Prologue

 "One’s destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things."                                                Henry Miller, Earth, 20th century

Lotus Starbase

Hromi Sector

Prologue

First Officer's Log

Stardate 87475.02

With the Starfleet hearings and the subsequent ceremonies following our last mission now concluded, I have been housed temporarily in quarters here on the Lotus Starbase since our return from Starfleet Headquarters on Earth. The wounded here on the starbase and in the vicinity have been treated and are in various stages of recuperation. Some of the healthy fleet members have already been disseminated on assignments, and others like me are in a rather indeterminate state of location and purpose.  I am however, not the only officer displaced by those extenuating circumstances. The crew of the former USS Artemis, the Alsea and others have been scattered throughout the starbase and the region following the demise or damage inflicted to these and other vessels.  This was apparently going to be a time of transition, rebuilding and reassessment for the fleet and its members.

I have been called down to meet with Fleet Captain Samji in 28.35 minutes. I theorize that the purpose of this meeting will be related to an assignment of some type; whether on the starbase itself, or of a more long-terms means beyond its corridors, offices, meeting rooms and space dock. 

As he closed down his relatively sparse log entry on the terminal, the tall and reflective Vulcan executive officer slowly swiveled around in the simplistic office chair as he gazed at the meager remnants of his belongings sitting untouched since his arrival in a corner of these modest guest quarters following the conclusion of their last mission and the ensuing return back from Earth. Two weathered and battered cases that served their purpose of protecting the delicate contents ensconced within them were rather symbolic of the literal beating that they and the crews throughout the fleet endured to finally achieve a level of resolution after years of contending with the peril that was the Azimuth Horizon Anomaly.       

Syntron eventually stood up, ambled over to the corner, grasped the nearest case and methodically went through the process of unlatching it. He lifted the top lid and reached in and gingerly lifted the instrument from its protective shell.

As he plucked one string after another, it was obvious that the neglect following their rescue from the damaged bridge module of his former ship had allowed the strings to slip far out of tune.

In the age of replicated objects, this Terran violin had the distinction of being a rare specimen of actual hand craftsmanship from a time when artisanship was still revered and practiced. It had survived the centuries of various owners yet almost met its demise from a force greater and rather distant from its origin.

Syntron swiftly brought the instrument back into tune and then proceeded to play a series of melodic passages until his free time had expired. It brought a rather soothing sensation to his frame of mind that only deep meditation could remotely come close to matching. He carefully returned the instrument back into its protective case and placed it beside the other one holding his Vulcan Lyre. It would not be given the same attention at this point in time. He had a meeting to attend and the Fleet Captain would not appreciate waiting for any officer; especially for such a seemingly capricious endeavor.

As he exited out of his quarters, Syntron made his way to the nearest turbolift and followed the signs leading to the office of his appointment. He activated the mechanism and the doors swung open. As he walked toward the receptionist sitting at the desk, she looked up and stated politely and articulately

"Please have a seat Commander Syntron. The captain is expecting you and will see you momentarily."            

Then just as quickly she focused her attention back to the work she apparently was doing before he arrived.

He nodded in affirmation, although she didn't even notice his gesture, as he complied with her instruction.

Forty-five minutes past his appointed time nothing had changed.

Commander Syntron sat upright for this extended period of time with what could be deemed an overly formal and stiff posture in the waiting room partition of the expansive and rather lush office area of Fleet Captain Allen Samji on Starbase Lotus. Why he was called to report at a specified time and then kept waiting unendingly for an additional interval was highly inefficient and illogical; especially to a Vulcan.  Nevertheless, his calm Vulcan veneer easily masked his burgeoning discontent.

His uniform and insignia as executive officer to a ship that no long existed in the fleet was nevertheless as crisp and manicured as his overall appearance conveyed. Despite the numerous encounters with hazardous conditions over a series of sequentially dangerous missions aboard the former USS Artemis,  he surprising looked rather fresh and unfazed from these events and the  ensuing aftermath.

