Echoes of Command
Posted on Thu Feb 6th, 2025 @ 9:35pm by Commander Hiro Sommers-Yoshida & Lieutenant Commander Liam Reynolds
1,576 words; about a 8 minute read
Mission:
Episode 8: Palingenesis
Location: Starbase 21
ON:
The quiet hum of Starbase 21’s operations deck was punctuated by the occasional alert or soft murmur of officers at their posts. The station, perched on the edge of the volatile Briar Patch, maintained its usual rhythm, unbothered by the countless anomalies and dangers swirling in the system below. Lieutenant Varon Tarel, the Operations Officer on duty, leaned over his console, reviewing the standard arrival logs for the day.
A faint chirp from his console drew his attention, signaling the approach of a new vessel. The registry number blinked across the screen in stark clarity: NX-96122.
Tarel frowned and tapped a command, pulling up additional data. The ship’s ID was unfamiliar, and its classification wasn’t immediately clear. That was unusual enough to merit further scrutiny. He quickly scanned for more detail, but nothing more was revealed.
“Station Log, update: unidentified Starfleet vessel on approach, Unknown configuration,” Tarel murmured as he documented the unusual arrival.
The vessel’s elegant design shimmered in the tactical view—a streamlined, experimental silhouette that immediately stood out. Even before the ship officially hailed, Tarel knew this was no ordinary patrol or supply drop.
Seconds later, the hail came through. Tarel accepted it, and the image of the vessel’s commanding officer appeared on the view screen. A calm, authoritative voice greeted him.
“This is Captain Elias Rylen. We’re requesting docking clearance. Admiral Kew Nora is aboard and has pressing matters to discuss with Lieutenant Commander Hiro Sommers-Yoshida. Please ensure he’s informed and available to meet with her.”
Tarel acknowledged the message, his curiosity piqued but kept carefully masked. He initiated the docking protocols and activated his comm badge.
“Tarel to Lieutenant Commander Sommers-Yoshida,” he called, his voice crisp.
It didn’t take long for Hiro to respond, his voice calm yet expectant. “Sommers-Yoshida here. Go ahead.”
“Commander, there’s an incoming Starfleet vessel, registry NX-96122. They’ve requested docking clearance and asked for your presence. Admiral Kew Nora is aboard.”
A pause followed as Hiro absorbed the information.
“Understood. I’ll be there shortly. Maintain docking protocols and alert me if anything changes,” Hiro replied before closing the channel.
Tarel glanced back at the screen, where the approach vector of the ship was displayed in sharp detail. The Operations Officer couldn’t help but wonder what kind of business would bring an Admiral—and an experimental starship—to Starbase 21.
The journey had been smooth. The docking procedure smooth. Nora looked round the station as she walked off the ship. Hustle and bustle. People carrying on their normal lives as if nothing had happened recently. No alien possessions.
"I'll walk," she informed someone offering to arrange to beam her to ops. It wasn't aften she got to a space station. Her stride however was as powerful and wide as ever and the journey was not long. She spotted a couple of places she might visit later for some food and shopping perhaps. She was to stay a couple of days at least just to make sure this hand over of power went well smooth.
Reaching Ops it seemed they knew who she was already and she was kindly led to person she was here to see.
"Commander. I have the Admiral," someone informed the man.
Hiro turned from his console, his disciplined demeanor not betraying the spark of curiosity he felt. He’d been briefed on Admiral Kew Nora’s arrival only moments before, but her presence on the station still carried an air of mystery. It wasn’t every day that a senior Admiral traveled aboard an experimental ship to deliver orders in person.
Straightening his uniform, Hiro stepped forward, his sharp, dark eyes meeting hers with professional composure. He noticed the Admiral’s commanding aura immediately—her posture unyielding, her expression calm but firm. Hiro had encountered many high-ranking officers during his career, but Admiral Kew Nora exuded something unique: an energy that combined Starfleet precision with Bajoran resilience.
“Admiral Kew,” he said, his voice steady and polite as he inclined his head. “Welcome to Starbase 21. I trust your journey was uneventful?”
