S1E3 - New Horizons

[Stryker]

Sven didn't know what came over him.  His old ensign now a commander. And his old captain.  Seeing the saucer of the Athena. It brought back memories.  The large man was usually good at hiding his emotions, but this was too much.

His eyes began to water, and he turned away to wipe them with the back of his forearm.

So many memories. So much has happened.  Both good and bad.  It came flooding into him and he didn't know how to handle it.

He felt angry that he was demoted for doing his job and stopping a crazed captain from pulling the trigger back on the Broken Bow. He felt pride seeing Nira.  He felt a sense of fatherly protection from Carter. He felt disappointment for failing Dersch, and being a good department head and allowing that whole fiasco to happen.

"I'm... Sorry."

[James Carter]

|lt. Sven Aune | Overlook restaurant.

Sven didn't believe his eyes when he saw Carter walk in. It was a blast from his past. Almost 5 years to the day. Sven had even served as his XO on the Athena-A for a shot bit before he was transferred out.

He forgot all about how uncomfortable he felt and walked right up to his former captain.

"Capt'n! he didn't know what else to say, he just held out his large and calloused hand to shake.

[Overlook Lounge]

A genuine smile appeared on the admirals face as he eagerly shook the mans hand in front of him. "It's good to see you again." He replied warmly before looking over to Nira as she spoke to him.

[Commander Nira Said | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

As the party commenced, Nira looked around at Stryker's calling out and saw Admiral Carter approach. She approached the admiral with a smile.

"Admiral Carter, it's good to see you," she said, feeling the admiral's jovial nature. She had to admit, she had seen him when Challenger returned to Earth, some time after the 250th Frontier Day. She was shocked to see how downcast he was, and she found out later his father was killed, one of the many admirals killed that day. To see him this jovial made Nira feel good.

She looked around and said, "Stryker?" with a smile, and saw him nearby. All at once, she felt like she was that fresh-from-the-Academy ensign, with her Security and forensics ambition all over again, recalling when all three of them worked together to fight the Liberation and its leader, Manumit...who was Carter's alternate universe opposite double, her first great adversarial challenge.

She was the ensign who answered to Stryker, who had taught her in the Security field. And she felt like she was back in those days when she and Stryker coordinated with Carter. Her first commanding officer, and the first man she had the greatest respect for.

Shaking herself from nostalgia, Nira then looked around for Torra, the woman she always regarded her best friend, saw her nearby in the crowd, and said, "Lieutenant Addams? Can you come over, please? I'd like you to meet my first ever commanding officer," she said. "James Carter, then captain of my first ship, the Athena."

Then she turned back to Admiral Carter and said, "It's so good to see you, Admiral. What brings you to Solaere?"

A mischievous grin appears on his face as he offers a slight shrug. "I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about. Guess you'll just have to wait and see. Don't worry, all good things." Carter replied feigning innocence, adding a slight wink at the end.

Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams
[Outpost Solaere - Hangar Module - Overlook Restaurant - Private Lounge] (several days later)

While Admiral Gillespie and Nira continued their discussion about the Xolo family and then on the upcoming repairs to the station by the Corps of Engineers, Torra quietly sipped at a glass of water.  She smiled back and dipped her head respectfully towards Commander Garrison at the woman's remark to the staff.  It was good to hear that their work was appreciated.

A short while later and the crew were dismissed from the debrief.  Now was apparently the celebration.  Torra wasn't really in the mood for celebrating, but as she was the one in charge of ensuring this went smoothly she didn't really have much of a choice to stay.  She got up from her seat to stretch her long legs and moved to go stand beside her husband.

She glanced to the opening doors and took in the view of the Athena-B.  The ship was mostly unknown to her, though as she recalled both Nira and Stryker had served on the ship before, having transferred to Challenger.  Having it visit now must be a happy occasion for Nira.
.
When Nira called for Lieutenant Addams, there was that moment where she looked to Don wondering if it was he that was being called on.  But when Nira made eye contact, it was clear.  She gave her husband's hand a slight squeeze, before she moved in alongside Nira.  At 6'6" (not including her horns), she dwarfed Nira and stood several inches taller than even the Sec/Tac officer who seemed awe-struck at the new Admiral's arrival.

At Nira's introduction, Torra dipped her head low in respect towards the man that her best friend admired.  Her voice was gentle as she greeted him. "Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams.  It's a pleasure to meet you, Admiral Carter."

She then stepped back and let Nira and the others converse with their former Captain.

