CHAPTER 2: ALL I ASK IS A TALL SHIP

                                                                                  CHAPTER TWO:

                          ALL I ASK IS A TALL SHIP

The great hall of the starbase was again in full regalia, banners proudly displaying the colors of the United Federation of Planets, of Starfleet and of Lotus Fleet. There was also on display the logo of the Lotus Starship Project, honoring both the researchers and technicians of Utopia Planitia, the premier starship development facility in the Alpha Quadrant and the elite division of Starfleet honored for it's sacrifices and accomplishments with a starship class rechristened in it's honor.

The four banners were framing the great transparencies that showed the immense vista of space around the base. But much closer, docked at the vast ring circling the main body of the starbase itself, was seen in all it's glory the USS Horizon, first and only starship of the new Lotus class to be commissioned on this very day.

Starfleet officers, civilians, non-com personnel and media people, hundreds were filling up the huge area where a circular, slowly turning podium occupied center stage with the Federation symbol covering it's flat, currently unoccupied surface. That was where the dignitaries for the official commissioning of the starship would stand and address not only those hundreds present, but people from over a hundred and fifty worlds across the Alpha Quadrant via UFP media; maybe even beyond via efficient intelligence and spying services.

There was also a series of seats reserved for the officers that would be presented along with the new starship; those that had the honor of first flying her during Operation Horizon and those who would have the singular honor of first serving aboard her. Many of those were already being filled up by white-coated officers in formal wear, among them Captain Thomas Eugene Paris formerly of USS Voyager fame and one of the brains behind the new "Great Experiment" and the one who would now assume command of the largest design yet commissioned by Starfleet, a singularly dark-hued athletic looking Andorian now well known on this starbase; Captain Kheren, formerly of the late, great Starship Artemis.

Both men sat together among the rest of their respective bridge crew spread out each side of them, all waiting for the official commissioning addresses to start.

"You're getting a damn fine ship, Captain, " Captain Paris said with a genuine smile and a friendly hand on the Andorian's shoulder. " And I don't say this because I had a hand in her design. The Horizon represents the crowning achievement of state of the art starship technology. Nothing comes even close to it in terms of raw power, sheer size, speed and range capability, total versatility and complete autonomy. It's like having both the USS Enterprise and the USS Defiant together with everything the USS Voyager ever had on top of it. "

"She is a beauty to be sure, " agreed Kheren with a nod. "But you know as well as I that what truly makes a ship is much more than bulkhead and circuitry. "

Tom Paris nodded in turn.

"Unfortunately, I can't leave you with my own crew... but from what I see, you have yourself everyone needed to make this ship the pride of the fleet. Bynars, Illythirii, Aenar, Andorian... even an Orion woman..."

" I am not sure we are thinking of the same type of crew quality, " Kheren said with antennae curving inward.

" Oh I'm pretty sure that we are... " insisted the legendary officer with his famous smile broadening even more.

The Andorian followed his eyes to see his two wives coming towards them.

" Is our dashing captain ready to mesmerize the crowd with words of courage and wisdom? " asked the towering Tyvya as she came up to the stand.

" As if I ever could, " growled Kheren, conscious of the amused stare of Paris on him.

" Why, " then added Lyrya with her blind stare disturbingly leveled straight at him, " I recall that the crew was definitely galvanized and moved each time you spoke before any of your numerous odds-defying orders. "

" That was different; I was merely giving proper data to have them know what we were going to do... and sharing my confidence in them and my hopes with them. "

" And there is a difference here? " countered Tyvya with curbing antennae. " Just think of this as another crisis to face... and that this crowd is your crew... which, as a matter of a fact, most of them are. "

" Most... but not all," retorted Kheren, eyeing the seats were sat Rear Admiral Kotari and Fleet Captain Allen Samji... and the host of media people crowding them at the moment.

He knew his turn would come... and he dreaded it. Being the center of public attention had rarely been a good experience for him.

" Maybe you should consider hiring some help to deal with such... administrative duty and inconvenience, " suggested his Aenar wife.

" I am certainly open to the idea, " said Kheren absently.

" Good; Captain Kheren, may I present to you Ensign Meeramanee Blackbird, your new yeoman. Ensign Blackbird, your commanding officer. "

For the first time, the Andorian noticed the tall, copper-skinned, straight black-haired woman standing at attention slightly behind his two wives. Her looks, reminiscent of his chief flight officer Aguk Snow, proclaimed her of the Amerind subspecies of the Human race. She was of the same height as Lyrya, but her frame, although slender still, was definitely much more athletic and solid looking than the deceptively lithe and fragile-looking snow-skinned Aenar. And her eyes were flashing slivers of obsidian.