As he pondered the intent and content of the upcoming meeting with the Fleet Captain Allen Samji, he now hypothesized that perhaps the Fleet Captain was going to discuss the impending assignment to the new fleet flagship, the USS Horizon.  After all, Captain Kheren  was commissioned as its first captain and he would need an Executive Officer or perhaps a Chief Science Officer at his side. It seemed like a logical decision that their professional partnership would continue based on the number of successful outcomes they managed to procure from highly improbable odds. Yet the decisions being made about upcoming assignments and commissions were being kept as tight-lipped as an Aldebaran shellmouth.

With the woosh of the outer waiting room doors, the middle-aged man of Indian descent strode into the room and greeted Syntron with a nod, and said, "my apologies for being late, Commander. Please, come into my office."

He gestured to Syntron to lead the way, and as he went through the doors, he turned his head quick and said, "No interruptions, please, Adria," informally to the Yeoman behind the desk in the waiting room.

Samji approached his chair behind his polished oakwood desk and said, "Please sit down, Commander."

"Yes Sir" Syntron acknowledged as he complied with the instructions of the Fleet Captain.

As he sat down, he could see a harried expression veiled across the face of the man; as if too many thoughts and responsibilities were weighing in heavy upon his shoulders and his mind.

"I know we're both just settling in after our return from Starfleet Headquarters, but there is a lot to do now that all the formal trials, inquiries, and reports about the Azimuth Horizon operation are through with."

Syntron was quite aware of what the Fleet Captain was referring to, as he had been a part of one of those inquiries. The loss of his previous ship, the Artemis, and the inquiry into how Captain Kheren handled the situation had come to an end fifty days prior to their meeting. The time since they had arrived back at Lotus Starbase had been completely dedicated to preparing the Horizon to receive Kheren as her new Captain, since the inquiry had proven that the Andorian was completely capable and deserving of a new command.

"As such, we have a need for an additional Captain for another ship that has been assigned to our Fleet. Captain Gould is moving on and the other Captains are already assigned to their previous ships. Starfleet has indicated that they have nobody available to send from outside the Fleet. As you know, the Borg War and now the Azimuth Horizon operation has taken its toll on the eligible officers we have available. Apparently that is even more evident in the number of qualified Captains we have."

The other captains he mentioned were not only assigned to existing Lotus Fleet ships, but were already on their missions. "Currently Captain Crist on the McKenzie is patrolling the Klingon-Federation border. Captain Summers has the Spectre on a patrol mission at the Romulan Neutral zone. Captain Rivers has taken the Alsea to join Captain Speaker-of-Names in the existing skirmish with the Kzinti near Starbase 39. And the remaining captain of the Wisconsin, Captain Onia, is on a diplomatic mission in the Beta Ursae sector to try to negotiate new relations with the remains of the Cardassian people." As Syntron was already aware, the Cardassians were actually strongly considering applying for membership within the Federation.

Syntron listened intently as the Fleet Captain updated the current duty and proximity of the Fleet's commanding officers throughout the sector. Yet despite the aptitude his logical Vulcan mind, he was a still a bit perplexed where this conversation was leading.

Looking curiously at the dark-skinned man sitting across from him authoritatively at his desk, the Vulcan executive officer then inquired directly.

"Sir... am I not going to be assigned to the USS Horizon?"

Samji paused, as he did not anticipate this kind of response. The Vulcan was very logical and intelligent and he had expected that Syntron had already surmised the reason behind this meeting.

In a serious tone, Samji said, "In fact, Commander. No you are not. As I have said, we are limited in our choice for Captains. In a way, I am very pleased with this fact, because it means I have the opportunity to promote from within," he looked down to his desk and lifted a PADD that he displayed a list of names that he began to scroll through with the index finger of his other hand. "There were several candidates, including my own Exec and Commander Oseno. In the end, after much deliberation, I have chosen a candidate."

