Getting Ready

Posted on 2025, Sun Sep 21st, @ 10:25pm by Captain Selina Veyra & Major Alexander Stroud

759 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 2: Pillars of the Theater - USS Vigilance, Star Base 113
Location: USS Vigilance – Marine Detachment CO Office
Timeline: A Few Days Before USS Halo Departs Starting Current Mission

Major Stroud was reviewing the latest quadrant updates from Command, the PADD illuminating his face in the dim light of the USS Vigilance’s operations center. Patrol routes, diplomatic alerts, and intelligence from nearby systems scrolled past in quick succession. His focus was razor-sharp—until the Captain entered.

Alex straightened instantly, tossing the PADD onto his desk with a faint clatter. “Captain, what’s up?” he asked, voice tight with a mix of anticipation and duty.

Selina leaned against the doorframe, smirking knowingly. “You seem tense, Major. Let me guess—it’s not just the meeting at Starbase 113, is it?”

Alex ran a hand over his face. “Partially,” he admitted. “But there’s more. I’ve got the Palace’s security in my mind…now that the Queen is traveling with us, I can’t help but think about every possible contingency. Her safety is my responsibility, officially or not.”

Selina’s eyes softened slightly as she approached the desk. “Kaitaama’s been through plenty, Alex. She’s trained in diplomacy, in defense, and she trusts you. You might be overthinking it.”

“Maybe,” he said, leaning back but not taking his eyes off the reports. “I’m not just worried about Starfleet protocol or the Vice Admiral’s expectations. I’m worried about her. She’s…not just another royal, Selina. And she’s coming with us into a political theater where one misstep could spiral into disaster.”

Selina stepped closer, lowering her voice, a trace of teasing warmth threading through her tone. “Ah, so it’s personal. I see. The ‘favorite royal’ factor.”

Alex’s jaw tightened, but a flicker of a smile betrayed him. “I didn’t realize I had a favorite.”

“You do,” Selina said with certainty, letting the statement hang. “And this mission will be the real test—not only for your leadership, but for how well you manage being a Starfleet officer while escorting someone who matters to you.”

Alex shook his head, returning to the PADD—but his thoughts drifted to the Queen. Kaitaama, composed and poised even in anticipation of the diplomatic summit, had been observing the crew’s preparations with quiet curiosity.

“Major,” Selina said, plopping down into the chair across from him. “You’ve been staring at that thing for hours. Don’t you ever take a break?”

He let out a short, humorless chuckle. “Breaks are a luxury I can’t afford right now.”

“Then you’ll need company.” Selina leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk. “I’ve got stories from Starbase 113. You know, about the old frontier days—so you don’t fall asleep staring at these reports like a drone.”

Alex raised an eyebrow. “I’m listening.”

For the next hour, the two of them spoke quietly, sharing anecdotes about past missions, misadventures in border patrol, and occasional teasing jabs at each other’s command styles. Alex found himself relaxing slightly, the tension in his shoulders easing as Selina recounted a story of an overzealous Klingon cadet who accidentally fired his disruptor in the mess hall during a training exercise.

“You should have seen the look on Admiral Vance’s face,” she said, laughing softly. “I don’t think anyone’s ever turned that shade of green before.”

Alex allowed himself a small smile. “Sounds…chaotic.”

“It was,” she admitted. “But that’s Starfleet for you. Always a mix of danger and absurdity.”

As the conversation drifted, Major Stroud glanced toward the viewport, watching the stars stretch in warp. He thought of the Queen, sitting quietly in her private quarters a few decks away, reviewing her own briefings. The thought of her navigating the delicate political waters at Starbase 113 added weight to his sense of responsibility—but also a strange warmth.

Selina noticed his distant gaze. “Thinking about her?” she asked softly, tilting her head.

Alex’s jaw tightened, and he gave a curt nod. “She’s…more than just a royal. She’s someone I’m responsible for. And I intend to make sure she arrives at that meeting safely.”

Selina smiled knowingly. “Then I guess we’ll see if you can keep that promise. Don’t worry too much, Major. You’ve got this.”

Alex returned to his reports, but the hum of the engines, the quiet chatter with Selina, and the anticipation of the journey ahead created a rare moment of calm. For now, he could focus on the mission—and on ensuring the Queen had a safe escort into a world of political maneuvering, intrigue, and the unknown challenges of Starbase 113.

RSS Feed