Walk-Through

Posted on Mon Mar 30th, 2026 @ 12:59am by Captain Maddox Greene & Ensign Nyxala Vireen

811 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Echos on the Deck
Location: USS Frontier- Sickbay
Timeline: 13 hours prior to the Nausicaan arrival

Thirteen hours before the arrival of the High Fang, Captain Greene found himself conducting a walk-through of the USS Frontier. At this time there was a bare minimum of personnel on board who were prepping the ship in case the need should arise. Moving down the corridor, he had seen most of the ship but found himself in sickbay. The place was empty as expected, but further back he could hear somebody mumbling to themselves. Turning the corner, he found the Head Nurse with a PADD in hand going through inventory.

Ensign Vireen had been on the Frontier for several hours now, going through every piece of equipment and every supply available. Compling the list of what was needed and not needed, Nyxala mumbled to herself in satisfaction. Turning around, the Orion found herself in the presence of her commanding officer. "Captain," she replied, immediately moving to the position of attention.

"At ease, Ensign," Maddox responded waving a hand. "Didn't mean to startle you. Just doing a walkthrough of the ship. Even though I was literally just traveling to the station on this thing a few days ago."

Easing up as instructed, Nyxala smiled and tried to relax. "We're there issues on the Frontier the last time you were on here?"

"Not at all. Just a habit of wanting to look things over before a big event is about to take place."

"Big event, meaning the Nausicaans are coming," she countered.

Maddox simply smiled. "In this particular situation. That would be correct. Could be nothing to worry about, but better to be prepared mentally."

"When dealing with the Nausicaans, I've always felt it better to be prepared for their arrival."

"Do you have a lot of experience with them?"

Nyxala thought about the question. " I grew up in the Khelaris Trade Enclave. Assisted my parents in patching them up over the years before eventually having to leave my home. Found them to be very crude as Humans would say."

"If you don't mind me saying," Greene spoke up. "Assuming you have quite a bit of experience dealing with the underworld and black market?"

"Unfortunately, I found myself an unwilling participant at times," the Nurse explained. "My family assisted those who couldn't afford care and then there were those who showed up on our doorstep demanding service by force. I witnessed and assisted my mother remove tracking implants on slaves who escaped. And my father would use his logistic connections to help them escape the best he could."

"Do you still remain in contact with your parents?"

"I have heard a word from my parents in six years." The Orion did her best to hold back a tear, that she felt coming. "Part of the deal of joining Starfleet was to cease all contact with Orion Prime and anyone associated with the Syndicate. After graduating from the Academy, I was given permission to contact my family. But I never received a response whatsoever."

Reaching over to the desk, the Captain grabbed a tissue, handing it over to the Ensign. "I am so sorry to hear that. Any idea what might have happened to them?"

Accepting the tissue, Nyxala wiped away the tear. "Thank you. And honestly, I have no clue. Investigating would involve several calls to the Syndicate. And with me being who I am. The last thing I needed was to put a target on my back, considering that Starfleet Command keeps an eye on me."

It was at that moment that he felt a certain level of empathy for her situation. Maddox understood the terms that Starfleet Commander placed on Vireen. But eight years of no contact with one's family. Especially after proving themselves as being loyal time and time again. "I've read your file on how you had to flee you world. Do you think that might have something to do with their disappearance?"

"Don't think so," Nyxala replied. "If the Syndicate was going to retaliate, it would have been years before then. My family was involved in helping others and defying the status quo. It was only a matter of time before someone discovered what they were doing and had to flee themselves."

"I'm going to see what I can do for you," the commanding officer responded. "There will be no problem with me making some calls. Give me a list of possible contacts you can point us in the right direction and I'll get on it."

"Sir, you would do that for me?"

"Ensign Vireen you are a member of my crew. If an injustice has been committed to you and your family, then it's my duty to attempt to make it right. So, get me those contacts, and as soon as I get past this Nausicaan business. I'll get right to it."

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

Ensign Nyxala Vireen
Head Nurse
Sentinel Station

 

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