He glanced up with a deadpan expression, and said, "In the Operation, you had to take on the roll of XO for Captain Kheren. How did you like Command, Mister Syntron?" He was aware of the fallacy of asking a Vulcan how much he "liked" something, but did it anyway to gauge the officer's response.

With a slightly raised eyebrow Syntron responded "If you are inquiring whether I was competent in my duties in command during different intervals throughout our missions Sir... I would respond that the outcomes were... favorable. If you are inquiring to what degree, then I would deem that Captain Kheren's analysis would be more appropriate to provide that assessment."   

The response was pretty much what the Fleet Captain expected, but not the answer he particularly wanted. "Well... no, I wasn't inquiring either of those things. I'll try to adjust my previous question into the language of logic. Did you find the position of Command... satisfactory?"

Syntron contemplated the clarifying response from the Fleet Captain for a moment. He hadn't consciously thought about the change of roles from chief science officer to executive officer since it first occurred on the Artemis. He had found the transition to be a rather natural experience; more of an expansion of his ability to implement necessary decisions in normal circumstances, and especially while involved in crisis situations, which occurred many times throughout his tenure on the Artemis.

He looked directly at the fleet Captain and responded "Yes Sir. I found the role of command a logical progression in my service to the ship and to the fleet. In addition, I have had the opportunity to experience the manner in which my contributions to our missions are more immediate and impactful."

With a slight grin, he said, "Good, that's what I wanted to hear, Commander. As to your previous response indicating that Captain Kheren's analysis would provide a more significant, objective assessment, I have already of course had an in-depth discussion with him, where we both agreed that you should remain in the position of command. As I said, I have come to a decision already about who should be in command of our new ship."

He stood and walked around the desk, letting the anticipation linger a bit, and motioned for Syntron to stand, and the Vulcan complied. He finally said with a smile. "Congratulations, Captain Syntron, you will be the commanding officer for our new Avenger-class starcruiser, the USS Challenger."

He fished a rank pip out of his pocket and added it to the other three on the new Captain's collar, and then out of respect, extended him the Vulcan salute.

Syntron promptly returned the salutation as the words just announced echoed in a spiral in his thoughts. It was not always an easy task to surprise a Vulcan, yet that was exactly what the Fleet Captain's proclamation had just accomplished. A promotion and a commission to a new ship all encapsulated so simply, yet alarmingly. He was motionless and speechless for the moment as his arms folded slowly behind his back. Everything anticipated suddenly changed as if by enchantment.

He swiftly gathered his thoughts once again and inquired rather logically as if he was not at all fazed by these startling events.

 "Thank you Sir. Do you have the specifications available on this vessel?"

"Well, you're most welcome. You certainly deserve it, Captain."

He returned to his desk and sitting back down, he motioned for the Vulcan to do the same.

"The vessel is a starcruiser which takes the pure size and power of a heavy cruiser like the Sovereign and combines it with the sleek and lean maneuverability of a Prometheus-class escort. It is 1.6 times the size of a Galaxy-class starship and holds an equal amount of crew, although can provide for more emergency capacity than a Galaxy-class. Its purpose is primarily exploratory and diplomatic, but can hold its own in a firefight, for sure. It has 24 Type XII Plasma-Phaser hybrid beam arrays as well as 5 torpedo launchers. We have added advanced propulsion systems to it as well, so you'll be able to keep up with, or escape, anything you meet out there. Warp 9.975 is the theorized operational maximum warp that can be maintained for sixteen hours. The rest you can of course go over from the specs sent over from Utopia Plenetia."

With that, he handed a PADD containing said specs over to Syntron to allow him peruse it as his leisure.

"The ship has already been designed, built, and commissioned and is on its way. It is scheduled to arrive in 12 days, so you have some time to familiarize yourself with those," he added, gesturing to the PADD.

