Chapter 10

Captain's log; stardate 57321.5: With exciting adventures always comes busywork. Ever since we got the Orion back to starbase, I have been buried in repairs, crew performance reports, and my own reports to Capt. Picard. The Orion sustained major damage, most of which was a result of the Enquiry's attack. Once again, I find myself, in charge of a damaged ship.

But that is nothing compared to the constant questioning of Starfleet Command and Starfleet Intelligence. They don't know what to do about Section 31. To blow the whistle might destroy people's faith in the Federation. We also have no idea how deep within Starfleet Section 31 goes. A number of my officers have gone to Earth for questioning. As soon as the Orion is secure, it will be my turn to face Starfleet Command. I predict a trip to Earth will be in my near future.

Lindsey stood facing the transporter pad. "Energize." Four silhouettes appeared on the platform and transformed into Thrim, Grant, Rikka, and O'Hara. "Welcome home everyone."

"Home?" asked Ser'rek Thrim as he stepped down from the platform. "I wasn't aware that the Orion was my home."

"It could be, if you wish," said Lindsey. "It may not be the Woodrow Wilson, but maybe you could find your place here."

"If Starfleet allows it," replied the Andorian. "They are not going to press charges against me, but they have not completely let me off the hook for my work with Section 31."

"We will see about that," said Lindsey. "I know an admiral or two at Starfleet Command."

Ser'rek looked about the ship as though evaluating it. "You're right. It's not the Wilson. Nor would I want it to be. The Wilson is gone, and it's never coming back. I would be willing to give the Orion a chance to be my new home."

"Glad to hear it, Commander. Meet me in my ready room at 1600 hours." Lindsey turned towards her Chief of Security. "Cmdr. Grant, how was your visit with Starfleet Intelligence?"

"They were very excited to get their hands on a Romulan cloaking device. They also officially sanctioned our operation. So, they will protect us from any accusations of breaking the treaty by our use of a cloaking device. In addition, they tried to recruit us."

"And what did you say to them?" asked Lindsey, a bit nervous.

"I said that I wish to remain on the Orion," said Grant.

"Lieutenant Rikka?"

The Bajoran woman shifted uneasily. "I told them I wished to remain on the Orion, but I might consider it in the future."

Lindsey smiled, "I'd love to keep you Lieutenant, but if you desire a career in intelligence work, I wouldn't want to stop you. Think about it."

"Yes, Captain."

Lindsey looked towards the Orion woman. "Lieutenant O'Hara, were you recruited as well?"

"I shot them down right away," said O'Hara without hesitation. "I have no desire to work in intelligence ever again. However, Starfleet Engineering wanted to have me work with them on the warbird, the cloaking device, and other Romulan equipment we acquired."

"And…?"

"I told them, that I am exactly where I want to be."

Lindsey barely held back a sigh of relief. She didn't want to have to hunt down another chief engineer. "Since it seems that everyone is remaining on board, check in with your departments and take the next shift off. I think all of you have been working hard enough these last couple of days. Dismissed."

"Thank you, Captain," said Frank, who then turned to the two ladies. "Orion's Club, say 1700."

"Happy hour, Commander? Count me in," replied Lt. Rikka.

"I'll be there," added Lt. O'Hara. Lindsey did not know what it was all about, but she was glad to see O'Hara finally interacting with the crew. She smiled as the officers left the transporter room.

Ser'rek Thrim remained. "Ensign, show Mr. Thrim the quarters we've set up for him." Lindsey stopped Ser'rek as he was walking out. "Let me know if there is anything you will need."

"I will. Thank you, Captain."

"My pleasure, Commander."

The ensign led Ser'rek down the corridor. Lindsey went the opposite direction, towards the bridge. As soon as the turbo lift doors opened, Lindsey walked on to the bridge with a stride that meant business. "Status reports?"

Lt. Cmdr. Worf reported, "Shields, weapons, and emergency systems are at peak parameters."

Lt. Ryan added, "Warp drive and thrusters are fully functioning. Our rear impulse engine is functioning at its best, but Engineering tells me that our other two engines on the saucer are complete losses. Lt. Kustov recommends that we bring the Orion back to Mars for complete repairs. However, he didn't want to make a final report until Lt. O'Hara looked at things."

"I don't think the Utopia Planitia shipyard will appreciate us returning their ship banged up after only a few months of use. What do you think, Henry?"

"I suppose not," came Henry's answer in a flat voice. Henry would usually humor Lindsey with her simple jokes; even in these past months when he had been somewhat cold to her. But this time he didn't even turn to face Lindsey. This behavior from her one time friend made Lindsey nervous, and she could tell that something was on his mind.

"Mr. Worf, is your captain okay with you still being on the Orion?"

"I will be returning to the Enterprise tomorrow."

"The Orion thanks you for your service. I in particular thank you for helping my senior staff while I was away."

"It was an honor to serve with the warriors on board the Orion. They live up to their reputation."

"If you wouldn't mind, Mr. Worf, please take the bridge." Worf nodded his head, and Lindsey turned to Henry. "Mr. Hickensen, will you join me in my ready room?"

"Of course, Captain." Henry followed Lindsey to her ready room. As Lindsey sat down, Henry remained standing. "I noticed that Lt. Cmdr. Ser'rek Thrim returned to the Orion."