" It is an honor to meet and to serve with you, Captain Kheren, " said the Indian woman with a small smile. " I've heard truly tall tales about you, even back at the Academy. "

" Ensign Blackbird graduated top of her class in ship operations, specializing in starship administration, management and computer applications, " said Tyvya. "She is also cross-trained in medical and security, with the current record performance in the Academy's survival training course. "

" Better and better, my friend, " whispered Tom Paris but loud enough for most around them to hear.

" A secretary and a bodyguard... I should have known you two would come up with something like this, " Kheren growled but without much emotion in the words.

" Last time, I had to pull you out of the fire... literally, " retorted the towering giantess with a nod from Lyrya standing beside her.

" And you barely managed the paperwork while you commanded the Artemis, back then, " the Aenar added. "With a ship and crew three times her size, you will need the help so that you can better concentrate on what you have to do and that you do best; make the right decisions that will see us succeed... and this time without you taking all the brunt. We may not be able to save you again, next time... "

" Alright alright alright! I surrender... welcome aboard, Ensign. "

" Your first command decision as captain of the Horizon that may prove your best ever, " commented again Paris discreetly.

" Thank you, Sir, " Meeramanee Blackbird said with an amused smile that she could barely contain despite trying hard to stay professional and proper before her ship commander. " I already took the liberty of filing all the needed paperwork for the upcoming launch and ready it all for you to sign it. I also wrote an acceptance speech for you if you think you might need one in a hurry, Sir. "

" He is male, Ensign; he will manage all by himself to talk loud when the time comes, " Lyrya said as she took the Indian woman by the arm and guided her back to their seats, Tyvya leaving over both their heads a telling look to her husband.

" And I thought my wife Be'lanna was a handful, " Captain Paris said with a sympathetic hand on Kheren's shoulder.

" Aye, lucky you; she's only half klingon, " the Andorian growled. " Guess that is the real reason they gave me this command. If I can survive my wives and stay sane, I certainly can face the worst this universe may throw at us. "

They both laughed.

***

After receiving the medical approval from the Horizon's bynar CMO Jureth had returned to his work switching from making sure the Polaris was ready to fly if need be to sifting through intelligence reports and preparing Captain Kheren's first strategic operations briefing. As the time passed Oseno knew the appointed hour for the ship's commissioning ceremony was approaching, but he hardly gave it a second thought until his door chime rang.

"Come" he said not looking up from the terminal in front of him.

"Commander, I bear a message from Lieutenant Steele, she says, yes, you have to go."

Jureth looked up to see Lieutenant T'Lana standing in front of him in her dress uniform with her recently earned medals and ribbons neatly pinned on in their appropriate place.

"She said that did she?"

"Yes Sir, the message arrive via subspace on my terminal one standard hour ago."

Jureth smiled and shook his head, even from wherever she was on the Celestial Cat Steele was dragging him out of his quarters.

"Alright, I suppose I had better get dressed then,"

T'Lana nodded "I will wait outside Sir."

Jureth closed down his terminal and as quickly as he could muster he pulled on his dress uniform, affixed all of his awards in their proper position, and fastened his combage. He then exited his quarters into the passageway to find T'Lana had been joined by the El-Aurian diplomat Adira Yiral who was dressed in a more civilian attire choosing a long light blue dress made of a soft sparkled material that had straps which extended over shoulders and ran down the length of her back. The neckline was plunging, and Jureth's eyes drifted to it for only a second before making eye contact with the woman again.

"Commander Oseno," Yiral said by way of greeting "nice to see you again."

"Commander Yiral, where did you come from, and where is your uniform?"

"Oh I was leaving my quarters when I came across Lieutenant T'Lana here who informed me she was waiting for you, and about your...reluctance for ceremonies. As for my uniform...I am a diplomat Commander, and this is a diplomatic function of sorts, I can work the room much better in this."

"Is that allowed?" Jureth asked not sure if regulations would have precluded such a thing

"If I may Sir," T'Lana said "I believe regulations allow diplomatic personnel to dress...apart from normal crew during social functions."

"I see...very well, let's head for the starbase, people will be gathering by now."