Syntron graciously accepted the PADD from the Fleet Captain and immediately began voraciously examining one-by-one with intensity yet swiftness, the various specifications of the starship contained within the files on the PAAD.

As he meticulously examined each file,  Syntron confirmed that this cruiser was intended to be less a science vessel and more defensive in nature. This was not a deal-breaker by any means to the Vulcan officer, but certainly not what he would advocate for a new vessel under his command. Given his aptitude and proclivity toward science-related missions, perhaps a negotiation was in order. Not that this could even be considered an appropriate action for an officer who was just promoted merely moments ago.

"Sir, if permitted...seeing that this vessel is defensively sound and quite agile, may I suggest that this ship be further adapted as a hybrid vessel that is cruiser in design but with upgraded and extensive science modifications and enhancements throughout its core that would allow this ship and crew to be additionally multifunctional and expansive in the areas of science and exploration? In my assessment Sir, this would be a... logical enhancement, and I would offer my services to oversee the specific selection and implementation of these modifications once it arrived here to the starbase."  

Samji considered the new Captain's request for a moment. He was glad to see that he was already comfortable with taking charge of a situation and showing individuality in leadership by requesting additions to be made to the ship in order to make it his own. It was important, after all, that a Captain be comfortable with his ship.

However, Starfleet's current status made it difficult, to say the least, to requisition such advanced equipment.

"Under normal circumstances, I'd be more than willing to grant your request for additional equipment. However, Starfleet is under a shortage of resources right now due to all of the recent losses and I would need to have the requisitions approved through the proper channels and it may take months for it all to be carried out. I do not want to delay the launching of this ship any more than necessary, and it is more than capable at fulfilling its upcoming assignments with its current configuration. I'm sorry, I wish I could do more."

This was a quandary that Syntron did not expect. However, the materials alone utilized in the constructing both of these new ships was substantial enough on their own. Without available materials, the new ship would need to remain as intended. That is unless he could come up with a different solution, an alternative to these circumstances. He was able to do this throughout the missions on the Artemis. While deep in his thoughts moments later an epiphany struck him like a bolt of lightning.

He then gazed back intensely at the Fleet Captain as he proffered his rather unusual proposed solution.

"I acknowledge the consequential restrictions of this situation Sir... but perhaps rather than waiting for additional raw materials to be mined or gathered and then transported to the Starbase, would it not be logical to utilize the Aegis, the remaining bridge model of the Artemis, and other damaged parts emanating from consequences of the Horizon Anomaly missions currently within grasp of our Starbase? These useless materials could be recycled through a molecular remodulation process to save time and compensate for the scarce materials. This way we could begin to work on these modifications within a matter of days while the ship is in transition to the starbase. Then we could begin applying aspects of the refit once the ship arrives and is stationed in spaced dock."

Samji nodded as he listened to Syntron's proposal and said, "An interesting idea, Mister Syntron. I think we could indeed make it work. We certainly can use whatever hasn't been negatively affected or damaged from the Aegis and recycle other materials. As long as everything is replicable, or can be put together by your team and the science and engineering officers on Lotus Starbase, I don't see why we can't work with that."

He then added, "You are also, of course, welcome to use any additional energy or resources from the Starbase, not already allocated to other uses."

He stood and said, "I'd like you to analyze what you can reuse and recycle to meet your needs and what resources will be needed from the Starbase, and have a report ready for me as soon as your analysis is complete."

Standing as well, Syntron slightly bowed his head in acknowledgement to the Fleet Captain's approval of his proposal and his unstated faith in his abilities.

"Thank you Sir, I will get started on the report and this project immediately."

Then as he carefully contemplated the work ahead,  the name being given to this new starship began to somewhat taunt him. There was something distant and foreboding that caused him to reflect on that name, and a particular incident from centuries past. After recalling the incident, he again addressed the Fleet Captain.