Was this what Henry was disturbed about? "Yes, I decided to house him on the Orion until he is cleared by Starfleet Command and Intelligence. When he is cleared, I plan to make him chief tactical officer and my second officer. He has the experience, and as you noted in our report, we are in desperate need of a tactical officer. He should round off both my primary bridge crew and my senior staff."

"That may not be so," said Henry.

Lindsey looked intently at Henry, "If you have objections to this idea, please let me know. You are my first officer."

"Actually, that is what I wanted to talk to you about," Henry shifted his weight nervously, but still didn't sit down. "Perhaps you should consider Mr. Thrim as your first officer."

"But you are my first officer," replied Lindsey, a bit confused.

Henry stood straight. "Captain, I am requesting transfer."

"What?!" Lindsey stood from her seat. "Transfer to where?"

"Capt. Benteen has offered me the second officer's position on the Lakota."

"Henry, that's a demotion."

"Is it really? Did you think of me as a qualified first officer when you were considering Mr. Worf or Cmdr. Tuvok for the position?"

Lindsey didn't realize that Henry was aware of that. "Taking those officers would have been a concession. I have always wanted you as my first officer. I trust you, Henry. There is no one else I want for my first officer besides you." As Lindsey said the words 'no one else' her mind jumped back to her lonely night on the Enquiry. Did she really want Henry with her simply because he was a good first officer, or was there some other reason?

Lindsey dismissed the thought from her mind, and continued her argument. "Plus, all that was before these last couple of weeks. In my absence, you were in command of the Orion. And you did a fantastic job. Everyone's doubts about you have been dropped. You have impressed Lt. Cmdr. Worf, Capt. Picard, and Capt. Benteen. In fact, I suspect Benteen is trying to steal you from me."

"And you're trying to keep me away from Benteen. Is this a captains' rivalry?"

"No, that's not it all!" Lindsey said as she leaned forward on her desk in anger. She couldn't understand Henry's behavior. "I am not trying to fight Benteen. I am just trying to convince you not to accept a demotion."

"Capt. Benteen's first officer will soon get his own command. After that I will be in line to replace him, and I will receive the full rank of commander. I just think this is the best move for my career."

"I don't. Eventually you would get the first officer's post and the rank of commander. But here on the Orion you're on the fast track. You are already the first officer. And if you keep impressing Starfleet you will receive the promotion you want so dearly years earlier than if you transfer to the Lakota." As Lindsey heard her own words she began to wonder when Henry had become so interested in promotions and accelerating his career. Or was something else bothering Henry?

"Nevertheless, I am still requesting transfer. Will you grant it?"

"No! I will not!" Lindsey circled her desk and stood directly in front of Henry. "Not until I know the real reason for this request. Is it a crew member? Is it Thrim? Is it me?! I will not allow you to leave this room until I know exactly what is going on!"

Henry remained standing formally at attention. "Permission to speak freely, Captain."

"I insist!"

Henry broke his formal stance and looked Lindsey in the eyes, "Permission to speak very freely."

Lindsey's anger yielded to confusion. "Permission granted."

Henry sighed, reached out, held Lindsey by the shoulders, leaned in, and kissed her directly on the lips. Lindsey was so caught off guard that she nearly fell backwards. But then, surprise yielded to pleasure, and she allowed him to continue the kiss. His arm slid to the back of her head, pulling her closer. Lindsey's own arms embraced Henry. It was probably lasted only a second or two, but the kiss felt like an hour. When Henry withdrew, Lindsey's head was spinning "What…What just happened?"

Henry stood back and dropped his eyes. "These last couple months working as you first officer have been increasingly difficult. The longer I served under you the more my feelings for you increased. But none of it was so difficult as when you were missing and possibly dead. I felt almost physically sick at times. I even thought that I may never see you again." Henry looked Lindsey in the eyes. "I can't continue to work underneath you. My feelings will affect my work."

"Henry, what we had back at the Academy wasn't love." Even as she mentioned the childish relationship she'd previously had with Henry, Lindsey realized that not once had Henry ever kissed her like he had just a moment ago.

"I know it wasn't. That's why it didn't last. But this is different. I didn't notice it, but it began when I saw you take command of the old Orion. And there was that week we spent in Utah. There was no temptation for juvenile fun, but simply a deep desire to spend more time with you.

"Then you became a Starfleet captain, and I just tried to put it all away. But I couldn't, not as long as you were there, every single day. And with you as my superior officer there was nothing I could do. And then you were gone, and I didn't know if I would ever see you again. I almost couldn't handle it. Lindsey, I'm falling in love with you."

"I had no idea. I mean, I knew something wasn't right between us, but I didn't know it was…"

"You were running a starship. I think your mind was occupied. Besides, now that I know the feelings are not mutual, I have to insist even more on transfer."

Lindsey shrank back and sat on her desk. Her loneliness on the Enquiry returned to her. "That's not true."

"What's not true?"

"You're the one who held me together when I took command of the old Orion. That experience bonded us. It was something deeper than anything we had back at the Academy. I noticed it in Utah. The thought of pursuing us again came to mind. But I thought it was prudent to wait and see what our assignments were.

"Then Janeway made me a captain. Since taking over the Orion, my greatest regret has been that we've drifted apart. Addressing each other by rank and last name, maintaining professional distance. What we had was fading. The reality is that the captain's chair is the loneliest place in Starfleet."

