The Homecoming

Posted on Fri Nov 29th, 2024 @ 3:47pm by Commodore Loatha Targaryen & Rear Admiral Veegg & Commodore Wilkan Targaryen & Commander Zhora zh'Roothi

3,666 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Pilot
Location: Ward Room, Starbase 419
Timeline: 2439-03-09, 12:00

Captain Wilkan Targaryen sat in the Ward Room of Starbase 419 waiting for his wife, Commodore Loatha Targaryen, and his boss, Commodore Veegg, to arrive. Enterprise had returned to the Alpha Quadrant a little over an hour ago and this meeting was immediately called to debrief on the mission to the Gamma Quadrant. In short, they had discovered the creator of the entire Founder species, while also potentially destabilizing the Dominion in the process. While it was a win in one sense, it was a disaster in another.

Sitting at the head of one side of the table, the Captain of the Enterprise looked out of the window at the Denorios Belt. What was once believed to just be a standard charged plasma field in the Bajoran system was perhaps one of the most important finds in the last century because of the stable wormhole inside. As he sat there, he pondered how many people in the Alpha Quadrant wished that the wormhole had never been found. When first discovered the wormhole was part of what prompted his transfer from command of the Gorkon to the Armstrong, but he quickly grew to hate the wormhole, especially when the Dominion War began. He'd gotten over it with everything that had happened since, but he had a feeling that the hatred of the region was about to grow again.

If the Dominion fell into disarray, it was highly likely that it would spread back into the Alpha Quadrant and the Federation would be front and center. There were still many in the Dominion that didn't like how the war went and could want retribution. Odo was a strong voice in the Dominion's leadership, but he was only one Founder, and he brought about the very discovery that challenged the status quo. Wilkan didn't envy whomever was assigned to keep an eye on the Dominion and what was going on. He had no doubt that 47 was about to grow in importance and that a full contingent of vessels would be assigned to monitor the Dominion.

As the door slid open, the Captain turned expectantly.

His XO, Commander Zhora zh'Roothi, arrived and glanced around the room with trepidation. Relieved only Wilkan was present and she hadn't missed the start of the meeting, she crossed towards him and pulled out the nearest chair but did not sit immediately.

"Here's the latest we have from the creature," she passed him the data padd she'd been carrying. "Sensor logs from all vessels, damage reports and medical notes from the affected crew members as well as the mission reports." She sighed and sat. "All of which I'm sure they have already... but I needed to occupy myself." Her gaze lifted to the Captain and pouted with displeasure. "I must confess I dislike these meetings very much. What's the human saying - being fed to the lions?"

"I've been on both sides of this table more times than I can count, Commander, you do get used to it, eventually at least," Wilkan answered as he picked up the PADD that his XO had brought with her. He started to skim through it quickly, having been unaware of much of the last bits from aboard the Enterprise due to the empathic attack he received from the creature as the away team tried to escape. At least it hadn't been as bad as the time that he'd been attacked by the Lethean and had telepathic shock. That wasn't a fun day.

She wanted to reply with an offhanded comment that his long lifespan would have given the opportunities many others would not have, plus that this meeting could become muddied with the presence of his wife. "I don't intend to," she opted to reply instead.

"What's this?" Captain Targaryen questioned as he saw a report from 419's construction foreman. "I didn't think we'd taken much damage aboard the Enterprise? Why are the station's engineers initializing construction projects aboard the ship?"

The Andorian's frame stiffened slightly at his question as if uncomfortable. "While you were incapacitated orders were given to bring Enterprise into the atmosphere to distract the creature and allow the Scout vessel to escape. It wasn't a smooth journey, additionally the creature struck the ship a number of times."

"Oh," the Enterprise's Captain answered as he looked at the PADD. "Must've been a bit worse than I realized. They're saying we'll be here for about a week." He closed out the datafile and moved on to another. "What were your impressions of the crew during the mission? Anything I need to know about?" He hadn't really gotten a chance to talk with the XO, having been recuperating from the telepathic surge.

"I have concerns with Toryn," zh'Roothi replied. "Throughout the mission her attitude was unprofessional and discriminating. I understand there's scars and distrust remaining from the Dominon War, however she allowed her personal feelings to cloud her judgement and ability to remain true to her duty."

Wilkan nodded, listening to what the Commander's impressions were about the effectiveness of the away team. Lieutenant Toryn was their Chief Science Officer and Wilkan did anticipate some reservations about her performance. It was to be expected though. The Dominion War had been complicated and challenging for everyone, especially the Betazoids. Their world had been invaded, significantly damaged, and many of its citizens killed. The war may've been nearly 65 years ago, but those wounds ran deep. Despite the challenges, Wilkan still believed there was no one better suited to be his Chief Scientist.