"Captain Samji, in terms of the name given to this vessel, an early terran spacecraft with the same name disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of central Florida on Earth in 1986. This designation may be deemed to harbor negative connotations, historically speaking. However, according to Terran mythology, the phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. This would seem to be a more appropriate and fitting tribute in acknowledging these materials... the molecules and atoms of the remaining Artemis and other vessels to be newly replicated into the components within this Avenger-class vessel... figuratively rising from the proverbial ashes of conflict with adversaries and the anomaly, and thus forged into its next reincarnation as part of a new Federation starship."

With a slight pause he stated simply "The USS Phoenix... Sir."

Samji nodded in acceptance of the name change. He had originally thought that the name "Challenger" might bring up negative connotations, although it was over 400 years prior, so he hadn't been too worried about it. The proposed name fit better, however, so he said, "I quite agree, Captain. I will send in the required document to have it officially registered as such."

He then said, "As far as a crew, there is already a skeleton crew assigned and they are bringing it over from Utopia Plenetia. However, you of course will need to supplement it with your own proposed assignments and make any modifications you wish to the existing crew."

"I believe that's all for now, I look forward to your reports. Congratulations again, Captain."

"Thank Captain Samji" the Vulcan acknowledged as he held the PADD to his side and walked purposefully out of the officer and back into the corridor. However, once he arrived there, he stopped suddenly; as if his focus had just escaped from him like the air from a balloon that had been secretly pricked by a tiny needle.

Perhaps it was the full realization of what just occurred and the ramifications related to these sudden changes sinking in to a deeper level coupled with a bit of a panic in response of where to go from here. Whatever the cause, the new captain was uncharacteristically thrust into a rather unusual state of perplexity; especially atypical for a Vulcan.

He began to journey through the large starbase; not with a particular destination in mind, but more likely to contemplate and begin to sort through the numerous tasks now proliferating within his mind.

As Syntron continued to meander his way through the labyrinthine decks and corridors of Starbase Lotus, he eventually found the location of his former Captain's quarters. As he stood before the closed doorway for a moment, he was cognizant that he did not know exactly what his rationale was for arriving here. It was almost like an involuntary reflex that carried him here after his meeting with Captain Samji. Now that he arrived, it had dawned on him that he did not know exactly what he was going to say.  Nevertheless, he activated the door chime to indicate his presence and awaited a response.

After a short moment, the door slide open to reveal the athletic shape of Captain Kheren. He was bare-chested but was in the process of putting on the top of his uniform. Like all Andorians, the former captain of the USS Artemis had no concept of nudity taboos like those of Humans, and so had to learn through his Academy years to account for the more prudish reactions of other species.

Syntron nevertheless had the time to see the large burn scar that crossed his chest; an obvious phaser burn already several years old. This had happened before the Vulcan came to know captain Kheren, so he had no clue as to how it had happened... or why the Andorian did not have it removed by simple dermal regeneration. But then again, Kheren also still wore scars on his forehead, much older than this usually hidden one; Syntron did not know of any Andorian cultural habit of keeping scars for any purpose... but then again, his former commanding officer was not your average Andorian to be sure.

His antennae on top of the side of his thick-haired white head conveyed the surprise and pleasure he felt that his rigid facial muscles could not convey. And so did his deep, resonant voice.

"Why, Mister Syntron! What brings you into this neighborhood?"

From the tone and words chosen within the Andorian's casual response, the Vulcan immediately realized that the captain was in all probability  unaware of the proceedings that just unfolded in the Fleet Captain's office, nor their immediate ramifications in terms of their former partnership. As a Vulcan, Syntron was not coy or evasive, so he attempted proceed directly to his inquiry.

"Captain Kheren, I just concluded a meeting with Captain Samji...."  Despite his stoic demeanor,  the Vulcan found himself at a loss for what he was actually trying to say.

Then he refocused his thoughts and asked directly.

