Ending Means

Posted on Wed Mar 26th, 2025 by Captain James Cohen

1,040 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: M01 - The Hooke
Location: Captain's Ready Room, USS Hooke
Timeline: Present

James found himself rather impressed with the work of his crew and as he entered his office he wondered if he'd underestimated them. James pressed his back into the bulkhead for a moment and wondered if he was in the wrong for that, and debated asking. He was still too new at this, and that was decidingly true. James knew this even as he sat down behind his desk. The first thing he did was contact Admiral Daniel Beckett via subspace like he'd told the senior officers he would do.

=/\="Ah Captain," Daniel said from the other side of the monitor. "I've only just received your report from the Terra Nova mission I've yet to take the time to actually read it."=/\=

"I understand Admiral," James tried to put forth a brave face. "I was calling to find out your thoughts on how things went, certainly, but I had some other questions as well." He leaned forward and smiled warmly, "I was wondering if there had been any word on our next mission?"

=/\="Why do you ask Captain?" Daniel asked.=/\=

James shrugged, "If there wasn't anything happening for the next forty-eight hours I wanted to give my crew a chance to unwind and maybe visit the planet if that is possible of course." He added the last part with some emphasis that he felt the crew needed a little rest and relaxation.

=/\="They've certainly earned some free time Captain, however, I need you to start making your way toward the Nehru Colony. Take your time getting there, this isn't an urgent matter just yet. Also you'll be rendezvousing with the USS Cutter on your way to that system." Daniel told the Captain.=/\=

James tilted his head slightly, "May I ask why sir?"

=/\="We may be tasking you with something in the Nehru System, but for now nothing is concrete. The USS Cutter is carrying some additional crew for your ship. They were supposed to join the ship to help fill out some of your vacant positions that I'm sure you're aware of." Daniel explained, "I'm sorry that I don't have further details to help you Captain."=/\=

James nodded once, "I understand Admiral." He replied, finding himself rather curious about what these mysterious orders were. He was also unaware of additional crewmembers being added to his vessel, though he trusted in the process anyway.

=/\="Now that the formalities are out of the way Captain let's discuss something a bit more personal." Daniel began, "I would like to know what your personal and professional opinion of your crew is."=/\=

"Oh," James lit up, "Well I do feel like I owe you an apology because I got so wrapped up in all the complexities of command that I seemed to have forgotten despite inexperience my crew are capable of being really intelligent." James felt rather guilty about that part. He certainly felt rather guilty about doubting anyone under his command.

=/\="That's more common than you realize Captain," Daniel told the young officer. "It takes time and practice to get better at commanding your own ship. This is why Starfleet tends to frown upon giving a new Captain a rather large vessel or station without some immediate guidance on such matters. You're a damn good officer Captain Cohen and we have full confidence in your abilities to lead your ship and crew." He grinned warmly, "You'll make some mistakes along the way and we'll be here to help you."=/\=

The comments from the Admiral did help quite a bit, and it certainly boosted his confidence. He grinned wildly and nodded, "What can you tell me about the crew we'll be receiving from the Cutter?" He asked.

=/\="Some junior enlisted personnel, a new flight controller, and a warrant officer. You'll be receiving about ten new personnel, there's something you probably should know about your flight controller. Her little sister will be joining the ship as well, she's twelve." Daniel pointed out. "If you need help modifying a set of quarters for them?"=/\=

James shook his head, thinking that this girl was the same age as his daughter. "I've got an extra set of quarters that are designed with a small bedroom in it. I think we can accommodate them, can you elaborate on why this new officer is bringing her sister?"

=/\="Parents were recently killed in a shuttle accident. I've sent the information to your counselor because I'm sure they'll need some grief counseling. And your new flight controller may need some advice on parenting her sister." Daniel told the Captain. "Try to be patient with them," He said somewhat playfully. "I'm joking of course, I know you've got some experience in this department."=/\=

"Of a kind Admiral," James added. "I'd rather not talk about Mia if you don't mind." James still had bad days when thinking about her even though it had been years ago. "Is there anything else Captain?"

=/\="No Captain. Good luck I've sent the coordinates for the meeting with the USS Cutter. Starfleet out." Daniel replied then ended the conversation.=/\=

James looked at the Starfleet logo for a moment before completely turning the screen off. He went from his desk to the window and looked out. It had been a long few years of raising a daughter by himself, he'd even considered leaving Starfleet because of it. James didn't blame Starfleet for Mia's death, he just didn't think he could handle raising a daughter while maintaining his career. Somehow, James had managed to do both.

He crossed his arms as he pressed the communicator, "Captain Cohen to the bridge."

=/\="Go ahead Captain."=/\=

James took one last look at the planet before continuing his order, "Once Emma Logan has departed from the ship set course for the coordinates Admiral Beckett provided. We need to meet up with the Cutter," James ordered.

=/\="Understood."=/\=

James returned to his desk and pulled up the personnel records for his new crew. The first thing he noticed was this new flight controller had specifically requested a ship to accommodate her sister. He smiled warmly and sighed heavily, that was something he certainly understood.

 

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