The trio made their way to the transporter room and beamed over to Starbase Lotus. They walked quickly to the entrance of the hall and as they entered Jureth took in the scene. There were scores of guests from high ranking members of Starfleet and the Federation, to officers of Lotus Fleet, and others that had been invited. The banquet hall was elegantly adorned with decorations and as they entered Jureth spotted a group of officers that included Captain Kheren, and he headed that way wanting to make sure his superior saw that he was present.

"Captain Kheren, quite the party they're throwing us."

"I should have consulted you before coming here, Commander, " Kheren said, not a hint of a joke in his tone of voice or the annoyed stare he flashed over the entire place. "Remind me to never face a social situation without getting your strategic assessment first."

Jureth nodded.

"Frankly sir," Jureth said to Kheren "I don't know that my assessment would be conducive to the festivities...I might still be aboard the ship if not for my escorts. May I introduce Lieutenant T'lana," he said gesturing to the Vulcan "and Lieutenant Commander Adira Yiral, both from my staff." 

"He means that you would help even the odds with his wives, " Tom Paris said to Jureth with a smile, not giving any explanation to his cryptic remark. Then, he extended his hand. "Tom Paris, former commanding officer of the Horizon... well, for a day. "

After introducing the two women,  Jureth then addressed Tom Paris.

"Captain Paris Sir, I never got a chance to thank you. If not for your timely arrival, the Alsea might have been reduced to floating debris. As her captain at the time, I'm grateful."

" Welcome to this historical day, Commander Oseno. I heard rather tall tales about you. Captain Kheren is sure lucky to have you by his side... and evidently quite aware of it. "

"I quite agree, Sir; they should work well together from what I have seen."

An Efrozian couple walked up on the small group, it took a few seconds to place the mans face as Captain Felez, late commander of the USS Lotus. He looked much older due to the the radiation damage and a good deal frailer.

"Commander Felez!" exclaimed the Andorian, reflexively lifting his chin in the typical Andorian gesture of respect. "This a great honor, Sir. I wasn't informed that you would here. "

"Hello again, Kheren. I see you've done well for yourself, despite my initial concerns for your humility."

Kheren laughed at the remark.

"It got worse, Sir. Gentlemen, Ladies, may I present Commander Felez Connora'tu, formerly acting captain of the USS Lotus and who showed me the proper way to command. "

Felez forced a pleasant smile as all Efrozians must to relay emotion. He sidestepped a little to present the woman with him.

"Allow me to present my better half, Natra, my betrothed."

Kheren remembered Felez spoke of her rarely, and that she had be captured by the Borg until their resent destruction. From last Kheren had heard, Admiral Redding had managed to reunite them, which led to Felez's accepting the role of facility commander for the newly liberated drones.

The arrival of Felez surprised Jureth. He had not expected to see the Efrosian whom was to have been his commanding officer at one time. He had never had a chance to serve under the man, but part of him wished he had.

"Commander Felez," Jureth said using the last rank that he remembered Felez having as he departed the Lotus; "Its good to see you again, and to meet you, Ma'am" Jureth said to Felez's escort, distinctly remembering hearing that she had been captured by the Borg and liberated when Lotus Fleet had destroyed the cybernetic species. Jureth could not imagine having gone through such a trauma, and offered a small prayer to the Prophets for both of them.

Kheren also welcomed the orange-skinned, white-haired woman with a bow then addressed the couple with much respect and pleasure in his deep voice.

"This is as a much a surprise as a honor to have you here, today, at the launching of the new flagship with me as her new captain... it would almost make me believe in destiny. "

"Destiny needed a week's leave of absence from my duties as well as three ship transfers, but I could not miss such a historic event as this." Natra said, nothing and displayed no emotion but simply nodded respectfully at any attention given her.

Despite her lack of facial expression, there where other kinds of body language at work, as she tended to glance around the room at any one that walked near her and the way she gripped Felez's arm, like he might slip away if she lost her hold on him.

"I was dismayed to hear of the lost of your first starfleet command, the Artemis, but I had full faith that you did no more than you needed to do."

 "She was the finest ship anyone could have served on, " agreed the Andorian. " We can only hope that we will all end up serving as well as she did. "    

At that moment, commander Redding walked up holding a drink in his hand.

"What's all the commotion over here, captain?" Then he spotted the Efrozian. "Felez! my God man it's good to see an old friend again, and Natra! It's good to see you up and about."

Natra seemed confused as to who he was until Felez cleared it up for her. 

"This is Admiral Redding dear; do you remember Admiral Redding?"

His tone was vary careful and patient. She walked up for a closer look and traced his face with a slightly shaky hand, then hugged him. Putting his drink down Redding returned her hug gently as possible, then looked at Felez.

