Chapter Text
Captain's Log, Stardate 2384.35
I have recently returned from a meeting with Starfleet Command. I have been instructed to undertake a special mission of unspecified duration. Accordingly, I am appointing Commander Raiden to the position of commanding officer of the Valiant and promoting Lieutenant Lewis to the rank of First Officer.
"Captain?" my First Officer asks from behind me.
End Log.
I switch off the recorder and turn to look at my first officer and long-time best friend, Tam Raiden.
"Yes, Commander?" I reply, giving him a sad smile.
"May I speak with you privately?" Tam asks.
I stand up and walk toward my Ready Room. As soon as the door shuts, I glance at my best friend. Tam has been by my side since we were ten years old. Even though he is part Vulcan, he has always gone along with every scheme I’ve come up with, even the ones that weren't exactly logical.
"Rilee," Tam begins. "What mission has Starfleet Command assigned you? You don't normally transfer command when given a mission, and placing Lewis as first officer isn’t a wise choice."
I smirk at him. Kadly Lewis and Tam did not hit it off very well initially. Kadly is the type who jumps before looking and speaks before thinking. "It's a classified mission, Tam. All I can say is that the state I may return in isn't ideal for me to jump right back into command. I will very likely need someone to lead the Valiant while I re-acclimate. Also, I'm not sure when I'll be back."
"Lorilee Morgan, I have known you for over a decade. You are the youngest officer to command a starship, one of the most brilliant minds in this quadrant, and you have endured conditions all Starfleet captains would dread. I can read you better than anyone else; this mission isn't just classified, it's dangerous. You're creating a contingency plan in case you don’t return."
"Tam, you always get straight to the point," I mutter as I push myself off the desk I was leaning on and walk to the observation window to gaze out at the darkness of space. I try to ignore my reflection in the window, but it feels like a magnet is pulling me to look. My blonde hair is pulled back in its usual low ponytail, and my blue-green eyes look tired; overall, I look terrible. "Yes, this mission is dangerous. I know that I will return, but the state I come back in is... uncertain."
"What do you mean, Rilee?" Tam asks, concern breaking through his typically stoic voice as he walks over to my side. "Not that I'm questioning your abilities, but how can you be so sure you’ll return? You seem to be preparing for the worst."
"I am, Tam," I admit. "This mission... It's bigger than anything I've ever tackled. I'm still not entirely sure why they chose me for this mission, but I will fulfill my duty."
"Rilee..." Tam trails off, searching for something comforting to say. "Whatever you're facing, remember you have a loyal crew behind you."
"I'm afraid you won't be able to accompany me this time, but that gives me some peace of mind," I say with a smile. Tam nods. We stand there a little longer before Lieutenant Kennedy's voice comes over the comms.
"Captain," she says. "The Admiral has arrived on board."
"Good. Thank you, Lieutenant," I reply, turning toward my first officer. "Shall we?"
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"You sure you're ready for this, Lorilee?" Darren asks me.
"Of course I'm ready, Darren," I say as he steps off the transporter pad.
"Got to ask officially now," he says. "Captain Morgan, are you ready?"
"Yes, sir," I answer before hugging Tam as he and the other officers are ushered out of the Transporter Room, leaving me with just my brother.
"Everything you will need is in this bag. Your mission parameters are on your pad," the Admiral says, handing me a duffel bag stuffed with everything I’ll need for my journey. I walk over to the transporter pad and take his place.
"Rilee, I know with this mission it'll be hard but try to keep a low profile."
"Don't worry, Darren," I say, smirking at my older brother.
"Stay safe," he says, giving me one last hug.
"You know me," I retort.
"Unfortunately, I do," he jokes as he makes his way to the controls and sets them for the correct time period and location. The last thing I remember hearing was the one word that would launch me on this insane mission to the past. Energize.