Drifting In

[Captain Halloway 0]

My thanks to Sorehl for working this series with me. This log takes place back in the Alpha Quadrant, within Cardassian space, and is in combination with events relating to Sky Harbor Aegis.

 

As was his daily regimen, Thomas Halloway of the starship Yorktown swam backwards through the warm, simulated surf of his native Pacifica. The image of beachsand had receded a kilometer into the distance as he reached his turning point. He lay his head back to relax, letting swell after swell rise and fall under him, savoring the pleasure of the sun and the salt-filled air.

 

It was important to enjoy such moments of calm. He still marvelled that he could be this far into Cardassian space without fear of his ship being blasted out from under him. Of course, with the terrorist incident at Z’lo on Cardassia Prime a fresh memory, it wasn’t wise to let down one’s guard. They might be a vanquished power, but their smoldering futility could occasionally lash out at remnants of anything they perceived as post-war occupation. The irony of suffering a fate like Bajor was too much for many of them. With the official transfer of power on Empok Nor in the next day, there would be one less remnant for misguided Cardassians to strike at. Privately, Halloway was thrilled that his colleague Sorehl was getting out of there, but glad the mission itself had been a success. The station had been refurbished to full operational status, yielding needed materials from Trivas IV and giving the Cardassians another foothold on self-sufficiency. It was the kind of entangling assignment that made Halloway shudder. Always nice to be able to kick in the warp drive, he mused. The Vulcan had always managed to keep a diplomatic balance with the Cardassians. Unlike himself. The Cardassians never seemed to forget the pounding he’d given them in his earlier career.

 

If he could get through the next few days without one of them taking an issue to his presence, it would be a blessing. Endure the ceremony and convey the departing Starfleet personnel to Aegis and DS9. A short milk run, he kept telling himself, even if he had to include a briefing with the new Andorian admiral in charge of this theater. Off ship, there might even be a chance for some fresh companionship.

 

The voice of the senior helm officer broke the stillness. “Bridge to Halloway,” spoke her distant voice.

 

Halloway lifted his ears above the water, treading to stay in place. “Go ahead, Sabrina,” he answered, using both hands to lay his dark hair back.

 

“You wanted to know when we reached the Trivas system, skipper,” came her report. “We’re on standard approach with a forty minute ETA to the station.”

 

Halloway stretched his arms, preparing for his return leg. “Thanks. Is Fujimoto there?”

 

The voice of his second officer cut in. “Here, sir.”

 

“Fuji, we still set for a Captain’s Table after the ceremony?”

 

“Aye, skipper,” came the clipped response. “Commander Chana is handling the details herself.”

 

“Good. Tell her I have a specific vintage in mind.” He turned in the water, aiming toward the distant shore. He paused, smirking. “And send a note to Sorehl his yeoman is invited as well.”

 

The pause was audible over the surging water. “The redhead, skipper?”

 

In response, he merely surged forward in a solid breaststroke. “Halloway out!” he managed before plunging his head into the water. He pulled his arms back, drawing himself toward the shore. He’d make it there before they docked, but he wasn’t ready to meet any of his colleagues in wet Union Jack trunks.