"I really am happy to see you both," and slightly pushed her back and looked at her. "And you? you look wonderful!"

She forced a little smile of embarrassment and went back to Felez's arm. Felez was delighted.

"That's the first facial expression she's attempted since she was recovered." And smiled boldly at her.

But Kheren noted something only a man might from serving with an Efrozian; he hadn't shown any expression when meeting Redding again, his face had remained blank.

He's feeling something... realized the Andorian, looking attentively at his former commanding officer, knowing his empathic sensibilities. I might learn more about this new Redding from his own reactions than his entire Starfleet record might state.

Jureth watched as the officers who were obviously familiar with each other interacted. This was the first time he had met the Horizon's XO, and when he'd first seen the name on the roster he had thought that perhaps it was some relative of Admiral Redding. Hearing Felez introduce the younger man standing in front of him as Admiral Redding, however, confused the Bajoran and he made a mental note to either look up the man's service record or ask the captain about it at another time, or both. There was a certain familiarity about Redding's features that harkened to the much older man Jureth had accompanied to meet with Captain Jar'rod aboard the Klingon's flagship, but clearly this couldn't possibly be the same man...could it?

Kheren was no empath but he was a master at body langage and became aware of his Startegic Chief Officer's confusion instantly.

" Commander Oseno, this is Commander Neil Stanley Redding, our executive officer for the flagship. Commander Redding, meet our Strategic Chief Officer and ship commander of the Polaris, our integrated escort vessel, Commander Oseno Jureth. "

Jureth nodded "A pleasure Commander Redding"

As the two of them shaked hand in the traditional Human greeting form most popular in Starfleet, the Andorian, having heard from the starbase's grapevine that the last visit of Admiral Redding had involved the Alsea when Jureth was serving aboard her, added his next sentence in a lowered tone.

" We might discuss the Commander's relation to Admiral Redding at a later time if  both of you so wish. "

For both commanders, there was no mistaking the underlined "classified" meaning of what he was talking about. Kheren knew that Commander Felez as well would pick up both words and what lied between them... and maybe even a little bit more.

"Aye Sir," Jureth replied acknowledging the captain's statement; "but, Sir, if I didn't know better, I'd swear you were part Betazoid," the last statement indicating that Kheren seemed to have known exactly what the Bajoran was thinking.

"Body langage is a duellist skill, Commander; I just happen to be good at it, " Kheren explained. " So let's kill this rumor off before it further adds to the already bloated and distorted image too many have of me. "

The Andorian was at this moment particularly conscious of Redding's presence and how, in another life, he had misjudged Kheren so much as to consider him an Undine in disguise... and meddle in his career because of it.  He definitely didn't want History to repeat itself and let any false idea make its way in the mind of the "new" Neil S. Redding.

Felez then gave a slight bow.

"My apologies to all; Natra is still in a confused state and I was afraid.. well, enough said on that."

"No need to apologize, Commander Felez, it's not a problem." Jureth said to the Efrosian, not wanting the commander or his wife to think they'd caused any undue stress.

"Absolutely," Redding said cheerfully. "We should have time after the ceremony to hash out the details."

And with that, he made to show the couple to their seats. Before leaving, he turned to Jureth.

"When we get a chance, I'd like to see that ship of yours, Commander."

"Anytime, Sir; just mind the Marines at the door."

The last part Jureth said with a slight smile, thinking of his run in with the chief of security earlier.

Redding gave a little wave as he walked off with the Efrozian couple.

"Mister Oseno, it's good to see you again."

The voice had come from behind Jureth, but he immediately recognized it, and turned to see his Kalten Siduri standing in full uniform.

"Captain!" Jureth exclaimed truly surprised "I wasn't aware you'd come back to the land of the living let alone been released from medical!"

Siduri smiled "Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. As for releasing me...I made them, I wanted to thank you for your part in my safe return after my fall and to see this grand new flagship of ours"

"I think it might be more due to the Alsea's EMH, and the starbase medical staff than any part I played Sir."

"Nonsense man, from what I hear you reacted immediately, and I'm grateful."

"You're welcome Sir, but I only did my job."

"I hear you did more than that...something about taking over my ship." Siduri replied with a mock stern look.

"That was Fleet Captain Samji's doing Sir...seems Starfleet doesn't let mere Lieutenants attempt to negotiate with enemies."

"You did good work Oseno," Siduri said seriously, "but nothing I wouldn't have expected after our initial work together."

