The trip from Eos to Deep Space 12 dragged on for what seemed like forever. This move was supposed to be a happy event, however the mood in the cargobay was anything but happy. Starfleet, in its infinite wisdom, had decided to decommission Eos Station. After the Vaadwaur assault, she needed too much. Her systems were crippled and she was no longer capable of sustaining life.  So somewhere in some far-off office, the order were given. Shut her down and rebuild from the frame up.

The Adriot and Hernandez had already been reassigned, and now the Galileo was carrying the survivors to their new post: Deep Space 12. This was out of their hands. Her duty now was to adapt, to carry forward the mission.

Deep Space 12 would have everything Eos never could: state-of-the-art facilities, advanced defenses, resources they had once begged for and never received. But it came at a cost. Eos had been imperfect, even fragile at times, but she had been theirs. Deep Space 12 would be efficient, formidable… but it wouldn’t be home. They need to make their mark first.

Elena set her tea down. If home was something you built, then she would build it again. But, this time, she wouldn’t be alone. She shifted in her chair, as a chime from the comm, they had arrived. She stood up, smoothed her uniform, and made her way to the airlock to join up with Everett.

Nodding, she smiled. “Captain, you ready?”

Everett’s mouth twitched. “Thy will be done,” Everett replied,a blend of protest and dry humor. They both realized there was nothing either of them to do now.

The corridor was sterile, so bright. It lacked the worn comfort of Eos.

When the doors opened, Commander Keira Donovan stood waiting, stepping forward as they entered. “Fleet Captain. Captain. Welcome to Deep Space 12.”

“Commander Donovan,” Elena said, nodding. “Thank you for maintaining the watch. Orders come through?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Keira replied crisply. “Captain Everett is now officially listed as Commanding Officer, Deep Space 12. All command codes updated.” She handed a padd to Everett. “Authorization for command transfer. Sign and scan.”

Everett eyed the device like it might bite, then pressed a finger to the padd’s screen. A quiet chime confirmed the change.

“Congratulations, Sir,” Keira said.

Everett glanced around, absorbing the moment. “Not sure I’ve earned it.”

“You will,” Elena said, stepping aside. She gestured toward the operations. “She’s yours, Captain.”

Everett hesitated only a moment before stepping forward and taking the seat. “Commander Donovan, status report.”

“Power systems are at full. Docking bays are fully operational. Traffic is stable. Romulan transits are within predicted range.”

Everett nodded slowly, then looked to Elena. “You staying aboard?”

“Flag station needs a flag, doesn’t it?” Elena said, with a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll stay in my office. Unless you break something.”

The crew around the room chuckled softly. Elena stepped back, watching Everett settle into the role. She knew she needed to give the man room to do his job.