The completion of SB901's replacement had only taken a matter of a few weeks, thanks to modular construction and the presence of already-assembled components. Moving in, on the other hand was a much more difficult proposition. Shuttles, runabouts, and construction vessels worked round the clock to move over the contents of the old station, now orbiting sixty degrees ahead of its replacement until it could be decommissioned.
With the new station came a change in command, and yet another hero of the Mulluran Conflict had arrived to preside over the ceremony. Newly-minted Commodore Irwin Doublet stood with Commander Kitara Mallory on a dais in the middle of the new SB901's Assembly Hall, reviewing the survivors of the 28th Marine Expeditionary Force -- all 39 of them, turned out in parade formation for the ceremony. Colonel Tarik stepped forward and saluted the two officers, who returned his salute.
To the side was an assemblage of VIP's and family members. Included were Benjamin Anderson, uncle of the late Captain John Anderson, and Alexander and Naomi Fletcher, parents of the late Yeoman Phyllis Fletcher. They had no idea why they'd been called to this remote post, with transport paid for by Starfleet. Kassia was acting as their official escort; she and Troy sat in the review booth with them. Also present were Deveraux and Cherrin; Garek Loran was overseeing the equipment transfer from the command deck.
"This station and this colony have been through much during the past few months. With the expansion of the Federation and our continued exploration of the unknown come great risks, and everyone here has given well beyond what could possibly be expected of them," Doublet began. "But today we are here to honor -- if we can possibly do so -- the achievements of three exceptional individuals."
An aide stepped up to Doublet, carrying three small jewelry cases. Tarik noted that the aide was Theodore Nugent, who had been reduced in rank to Lieutenant for his inaction during the attack on Starbase 732.
"For his valiant service above and beyond the call of duty at the battle of Az'reel, and a supreme act of sacrifice which directly saved the lives of the Federation invasion force and proximately resulted in the liberation of over five thousand slave laborers, Captain John Anderson is posthumously awarded the Federation Medal of Valor. Colonel Tarik, the commanding officer of Captain Anderson, will present the award to the family of Captain Anderson."
With that, Tarik stepped forward smartly, accepted the award from Doublet with a salute, turned on his heel and marched to the review booth. Benjamin Anderson, an elderly little man, stepped forward with tears in his eyes, accepting the award and a warm handshake from Tarik. "John meant a great deal to me," Tarik told him. "You've every right to be proud of him even without this award."
"Thank you," the elder Anderson said as he stepped back, overcome with emotion. Tarik stepped back, saluted Anderson, and returned to his formation.
"For her timely action in warning SB901 of an impending attack, bypassing command authority out of necessity and placing her own welfare at risk, Yeoman Phyllis Fletcher is posthumously awarded the Distinctive Combat Service Award, the Federation's second-highest honor, and promotion to Petty Officer Third Class. I will present the award to the family of Ms. Fletcher."
Doublet began to step forward, but was stopped by Nugent. Nugent said something quietly to Doublet, who thought for a moment, then nodded. He turned over the awards to Nugent. "By special request, Lieutenant Theodore Nugent, a participant in the battle at Starbase 732 who personally observed Ms. Fletcher's actions, will present the award to the family of Ms. Fletcher."
Lieutenant Nugent stepped forward with the award. "I am terribly sorry for all that's happened," he said to the couple, who appeared to be in their mid-forties. Alexander Fletcher took the award from Nugent, but would not take the man's hand. "Sorry trade for a daughter," he said coldly as he turned away, not even seeing Nugent's salute. It took a tremendous force of will for Nugent to leave the review booth without breaking down.
Well, that could have gone better, Doublet thought, wishing that he'd gone ahead with his original plan and presented the award himself. "Our final presentation is for an officer who has served the Federation with distinction for many years, and whose skills set the framework for the current armistice with the Mullurans, and whose administrative skill has been demonstrated countless times in countless posts. Commander Kitara Mallory has been a mainstay of the Federation Diplomatic Corps for some time and when Starfleet Command sought a replacement for Commodore Wallace at this post it was decided there was no one better for the job.
"However, since the Dominion War it has been tradition that only command-grade officers have starbase command. It is my extreme pleasure to announce the promotion of Kitara Mallory to the rank of Starfleet Captain, with all the rights and responsibilities pertaining thereto." With that, Doublet took the third jewelry box from Nugent, opened it, and pinned the fourth pip on Mallory's collar. Mallory stepped back and saluted Doublet, who returned the salute. The entire crowd (with the exception of the Fletchers) cheered.
Tarik turned and gave the order. "Company -- dismissed!" he shouted, noting that his company looked more like a platoon these days. His executive officer, Major Jackson, and senior platoon leader, the newly-arrived First Lieutenant Piccolo, relayed the order. A tremendous cheer went up from the assembly as a recording of "Semper Fidelis" played over the comm.
