Stardate: 60627:2045
Title: The Goddess Athena
Author: Executive Officer Abigail Winters
Time: After “Faked Injury”
Scene: USS Relentless


In ancient Earth Greek mythology Athena was known as the goddess of wisdom. She was also said to be the original ‘career woman’ and so it was fitting really that Admiral Foster had Captained her since her launch and Commander Winters had started her rise to Executive Officer from the Intrepid-class vessel.

Many times Abby had silently cursed Elizabeth Foster for not only having the goddess Athena's strengths of rationality, intelligence and being a powerful defender in war but also a potent peacemaker, she had some of her weaknesses as reason always rules her decisions and she is not usually emotional or compassionate.

During her Ensign years on the USS Athena Abby had wished awful things to happen to Elizabeth. However, as time marched on and Abby matured and was given more responsibility she developed a newfound respect for the tough female Captain and an appreciation for the mythical Greek goddess.

Being given the position of Executive Officer on the Relentless had been a peculiar moment in Abby’s life. After a long recovery period trying to get over the USS Hercules disaster Commander Winters first official position had been as acting XO on a Steamrunner-class vessel. The job had been short lived after a fanatical group targeted her and made it strategically unwise and politically embarrassing for her to remain in that position. Being summoned to a meeting with Admiral Foster Abigail was sure that she was going to be fobbed off with some backwater desk job.

“Abigail.” The Admiral’s warm greeting didn’t ease any of the tension out of the Commander.

“Admiral.” Abby had perched on the seat that Elizabeth had indicated.

“You seem to have a panache for damaging our ships” There was a humorous look in Elizabeth’s eyes, but all Abby could do was blush.

“Well I think I have the perfect job for you” Abby tensed - no doubt a lonely outpost with a skeleton crew.

“The USS Relentless has the opening for an Executive Officer and the Captain has an excellent record for looking after his ships. So perhaps he can help you develop in that particular area.” She paused. “ I personally recommended you for the position so don’t let me down.”

Previously Abby had never known that the reason the Admiral had been so hard on her during her time on the USS Athena was so she would be prepared for this very opportunity. The Relentless felt right and although the past had been difficult it had given her the time to learn some tough life lessons and develop a variety of skills.

As Abigail headed to engineering to discuss the plan to land the ship on the planet Parsus with the CEO she was confident that things were going to work out.


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Lt. Commander Abigail Winter
Executive Officer
USS Relentless
NCC-11966
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