Chapter 2

Captain's log; supplemental: So much for my vacation. Cmdrs. Grant, O'Hara-Grant, and I have boarded the stardrive portion of the Orion and are approaching the rest of our ship near the Romulan Neutral Zone.

I can't help but feel anxious about this yellow alert. The Romulan Empire is still unstable since Shinzon's coup. But, yellow alert or not, I have a ship to run.

Lindsey sat in the battle bridge's captain's chair. It was less comfortable than her chair on the main bridge, but she had specifically asked that it not be customized to her. If she had to command the ship from here, then circumstances were already uncomfortable.

The bridge door opened, and Frank walked in. "Lt. Cmdr. Grant reporting for duty."

Lindsey turned to face her friend who was also her chief of security. "Frank, Starfleet may have called off your leave, but I still consider you on vacation. You may not have Risa, but you are still on your honeymoon. Enjoy it however you can."

"What do you suggest, Captain?"

"I suggest you ask your wife. But if you want my advice, maybe you should prepare your quarters. Or did you and Alivia change your mind about your new living arrangement?"

"No, we haven't. It still seems best that I move into her quarters, rather than she into mine. Her quarters are here on the stardrive, near Engineering. Mine are on the saucer. With my job it doesn't matter where I live, but it would help Alivia to live near Engineering."

"Then maybe you and your wife should go and transform it into your new home." Frank gave Lindsey a strange look. "What is it, Frank? Don't you think we ladies have bachelorette pads?"

"I guess that's possible," Frank said awkwardly. Then he straighten and gave her a gracious nod. "Thank you, Captain." Frank then exited the bridge.

"Helm, how long before rendezvous?"

"Five minutes, Ma'am," responded Lt. Luke Ryan. Ryan was the main helmsman for the Orion and was a veteran of the original Orion. Since becoming main helmsman his confidence had increased greatly. In fact, Lindsey was seeing that Ryan had fallen victim to 'pilot's ego,' which so frequency struck young yet capable pilots.

At the end of the five minutes, Ryan announced, "Approaching the Orion saucer."

"Drop out of warp, Lieutenant."

"Dropping to impulse." The streaking stars gave way to reveal two ships in orbit around a small moon. Lindsey took in a deep breath as she looked upon the Orion.

The view never ceased to take her breath away. Lindsey let her eyes look over the entire ship. This was her ship; her first official command. It was a feeling like no other. This ship was hers to command, and it was her responsibility. The ship and the crew relied upon her. Both the honor and the weight of responsibility were great.

As she gazed upon her ship, Lindsey's eyes paused on the hull number: NCC 26532-A. The 'A' indicated that this Orion was the second ship by that name, but for Lindsey it was much more. It was a reminder of the previous Orion and the brave men and women who had given their lives defending that ship on its final ill-fated voyage. The original Orion had been ambushed by a rogue Romulan warbird. Its senior staff was killed in the first attack, and Lindsey had been forced to take command. By the time she had brought the Orion back to safety it had suffered too much damage to be repaired. But Starfleet decided to name a brand new Galaxy class starship after the Orion, and for some reason decided to name Lindsey its captain.

Lindsey shook off the memories. "Hail the Orion saucer."

"Hailing," said a new officer at the communications post.

The viewscreen changed to display the Orion's main bridge. In the captain's chair was Lindsey's first officer, Lt. Cmdr. Henry Hickensen. "Welcome back, Captain. I am sorry that your vacation was interrupted, but I am glad to have you back."

"Oh, you're not sorry yet," said Lindsey with a mischievous smile. "Alert all personnel to be wary of the cranky Captain."

"Aye, Captain. Consider it done," said Henry, matching her smile. "Are you ready for docking?"

"Yes, Commander. Prepare the saucer for docking."

"Captain," spoke Ryan. "Requesting permission to do a manual docking."

"Manual?" asked Lindsey. "Why would you want to do a manual docking?"

"Practice," answered Ryan. "You know automatic features. They are always ready to fail as the most inconvenient time. I want to be ready for that possibility."