Jureth thought back to the first real encounter he had with Captain Siduri, a security drill in which the captain had interfered resulting in two injuries. The captain and Jureth  had later gone toe to toe in the Alsea's main conference room with the Bajoran taking a tone that lieutenants weren't supposed to take with captains. Siduri had weathered the storm of his security chief's temper though and the two had agreed to try and work together.

"Thank you Sir," Jureth replied sincerely. He was truly grateful to see the captain back up and about after feeling very responsible for allowing his captain to become seriously injured. He pushed that thought away though realizing he was neglecting the other officers present.

"Captain Kheren, I apologize Sir," Jureth said "I presume you know Captain Siduri, formerly of the Alsea."

"Not as much as I would want to, " the Andorian said, inwardly thanking his wife Lyrya for coaching him in the niceties of social interaction he was so alien to. " I am glad you are up and about, Captain. Last time we saw you, we were quite worried after the inlury you had suffered during your own Azimuth Horizon recon mission. Oh, and this is Captain Thomas Eugene Paris, the lead designer of the Horizon and from whom I am inheriting this prestigious command. "

The former hero of the Voyager saga shook hand with the athletic blonde, hazel-eyed officer.

"Just Tom will do fine, Captain Siduri. Captain Kheren makes my name sound like some grand title."

"Well between all of us and the rest, there are a lot of big names around here, " said Kalten Siduri with a short laugh. "Voyager legends, Borg War heroes, Azimuth Horizon veterans... And the best of it all, this all seems not like  any dreary remembrance day but like the beginning of things even greater to come."

"We are far from having fully reached the entire final frontier yet, " Paris agreed.

"Or whatever lies beyond," added Kheren cryptically, flashing a brief look at Commander Redding.

"I remember at one time being quite concerned about how I would fit in with such a prestigious group of men and women," Jureth admitted "being assigned to the Lotus immediately after the Borg War was...intimidating. It seems like a long time ago now."

"I know exactly how you felt then... and how you feel now, " confessed Kheren. "I myself got sent to the Lotus to be her chief of security and tactical when I was barely promoted Ensign and straight out of sickbay after the Romulan attack on this starbase. You do feel pretty small when you face such responsibilities, especially in such an elite division. But, as they say on Earth, calm seas do not make good sailors. And so, judging by you and the rough seas you went through, Commander, indeed you have come a long and hard way and proven yourself more than enough... like the rest of our gallant crew.  It will be a privilege and  a challenge  for me to try and be your captain."

"Hopefully not too much of a challenge Sir," Oseno replied with a smile "though I'm pretty sure that Captain Gould almost beamed me onto a passing freighter after I ran a security drill without telling him first..."

"And I think you wanted to lock me in the brig after I interfered with your first one on the Alsea," Siduri said with a smile "I'll say this though it will remind me to think twice before I....adjust my security chief's drills in the future."

"Indeed, an officer should always keep his captain in the know on his ship... but a captain must also have faith in his officers and not interfere or dictate every step they make from here to the loo," the Andorian agreed with both. "Regarding that, micromanagement is assuredly a good way to fail in Starfleet... and as for cowboy soloism,  Lieutenant-Commander Sorripto himself recently taught us the necessity of the first."

Kheren was refering to the recent court martial of a veteran officer who, faced with blackmail from Section 31, disregarded both regulations and common sense as he decided to face the threat alone and, in the process, endangered the starship McKenzie and the whole of Operation Horizon, instead of trusting his commanding officer and fellow crewmates, Lotus Fleet Command and Starfleet. In the end, Section 31 was destroyed... but the benefit of his wild actions had threatened to destroy as well everything Starfleet stood for and relied upon. So he had been commended... and condemned at the same time.

In the end, the officer had taken full responsibility for his actions, which in itself  was commendable. If he learned anything from it all, well, that however remained to be seen. But the rest of Starfleet certainly learned  what Kheren himself had always beleived in: you don't throw the book away until you get to the last page.... and that Starfleet officers needed to work together to truly succeed.

And this was something he was adamant about as far as his next command would be concerned.

"I'd heard about Sorripto.." Jureth said solemnly "It is disturbing...but at the same time I wonder how many other men would have acted similarly. I don't think any of use truly know how we would respond without having been placed in the situation. I don't think many Bajorans fancied themselves soldiers until the Cardassians occupied our planet."