Lindsey bowed her head. "But I didn't even know the full extent my feelings until I was on the Enquiry. I was alone on ship full of dangerous liars. That loneliness was the most terrible feeling I have ever experienced." Lindsey raised her eyes to Henry. "But of all the people I missed, it was you I wanted with me, no one else. Not Frank, not Chef, not Selina, Johnathan, or Ryan. And I didn't want Lieutenant Commander Hickensen. I wanted you, Henry! And I still do. I don't want you to leave. Maybe that's selfish of me, but it's true."

For a long moment Lindsey and Henry stood there awkwardly. What were they to do in this situation? Prudential judgement said that a relationship between a captain and her first officer was a bad idea, and Starfleet regulations expressly forbid it. Do they just forget it and go their separate ways, like they did upon graduation from the Academy?

Henry was the first to speak, "If I leave, I won't be your subordinate anymore."

"But you will still be a lower rank. By the time you reach commander, I will most likely be a full captain. Also, the Lakota and the Orion might have entirely different assignments. We might not only be on different ships, we could be in different sectors." Lindsey looked Henry in the eye. "If you transfer, it will likely be 'good bye'. It's just as you said, the only thing worse than serving together while not being together, is being utterly separated. I need you, Henry."

"Need me? As your first officer?"

"No," Lindsey stood back up and faced Henry. "Thrim could fill that spot. Or I could find someone else. Starfleet is big, and there are many officers that can fill the Orion's needs. But what I need is you. And I think that would be true even if I wasn't a captain." Lindsey put her arms on Henry's broad shoulders. "I want you here with me."

Lindsey then stood on her tip toes and meet Henry halfway for a long, slow kiss. For a long couple of seconds, they held each other, lips locked. When they finally broke, Lindsey sat back down on her desk and Henry bowed his head. Both were silent for a long time.

Finally, Henry, without lifting his head, spoke. "What do we do? Stay together and pretend like none of this happened?"

"No, we can't do that anymore. It will break us," answered Lindsey, also without lifting her head.

"Then I need to transfer."

"I don't want you to go, Henry."

"So, you wouldn't grant the transfer?"

Lindsey sighed. "We depart for Mars in two days for repairs, and the Lakota will be here for those two days as well." Lindsey stood before Henry, "I am tied to the Orion, I can't leave. The decision is yours. If, after two days, you request transfer, I'll grant it. But if you don't, then we find a way for us to work."

"If we're together. Even if we restrict ourselves, and set boundaries to our relationship; we'd be breaking the spirit, if not the letter, of Starfleet regulations." Henry put emphasis in his words. "A captain cannot fraternize with her sub-ordinates. If Starfleet Command finds out, you could lose your command of the Orion."

"I know," said Lindsey with a calmness that surprised even her. "But I am willing to risk it."

Henry stood still in thought. "Two days?" He continued standing there for another long second and then straighten in a formal stance, "Two days. Thank you, Captain. Permission to return to duty."

"Permission granted, Commander. Dismissed," said Lindsey in a subdued voice. Henry then did an about face and walked out of her ready room.

Lindsey sat back down on her desk, then allowed herself to slide down the front of the desk and sit on the floor. Her mind was completely flooded, and her heart was pounding. The only consistent thought in her mind was that she didn't want to lose Henry.

Alivia set her data pad down with a thud and a sense of accomplishment. "That's all for today. We can finish the last reports tomorrow. Then we can submit them all to the Captain. Lt. Kustov, you have taken good care of the Orion while I was away."

"Just doing my duty, sir," said the Russian engineer.

"And you do it well. I am going to miss you when you're gone." And Alivia meant it. She discovered that her earlier fears of Kustov being her rival on the Orion were unmerited. Kustov loved his work, and the engineers loved him; but in no way did he disrupt Alivia's authority. "Did Deep Space Nine ever get back to you?"

"I decided to stop waiting," said Kustov. "A better opportunity has arisen."

"Oh?"

"Captain Benteen is looking for some new engineers with experience on older Starfleet vessels. I submitted my resume, and her chief engineer has signed off on me. I expect to be transferred there soon."

"The Lakota! An old Excelsior class ship. Are you ready for that?"

"Oh, yes," said Kustov. "It will be even better than the original Orion. They knew how to build a starship back then. Will all her upgrades the Lakota is a wonderful mess. I can't wait to get my hands on her, and have her singing like the beautiful old bird she is."

"Lt. Kustov, you sound like a chief engineer. Look me in the eyes and tell me that the idea of having your own ship to mend and hone doesn't appeal to you."

Kustov shrugged. "Maybe. It might just be worth the administrative nightmares."

"Careful, Vlad. You might just get accidently promoted." Kustov raised his eyebrows at Alivia's used of his first name. Alivia was a bit surprised herself, but somehow it felt appropriate. "Either way, you will be missed on the Orion."

"I leave her in your capable hands, Lieutenant."

Alivia looked at her clock in her office. "The Captain's given me a short shift. I think I will call it an evening."

"Have somewhere to be, Lieutenant?"

"Nothing big," said Alivia, trying to hide her embarrassment. "I made an agreement with the away team that I would join them for a toast."

The corners of Vlad's mouth curled up in a smile. "Make sure you find some enjoyment in it, Lieutenant."

"I'll try my best." Both Alivia and Vlad left the chief engineer's office and went their separate ways. Alivia took a turbo lift up to one of the decks in the saucer section, and made her way to the starboard side of the ship.

