Captains Serala and Isara Aleron: The Future of Starships
Serala
Isara stood looking out over the docking bay of Starbase One. The bay was full, as it had been nearly every day since Frontier Day last year. Well, at least one the base was operational again. She’d been on the base when the Borg had taken over the fleet and nearly every ship on the fleet turned their weapons on the base. She’d managed to escape just after President Chekov. He’d been rescued by the crew of the USS Chin’toka, but she’d drifted in an escape pod for hours before she was finally rescued by her old ship, the Shanghai. Isara had been serving on Starbase One for two-and-a-half years in Starfleet Command’s Strategic Planning Division. Before that, she’d been a liaison to the Federation Council for the Starfleet Diplomatic Corps. Her long and storied career had earned her a number of recognitions, and she’d even briefly commanded the USS Austin before her transfer to the Diplomatic Corps. Now, she stood in silent contemplation of the various ships in the bay. There were two Odyssey class vessels, one of which had just recently been commissioned, the other of which had been around for several years. The Chin’toka had recently arrived from the Par’tha Expanse. She had to admit that Captain Serala had taken very good care of her ship. Isara admired the woman’s skill.
oO And that move with stealing the ship using Admiral Wolf’s codes was absolutely brilliant. Oo
Behind the Chin’toka, she could see the new Achilles-refit vessel, the USS Valkyrie-A. It was a redesign of the original Achilles class vessels, though it held the same basic design. This was the first of a list of vessels the Corps of Engineers had begun repurposing from older designs to upgrade and replace the fleet following the catastrophe created by the Borg.
There were three Reliant class vessels also in the bay, also repurposed designs. As well as several vessels that had been in operation for years and were just making port calls.
Serala: Impressive view, isn’t it?
Isara exercised all of her training to conceal the surprise she felt at the unfamiliar voice that had somehow manifested to her left where no one had been a moment ago. She turned to see the Half-Romulan Captain of the Chin’toka. One of the heroes of Frontier Day.
Aleron: It is indeed. Captain Serala, isn’t it?
Serala turned to face her with a smile and brief nod.
Serala: Yes, it is. I am afraid I don’t recognize you, however, Captain…?
Aleron: Isara Aleron, Captain. Starfleet Command, Strategic Planning Division.
Serala raised an eyebrow and gave her a nod.
Serala: A pleasure to meet you, Captain Aleron. Quite the array of ships.
Aleron: :: turning back to face the ships in the bay :: It is indeed. Starfleet decided that with the growing threats from the Romulans, Changelings and other forces, it was necessary to bring the fleet back up to strength as quickly as they could. Some of the older designs have been upgraded to current technology and we even have a newly redesigned Achilles class vessel.
The Half-Romulan nodded as she also looked out the bay window.
Serala: I noticed it when I pulled it. Very impressive vessel. But I love my Akira and wouldn’t trade him for anything.
Isara nodded, still looking out the window.
Aleron: No doubt. That ship has an impressive history. But if I ever do get a command of my own, I hope it’s one like the Valkyrie. :: pausing :: Did you know she’s going to be assigned in your neighborhood?
Serala turned to look at the Centauran Captain.
Serala: She’s going to the Expanse?
Aleron: Not exactly, though her home port will still be Shemsh Colony. She’s being given the Solerian Sector.
Serala was confused by this and looked at her with a puzzled look on her face.
Serala: I don’t understand. That’s my Op area.
Aleron: I guess Command thinks there needs to be more than one vessel in the region.
Serala frowned and turned back to the bay window.
Serala: Fascinating. This is the first I am hearing of it. Who' s the Captain going to be?
Isara shook her head as she looked at the Half-Romulan.
Aleron: I haven’t heard. With the Chin’toka in for upgrades, I had assumed it was you, but if you hadn’t heard, then I am at a loss.
Serala: And you work in Strategic Planning? I would have assumed you would be one of the ones in the know.
Aleron: I would have made the same assumption, but they haven’t said anything yet.
Serala: Well, it will be fascinating to see who it will be.
The two women returned to watching the ships in silence, each wondering about the fate of the starships they were watching.