Captain Alison Bruce watched the personnel shuttle's steady approach with a growing sense of relief. That vessel, so tiny against the vast starscape, held her salvation after six weeks of building stress.

"Shuttle Friedman to USS Welfen. Commander Olwen Aeron requesting permission to dock."

"Permission granted," replied Bruce. "Welcome back, Number One."

Bruce sighed quietly. Aeron had picked a hell of a time to take leave - not that she could of known. Hell broke loose after the commander went home. Well, maybe Hell was a little extreme. It was more like the legendary Murphy had been let loose on board.

The Warp drive had to be taken off line because of a glitch in the field generator. This was bad enough, but then Ensign Lucasis started grumbling that he knew this would happen someday and he could never figure out how the ship held together in the first place after all its modifications and refits. Optimism was never one of the Kzinti's strong suits, and neither was patience. Chief Engineer Belgai Nikonersee had plenty of both, but his leadership skills were not up to this kind problem. It took a lot of communicating to keep a small scale war from developing below decks. It helped that Lucasis found part of the solution himself and that it required him working with the Chief to implement it. The near fiasco had the positive result of Nikonersee choosing Lucasis as his new assistant chief. Bruce was sure they would learn from each other if they didn't kill each other first.

While Engineering was occupied with the pressing problem of getting the ship's Warp field operational, a hundred and one smaller problems occurred. Auxiliary engineering personnel, that is, anyone who had a background in engineering but belonged to another department, were put to work fixing the most immediate of the breakdowns. This created a logistical nightmare that the Captain and Chief of Operations Lt. Commander Ryus Dene had to sort out. This was the kind of job Bruce hadn't missed at all since taking the centre seat. Dene, who was also acting First Officer in Aeron's absence, brought several life-times of experience to the job. One of her previous hosts had even commanded a ship - a smuggling ship. In this lifetime, however, she decided that she wasn't quite ready for command.

Finally, the Warp drive was operational and the ship almost fully functional. The Welfen intercepted the Avenger to pick up a couple of new crew members. As per usual, the two ships exchanged information, materiel, and hospitalities. Unfortunately, the Avenger and the Welfen were not always on the friendliest of terms. Lieutenant Ireland, who used to split his time between the Welfen and Avenger as their mutual JAG officer, managed to set Captain Pitney's back up and vice versa. Once again, Bruce's communication skills were required. Ireland was reprimanded for letting Pitney push his buttons, a lecture Bruce had to hear back when she lost her patience with the Avenger's captain.

Every cloud has its silver lining, though. Bruce looked forward to laughing about these mishaps with Olwen when she returned. If nothing else, Bruce knew her friend would enjoy the image of Captain Horatio Pitney sitting ramrod stiff with a lap full of Telmadi greens in almond butter after making a series of not-so-subtle digs at the mission and general state of the USS Welfen. Even the newly transferred officers laughed when that happened and they had been having their doubts about joining the Welfen crew.

Bruce stood and stretched.

"Captain Bruce to Doctor Rhiannon."

"Rhiannon here," answered a slightly distorted voice.

"The eagle has landed, Doctor. If things aren't too busy in Sick Bay, will you join me at the Main Hangar Deck?"

"I've just been waiting the word, Captain. I'll meet you there."

"Mister qorgh - "

"Aye, Captain," the Klingon responded quickly in a melodious tenor.

" - you have the bridge."

Lt. Commander qorgh hesitated only long enough to ensure that Ensign Leia Selassie was stepping in to replace him at Tactical. Then he quickly, but unhurriedly, walked to the centre seat and stood at parade rest before it. His sense of decorum would not allow him to sit until the Captain had left the bridge.

Bruce had a great deal of respect for qorgh. He seemed to embody most of the better qualities of the Klingons with few of their flaws. He was reserved without being taciturn, assertive without being aggressive. She thought of him as the Peaceful Warrior, and was glad that there was a place for him on the Welfen, away from the politics of Klingon Council and Federation alike.

