Second Chances

Posted on Mon Nov 9th, 2026 @ 3:00pm by Captain Shran dh'Klar & Commander Callie Raven-Grayson

990 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Another Tin Man
Location: USS Washington

It was late. Gamma shift was on bridge duty, and it was a special duty shift as the newly minted Commander, the ship's counselor Callie, was sitting in the big chair for the first time. The Washington was cruising along at warp 5 and all had been going well. A minor issue with the phaser coils locking up had taken Lt Phoenix from his station on the bridge to check and repair the issue. Ensign Kuzma was at Ops and was the most senior of the bridge crew at the moment, other than Callie.

"Commander, detecting a ship at the extreme range of sensors. It appears to be a Federation ship. I believe it is an Excelsior class vessel. We are being hailed" Kuzma noted.

“Interesting” Callie sat forward in the center seat. “Do we know who it is?”

"It is Capt Benteen. She commands the Lakota. I believe it may be the Lakota that is approaching us" Kuzma replied.

“Put it onscreen please.” Callie added wondering what the call was about.

Kuzma followed orders and activated the viewscreen. It came to life and a mature female came into frame, a few lines on her face and a few streaks of gray cropping up in what was otherwise pristine brunette hair. "Commander, I was hoping to speak with Capt Shran" the woman said, her voice even, giving away little, but she had an urgency about her.

Callie nodded to Kuzma to tell her to alert Shran. “Is there anything I can do for you Captain? There’s obviously something urgent you need us to know.”

"Apologies. Command can be enigmatic at times. We are carrying an ambassador who will be transported to you immediately. The ambassador has your orders. If you wouldn't mind slowing down and preparing for transport" Benteen replied.

“Of course Captain” Callie nodded. “Slow our speed, match us to the velocity of the Lakota for transport.”

=^=Shran to bridge. I understand we have guests coming aboard. Reduce speed to impulse, have a command level officer meet the guest in the transporter room. I'll meet with the guests in the conference room in 10 minutes. Notify Jon and Deanna and have them meet us in the conference room as well. =^=

“Understood Captain, we’re reducing speed now.” Callie answered. “I’ll meet our guest myself.” She looked to Kuzma. “You have the bridge Ensign, enjoy it while you can.” She smiled tapping her comm badge.

=^= Bridge to Commanders Grayson and Celes, your presence is required in the conference room. =^= With that Callie headed for the transporter room.

As Callie entered the transporter room, the transporter was already active, a single form materializing on the transporter pad. When the transporter completed its cycle, a tall regal appearing man wearing an impeccable suit appeared. He looked at the transporter chief and then at Callie. "Well, at least they sent one telepath, even if you are only half Betazoid. Pity, I was hoping it would be my sister here to greet me. Where is Deanna? Being an insufferable taskmaster I reckon. Yes, let's go surprise her, shall we?"

“Hello to you Tam” Callie added with a wry smile. “We have met before, but maybe you don’t recognize me. I was still training back then, and yes, we will go and surprise Deanna.” She motioned Tam to follow her. “Come right this way.”

Walking along the corridor Callie switched to telepathic communication. ”So, how have you been? It’s actually nice to be able to talk telepathically for a change”.

Tam walked confidently down the corridor, upright, hands clasped behind his back, " It is much simpler. Deanna always thought it was elitist."

”Really? It isn’t generally done around nontelepaths out of politeness, but when it’s just between two people privately, I don’t see a problem.” Callie responded honestly. ”Captain Shran and Commander Grayson are waiting to see you along with Deanna.”

"Yes, the Andorian. Deanna has been quite close with him for some time. Our mother never approved of Deanna being in StarFleet, even less so once she started working with that Shran fellow. Our sister Draghixa seemed to like the Andorian when she visited recently though. I suppose I'll determine if he and the others are up to this task we are tasked with. He entered the turbolift and allowed Callie to direct them to their destination. He looked to Callie as the turbolift journeyed to their destination, "Tell me Commander, you are a counselor by training, or perhaps some sort of medical doctor? I ask because of your uniform."

Callie nodded returning to verbal response. “You’re right, I am in medical. I’m Chief Counselor of the Washington.”

Tam smiled as the turbolift reached their destination and the door opened. "Very good. Well then counselor, I invite you to join us for this meeting. You'll gain great insight into my sister, your captain, and whoever else is in the room." He exited the turbolift, "Besides, I would very much like having as many actual telepaths in the room when I tell your captain the nature of this mission."

“It will be my pleasure Tam, any help I can offer I will.” Callie smiled warmly before leading Tam to the Conference Room. Walking in she smiled at Shran. “Captain, may I introduce Tam.”

Shran looked at Deanna, who folded her face into the palms of her hands. He rose, "Tam Celes. Deanna's brother. Well, this is a surprise."

"Probably not a welcome one captain" Tam replied. "But regardless, here I am, and I have orders for you. Set course for Beta Allegro, maximum warp. We are racing to beat the Romulans captain. I do hope your ship can handle this."

Shran remained stoic. He hit his comm badge =^=Ensign Kuzma, set course for Beta Allegro, maximum warp. =^= He looked back to Tam, "Now then, perhaps a proper briefing."

 

RSS Feed