The science station hung lazily in space along the shared border of three powers. Granted the Romulans had become somewhat less of a power since the Hobus event, and the Klingons more hungry for territory as a result, but the science station still sat there and collected it’s data, served as a base of operations for vessels exploring the newly ‘opened’ areas of the old Romulan Star Empire.

It was also where Captain Felix Rhodes, formerly of Starfleet Command’s Fleet Operations, and prior to that Captain of the U.S.S. Broadsword, waited for the Challenger to arrive and deliver cargo to the station, a very specific piece of cargo, apparently. What it was, Felix had no idea. Once the Challenger arrived, the orders he brought with him would be delivered to the Academy vessel and result in the current Captain, Weir, being assigned a new and urgent duty to take effect immediately. There was already another Starfleet vessel waiting for the Challenger to transport the Captain to his new assignment.

Adjusting his collar slightly Felix stood and looked out the window of the stations small lounge at the stars outside, each only a small speck of light, but each one holding a story dating back millions of years. Some held life, others the memory of such but all of them, were a discovery to be made or already made. For the Cadets on the Challenger, it was the wide open spaces for which they had prepared for four years at Starfleet Academy. It was the promise of their future, exploration, and experiencing things that had never yet been discovered. It was why they did what they did.

Looking at his reflection in the window, Felix noted the lines on his face and the grey in his hair. He was no longer the naive Cadet, the brash Lieutenant or even the confident Commander. He had seen war with the Dominion, lost friends, loved ones. Explored places and seen things he could fill memoirs with, but he was not yet old by his reckoning. A shade over 50, he didn’t think he looked it although those lines around his eyes and the grey flecks in his hair and beard betrayed him.

He had brought with him an Officer at the other end of her career, his new Chief of Security who by all appearances, was young and promising. With Trill however looks were deceiving and Felix knew that his new Security Chief most likely had more locked away in those memories of hers than he would have from his whole life to come. With a small smile, he glanced at the time piece above the Lounges bar. She was due here soon, as was most of the other off duty staff around meal time. With limited time to talk, Felix hoped he could get to know her a little more before the Challenger dropped out of Warp. He was far more comfortable talking to his crew off duty than on, and unlike many Captains, enjoyed getting to know them better.

Captain Rhodes, Incoming CO