Carter gently returned a bow, a kind smile on his face. "The pleasure is all mine Lieutenant. I've seen your name in reports, it's nice to finally see put an image to the name." He said finally looking to Kinley as she arrived.

[Restaraunt]

Kinley nodded to Dersch as she came in. She knew she was skirting the "acceptable" time to come to the party, but  she was here now, the pirates were sent packing, and for now, she could breathe easy. That was room enough to celebrate. "I am absolutely looking forward to a break  from all these pirates.  We're getting some very needed repairs and upgrades and maybe for once, my replicator will actually be raptor-proof when it comes to Orange Jello." she joked, nodding to little Katie in a sort of conspiratorial way.

The raptor was already capturing people's hearts (and maybe some meatballs) on one end of the restaurant.  She made sure he was on his best behavior today after all, and the raptor enjoyed parties. It seemed like pretty good enrichment to her.

She wasn't exactly sure why the Brass had sent two admirals with them. Gillespie was already pretty involved with the Engineers coming in  (There was still that underlying worry of a sudden inspection  they might spring on her)  but she smiled and straightened as Admiral  Carter came on board.

"I think business might have to call me soon, if you'll excuse me.  " she motioned her head to the Admirals.

"Keep an eye on Steve for me, would you?" she asked Katie, before excusing herself.

"I hope I'm not butting in too much," she said, nodding to the Admirals. "It's great to see you again, Sirs." She smiled to Stryker and Torra. It seems like there was some past history?  They seemed to be having a good time. though.

Carter turned to face her, the mischievous smile from earlier now reappearing on his face. "Ah. There you are. I was just thinking I was going to have to come hunt you down." He began, obviously faking a stern tone. "I come bearing a gift." He said pulling out a small box from his pocket and extending it to her. "You should open it here though."

[Charlotte Fawkes]

| Lt. JG Fawkes | Science Officer | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere |

Now it seemed the time for everyone to congratulate themselves. Not that the Horizon crew didn't deserve the honors and downtime. Charlotte only wished they were awarded shore leave. "Theirs not to reason why," she mumbled under her breath, then wandered about, nodding to the few crewmembers she recognized.

The Yeager-class starship, Athena-B, was an impressive ship if a bit odd to the eye considering its mish-mash construction. If her history was correct, the vessel sported an Intrepid-class saucer, which generally housed an impressive array of science labs. However, as they were slapped together from parts during the Dominion War, science labs were not a priority. Fawkes wondered if the Athena-B had upgraded to fill a more exploratory niche. Perhaps, if the ship were "docked" long enough, she would get to find out.

Charlotte stood with the rest, admiring the vessel while awaiting its captain, Admiral Carter, to make his entrance. Once Carter entered the overlook, Fawkes watched from the sidelines as old comrades reunited. It was a pleasant visual, but the junior lieutenant felt out of place and hungry. Eventually, Charlotte was in the buffet line, choosing primarily vegetables.

[Kinley Garrison]

[Overlook Lounge]

Carter turned to face her, the mischievous smile from earlier now reappearing on his face. "Ah. There you are. I was just thinking I was going to have to come hunt you down." He began, obviously faking a stern tone. "I come bearing a gift." He said pulling out a small box from his pocket and extending it to her. "You should open it here though."

[Restaraunt overlook - Party]

For a hot second, Kinley wasn't sure of what he was up to,  until he pulled a tiny box out of his  pocket and gave it to her.  "Uh, sure!  Thank you!" she said, taking the small black box.

She wasn't exactly sure what it was. Why would he give me such a small jewelry box? It didn't quite hit her until she opened it and found a single gold pip shining inside.

"Oh my gosh..."

She couldn't believe it. This was a promotion.   Was she actually getting promoted?  She hadn't heard anything about getting promoted at all, but here she was.    Did I miss that notice?  - Ack! Stay in the moment! She forced herself to collect herself and not look like a totally awkward fool in front of almost everyone she knew.   "Thank you, Sir!  I'm - I'm  honored!" she grinned. 

[James Carter]

[Restaraunt overlook - Party]

For a hot second, Kinley wasn't sure of what he was up to,  until he pulled a tiny box out of his  pocket and gave it to her.  "Uh, sure!  Thank you!" she said, taking the small black box.

She wasn't exactly sure what it was. Why would he give me such a small jewelry box? It didn't quite hit her until she opened it and found a single gold pip shining inside.

"Oh my gosh..."