With his years of service to Starfleet, many thought qorgh was the likeliest candidate for second officer when Bruce was promoted. The recent experiences with another Klingon officer going off whenever the Home World called made Starfleet wary of promoting him, especially since qorgh, unlike Worf, maintained dual commissions in the Federation and Empire. In retrospect, Bruce thought they made the right decision for the wrong reasons. Lt. Commander qorgh had found his niche, at least for now.

Mentally shaking herself, Bruce wondered what had prompted all this introspective analysis. Obviously it had to do with Aeron's return, but it was still a puzzle. She had the fragment of a memory of being a young officer and being told to look to her sergeant for guidance. "You have to make the decisions," she had been told, "but you'd be a fool to make them without getting good advice first." As platoon leaders look to their sergeants, so ship's captains look to their first officers. Watching the running lights of the turbolift pulse, Bruce frowned slightly as a sense of foreshadowing washed over her.

Doctor Nesta Rhiannon was waiting for the captain at the turbolift on Deck 8.

"You look like you're on your way to the gallows ."

"I believe the best phrase is "wool gathering". I been doing enough today to knit a sweater or two. Can't seem to shake the mood."

"Come on," Rhiannon said, gently tugging at Bruce's sleeve, "we have a shuttle to meet."

As they walked the wide corridor towards the bay's large internal doors, Alison was reminded of the first time she went to meet Olwen Aeron. It was almost three years ago. For weeks she had been on tenterhooks, first over the fate of Captain Solutus Bellacor, then wondering what would happen to the Welfen and who would be sent to command her. Finally they told her and she was dumb-founded. They weren' t sending a new captain. They were sending a her a first officer.

Walking up to meet her second in command that first time, Bruce had been very conscious of how sudden her promotion had been. Although Aeron had been with Starfleet only a little longer than Bruce, she had a previous career with the Keltia Caer Mawr, her native space force. In contrast, Bruce's past was a mystery. She appeared out of no where, with no memories and no clues to her origins. She had only served as first officer for a year before Bellacor had disappeared. She had only been first officer because Solutus Bellacor pushed to make it so. Before that she was one of the Bridge Command Specialists who filled in at whatever station needed manning. Would this career officer accept her as captain?

Olwen Aeron not only accepted Bruce, the two of them became close friends. Almost every morning they met in the Captain's Ready Room, Bruce served her special blend of coffee, and they hashed out the problems of the day. They often disagreed. They had very different command styles. But when they had finished discussing, arguing, negotiating, and renegotiating, the results were better than either were capable of alone.

Bruce stopped.

"What is it?" Rhiannon asked, coming to a halt a couple of steps ahead.

"I've got this bad feeling, Nesta," Bruce said softly. Then she added, in a brisker tone, "Let's go. I'll find out soon enough if I'm right."

Nesta Rhiannon gave Bruce a sidelong glance as they walked up to and through the hangar doors together. She had her own feelings about what was waiting for them in the near future. She had a good excuse, however. Not only was she an empath, but Olwen had spoken to her at length before going on leave. So far as she knew and felt, Olwen had not had similar conversations with Alison. Still, Nesta thought - not for the first time, Alison Bruce could be quite perceptive for a human.

Ahead, the shuttle M.J. Friedman sat with a crew of flight engineers pouring over it. Walking towards them was Commander Olwen Aeron, a soft bag slung over her shoulder, and a warm smile on her lips to greet them. Both Alison and Nesta knew that Alison's "bad feeling" was grounded. Something had happened while Olwen was away and changes were going to result. They would find out soon enough. In the meantime, they had a friend to welcome.

The three friends exchanged hugs and greetings. Such public displays did not accord with usual Starfleet protocol, but no one found it remarkable. Olwen Aeron and Nesta Rhiannon had introduced many Keltic customs to the Welfen crew, not the least of which was the Kelts' open display of affection. When they were assured of their mutual good health and well-being, Nesta suggested that they go to the Circle for an early lunch.

"I need to refresh and change first," Olwen insisted, picking at the sleeve of her hand-knit sweater.

"Very pretty, by-the-way," Nesta remarked as they started walking.

"It was a gift," Olwen said, blushing slightly.

"Oh!" Nesta and Alison responded in unison. "From who?" Nesta added.

