Posted by Captain Aiden Voss (Incoming CO) in [DD] - When an Admiral Calls, you answer
Aiden sat in the ready room of the Memorial, his ready room… his expression focused as he established a communications channel with Admiral Kira Hayes, a longtime colleague and mentor. As the familiar image of Admiral Hayes materialized on the viewscreen, Aiden couldn’t help but feel a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. This was his first starship posting away from a starbase, and the weight of responsibility bore down on him more heavily than ever before.

“Admiral Hayes,” Aiden greeted respectfully, his voice steady despite the nervous energy coursing through him. “It’s good to see you.”

“Aiden,” the Admiral replied with a nod, her tone grave. “Likewise. However, I have some urgent news for you which you may like or dislike depending on your thoughts towards the Ferengi.” She started.

Aiden’s brows furrowed slightly, sensing the seriousness in the Admiral’s demeanour. His mind raced with possibilities, trying to anticipate the nature of the news she was about to deliver. Was it a routine assignment, or something more dire?

“Go ahead, Admiral, my curiosity has been piqued” he prompted.

“Starfleet Intelligence and our communication buoys have intercepted a distress signal,” Admiral Hayes began, her voice unwavering. “It’s coming from the Ferengi vessel Divine Dividends.”

Aiden’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of a distress signal. His training kicked in, and he immediately began processing the implications. The Divine Dividends… He hadn’t heard of it before, but a Ferengi vessel operating in this sector wasn’t unheard of. So why would they be sending out a distress signal, what has caused it?

“Understood, Admiral. We’ll investigate immediately,” Aiden responded, his mind already racing ahead to formulate a plan of action. The urgency of the situation demanded swift and decisive action.

But before he could fully digest the order, he found himself asking a question that had been gnawing at him since the conversation began. His inquisitive nature couldn’t resist seeking clarification, especially in such uncertain circumstances.

“Admiral, why is it particularly important for us to respond to a distress call from a Ferengi vessel?” Aiden queried, his tone respectful but tinged with a hint of curiosity.

Admiral Hayes nodded, understanding his query. “Aiden, the Ferengi play a significant role in this region of space, especially considering the lack of communication we’ve had from the First Federation recently. Maintaining good relations with the Ferengi is crucial for stability and cooperation. Plus, they often possess valuable information and resources that could benefit Starfleet’s interests and there are no other Ferengi vessels to assist, your intelligence officer will receive the full brief but you should leave as soon as you have all your new crew aboard.”

Aiden absorbed the Admiral’s explanation, his mind racing to connect the dots. It made sense; in the vast expanse of space, alliances and diplomacy were just as crucial as the phasers and shields of a starship. He nodded thoughtfully, recognizing the strategic importance of the situation.

“Thank you, Admiral,” Aiden replied, a sense of determination creeping into his voice. “We’ll make sure to handle this situation with the utmost care and diplomacy.”

With a final nod of encouragement from Admiral Hayes, the communication channel closed, leaving Aiden to rally his crew and prepare for the mission ahead. As he stood from his chair, he couldn’t shake the gravity of the situation. This was it - his first true test as captain of the USS Memorial, and the fate of the Divine Dividends rested in their hands.

Captain Aiden Voss
Incoming CO
USS Memorial

Captain Aiden Voss stood on the quiet, skeleton crewed bridge of the Memorial, his gaze sweeping over the array of consoles and the few crew members diligently carrying out their duties. “Ensign,” Aiden called out to the communications officer stationed at their post. “Please send out a ship-wide notification and a notice to the Starbase that all personnel are to return to the ship immediately. Additionally, inform the department heads to convene in the briefing room in one hour.”

The ensign nodded, “Aye, Captain,” the ensign acknowledged, relaying the message to the Starbase and department heads as instructed, their fingers flying across the console to execute the captain’s orders. Within moments, the ship-wide announcement echoed throughout the corridors, alerting crew members to return to the Memorial promptly.

Captain Aiden Voss
Captain
USS Memorial