"Are you sure you both wouldn't like to attend the reception?" Kassia asked as she escorted the Fletcher's back to their quarters. She could feel Alexander's anger and bitterness barely restrained just under the surface. He didn't want anything to do with Starfleet any longer now that it had robbed him of his precious little girl.
"The sooner we can arrange passage off this station and back to our homes the better!" he snapped.
Naomi let out a little cry and wiped at tears in her eyes.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. Fletcher?" Kassia asked gently, trying to find a way to help ease this man's pain. He needed to get beyond the anger so that he could begin to grieve.
"No!" he said, "I think Starfleet has helped quite enough, don't you think?!"
Kassia sighed and nodded as they reached the quarters. As the door slid open, she realized that her job wasn't done and she was going to have to do some unorthodox therapy if she was going to help this man. The first thing she had to do was follow them inside so there would be some privacy.
Naomi entered first, followed by Alexander, but before the door could shut, Kassia entered.
"You know, matinence was suppose to fix the replictor. There was a glitch in the system," she said. "Have you tried replicating anything?" she asked.
They looked at her with surprise.
Naomi shrugged. "I ordered herbal tea last night to help me sleep and I had no trouble..."
"Good..." Kassia smiled. "But I'll try it out for myself just to see, if you don't mind."
"And what if we do?" Mr. Fletcher said, turning to face her.
Now she would use her unorthodox methods, she thought. She manipulated his mind and began bringing memories of his daughter to the forefront. "You're very angry and hateful, Mr. Fletcher..."
"Starfleet took my daughter from me. How am I suppose to be?" he asked sarcastically, though Kassia could see the tears in his eyes.
"Your daughter Phyllis wouldn't want you to be so angry, would she? She wasn't the type to be hateful or old a grudge was she?" Kassia asked
Memories of his daughter's childhood played through his mind. She was always a happy child. She was rarely angry or cross. Never hated anyone... Even when she'd run across the occasional bully, she never said a hateful thing. She wasn't that way...
"She was a wonderful child... and now... now she's gone..."
He visibly withered into a chair and covered his face.
"My baby is gone... Starfleet stole her life!"
"Listen to me... She knew what she was doing the day she joined Starfleet. Do you remember that day?" Kassia asked, manipulating his memory yet again. "She wanted to be in Starfleet and everyone who joins Starfleet knows the risks..."
The memory of Phyllis announcing her decision to join Starfleet at dinner one evening came to his mind. Her mother had been shocked and inquired about the danger, and he remembered his daughter saying that there was danger in everything, but it was something that was worth doing. She had felt a strong desire to be in Starfleet. She had wanted to be there. And it had been her choice. No one had made her join.
"And her actions saved so many," Kassia continued, "It won't ever bring her back... We all know that, Alexander. But she was who she wanted to be and she was someone you could be very proud of."
One final memory came to his mind. It was the memory of Phyllis saying to him that she was going to make his proud as she left for Starfleet. Her smile was ingrained into his mind. Suddenly the floodgates opened and he began to sob. Kassia gently touched his shoulder and looked at Naomi who was crying, but mouthed a sincere thank you. Suddenly, Alexander quieted down and looked up at Kassia.
"I am very proud of her, Lieutenant," he sniffed. "Do you think she knows that?"
Kassia smiled softly. "I think she does..."
The reception was only a moderately formal affair, with Starfleet officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians mixing freely. Tarik noted that Captain Mallory and Troy were spending quite a bit of time together as they spoke with other well-wishers. Have to ask Kassia about that, he thought. He stepped over to the buffet table and retrieved some more cheese for his plate when he saw Kassia enter with the Fletchers.
Kassia approached him with a smile. The couple seemed oddly calm than they had earlier.
"Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher, this is Colonel Tarik. Colonel Tarik," she said, with a twinkle in her green eyes, "These are the Fletchers. Phyllis's parents."
"It is a pleasure to meet you finally. I am in your daughter's debt, and by extension your own -- I was the one who received her messages. If it weren't for her, almost everyone you see in this room wouldn't be here. I considered it an honor when Commodore Doublet asked me to help with her recommendation," Tarik said as he offered his hand.
Alexander paused only a moment as tears seemed to mist his eyes before taking the hand. He looked around the room and then looked at Tarik. "I'm sure she'd be very pleased to know she saved so many lives." Naomi rested her head against her head on his arm with a sad smile and a gentle nod of agreement.
"She deserved much better," Tarik said. "We tried to get her the Medal of Valor but Personnel downgraded it. I'm sorry we couldn't offer more." Such as bringing back your daughter intact, Tarik thought.
