“I’ve never been to Andoria.” Captain Peter Crawford mused as he sat in his ready room on the Franklin D. Roosevelt. The orders for his ship and the USS Nova had come quickly a few weeks ago. Commander Park of the USS Nova sat across the desk from him, her eyes filled with worry. The two ships were within a few days of Andoria.

Park had spent most of the time as they had traveled to study up on the planet, the species, and the system at large. “I remembered their history from the Academy, but I had forgotten how…complicated it was.” She held up the PADD she’d been reading. “The early years of forming the Federation were not easy.”

Crawford tapped at his desk console. “Well, be thankful we’ve all learned to work together. Mostly.” The holo-display on his wall sprang to life. “We’ve been asked to evaluate the status of the Andor system and how The Blackout has affected it.” The latest sensor reports scrolled across the display. “We’re going to dock at Starbase 7 on arrival.” He glanced at Park. “How’s the Nova crew doing?”

Her face was a mix of emotions. “We’re…doing well. These last few weeks have given everyone a chance to work together more.” She twiddled her fingers. “We’re still short a science and security chief.”

Peter tapped at the console, “Almost forgot. Two Starfleet officers are waiting for us at Starbase 7 – one human security officer and one Andorian science officer.” The dossiers slid into the holo-screen. “The security officer will double as your tactical officer – he recently served on a Neblula class. The science officer is a part of an officer exchange program with Andoria – she’s ranked as a lieutenant.” He paused.

Park’s eyes shifted from her PADD to him. “What’s the second part, sir?”

He wasn’t sure. He opined, “She was a relatively quick pick up. I’ve done a little background on her, what little I could. Either she was pushed to us, or she came running for us. Her credentials and background check out. You’ll have to ask her in a few days.” He grumbled, “If we could time travel to a few years down the road and be farther away from Frontier Day, things would be easier.”

The Nova CO nodded. “We can only hope we get a chance to recover.”

Crawford agreed. “From your lips to the universe’s ears, Commander Park.”