"On the other hand, Randall was exceptional, intelligent, resourceful and compassionate."

Again, the Captain nodded in agreement of the assessment. Having had worked with Ash previously aboard the Pequod, Wilkan was very knowledgeable about the Engineer's abilities. Incredibly creative, Targaryen was grateful that she had been approved to serve aboard the Enterprise. They'd definitely need her on their five-year mission of exploration.

"Moore was efficient and vigilant yet remained impassive throughout. Traits expected of Security Officer, however offered little overall which was disappointing."

"And what is your assessment of your own abilities on this mission?"

The Commander's lips thinned at his question. "Requires improvement."

Wilkan's eyebrow rose, "Oh? Explain."

She mirrored his expression surprised he didn't understand why she gave her response. "I inevitably lead the team to their deaths by my actions, by luck we were rescued," she replied. "I should have given more thought into my actions before committing to them. Opting to remain on the damaged vessel was a grave mistake. I sacrificed our best assets in the heat of the moment that nearly cost the lives of three officers."

"Remarkable," Targaryen answered. "You know I'm El-Aurian and I've served in Starfleet for over a century at this point. I was just thinking that I don't think I would've done anything differently than you did if I had been in your shoes." The Captain shifted in his seat, "Rarely, if ever, do we have all the information that we need to make a decision available when we have to make a choice. We have to gather upon our experiences and the information that we have available to make an informed decision about what to do next. I really don't think that I'd have done anything differently."

The Andorian woman remained still and quiet as she took in his words, meanwhile her antenna swivelled as if highlighting her shifting levels of confidence and new relationship with the Captain. Both before and after the mission the two of them had little opportunities to discuss anything beyond their respective duties and mission details. Aside from what was written in his file she knew very little about Targaryen.

"Perhaps," she spoke breaking the silence that had settled. "However, I still chose to surrender a tactical advantage in favour of convenience."

"That's one way to look at it, I suppose, and probably how the brass hats will take it. I, instead, choose to look at the whole situation this way. You had the runabout return to the Enterprise, it alerted us to your situation, and we were able to get help down to you and the Dominion vessel. We did have a death, that is true, but had you not taken the actions you did there would be a lot more dead than there were. Most likely that scoutship would have been lost, as would your away team. You took the appropriate actions," Wilkan settled back into his seat, sharing his honest appraisal of what had happened. He did hope that the command team shared that belief because there were many ways this meeting could go, should they ever arrive.

It was at that moment that the doors to the Wardroom slid open, revealing Commodores Veegg and Loatha Targaryen beyond. Commodore Veegg was the first to enter while the Station Commander followed closely behind. They took the chairs on the opposite side of the table, Commodore Veegg taking the seat at the head of the table while Loatha took the seat to his right. Neither was very chatty, in fact they both looked like they were ready to rip the galaxy apart. Wilkan knew that look on his wife's face and it was never a good sign. Fortunately, they lived on separate installations at this point otherwise he'd be sleeping on the couch tonight instead of his own bed.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting," Loatha said as she opened her portable computer. "Are we ready to get started?"

Wilkan answered for himself and the XO, "We are if you are."

The Zaldan nodded, deferring to Commodore Targaryen. Wilkan didn't know if that was a good sign or not. His wife pressed a control, "We've had a chance to review your after-action report, and we had some questions that we wanted you to answer..."

---

Two hours passed as Commodore Veegg and Commodore Loatha Targaryen asked their questions of Captain Wilkan Targaryen and Commander Zhora zh'Roothi. Their questions ranged from a variety of topics, with some questions basic and others incredibly complex requiring a lot of detail as part of their description. Most of their questions had been directed at Commander zh'Roothi as the person leading the away team and having the most contact with the Dominion, with few being directed at the captain.

During the entire discussion the duo had released very little information to the Enterprise's command crew, aside from some relatively minor details. One item, however, was of particular interest in that the Dominion had reached out to the Federation Council regarding the establishment of mutual embassies between the Federation and the Dominion. They implied that Starfleet Command and Starfleet Intelligence felt there was more to it, but they weren't talking just yet. That was more than enough to give the Captain a bellyache.

"I have only one additional question," Veegg announced after having been quiet for nearly half an hour, "and it's directed at the Commander: what would you have done differently?"

Wilkan looked at her, remembering their conversation from over an hour ago, eager to hear what she had to say.

zh'Roothi wished to heave a sigh at the continued barrage of questions the two had faced over the last two hours, yet still they came. The latest from Veegg mirrored Targaryen's similar some time early - days it had felt since they began facing the board.