Kassia sighed and took Tarik's hand for a moment giving it a little squeeze. She then turned back to the Fletcher's. "Would you care for some refreshments? Or would you like to meet some of the others here?" she asked. She gave Tarik one more smile before walking away. ~I'll talk to you later... Now that I have them talking, I don't want to stop...~
"I wouldn't mind speaking to Commodore Doublet, if that could be arranged," Alexander said. The others looked apprehensive, but he clarified his comments. "Trust me -- it's nothing bad."
Tarik walked over with Alexander to Doublet. The big Texan was grinning broadly beneath his thick brown mustache, regaling his hangers-on with a humorous story when he saw Alexander approach. His demeanor changed entirely.
"Mr. Fletcher, it is an honor to meet you," he said seriously.
"I wish to apologize for my behavior toward your aide," Alexander said. "It was inexcusable."
Doublet laughed. "Mr. Fletcher, I need to apologize to you. I set Lieutenant Nugent up. He was Commodore Duchamp's aide at the battle."
Alexander's face darkened. "Mr. Fletcher, before you say anything, I'll have you know that Nugent was reduced in rank and forbidden ever to hold command of a starbase or starship again. His career is over, and he knows why. But at least he's willing to face up to what he's done, unlike Duchamp. He wanted to face you to try to apologize. I consented to let him to face you because I could think of no crueler punishment for his cowardice."
The anger he had felt suddenly gave way to the despair at the loss of his daughter. Knowing that Nugent had to live with what he had done was some solace, but it would never be enough, he thought.
Doublet put his arm around the man's shoulder. "I know your pain, sir. I lost my wife ten years ago to the Borg. It never goes away, and it never gets easier, but you can and will make it."
"I too know what you're going through," Tarik said. "Both of my parents were killed while I was in the Academy. Only recently have I been able to make any kind of recovery."
Alexander let out a breath. "It still very fresh... Thanks to Lt. Kassia here, I... I finally started realizing this is... was the life my daughter chose for herself. But I keep thinking I'll turn around and see her. Or hear her voice. Then it hits me that she's gone..." He looked away as tears misted his eyes. "Facing her death has been the most horrific thing Naomi and I have had to deal with... I'm sorry," he said. "Kassia... I don't think I'll be stayed at the party much longer."
Kassia nodded. "I understand," she replied, as she felt the pain welling up inside him even stronger.
"Why don't you escort the Fletchers back to their quarters," Tarik suggested to Kassia. "This reception might be a little much for them just now."
"I think the Colonel is correct... Perhaps its best if you return to your quarters. Maybe get some rest. I'm sure you could use it," Kassia said gently.
Alexander just looked at her and nodded.
"Good evening, gentlemen," she said, as she escorted the Fletchers from the reception.
Meanwhile, in another part of the room, Kitty and Troy continued to greet and speak with well-wishers. Kitty was, at any rate. Troy became increasingly bored with the whole thing. He didn't know what was worse: listening to Starfleet shop talk or listening to the sycophants and hangers-on trying to wheedle favors from the new captain.
In a spare moment Kitty nudged him playfully. "I guess you're getting bored, huh? I told you these things were on the dull side," she laughed. "But thanks for coming with me anyway," she smiled.
"I wouldn't have it any other way!" Troy said, only momentarily surprised at his words. The truth was, he was enjoying being with Kitty, even if he had to suffer through a formal Starfleet event to be with her. "How much longer do you think this will go on, though?"
"Well, I'm sure we can slip out in a little while..." she sighed looking around. "We need to have a real celebration though!" A steward came up with a tray of wine and Kitty shook her head as she sipped on the same glass of champagne she'd had for the last hour. In fact, she hadn't had more than two drinks all evening.
Just then Paul Deveraux walked up, a martini in either hand. "'Ey, Kitty, congratulations on ze promotion!" he said, only slightly slurring his words. "Do you two 'ave any plans for after zhis sheen-deeg?" he asked Troy.
"Actually, we were just discussing that," Troy said, not entirely sure why. On one hand, he wanted to be with Kitty alone, but on the other hand he was still a little intimidated by the prospect of being seen socially with the station commander. Deveraux's anti-authoritarian streak was just the thing to offset that apprehension.
"Unfortunately, I'm afraid this will have to wait for another night," Kitty said, visibly disappointing Deveraux and inwardly disappointing Troy. "I just realized that I have a staff meeting at 0800 tomorrow. I don't want to be too hung over for it!"
"Well, then... what about tomorrow night?" Troy asked. "We can all meet up at Soma. I'll take the earlier shift and get off work by 20:00 hours... What do you think?"
"Sounds good to me!" Kitty said. "20:00 it is!"
"I'll be zhere too!" Deveraux added.
"Great!" he replied, "Then we can really celebrate your promotion!" He looked at Kitty and took her hand in his. She smiled brightly.
"I'm already looking forward to it," she replied.