A Captain's New Seat

[Cptn Neptune 0]

Author's Note: Set a few months after Neptune left Challenger

 

Captain Neptune Rex stood on the observation tower of the Earth Orbital Dry Dock faciliy. It had been a few weeks since he'd been released from the UE Medical facility in Brussels, and he was just starting to regain his strength—physically anyway. Losing his command had been difficult—even if he'd never wanted it in the first place; but with the war on, he felt simply helpless.

 

“Captain Rex,” the sound of a familiar voice echoed behind him.

 

“Admiral Thompson,” he said turning his head for a moment to look at his superior officer before looking back to the NX-class ship being constructed. “Something I can help you with?”

 

“Honestly” she said placing a hand on his shoulder and joining him at the floor-to-ceiling windows. “I was about to ask you the same question.

 

“I understand the staff at Brussels have cleared you for active duty again,” she paused a moment and took her hand off his shoulder, neatly folding both of her arms behind her back. “I am sorry we took you off the Challenger but we couldn't afford to have it tied up here while you were recovering—if your recovered. It's just...”

 

“I know...the war.”

 

Thompson offered a tender smile before continuing. “We need every ship we can out there...those Romulan bastards just keep hitting us...and we can't do anything about it.”

 

“I just wish I was out there,” he pointed to the stars, “doing something to help.”

 

“That's kind of why I came to see you,” Thompson said, looking at the gray-haired Captain. “Just like we couldn't afford to have Challenger tied up at Earth, we can't afford to have you tied up either.”

 

For the first time in what seemed months, there was a glimmer of hope in the worn eyes of the former master of the NX-05. “What do you have in mind?”

 

“I want you to finish the mission you started with the Challenger,” she said resolutely. “We need every ally we can get in this fight, and your experience still makes you the best man for the job.”

 

“Wonderful,” Neptune said returning to the glass. “But I don't have a ship.”

 

“True,” Thompson said with a Cheshire grin. “I however do have a ship.”

 

“Oh really?”

 

“It is my duty to inform you, Captain Neptune Rex, that you are here by ordered and expected to take command of the UES Albion NX-26, recently launched from Utopia Planetia. She's on her way to Earth to pick up captain and crew.”

 

“So I don't get to choose my first officer?”

 

“Oh I don't think you'll want too.”

 

Neptune lifted an eye brow. “I won't...”

 

“As I recall you wanted Bill Gamble as your XO on Challenger, correct?”

 

“Yes...”

 

“Well then, you shouldn't have any complaints.”

 

Grinning from ear to ear Neptune nodded. “Nope, If you'll excuse me Admiral, I believe I have some packing to do.”

 

“Of course, Captain.”

 

Neptune started walking off towards the location of his temporary quarters, stopping a few feet away. “Thank you, Scarlett.”

 

“You're welcome Neptune,” Thompson said smiling warmly. “And this time...”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Try not to get lost or put in stasis your first few missions, okay?”

 

“Is that an order?” Neptune said smiling widely again.