Reassigned

[Cptn Swain 0]

Warm sea air blew across the sprawling complex of Starfleet Command. Captain Asher Swain smiled to himself, enjoying the moment of nostalgia both from his days in the academy and those of his youth.

After a few minutes walking from the shuttle landing pad, he was outside of the office of Rear Admiral Cara Satine. Situated on the second floor of the squat, white walled Gagarin building, her office was easily twice the size of his ready room. Though one of the older buildings on the campus of Starfleet Command, it had been renovated several years before and had all the trappings of a modern, late 24th century office complex.

He smiled to the receptionist as she waived him past and into Satine’s office, proper. He was immediately struck by the simplicity of the office’s decor.

“Welcome Captain,” Satine said standing up from her desk. “Please do come in. Though it’s such a lovely afternoon, why don’t we have a walk instead?”

It was a lovely afternoon. “Of course, Admiral.”

Once they’d started down a path through one of the many botanical gardens that surrounded Starfleet HQ, Satine turned to Swain. She was, he decided, younger than he’d expected. Perhaps only a few years his senior. Decidedly human, with raven hair and brilliant blue eyes, she was if nothing else attractive.

“I am sorry to bring you down here so abruptly,” she said. “Especially before you’ve had the chance to properly debrief following your latest mission.”

It was a bit of inconvenience, but you didn’t tell brass that. “Not a problem, Admiral.”

She nodded in acknowledgement and continued walking. “I am sure you’re wondering what this is about.”

“To be honest,” he said. “Yes. The Cassini is scheduled overhaul.”

“Yes,” she said with a thoughtful nod. “I am aware.”

Of course she knew that, he considered. “If I may, is that overhaul being rescheduled? If it is, I’d like to ask that...”

“No,” she interrupted gently. “The Cassini’s overhaul will be going ahead as scheduled and your crew will have ample opportunity for liberty.”

Swain sighed in relief. He’d hoped that if they were going to get shipped off to the Gamma Quadrant that he could weasel leave out of it, but he was just as happy to not have to beg for it. “Thank you, I am sure they’ll appreciate it.”

She nodded. “I will be rather straight forward with you though.”

Oh dear. “Hmm?”

“Captain,” she said stopping. “Have you enjoyed your time as commanding officer of the Cassini?”

He paused. It was a strange question. “Um,” he said. “Yes.”

She frowned. “That’s unfortunate.”

That was even stranger. “I though you were going to be straight forward.”

Satine smiled, laughing. “So I did, Captain.”

She motioned for him to continue walking with her. “I love this time of year, don’t you? I have a house up in Maine, and the leaves are splendid. Have you ever been there?”

“Maine,” he said.

“Yes,” she said. “It obviously cooler in climate. Can’t go around in shorts and t-shirts.”

He nodded. “Yeah, we went camping near Halifax a few times when I was at the academy.”

“Lovely area.”

What was that about being direct? Swain sighed despite himself. At least she was being personable. By now he was rather sure that whatever she had to ask or to tell him, he wasn’t going to like. He wasn’t entirely sure though, if he’d rather she just got it over with though.

“It is,” he said, stopping. “Admiral, I get the feeling that I am not going to be entirely pleased by whatever you called me down here for, so why don’t we just get right to it. Its not that I don’t appreciate the small talk.”

Satine grinned lopsidedly. “I like your style Captain. It will serve you well.”

“Oh?”

She paused, taking a breath deciding how to phrase her words. “Captain, you’re going to be reassigned.”

His smile faded. “Reassigned?”

“Yes,” she said. “I cannot tell you exactly where yet, because the orders are still being cut, but I can tell you it will most likely be on a starship in the Gamma Quadrant.”

He shook his head. “I don’t suppose I can refuse.”

“If you want to spend some time in the brig, by all means.”

Sighing he glanced away for a moment. “Why can’t the Cassini simply be reassigned there once our overhaul is completed? We’re perfectly suited to it, and I am already comfortable with the crew.”

“We have a particular ship in mind,” she said, “and your combination of experience in the Gamma Quadrant and reputation as a level headed commander, combined with your availability at this time make you a more than ideal candidate.”

“The Excalibur?”