"You make a good argument, Lieutenant. However, with the sector on yellow alert, I don't want to risk damage to the Orion. Proceed with automated docking procedure."

"Aye, Captain," replied Ryan. He entered the appropriated commands. "Commencing automated docking." Ryan lifted his hands to emphasize his lack of control. The viewscreen displayed the 'tongue' of the stardrive approaching the saucer. As they grew closer Lindsey felt a slight nervousness. But the stardrive continued without problem. Soon Lindsey heard the grinding of the two pieces coming together. That was followed by a clunking noise and a slight shutter as the docking clamps fell into place. "Docking complete. All hatches are secured."

"Open the hatches. Transfer all controls to the main bridge," said Lindsey.

"Transfer done, Captain."

"Excellent," said Lindsey as she stood from her chair and walked out of the battle bridge. A turbo lift took her to the main bridge.

As soon as she stepped on to the bridge, Lindsey called for Henry. "Commander, what are our orders?"

"Starfleet Command has ordered us to maintain position," said Henry. "Capt. Benteen has requested to speak with you when you're ready."

"I see her ship has joined us," Lindsey said to Henry. "Do you think she knows more than we do about this yellow alert?"

"If she does, she hasn't told me any of it," replied Henry.

"I will call her from my ready room, in a minute. Status report."

"All systems check out. The Orion is in good shape. Cmdr. O'Hara worked way ahead of schedule in order to leave the Orion in prime condition during her honeymoon. I don't know where she found the time to plan a wedding."

"Did the families and guests of the bride and groom make it home alright?"

"Yes, they did," said Henry. "I have to say, it was a bit enlightening to see Frank's and Alivia's parents. It explains a lot."

"I agree," said Lindsey as recalled the in-law couples. Both fell in love of their new member of the family and with the other set of parents. Frank and Alivia were already receiving requests from both sets of parents to come back to Earth and spend time with all six of them.

Returning to ship related considerations, Lindsey asked, "How is crew morale?"

"Good, although everyone is nervous with the sector wide yellow alert. All eyes are on the Neutral Zone, wondering if an attack is imminent."

"They shouldn't just be looking at the Neutral Zone. With their cloaking devices, the Romulans could attack from any direction. How is our cloak buster?"

"Lt. Raklok and Chief Shelton assure me that our anti-cloak sensors are working just fine. However, they have noted that the sensors are two years old, and the Romulans may have adapted their cloaking devices to become undetectable again."

"That is not comforting," said Lindsey. "Inform Mr. Thrim that the drill he scheduled for tomorrow is canceled. We don't need to spook our crew at a time like this. I will be in my ready room calling Capt. Benteen. I will call you in once I have finished. Until then, you have the bridge, Commander."

"Yes, Captain." Henry did a slight head bow and returned to the captain's chair. Lindsey walked to the captain's ready room, her personal office just off the bridge. Inside was a large desk. On a display was a model of the original Orion and a photo of a woman with long black and gray hair in a captain's uniform; Capt. Taylor, Lindsey's mentor and role model. Behind the desk and to the side was a large vertical window.

"Computer, hail the Lakota; a private message for Captain Benteen." The computer beeped its acknowledgement. While she was waiting, Lindsey stared out the window. Perfectly in view was the other ship in orbit with the Orion, the USS Lakota, a heavy modified Excelsior class ship. Both it and its captain, Erika Benteen, were quite accomplished during the Dominion War.

Captain Benteen was Lindsey's supervising captain. Lindsey was on a sort of probationary period. This was because she had been named captain of the Orion with very little experience. Despite her position on the ship, Lindsey only had three rank pips on her collar and only bore the rank of commander. She was promised a promotion to captain at the end of this probationary period. Lindsey was for the most part content with the arrangement, but there was a part of her that was impatient. It was nerve racking to know that Starfleet could take her ship away from her whenever they wanted. Once she had the fourth pip and the rank of captain, her claim on the Orion would be more secure.

The computer beeped again, and Lindsey sat down, facing her monitor. She tapped the appropriated command and the image of Capt. Benteen appeared. "Capt. Benteen, you wished to speak to me."

