Tell me about Valiant

Posted on Sun Aug 14th, 2022 @ 9:10pm by Commander Rhupert Tyree & Commander Natan O'Donnaghue

708 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Prelude to War
Location: BDF Officer's club, Navaa Spaceport, Betazoid
Timeline: Two weeks before leaving port

Rhu paced through the promenade of Navaa spaceport. Most of the Civilians had exited the complex and now it was primarily just members of Star Fleet and the BDF moving about. The spaceport served both civilian and military interests, though it wasn’t what you would call busy given the use of transporters.

Still, many Betazoid’s had taken an interest in some sort of space frame since the occupation and the number of shuttles and other craft had quadrupled since the Dominion had invaded.

Most of the population didn’t want to be caught out again if something happened.

Rhu didn’t blame them.

He approached an A framed glass structure that jutted into the walkway, crafted of a darkened metal framing heavily tinted windows. It was the BDF’s officer’s club and he made his way in, through the cloak room and lobby to the bar where he’d arranged to meet Valiant’s current commanding officer.

Natan hadn't been back in a while on his home planet. His parents are really excited to see him again, and the time off was really needed with all that is going on. He was now headed towards the BDF Officers club on invitation of Rupert. He knew Rupert from his time at the Betazoid science academy and I had seen him in passing at Starfleet academy. They were great friends. Things were changing. For good or bad, he didn't know yet.

He walked in to the club noticing his old friend looking around. "Rhu." He called out to him.

Grinning, Rhu moved toward Natan and gave him a bracing hug, then stepped back. "Well, you kind of look like you've been pulled through a keyhole, Natan." He said, using an old saying of his fathers. "Why don't we get a booth and a couple of drinks. How's Bella?"

Natan smiled and followed his friend to the booth. "Bella is fine. And yes, you are right, I have been pulled through a keyhole of some sorts. My first command and I already have a death, lost some good crew." He sighed. "Not to mention I am being transferred to the war zone. Lot to take in."

Leading Natan into the clubs bar area, he headed gestured idly toward one of the booths near the outer wall and the bartender acknowledged them, indicating she'd be over directly.

"Always is. I didn't expect to be assigned to Betazoid, much less liaison with and help train the BDF's space fighter and cutter forces. Interesting times," Rhu said.

The waitress made her appearance, dropping off a variety of salty snacks and took their drink order.

"Sounds like your mission stacked things up against you. How's Ral? I'm not sure about having a science officer as my number one, no offense," Rhu remarked.

Natan grinned. "I remember Ral, when she was known as Captain Alaryc Ral. He wasn't just my captain, he also taught me things. Being Commander Daynah Ral now, did change the person, but I valued her a lot. You will too my friend. Over time. And remember, a lot of captains in history had a science officer as their first officer."

Shrugging noncommittally, Rhu said. "True. But since one host isn't the same as the next, and neither is any given officer, I ask." Rhu tossed pretzels from a bowl into his mouth, munched and then followed on with a sip from the ale the waitress had dropped off.

"And now onto Base command. In Gamma. Edge of the Universe kinda place," Rhu grinned.

Natan laughed. "Yea it kinda feels that way. The great unknown, big baddies. You want the job?"

"Really no better place to be. Out on the tip of the spear. Making a difference. Getting the chance to make the tough calls. It's what taking that command chair is all about," Rhu said. "And it'll keep you busy out there. It'll be a few months before you can catch your breath."

"Wow, you really make the job sound so appealing." Natan grinned. "Now, do you have anymore questions before I hand over the keys to you?"

"Nah," Rhu grinned. "That's enough shop-talk for now. Besides, I"m hungry and we haven't shut a bar down for years..."

 

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