She couldn't believe it. This was a promotion.  Was she actually getting promoted?  She hadn't heard anything about getting promoted at all, but here she was.  Did I miss that notice?  - Ack! Stay in the moment! She forced herself to collect herself and not look like a totally awkward fool in front of almost everyone she knew.  "Thank you, Sir!  I'm - I'm  honored!" she grinned.

[Overlook Lounge]

A soft, genuine smile appeared on Carter's face as Kinsley opened the box. "Congratulations Captain." He said making sure to accentuate her new rank. "I remember getting the fourth pip myself. Given to me by the Athena's original captain. Don't forget to take time to properly enjoy your new rank though. Before you know it you'll look back and realize these are the best. Though, this job does come with perks like getting to be here for moments like these which I wouldn't trade for the world. Plus we even managed to keep the promotion quiet until I arrived which was...more challenging than you'd expect. An admiral sneezes in their sleep and there's gossip before we wake up." Carter laughed slightly, clearing trying to defuse any potential awkwardness.

"Brass expects great things from you, but on a personal note I already know you're going to blow them away." The admiral added as he extended his hand offering a handshake.

[Jynaral Rkeran]

{Outpost Solaere|Corridors-Jeffries' Tube floor}

Feeva hurried along to the location where the other Engineer had said that R'keran would be. She was happy to see him awake.

"Sit down," she said, the "mom voice" vibrating. "We have a medical transport in..." and with that, the three were beamed away.

{Outpost Solaere|Medical}

As she re-appartated in medical, she immediately began to issue orders. "Alright, Dr," she said, to the EMH. "R'keran 'ere has a nasty head wound. Commander Garrison has gas poisoning, and I hurt me foot," she said. "Jaynaral, take that biobed there," she said. "Commander, that one," she pointed. Finally, she hopped up on an empty one herself. She HATED being the patient; she was terrible at taking care of herself and even worse at following up with after-care. Still, she knew she'd hurt herself WORSE if she didn't sit down and listen now, and so, she would let Rimous and the EMH do their work. She turned to Sven.

"You've got terrible timing, you know?" She said. "If you wanted to miss your next session, you could simply TELL me that next time," she joked.

{Jynaral R'keran| Outpost Solaere| Medical}

"y-yes ma'am."

Somewhat weakly, R'keran wandered over to the directed table, splaying out and letting out a long sigh. He felt...weirdly exhausted. No doubt a consequence of the gas, but there was more to it. This did feel a little too, well, big for him. Most who joined Starfleet dreamed of these sorts of adventurous moments, big, exciting engagements.

Yet somehow, R'keran missed his Jeffries Tube.

His head continued to pound as he laid there, letting out a sigh and closing his eyes. Maybe he'd get in trouble for this. Maybe a commendation. Or maybe he'd get lucky and they'd let him sleep this one off.

[Stryker]

lt. Sven Aune. Overlook restaurant

He watched as Carter gave Kinley a small box.  His feeling shifted to pride and content.  She deserved this.  She opened the box and he studied her facial expression. The surprise and the overwhelming.

"Congratulations Captain!

[Nira Said]

Sven didn't know what came over him.  His old ensign now a commander. And his old captain.  Seeing the saucer of the Athena. It brought back memories.  The large man was usually good at hiding his emotions, but this was too much.

His eyes began to water, and he turned away to wipe them with the back of his forearm.

So many memories. So much has happened.  Both good and bad.  It came flooding into him and he didn't know how to handle it.

He felt angry that he was demoted for doing his job and stopping a crazed captain from pulling the trigger back on the Broken Bow. He felt pride seeing Nira.  He felt a sense of fatherly protection from Carter. He felt disappointment for failing Dersch, and being a good department head and allowing that whole fiasco to happen.

"I'm... Sorry."

[Overlook Lounge]

A genuine smile appeared on the admirals face as he eagerly shook the mans hand in front of him. "It's good to see you again." He replied warmly before looking over to Nira as she spoke to him.

A mischievous grin appears on his face as he offers a slight shrug. "I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about. Guess you'll just have to wait and see. Don't worry, all good things." Carter replied feigning innocence, adding a slight wink at the end.

Carter gently returned a bow, a kind smile on his face. "The pleasure is all mine Lieutenant. I've seen your name in reports, it's nice to finally see put an image to the name." He said finally looking to Kinley as she arrived.

Carter turned to face her, the mischievous smile from earlier now reappearing on his face. "Ah. There you are. I was just thinking I was going to have to come hunt you down." He began, obviously faking a stern tone. "I come bearing a gift." He said pulling out a small box from his pocket and extending it to her. "You should open it here though."

