DS9

Posted on Tue Sep 1st, 2026 @ 10:40am by Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Commander Dean House & Lieutenant Commander Thriss Kla'ren & Lieutenant Commander Aurora Vali & Lieutenant JG Jacob Rosen & Lieutenant JG T'Lar & Commodore S'thenosis Gorgox

3,686 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Pirates!
Location: USS Sunfire / DS9

The fleet was a sorry sight, all damaged, some under tow, others operating on emergency power. The Engineering teams were prepped and ready, container loads of spare parts and additional.personnel had been requested for the effort. The Sunfire was in the worse shape, large sections of the hull simply missing, forcefields the only thing keeping the oxygen inside the ship.

Rhenora had been released back to her quarters, which were mostly intact, on strict bedrest. She used the time to work through the crew roster, ensuring each and every crewmember had been accounted for in one way or another. They would be given the option to aid in repairs, or pursue temporary assignments elsewhere.

The corridor outside Captain Rhenora Kaylen’s quarters remained unusually quiet, the normal rhythm of the Sunfire remained muted beneath the activity of repair crews and personnel moving between docking operations. Commodore S’thenosis Gorgox approached with the same measured glide she carried aboard everywhere she moved, an illuminated PADD held securely in one hand. The formal lines of her attire remained immaculate despite the condition of the ship she currently moved through, though the faint stiffness in one shoulder suggested that the recent battle had left its own record upon her.

She stopped before the Captain’s door and regarded the illuminated panel for a moment. The PADD contained her completed after-mission report, including her assessment of the tactical decisions, command responses, crew performance, and the circumstances surrounding the loss of Captain Batel’s remains. It was written with the precision expected of a Judge-Advocate, but S’thenosis had deliberately withheld its transmission to Starfleet Command for Twenty-four hours.

Commodore's prerogative or professional courtesy had dictated the delay. She raised her hand and activated the chime, then lowered it again as she waited. There was no impatience in her posture, nor any indication that she expected immediate access. She had brought the report so that Rhenora could read it before it became an official record, giving the Captain an opportunity to understand precisely what would be placed before the Admiralty.

S’thenosis remained outside the quarters in composed silence, PADD resting against one palm, waiting to be invited inside.

Remal glanced toward Rhenora before calling to the door. "Enter." The door opened to reveal S’thenosis waiting in the corridor, immaculate as ever despite the battered state of rest of the ship. “Commodore,” Remal greeted, stepping aside. “Please, come in.”

S’thenosis inclined her head and entered, stopping just inside the entryway.

Patina was nearby, safely tucked against Remal's side, and her attention immediately shifted toward the unfamiliar figure entering the room. Her eyes traveled upward, taking in the Commodore's considerable height with the solemn fascination only a very young child could give to something or someone so obviously interesting.

Remal noticed. “I think she approves,” he said quietly.

S’thenosis looked down at the child. Patina stared back. For several seconds, neither seemed particularly inclined to break the inspection.

A faint smile touched Remal's expression. “I'll admit she's been introduced to considerably less... intimidating individuals.”

Patina reached one small hand toward S’thenosis before apparently deciding that continued observation was the safer course. Remal turned his attention back toward the Commodore. “Captain, the Commodore is here to see you.” He glanced around the quarters and gave a small, apologetic gesture. “Please forgive the state of things.”

S’thenosis's gaze briefly traveled across the room, taking in the disrupted quarters before returning to Rhenora.

Remal shifted Patina more securely against him. “I'll leave you both to it.” He offered S’thenosis a small nod, then carried Patina toward the door. As they passed, Patina looked back over Remal's shoulder at the very tall, very interesting stranger.

S’thenosis watched her go. The door closed softly behind them, leaving the Commodore alone with the Captain.

A chair had been pulled up beside the bed, and a mountain of pillowed support Rhenora as she perused the roster and ran enquiries. The casualty reports were still being finalised, and the dead were still being counted. It was sombering work, but she felt the determined drive to know what happened to each and every one of them.

Her eyes rose as the door chime sounded, and then opened, the doorway revealing the Commodore. A sensation of tension swept through her body, trepidation almost. There would be a report to the Admiralty about how she nearly destroyed the Sunfire - yet again, she lost a good number of her crew in the process. Would this be the end of her career? The nail in the coffin of a reckless Captain who ended up in unpredictable circumstances against incredible odds? No one could plan or train for what the Sunfire routinely went through, yet all Rhenora could see was a series of black marks against her name. Sooner or later she'd be removed.

