Stardate: 60913:0545
Title: A Chapter Closed
Author: Dathan L'Cir
Time: Current
Scene: Horizon's Gateway


Dathan watched his console as the Horizon began to lift off the planet of Tharan 3, out of orbit and into the blackness of space, leaving behind a much smaller nightmare than what was present when they first arrived and that's something Dathan would not wish to see, not again in his lifetime.


=/\= Later - Horizon's Gateway =/\=

With the holodecks' new security protocols inserted and completed Dathan stood at the bar and listened to his Captain's announcements.

"Our primary mission is to explore beyond the current borders; To meet new life and new civilisations; To form new allies with, and seek out new threats to, the Federation. And I couldn't ask for a finer crew to do it with. As most of you are aware, Lieutenant Autumn Falls was promoted to Lieutenant Senior Grade and Chief of Operations a few days ago. I would now like to formally raise a glass to her and congratulate her on her promotion."

"I would also like you all to join me in congratulating Dr. Matthews for his promotion to Lieutenant Commander. His sterling effort during our recent crisis was an example to us all."

Dathan picked up his drink and turned to Lieutenant Falls and to the newly appointed Lieutenant Commander Mathews, and with a raise of his beverage and with a nod and smile, toasted to them both as did all who attended. L'Cir made his way over and shook Dr Matthews' hand. 

"Congratulations Doctor, and to you as well Lieutenant Falls".

Dathan could feel the other officers beginning to gather around so moved back to the bar so as everyone could properly congratulate the two. For the first time since Dathan boarded the Horizon it felt like a home, and Dathan began to think.

*I know all the officers, 'If only by reputation'. However, I still have to make the time to get to know those officers that I hadn't worked with like Ensigns Drenden and Kehn, even officers in my department such as Ensign Dumok I don't know all that well.*

Perhaps it was Ensign Taylor's actions that made L'Cir think about getting to know the rest of his ship mates. 


============================
Lieutenant Commander Dathan L'Cir
Chief of Security/Special Ops
USS Horizon
NCC-72400
============================