[Commander Nira Said | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

Nira smiled at Torra as she left, and she brought her attention back to Carter. And she saw Stryker shedding tears and she could understand. She had to hold off tears of her own.

[Restaraunt overlook - Party]

For a hot second, Kinley wasn't sure of what he was up to,  until he pulled a tiny box out of his  pocket and gave it to her.  "Uh, sure!  Thank you!" she said, taking the small black box.

She wasn't exactly sure what it was. Why would he give me such a small jewelry box? It didn't quite hit her until she opened it and found a single gold pip shining inside.

"Oh my gosh..."

She couldn't believe it. This was a promotion.  Was she actually getting promoted?  She hadn't heard anything about getting promoted at all, but here she was.  Did I miss that notice?  - Ack! Stay in the moment! She forced herself to collect herself and not look like a totally awkward fool in front of almost everyone she knew.  "Thank you, Sir!  I'm - I'm  honored!" she grinned.

[Overlook Lounge]

A soft, genuine smile appeared on Carter's face as Kinsley opened the box. "Congratulations Captain." He said making sure to accentuate her new rank. "I remember getting the fourth pip myself. Given to me by the Athena's original captain. Don't forget to take time to properly enjoy your new rank though. Before you know it you'll look back and realize these are the best. Though, this job does come with perks like getting to be here for moments like these which I wouldn't trade for the world. Plus we even managed to keep the promotion quiet until I arrived which was...more challenging than you'd expect. An admiral sneezes in their sleep and there's gossip before we wake up." Carter laughed slightly, clearing trying to defuse any potential awkwardness.

"Brass expects great things from you, but on a personal note I already know you're going to blow them away." The admiral added as he extended his hand offering a handshake.

lt. Sven Aune. Overlook restaurant

He watched as Carter gave Kinley a small box.  His feeling shifted to pride and content.  She deserved this.  She opened the box and he studied her facial expression. The surprise and the overwhelming.

"Congratulations Captain!

Then she saw the box. She had been at enough promotion ceremonies to know that there was only one kind of box small enough to contain a particular gift when it comes to an officer. Sure enough, there it was. A gold pip. And if it was a fourth, it meant a captaincy. Nira was delighted for Kinley, and at the same time, she wasn't surprised. Kinley had more experience in command, and in the waning days of their assignment on the Revenant, they switched their chairs with each other with increasing frequency.

It was a good surprise for Kinley, and Admiral Gillespie decided to spread the surprise. He gave a bell tap to get attention and announced, "All right, everybody, I wish to announce the purpose of Admiral Carter's coming. In light of the triumph against the pirates and the renewal of Outpost Solaere's renovation and assigned purpose, we announce Kinley Garrison's promotion to captaincy. May the winds of good fortune favor yeh, lassie," he said, and he raised a glass in toast.

Nira was then designated to pin the pip next to Kinley's gold three. She done so and said, "Kinley Garrison, it's an honor to see this fourth pip on you. I am glad to get to know you throughout our time together in the last year. As an orphan, I always regard my friends as a sort of family. I have many uncles in my superiors, from Stryker Aune, James Carter, Tekin Nevir and Don Addams. I have a good many brothers in Ian Galloway and Zhuk Mrekrerhas and an excellent sister in Danjar-Torra Addams. And I now have a new sister and friend in you, one I am proud to serve with. Congratulations, Captain Garrison."

And the promotion ceremony was finished and the party went in full swing. It was one of Nira's happiest moments. And then came a souring in the revelry when, amidst the celebrating, suddenly a horrifyingly familiar hoarse voice bellowed, like a torpedo launch, "THERE THEY ARE! LAS PUTAS!!!"

She whirled around in the direction of the voice in time to see Governor Malaquías Xolo storming through the crowd, furious. And he wasn't alone. Behind him were two of his sycophants in the New Jericho administration, his number two and chief administrator, Antoine Roshard, and Malaquías's grandson and younger cousin of Bella-Nunia, Enrique, both in two and both looking equally furious in their own way: Roshard bearing more semblance to a rattlesnake without the rattle in his expression and eyes, the latter so angry and gritting is teeth, they looked in danger of cracking.

Behind the three, half a dozen bodyguards followed behind, four humans and two Nausicaans bringing up the rear, a downright indication of the corrupt colonial government. Nira figured they were with the New Jericho administration, not just because of the same uniforms worn by the colonial deputies, but because these Nausicaans weren't members of Cloten's gang, the gang being on the station long enough that Nira knew each and every one of them by sight and name.