 "Sir, are you aware that the Fleet Captain just promoted me and placed me in command of a new starfleet vessel?"

Kheren invited him to enter his quarters without first answering the taller Vulcan. Once they were inside, he offered him a chair and a drink. There was a duffel bag on the couch where Syntron could glimpse the meager but valuable possessions of the Andorian; a pair of belium uushan-tor, the famous dueling Andorian icepick, these given only to established masters; a small coffer containing the numerous medals and commendations Kheren had earned during his career; and an even smaller one that used to contain four wedding rings, one of them now adorning his left hand, Human fashion. Normally, Andorians wore them on their antenna, but Kheren's peculiar mutation made his cranial appendages able to retract reflexively, and he certainly did not want to lose it when that would happen.

The largest object in it was a bronze plaque, the kind that was used to dedicate a starship. Syntron knew which one it was. He had been with his captain when he had removed it from the bridge of the Artemis, the only part of his ship that had survived Operation Horizon.

Once they were both seated with drinks in hand, Kheren finally answered his, now, former officer.

"Affirmative. I knew about your promotion some time ago, since I recommended it myself after your outstanding service aboard the Artemis; but your assignation was not yet known to me. Congratulations, Captain. Starfleet could not have found a more deserving officer to assume command of a vessel. "

The congratulations were genuine, Syntron could see it; but there was also a perceptible feeling of regret, even sadness, etching the voice of the Andorian.

Syntron slowly sipped the hot tea as he then gazed for a brief moment around the sparse quarters and belongings of the captain. He mentally noted the few artifacts in the area that he recognized. He too had very few remaining items in his possession.  He swiftly returned his attention and listened carefully to his former captain's response.

Knowing the sincerity of the Andorian's tribute, the Vulcan slightly bowed his head and responded "Thank you Captain."

Then he cautiously looked back toward the Captain and expressed "Although I am somewhat...  uncertain as to the wisdom of my commission as Captain to this new vessel. It is a rather ominous ship and an equally ominous task bestowed with it."

It was the type of admission that a Vulcan would only make to someone who had truly earned his trust, and his respect. This was someone that throughout their work together he had come to admire too; as much as this was possible for any Vulcan.

Yet it also seemed somewhat paradoxical that Starfleet deliberately chose to separate a team of officers that had somehow almost miraculously accomplished success in their missions that were by all accounts, virtually impossible to complete.

But there was a bit more to this situation than merely this irony. It was something that currently perplexed the Vulcan. Perhaps it was something that he was subconsciously denying. He was going to miss working on the same ship with the Andorian Captain.  There was no logic to this other than the Captain's remarkable aptitude for the position and his unwavering commitment to Starfleet and its principles. But this would seem to also be reflective of a more personal response too, which doesn't bode very well at all with a Vulcan outlook and disposition.

There was no mistaking the concern in Kheren's former first officer's voice. He could not say what, but something told him there was more here than mere professional concern over increasing responsibilities.

And Syntron was not known for using language haphazardly. His use of the term "ominous" was cause for concern for the Andorian himself. He knew the Vulcan would have never spoken thus with anyone else. It was an honor... but also a concern.

In his typical Andorian bluntness, Kheren asked:

"What ship have you been assigned to?"

After a very brief hesitation, Syntron responded.

"It is an Avenger-class Starcruiser Captain. After his announcement I discussed and negotiated with the Fleet Captain to have aspect of the ship modified in design and purpose toward a more science-based orientation... and then offered my services to oversee the modifications and its subsequent refit implemented once it arrives to this starbase."

Kheren took a sip of his Cardassian fish juice, so much his customary beverage that it had been dubbed the Captain's Brew, thinking a bit before speaking almost for himself:

"Avenger class... multipurpose heavy cruiser... among the very latest Starfleet designs..."

Then his four oculars went to the eyes of the Vulcan.

"What is so... ominous about it? "

Syntron looked peculiarly at the Andorian to see if his question was delivered in jest, or sarcastically.