"Yes, Capt. Lander. Sorry to hear about your shorten vacation."

"The life of a captain," replied Lindsey. "I am glad to see you and the Lakota here."

"I set up the rendezvous as soon as the yellow alert came out, but before the hold position order. If Romulans come across the Zone, neither one of us should be caught alone."

"I've had that happen before," said Lindsey. "I imagine that you don't know anything more about this than I do."

"I doubt it," said Benteen. "Everything was quiet, then came the yellow alert, then the stand by order. I think we will learn something soon. They would not want us standing still for too long otherwise."

"I agree. I will remain available if you need me," said Lindsey.

"Same here. Good luck, Lindsey."

"You too, Erika."

Alivia O'Hara-Grant couldn't stay in her quarters forever. The renovations required to transform the quarters from that of a single woman to a couple were completed during her honeymoon. Frank had already moved in some of his things. Neither one of them had many possessions, but they already had disagreements over how to furnish the sitting room.

Alivia walked to the quarters of Lt. Rikka Nolean, a Bajoran security officer. Rikka answered the door. "Alivia! We weren't expecting you for another week. Wow! Marriage looks good on you. Or maybe it was the Risian sun. It really brings out the green of your skin."

"Thank you, Nolean," said Alivia. Nolean was one of Alivia's first friends on the Orion and the maid of honor at her wedding. Nolean led Alivia into a room with about eight other women. This women's group was founded shortly after the Orion's launch. It was composed of some of the top women officers on the ship. Their unofficial president was Lt. Selina Chaput-Mikkelson, a primary bridge officer.

Selina stood up, "It is good to see you, Alivia." The small human woman walked, or more actually waddled over to Alivia, and extended her a hug. Alivia accepted the hug graciously but awkwardly as Selina's baby bump interposed itself between them.

"It is good to be here, although I'd rather be on my honeymoon," Alivia then looked directly at Selina. "Wow, Selina, you're looking…close."

Selina smiled, "The due date is in a little over four weeks." Selina rubbed her growing belly. "I can't wait." She looked up at Alivia. "Maybe this will be you next."

"Maybe," said Alivia hesitantly. "But maybe we will wait just a bit."

"That's just what I said," exclaimed Selina. "But then came this happy surprise." Selina had married Lt. Johnathan Mikkelson, the Orion's chief navigator, just over a year ago. They were already a dating couple when Alivia joined the crew, and she and Frank had enjoyed many double dates with the happy human couple.

Alivia sat in the circle of women, and the random conversations began. There were many inquiries towards Selina about the sex and name of the child. Selina stated that she and her husband had not settled on a name yet, and if she knew the sex of the child Selina wasn't sharing. This annoyed many of the women, but Alivia knew that Selina was enjoying her taunt.

Alivia fell out of conversation as she took in the group. There was a mix of ranks and departments present. Alivia was the highest ranking woman in the group. In fact, other than the Captain, she was the highest ranking woman on the ship. Alivia had felt at one time that such socializing with subordinates would hurt their professional relationship. But if anything, Alivia benefitted from the group. At this gathering they were all equals. When they left this room, they became officers again, and Alivia's rank suffered no loss of respect.

Alivia's thoughts were interrupted. "You are awfully quiet, Alivia. What's on your mind?" said Lt. Melinda Vibee, an engineer.

"I was just thinking about the time when Selina invited me to join this group." Alivia then turned to Selina. "And I was wondering if we have extended an invitation to our new science officer."

"Lt. T'Sel?" asked Selina. "Um, no, not yet."

"Oh?" asked Alivia.

"We're not sure that she would…fit in to this group," said Selina looking quite awkward.

"Why not?" countered Alivia.

"She's a Vulcan," said Nolean bluntly.

"And that disqualifies her?"

"No," said Selina firmly. "It does not. I just don't think that she will accept the invitation."

"I see," said Alivia. But Alivia wasn't done. "Did any of you think that I would accept?" She scanned the room. "I was one of the most anti-social members of this crew, and if it weren't for Nolean, Frank, and this group, I may have never come out of my shell. And now I thoroughly enjoy this gathering."

