Proceeding

Posted on Sat Oct 10th, 2026 @ 9:31pm by Captain Maddox Greene & Commander Kytolos Sh'reyva

1,157 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Lines in the Vacuum
Location: Frontier/Sentinel Station

Captain Greene entered his ready room and sat down at the desk. With the recent discovery Duranium and Trellium ore on the surface of the planet, he had to move quickly. The Skargarans never reported back on what they found, which left this world up for grabs. So, like any decent explorer, he officially filed a request claiming this world for the Federation. There were still so many unknowns based on what the away team found on the surface, but that mystery would be solved in due time. Technically, this world didn't even have a proper name yet. Getting on the comm, he found himself speaking with several Admirals at Starfleet Command. After an hour, he found himself speaking with the Federation Council, which had been called into a special session. Forty minutes after briefing them, he ended the channel while they discussed their decision among themselves.

Three hours went by as he sat in the office trying to knock out paperwork and staying busy, but then the call came from the Admiral, informing Maddox of the Council's decision to add this world to the Federation, which had now been named Orison III located in the Caldara System. To begin moving forward, they would set up a mining facility. After receiving the green light, he called Sentinel Station. Requesting to speak with Commander Sh'reyva, he wished that his first encounter with him had been in person. But in the meantime, this would have to suffice.

The monitor chirped twice before the image resolved.

Commander Kytolos Sh'reyva filled the screen from the chest up, dressed in the dark blue of the Imperial Guard with the silver braid of a liaison officer crossing one shoulder. His posture was stiff--almost like he was awaiting inspection while seated. His sixty years left him with white streaks in his otherwise silver hair and yet his gaze was steady.

"Captain Greene."

Maddox stared at the Andorian on the other side of the screen. From his previous posting serving on an Andorian ship, they could be fun but also extremely serious when it came to their service in the Imperial Guard. "Commander Sh'reyva welcome to Sentinel Station. Wish I could be there to meet you personally, but fate has pulled me in a whole different direction."

"Captain, it would seem fate has a sense of humour as well." Kytolos almost smiled but it appeared on his face as something grim and cold. "I did not think I would be the ranking officer on Sentinel Station the very day I arrived, though I've been briefed by Lieutenant Navarro on the current situation."

"We've discovered Duranium and Trellium ore on this world, and the Federation has given us the green light to claim the planet," the Captain announced. "I have Brukh determining how to best set up mining safely due to the atmospheric conditions. The Skagaran group that arrived here about three years ago, the remains are being examined. Hopefully, we'll have some idea of who was responsible."

Kytolos rummaged through the pile of data PADDs on the desk in front of him, his eyes searching for one. He picked it up and began scrolling. "We've received several reports of Nausicaan activity in your vicinity, Captain."

Taking a moment to think about the newfound information. Greene wondered if those reports was a focus on one or multiple Nausicaan ships. "The one that was pursuing the transport is outside of the system in a holding pattern. But for whatever reason, they won't enter into the region."

The former Andorian commander studied the information on the PADD for a few seconds longer before scratching absently at his jaw.

"Nausicaans are many things, Captain. Subtle is rarely among them. If they want something, they make it known." His one good antenna shifted forward in amusement. "Those uglies are probably waiting for an advantage. Potentially a few more ships."

Kytolos paused and looked directly at Maddox through the screen.

"Tell me how I can assist from here."

"Get with Lena Holt about organizing the civilians regarding mining the Dolomine," Maddox instructed. "In all honesty, I have no clue about mining. But Brukh has an idea about coming up with a way for us to create the infrastructure to have people work down safely without the current atmosphere causing issues. Lena has been a pain in my ass, but her connections and experience can help get this process underway."

"Holt? The Trade Coordinator. Right. I'll pay her visit." Kytolos made a mental note and then returned his attention to the Captain.

"Brukh. Ah, Varkl Brukh--the engineer. Please have him forward his 'idea' as soon as possible. I'm sure this Lena Holt will want details."

"He's still working on the detail," Maddox added. "But I will have him forward that to you as soon as possible. How are your diplomacy skills with civilians?"

Kytolos raised an eyebrow and grinned, showing impossibly straight, white teeth. "I'm good with civilians. I only shoot the ones that get in the way."

"I can respect that," Maddox joked. With everything going on, it was good to know that the liaison had a good sense of humor. "On another note, how have you been settling in?"

"Starfleet accommodations are overly comfortable," he confided, his face still solemn. "The bed is too soft, though I've never been one to complain."

Kytolos made a sour expression and continued.

"I accepted this assignment for the good of Andoria and for her place in the Federation. I may prove to be a thorn in your side from time to time, Captain, but I want you to know that my being here is to support you and the decisions you make."

After spending the last couple of years working side by side with Andorian's, Greene knew not to take offense. Before leaving the station, he had the chance to look over Kytolos' record, which was quite impressive. If the Commander had been Human, he would likely be an Admiral with an entirely new ship. But being a member of the Imperial Guard. Losing a ship was viewed differently. Which in all honesty was a damn shame.

"I'm sure that I can work on getting you a firmer bed. Now you mentioned accepting the position for the good of Andoria. Care to elaborate?"

"It's nothing that requires discussing now," Kytolos replied, unprepared for what might be a deeply political and philosophical discussion about the Andorian power structure.

"It's something best spoken of over an ale, Captain."

Maddox allowed himself to smile. "By the time I get back to the station, I have the feeling that I will seriously need that ale. Not just due to the stress, but there will be something to celebrate."

Kytolos nodded. "I hope so, Captain. I'll speak with Lena Holt right away and hopefully return to you with good news."

"Thank you," Maddox out.

=================
Captain Maddox Greene
Commanding Officer
Sentinel Station

Commander Kytolos Sh'reyva
Liaison Officer
Sentinel Station

 

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