She could feel the rooms eyes on her expectantly. "It is a question I have asked myself regularly since Commodore," the woman answered. "Would have events been different if I'd made alternative decisions? Most likely. For better or worse? That remains unseen. However, I stand by my decisions given the options that were available at the time. When the initial assault struck the scout vessel the number of Dominion crew compliant and condition had not been confirmed. If we evacuated to the Sol hands could have been left behind and potentially perished. The weight of the additional passengers would have affected the mobility and effectiveness of Sol escaping which could have resulted in losses of personnel and equipment. That in turn would have given Captain Targaryen a higher incentive to conduct further investigation, putting additional lives in unnecessary danger. By releasing the Sol from the damaged vessel they were able to inform the Enterprise of our situation and plan a rescue with facts instead of speculation."

Veegg looked at the First Officer and then back at Captain Targaryen. Drumming his webbed fingers on the tabletop, the Zaldan nodded, "Very well. At least you're able to analyze a situation effectively. Based on that answer, Captain, what is your assessment of this mission?"

"The mission was a success," Wilkan answered without elaborating further. As a culture, Zaldans were infuriated by courtesy, as they viewed it as a form of phony social behavior designed to cover true feelings, but he knew well enough that Veegg wouldn't be pleased by the rather limited answer that was given.

"The mission was a success?" The Commodore asked with a surprised inflection in his tone. "That's vague, Captain."

"But the truth," Wilkan answered, choosing not to elaborate further yet again.

Loatha interrupted the conversation, "I suppose we could leave it at that. Let me elaborate on the success that the Captain has chosen not to. Enterprise was able to establish contact with the Dominion for the first time in decades. As part of its mission, they rescued Odo - a member of the Founders who has grown in importance for his people since he returned to the Great Link at the conclusion of the Dominion War. In addition, the crew was involved in locating the Dominion Progenitor, perhaps one of the greatest finds in the Gamma Quadrant since the discovery of the wormhole."

"And, in spite of all these successes, the Enterprise disrupted the governance of the Dominion perhaps irreparably. While discovering the Progenitor, Enterprise fired upon a spiritual icon for the Dominion. This painted a rather impressive target on Starfleet and the Federation because of their actions," the webbed fingers of the Zaldan pointed at Captain Targaryen.

"Commodore," Wilkan spoke up, "Odo and his revenant had already located the Progenitor at the time Enterprise intervened. Had we not shown up when we did, Odo would have been lost, and this discovery would never have been made. Instead of challenging our actions, the Dominion should be excited for the support that we provided."

Veegg sighed, "It would seem that the Dominion sided with your impression."

"Excuse me?" Targaryen shut down from the Commodore's words.

Veegg and Loatha looked at each other for a moment, the Station Commander deferring to the Project Leader. Veegg continued, "The Dominion has opened formal diplomatic relations with the Federation, and they've authorized a small contingent of vessels to return to the Gamma Quadrant. Enterprise was specifically requested to lead them."

"You're going back to the Gamma Quadrant," Loatha interjected.

Captain Targaryen was surprised by all of this. Enterprise was designed for long-range exploration and had been assigned to a five-year mission of exploration beyond the Maelstrom Sector in the Alpha Quadrant. While many would be excited for the opportunity to explore the Gamma Quadrant, a true final frontier, Wilkan wasn't certain exactly how he felt.

He looked at his XO, "Thoughts?"

zh'Roothi was wise enough not share to immediate thoughts to the room, though it was likely Loatha had caught the general feeling. "Makes sense," she replied. "Our aim was to offer an olive branch to the Dominion, though I'm sure we weren't expecting them to take it so willingly." She paused before adding another thread: "The presence of the Enterprise in the Quadrant sends a clear message we're interested in making this new relationship work along with the ability to stand our ground if required. Commodore, how many vessels will be in this contingent?"

"Enough that the Dominion will think twice about a combat action against you," Veegg replied to the Enterprise's XO. He looked at the Captain, "Do you always allow your XO to ask questions for you, Captain?"

"An old strategy I learned through study of some of Starfleet's greatest leaders. You let your second in command attack while you sit and watch for weakness. Fortunately, some give more opportunities for lessons than others," Enterprise's Captain answered. "In all sincerity though the Enterprise being part of this contingent is supplemented in more ways than one by the symbolism, isn't it? You attack the Federation flagship; you attack the entire Federation."

Loatha nodded, "But a flagship usually has a flag officer aboard."

"Precedent says otherwise," Wilkan countered. "Picard's Enterprise, Seven's Enterprise, both lacked a flag officer and were considered the flagship of the Federation."