"But Vulcans don't have emotions. T'Sel will not 'enjoy' this group," replied Vibee.

"No, she won't take emotional pleasure from it, but she might just find it logical," answered Alivia."

"Logical?" Nolean furled her nose ridges. "How is this logical?"

"Getting to know a portion of the ship's crew is logical." Alivia extended her arms to the group. "We have a prefect cross section of the ship here. We have women from sick bay, Engineering, security, the bridge; you name it, we have it. T'Sel might appreciate the perspective she could gain from a group like this. I know I have. It has made me a better leader."

"You're right," said Selina. "T'Sel may turn us down, but that is her decision." Then Selina got a cunning smile. "Perhaps you should be the one to invite her, Alivia."

"Me? Aren't you usually the one to take initiative?"

"Hello," Selina pointed to her belly. "Eight months pregnant."

"Oh sure, you play the pregnancy card."

"There's got to be some advantaged to carrying a little person around in my womb all day, every day," answered Selina.

"Very well," said Alivia. "I will be the one to invite her." Despite her sour voice, Alivia was actually excited to do it. She hadn't met the new officer yet, and she was looking forward to it.

One of the other women took the opportunity to probe Selina about the sex of her child again, so Alivia turned to Rikka Nolean. "I hear that your sister is on board the Orion."

"Yeah, my little sister; the Academy graduate and science officer. Who would have thought?"

"How is she doing?"

"I'm not sure," replied Nolean a bit distantly.

"What do you mean you're not sure? Haven't you talked to her?"

"Yeah, I've talked to her, but only in passing and in courteous ways."

Alivia heard a bit of hurt in her friend's voice. "Are you two not getting along?"

"No, it's not that." Nolean shrugged her shoulders. "We just don't have that must in common anymore."

"You're both Starfleet."

"We're very different Starfleet. I was a transfer from the Bajoran Militia, when Bajor joined the Federation. I was one of the few that requested an assignment away from Bajor or Deep Space Nine, but I didn't go through your Starfleet Academy. My little sister did go through the Academy, and she made friends there. I think she feels more comfortable with the new Starfleet types, especially in the science department. She's a shiny new Starfleet scientist, and I'm an old fashion Bajoran deputy."

Alivia put her arm around Nolean. "I am sure that she will come to appreciate your presence on this ship eventually. Ties of blood are stronger than the Academy."

"I know." Then Nolean's playful voice returned. "Maybe you could talk to her. You're an engineer. Maybe she will appreciate that."

"Sorry, Nolean. The scientists and the engineers may be the smartest people on the ship, but yellow and blue don't mix. They like to sit in their labs testing their theories in controlled environments. We like to crawl into the tubes and get our hands dirty in the real world."

Just then Alivia's ear was drawn to another conversation. "Why not Chef?" said one of the women. "He's tall and handsome. And he's a civilian. The Captain can't date anyone on the ship who is either an officer or an enlisted crewman."

"And he and the Captain already know each other from the old Orion," said another woman. "In fact, I hear that they are good friends. Selina, you were on the old Orion. Is it true that Chef and the Captain are friends?"

Selina seemed hesitant. "Yes, good friends. Richard Matthews is a friend to many, especially those who served on the old Orion, myself included."

"What are we talking about?" asked Alivia.

Vibee answered. "These ladies are trying to find a date for our Captain. They think that 'Chef' Matthews would be a good match."

"Good match? Are you kidding me?" said another woman. "He's a great match, for anyone. Strong, broad shoulders…"

"That's enough, Kassie," said Selina, who seemed eager to change the topic. "I don't think we could truly influence our Captain's dating anyway." Alivia had a sudden revelation. Like Frank, Selina knew Capt. Lander very well from back before she had become a captain. Maybe, also like Frank, Selina had guessed at a relationship between the Captain and Cmdr. Hickensen and didn't want anyone else to know about it.

