Never Again

Posted on Wed Jun 24th, 2020 @ 3:08am by Captain Nycolas Temple & Katya
Edited on on Fri Jul 10th, 2020 @ 5:45pm

Mission: Death in Paradise

ON:

Unbuttoning his suit jacket as he walked down the corridor, giving a small sigh of relief as he felt the restriction around his waist ease off a little, the Captain sauntered into his Ready Room with anticipation. Nyx had left Kaleri and Smith's wedding reception upon hearing that he had a subspace communication from Paradise Station. He hoped that Katrine, who was beginning to get a little restless and rambunctious wouldn't trouble Emilie too much during his absence, and he regretting having to leave the reception so quickly, but duty had called. He was in two minds about taking the call, though. On one hand, he was keen to hear from Katya and the developments from Paradise since the Pandora had departed: and on the other, he wanted to selfishly put the whole situation behind them and move on. It would only serve to remind him of the chaos and loss the ship had experienced. Nyx was wrestling with this choice as he sat down in front of his computer and sighed loudly.

Deciding to accept the transmission, Temple put on a smile as he saw Katya appear on screen.

"Captain. It is good to speak with you." The Anh'Iran woman said immediately, her bright face bursting with an easy happiness that Nyx had not seen before.

"And you, too, Chief." Nyx echoed the sentiment, giving a small nod. "With good news, I hope?"

"Yes, I am pleased to say." Katya replied. "We have completed a peaceful hand-over of the remaining Breen soldiers on Paradise and they have agreed to leave the vicinity of the station."

Nyx smiled, relieved. It was always a possibility that the Breen would retaliate hard against Paradise for the uprising, returning with more warships and firepower to take the station back by force. In a rare act of humility, the Confederacy had been forced to admit defeat and pull out of the region instead. That wasn't to say the Breen wouldn't try again, or indeed come back with that extra force one day in the future, but for now they were leaving Paradise alone.

"Very good news." Nyx nodded, "You say they've left the vicinity too?"

Katya beamed, "Yes. We've established an independent network with our traders and nearby planets to ensure the Breen Confederacy cannot come anywhere near Paradise without us knowing."

"An independent network?" Nyx smiled at the thought. "Ingenious."

"It seems many in the region were unhappy with the prospect of losing a major trading port and neutral territory." Katya explained. "We've sent a clear message to the Alrakis Pact that any attempts to interfere with the operation of the station will result in a collapse in supplies and resources to the Expanse. I have heard that some of the Pact's other partners are displeased with the Breen's actions on Paradise. They won't try that again. Never again."

"I'm so glad to hear it." Nyx replied, "I hope this means a new era of peace and prosperity for you."

Katya grinned, "My people are superstitious by nature, but I am... cautiously optimistic. I wanted to thank you, also, Captain, for leaving us with a very credible crew member."

"Oh?" Nyx furrowed his brow for a moment, before remembering Mauricio Arnaldo had chosen to stay on Paradise. "Oh right. How is Arnaldo?"

"He's been heading our new Security department, maintaining a more appropriate level of law and order." The Anh'Iran explained, "And he's got impressive vocals."

At this, Nyx let out a laugh. "You've not put him to work on stage, too, Chief Katya?"

"Me? I couldn't stop the boy. He insisted!" Katya laughed in reply, "After Madame Kroll ran away back to Fereginar, we had an opening at the Casino. Mr. Arnaldo serenades the crowd every second Tuesday. The audience love him. Even if they can't quite tell what he's saying yet."

The Captain shook his head, but his disbelief came from joy. Mauricio had abandoned the ship, forfeited his Starfleet career, and Federation citizenship, on the hunch that he might find a a life better suited to his emotional and mental well-being on Paradise. By Katya's account, so far this had been the right move for him. Nyx wondered if there wasn't a way to ensure Mauricio didn't face charges if he ever decided to return home to Earth, but that was more of his brother's jurisdiction. All Nyx could do at the moment was wish him well.

"Please send my regards to Arnaldo." Nyx replied, "I hope we will see him again soon."

"Of course, Captain." Katya nodded. "You are welcome back here any time. Although our official story is that the Pandora had nothing to do with our little revolution, I will never be able to thank you enough for your assistance. You helped give me back my station, Captain Temple. You and your crew are heroes in my eyes."

Nyx's eyes welled a little at Katya's statement. He had long envisioned that during the Pandora's mission into the Inconnu Expanse, that the ship may have been able to make it a better place - to show the good that the Federation can do. In a small way, they had managed to achieve that goal. It hadn't come without pain and sacrifice - two officers now lay in the morgue, and one in the Brig - but they had made a difference. Nyx could imagine the ways in which many other lives would be saved by their actions. And even if that would never bring back Rochester and Vicuno, or erase the damage Vieers had caused, it was a victory against the tide of defeats that engulfed the Expanse.

"It was an honour to be of assistance, Chief Katya." Nyx replied, his voice choking just so.

"Should you ever need a favour, Captain, you have an ally in Paradise Outpost." Katya's face was pleasant but knowing. "You will face a tough journey ahead. I have no doubt that the Breen will still try to tie your ship to what happened here, and they may still use this against the Federation. Should you need a safe port to call home, you may call on us."

Nyx nodded, trying desperately to maintain his professional demeanour, despite the emotions within. "Thank you, Katya." He said humbly.

"Be well, Captain, and may your ship continue to light the way for others."

As the screen turned blank, Nyx took a few minutes to regather himself before heading back to the Reception. He could hold his head up high, for what felt like the first time in months, knowing that he captained a capable, powerful ship, with a talented and helpful crew.

OFF