But it appeared as neither.  His gaze seemed calm yet serious.

"Well Captain... it holds a crew of 1000... of which I am currently the only member officially assigned to this ship. At present I am in a position of relative unfamiliarity with the specifics of its designs,  there are a host of explicit modifications still to be successfully implemented prior to launch, and there is no specific mission provided to contemplate."

"Count your blessings, my friend," Kheren said, unconsciously relaxing.

He knew exactly what Syntron was going through. But refusing himself the release of emotions, he was caught in a disturbing intellectual uneasiness that only one thing could alleviate: shared experience.

And so, he went on:

"When I was first assigned to the Artemis, it was not as her captain but as her first officer. I was barely over a year out of the Academy, freshly rocketed to Lieutenant Commander status simply on the benefit of having served adequately in many high profile missions aboard the USS Lotus and under the command of Captain Felez. And then, on departure, Captain Froud was killed before my very eyes... leaving me in command for an emergency rescue mission, on board an 80 year old refitted legend with 750 lives under me and 300 more hanging in the balance... And as if this wasn't enough, we got swallowed all the way into the heart of the Azimuth Horizon. "

And then, with a definite sparkle in his eyes and voice, he finished:

"Welcome to the club, Captain. "

Syntron nodded in acknowledgement as he gave a dubious "Thank you" to the Andorian Captain in response to the club in which he was just volunteered, and now welcomed. The Captain always had a unique way to reach the Vulcan that was atypical yet somehow effective.

"I suppose Captain," he stated as he slowly leaned back and began to relax a little "that it was the unexpected suddenness of this all... and then the gradual realization that all of those yet to be assigned lives and others will be placed into my hands and become my responsibility. The success and failure of missions affected by the decisions that I make and the orders that I give... that I may very well be required to send crew members to be injured or killed."

He stated this as he gazed at the familiar bronze plaque and remembered that solemn last moment aboard the Artemis. It seemed to emphasize his point.

"It is heavy burden to bear, " admitted Kheren. " And one you can never ignore. But there is one thing to remember about Starfleet; you are NEVER alone. "

He stood up and walked to his bag, looking a moment at the plaque inside it. He took it out, looked a t it then showed it to Syntron.

"Had I been alone, had I insisted on bearing the burden alone, I would not be here holding this memento of my lost ship. I would have gone down with her... alone. When you are the captain, you alone must make the decision, yes; but that does not mean you alone may come to it... or implement it. You will have a crew, officers, chiefs that will bring you their knowledge, their experience, their personality, their arms, hands, eyes and ears... and yes, their feelings. Listen to them, ask for them, demand it of them. And so, when you will make your decision, you will never know beforehand if it was the good one or the right one... you may not even be sure afterwards... but, because of them, you will know that it was the best one."

It was as if the words of his former captain had penetrated deep within him and abated the gnawing sensation that had emerged during the aftermath of earlier meeting with the Fleet Captain. It wasn't that he was telling him something new or poetic, but rather, reminding Syntron of these important  lessons that Kheren had demonstrated throughout their time serving together on the Artemis. These were the essential tools that he would take with him into his next commission with Starfleet. They would be the foundation from which he could begin to ready his ship and crew while he also prepared for the journey before him.

As he gazed at the plaque before him, he also placed the empty cup carefully onto a nearby table and stated sincerely:

"Thank you Captain. You have given me much to think about and many lessons to reflect upon as I move forward in this position. I aspire to lead by the example that you have presented to me throughout our missions."  

"As I have come to know you, you will far exceed any mere example I could provide. Well, I might have given you good examples of what not to do! "

He put down his drink and the ship's plaque to come before his former exec. He did not offer him his hand like most Humanoids did. He knew Vulcans did not liked to be touched, no more than Andorians did, even if it was for totally different reasons. But that was just it; whatever the differences, they always shared something. That was the founding principle of the Federation; the working principle of Starfleet; the very thing that had made this Vulcan and this Andorian prevail against all odds and live to yet achieve more and better... like Syntron here, now rightfully earning his first command.