Olwen quickened the pace.

"Well?" Alison prompted.

"Who do you think?" Olwen snapped back. "You two, really!"

Nesta laughed and linked her arm with her kinswoman. "It's good to have you back, cousin, truly it is. Wait until you hear all that you missed!"

"Save it, Doctor" Alison said quickly, "you might scare her back on to the shuttle. Now, Number One, when do you want to meet?"

Olwen Aeron hesitated.

"I have a surgical practice scheduled for 14:00," Doctor Rhiannon interjected. She checked her personal chronometer. "Its 11:20 now."

"How about 12:30 at the Circle Lounge," suggested the Captain. "I'll be in my office until then."

Olwen gave Alison an odd look. "Aye," she said thoughtfully, "I'll meet you there."

Though Aeron had not specified whether "there" meant the Circle or her office, Bruce knew that when the door to her ready room chirped at 11:59, it was Olwen.

"Come," she said, getting up and going to the replicator. "Computer, two Captain's Blend coffees, one black, one with cream and sugar. Sit down Olwen. Thank you."

Both Aeron and the computer said you're welcome at once.

Bruce sat and pushed the white coffee towards Aeron then sat back and watched the woman over her steaming mug.

Aeron tapped the side of her cup and lifted her eyebrows questioningly. This was not the glass and polymer cup that was the current standard on Federation starships.

"We were having too many breakages," Bruce explained with a wry grin. "One of the senior students came up with the design. He calls it a "travel mug"." She held the vessel up. "Shaped and weighted for stability, virtually indestructible, yet aesthetically pleasing too. It also comes with a special lid that allows you to drink from it while carrying it around. The replicators at duty stations produce it automatically. Most of the ship has these black ones with the ship's logo, but Nesta has already programmed the Sick Bay replicators to produce deep blue mugs with a silver caduceus and I think she's starting a trend."

"Of course she is," Aeron said bemusedly.

"You should see the one in the Education Centre - very colourful." Bruce took a sip of her coffee. "But you didn't come here to discuss drinking vessels."

"No, Captain," Aeron said solemnly. "I came because I've been offered the command of a Caer Mawr cruiser."

"I take it you've accepted this time."

Olwen Aeron smiled. The Caer Mawr had wanted her back for some time now. Every time the Welfen rendezvoused with a Keltic ship, which it did regularly according to the Federation- Keltia treaty regarding Keltic citizens in Starfleet, Aeron would receive an invitation to return to the Caer Mawr. Every time before, Aeron would decline stating that she was not ready.

"Yes, Captain, this time I accepted."

Alison Bruce sighed. After a moment's silence she stood and offered her hand to Aeron. "Congratulations, Captain Aeron."

Aeron stood and took the proffered hand, grasping it tightly.

"Thank you, Captain Bruce."

By the time Starfleet had been notified of the situation, speculation was running rampant around the Welfen. Everyone, from department head to pre-primary children, had an opinion. Many thought that Ryus Dene was the natural choice. Dene, however, was not one of that crowd. Others determined that a new officer would be transferred to the Welfen. A smattering of others, mostly youngsters, thought their favourite department head might get promoted to the position. In the meantime, Commander Aeron assured Starfleet and the Welfen crew that she would not be leaving until her replacement was chosen.

Bruce felt that there was an almost surreal quality to the following days. Her retrospective mood deepened. Almost every event, no matter how mundane, triggered a memory. It didn't affect her performance of duties or dealings with the crew, but a select few noticed the strain she was under. Counsellor Bloss assured the captain that her reaction was normal. Doctor Rhiannon was sympathetic and Lieutenant Ireland became unusually solicitous. Aeron maintained her strong, impassive front, but in private she shared her own anxieties with Bruce. Without a doubt, it was going to be strange.

When the time came, setting up the logistics kept Bruce and Aeron busy enough not to worry about the inevitable separation ahead. Captain Aud, Fleet Commander of the Keltia Caer Mawr, was escorting Aeron's new ship, the Cor Seaghdh, to the rendezvous point. The two Keltic ships and the USS Avenger would meet the Welfen to make their respective exchanges. In honour of the Keltic ships, a dinner party would be held after the formalities. Preparations had to be made and if there was any free time left over it was taken up with impromptu entertainments for the departing first officer.

