A New Day

Posted on 06 Jan 2015 @ 5:26am by Commodore Harvey Geisler & Emily Carter

979 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Boarded
Location: USS Black Hawk || Ready Room
Timeline: March 1, 2388 || 0900 hours

Harvey's cupped hands were the medium to splash a bit of water on his face. The ship had been in orbit of a friendly planet for the last few days as they awaited the arrival of a Starfleet transport ferrying personnel and supplies. The Gamma Quadrant experience was truly that -- an experience. Not a single Federation starbase could be found, and with the exception of a couple colonies and Deep Space 11, Federation presence was limited to the starships patrolling and exploring the sectors.

Hence, the old-fashioned way of resupplying and recrewing. He didn't mind, really. To him, it just gave him a bit more freedom on this frontier. Not that he wanted freedom, but he knew in the Alpha or Beta Quadrant, dealing with the Golden Stars would become a bureaucratic nightmare. His mind kept thinking about the mother who sacrificed herself for the well-being of her family.

And, he couldn't help think about the mysterious Paradan who about had his way with the Away Team. He was thankful for how events turned out, and that the Away Team actually managed to recover the stolen goods.

Life, however, had a different twist for the Black Hawk. Several crewmembers had taken reassignment thanks to their actions; Lieutenants Dash, Noxa and Cavendish. Dash and Noxa found their way to the Katana on the other side of the Quadrant, and Cavendish was given the opportunity to explore the nebula they'd found the month prior.

Even Doctor Quint had taken an assignment closer to his son. Starfleet had a replacement inbound, a Doctor Kij. Harvey had reviewed her personnel file, only to find she would be a type of doctor he hadn't seen yet in his life as a commander.

Looking up from the sink, Harvey looked into the mirror. His eyes immediately fell on his maroon collar. Just a few days ago, the orders from the Task Force XO had come through; Harvey Geisler was now a Captain. Uncertain times called for those with experience at the front lines. And that experience had to be backed with a rank that commanded attention.

The rank meant little to him. It was simply the final nail in a coffin. There was no going back to medicine now. He was a Starfleet Captain and would be until the day he died.

At least he would attempt to live a life worthy of a Captain.

The door chime sounded. Harvey stepped out of the washroom into the heart of his Ready Room and said, "Come." As he rounded the desk to stand beside his chair, he watched Petty Officer Carter enter the room.

"The final requisition list, sir," Emily stated with her thick British accent. She extended a PADD to her Captain.

Harvey gently accepted the device, not taking his eyes off of her uniform collar. The events aboard the X'annon and shortly after Razmena had shined light on Emily's unique ability with computers. She had petitioned two weeks ago to transfer to Operations, a request a reluctant Harvey Geisler granted. A new yeoman was in fact inbound from Starfleet Command.

This requisition list, in fact, represented Carter's final act as Harvey's yeoman.

Harvey, having grown to trust Emily, signed off on the list without hesitation. He handed the PADD back over to the yellow-collared woman. "How's the job change?"

Emily smiled, beaming with delight. "Wonderful, Captain." She, like several of the crew, was glad to finally see the rank match the title. "Thank you for the opportunity, sir."

Harvey returned a smile as well. It was forced, but something he had to get used to. It would eventually become genuine. He sat at the desk and activated his terminal. "And the squadrons?"

The Captain had submitted a petition of his own a few days ago in the form of a not completely truthful report. He would be leading the Black Hawk back to the border. Several cosmic phenomena were known to line a couple sectors, and officially the Black Hawk would be studying them.

Unofficially, they'd be searching for more clues to this Paradan and the Golden Stars.

And, unfortunately, Starfleet had decided a survey ship had no need for fighter escorts. Both the 325th and the 555th would be returning to the Alpha Quadrant. If being honest on the report would have kept the squadrons on board, Harvey would have considered it. It also would have meant his reassignment or Starfleet reassigning the Black Hawk. That wouldn't do.

"Ready to go, sir," Emily reported. "Unhappily, of course."

Harvey shut off his terminal and leaned back in the chair. "I don't blame them," he replied sternly. "The Black Hawk deserves to carry fighters. It's been her purpose since the beginning."

He stood up and walked over to the window, gazing out to the planet below.

"The crew understands," she replied, attempting reassurance. "There are lives on the line. Since the war, the ship has a purpose again. That is worth the sacrifice."

Geisler grunted in response. "Sacrifice," he muttered.

There was no use dwelling on it now. He turned to face Emily. "The rendevouz is in a hour. I'm sure Lieutenant Sherman will want to make sure everything is ready for our new crew. I know we're about to take on a lot of new faces."

"Yes, sir," she replied with a nod. She turned to assume her duties.

"And, Emily?" Harvey quickly interjected, stopping his former yeoman in her tracks. He waited for her to turn, flicking her loose hair away with a sharp nod. "Thanks for everything."

He gave him a playful, yet confident smirk. "Of course, Captain." With a nod, she left the Ready Room.

Harvey turned back to the window. "It's a new day," he muttered, looking at the planet below. "I wonder what this one will bring."

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