When she arrived at her destination, Alivia took a deep breath outside the door. She stepped forward and the double doors slid open. Inside was a large softly lit room. Gentle background music filled the air. On her left was a large bar table. Patrons sat there and ordered their drinks. On the right welcoming O'Hara into the establishment was a statue of a tall, mythical man in the attire of a Greek hero. It was Orion himself, the man of ancient Earth myth, posing in the same manner as his namesake constellation when viewed from Earth. In his right hand, raised above his head, was his great bronze club as the ancient poets described; and on his left arm was a mighty shield. It was from this mascot that the ship's off duty lounge got its name, Orion's Club. It was cheesy, but in the seriousness of space exploration, a bad pun was sometimes appreciated.

"Lt. O'Hara, over here." Alivia saw Lt. Rikka waving at her from a booth. Lt. Cmdr. Grant was already there. Alivia made her way to the booth. "Glad to see we finally got you to come to Orion's Club," said Rikka.

"I guess I couldn't avoid this place forever," answered Alivia as Rikka made room for her in the booth, seated across from Grant.

"What kind of stereotypical Irish lass are you, if you don't frequent the local pub?" asked Grant.

"First of all, I am an Irish lady, not a Scottish lass," said Alivia. Then she indicated her green skin, "Secondly, I am obviously not a stereotypical Irish lady, Cmdr. Grant."

"However, I bet that you have a taste for good whiskey." Grant pulled a bottle from his side and three glasses. "I've been saving this for the right moment. Kentucky bourbon, the finest you will find." Grant poured three glasses and slid two of them to the ladies. He raised his glass. "A toast: The three of us went undercover despite having no intelligence training whatsoever, and our chief engineer managed to stop an enemy ship from blowing up while we were on board. To a difficult job well done."

"Cheers," said Alivia as she clinked her glass against Grant's and Rikka's. She brought the glass to her lips, gave it a swirl and a sniff, and took a sip. She savored the flavor for a moment before swallowing. Rikka on the other hand sniffed it suspiciously before taking a bit too generous of a sip. She coughed a bit before recovering.

"Well, what do you think?" asked Grant.

"Delightful," answered Rikka. "Do this have synthehol?"

"On no," said Grant. "This is authentic Kentucky bourbon, with real alcohol. So be careful how much you drink. O'Hara, I am rather interested in the opinion of a lady of Ireland."

Alivia, took another sip. "Quite nice. However, I would prefer a good Irish whiskey."

"Oh, I don't think so. That stuff from across the pond is better in your imagination than in reality," said Grant. "Don't get me wrong, it's good. But no one makes it better than the distillers in Kentucky."

"Perhaps we should try them side by side. Next time I'm on Earth, I'll pick up a bottle from Ireland. Then we can have Rikka cast the deciding vote."

"Do you really think I will notice the difference between two beverages from the same planet?" asked Rikka. "You want a comparison? I'll bring a liquor from Bajor. Then we can have a taste off."

Alivia found herself laughing. "It's a deal. Ireland vs. Kentucky vs. Bajor." She still wasn't sure if this was appropriate behavior for a senior officer, but she decided that she was going to enjoy it. And it was enjoyable. The trio continued their visiting for the next hour, at the end of which Rikka stood up.

"I'm calling it a night."

"Already?" asked Grant.

"You forget, Bajor has a twenty-six hour day. I lose two hours of sleep every night on Earth time. Thus, I like to check in early. Good night, you two." Alivia thought she saw Rikka give Grant a sly smile as she left, but Alivia didn't know what it meant.

"I suppose I should call it a night, as well," Alivia started to get up. "Vlad and I still have a whole list of things to look at before submitting final reports."

"I can't tempt you with another glass?" Grant held up the bottle. "Despite your objections, I think you liked it. Besides, it might be good for you. After all, having just one seems to have loosen your tongue, just a bit."

"What do you mean?"

"You just called Lt. Kustov by his first name. That is the first time I heard you call any crew member by anything other than rank and last name."

"I guess I did," said Alivia as she slid back into her seat. "But don't think that a second drink will make me take my clothes off."

Grant laughed as he poured a second glass of bourbon. "Not my intention, Lieutenant. Besides, I've already seen that." Alivia took the glass from Grant. "I would, however, like to get to know you better, Ms. O'Hara."

Alivia stopped with her drink halfway to her mouth. "What do you mean?"

"I suppose I'm the one who should be careful when I've had a drink," said Grant. Then he took a more serious tone. "When you first came on board this ship, I found you to be…attractive."

"Because I am an Orion?"

"No," said Grant. "I mean you are a beautiful lady, but it's more than that. I could tell there was much more to you than the eye beheld. I want you to know that I enjoyed no part of our undercover 'relationship.' In fact, I feared that being with you in that way would forever change the way I look at you. And I have to admit, that image is a hard one to clear from my head."

"When you look at me, you see a slave girl," Alivia lowered her head and starred at her drink.

"Sometimes, but not always," said Grant. "When I watched you working on that Romulan warbird, I saw the real you: smart, quick thinking, resourceful, driven, not self-conscious, cool under pressure, and bold. That's the Alivia O'Hara I want to know; not some fantasy of a slave girl."

Alivia recalled Rikka's suspicious exit. "Is this supposed to be some sort of date? You ask me to come as a trio of coworkers, then Rikka conveniently ducks out."

