Pegasus

An underwater base, millions of light years from home.

It all seemed a bit fantastical to Dreana as she gazed out into the ocean, what she could see of it anyway.

She had been reassigned here following the decomissioning of the starship Aurora.  She hadn't received any further details about her new assignment, so she assumed that it would be finalised during her journey and after her arrival.

Dreana stepped into Admiral Kain's outer office.  A young woman manning the desk there looked up.

"May I help you?" she asked.

"Commander MacArthur to see Vice Admiral Kain," Dreana stated with a polite smile to the aide.

"One moment, I'll see if she's available.” She activated the intercom to the inner office.

“Admiral, Commander MacArthur is here to see you.”

“All right, send her in Viv,” came the reply.

"Go on ahead, Commander,” Viv said, looking up and nodding.

Dreana made her way into the room, and stood at attention before her new superior, Vice Admiral Marsa Kain.

“Commander MacArthur, reporting as ordered, Admiral.”

"Welcome, Commander. Please take a seat," Marsa said after shaking hands with Dreana.

Dreana took the offered chair and gazed across the desk at Marsa.

Marsa reviewed the personnel jacket in front of her. Dreana had done very well in numerous battles during her tour on the Aurora. The fact that she had survived physically intact was nothing short of remarkable. Mentally, Marsa was sure that she would have an experienced attitude towards battle that was precisely what they needed.

"I can tell that you're anxious to know why you're here." Marsa gazed back at Dreana with dark, expressive eyes. “Rest assured, I will answer all your questions.”

Dreana was aware, of course, that Marsa Kain was telepathic. Such abilities were governed by a code of conduct to protect privacy, although strong emotions made it difficult for telepaths to block out associated thoughts.

So as they chatted, Dreana tried not to let her mind wander or her excitement get the better of her. "Yes, I am a little intrigued."

"Your service over the past decade has been invaluable. It is reflected by your many commendations." Marsa continued reading and noted to herself that Dreana wasn't married or otherwise entangled. She looked up and gave a sly grin. "You're exactly what I... sorry, what we need."

Dreana's heart seemed to skip a beat, as she was drawn unexpectedly by Marsa's charm. Despite her intention not to let her thoughts wander, for a moment she daydreamed of undressing the admiral, and more. Shit.

"Sir?" she prompted, trying to steer the conversation towards why she was here.

Marsa gave her a wink and an amused grin. “Truly, you are blessed with a vivid imagination. I hope you put it to good use, Commander.”

Dreana didn't know what to say to that, but as Marsa looked intently at her she would guess that she was returning the favour.

Finally, Marsa stopped grinning and got to the point. "A new task force is being formed here in the Pegasus Sector, and you're part of it," she explained.

"Since we're not the only people out here with ships, you can fully expect to run into trouble with all sorts on your assignment.  Our official position is that we don't want to engage in open warfare, and we want to maintain good diplomatic relations with the native populations without interfering too much in their affairs.”