Nira managed to block Governor Xolo's path and intercepted the fist he had raised in what was undoubtedly intended to be a hard slug punch. Nira deflected it back and glared back at him. "How dare you, old man," she said in a calm, cold voice.

Xolo stopped long enough to glare at both Nira and Kinley, especially at the four pips Kinley was displaying, breathing intensely through his nose like he was a bull ready to charge a matador's cape. His ilk were staring equally at the pips.

"It's Governor Xolo, and we don't give shit about your ranks, bitches," spat Roshard gently but spitefully.

"You don't deserve the uniforms, let alone the ranks," Malaquías snarled back.

Nira narrowed her eyes and retorted, "So you've rebuffed our visits to your government facilities, but it takes a raid for you to come to us?"

"Your officers have broken into New Jericho property and stolen its contents!" Malaquías spat. "And am I to understand also that my oldest grandchild is locked in your brig?!"

[Nira Said]

[Continuation of #307]

"Your oldest grandchild is a war criminal, if you aren't aware," Nira scoffed. "Not just for leading piracy, but for all her friendly fire during and after the Dominion War. And you put her and her pirates to it!"

"Ridiculous!"

"We have it all, Xolo. Her contacts, what she has done to the cargo and captives. Why do you think Starfleet had to raid that warehouse?"

"IF they were in a New Jericho warehouse, it makes them property of New Jericho!"

"Ridiculous," Nira retorted. "That cargo, that equipment, they were never yours to begin with. They're for the refugees of Oaish'le. On orders of Starfleet."

Malaquías flinched at Nira's words. His nose flared so much, Nira would not have been surprised if they emitted sparks. "On. What?"

"You heard what Commander Said said, Malaquías," Admiral Gillespie said, stepping to her side, his face contorted in a look of fury worse than what he had on his face in the different tellings-off he had given Ian Galloway in the past. Nira noticed a sense of familiarity in Malaquías when he saw Gillespie, confirmed when Malaquías replied, "Jamon? Hamish, you..."

"I repeat, Governor," Nira said, her calm voice hardening, the title emphasized with sarcasm, "The goods on those convoys were never to be for you in the first place. And I mean not for you."

Malaquías' lips quivered, his nose flaring worse than ever. Behind him, Roshard narrowed his eyes in such a way that they were almost closed. Enrique Xolo was shaking in fury, going purple from his previous red like he was being choked. Finally, Malaquías spoke.

"So THIS is what the Federation has become," he growled. "Sellouts to the Romulans."

"This is not a betrayal to any kind of Romulans, Xolo," Nira snarled, Gillespie nodding in agreement with her before saying, "Aye. Are yeh not even aware that the purpose for this outpost's revival only here to render aid to Oaish'le like Deep Space Nine first was to Bajor? To establish a trading hub?"

"AID? AID?!?" exploded Malaquías, before he whirled around to address all the officers in the establishment. "TRAITORS! ALL OF YOU! TRAITORS TO YOUR UNIFORMS! TRAITORS TO THE FEDERATION!!! IF YOU THINK TRADE WILL GO THROUGH TO THE POINTED-EARED BASTARDS OF THE OASIS, YOU'VE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING!!!"

[Richard James Litt]

[Lt. Litt · Overlook Restaurant · Outpost Solaere]

Richard Litt was engaged in conversation with a few colleagues who weren't part of the old crew, trying to get a feel for the team and the dynamics at the outpost. As he chatted, he noticed the growing excitement as Admiral Carter prepared to make an announcement. Even though Litt was not directly involved in the history of the crew, the palpable sense of pride and anticipation in the room was undeniable.

The promotion ceremony for Commander Kinley Garrison was a highlight, and Litt moved closer to witness the moment. Seeing the joy on Kinley's face as she received her fourth pip was inspiring. Litt clapped and offered his congratulations from a distance, "Congratulations, Captain Garrison!" His genuine enthusiasm was evident. He could tell that this promotion was a significant and deserved milestone for Kinley and for everyone at the outpost.

Just as the celebration was reaching its peak, the atmosphere took a sharp turn when Governor Malaquías Xolo stormed into the lounge, his fury palpable. Litt's attention was drawn to the heated exchange between Nira and Xolo as accusations flew. Nira's sharp retort about Xolo's granddaughter being a war criminal and the rightful ownership of the confiscated goods made the tension even thicker. Xolo's rage intensified as he yelled at everyone present, denouncing them as traitors and accusing them of selling out to the Romulans. Litt watched in stunned silence, realizing that the festive mood had been replaced by a serious confrontation that could have significant repercussions for their mission and their relationships with New Jericho.