"No, no, no" answered Grant very quickly. "Not at all. If there is any such scheming it is purely on Rikka's part; although, I would not put it past her. I don't intend this as a date. Although not forbidden since we work in different departments, anything more than a professional relationship and a mere friendship is discouraged by Starfleet. So, dating might not be prudent…at the time being."

"At the time being?" asked Alivia. "What do you mean by that?"

"You and I are only one rank apart: I a lieutenant commander; you a lieutenant senior grade. But you have had your rank for a while now, and you are the chief engineer of a Galaxy class starship. That is a lieutenant commander's post. As long as you keep impressing the captain and Starfleet, you will have that promotion in no time. Then we will be free to date…or not to date."

"Now I'm really confused," said Alivia. "Are you asking me out on a date in anticipation of a future promotion?"

"I'm not really sure what I'm doing," said Grant clearly flustered. Alivia was surprise to realize that Grant was nervous. Here was a man who had bravely fought off a boarding party of armed Romulans and coolly negotiated a cloaking device away from a Romulan sub-commander, yet he was having trouble talking to a girl! And that girl was Alivia! Despite herself, Alivia found it faltering.

Alivia also found the nervousness of the usually confident and strong security man to be endearing. It was as if Alivia was now seeing Grant though through a new lens. She had always seen Grant as a dignified and capable officer worthy of respect. But now she also saw him as a man who was smart, honest, loyal, and not at all unattractive. It was at that point that Alivia realized her heart was beating faster.

As Alivia tried to calm herself, Grant seemed to have regained his confidence. "I may not know what I am doing, but I do know that I want to know better. Does that mean we will end up dating in the future or just becoming good friends? I'm not sure. But I want to find out."

During the awkward pause that follow Alivia recovered herself and took a silent sip of bourbon. Grant became nervous again and finally spoke, "Well…Say something, please."

Alivia set her drink down and looked Grant in the eye, "I don't know. I am not sure I could do it." Grant's face fell in disappointment, but Alivia keep her serious gaze on him. "Because when I look at you all I can see is 'Captain Axeman,' the dashing, rough 'n' tough, yet very handsome space pirate."

Grant's expression became perplexed, but Alivia smiled as she took another sip of bourbon. Then Grant began to chuckle. Alivia also allowed a laugh to escape. Soon both of them were laughing out loud.

Finally, Alivia spoke. "Mr. Grant, I would like to get to know you better as well."

"In that case, you can call me Frank. All my other friends do," said Grant with much relief.

"Why Frank?"

"Abbreviation of my middle name, Francis. It's easier to say than Ulysses."

"Frank," said Alivia. The use of the nick name felt good; it was more familiar and friendlier. "Then I guess you can call me Alivia. But only off duty," Alivia added quickly.

"Of course…Alivia." Frank said her name slowly and deliberately, and Alivia liked the sound of it coming off his lips.

"To whatever comes next," said Alivia as she raised her glass.

"To whatever comes next," replied Frank. The two of them clinked their glasses and drained their drinks.

Henry walked about the ship in a daze for the whole rest of the day. That night he found no sleep. He tossed and turned all night long, agonizing over the decision that lay in front of him.

Lindsey was right. If he left it would be good bye. They would certainly see each other again, but they would never be together. Conventional wisdom told him that was fine. Platitudes like 'there are other fish in the sea' went through his mind, but brought him no comfort. Part of him had wished that Lindsey had felt nothing for him, but to have her practically beg him to stay made the prospect of leaving all the more painful.

On the other hand, could he really stay? Staying and starting a 'together but not dating' relationship with Lindsey was more than bending the rules. Could he be responsible for Lindsey losing her chance at a permanent captaincy? Without that fourth pip on her collar, Lindsey had no protection if Starfleet decided to take the Orion away from her. And if that happened she may never become a captain. She was the one taking the greater risk, yet she was putting the burden of decision on him.

The next day, Henry reported for his duties a half hour before his shift. With a thermos full of raktajino, Henry relieved Lt. Selina Chaput who was on the night shift. Henry only drank the Klingon coffee when he was truly weary. He watched the bridge for three hours before Lindsey arrived. When Henry saw her, he felt the weight of decision crushing upon his shoulders.

"Commander, anything to report?"

"No, Captain, nothing." Henry wondered if Lindsey could see the weariness on his face.

"Commander, our guest, Mr. Worf, is getting ready to depart for the Enterprise. Since you worked closely with him, I think it would be appropriate for you to see him out. I can take the bridge while you are away."

"It would be an honor."

"An honor?" asked Lindsey. "I think you've been around that Klingon too long."

Despite his sour mood Henry found a smile forming on his face. Lindsey too was smiling, and looking very beautiful doing it. Henry's decision returned like a hundred-pound weigh on his mind. "Computer, where is Lt. Cmdr. Worf."

"Lt. Cmdr. Worf is in the mess hall," answered the computer. Henry nodded to Lindsey and entered the turbo lift. When he arrived at the mess hall he found Worf finishing his breakfast.

"Gagh for breakfast? Is that normal for a Klingon?"

"It is not unheard of, Commander." said Worf as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. "But I am not likely to get such good Klingon cuisine once I return to the Enterprise. Please give my compliments to your chef."

"I will do that," replied Henry. "Captain Lander has asked me to escort you back to the Enterprise."

"She informed me earlier," said Worf as he stood up from his empty plate. "It has been an honor serving on the Orion, but I am eager to return to my ship."

