Here They Come

Posted on Tue Mar 31st, 2026 @ 1:18am by Captain Maddox Greene & Commander Saul Whitford

1,511 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Echos on the Deck
Location: Conference Room

Three Nausicaan cruisers had arrived at Sentinel Station twenty minutes ago. Which was definitely expected. On the lead ship was High Fang Kragh Torvax, who requested to board the station. Part of that request was to come with his personal guards. Captain Greene granted him two guards to accompany him on the station. In the meantime, the crews of all three ships were to remain where they were at least until they had established a few things during their meeting. The station was a bit on edge, but the three ships that showed up were currently not a major threat, unless they found themselves caught off guard, of course.

Maddox had invited Commander Whitford to attend this meeting as well. His experience with the Nausicaans would definitely be extremely valuable.

"Saul, what are your thoughts about allowing the Nausicaans on the station for R&R?"

He looked to the floor, and thought over his response. 'They're aggressive, and as with many cultures based around a clan system, can quickly take offense.' Saul sighed, 'but none of my previous run-ins with Nausicaans have been outside of convoy raids and pirate activities. There are free ports across the sector that welcome them - why should we be any different? I'd recommend extra security in the public areas of the station, particularly where intoxicants can be served, and at any access points to more sensitive areas of the station.'

'We should welcome them, but be prepared for trouble, essentially.'

Thinking about the words that came from his first officer, he simply nodded. Sentinel Station was a more than just a strategic point for the Federation. But it was also serving as a place for business. Maddox made a mental note to remember that when it came to future dealings with all that passed through the station, not just the Nausicaans. "I'll grant the High Fang permission after our meeting."

'That's great,' Whitford responded with a small smile. 'Hopefully if we can show we're willing to treat with them on friendly terms, they'll start seeing us in a more positive light - can't keep sniping at each other forever.' He hesitated, then asked, 'will you need me there when they come aboard?'

"No need to greet his people," Maddox answered. "But Torvax should be arriving soon." It was at that moment, that the chime at the door sounded. "That should be him now. Enter."

The door opened as the High Fang entered the conference room. Station security had escorted him and his guards down. Looking at the two men in the room, Torvax turned back to his personal guards. "Wait for me outside."

Captain Greene nodded for the security staff to do the same. "High Fang Kragh Tovax. This is my First Officer, Commander Saul Whitford. He will be joining us, if you're comfortable with that?"

Kragh looked over, at Whitford and nodded. "That will be acceptable. It's a pleasure, Commander Whitford."

Whitford got to his feet, and gave a short bow. 'High Fang, you do me honour by allowing me to stay.' He moved into his concierge mode, honed from years as a First Officer across the fleet. 'Is there anything I can get for you? Some refreshment appropriate to a Nausicaan?'

Tovax looked over at the Captain, and then back to the Commander. His curiosity piqued a bit at what choice of drink, Whitford would bring to him. "I'll take you up on that refreshment."

Smiling politely at the High Fang, Whitford hid the slight panic that spiked within him. The High Fang hadn't specified a preference of refreshment and he didn't want to insult the Nausicaan before the meeting had actually begun. He turned and headed for the door, trying to think of what he could bring back. 'I'll return in a moment,' he declared.

A huge grin came across his face. "I'm curious to see what he will bring back."

"So am I," Maddox replied. "Please have a seat."

Tovax sat at the conference room table. "Going to get straight to the point. Did you take my request into consideration?"

Taking a seat across from the other man, the Starfleet Officer thought before answering. "I did consider your request. Returning your cousin back to you is the right thing. Even though I understand your intentions towards him based on his condition, it is wrong in my opinion."

"That is a Human opinion."

"And I understand that," Greene admitted. "Which is why I will not fight you on this. But as far as this compensation demand of yours. I have to reject that proposal."

The High Fang's temper began to slowly flare up. Slamming his fist into the table. "Captain Greene this is outrageous. Honor demands compensation."

Leaning forward, Maddox stared down Tovax. "Hiding greed over some fake honor regarding your cousin will not work on my station. If this leads to you attacking this station, then I am prepared to do whatever takes to defend my people."

Sitting back and calming down a bit. Gragh thought about his next move. His three ships were no match for this station. Perhaps if caught Sentinel Station by surprise. But his intent was never to take the station. "So where is this refreshment?"

'Here,' Whitford called, as he brought a tray back in through the door. The resequencer had just the right recipe he felt. 'I took the liberty of preparing something called mead. It is an ancient Earth drink. Favoured by a group of people called the Vikings.' He continued his mini-lecture as he walked across the space and put the jug and cups down inbetween the two men. 'They were warriors - brave and fierce, and they journeyed far and wide on their ships, hunting down those weaker than themselves as they searched out honour and glory.'

Whitford looked at the High Fang. 'Not unlike the Nausicaans in some respects, though your name has spread further.' He of course didn't mention that this version of mead was strictly non-alcoholic. 'Would you care to try some?'

"These Vikings sound like an interesting group. I'll try out some of this mead."

Maddox looked over to the jug sitting on the tray. "Curious to try this out myself."

Whitford poured a good measure into each cup, and set one in front of the High Fang and Maddox in turn. He picked up his own cup and raised it in a salute. 'To better times,' he said with a smile.

"I definitely drink to that," Greene responded, raising the cup and quickly swallowing the contents.

Tovax picked up the cup, smelled it, and then took a sip. The sip was definitely after the Captain took a drink. "Commander Whitford this isn't bad at all. The word around the sector is that Humans have a bad taste in foods and drink. I am very impressed."

'I'm glad,' Whitford replied with a laugh. 'Thankfully, human food is diverse so there's usually something for everyone.' He took a deep swallow of the honey liquid, and smack his lips. 'Delicious.'

"Your Captain and I seem to be at an empass regarding compensation for my injured cousin," the High Fang brought up as he stared down Maddox who was staring right back at him. "Commander Whitford, what would you do if in my position?"

He raised an eyebrow. 'If I were in your position ... as a human, I can only agree with what Captain Greene has indicated. Our value systems are not the same. That is not automatically a bad thing, but it will put us at odds in this case, High Fang. But I would argue, respectfully, High Fang, that your cousin still has much to contribute. He can teach skills to your young warriors, assist in protecting your homeworld from threats. There must be things he can do still.'

Seriously, taking a moment to think about what the Executive Officer suggested. Tovax shook his head in a disagreeing manner. "Being a cripple makes him and our house look weak."

The Captain sighed. "I'm sorry that you feel that way. Before leaving I would like to extend an invite for you and your crews to enjoy the new station. There are a number of businesses set up here that your people will enjoy."

"I'm going to take you up on that offer, Captain Maddox. In twenty-four hours, I will be out of your way."

'Will you be requiring guest quarters?' Whitford asked.

"No need, I will remain on my ship," Tovax responded. "There's no way I would be able to sleep at all in this place. If there's nothing else, Captain?"

"You and your crews enjoy yourselves," Maddox insisted.

The High Fang stood up and exited the room, leaving both men at the table. Simply sighing, Greene poured another drink for Whitford and himself. "Now to get through the next twenty-four hours."

=================
Captain Maddox Greene
Commanding Officer
Sentinel Station

Commander Saul Whitford
Executive/Chief Operations Officer
Sentinel Station

 

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