New Concerns

Chapter 23

    The USS Vigilant was tractor beamed into the Shuttle Bay then it slipped into it’s berth with the deck closing around it. One could hear the warp core settle down as Lieutenant T’Sol powered down the Shuttle.

    “After you secure your Stations I would like to meet briefly in the Common Area” Captain Lake ordered. Minutes later the Bridge Crew made their way to Deck 2. Seeing the rest of the Crew already in the lounge area James asked politely “If everyone could sit for just a few minutes I have something I would like to say.”

    The Crew did as requested wondering what was on their Captain’s mind; his Number One didn’t even know what to expect as James started “First of all I can only imagine the great sense of relief you must be feeling after such a harrowing experience; I know how I feel at the moment. Secondly I just want you to know how damn proud I am of each and every one of you. You were willing to sacrifice your very lives to escape what I can only imagine as a horrible future yet through all of this you all kept a cool head and remained professional. All I can say is….job extremely well done; I just wanted you all to know that.”

    Commander Reese spoke up “I’m sure the rest of the Crew feels as I do. Without the leadership of one hell of a fine Captain we wouldn’t be sitting here having this discussion right now. Captain James Lake thank you for that” she concluded as everyone nodded in agreement.

    “Thank you all for your trust in me, it’s what makes my job a pleasure; but enough of this. You are all dismissed and get some well deserved rest. I’m sure I’ll be speaking with the Commodore in the near future, so when I do I’ll bring you all up to speed.” James replied as everyone got up and started exiting the Ship. James secured the Vigilant, with Racheal waiting for him, then they made their way back to their quarters.

    Once back home Racheal looked at James “Would you like to get together later; maybe have dinner or something” she inquired with a smile.

    “Yes, I’d like that very much” he replied then paused a moment “Actually why don’t you come to my quarters and we’ll have dinner and relax for awhile.”

    “Sounds good to me; maybe around sixteen hundred, if that’s good for you” she suggested.

    “That works, so I’ll see you later” as James turned and walked into his quarters for some much needed sleep.

    James woke about fifteen hundred, showered and dressed in some comfortable civilian clothes then made his way to the replicator “Computer one mug of hot strong black coffee.” Moments later he walked to the couch with his brew in hand then sat enjoying a long sip of coffee to help him wake up and focus. His mind couldn’t help but go to the reality of their recent situation making James vert grateful for the way things had turned out.

    About sixteen hundred James’ door chime went off “Come in” he stated as the doors swooshed open and Racheal walked in with a smile. Without saying a word she walked up to James and gave him a very passionate kiss for a few minutes. James grinned “Well, hello you you too” he commented having rather enjoyed her kiss.

    “Hi James, I was afraid that I would never get the chance to kiss you again; but I’m glad I was wrong” Racheal stated with the thoughts of yesterday still fresh in her mind.

    “I know what you mean” then he paused a moment “But thankfully that’s behind us now so let’s not dwell on what might have been.”

    “Oh I’m not, really; it just makes me appreciate what I do have Captain Lake and being here with you is definitely one of those things” Racheal replied being quite sincere.

    Walking a little closer, and placing his hands on her waist, James leaned in and finally returned her kiss in kind. “The thought of never seeing you again was more than I wanted to bare……but thankfully things didn’t turn out that way” then he kissed Racheal again “So what would you like to eat.”

    “Surprise me….I’m famished” she replied with a smile.

    “Ok. Have a seat and I’ll be right back” he commented then walked to the replicator and grabbed their meals. James handed Racheal a big bowl of beef stew with crusty bread on the side along with a glass of red wine “Be careful it’s hot” as he sat beside her ready to enjoy his meal with her. 

    There two Officers sat eating their meals and chatting trying to avoid the subject of what had happened only a day ago. Finally James had something on his mind he had to say. Putting down his spoon James looked at Racheal “If I never find myself in that kind of situation ever again, it’ll be too soon” then he paused “Maybe such a small ship isn’t such a good idea after all….I would hate to have something similar happen to any of the Crew because of what amounts to an oversized shuttle….what do you think since you are my First Officer” he commented with some concern in his voice.

    Racheal had just finished her meal then sat back against couch back looking James in the eyes “That meal really hit the spot, thank you” she stated then continued “You know James you have a very valid point about the Vigilant….so what do you plan on doing.”

    James smiled while thinking “I’m not quite sure yet, but I think the situation needs to be addressed with the Commodore” as he finished his comment the door chime sounded “Who could that be” he thought “Excuse me” getting up and making his way to the door.

    Opening the door James smiled “Commodore, please come in” as he stepped back allowing his guest to enter.

    “James I apologize for the lateness in the day but there is something I wish to discuss with you” she stated noticing Racheal “Oh good Commander your here as well; you’ll want to hear this.”

    “Please Rebecca have a seat, can I get you anything” James inquired trying to be a good host.

    “No I’m fine thank you” as she sat then paused “Let me be frank. What happened yesterday scared the hell out of me so I can only imagine what you and your Crew must have felt like.”

    Racheal spoke up “Since we’re being honest; yes the thought of being a sex slave or blowing ourselves up instead certainly helps you get things in perspective in very short order” she stated referring not only to the recent incident but also her relationship with James.

    Chi smiled “I can only imagine. That being said there is something I want you both to know about” she commented then continued “Section 42 has been working on a new, small type of Ship for the past two years that I think would better serve your types of missions and would be a lot safer for your Ship as well as it’s Crew. Needless to say, after your hellacious experience, I spent a few hours on a teleconference with Star Fleet brass and they have agreed to allow me to step up the timetable to finish the construction.”

    James first looked towards Rachel then Rebecca not believing what he was hearing “Wow! That’s some news to say the least” he replied as his mind was shifting into Captain mode “I would be interested in quite a bit more of the details besides I’m sure I’ll have a lot of questions.”

    “I thought you might and you wouldn’t be a very good Captain if you didn’t” Chi replied with a grin “I would like you both to meet with me in my office here at the base….thirteen hundred tomorrow and I will give you all the information and answer as many of your questions as I can.”

    “We’ll both be there and I look forward to hearing all the particulars on this new ship” James answered with a smile.

    “As will I” Racheal chimed in excited at the prospect of a larger and hopefully a better, safer equipped Ship.

    “Excellent” Rebecca stated with a smile as she stood “I’ve taken up enough of your free time and please let the rest of your Crew know you all have the next five days to rest and get your heads on straight after yesterday” then she turned and left the quarters as James walked her to the door to bid her a good bye.

    Returning to the couch James grinned “Well that went a whole lot easier than I could have ever imagined” as he chuckled then sat.

    “That’s for sure” Racheal replied with a grin then became serious “I think yesterday and the events that transpired was a real wakeup call for the Commodore.”