"Understood, Commander. Follow me." Worf picked up his bag and followed Henry. Henry pointed to the Klingon blade attached to Worf's bag. "Sorry you didn't get to use your mek'leth on this assignment."

"I was able to use the Orion's weapons. That would satisfy any warrior." Worf looked around. "You have a good ship, Commander. It reminds me of the Enterprise-D."

"Yes, she is a good ship." The idea of leaving the Orion made Henry sick to the stomach. The idea of leaving its captain was even worse.

The two officers arrived at the transporter room. "Ensign, is the Enterprise ready?"

"Yes, sir," answered the young transporter operator. "The Enterprise is awaiting their first officer."

"Good. Commander Worf, it has been an honor working with you."

"The honor is mine, Commander Hickensen," replied the Klingon.

A suddenly thought entered Henry's mind. "Ensign, leave the transporter room."

"Sir?" asked the young officer, but he left when Henry gave him a commanding glare.

Worf also seemed confused. "Is there something else, Commander?"

"Please forgive the personal question, Mr. Worf, but I have to ask. Do you have any regrets…I mean when it came to your wife; do you have any regrets?"

Worf's face revealed a long-held anger. "I regret that I was not there to protect her when she was taken from me."

"I'm sorry," said Henry hastily. "That's not what I meant. With all the consequences: the damage to you career and the pain of losing her; do you regret marrying her? Would it not have been better not to even know her?"

The anger in Worf's face was replaced with a grim seriousness. "I regret nothing about my marriage to Jadzia. Even knowing what was to come I would still marry her again. Having her for even so little a time was worth all the pain." Worf gave Henry a knowing look. "Tread carefully, Commander."

"I intend to. Thank you, Mr. Worf. You have been a great help to both the Orion and to me personally." Henry stood behind the transporter console. "Ready?"

Worf nodded, "Energize." Henry worked the controls and the transporter beam took Worf away. Henry saw the confirmation from the Enterprise appear on the screen.

Henry laughed a bit to himself. "Taking love advice from a Klingon. I didn't see that coming." The weight on Henry's mind was gone. His decision was made. He walked out of the transporter room at brisk walk. "Ensign, return to your post," he said to the transporter officer as he turned a corner and headed to the bridge.

When he arrived, he walked right up to the captain's chair. Lindsey turned towards him. "Was Cmdr. Worf pleased to return to his ship?"

"Yes, Captain," reported Henry. While maintaining his formal pose, Henry added, "May I speak with you, Captain?"

Lindsey's eyes grew wide with trepidation. She clearly realized that Henry had made his decision, but was not yet sure what it was. "Mr. Mikkelson, you have the bridge. My ready room, Commander."

Henry allowed Lindsey to walk before him, leading him into her ready room. Unlike normal Lindsey did not go to her desk chair, but rather turned around in the center of the room "Henry, you have another day."

"I don't need another day. I know what I need to do."

Lindsey looked down to the floor. "You're leaving."

Henry walked up to Lindsey, and with his hand lifted her chin. "No, Lindsey. Leaving you would be the biggest mistake of my life."

Lindsey threw her arms around him and kissed him right on the lips. Henry returned the kiss, and the two of them continue to kiss each other in a romantic embrace right there in the captain's ready room.

Finally, Lindsey broke the moment. "If we're going to do this, we need ground rules; rules that will prevent us from going to far."

"Okay," said Henry. "Like what?"

"First, we can't do that again," said Lindsey. "At least not here. And not any place where the crew might see us. We can't just be discreet like Johnathan and Selina. We need to be secret. No affectionate smiles, no little flirts."

"In other words, we're courting but not dating."

"Something like that," answered Lindsey. "Maybe we can set up some sort of time and place to safely express our feelings; something that wouldn't be out of the norm for a captain and her first officer; like a weekly dinner or something like that."

"Ah, this is going to be awful," groaned Henry. "But if this is real, then it will be worth it."

"That's one way of putting it," said Lindsey.

"One condition," said Henry.

"What's that?" asked Lindsey.

"We start two minutes from now." Then Henry leaned down and gave her another long kiss. When the two of them emerged from the ready room they appeared simply as a captain and her first officer.

Lindsey noted that the Orion's conference room had never had so many high ranking officers in it before. Lindsey was sitting at the head of the table, as was her prerogative as ship's captain. To her right was Henry, as her first officer. After him was Capt. Benteen of the Lakota and her first officer. To Lindsey's left was Capt. Picard and Lt. Cmdr. Worf from the Enterprise. Lindsey was just finishing her report on the Orion.

"So, at 1300 hours, the Orion will depart for the Terran System and the Mars shipyards for repair. The current estimate is that we will be in space dock for six days."

"A nice little chunk of leave for you," said Benteen.

"For my crew maybe, but not for me," said Lindsey. "I expect to spend all six days at Starfleet Headquarters. They are not yet done questioning me."

"I don't envy you," said Benteen. "The Lakota will be taking your place patrolling the neutral zone. We depart at 1700 hours."

"And the Enterprise," reported Picard. "Will be escorting you back to Mars and Earth. I too have some questions to answer as your supervising captain. Unfortunately, this will be the last time I will have that pleasure."

Lindsey looked at Capt. Picard, "You will no longer be my supervisor?"

"The Enterprise is being reassigned. I just got the orders today. More details await me at Starfleet Headquarters." Picard looked Lindsey in the eye. "It has been a pleasure working with you, Capt. Lander. I want you to know that I have every confidence that you will make a fine captain. Continue working hard for your ship and crew, and you will do well."