"Does anyone want to hear about Risa?" asked Alivia. She could see the relief on Selina's face as the topic changed to sandy beaches and Risian men.

Lindsey was reminded of the fact that vacations often make for more work. She spent much of the day in her ready room writing various reports and making sure her ship was ready for anything. Yellow alert was not a time for something to go wrong. Tomorrow she would personally inspect the major systems like Engineering and sick bay.

Her door chimed. "Come in," she said without looking up.

It was Henry who strolled into the ready room. "You look terrible."

"What?" said Lindsey looking up. Henry had that smile on his face that said he was messing with her. "You should know better than to joke with the captain."

"The captain," said Henry, "needs a little joking for her mental health."

"What are you, the counselor now?"

"No, just a first officer looking out for his captain," said Henry as he sat across from Lindsey's desk. "Seriously, you are looking a little beat."

"There's a lot to be done. Remind me never to go on vacation again."

"Oh, don't say that," replied Henry. "Next time, I will just have to go with you. Make sure that you relax a bit."

Lindsey looked sternly at Henry. "Henry, not here; not now."

"Oh, come on! It was just an innocent comment."

"An innocent comment that we cannot get into the habit of making," responded Lindsey.

"Lindsey, we're in private."

"In my ready room." Lindsey spread her arms to indicate the officer. "In this room I am the captain of a Federation starship, and you are its first officer."

"And we are not a couple," finished Henry. "This is getting very old, Lindsey."

"What are we supposed to do? Starfleet regulations strictly forbid a captain fraternizing with subordinates. We are already breaking the rules. We can't push it."

"But we can't continue like this," countered Henry.

"I know," acknowledged Lindsey. "But can we talk about this another time?"

"At our weekly dinner?"

"Weekly dinner," agreed Lindsey.

Henry gave one last disgusted snort, then turned to Lindsey. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to neglect my duty as a first officer. And right now, I see a captain who is over stressed. And that will not do the Orion any good if we change from yellow alert to red."

"What do you propose, Mr. Hickensen?"

"Take the evening off. Close that report, changed into comfortable clothing, and curl up on your couch with that Sisko novel."

"Your advice is noted, and taken; with one exception," said Lindsey.

"What is that?"

"I have a meeting with Lt. T'Sel."

"Our new science officer? I hope you're ready for that."

"I'm ready. I have been looking forward to this." Lindsey leaned over. "Henry, we have a Vulcan on the ship."

Henry smiled, and Lindsey knew why. She recalled Henry's first day on the old Orion. On that day, Lindsey had told him that Vulcans had avoided assignment on the Orion because it wasn't the logical choice for a career minded Vulcan. "Looks like we've moved up in the world," said Henry. "Although T'Sel might be a challenge."

"That she may," said Lindsey. "But if this works, we might end up with a very good science officer."

"And convince Starfleet to pull us off Neutral Zone patrol," added Henry. "I better let you prepare. But after this meeting, I am coming back to make sure you take it easy."

"Consider me watched after. Dismissed." Henry spun around in excessive formality and walked out the door.

It was a few minutes later when the door chimed again. "Enter." In walked a tall, and somewhat stiff, Vulcan woman in a blue uniform. Her two full rank pips indicated that she was a lieutenant senior grade.

"Lt. T'Sel, reporting as requested, Captain."

"At ease, Lieutenant, and please take a seat." The Vulcan woman sat down across the desk from Lindsey, but still remained in a very upright position. Lindsey briefly reminder herself of improving her posture. "How has you first week been, Lieutenant?"

"It has been satisfactory," reported the Vulcan. "Since we have no active projects in the science department, I have used the time to set up the lab."

"How has that been?"

T'Sel continued in her matter-of-fact voice. "It has been busy, given that there was only a bare minimal lab before I arrived. I will be putting in a number of requests for new equipment. Despite this set back, I have discovered that there are advantages to 'starting from scratch,' as the human saying goes."

"True, indeed. And I will gladly approve any and all equipment requests I find reasonable." Lindsey picked up a data pad and pulled up the science team roster. "How about building your team? Have you been able to work well with your subordinates?"

