[Raiser, Bridge]

Cathy had started drafting her initial report to Starfleet regarding the incident, her jaw rhythmically clenching and relaxing as she did so. She wanted to be walking through the ship, checking personally with her heads of department, she wanted to be finding out why Thomas' pace had increased as he left the area, she wanted to know why Sinclair had not reported back with useful information. In lapses of action, anticipating a next move, it took some patience not to actively look for troubles. Her crew were doing their job... too well it seemed.

"Starfleet Command is now available, Captain." her eyes moved to the Operations officer,

"On screen." she replied, clearing her throat as she rose from her chair to greet the liaison officer

"Captain Catherine Raiser, I am Lieutenant Commander Rose - Megara sector liaison officer." a youthful female officer greeted her on the other end of the screen.

"Lieutenant Commander Rose." she bowed her head in acknowledgement, her eyes never leaving the other officer's gaze.

"What do you have to report, ma'am?" she asked, cocking her head to the side slightly,

"We have a potential base of operations in this nebula, unknown size but suspect it is a forward base rather than a hornet's nest. We have neutralized three vessels bearing the insignia of the League of Free Systems and it is unknown if there are more within the area."

"Are your sensors functional, Captain?"

"Fluctuating, we took some damage in the skirmish but have captured a number of prisoners from one of the vessels."

"Lifesigns on the other vessels?" Rose asked.

Cathy shook her head,
"Negative, the ships appeared to be poorly built, could not take the strain of an engine overload. We require repair crews and additional support to scout the area."

"Understood, I will requisition a task force to be deployed to your area. Casualties?"

Cathy's jaw tightened, the burning truth racing through her mind like a forest fire, fighting the pained look on her face, she replied,
"It will be in my report."

"Understood. Anything further?"

"Not at this time. Captain Raiser out." she motioned for the channel to be cut.

Lowering herself down into the chair, her jaw remained tight and she swallowed hard. A lump formed in her chest as she thought about the fight, she was not a young and brash officer any more. No longer was it just her life she risked when she took action, now it was an entire crew. All with their hopes and dreams. All with their own families and lives. And in her bold commands, she had directed them to the fires of adversity without giving them much of a choice. For the first time, in many years, the Marswoman wanted find a quiet bar and have a quiet drink. Rebuild her 'family'... even though the last time she had done that she had almost destroyed an even greater family.

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Capt. Catherine Raiser, USS Victoria (ret.)

Cathy Knights