Lieutenant Commander Andrea Thoreau shivered as she walked the corridors of Starfleet Headquarters; the sound of her booted heals echoing loudly in the halls. She couldn't believe she was here and for the reasons she'd been given. It was just a week ago when her commanding officer, Captain Tatupu of the Federation Starship Ojai, called her into his ready room.

"You wanted to see me, sir?" Andrea asked, entering the Captain's domain.

Captain Mali Tatupu was a large, imposing figure. Descended from the ruling family of the Tongan Islands, Tatupu was a third son who had no chance of inheriting the throne. He had entered the Academy and was a quick learner, with a quicker wit. His good humor and teddy-bear looks belied the pure strength and agility the big man possessed. Those who thought his size would slow his movements soon found themselves pinned and badly beaten. Mali waived his First Officer into the room.

"Sit down, Andy," Captain Mali spoke in heavily accented Tongan, "I've got some things to discuss with you."

Andy eased down into the comfortable overstuffed chairs and waited for the Captain to continue.

"I've got a confession to make," Mali said, smiling, "I'm afraid I've gone and gotten you transferred."

Andy bolted up from the chair, "Transferred, Captain, but, why?"

He motioned her back in the chair, "Calm down, Commander." He said easily and Andy dropped back into the chair, "It's not exactly a transfer," he paused for emphasis, "yet."

Andy was not enjoying the rollercoaster of emotions the Captain was putting her on. "Please, Mali, just tell me what you've done."

Captain Mali smiled. "The Federation has decided to establish a new facility on the outskirts of Beta Quadrant. It is to be a medical-research-educational site open to all species, whether they are Federation members or not. They also hope to use it to draw prospective members in."

Andrea listened intently to the Captain's explanation. Tatupu continued, "Make no mistake, it will be Starfleet run, so they want an Academy trained commanding officer with a medical or science background." Again, he paused for effect, "I thought it was a perfect fit for you."

He waited as the full impact of his comments landed on Andy's shoulders. She returned his level gaze, choosing her words carefully, "I'm not a doctor, Mali, and I haven't been in research in a VERY long time."

He smiled back, "I know that's a part of your background that you don't share, but, Andy, it's the very reason you are perfect for this job. That, and with your pedigree."

By pedigree, the Captain was referring to Andy's father, Dr. Walden Thoreau. A descendant of the American poet, Henry David Thoreau, her father had been a very well-known and highly respected member of the Academy's teaching staff, specializing in scientific research and development. His wife, Andy's mother, Constance, was a medical doctor and surgeon, who also taught occasionally at the Academy. Her specialty had been reconstructive surgery.

Once again, Andy chose her words carefully in response, "But, Mali, I'm not really sure I'm ready for command. I've never given much thought to it."

"You're lying." Mali said simply. "You've thought about it but you're hiding right now."

Andy started to interrupt but Mali stopped her, "When you realize Pinter's death was an accident, you'll finally agree, until then you'll argue. Because of that, you need a push. I'm giving it to you. The transport will be here at 0-eight hundred hours. Pack a bag, your dress uni, and be ready to go."

Again, Andy started to argue, but the Captain stopped her once more, "I can make it an order if I have to but I don't want to." His tone was firm. There would be no more discussion (as if there really was, Andy thought). He smiled then, softening his features, "You will sleep on it tonight and by morning you will know it's the right thing. I don't really want to lose you, Andy. You've been the kind of First Officer every Captain dreams of, but it's time you moved on. This is tailor-made for you. If you can't see it now, you will once you're there." The Captain stood from his desk, signaling the end of their discussion. Andrea rose as well as he came to stand beside her. Without warning, the big man drew her into a bear hug.

"Good luck, Commander. You will be missed."

He let her go and stepped back, completely in Captain mode, "You're dismissed."

Andy smiled and then snapped to attention, "Aye, sir. Thank you." And then left the ready room to pack for her journey.

Now, here she sat, waiting outside the Tribunal conference room to interview for a Captaincy she wasn't sure she wanted.

Deep down, she had wondered if it wasn't time to move on. The captain was right, of course. Pinter's death was an accident. On a mapping expedition to an asteroid belt, Pinter had stupidly left the research party Andy headed. The group soon discovered that parts of the asteroid had shifting sands, not unlike quick sand. They were able to identify them as they traversed the area. However, because Pinter had taken it upon himself to separate from the group he didn't get the information. They heard his distress cries and attempted to get to him but he was too far gone. Andy had immediately transported the party back to the Ojai. She had filed her report, taking blame for Pinter's error. She personally contacted his next of kin to report the accident, refusing to allow Mali to have to do what she considered her job. Although Captain Tatupu had amended her report with the reports of several others on the expedition, Andy refused to give up the blame. Had she been a more effective leader, Andrea reasoned, Pinter would have obeyed her command and he would still be alive. Mali knew her reasoning was flawed and that this interview would be just the thing to refocus his First Officer.

One thing Andy knew for sure about this adventure: It would certainly be interesting.