Chris had got the landing party back on board, fought off three Romulan Bird of Prey, and repelled a boarding party. The crew was exhausted and the Chernov needed a lot of major repairs. The ship was basically MacGyvered with anything and everything to get it to go to the nearest repair station.

Sitting in the Captain’s chair a communique from Starfleet came up.

“Captain. Starfleet is hailing us.” The NE comm Ensign spoke.

“On screen please. If it works that is.”
The ensign did his best but only half the screen worked. No big deal Chris thought. He could still hear whomever it is calling.

[O] Greetings Captain. I hope all is well with you all now. We got your message about everything you and your crew went through.[O]

[O] Thanks I guess. Would’ve been better if you sent reinforcements instead of a message two days late. I get trying to avoid the Romulans politically but to abandon one of your own ships and a Federation colony? That’s absolutely absurd!” He sneared. “And whom am I speaking to? Only half the viewscreen is working. [O] Chris couldn’t see the man’s face but what little he could see if his body, squirmed in the seat a little after that.

[O] This is Commander Black with Starfleet Headquarters. I’m sorry for what happened. Starfleet has a new mission for you. You’ll..[O]

Chris cut him off. [Must not be too important or they wouldn’t have a Commander giving me my orders. And what just are we supposed to do? This ship is being held together with willpower, love, duct tape, and rainbows. I had to cancel chili night today because I’m afraid someone will fart hard enough to break this ship apart![O]

[O]Uhh. Ummm. Well you and your crew are being put on mandatory vacation as of this moment. Starfleet has instructed me to tell you to stay on your current course and speed and they will be sending out a tow ship and shuttles to take you all away to Risa. Starfleet has even booked you all rooms and everything will be compensated, even meals, rides, cruises, everything! How’s that sound?[O]

Without missing a beat. [O] Sounds like pure horse s**t to me. You couldn’t help us in our time of need but you all had time to make a vacation for us? This is why you lose officers and have a bad turnover rate. But I have no choice in this since the Chernov can’t really go anywhere on her own. Can I stay with the Chernov while the others go? I really hate Risa and almost died there a while ago and my wife did die there. [O]

[O] I’m afraid everyone will be going and that includes you Captain. All the ships will meet up with you in 47 hours. Black out [O]

Then the screen went dark. “Black out indeed.” Chris chuckled. Well I better inform the crew. He told himself. Pressing the comm on his chair. [O] Hello all. We are going to be shuttled off the Chernov in 50 hours. Starfleet has decided that since we are basically drifting along in space and due to your alls bravery in the face of the Romulans, that they are rewarding all of us with a free and fully comped vacation to Risa. So get packing everyone![O]

[O] I will need to see the XO and all Department Heads and our their designees in Conference room 12 in one hour (Blaze, this means you). Bridge out.[O]

Chris laid his head back into his chair. “Why Risa?”

Captain Chris Taggart CO