"Commodore," Rhenora said cordially as the taller woman entered the room. Remal and Patina had gone to play in the child's bedroom - allowing them privacy.

"I think Patina remembers you - although she was much smaller last time she saw you"

“Indeed. The young do tend to grow eventually, and yours appears to be progressing at an entirely satisfactory rate.” S’thenosis allowed the faintest softening of her expression, recognizing the attempt at familiarity for what it was. “At her age, I recall mine had already begun scurrying across the ceilings, leaving trails in places where trails were decidedly unwelcome.”

"Ceilings?" Rhenora looked bemused at the comment "Surely not" There was the faintest chuckle at the thought of S'thenosis chasing children across said ceiling.

“Of course. The ceilings, the walls, whatever they can secure their claws upon, provided the surface is sufficiently inconvenient for the adults responsible for supervising them. Better the ceilings than certain other locations I shall refrain from dignifying with description.” A faint grimace crossed S’thenosis’s features, accompanied by the subtle tightening of her posture that, in another species, might have passed for a shudder. “But I digress, Captain.”

She extended the PADD toward Rhenora. “I have completed my after-action assessment and, before I transmit it to the Admiralty, I felt it appropriate that you review it.” Her tone returned fully to its accustomed measured cadence. “It contains my observations of the engagement, the decisions made under those circumstances, and my assessment of the consequences. You should have the opportunity to understand precisely what I intend to place before Command before it becomes part of the permanent record.”

Rhenora couldn't help but shudder as the PADD was extended towards her. She couldn't help but feel this was but another nail in the long line that were slowly sealing her career closed. " Why do I feel like I'm about to read my last rites?" She whispered softly as she opened the file and began to read.

S’thenosis regarded her for a moment, her expression remaining composed as Rhenora began reading. “If I had intended to administer your last rites, Captain, I assure you, I would have selected considerably more appropriate circumstances.” Her gaze returned to the PADD in Rhenora’s hands. “Consider this an opportunity for review rather than absolution. The distinction remains consequential.”

"Of course it does" Rhenora grumbled as she took the padd and began reading. "Please have a seat" She motioned to the chair beside the bed with the waft of a hand, her eyes never leaving the padd. As usual the narrative was completely factual, no decision left unanalysed, no moment unscrutinised. But still, ever so slightly, Rhenora could tell there was the most slightest bias. The two women had worked begrudgingly closely now for years - and had come to accept each other as who they were, not what was expected of them. There was a mutual respect between them.

"Factual - as always. It will be interesting to see which way the Admiralty skew it despite your impartialness" Rhenora handed the padd back.

S’thenosis accepted the PADD with a measured inclination of her head, then regarded the chair for a moment before settling into it despite the evident preference to remain standing. “The Admiralty may interpret the report according to its own concerns,” she said, her tone remaining composed. “They may emphasize the losses, the damage to the Sunfire, or the decisions that produced consequences they find inconvenient.” Her fingers settled lightly against the edge of the PADD. “They may even discover an implication within my assessment that I did not place there.” She paused, her tongue escaping her lips briefly. “They are entitled to their interpretation, Captain. However, they are not entitled to alter the facts.”

"It is indeed the interpretation that concerns me. But as always there is little we can do about that" Rhenora tried to shrug off the gnawing feeling in her gut. "Thank you, Commodore, for your impartialness"


~ Savar & Aurora’s Quarters ~

In quarters Aurora was glad to have N’vea back with her, she was still recuperating from the prolonged time in Jennifer’s mind but fatigue wasn’t that big a problem. “Any plans on what we could do while the ship is in dock Imzadi?”

"I believe exploring the Promenade level as well as the various dining establishments would be a good beginning. of course you can also see the different shops that are on that level." Savar noted. "Perhaps find a new dress or outfit you like."

“Good idea. Will we be staying onboard ship or taking quarters on DS9? It would probably be best to be off ship wouldn’t it?”

"We could definitely stay onboard but with the extensive amount of repairs the Sunfire needs it seems prudent to give the repair teams complete access to the ship so they can complete their work more efficiently." Savar remarked.

“Agreed” Aurora nodded. “That’s why I took the liberty of arranging quarters on DS9 for us. I kind of ‘sailed the boat’ a little and got us one of the larger quarters available just for the fun of it.”

Savar nodded with approval. "Excellent. it should be a interesting experience to have one of the larger cabins . I wonder if we will know how to act with the extra room." Savar teased.

“Ohh I’m sure we’ll think of something” Aurora added with a wry grin.