[James Carter]

[Continuation of #307]

"Your oldest grandchild is a war criminal, if you aren't aware," Nira scoffed. "Not just for leading piracy, but for all her friendly fire during and after the Dominion War. And you put her and her pirates to it!"

"Ridiculous!"

"We have it all, Xolo. Her contacts, what she has done to the cargo and captives. Why do you think Starfleet had to raid that warehouse?"

"IF they were in a New Jericho warehouse, it makes them property of New Jericho!"

"Ridiculous," Nira retorted. "That cargo, that equipment, they were never yours to begin with. They're for the refugees of Oaish'le. On orders of Starfleet."

Malaquías flinched at Nira's words. His nose flared so much, Nira would not have been surprised if they emitted sparks. "On. What?"

"You heard what Commander Said said, Malaquías," Admiral Gillespie said, stepping to her side, his face contorted in a look of fury worse than what he had on his face in the different tellings-off he had given Ian Galloway in the past. Nira noticed a sense of familiarity in Malaquías when he saw Gillespie, confirmed when Malaquías replied, "Jamon? Hamish, you..."

"I repeat, Governor," Nira said, her calm voice hardening, the title emphasized with sarcasm, "The goods on those convoys were never to be for you in the first place. And I mean not for you."

Malaquías' lips quivered, his nose flaring worse than ever. Behind him, Roshard narrowed his eyes in such a way that they were almost closed. Enrique Xolo was shaking in fury, going purple from his previous red like he was being choked. Finally, Malaquías spoke.

"So THIS is what the Federation has become," he growled. "Sellouts to the Romulans."

"This is not a betrayal to any kind of Romulans, Xolo," Nira snarled, Gillespie nodding in agreement with her before saying, "Aye. Are yeh not even aware that the purpose for this outpost's revival only here to render aid to Oaish'le like Deep Space Nine first was to Bajor? To establish a trading hub?"

"AID? AID?!?" exploded Malaquías, before he whirled around to address all the officers in the establishment. "TRAITORS! ALL OF YOU! TRAITORS TO YOUR UNIFORMS! TRAITORS TO THE FEDERATION!!! IF YOU THINK TRADE WILL GO THROUGH TO THE POINTED-EARED BASTARDS OF THE OASIS, YOU'VE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING!!!"

[Overlook Lounge]

Carter turned to look at the shouting, a slight sigh leaving his lips. "Just when I think I'll get a single quiet day." He whispers to himself. He turned to face Stryker a moment, offering a slight shrug and before saying anything else he moved to stand next to Nira once again. The expression on his face was as cold as the arctic but conveyed that he'd calculated every possible eventuality and occurance ages ago. "Might I suggest we lower our voices?" His voice carried a venom seldom heard by even his worst enemies. "After all...I can't imagine shouting like that will have the results you're hoping for. Let me make one thing clear, violence against any officer under my oversight won't be tolerated and that includes the verbal variety."

Carter's eyes bore into Xolo's as he crossed his arms. "I'm all for open dialogs Governor. Especially ones that can lead to peace on all sides and a mutually benefitial coexistence. However, if you intend to threaten the people aboard this outpost...let me just say I strongly discourage that course of action." For a moment his eyes trace over the six body guards, clearly analyzing each of them carefully.

[Kinley Garrison]

[Restaraunt outlook]

Kinley had to hold back her emotions and tears as she heard all the wonderful congratulations from everyone.  "Thank you all.... You have no idea how much this means to me. I really hope I can be the best Captain for you guys. I promise you guys that. "

The mood seemed to drop like a sack full of bricks when all of a sudden,  she heard a commotion in the back, and saw Governor Xolo come in, spitting fire and fury.

She gave a long, hard look at Mr. Xolo as he came barging in, putting a major dampening on the happy moment she was having.    You could have waited a goshdarn moment until after I was back in the office to have this fit!

Giving a look to Nira to keep her XO from punching the man upside the head for now, she stood up to the much-taller man, straightening herself in the process. Unfortunately, this was in her domain, and she had two members of the Brass looking at her to see if she did the right decision, right after they gave her this promotion too, to boot.

"Mr. Xolo, We have told you multiple times: Our goal is to help everybody in this sector and on this planet. That has been and always will be our goal here.   We have been stretched thin due to your granddaughter's hindrance to us to get resources.  You realize her interference has hindered us from helping your own people, right?   She asked, not sure if he got the memo or not.

