With Change Comes Direction, With Direction Comes First Steps

Posted on Mon Jan 6th, 2025 @ 10:06pm by Admiral S'iraa

716 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Let That Be Your Last
Location: Ready Room / Bridge.
Timeline: Current

Si vis pacem, para bellum.

If you want peace, prepare for war.

Admiral S'iraa gazed out the window, his eyes tracing the ship's spine as he contemplated the orders flooding his monitor, a relentless stream of directives. For any commanding officer, there comes a moment when the frequency of reported hostilities becomes so commonplace that it feels like the new normal. In such times, the punishment of terror is rare, and those responsible often evade justice, leaving behind a trail of victims. Distinguishing between peace and conflict can become a challenging endeavor.

Thanks to the expertise and determination of Chief Engineer Aries, the Dreadnought was finally ready to set sail after extensive repairs. The captives from the recent land assault were transferred to the support vessels, while the injured were sent to the nearest Starbase for care. Yet, the absence that weighed heavily on everyone’s mind was that of Captain Ethan De Havilland. Despite the Admiral's hopes for a positive outcome for the Captain, he understood that hope and reality often diverge, leading to unforeseen results.

Taking a seat at his desk, S'iraa recognized the importance of communication; people needed to be informed. Knowledge breeds power, and with it comes the strength to face challenges. He pressed the button to activate the ship-wide communication system, ensuring his voice would reach every crew member.

"Attention all hands, this is the Admiral speaking. As some of you may have noticed, Captain De Havilland has been recalled to Headquarters, and I am now in command of the ship. I understand that our crew has recently endured significant hardships at the hands of those who are now en route to face justice for their actions. Every action has consequences, and while some may not see immediate repercussions, rest assured that they will ultimately be held accountable." S'iraa paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing.

"Our responsibilities do not conclude here; we have received new orders that will take us to a region of space eight days away, specifically to a system known as Sidona Ocularis. A request has been made to mediate a territorial conflict that threatens to plunge the planet into chaos and warfare. We aim to demonstrate that, despite the diverse cultures, races, and species within Starfleet and the Federation, we all belong together. It is through this spirit of collaboration and acceptance that we aspire to foster stability among the planet's three distinct cultures. While the specifics remain unclear, I am optimistic that we can embody the values of acceptance and cooperation that the Federation holds dear. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to seek a sense of normalcy; our ship is equipped with various facilities to assist those in need, and civilians can access these resources through their designated representatives—no one will be left behind. That is all."

S'iraa took a deep breath, shutting down his tabletop computer before stepping through the door. Although he had traversed this path countless times, it still brought a sense of comforting familiarity. The Bridge had been restored, and everything seemed to be back to normal. Considering the recent challenges, this was a significant accomplishment, and he felt it was important to visit Engineering to convey his appreciation. "Helm, bring the impulse and warp engines online, raise navigational shields to full strength, and chart a course for the Sidona Ocularis system at Warp 5."

=^= Engineering this is the Admiral, standby for warp speed. =^=.

Even though the viewscreen displayed a holographic representation of the outside world due to the Bridge's armored design, it was still a delightful sight to watch the planet fade away, revealing the welcoming expanse of stars and space ahead.

S'iraa sensed that the mission ahead would pose a significant challenge for many who were still grappling with their wounds, striving to rebuild their lives, and bidding farewell to lost friends. Each person coped with their struggles in unique ways, and all he could do was ensure that support services were in place for those in need.

"Course and speed set, Admiral."

"Engage." It was surprisingly soothing for S'iraa to utter that simple command once more aboard the ship he led. When he had last departed the Dreadnought, he never imagined he would find himself back in the captain's chair again.

Yet, here he was.

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