"Indeed. But here is the thing; the more we will risk officers acting like this, the more we risk unaveling at the seems. If we do not trust one another and do not openly work together to face the challenges before us, we will always fall into those traps and shifty, shadowy forces like Section 31 will always prevail, while everything we say we stand for will weaken us at best, or at worst makes us hypocrites, fools and buffoons. "

Thinking about what Oseno had just said, the Andorian looked straight at him with his four oculars.

"Bajorans prevailed under a harsh, powerful conqueror because they worked together, trusted one another. Maybe they had no choice, or maybe they understood something then... But we Starfleet officers would do well to follow the example set by your people. And on a starship, one lone wolf can misstep and cause the death of everyone on board. Space is the most hostile environment to life you can ever find; we all got there and prospered because of trust in ourselves and in each other. That is what we must never forget."

Kalten Siduri nodded agreeing with Kheren.

"I read the Sorripto file...the unclassified part anyway. Indeed, both what your people Oseno, and Sorripto went through shouldn't have to be experienced by anyone, but the difference is the Bajorans adapted and overcame as a people when they had no other choice. Sorripto instead of trusting Captain Crist or any of his fellow officers aboard the McKenzie chose his own route going against what most of the Federation and Starfleet stands for."

"True," Jureth said "There are documented incidents about rogue officers throughout Starfleet history, and most of them ended badly. Even the vaunted James Kirk dismissed rules and regulations on more than one occasion...I read he even stole a starship, but I suppose his ends justified the means either at the time or after the fact or they would have thrown him in prison." Jureth paused for a moment "I can assure you though Captain" he said to Kheren "You won't have to worry about me doing anything like that."

"I'm very glad to hear it, Commander; because if you ever did, then you would have to worry about what I would do," said the Andorian very seriously. "And if you recall,  Kirk was demoted and never promoted again after his crime, even after saving the whole of planet Earth and after a most illustrious career. Fact is, today his career is used as a reference about what not to do in most instances! But to his defense, his times were a lot different than ours today... and like Sorripto, he assumed full responsibilities for his actions. Nevertheless, then and now, in Starfleet as in the mind of any moral individual, the ends never justify the means... Therefore, you must not only do the right thing but you must do it the right way and for the right reasons. And this is something I for one beleives firmly in."

"Yes Sir," Jureth said in agreement only somewhat intimidated by the large Andorian "but frankly Sir, I think I'd be more afraid of Lieutenant Tyvya..."

The comment drew smirks from Siduri and Tom Paris and the former captain of the Alsea took that moment to take his leave

"Gentlemen, I must say it's been grand, but I should probably get back to medical before they come drag me away. Captain Paris, nice to have met you. Captain Kheren, Commander Oseno best of luck to you both. She's a fine ship, take care of her, and she'll return the favor."

"Thank you Sir," Jureth replied.

"Take care, Captain, " Kheren offered as parting words. 

They watched as the blonde man walked away towards the entrance where they could notice several officers of the USS Phoenix coming to the ceremony. Doctor Elliago-Nasaro-Myth came briefly to wish them luck before going to meet his replacement on his former commanding officer's vessel, the Bynars 110 and 011, while the chief engineer David Rogers, formerly of USS Spectre fame, took a seat not far from them with a respectful nod to them.

His arrival reminded Kheren that their own ship was still lacking an assigned chief engineer. Unless Fleet Captain Samji assigned them an officer for the job, he knew he would have to resort to promote one of his junior officers to the position. Robert Baoule was the obvious choice, being a propulsion expert and their main task being the thorough testing of the transwarp drive; but Patricia Blakely, his colleague and girlfriend, had proven herself quite as capable in general engineering management. 

Shortage of qualified personnel among two thousand crewmembers on the largest starship ever built; Kheren slightly shook his head at the thought. but then, he had to get back to the here and now; others were coming to the ceremony and wanted to greet them and wish them luck.

And then, there was an announcement from Commander Karen Schmidt, Starbase Lotus' exec and Fleet Captain Samji's aide-de-camp.

"Officers, dignitaries and media people,  ladies and gentlemen and all intercrossed and nongenders, please be seated. The Commissioning ceremony of the flagship USS Horizon will proceed presently. "

A sudden hush came over the vast crowd as everyone lowered their voices to murmur and then to silence as they all seated themselves in pre-arranged seatings, all facing the central circular podium where were found Rear Admiral Kotari, Fleet Captain Allen Samji and Captain Kheren, his leading officers right behind him.

"Red Alert, " whispered Tyvya to Kheren as she passed him by with Lyrya to get to their seat.