"Unfortunately I cannot divulge all of my journey Commander but the parts I can talk about were more peaceful shall we say," she countered. "So I gather you are wondering the reason for my visit?"
Hiro gave a small nod, his expression neutral but respectful. “I won’t press you for details, Admiral, but I assume your visit is tied to some new developments here at the station,” he said, keeping his tone straightforward but friendly. “Whatever the reason, I’m ready to assist in any way needed to ensure everything goes smoothly.”
"I'm here to appoint the new commanding officer of the station. Admiral Haistro couldn't stay on the station. It was her son's station. It was a difficult situation. She was grieving and well it was an open wound reminding her of round every corner. I cannot understand why they assigned her here in the first place. She has gone home. Retired. We hope temporarily. She's a damn fine officer.
So we need to be pragmatic. Commander Horn has no desire it seems for command. I'm not going to order him to take over. So we are looking at the next member of the command team to step into that role," she told him waiting quietly and watching for it to sink in that was him.
The realization hit Hiro like a sudden shift in gravity. Me? For a moment, his thoughts raced through the implications. As Chief Operations Officer, he had carved out a role where he felt both useful and in control, a linchpin in the station’s daily functions. Taking command would mean stepping away from the intricate systems and logistics he thrived on, entrusting them to someone else. But who? Lieutenant Shora had potential, though she was still a bit green in areas that were important when leading an entire department. Lieutenant Kalrik was steady, but his leadership style lacked finesse. Would the team adapt quickly enough without disruption?
Then his mind turned to Melinda. She’d always supported his Starfleet career, even when it meant uprooting their lives to the Briar Patch. But command? That was different. It wasn’t just longer hours or more responsibility; it was an all-encompassing role that left little room for anything else. Melinda would understand. She always did. But what about the promises they’d made to prioritize family time? Their quiet dinners, their weekend holodeck sessions with Rowan and Miri… Could he still be the husband and father he wanted to be while carrying the weight of Starbase 21 on his shoulders?
Hiro’s jaw tightened. The opportunity was an honor, but the cost was steep. He’d have to decide if it was one he was truly ready to pay. Hiro took a steadying breath, meeting the Admiral’s gaze. “That’s… a lot to take in, Admiral. I’ll do what’s needed, but I’d like a little time to consider the implications - for the station and my family.”
"Well time is not of the essence if I am honest. I am here for 4 days. I need to transfer command in those four days. And I would rather do it sooner rather than later so I'm around to try help any transitions," she said. "And if I cannot I will be looking outside the rest of the officers here as I do not feel the rest are seasoned enough or at that level.
The implications for the station will be you would be in charge and it would be your station. The implications of it will be down to your decisions. I don't need to tell you that such opportunities do not come along often so I suggest you have a discussion with your wife. Obviously it may impact on family life.
I will give you overnight to think it through," she nodded at him firmly.
Now on another subject tell me I have heard there is a very good perfume shop in the promenade here. Where can I find it? I need to get a gift," she said.
Hiro thought for a moment, both to adjust to the change in subject and to think where the perfume shop was located. “Mrs Teena O'Trei is the owner of that shop. It’s located across Ferryman bar.”
"Excellent. I have heard good things about the cooking at your Ferryman bar. We shall reconvene bright and early in the morning where I hope to be handing out pips," she said. "Good afternoon Commander."
“Of course, Admiral. I’ll make sure you’re well looked after during your visit,” he replied with a polite nod. “Good afternoon.”
As she turned and exited Ops with her purposeful stride, he stood rooted for a moment, letting out a slow breath. The weight of their conversation lingered. Four days. Four days to decide if he was ready to take command, to become the face and heartbeat of Starbase 21. His mind drifted again to Melinda and their son, the balance they’d worked so hard to build. Could he risk tipping the scales for a responsibility this immense?
Shaking off the thoughts for now, he turned back to his console, though the Admiral’s words played over and over in his mind like the hum of the station’s systems.
Lieutenant Commander Hiro Sommer-Yoshida
Acting CO Starbase 21
Admiral Kew npc Liam Reynolds
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