Finally the day arrived and Captain Bruce once more trod the corridor leading to the Main Shuttle Bay. True, using transporters would have been more efficient, but Bruce had a strong sense of balance. Keshorna Penhalign, recently of the USS Black Eagle, would arrive on a shuttle from the Avenger after Olwen Aeron's shuttle had cleared the Bay. The next time they would see Aeron she would be captain of her own ship.

Most of the senior staff plus a number of the crew were present. The decks had been cleared to allow as many people as possible to attend. Most had their attention focused on the delta wing shuttle from the Seaghdh which was being rotated so that its nose was oriented towards the Bay doors. Its wings were folded up, highlighting the abstract bird icon painted on the underside and obscuring part of the braid work that ran down each side of the shuttle. The shuttle, like most Keltic artifacts, was both functional and aesthetic. Olwen Aeron stood near-by, talking to Chief Engineer Nikonersee who was obviously much taken by the shuttle's design. When she saw Bruce, however, she excused herself intercepted the captain near the temporary stage.

"Ready, Olwen?" Bruce asked.

Aeron nodded.

The two women climbed the two steps of the platform together. Standing side-by-side, they looked out onto the assembled group.

"One last time, Number One," Bruce prompted Aeron.

Olwen Aeron cleared her throat. "Stand-by, everyone," she said in a calm, carrying voice. Soon the assembled crew was in place before the stage, quiet and attentive.

"Standing by," announced Lt. Commander Dene, indicating that the presentation was now being transmitted ship-wide.

Captain Alison Bruce stepped forward.

"We are gathered here today for a happy and sad purpose. Commander Olwen Aeron is leaving us today to take command of her own ship. Though we are sad to see her go, we must be happy for her as she embarks on a new adventure." Bruce turned to Aeron and smiled. "Would you like to say a few words to the crew?"

"Thank you, Captain," Aeron replied, stepping forward as Bruce stepped back and to one side. "For the sake of the new crew members and our guests, I would like to give you some of my background. I was born on Ro-Ech, one of the Keltic colonies. I served in the Keltia Caer Mawr attaining a rank equivalent to Lieutenant Commander. I was First Officer of the defense vessel Iarlaith patrolling the border shared by Keltia and the Romulan Star Empire. I should point out that the Kelts have different treaties with the Romulans and are generally on better terms. Anyway, my bond-mate was killed by the Borg and I decided to leave the Caer Mawr. I joined Starfleet, taking the accelerated program at Command School offered to allied officers. I served aboard the USS Scotia as Second Officer, then, two and a half years ago, joined the crew of the Welfen as First Officer.

"I have enjoyed my time in Starfleet, particularly on the Welfen, but it is time to go home. I am rejoining the Caer Mawr, taking command of the Defense Vessel Seaghdh. My first mission even takes me back to the Keltic-Romulan border." There were a few responsive smiles to this comment. "Although I will no longer be an active member of Starfleet, I will retain my rank as Commander and may be called to serve the Federation again. And," she added with a warm smile, "I will return for visits."

Olwen Aeron looked out on the familiar faces. Yes, she would return, but it would never be quite the same again. She sighed and turned towards Alison Bruce.

"Permission to disembark, Captain."

"Honour guard, front and centre," Bruce ordered. Lieutenant Ireland and Lt. Commander qorgh stepped up in front of the stage. "Crew, attention," Bruce called, drawing out the syllables of the command word. Almost as soon as the word was uttered the assembled crew and guests from the Avenger and Caer Mawr were ramrod straight.

"You have something for me, Mister Ireland?"

Ross Ireland handed the captain a Welfen Personal Access Display Device.

"This is a souvenir of your stay on the Welfen." Bruce grinned, handing the PADD to Aeron. "I didn't start out as ship's archivist for nix." She stretched out her hand for Aeron to grasp. Holding it for a moment, the two friends silently exchanged their good-byes. "Permission to disembark granted," Bruce finally said. "Fare thee well."

