval from Seven today."

"Excellent, I look forward to seeing the proficiency reports. And Simon, you know that first and foremost, I am always your friend. My door is always open for you, day or night."

"OH HAPPY, HAIRY HELL," he thought, "I can't believe that I just said that!"

Simon smiled, and in a move that proved that his shields were down, he sat there as Simon moved over and kissed him on the head.

"Thanks for that. I'll chat with you later."