“You know your father does not approve of this.” the well-dressed Human said to the figure seated opposite him. “What my father, and family in it’s entirety, approves of is really no concern of mine, Senator.” The speaker was a very tall and muscularly-built male Takaran with the notable green skin with a pronounced blue cranial and chin ridges. He was dressed in a Star Fleet gold dress uniform that he seemed to wear comfortably.

The two were seated in the dining room of the very luxurious and very exclusive Fairmont Heritage Place Hotel in Ghiradelli Square. The Senator looked out onto the square and sighed. “Si’Rek, I have known you and your family for many, many years; and it breaks my heart to see you and them at odds ” He looked back at the officer and said “If I can help in any way repair-” and an upheld hand cut off the rest of his sentiment. “No amount of engineering can fix this. I appreciate your desire to help Senator… Michael… but what transpired between us was… significant. And I see no path to reconciliation. Besides that, I am an officer in Star Fleet now. I have a duty to uphold and individuals who rely on me. I made a promise to them. And I intend to honor that promise.”

The Senator looked at Si’Rek and sighed again. “Well then… att least let me get you a rank more applicable to your experience and knowledge, then. Junior Grade Lieutenant? Really? You’ve been an Engineer longer than I’ve been alive, for heaven’s sake. You could be a Captain.” Si’Rek shook his head. “No. I will earn my promotions like those before me… through deed and performance. You are not the first to offer me an easier path. But again… I lwant to serve. And I will tolerate no interference in that.” His voice was firm and filled with resolve, and rhe Senator knew from years of experience that the die was cast.

“Very well. Have it your way. I will be seeing your family in a couple of weeks. Is there a message you would like me relay?” A PaDD sitting near Si’Rek chirped softly and Si’Rek tapped it ans read the message and smiled. “New orders. Manhattan-class science vessel. Those are huge ships.” and he closed the message and looked at the Senator. “I am the new Chief Operations Officer of the USS Genesis. And I am going to be late for departure if I don’t get packed.” The Senator looked shocked. “Just like that? You just up and leave? We are having breakfast, Si’Rek!” The Takaran smiled and said “Yes. Just like that, I’m afraid. I volunteered for rapid deployment status. That means Fleet Command can send me orders at any time and I have twelve hours to report to the nearest Personnel Command office.” He stood up and fixed the Senator with a look that spoke volumes. “Most Star Fleet personnel with no familial attachments or ties to a particular place are on such orders.” He dropped his napkin on the table and said “Good day, Senator. If you find yourself near the Genesis, please do not hesitate to visit. You are still my friend… regardless of my family’s actions.” and he turned and walked to the door of the dining room. The maitre’d said “Mister Si’Rek, I trust everything was in order, sir?” Si’Rek nodded and said “Indeed, Johann. Thank you. Please tell the front desk O will be leaving today and to send the valet up for my things. And have a slider ready to take me to the Academy Shuttle port in two hours.” “Of course, sir. We are sorry to see you go.” SiRek smiled and said “It’s always a ensure to stay here. I will be back, of course.” “And your rooms will be available, sir.” Si’Rek waved and then went up to pack.

Si’Rek, Ops Chief