Prologue:
His hand rested lightly on Ethen’s shoulder, a warm look of awe and compassion stretched across the old Starfleet officer’s weathered face. His white hair was a bright wash of grayish white, reflecting the various lights of the room. “You are truly and amazing young man Ethen, I can’t wait to see what you become.” The old man said patting him once as he stood. “Well off you go then, your mother is waiting for you”.

With that, Ethen smiled, hugged his teacher, and took off out of the room with excitement and speeds only a twelve-year-old could muster. Trailing through the halls of Starfleet’s conference center, Ethen weaved around people wandering the halls, chasing a light that danced along the wall seeming to lead him somewhere special. Adventure was his mindset for the day, no school, no studying, no research. He was done with school at least for the time being. Highschool had been a breeze for him but now it was time to play.

Lanna handed the admiral his coffee, her face focused and determined. “There now you have your coffee, what’s the news you are so eager to share.” she asked he had been stalling since he arrived, it was torture. Lifting the steaming coffee to his mouth he settled the cup against is lower lip and took in the blissful smell. “Now, now, patience” he said taking a sip off the coffee, the bittersweet taste of new life circulating into his veins. He moved over to her temporary desk picking up her family photo. “I know that I’m not really their uncle, but I feel I have earned a picture” he said teasing her, raising his hand as she started to protest. “I’m playing, I have not come to see you in person in years. “He smiled back at her.

The look on her face was one of extreme annoyance, Alexander would not let it out until she insisted. It was hard her husband had been his second for many years and he had done so much for them over the years, and more than could have been asked since her husband’s passing ten years ago. He had become a surrogate father to her children and helped her morn.

Checking the time, he realized that he was going to be late for a meeting he had carried things on too long. “Alright, “He said now seeing that she was about to have a fit, “Your project has been approved. I’ll be assigning the U.S.S Challenger to get you back to your precious nebula and then start base 21 thereafter, Congratulations Commander” It was only moments before her arms flew around him in joy a laugh filled with relief filled the room. “Now I have to go I’ll see you at the ball tomorrow” he said releasing her and turning toward the door taking his coffee with him.

As the door opened Ethen smashed into the Admirals legs, “Ah, I will see you this evening to finish our model, yes?” he said placing his hand on Ethan’s head. “Aye, Aye, Admiral” He said squeezing Martin’s legs and then darting off into the room.

Mr Centauri GM extraordinaire