"Of that I have no doubt. It just makes me curious." Savar confessed.

“Me too in all honesty!” Aurora added. “I’m all done here so we’re ready to go when you are.”

"Then let us be on our way. I am sure N'vea is anxious to be on her way to the nursery." Savar stated to which N'vea cooed in happy agreement.

“I thought we’d spend more time with N’vea while we’re off ship, we don’t have to worry about duty shifts while the ship is in dock.” Aurora added. “What do you think?”



~ Main Engineering ~

Thriss had his head deep into an EPS conduit access hatch. He could be heard cursing like a sailor because the electrical stabilizer wouldn't align. He made another attempt and it shocked him. He cursed loudly and slammed his hand on the bulkhead. Luckily nobody heard that. Or so he thought.

He slid out and saw Rynn standing over him with a shit-eating grin. "Haha very funny" he quipped as his friend helped him up.

Rynn's cheshire face faded. "You good?"

The Andorian shook his head. "Could be better" he indicated to the disarray that was what was left of Main Engineering.

"I feel that" she laid a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Thanks" Thriss said. "I'm sorry you had to hear that."

"It's okay my friend" Rynn began. "But, maybe you need a break. The station crew is going to be hear any minute. I think you can afford some rest. Come on."

Before he could protest Rynn dragged him out of the engineering hall and onto the station towards Quark's Bar. She was right. He did need a break and there wasn't really anything left that he could do without a full engineering team, who was en-route anyway.

~ Operations Office ~

"Gonzo, I've got the quarters assignments from DS9 Administration. Can you scrub it with current crew manifest to make sure we haven't missed anyone?" Jacob said, striding into the office while biting into a Tolik fruit that T'Lar had replicated in his quarters.

"Aye Lieutenant." Came the reply from Ensign Gonzalez as she tapped the commands into a nearby console.

The Ops Office was low on the list of priority for repair, most of their functions could be rerouted to mobile PADDs and other consoles. For the time being, Jacob and his team had performed their own fixes to suit their needs. Cabling routed and hastily affixed in hanging conduit, debris and equipment too large to fit in the recycler stacked as sturdy as possible in a corner. This office which was once a reflection of Jacob's attempt to project an easygoing attitude, now was a far sight from it. He would return it to it's former state. Eventually... Maybe he could replicate a pinball machine in here without Commander House knowing.

"We've covered everyone Lieutenant. Everyone has quarters, even those who elect to stay here for the time being should they change their mind."

"Good. Let's send this to Commanders Savar and House for their sign off. Then we can distribute this to the crew." Jacob nodded, joining his team at the console. With a quick tap he sent the files on their way.


USS Sunfire Counseling Suite

T'Lar made her way past the still unrepaired bulkhead door that she had sliced her way out of with a phaser, into the counseling suite. She'd conducted two group therapy sessions already today, though attendance had fallen off sharply from what it had been the day before; her first session having seven participants and the second only five. The topics of conversation were relatively the same as the previous day's, expressions of grief over lost comrades, complaints of symptoms of PTSD, and one or two shipmates feeling overwhelmed by recent events causing them to rethink their decision to be a part of Starfleet. As before, T'Lar heard them out before giving her "this is the life we have chosen" spiel in which she laid out all of the positives that service within Starfleet had to offer while acknowledging that there were inherent risks involved with such rewards.

One detail that emerged struck her in a very personal way, and that was when she learned from one of the attendees that the Vulcan Lieutenant Sorak was among those missing and presumed dead from the Battle of the Badlands. Apparently the compartment he was working in took heavy damage resulting in a rupture to the hull causing a massive decompression and venting of the compartment into space. None of those working in the compartment could be accounted for and all were presumed killed instantly.

T'Lar was respectful of the crewmember who was shaken up by the loss of his friend, but internally she was conflicted. Certainly she had never wished Sorak dead, despite all of the torment he'd put her through at the Academy nor even for his boorish behavior towards her recently here on the Sunfire. But he'd made veiled threats to T'Lar over her choice to engage in such pursuits as singing, which he felt was beneath her as a Vulcan, not to mention her continued habit of dating human men. He had hinted that if news of her "scandalous" behaviors got back to Vulcan it might embarrass her daughter or even create difficulties for her with the Vulcan Science Academy. T'Lar had countered that she had had him disciplined for such bullying before and would not hesitate to do so again should any such disclosure transpire, and he had backed off, not the least after Jacob Rosen confronted him as well.