" Piracy of goods does not and will not help the situation on the surface. We are on your people's side, as best as we can with what resources we can allocate, but I will not allow any racist or intolerant remarks on my station. Is that clear?" She folded her arms, really trying to drive the point that she was not in the mood to deal with party crashers.

" We can talk about things in my office after the party is over, and I'll make it available to have a discussion as soon as possible.  You are more than welcome to get a drink and celebrate with us until then, or you have the option to leave and we can still talk later. That is your prerogative, but right now, you will not ruin the mood here. Am I clear?"

[Stryker]

Lt. Sven Aune, Overlook Cafe.

Lt. JG Maria Martinez, Overlook Cafe.

Sven looked on with pride as Kinley was being decorated and promoted.  But all that changed when Xolo charged in with a dozen thugs, like a winded matador, huffing and puffing and making a scene.

Sven frowned and didn't like the look of the situation.

He quietly tapped his communicator, and a soon enough a dozen of his own security arrived, inconspicuously, like secret service, ready to take action if things escalated.

He stepped up next to Kinley. The massive bodybuilder glared down at Xolo.  He didn't need to say anything. His large imposing presence would be enough.  However he had a concern.  He didn't trust Dersch, and worried that he might actually jump the gun and pull a trigger causing a firefight to break out.

Deputy Martinez found Dersch and quickly took post next to the man. Sven gave them both "the look."

She knew better than to make a move. Stay quiet and let Admiral Carter work his magic.  She placed a hand on Dersch's shoulder.

"Steady Amigo." She said to him. "Nothin' rash."

Sven had deliberately put his two hottest-headiest officers together.  They were to hold each other accountable and teach each other how to remain calm and make logical decisions.

[Charlotte Fawkes]

[Commander Nira Said | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere]

Nira smiled at Torra as she left, and she brought her attention back to Carter. And she saw Stryker shedding tears and she could understand. She had to hold off tears of her own.Then she saw the box. She had been at enough promotion ceremonies to know that there was only one kind of box small enough to contain a particular gift when it comes to an officer. Sure enough, there it was. A gold pip. And if it was a fourth, it meant a captaincy. Nira was delighted for Kinley, and at the same time, she wasn't surprised. Kinley had more experience in command, and in the waning days of their assignment on the Revenant, they switched their chairs with each other with increasing frequency.

It was a good surprise for Kinley, and Admiral Gillespie decided to spread the surprise. He gave a bell tap to get attention and announced, "All right, everybody, I wish to announce the purpose of Admiral Carter's coming. In light of the triumph against the pirates and the renewal of Outpost Solaere's renovation and assigned purpose, we announce Kinley Garrison's promotion to captaincy. May the winds of good fortune favor yeh, lassie," he said, and he raised a glass in toast.

Nira was then designated to pin the pip next to Kinley's gold three. She done so and said, "Kinley Garrison, it's an honor to see this fourth pip on you. I am glad to get to know you throughout our time together in the last year. As an orphan, I always regard my friends as a sort of family. I have many uncles in my superiors, from Stryker Aune, James Carter, Tekin Nevir and Don Addams. I have a good many brothers in Ian Galloway and Zhuk Mrekrerhas and an excellent sister in Danjar-Torra Addams. And I now have a new sister and friend in you, one I am proud to serve with. Congratulations, Captain Garrison."

And the promotion ceremony was finished and the party went in full swing. It was one of Nira's happiest moments. And then came a souring in the revelry when, amidst the celebrating, suddenly a horrifyingly familiar hoarse voice bellowed, like a torpedo launch, "THERE THEY ARE! LAS PUTAS!!!"

She whirled around in the direction of the voice in time to see Governor Malaquías Xolo storming through the crowd, furious. And he wasn't alone. Behind him were two of his sycophants in the New Jericho administration, his number two and chief administrator, Antoine Roshard, and Malaquías's grandson and younger cousin of Bella-Nunia, Enrique, both in two and both looking equally furious in their own way: Roshard bearing more semblance to a rattlesnake without the rattle in his expression and eyes, the latter so angry and gritting is teeth, they looked in danger of cracking.

Behind the three, half a dozen bodyguards followed behind, four humans and two Nausicaans bringing up the rear, a downright indication of the corrupt colonial government. Nira figured they were with the New Jericho administration, not just because of the same uniforms worn by the colonial deputies, but because these Nausicaans weren't members of Cloten's gang, the gang being on the station long enough that Nira knew each and every one of them by sight and name.