And so, he stood before him, at attention and spoke very formally.

"It was a pleasure and a privilege serving with you, Captain. And if I may give one last piece of advice; if one day your first officer insists on following you on a suicide mission... " 

With a slightly raised eyebrow and the barest hit of a smirk, at least for a Vulcan, he then bowed his head slightly as he responded.

"Thank you sir... and I will try to remember that advice.

Noticing the brilliant ring surrounding the Andorians's finger, Syntron added "I believe congratulations are also in order for the recent marital vows you exchanged with Lieutenant Tyvya. You have literally been through life, work, and almost death together in ways that other partners could only imagine. I am certain that this will be a bond that will continue to endure."

Syntron never told  Captain Kheren about his conversations with Tyvya prior to their final mission together. About her deep and conflicted passion she felt for her captain and the degree in which she strived to keep her emotions in check caused her boundless torment; especially in his presence. Nor would he ever.

"Thank you my friend... I guess," answered Kheren suddenly ill at ease. "Not only is it rather... peculiar to be part of such a... triad marriage with her and Lyrya instead of the usual quad, because of my... mutation... or even to be married to begin with, again considering my estranged status with my people because of that same mutation... But it is still disconcerting and bewildering to lose consciousness on the verge of death and suddenly regain your life bonded with two wives. Especially those two."

A short laugh escaped his thin lips.

"So, you really want to talk about ominous and challenges...  try that!"

The Andorran captain certainly knew how to put circumstances in perspective, and in a divergent yet humorous way; a concept that was still a bit of a challenge itself for the Vulcan to grasp. Nevertheless, he got the gist of what his former captain was conveying.

"Well Captain, I believe that the path before me will turn out to be more than challenging enough. Adding interpersonal relationships with more than one female may prove beyond the threshold of my tolerance, let alone survivability."

As he turned toward the exit he acknowledged, "Thank you again Captain for your hospitality and advice." 

"I am not so sure I will survive this either," admitted the Andorian. "But it is I who thank you for accepting the challenge. Good luck, Captain Syntron. I know  that you do not believe in it; but that does not mean it cannot help you nevertheless. It sure did good for me."

Kheren escorted him to the door to watch him go where his own destiny would now lead him, and with him a new ship and a new crew, to where no one has gone before.

As Synton left the quarters of his former captain and walked down the corridor, this time he had a destination in mind: his own temporary quarters.

As he entered a nearby turbolift, he realized that he still held the PADD in his hands, given to him from the Fleet Captain just before he went to see the Andorian captain. It then dawned on him that he did not show Captain Kheren the detailed specifications and displays contained in the files within the device, or share which him the upcoming remodulation plan for the Aegis bridge module as a molecular resource for the new components added to his ship. He didn't even mention the requested named change in honor of these former remnants of a once mighty ship finding new purpose as newly replicated components of this vessel en route to their starbase. It was a rather curious oversight; especially for a Vulcan.

Perhaps he was waiting for these aspirations to come into fruition before speaking of them. Maybe there was a subconscious level of concern about permanently obliterating the last physical remains of the captain's sacred former ship. Conceivably he was distracted by the multitude of ramifications related to his recent promotion and commission. But as the turbolift doors opened onto the deck of his quarters, he left those curiosities and their possible answers behind as he stepped out and walked back toward his quarters.

There was much work to be done and a limited amount of time to accomplish it all. The soon to be designated USS Phoenix would be arriving in twelve days. He would need to coordinate all aspects of these science modifications along with their accompanying components, systems, and equipment required to allow this all to succeed with limited time, resources and qualified manpower. Efficiency and tenacity would be key to their success, and the time to begin this substantial undertaking was now.