"That has been…satisfactory. The team has responded well to orders, thus far."

"What do you think of them?"

"They meet Starfleet expectations, but are not exemplary by any means. I must admit that I am hesitant to give them a positive rating. I am also concerned about the size of the team. We are too small for any large scale projects."

"That was done deliberately, Lieutenant."

"Forgive me, Captain, but I fail to see the logic in a small team."

"No need for apologies, Lieutenant," said Lindsey. "I want my department heads to feel comfort bringing their concerns to me. As for your concerns, they are related. I am aware that these are not the best officers in Starfleet. As such I wanted the team to grow gradually, adding members periodically, so that the whole team can improve over time. Also, I didn't want to overwhelm you with your first leadership position."

"Do you feel that I might be overwhelmed?" asked T'Sel with a Vulcan eyebrow raise.

"You are aware of the Orion's reputation for taking on sub-par officers and giving them a change to rise above their struggles?"

"I am aware that the late Adm. Taylor of the previous ship named the Orion operated her ship that way."

"And I'm one of her products. Without Adm. Taylor and the Orion I may still be an ensign," said Lindsey. "I hope to continue the Orion's mission."

"Curious, Captain," spoke T'Sel. "You speak of the NCC-26532 and the NCC-26532-A as though they were the same ship. Is this because they have the same name, or because the Orion-A has some of its components like its computer cord from the first Orion, or because it has some of the same crew?"

"It's the other way around, Lieutenant," said Lindsey. "When the Orion, the first one, was damaged beyond repair from a Romulan attack, Starfleet wanted to send a message to the Romulans; a message that Starfleet is resilient, that Starfleet will bounce back. So, they named a brand new ship after the damaged one. And they put components of the old ship in the new. And they transferred the crew including its captain." Lindsey pointed to herself. "Starfleet wanted the Romulans to think of the Orion-A as the continuation of the old Orion."

"That is not logical."

"You are correct, it isn't logical," said Lindsey. "It's emotional, it's psychological. You have to remember that although Romulans may be related to Vulcans, but when it comes to emotions and logical, they are more like Humans." T'Sel nodded her understanding but didn't have any words.

"However, I do have to admit that I have gone beyond Starfleet's mentality in my own thinking of the Orion," Lindsey added. "I do think of this ship as a direct continuation of the old Orion, and my captaincy as a continuation of Capt. Taylor's. That is why I've selected officers who need a little help, a second chance."

"And that is why I have scientists who are less than the best," added T'Sel.

Lindsey gave T'Sel a serious look. "Lieutenant, you are not an exception to that rule."

T'Sel pulled back a little in surprise. "You see me as an under performing officer?"

"Compared to your potential, yes." Lindsey leaned back in her chair. "Lieutenant, I do not take anyone on board this ship, if I don't think they are capable. You are a fantastic scientist, but your move into leadership has been a bit bumpy. Your last two captains have praised your intelligence and your efficiency. But both have critiqued your ability to work as a team. And I have a theory as to why you are struggling to make the next level."

T'Sel sat calmly, taking it all in without any sign of anger or hurt. "Please, Captain, I welcome your insight."

Lindsey smiled at the clearly older Vulcan officer looking to her for advice. "The last place where you have all positive reviews was the T'Kumbra. There you ascended to the rank of lieutenant senior grade, and you have remained at that rank for the past six years." Lindsey had a slight smile on her face. "What can you tell me about the T'Kumbra that made it different from other starships, particularly about its crew?"

"The crew of the T'Kumbra was an all Vulcan crew, under the command of Capt. Solok, also a Vulcan," answered T'Sel.

"How would you describe the science team on board the T'Kumbra?"

"We were at war at the time, so many of us on the science team carried out additional duties beyond our usual purview. It was logical. Nonetheless our team work with great efficiency."

"I am glad to hear it," said Lindsey. "However, I believe that assignment may have been a detriment to your career."

"How so?" asked T'Sel with an expression of confusion on her face.