Nira managed to block Governor Xolo's path and intercepted the fist he had raised in what was undoubtedly intended to be a hard slug punch. Nira deflected it back and glared back at him. "How dare you, old man," she said in a calm, cold voice.

Xolo stopped long enough to glare at both Nira and Kinley, especially at the four pips Kinley was displaying, breathing intensely through his nose like he was a bull ready to charge a matador's cape. His ilk were staring equally at the pips.

"It's Governor Xolo, and we don't give shit about your ranks, bitches," spat Roshard gently but spitefully.

"You don't deserve the uniforms, let alone the ranks," Malaquías snarled back.

Nira narrowed her eyes and retorted, "So you've rebuffed our visits to your government facilities, but it takes a raid for you to come to us?"

"Your officers have broken into New Jericho property and stolen its contents!" Malaquías spat. "And am I to understand also that my oldest grandchild is locked in your brig?!"

--

[Overlook Lounge]

Carter turned to look at the shouting, a slight sigh leaving his lips. "Just when I think I'll get a single quiet day." He whispers to himself. He turned to face Stryker a moment, offering a slight shrug and before saying anything else he moved to stand next to Nira once again. The expression on his face was as cold as the arctic but conveyed that he'd calculated every possible eventuality and occurance ages ago. "Might I suggest we lower our voices?" His voice carried a venom seldom heard by even his worst enemies. "After all...I can't imagine shouting like that will have the results you're hoping for. Let me make one thing clear, violence against any officer under my oversight won't be tolerated and that includes the verbal variety."

Carter's eyes bore into Xolo's as he crossed his arms. "I'm all for open dialogs Governor. Especially ones that can lead to peace on all sides and a mutually benefitial coexistence. However, if you intend to threaten the people aboard this outpost...let me just say I strongly discourage that course of action." For a moment his eyes trace over the six body guards, clearly analyzing each of them carefully.

| Lt. JG Fawkes | Science Officer | Overlook Restaurant | Hangar Module | Outpost Solaere |

Fawkes applauded for the new Captain Garrison. The look on Kinely's face, coupled with the tears in her eyes, said more than her words of gratitude. Though she didn't know the new captain well, Charlotte knew such honors were due Garrison. Commander Said's pride for her friend was a testament to the new captain's leadership. For Charlotte, she was happy to celebrate and much on a trio of leek and mushroom croquettes. And then the party was over.

While Governor Xolo pounded on his chest, stirring the crew and dignitaries into a frazzle, Fawkes slinked into the background. Though not proud of herself for retreating, Char witnessed how many others had their say. Assurances were made, though Fawkes surmised it all sounded like politics as usual to the governor. Tensions rose, and no one seemed particularly willing to de-escalate. If anything, Xolo, Carter, and Said appeared as if they would explode at any moment. The newly adorned Captain seemed to be holding the peace.

Charlotte cleared her throat and approached the head officers. "Please, begging everyone's pardon, there is a matter we should discuss. The asteroid, which was destroyed spectacularly, did not originate from the Ciden system. This is only a guess on my part, but it's very likely that the object was a small remanent of Romulus due to the iron and nickel content. Due to the electromagnet fields," Fawkes motioned to Ms. Aubrey, who used the idea to great advantage, "these asteroids tend to group forming clusters. In a nutshell, there could be more asteroids coming. Some could be larger, much larger than the one Commander Said utilized – possibly extinction-level magnitude. So, perhaps cooler heads could prevail tonight and get to work on more important matters."

Fawkes knew her play was a gamble, but it wasn't untrue. Unfortunately, she didn't have the time to test her thesis. "My apologies, Commander, Captain. After tonight's festivities, I had planned to bend your ear on this matter."

[Danjar-Torra Addams]

Lieutenant Danjar-Torra Addams
[Outpost Solaere - Hangar Module - Overlook Restaurant - Private Lounge] (several days later)

Torra had smiled and applauded at seeing Admiral Carter offer Kinley her 4th pip. Then in typical Scottish fashion Admiral Gillespie had to upstage his colleague, with Nira following in Gillespie's  shadow.  Torra sighed softly.  The Betazoid couldn't help but have to be in center of attention. Torra supposed that was perhaps one of the reasons Nira had made it to Command in such a short time.

Just as Torra was leaning in towards Don, about to suggest they call it an early night, a sudden ruckus drew her attention.  Seeing Xolo, Torra scowled; having met the Governor once, she found the human to be rather distasteful.  His insults and threats only proved her opinion right.

As she glowered at the man, her head and horns lowered; not in her usual demure manner but in defense and prep for a charge.