Stardate: 60309.2031
Title: When Past and Present Collide Pt. 1
Author: Captain Khavok
Time: After "How To Talk To An Air Vent"
Scene: USS Relentless/Starbase 5


At first Alex felt quite pleased with himself for having thrown his XO under the bus and having her deal with Godron. By the time he reached the turbolift to the bridge he was beginning to have second thoughts. As he entered the bridge and before the call "captain on the bridge" had rang out Alex's second thoughts were full blown doubts. It just wasn't right no matter how he tried to justify it: tossing anyone into Godron's clutches, especially not the XO. Alex began to scheme and connive and come up with excuses, ways to avoid blame, and as a last resort a credible apology. 

Captain Khavok breathed in deeply, taking in the new carpet smell of the redesigned bridge. He could hardly wait to take her out and see what she could really do. Alex sighed inwardly he knew it would be a few more days and they would be off. Khavok dearly hoped so at any rate. Alex made notations on the duty officer's log and looked around the bridge. Everything was just a little closer together as the refit team had used every available square inch of cubic space to make room for the weapon and armor upgrades throughout the ship. 

"Captain, Admiral Foster left a message for you. I had it transferred to your personal terminal," the watch officer said.

Alex nodded to the officer by way of thanks and acknowledgement. He then turned to his ready room wondering what the Admiral wanted. Khavok didn't spend too much time on that line of thought. In the time he'd served with her, he'd learned that she usually had a good reason for what she did.

[Captain Khavok, I hope this finds you well] Admiral Foster said with a smile, [after our last conversation I felt I needed to remind you of the responsibility that has been placed in your hands. You've been handed one of the most sophisticated warships known to the federation. I know that the politicos don't like that designation but we'll keep that between close friends. All of the technologies that Voyager brought home with her have been fully integrated into the Relentless' systems. I should stress that you have been given an awesome power and I'm quite proud of her. I suspect that you may well surprise a great many people with her. I am certain you will continue to use the judgment I've come to know and trust. Am I clear? Good. If you have time before you depart I would like you to report to me in person. And you certainly will after you have completed your mission.]

Admiral Foster smiled as she spoke the last lines and she cut the transmission. Alex smiling, shook his head, he'd read the list of what Relentless could do. It would be great fun to put her to the test and Alex was certain she'd pass with flying colors. Alex walked back onto the bridge and looked at the two command chairs. On the back of his chair was stenciled "Big Boss" and on the back of Commander Winters' chair "Little Boss". The Captain was pleased; this was going to be a great crew to be a part of. Khavok walked around to his chair and was about to sit down when he was warned by a purring sound emanating from the seat. Alex looked down to see a small bundle of brown and white fur seated squarely in his chair as if she belonged there. The cat looked up at Alex through
half-lidded eyes swishing her tail lazily back and forth.

"So you're the culprit that put Messir Owbron into such an uproar, remind me to give you a medal," Captain Khavok said, smiling at the feline.

"Uh, Sir. I wouldn't touch that, she's pretty dangerous," and Ensign said, he being the one who had attempted the cat carrier earlier.

"What's that Ensign," Khavok said, picking up the cat and tucking her neatly under an arm. 

Loula thought to protest for a moment but the thought of a medal and if she played her cards right a promotion not to mention the human male that picked her up just smelled good she decided to give him the impression that he was in control. 

*At least he knows the proper way to administer a caress* Loula thought purring contentedly. 

The Ensign looked in amazement and not a small bit of jealousy, "what, how'd you do…"

The Ensign was cut off by Abby's entry onto the bridge. The only thing betraying the Lieutenant Commander's discomfiture was a stray lock of hair that had managed to get loose from Abby's otherwise perfect hair. She absently blew it out of her face as Alex crossed the bridge towards her.

"There you are! You are close to going without chocolate," Abby said.

Alex looked into Abby's intense green eyes and handed her the cat, "So this is the troublemaker we've heard so much about?"

"I'm very sorry sir."

"Sorry? No need to be sorry, I was just about to offer her a medal. That is the most fun I've had in a long time."

Alex noticed the hint of clouds coming over Abby's intense green eyes and hurriedly finished, "I'm sorry I tossed you into that situation. I should have given you a bit more time, how bout I make it up to you?"

Commander Winters looked unconvinced.

"I know this place, a real 'fresher hole, honestly…but the food won't kill us and its relatively quiet, it will give us a chance to get off on a better foot, what do you say?" Alex said smiling his most winning smile.

"How can I refuse such an offer," Abby returned.

"Great we'll drop…"

"Loula, Sir."

Alex nodded, "Loula off and be on our way. Thomas you have the bridge.


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Captain Alexander Khavok
Commanding Officer
USS Relentless
NCC-11966
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