Ireland and qorgh escorted Aeron to the Keltic shuttle. Moments later the craft rose gently and seemed to float through the differentially permeable force field that separated the bay from the cold vacuum of space. Once outside, the wings deployed and the primary engines fired taking Olwen Aeron to her new home.

As the Keltic shuttle flew out of sight, the Welfen's own Shuttle Uhura made its approach. Over the speakers the assembly heard Lieutenant Tor request permission to land. In the background, Ensign Richardson's voice could be heard doing the landing system's check. Controlling the visual relay, Dene focused on the shuttle as it made a perfect touch down, then zoomed in for a close up of the new First Officer as she disembarked. As Lieutenant Penhalign walked up to the stage, Dene zoomed out, panned around the room, then focused on the captain as she started to speak.

"Lieutenant Keshorna Penhalign comes to us from the USS Black Eagle where she served as Chief of Operations under Captain T'Sal, who praises Penhalign as highly as a Vulcan can. Our new First Officer has a solid background in the sciences, and prior to being assigned to the Black Eagle, was Science Officer on the Sutherland. Penhalign was assigned to the Sutherland just prior to the Klingon Civil war and was therefore part of the blockade between Romulan and Klingon space. In that and all other instances, she has served with distinction. Please welcome Keshorna Penhalign."

The crew applauded respectfully as Penhalign mounted the stage and stood beside Captain Bruce.

"Thank you," she said in a deep, rough voice. "I cannot speak for long. I've just come from visiting my parents at Walrus Deep Sea Habitat and I've picked up a throat infection. I would like to say, however, that I'm very pleased to be joining this crew. The Welfen has an excellent reputation, and since being assigned as first officer I've heard many good things about its captain and crew. I know that your former first officer will be a hard act to follow, but I hope to live up to her example. Thank you."

The applause was warmer this time. When it died down, Captain Bruce turned to her new "Number One".

"Welcome aboard," she said with a sincere smile. "As your first duty, you may dismiss the crew. Then I expect you to report to Sick Bay."

Penhalign gave her new captain a wry grin, nodded acknowledgement, and turned to the assembly.

"Crew, dismissed."

Bruce stepped down from stage and immediately removed her jacket.

"Hot?" Ireland asked as he approached.

"Very," Bruce agreed.

"It went well," he remarked in a soft voice.

Bruce looked over to where Penhalign was receiving the greetings of various crew members and nodded. Even as she thought to break up the group, for Penhalign was looking a little flushed, Doctor Nesta Rhiannon parted the crowd like the Red Sea. Bruce grinned.

"Yes," she agreed, turning back to Ireland, "It went well."

Captain Olwen Aeron of the Cor Seaghdh appeared on the main screen, her black uniform so different from Starfleet's command red. The festivities and farewells were in the past. Now it was time to go on with life.

"Thanks for the Captain's Blend matrix," Aeron said with a happy-sad smile. "May the wind be at your back, my friend."

"And yours," replied Bruce. "With sails unfurled."

Aeron nodded and signalled her communications officer to cut transmission.

"Give us a visual of the Seaghdh's departure," Bruce requested.

Once the Keltic ship was out of visual range, Bruce turned away from the view screen and towards Keshorna Penhalign. Already Bruce had discovered that her First Officer preferred tea over coffee and had much simpler tastes in food and beverages either her captain or predecessor. She was also more cheerful and out-going. Already, Penhalign was making new friends. She'd do.

"Ensign Almack, you have our heading. Set course and stand-by."

"Course set," Shirley Almack said an instant later.

Alison hesitated. She knew it was time, but it was hard to say the words without feeling a little disloyal. "Number One, you have the bridge."

Bruce walked up the ramp towards her ready room. Behind her, she heard Penhalign shift to the centre seat and settle back. Bruce paused just long enough before leaving the bridge to hear how her first officer would give the word.

"Standing by," Ensign Almack said briskly.

Penhalign sat up a little straighter.

"Alright," she said, giving the navigator the nod, "let's go."

And they did.

The End

First Mission Logs
War Stories
Second Mission Logs
Beyond the Logs