"I have no doubt that an all Vulcan team would make for a very efficient and effective team. Your race, Lieutenant, is a remarkable one, and you and your people have my utmost respect. But your service on the T'Kumbra set an unrealistic precedent for you. The United Federation of Planets is not made up of a single species, nor for that matter is Starfleet. If you wish to serve the Federation, if you wish to be in Starfleet, you need to learn how to work with members of other species. This means that you should bring all the particularities of your species, as well as working with and adjusting for the particularities of other species. This is the concept behind the Federation: that together we form a better unity."

"Infinite diversity in infinite combinations," quoted T'Sel. "I ask you, what adjustments will I need to make to lead my team?"

Lindsey leaned forward. "The need to control one's emotions is not unique to Vulcans. In fact, I believe it universal among sentient beings. The difference is that Vulcans have learned the ability to shut down their emotions and to have their thoughts and actions governed by logic. Humans and other species have not gained this ability. Their emotions, while they can certainly fuel appropriate responses, often end up clouding their thoughts and actions. It will be your job to assist your team in proper focusing of their minds, thoughts, and even emotions. At times your Vulcan methods can be of use, but at other times you who have to use other methods of dealing with your team's emotions."

"What other methods, Captain?"

"Most of us cannot shut down our emotions. We need to let them go, allow them to run their course. There will be times, Lieutenant when the method you need to employ is patience. You will have to be patience with our emotions, allowing them to have their appropriate time. Often that's only a few seconds, sometimes few minutes. If it's really bad you may have to give a team member the rest of his or her shift off." Lindsey sat back in her chair. "If it's worse than that, refer that crewman to the counselors. Your job is not to help each crewman, but to help the team."

"How will I know?"

"The same way you learn anything, Lieutenant. You're a scientist, accustomed to the scientific method. Use trial and error. And consult with others: me, Cmdr. Hickensen, the counselors, the other department heads. If you can learn how to manage your team, then you have a bright future in Starfleet, Lieutenant. And Starfleet could use you."

"I understand, Captain."

Lindsey's Starfleet badge chirped. "Bridge to Capt. Lander."

"This is the Captain."

"We are detecting a ship on approach. It is on an intercept course with us."

Lindsey became alarmed. "From what direction?"

"Federation space."

Lindsey was relieved. "I will be on the bridge in a moment." Lindsey stood from her chair, and T'Sel did the same. "Lieutenant, join me on the bridge."

"Yes, Captain."

Lindsey walked out her office and on to the bridge. "What kind of ship are we talking about?"

"It's small," said Henry as he yielded the captain's chair to Lindsey. "A runabout, maybe. Or some other long-range shuttle. It should be in visual range soon." Lindsey waited a moment longer, until Henry put the ship on the view screen. Henry gave a loud whistle. "It's a Delta Flyer class shuttle."

"Delta Flyer class?" asked Lindsey.

"The prototype was designed by the crew of Voyager while they were lost in the Delta Quadrant. Hence the name. It is more than a shuttle. One of its designers was a pilot, Tom Paris. He gave it incredible flight capabilities. B'Elanna Torris and others packed in a powerful warp drive, as well as defensive shields and impressive weaponry."

"You seem to know a lot about this shuttle."

Henry shrugged his shoulders. "You forget, I was a pilot. And this was the most exciting development in Starfleet small craft since the scraped Yellowstone runabout project."

"The Delta Flyer class shuttle is identifying itself as the Fair Haven," said the sensor crewman. "It is dropping to impulse and hailing us."

"On screen," said Lindsey as she faced the viewer. The image was of a human woman with strange devices over her left eye.

"This is Ens. Annika Hansen of the shuttle Fair Haven. We are transporting a VIP to the Orion. Allow us to land in your shuttle bay."

"This is Capt. Lander of the Orion. Proceed to shuttle bay, Ensign."

The viewer returned to its display of the Fair Haven, and Henry turned to Lindsey. "Is this another VIP that you didn't tell me about?"

"I have no idea who this is, Commander. That woman, I've seen her before." Lindsey tried searching her memory.

