The day was starting to get close to the end of the senior staff's shift. It was around 1500 hours. Captain Wallace was in his office, going over the request by Commander Nevar. Just outside the Patch was a small Federation vessel, coming out of transwarp speed. It was only 10 minutes from the station. Ensign Kalvin saw a ship on his sensors, and was wondering what it was. He scanned and saw it was federation in design. He called for Captain Wallace to come check it out.
"Yes Ensign?" Wallace asked as he stepped out of his office.
"Sir the USS Darwin is asking to dock. It seems they got here early."Kalvin said.
"Very well, tell them to dock. And see what they are docking for?"
The young ensign quickly did as he was asked and then informed him of the Darwin's situation. "Sir they 2 months out of Star Base 321, and need supplies, then they are to study a Planet 2 days away from New Canada."
"Very well, tell them 'Welcome Aboard' and 'I look forward to meeting the Captain of the Darwin.' By the way what class of ship is the Darwin?"
"Nova sir."
Wallace had never severed on a Nova class ship, and was interested in that class of ship. The Darwin docked, and 80 man crew left the ship, as Garek and his team went to work.
The Darwin's Captain, made his way to the CO's office and pressed the door chime. As usual Wallace didn't bother to look up.
"Enter."
The Captain entered and said. "Well at least they finally found you some work to do."
Richard new the voice and looked up, and saw his old friend from the Academy, Sean Waters now a full Commander. Wallace stood up and gave a smile it was almost 20 years since they last seen each other. Of course they did keep in touch by writing.
"Wow, it's good to see you Sean."
"Thanks, good to see you too. I was happy when they made you station commander here."
"Take a seat, I have a few things to discuss." Wallace said pointing at the chair in front of his desk.
"Yeah sure."
"The Son'a attacked Admiral McCaffee's escort a week ago. I've sent out my intel, officer to scout around. Now I know your ship's weapons are limited. I want you to take 10 quantum torpedos. In case of a fight."
Sean scratched his black hair and leaned back and gave a smile. "Okay Captain. Don't worry, the Darwin can out run a fight if need be."
"So how long are you commanding the Darwin?"
"This is my first command, they said survey some federation area not surveyed in 10 years. About 3 years. I took command at Star base 321. My crew should only stay for 2 days. By that time we should ready to go." Sean said standing up, walking towards the office door.
"Very well Commander, remember we aren't that far away."
Wallace left his office later that day around 1900 hours and made his way over to the Star Lounge to meet Nugent and have a drink, then go and have some time in a holosuite. Richard walked in and saw Le'chell sitting at a table in the middle of the club. He walked over and took a seat.
"How are you Lieutenant?"
"You know I'm not on duty and your not duty, thus we can address ourselves by first name." Nugent said with a smile.
"Richard, or Rich, is fine but don't let the other crew except Garek hear that. Hey about a pint of your best ale." Wallace said smiling as a waiter passed by.
"Okay, Rich." She tried it out for a test. He didn't seem to mind then. "So I understand your friend is here now." Nugent said trying to get the Captain to open up.
"Yeah Sean Waters a friend from the Academy, we kept in touch for a while, but after I was on the Ilion I lost touch."
"I was wondering why you didn't invite him to dinner with us."
Richard tried to explain it best as he could. "See when I left for enlisted service, he was mad at me for abandoning my post over a....." Wallace then was interrupted by Garek.
<Sorry to interrupt, but the Darwin's Chief Engineer is requesting a complete compliment of quantum torpedos. And since the Nova class ship isn't supposed to be supplied with them.>
"Yes that's fine. I ordered Commander Waters to recieve them, in case of a Son'a attack.."
<Alright then, just checking.>
The communications channel closed, and the two officers tried to pick up where the converstation left off.
"So, what happen to Waters and you?"
"Waters served in Science for three years and he was then transfered to Enterprise-E. After the Enterprise he was a professor of Science for two years, and served on the Gorwon as first officer for three years. I was schuffled around until the War, I served in 99% of all the Campaigns, he saw limited action, so he feels a certain bitterness towards me."
"Men I'll never figure that out. Friends tore apart by jealousy and such." Nugent said then took a drink of her drink.
Richard saw a dart board over by the bar, and gave a smile.
"You ever played darts?"
"Darts?"
"Come with me I'll teach it. The came is a matter of skill, between hand eye corridination." Wallace stood up and walked towards the dart board.