Captain's log
Stardate 2259.3.4.

The Saratoga is currently performing stellar surveys in the Quia System. We completed our previous assignment
on Tavios Prime sooner than anticipated so we're here earlier than planned. No problem, that just means we'll
have more time to study this system's incredible gas giants!

Unusual gravitational fluctuations in the region brought the two largest planets: the ringed giants Anyavel and Yulia,
into a very close orbit with each other and sharply tilted them on their axis. X marks the spot indeed! This incredible
effect won't last long however, as the twin planets orbit each another their gravitational fields will eventually rip
apart their rings. Calculations say that distortions will start to be noticeable within thirty years.

We're very lucky to get this slim opportunity to see these worlds in their prime. The Atellans, who control this sector,
are not enemies of the Federation but they're not bosom buddies either and they're very isolationist. Unless they
specifically ask for assistance, which is rare, they've made it clear that Federation ships are to keep out. But apparently
they weren't too adverse to a small research vessel.

So we're going to make the most of every minute!

James T. Kirk

Captain Kirk sat at the center of the bridge, keenly aware of all the happenings around him. All of his life he had been
a man of action, so he'd been surprised at how much quiet pleasure it gave him to simply sit back and watch his crew
at work.

All personnel were performing their duties quietly and efficiently, but there was always the undercurrent of excitement.
The Quia Giants were famous but very few outside of the Atellans had had the opportunity to see them first hand and even
fewer close up. The Saratoga, was one of the rare exceptions to that rule and for a research vessel it was like discovering
a massive treasure hoard. Best of all, the survey work they were doing now would share that treasure with countless others
throughout the Federation.

Due to the Saratoga's small size it wasn't necessary to have all bridge stations fully manned. Often only six people were
on the bridge at once: CO, Helm, Navigation, Science, Operations and Communications. But while performing their surveys
of the famous Quia Giants, it was, as Kirk had jokingly said, "All hands to research stations."

At the back of the room Tolliver sat at Operations Management making sure that the ship's internal functions were running
smoothly. Beside him Flars stood at Engineering, one of the rare times when she was on the bridge instead of in the depths
of the ship. For years the two officers had had a strong working relationship and were sometimes referred to as 'The Tandem.'

M'Ress sat at Communications translating the information data that streamed into the ship. Beside her Petty Officer Bower
stood at Sensors conducting a series of scans. Master of the ship's sensors he had been dubbed the 'Eyes of the Saratoga'
because his keen caught every detail.

Petty Officer Kwal went over the settings of Environmental. From speaking with him, Kirk knew that the Napean was blunt,
to the point and took responsibility very seriously. No better person to have in charge of the ship's life support.

Petty Officer Tanya Shatner stood at Damage Control monitoring ship's systems and ready to direct repairs if any were needed.
She was a woman of formidable intelligence with a sharp wit and an even sharper tongue.

Petty Officer Sona Oh'lo stood at Auxiliary. When Kirk thought about the elderly Kosite the words that always came to mind
were 'Prim and Proper.' But she was also determined and steadfast and from what he'd heard, in times of trouble refused
to give up or let anyone else give up either.

The ever observant Thelin monitored the Science station. In the three months they'd known each other Kirk had concluded
that the Andorian's mind rivaled a Vulcan's in detail and efficiency. But at the same time he was much more flexible than
his former First Officer and was capable of lightning fast improvisation if the situation demanded it. Kirk couldn't imagine
running the Saratoga without him.

Beside Thelin, Chief Petty Officer Dennis Novak stood at Science II. He was mellow and easygoing with a quick smile and easy
laugh and although over fifty, young at heart. Right now he wore a broad grin as he studied the planets' gravi-metrics readings.
He had wanted to see the famous gas giants since he was a boy and being out here now was a dream come true. He'd been
almost as excited as Falno, who'd been practically salivating at the chance to visit to this system.

Meanwhile Akari and Arex sat at Helm and Navigation working together to pilot the small vessel. Due to the region's unusual
gravitation, visiting ships had to be piloted carefully so as not to be caught in a gravitational field or struck by stray objects
which could come out of nowhere. Kirk had full confidence in both of them.

But then he had full confidence in all of his crew.

As he continued to observe the bridge, he gave a slight smile. It had been nearly a year since his life had been shot straight
into Hell. Since that horrible night and the brutal aftermath he had slowly but surely begun to rebuild his life. And in the three
months since assuming command of the Saratoga he had begun to build strong bonds with his new crew.

And he reveled in an old bond as well. Bones still jabbed him with hyposprays and complained about everything under the sun,
but he had to admit to himself that it was good some things stayed the same.

Yes things were definitely looking up.

"Captain," Akari interrupted his reverie. "Long range sensors are picking up a ship. It's one of ours." Abruptly a surprised look
came over the Helmsman's face. He quickly schooled his features but when he looked back up at the Captain his dark eyes
conveyed his concern. "Sir, it's the Enterprise."

The temperature on the bridge seemed to drop. All movement ceased and all eyes trained on the Captain.

After a moment Kirk's calm voice questioned. "Distance?"

Akari looked back at his screen. "Approximately two light years."

Kirk's brows furrowed. "They're scheduled for that conference on Atell. They were supposed to have passed by this system
three days ago."

"They appear to have been unexpectedly delayed," Thelin remarked. As usual his voice was quiet and calm, but everyone
could feel the concern behind it.

"Apparently." Kirk turned back to his Helmsman. "Are we within their sensor range yet?"

"Not yet, Captain; their sensors aren't as finely tuned as ours. We should be within their range in another ten minutes.

"What's their course?"

"They appear to be on their way to the Atell System."

Kirk looked over at his Communications Officer. "How long until they're out of communication range, Lieutenant?"

"Approximately thirty minutes, sir," M'Ress replied softly.

"Are they in any danger? Sending out distress signals?"

"No, sir. Everything appears normal. They're just passing through."

"Then there's no sense in not letting them go on about their business while we continue with ours," Kirk said firmly.

He turned toward his Chief Engineer. "Commander, the gravitational fluctuations in this system are causing our communication
relays to act up. I believe that they'll be experiencing malfunction problems for the next forty minutes. Would you Tolliver
look into it?"

Filars, whose face had been set in a worried frown from the moment Akari had said the word Enterprise, nodded. "Of course,
Captain."

Kirk stood up and looked as his First Officer. "Commander you have the bridge. I'll be in my Ready Room, I've some reports
that I need to catch up on. Unless there's an emergency I'm not to be disturbed."

"Of course," Thelin replied quietly.

Without another word, Kirk headed for the exit as his crew watched him worriedly.

Upon entering his Ready Room, he took out his comm. After studying it for a few moments and considering he flipped it open.
"Crewman Alyen."

'Yes, Captain?' came the answer.

"I know that both you and Crewman L'Naym are on Alpha shift this week. I don't know what your plans were once you got
off duty, but…" He paused then continued softly, "I'd like to take you up on that offer you made. Is it possible that the two
of you could make room for me at dinner tonight?"

"Of course, Captain. Our door is always open to you."

"Thank you, Crewman," he whispered.