As she settled into her chair in her office she had to admit feeling somewhat relieved that Sorak would never again be able to interfere in her life while at the same time she felt that his loss was still significant to the ship. By all accounts he was a capable officer, well liked by his peers, but that had always been his forte'; being popular and a person of influence. T'Lar did not like the sense of disequilibrium she was experiencing with regard to his death and resolved to meditate on it.

T'Lar quickly and quietly made her way to Jacob's quarters and entered. She lowered the lights and made her way to her small makeshift shrine. Kneeling down she lit the candles and settled into her meditative position. She was not Sorak's friend, but she would pray that his katra would find peace, and seek to find forgiveness within herself to release all negativity she felt towards him.
********************************************

Jacob sighed as he entered his quarters, dropping his PADD on the entrance table, or as his mother would refer to it The Dumpin' Table. He took off his jacket and unzipped his gold tunic at the top, in the relaxed style he preferred when off duty. Leaning over he noticed T'Lar was meditating at the shrine in the adjacent den area. Without a word he crossed to their replicator and tapped in the preset so as not to disturb her, within moments her spiced tea materialized.

T'Lar heard the door slide open and shut as Jacob entered the quarters. Quietly she finished her meditation ritual and rose to greet him.

"Hello Jake." She said crossing into the area where he was."I hope you had a good day in OPs."

"Here's your tea Tally." Jacob said handing it over, smiling as she took the cup. "I trust your meditation was satisfactory." He leaned back onto the couch as T'Lar joined him. "Supply briefings seem to confirm the theory of relativity in their own way, felt like my subjective time was passing so slo..." Jacob rather abruptly broke off his sentence, finally piecing together the subtle microexpressions on T'Lar's face. "Something is upsetting you, or the equivalent of upsetting you. Do you want to talk about it?"

T'Lar took a sip of her tea and regarded her significant other.
"You are becoming remarkably good at reading me." she admitted. "I doubt most other than another Vulcan would have picked up on it. Apparently, my meditation was not as successful as I would have hoped it to be. I learned something today that has me deeply conflicted in my response to the news. You remember Sorak, the Vulcan who confronted me at the Pip and a Half club?"

Jacob nodded in response. "Yes, I do remember his offensive demeanor and the way he spoke to you."

"In one of my group therapy sessions today it came up that he had been killed in the Battle of the Badlands," T'Lar informed Jacob. "His compartment was vented out into space and he was just... gone. I know I should respectfully mourn his loss to the ship as by all accounts save my own he was well liked and a capable officer, and yet I find myself ... relieved that he is no longer able to meddle in my life. Does this mean I am glad he is dead?"

"T'Lar, no not at all." Jacob said, closing the distance between them but not initiating physical contact until she was ready. "You have every right to feel the way you do. That doesn't mean it's coming from a malicious place."

"I have been praying that his katra finds peace, and I have been trying to extend forgiveness towards Sorak for all that he did to me, but I am having difficulty releasing the deeply seated negative feelings I have. I know I've said it before but Vulcans are not emotionless. We suppress them yes but we feel them even more deeply than most humanoids. And deep down Sorak hurt me with what he did back at the Academy, and he hurt me again with what he did and said to you and I here, threatening to turn my life and the life of my daughter upside down because he did not approve of my 'lifestyle choices'." She confessed.

Jacob didn't respond immediately, listening to the microscopic tremble in her voice betraying her guilt and anxiety. Sometimes it was more important to show that you were there, that the people you cared about felt heard than to reply with your own input. T'Lar needed to get this out and express it in her own way, and Jacob would hold space for her to do so.

"The forgiveness is not just for his katra, but for my own spiritual well being. There is an old Vulcan saying about bitterness being an acid that destroys the vessel which tries to contain it. It is not about whether or not he 'deserves' it or not. We are imperfect beings. It is only logical to extend grace to each other for our shortcomings. Of course this doesn't mean it is easy. It is considered a sign of spiritual maturity to be able to forgive one's adversary. I appear to have much work to do on that front because for now, all I can do is feel that I am finally safe from his attacks on me." T'Lar said quietly as she set her tea down and snuggled into Jacob's arms, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I think that humans very often have this idea that people who wrong you if remorseful are by that admission, owed forgiveness." Jacob said, stroking her hair. "I have never subscribed to that. Forgiveness is earned, and it is for the victim not the abuser." Pausing, his eyes softened from the hardened protective visage to a softer gaze. "Sometimes we hold on to something so fiercely that it's difficult to relax that vice grip. Maybe you owe it to yourself to release that tension on your own time."

TBC

 

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