Veegg spoke, "He's your mate."

"I don't know what that has to do with anything, but I guess that means you want me to do the dirty work," Commodore Targaryen answered.

"Shooting me with a phaser behind Quark's was one of the things my mother said you'd probably do to me at some point," Captain Targaryen joked.

Loatha pushed a control on the keypad and a small box transported in. She pushed it forward to her husband, "By order of Starfleet Command you are hereby restored to the rank of Commodore and given command of Project Longshot, headquartered aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise."

Wilkan Targaryen held the box in his hand and opened it, revealing the Commodore TriComm nestled inside and the one star pip. "I'm not sure I deserve this. I've been a flag officer before, I wasn't very good at it."

"Enough," Veegg countered. "I wouldn't have approved you to take over my pet project if I didn't think that you could handle it."

"And what of you, Commodore?" Targaryen asked after closing the box.

The Zaldan crossed his arms, "I'll be moving to DS47 as Gamma Quadrant Commander."

"Joy," Wilkan answered holding onto the box.

zh'Roothi remained silent as the others spoke, she had no right to interrupt their plan to promote Wilkan though it did offer an interesting insight into their relationships with one another including Wilkan and his wife.

"Congratulations, sir." she offered him a small smile and nodded toward the box. Perhaps one day he'll elaborate his tales of previous experience as flag officer over a drink or two. Frankly she felt the urge to find one once they'd finally finished this testing meeting.

Targaryen looked at his XO, "I'm not sure you'll be thanking me in a few days, Exec. If I'm heading Project Longshot I anticipate your responsibilities on Enterprise will be increasing." He looked at his wife, who gave a slight nod in reply.

"Good thing I enjoy challenges," zh'Roothi replied aware that this wasn't the time or place to show anything but confidence in the face of the unknown.

"I have to ask. What of the creatures that we encountered at the Brown Dwarf? They represent an incredible risk to us with how easily they overpowered my Science Officer..."

Wilkan was interrupted by Loatha, "And you. Starfleet Command is going to be monitoring. That will be part of your responsibilities as well."

"It's still early, but reports are indicating that the Dominion has not taken well to your discovery. If these creatures are the progenitors of the Founders as a species their actions so far show them to be aggressive and adversarial. Since the Dominion prides itself on order that's not a good combination. Intelligence is already monitoring that there has been some public outcry on member worlds." Veegg considered carefully as he prepared his next words, "The Dominion being fractured like this could destabilize the entire Gamma Quadrant. You'll need to tread carefully, especially as you will host the liaison."

"Liaison?" Targaryen questioned.

It was Loatha who continued, "Starfleet has ordered Enterprise to undergo some minor refits and arranged several new personnel to be assigned for this assignment. An actual ship's counselor, a specialist operations officer," she paused and looked at Veegg, "and a Vorta Administrator."

"I don't want one of them on my ship," the Enterprise's Captain protested.

"The objection is noted," Veegg answered, "and overruled. It's the price of peace."

"The Dominion agreed to give us access to more of the Gamma Quadrant than ever before, including access to their territory and stations, but with the requirement that one of their personnel be assigned to our flagship. Enterprise will pick him up at DS47 when it returns through the wormhole. He's to be extended every courtesy."

Wilkan sighed, "A full ambassador would be better..."

Veegg interrupted, "And you were an envoy in the Diplomatic Corps in a previous life. This is the deal. Take it or leave it, but you leave Enterprise too."

The Captain of the Enterprise rolled his eyes, "Fine. Agreed."

"Excellent. If there's nothing else this meeting can close," the Zaldan started gathering his things.

Beside him zh'Roothi clenched her jaw at the hammer blow that they'd be permanently hosting a Vorta Administrator aboard. Their presence won't be welcomed among the crew, Toyrn especially. Rrawran and Chase would have a tough time keeping everyone on good terms. She wanted to ask whom these new additions to the crew roster were going to be, not that she could influence the closed deal and concluded it would be simply a waste of her breath.

Having spent a vast amount of nervous energy in the meeting she simply wanted this affair to end and escape to cut a direct path of the nearest drinking hole.

Targaryen looked at the XO of the Enterprise, "You can return to the ship, Commander. I need to meet with Commodore Loatha before I return to the ship."

"Of course," zh'Roothi replied evenly and stole a glance at the seated woman before rising from her seat. "Until then. Sirs," she nodded respectfully to Vegg and Loatha then headed out to allow them to discuss in private.

As Commodore Veegg exited, Wilkan looked at his wife and smiled, "Shall we?"

"Let's," she answered as the two headed out of the Ward Room for the Promenade.

 

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