Return to Sender

Posted on Mon Oct 5th, 2026 @ 1:01pm by Captain Rovak & Commander Alex Flynn

599 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Shifting Shapes [4-5]
Location: CO's Office - CIC, DS13
Timeline: Later evening, Early Shoreleave

Rovak was silently meditating with the intention of returning to his quarters when he was finished, but the sound of his door swishing open roused him. He did not immediately open his eyes to greet the entrant, knowing there were few who would approach without seeking permission first. Commander Flynn, Ambassador Velt and Lieutenant Olson were the only three that came to mind. The footfalls weren't heavy enough for either of the men. Flynn. The faint, well-buried odour of stale cigarette smoke also betrayed her a moment later.

"Commander." He said, opening his eyes. "Working late?"

"OPM sent an update. We're getting 100 new people with the next transfer. And believe it or not, there's more than a couple of re-applicants." Alex told him taking a seat.

"Really." Rovak said, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers. "Ambassador Velt always said 'supplicants' was a much better term. Who?"

"Pfeiffer and Qrork for starters." She said casually, setting her padd down and lighting a cigarette.

"Curious. Any idea why?" The Captain asked.

"If I had to guess, I'd say Pfeiffer got wind of the hot new medical tech we've got our hands on. And Qrork, well, she's not everyone's cup of tea. But who knows, maybe they just didn't like S'Lace?" Alex said, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

"Possible. We had not yet catalogued much of the available Goa'uld technology when Dr Pfeiffer left, so it is entirely plausible. Who else?"

"Imkahatt."

"Hm." Rovak made a noise that was neither positive or negative, merely an acknowledgement.

"The Goa'uld attack spooked a lot of people. Now that we're a bit better stocked up, maybe the confidence is returning. Besides, Brade is also not everyone's cup of tea. You served with her on the Liberator, right?"

"Indeed. Your assessment is accurate." Rovak said, recalling the cramped quarters of the Defiant-class which had been his first acting command. She was a good scientist, but had no compunctions about saying unpopular things.

"Yeah. Plus now the Harmony Institute's on our doorstep - and, according to the wider galaxy, under our thumb - we're the hot new thing in science." Alex said.

"So it would seem. Any word from S'Lace on how things are going?" Rovak asked, sitting up and focusing on the XO.

"The Romulans are settled in. An impromptu semester has begun. The monks seem to be adjusting to teaching. No complaints, so far. I was kinda expecting to have to send security down at least once." Alex admitted.

"This is a positive. I also expected a level of resistance from the former Order. But perhaps purpose in any form is useful to them. And perhaps M'Hum was the corrupting factor in their environment." Rovak opined. "Very well. Unless there is anything further, it behooves me to find out what my daughter is doing and spend some time with her."

"Nothing further from me. There's a pint at Freddie's with my name on it. Hey, speaking of T'Shan, I saw there's a new place in Green Zone that does smoothies with Romulan fruits brought back from extinction. Not exactly a hearty meal, but I hear that's her thing." Alex said, standing and ashing her cigarette out in the drone's receptacle.

"Curious. Thank you for the recommendation. I will seek it out the next chance I get." Rovak said, standing and proceeding to the door with Flynn. "My regards to Freddie." Rovak told the XO as she went.

"Mr Oshima, you have the CIC." Rovak called out to the Signals Chief who was serving as duty officer. Finally, he left for the day.

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