Captain's Log
Stardate: 2262.2.17
The Sartatoga has spent the past two five days charting the Thorma Cloud a large red violet nebula that covers
several light years in many directions. We haven't been doing it alone either; we're involved in a joint mission
with the USS Andaman, another member of the Delphis Pod, as I'm going to call it.
Also with us is the USS Cygnus, a Cygnus class scout. She's larger than a Delphis class, with a crew of 300,
but still smaller than most of the larger ships in the Fleet. I came close to being given command of a Cygnus
class ship after leaving Enterprise; after I returned to active duty, Starfleet Command considered giving me
the USS Seagull. But her CMO was married to the First Officer and I'd made it plain that Dr McCoy and
I were a package deal.
All three of our ships will be together for two more days. The Andaman will be remaining here to run continuous
astronomical studies and the Cygnus and the Saratoga will be moving on to other areas as well.
I always enjoy opportunities to work with other ships. It's a chance to share news and discoveries, swap info
and supplies. It's also a break from routine, a chance to see new faces and to make new friends.
In our case it's a chance to reunite with old friends. The Saratoga and the Andaman have served on missions
together in the past and I consider her Captain, Terzel Ren, a good friend. It's fascinating to know a joined Trill
and to know that while he may look like he's only in his late 50's he's also over 600 years old!
The Saratoga and the Cygnus share a more solemn history. Nearly two years ago on Stardate 2260.9.4,
both our ships were on a joint mission studying an L class planet. Our away teams discovered some unusual
ores which unfortunately contained deadly bacteria which started an epidemic among both crews.
We eventually found a cure but not before twelve crewmembers died on the Cygnus and six onboard the Saratoga.
Six crewmates. Six friends and loved ones. Six members of our family.
It hit everyone hard, especially Crewman Alyen. He's a medic not a physician, but he has the heart of a healer
and it was the first time that he had ever lost patients. I had never seen him so devastated.
Tragedy can connect as well as good times, and ours bound the crew tighter together. It also forged
a strong bond between us and the crew of the Cygnus. And between its Captains. I've come to consider
Captain Mary Weaver a close friend. She's been in the Fleet since before I was born and in our regular
subspace talks I always benefit from her advice and wisdom.
One of the many things I've learned from my time on the Saratoga is that to be a good Captain one must
be able to command but one must also be always willing to listen and learn.
James T Kirk
Saratoga Corridors
3:40 PM
"I think that if we adjust the sensors here we should be able to scan this entire area within another eight hours."
Kirk nodded thoughtfully as he looked over the PADD that his fellow Captain handed him. During their
joint mission all three ships had stayed in close proximity and crews from all the ships constantly beamed
and shuttled over to the other ships.
The captains were no exception and Captain Weaver had beamed aboard the Saratoga about an hour ago.
Since the two had first met an easy rapport had formed between them both and Kirk respected her highly.
"At the rate we're going we should complete our survey well within schedule," Weaver went on.
"I just wish that our ships could spend more time together, Captain," Kirk said with a smile.
"As do I, Captain," Weaver agreed. "It's always good to see friendly faces and to be reminded that one
isn't alone out here."
Kirk's smile turned thoughtful. "And I enjoy the chance to be around peers. As much as I love my crew,
sometimes it's nice to talk to someone the same rank. Someone who… understands."
"Someone who understands what it is to command a starship," Weaver said quietly. "Someone who
understands the burdens of being a Captain."
Kirk managed a chuckle. "And someone who gets frustrated at the Admiralty. At all of those Admirals
who sit behind their desks making decisions for those of us still in the Chair."
Weaver chuckled. "That too."
Her face grew more serious. "They offered me a commodore position five years ago. Said that I could
have command of the Nortis V Outpost. I turned them down. Commodores and Admirals generally
don't fly and even though I may be getting along in years, I still love to fly."
"Me too," Kirk said. "Sitting at a desk. Where's the fun in that?"
He heard voices down the hallway and spotted D'Ray and L'Naym, apparently on their way toward
the Mess Hall. Her Soul Sister had been spending increasing time there; as her pregnancy had advanced
so had appetite.
But hey she's eating for two, Kirk thought. And from what both she and Bones have told me my nephew
is strong and healthy and very eager to be born.
My nephew...
Kirk's heart warmed at the thought. He had a flesh and blood nephew- his brother Sam's son, Peter.
But it was different. After Sam had left home, Kirk hadn't seen him again until the incident on Deneva
three years ago and he hadn't even known his nephew existed until then. Since then he kept in regular
contact with them and had come to care for his nephew deeply.
But this baby coming…Kirk had been aware of him from the start. And he also knew that he had loved
him from the start as well.
I don't want to sit at a desk either. Or on any ship except this one. If I did I'd miss out on this.