"Thank you, Captain," said Lindsey with full sincerity. "If I may ask, who will be my new supervisor?"

"She's right here with us," said Picard as he indicated the woman across from him.

"Capt. Benteen?" said Lindsey with surprise.

The female captain smiled. "I just found out today. After the Orion's repairs are complete, she is to rendezvous with the Lakota on the border of the Neutral Zone. Then both ships will continue our patrolling."

"Oh," said Lindsey with a dejected voice.

"Were you hoping for a different supervisor?" asked Benteen.

"Oh no! It's not that!" said Lindsey quickly. "I was just hoping that I could convince Starfleet to pull the Orion off the Neutral Zone."

"Make no mistake, Captain," spoke Picard. "The Orion's presence on the Neutral Zone is a message to Romulans that Starfleet is resilient."

"I just wish that message didn't always involve putting my crew in harm's way."

"Some advice, Captain," offered Picard. "Take the assignment without objection. After another couple of months, begin gently requesting reassignment for the sake of the crew. The Orion will eventually be rotated off this duty."

"Sound advice, Captain."

"I think it's time we all get back to our ships," said Picard. "If we are to leave on schedule."

"Then I call this meeting adjourned," said Lindsey as she stood up. "Capt. Benteen, would you indulge me for a brief private meeting." Benteen nodded affirmatively. "Good. Mr. Hickensen, would you kindly escort Capt. Picard and Cmdr. Worf."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Henry, Picard, Worf, and Benteen's first officer left the room. Benteen herself sat back down. "What can I do for you, Captain?"

"If we're going to be working together, I think there is a little matter we should put behind us."

"I assume you are referring to my attempts to steal your first officer," said Benteen. "I hope you can forgive me, but when I saw him command the Orion in battle, I knew that I at least had to try. I was shocked when he actually gave it serious consideration."

"So was I," said Lindsey. "But I convinced him that it was a bad career decision. But I want you to know that I do not blame you for your attempt. While trying to fill my own senior staff, I discovered how brutal the world of a young Starfleet captain can be. Especially given my unusual circumstances."

"I remember that," said Benteen with sincerity. "If you recall, the circumstances of my ascension to the captain's chair were also unusual. There were some serious trust issues my first year or two." Lindsey recalled that Benteen had become captain of the Lakota when Admiral Leyton attempted to orchestrate a Starfleet military coup of the Federation. Benteen smiled, "I think this partnership will be a new adventure for the both of us."

"I am looking forward to it, Captain," answered Lindsey.

After Captain Benteen had returned to her ship, Lindsey returned to her quarters hoping to get a quick rest before overseeing the Orion's return voyage to Mars. The doors to her quarters opened and her lights came on automatically. She set a data pad on her coffee table, stretched her arms in a massive yawn, and sat down on her couch.

"Things seem to be going quite well for you, Captain."

Lindsey bolted upright. Sitting in the corner of her quarters was a Vulcan woman in an all black leather uniform. "Ta'Prim!" Without missing beat Lindsey tapped her combadge. "Lander to security, intruder alert in the Captain's quarters."

Ta'Prim revealed a triquarter she had concealed next to her. "A dampening field, they cannot hear you."

"Are you here to kill me?" asked Lindsey.

"Not at all, Captain," said the Vulcan woman. "We at Section 31 do not make a habit of eliminating our potential assets."

"I will never work for Section 31 again."

"Never, Captain." Ta'Prim raised her eyebrow. "Humans always illogically attempt to predict the future. Is it not possible that one day our objectives might coincide?"

"Our objectives, maybe. Our means, never. I will not violate the Federation's principles." Lindsey walked slowly towards the table at the end of her couch. "Where's Shepherd?"

"Dead. He died when the Romulan warp core destroyed the Enquiry."

Lindsey turned her torso to face Ta'Prim, but kept the end table near her right hand. "You expect me to believe that?"

"What you believe or don't believe troubles me not," answered Ta'Prim.

Lindsey opened the drawer on the end table and reached in quickly. But she paused when she felt nothing in the drawer.

"Captain," said Ta'Prim in a disappointed voice. "A simple triquarter scan revealed the location of your hidden weapon." Ta'Prim pulled a phaser from behind her and set it on the table next to her.

Lindsey, disappointed in her failed attempt, sat down right on the end table itself. "You still haven't explained what you are doing on my ship," said Lindsey in a threatening voice, although she was no longer in a position to threaten.

"My team is here to cleanse the Orion's records of Section 31. Not an easy job to be sure. I am here to convince you not to expose Section 31 anymore than you already have."

"I'm sorry, I can't oblige," responded Lindsey.

"You will tell Starfleet Command, no doubt," said Ta'Prim. "But publicizing the matter would be detrimental to both our objectives."

"Oh, I'm looking forward to this logic."

Ta'Prim showed no sign of annoyance at Lindsey's insults. "You spoke of violating the Federation's core principles. If you expose Section 31, you will do just that. If it is revealed that the Federation has such a shadow organization, then the Federation will lose its ethical integrity. Soon its lofty ideals will corrode and give way. Then the Federation will be just another interstellar organization like the Klingon Empire, the Ferengi Alliance, the Orion Sydicate, or the Romulan Star Empire; not the enlightenment of the Alpha Quadrant. Is that what you want? It certainly is not the goal of Section 31."

