"Open a channel to Starbase 901," Captain Mueller ordered. The USS Oxford was now within a two hour distance of the space station. Mueller nodded smugly as Kitty Mallory appeared on the view screen.
"Greetings, Captain Mallory. How's life in this godforsaken part of the galaxy?"Mueller inquired.
Kitty smiled as graciously as ever, though it was no surprise that she had a low opinion of Mueller. "Greetings, Captain Mueller! Everything is going along wonderfully here. How's life in your godforsaken part of the galaxy?" Kitty's voice didn't alter. Her smile didn't change, but her green-brown eyes danced a bit as she watched the other Captain bristle at her words and that Kitty had not been affected by her own.
"Well I personally can't wait to steer my ship around and return to more civilized regions. But before I can do that, I have to deliver a rather unique package at your station."
Kitty's eyebrows raised. "Really? A package? And you have no time to make a stop for lunch at say Chez Orleans?" The restaurant was being touted as one of the best French restaurants this side of the galaxy. She could see Mueller bristle again and this time Kitty knew Mueller would ignore her comment about lunch. "So what is this package?" Kitty asked. "Is it bigger than a breadbox?" She couldn't resist a smile.
"A passenger, captain, a very special passenger indeed. I must inform you that she exercised special diplomatic rights to be brought here and to keep it a secret." Mueller stated.
This definitely peaked Kitty's curiosity. Someone with that much power wasn't someone young. Not usually anyway, she thought. "So who is this passenger?" Kitty asked, now very serious.
"Well, I've got some encrypted files and a letter from our guest for you. We're transmitting them now. I propose that you take a look for yourself. We'll be at 901 in 110 minutes. Mueller out," replied the other Captain and the screen went blank.
Kitty's eyes narrowed for a moment. She couldn't stand Mueller's superior attitude. Of course, she knew one day that attitude would get her into trouble. She just hoped it didn't take her crew with her. Kitty opened the files and discovered they were the service record of one Joanna Redwine-Garrett. As she looked at it, she suddenly began to understand a few things. The first ship she had served on had been the Eagle . . . Kitty then began to read the letter that had been sent along.
Dear Captain Mallory,
I've learned that you're hosting some very old friends of mine and I intend to pay them a visit. I hope you approve. I don't know which state my friends are in and how they might react on meeting such a fossil from their past like me. Maybe we should discuss this personally when I arrive at your base.
Yours sincerely,
Joanna Redwine-Garrett.
Obviously some news traveled very fast. But she was pretty sure Joanna didn't know about one surprise . . . Or maybe she did . . . Kitty couldn't be sure at this point. She needed time to think . . . She had 110 minutes . . .
The blur of the transporter formed a fragile shriveled female body clad in sky-blue robes. Joanna blinked as her eyes slowly adjusted to her new surroundings. For a few moments she was confused. When she spotted Kitara Mallory her eyes brightened up. She made a few labored steps towards the edge of the platform, before the antigravity units hidden beneath her robe kicked in and eased her efforts. Almost gracefully Joanna crossed the remaining distance to the waiting Starfleet officer. She extended her skinny hand and smiled, her wrinkled face showing dimples.
"Captain Mallory, I assume."
"Greetings, Ma'am . . . I'm not sure how to address you. Admiral . . . ambassador . . .?" Kitty smiled. "I know you retired, but you are still due the honor."
"That's very kind of you, Captain, but I prefer a less formal address these days. You can call me anything you like, as long as it isn't granny or 'that hag from ancient times'. It would be nice, though if you'd simply call me Joanna.", the old woman answered warmly.
Kitty smiled. "All right, Joanna. Let me show you to your quarters. If you'd like, we can talk there about your surprise visit," she replied.
The former ambassador took Kitty's arm and let the younger woman lead her out of the transporter room.
"Yes, a little chat would be welcome...very welcome," Joanna muttered and patted the Captain's arm encouragingly.
"Is your intention to stay aboard SB901 for awhile, Ma'am?" she asked.
"Well...I've never been this far out in space in my life. It would be intriguing to stay a few weeks out here...at the frontier." Joanna turned her head and looked up into Kitty's eyes.
"My old eyes have seen many places, but what you have here is a amazing," Redwine-Garrett added.
Kitty smiled. "Thank you. I think this station is one of the best. We may be on the edge of the Federation and even at the edge of known space, but we have everything we could want or need."
"Do you know that I've commanded several space stations in my career? The success of a deep space outpost depends on the quality of the command crew...much more so than a starship." Joanna pointed out in her best academy-lecturer's voice.
"I have every faith in my officers," Kitty replied. "They are the best of the best." Though as she said it a smile crept across her face as if she remembered that line from a vid she had seen. However, it didn't make what she said any less valid. "Perhaps, if you're amiable to the idea, I'd like to host a honorary dinner for you. That way you can meet some of my officers. I'm sure they'd be honored."
"Captain, please don't treat me like a celebrity. But surely I don't object to a dinner with your crew. On the contrary I'd be honored myself to meet your officers. Will Lee and Alicia be there?", Joanna inquired.
Kitty was quiet for a moment as if thoughtful. "Lee and Alicia would love to see you, I think," she smiled. "I don't think they have looked up anyone from the Eagle afraid they might find too many friends have not been blessed with years, such as yourself."
The two women had reached the quarters that had been prepared for the former admiral. The door swooshed open. Joanna let go of Kitty's hand and slowly entered her suite then turned around, unsteady on her feet.
"So many years can hardly be called a blessing", Joanna answered hoarsely. "I'm looking very much forward to your dinner," she added and smiled before the doors closed.