"I recognize her name, but can't remember from where," said Henry. "That's it! There was an Annika Hansen listed among the Delta Flyer's designers. I heard the original had some Borg tech in it, and those look like Borg implants above her eye. Could this be Seven of Nine, the Borg drone Adm. Janeway rescued."

With the mention of Janeway, Lindsey's memory kicked in. "I remember when saw her. She was a cadet at the time, assisting…"

"Assisting…who?" asked Henry.

"Nobody," answered Lindsey. But she now felt as though she knew who the VIP was. Lindsey also had a suspicion of why she was here. "Lt. T'Sel, you are dismissed. Mr. Thrim, you have the bridge. Mr. Hickensen, you are with me." Lindsey turned towards the turbolift, and Henry and T'Sel followed her in. T'Sel got off on her deck, leaving Henry and Lindsey alone on the lift.

"A penny for your thoughts," said Henry.

"Did you notice the VIP did not request permission to come on board?"

"I guessed it was for secrecy."

"Could be, or it could be that she doesn't need my permission to come on board."

"Do you know who the VIP is?" But Lindsey did not answer Henry's question.

The two of them arrived at the shuttle bay and watched the Fair Haven turn around to face outward with its rear hatch back towards Henry and Lindsey. The shuttle settled into place. There was a fairly long pause before the hatch opened. The female ensign walked down the ramp. Lindsey noted more mechanical implants on the woman's left arm and hand. The ensign stopped at the bottom of the ramp, stepped to the side, and announced, "Admiral on the deck."

Lindsey stood at attention as a human woman in an admiral's cut of a red Starfleet command uniform came out of the shuttle. Lindsey recognized her immediately. It was the woman who had given her command of the Orion. "Admiral Janeway, welcome on board the Orion."

"Thank you, Commander," said Janeway in a friendly tone. But then Janeway became formal. "Commander Lindsey Lander, you are hereby informed that I, Vice-Admiral Kathryn Janeway, am transferring my flag to the USS Orion NCC 26532-A."

Lindsey had imagined the possibility but was still a bit stunned. Nonetheless, she was able to respond. "It is an honor, Admiral. Would you like to take command of your flagship immediately?"

"Yes, Commander. Take me to the bridge."

"This way, Admiral." Lindsey lead Adm. Janeway to the turbo lift. Henry and Ens. Annika Hansen, followed. The lift ride was awkwardly silent. Henry fidgeted a bit.

When the lift doors opened Lindsey and Henry stepped out first, allowing Adm. Janeway to enter between them. Henry whispered to a nearby officer, "Ensign."

The young officer looked up, and his eyes grew wide. Henry gave him a bit more encouragement before the youth announced, "Admiral on the bridge."

The bridge came to attention with everyone except the helmsman and the navigator rising to their feet. Lindsey lead Janeway to the captain's chair. Thrim yielded the chair to Lindsey, who in turn faced Janeway. "Adm. Kathryn Janeway, the USS Orion acknowledges your flag." Lindsey indicated the chair. "Your flagship is at your command, Admiral."

Janeway lowered herself into the captain's chair. "Thank you, Commander. All hands, at ease. We can make the introductions in a minute, but first we have a rendezvous to make. Navigator, Ens. Annika Hansen has a new heading for you. Lay in the course. Communications, tell the Lakota that I wish to speak to Capt. Benteen."

Lindsey had forgotten her place for a moment. She took her seat in the first officer's chair on Janeway's right. Henry took the other chair to Janeway's left. Lindsey watched as Janeway gave her orders to her crew. It seemed strange to see someone else commanding her ship, but with a flag officer in command of the Orion, Lindsey's role became similar to that of a first officer.

Janeway had a brief talk with Benteen, who seemed a bit startled at the sudden arrival of an admiral. Then Janeway turned to Lindsey. "Whenever you are ready, Commander."

"Yes, Admiral." Lindsey issued commands from her just off-centered chair. "Mr. Mikkelson, are we ready?"

"Course is laid in, Captain," responded Johnathan.

"Mr. Ryan, engage, warp 5." Lindsey gave the order, but somehow felt less in control of her own ship.