"That is some bold reasoning," said Lindsey. "I didn't think that Vulcans were so prone to drinking the cult Kool-Aid." Once again, the Vulcan woman was unaffected by Lindsey's insults. The worse part was that Ta'Prim had a point.

"It is logical."

"Don't talk to me about logic!" Lindsey stood and raised her voice. "Section 31 is illogical! You cannot protect the Federation by violating its most core principles."

"It depends on which logic you follow," answered Ta'Prim.

"A Vulcan who uses ends to justify means is a very dangerous person,"

"The galaxy is a dangerous place," stated Ta'Prim in a level voice even as she rose from her chair. "It is full of many dangers, any one of which could destroy the Federation. Someone has to protect it."

"That job belongs to Starfleet," said Lindsey.

"Starfleet is insufficient," said Ta'Prim. "Because of your actions, we have lost a valuable opportunity to end the Romulan threat."

"By preventing a war? I can live with that," said Lindsey. "If peace is a possible outcome, is it not logical to pursue it?"

Ta'Prim paused before answering. "Maybe peace with Romulus is a possibly, however remote. But if it is not the Romulans, then maybe it will be the Klingons who threaten us next. Or the Breen, or a revived Dominion. Or maybe the Borg." Lindsey wasn't sure, but she thought she had heard an emotional reaction in Ta'Prim's voice as she said the word 'Borg.' However, Lindsey must have been wrong, because Ta'Prim continued. "Someday the Federation will meet an enemy that cannot be defeated by Starfleet's principles."

"Even if what you say is true, there must be some ethic that can't be broken," said Lindsey. "Some line that can't be crossed. Section 31 crossed that line when it tried to start a war."

"A war that we would win," replied Ta'Prim. "I do not foresee us resolving this debate. Let us at least agree on the issue at hand. Will you expose Section 31 or not?"

"I will not be responsible for your secret, Ta'Prim. I will give a full report to Starfleet Command and whoever in the Federation askes for one," Lindsey then gave a sigh of resignation. "But I will not deliberately expose your secret to the world. I will not broadcast Section 31's existence over subspace stations for the whole quadrant to hear."

"That will be sufficient, Captain. Now, I will take my leave." Ta'Prim reached for her combadge, but Lindsey raised her hand to stall her.

"Section 31 made an error this time. If they can err once, they can do so again. Logically, it is even a likely possibility. What mistake will it be next time? Will it result in the discrediting of the Federation, or in an unintended war? Ta'Prim, Section 31 is illogical, and it doesn't suit you. Get out while you can."

Ta'Prim paused for a long interval. "Your logic is…curious. I will give it more thought." She then tapped her combadge, and some transporter somewhere beamed her out, straight through the Orion's shields, and she was gone. Lindsey sat down on the couch, mentally exhausted, but unfortunately fully awake.

"Captain Lander, your presence is requested on the bridge."

Lindsey rose from her couch. "I'm on my way." She apparently was sleepier than she thought. Lindsey checked the time on her chronometer, and realized that she had taken an unintended, hour-long nap. She wondered briefly as she walked to the bridge whether her conversation with Ta'Prim was real or a dream. She concluded it was very real.

When Lindsey arrived on the bridge she was greeted by Henry, who gave her a casual smile. "Did you fall asleep, Captain?"

"In fact, I did. A lot has happened in the last month. I guess my body needed to catch up."

"One thing that hasn't happened is your checkup with Dr. Randel," said Henry.

"I am not due for a routine physical for another four weeks."

"I think spending three weeks with an insane, warmongering, Federation secret society might merit an early appointment. If not with Dr. Randel, perhaps with a counselor. It could be right now. I can handle the Orion."

"Always looking out for my health," said Lindsey.

"It's my job," replied Henry. Lindsey was immensely relieved that she and Henry had rediscovered their playful banter. Perhaps, this new relationship with Henry would work after all.

"Speaking of your job…" said Lindsey as she sat in her captain's chair.

"Of course, Captain. All systems on the Orion, minus two engines, are fit for travel. The ship is ready and at your command."

"Mr. Mikkelson, lay in a course for sector 001, the fourth planet, Mars."

"Yes, Ma'am," said Johnathan. "Course laid in."

"Mr. Ryan, prepare to go to warp, factor 6."

Ryan acknowledge the order. Lindsey looked over at Henry as he stared at the viewscreen. Suddenly Lindsey's mind flashed back to the day when Henry had first come on board the old Orion; and the two of them, mere lieutenants, stood together watching Captain Taylor take the ship on its ill-fated voyage. Did he even suspect what was about to happen? The danger, the death, the grief, the responsibility, and the sudden strong bond that would form between them?

But just like that day, only four months ago, Henry stood implacably at his station, giving no hint at his thoughts. As Lindsey continue to look at him, she realized that even though the Orion's course was pointed back home, she was embarking on a voyage into uncharted territory.

Lindsey turned and faced forward. "Mr. Ryan, engage."

Next read the sequel now available on FanFiction.

Star Trek: Orion III, Resistance

When Captain Lindsey Lander requested that the Orion be pulled off Neutral Zone duty, a trip deep into Romulan territory was not what she had in mind. But when a distress call from Romulus claims that the Borg have invaded their territory, Starfleet sends the Orion as part of a small fleet of starships under the command of the one Starfleet officer best equipped for the task: Admiral Kathryn Janeway.

Featuring Kathryn Janeway and Seven of Nine.