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Star Trek: Protector ( Darkkitten9389 & CrimsonMaster )

Upon entering, louder cheers filled the air and she chuckled as they cheered her name and a tinkered of blood wine was thrust into her hand. She took it and nodded when a male Klingon told her to drink up and enjoy herself. She raised her tankard a bit before taking a drink of it before that officer spoke of it being time for celebration and song. Then the group broke out into a Klingon victory song called Yijah Qey oH and it wasn't long before the room was filled with the song. Lenara stood there and drank for a little bit while listening before joining in as well. Other then West, not many knew of her knowledge in the Klingon race other then what was taught at the Academy. She had knowledge of the Klingon race that could only be taught by those who were a part of it.

While the augments were something that the federation and other humans wanted to either keep hidden or forgotten about, Lenara had learned as much as she could about them. She didn't speak on the topic too often, knowing how sensitive it was to others, but she had done her research and asked her mother many questions about them. There had been a time when Lenara wanted to know about them in order to understand why they had done what they had but eventually she gave up on her search for answers. She'd come to the conclusion that she just didn't care and that there was no excuse for the terrible things that her father and the other augments had done.

Over the following hours, Lenara easily kept up with the Klingons as they partied. She enjoyed herself and at one point she'd even been challenged by a female Klingon officer to a test of strength. When she heard the challenge, Lenara's eyes lit up. Those that sparred with her knew that she loved testing her strength with others. So she finished off the bit of blood wine in her tankard before taking on her challenger. The female Klingon officer easily lost to Lenara. This was one of the things that she'd done with Worf that she'd come to enjoy while they were in the Academy together. After she easily beat the woman, the female Klingon challenged one of the men to try and take her down. Lenara didn't back down from the challenge and though it lasted a little longer then with the woman, Lenara took him down as well, drawing plenty of laughter from their on lookers.

The party was very enjoyable and once all the blood wine was gone, things wound down. Finally, after several days, they arrived back at Starbase 133 where Lenara and the others returned to the Protector. Though she'd enjoyed her time on the Klingon ship, to her, the Protector had become home and she was happy to be back with the rest of her and Wests crew.
 
The Protector had been serving as a patrol ship for Starbase 133, while the captain & Lenara were away. Lieutenant Commander Tom Quinn, the ship's Chief Engineer, has been in command. Quinn had all the patrol logs, and all the updates from Starfleet Command, on the captain's desk in his ready room. The chief engineer, was in the transporter room to greet Captain West and Lenara when they beamed over from the Tagak. He transferred command, back to the captain at this time. Captain West told Lenara to get a shower, a fresh uniform and he'd meet her in his ready room in 45 minutes. They would then go over the updates from Starfleet Command. The captain would be doing the same as Lenara. There were no creature comforts about a Klingon ship. No sonic showers and no comfortable beds. Captain West & Lenara were both looking forward to a nice shower, before they got back to work. They would transmit their own reports on the mission to Starfleet Command during their meeting.

Captain West went straight for his quarters. He and Lenara had quarters on the same deck. Both the captain and first officer's quarters were on deck two. Lenara also had an office on the same deck., beside her quarters. The two had a connecting doorway. This allowed Lenara to move from her quarters, into her office without going into the hallway. Lenara would find some of her work had backed up while she was gone. There were several reports she'd need to read over before passing them onto the captain. There was also a message from Starfleet Command. Some new crew replacements would be arriving soon. One replacement was a Senior Cadet from the academy. The manpower shortage had gotten so bad. Starfleet was putting Senior Cadets into the field before they graduated. At least one senior cadet would serve on hand picked starships. The Protector would be one of those hand picked ships.

Captain West took his sonic shower, slipped on a fresh uniform, then headed for the bridge. He had his own messages waiting for him. The news that he was getting a green cadet, wasn't one of those messages. That was something Lenara would have to share with the captain. West ordered two raktajinos from the replicator in his ready room. One for himself and one for Lenara. The mugs were placed on the deck. West then settled down behind his desk, he started reading over the patrol logs until Lenara joined him.
 
Once back at Starbase 133, Captain West and Lenara returned to the Protector, the two transporting in and being greeted by Lieutenant Commander Tom Quinn, who had been in charge while they had been away on their mission. Upon beaming in and being greeted, Lenara bowed her head slightly in greeting to him before West told her to go get a shower and change into a fresh uniform before meeting him in 45 minutes. "Of course." she softly told him. Though she'd never said it, she was looking forward to a shower and clean clothes. Turning, she left the transporter room and head to her quarters.

Entering her quarters, she sighed while looking around before she briefly entered her office to check on things. She checked the message that she'd gotten from Command first and made a soft sound in the back of her throat when she saw that they were getting a Senior Cadet from the academy as one of their new crew replacements. She knew she'd probably have to let her Captain know of this. She also saw how much her work was backed up. So she would be rather busy later getting caught up. With a shake of her head and pushing back her want to get started on catching up on her work right away, Lenara turned and head out of her office.

She took her sonic shower, taking a little longer then she normally would, before getting into a fresh uniform and she head for the bridge. She was greeted by a couple crew members who were moving around the ship before she arrived at the bridge and she head into West's ready room where he was already waiting for her with raktajinos already ordered. When she saw them, she smiled before taking her seat.
 
Both Lenara and the captain had plenty of work ahead. However, they needed to go over the updates from Starfleet Command first. Once Lenara joined the captain in his ready room, they got down to business. She had her reports ready for transmission to Starfleet. West had already looked over them while they were on the Tagak. He sent his report, and hers to Lieutenant Lesley Wong for transmission to headquarters. With that done, Kyle & Lenara started going over what they missed. The crew replacements would wait for later. There was bigger news which needed their attention. The most important news, the Romulan Empire had entered the war. Both Kyle & Lenara were taken by surprise. Neither had expected the Romulans to get involved with the fighting. At least not on their side.

The report had come from Starfleet Intelligence. It stated that a Romulan named Vreenak, had been attending a meeting on the planet Soukara. He was meeting with the Vorta official Weyoun. Vreecak was responsible for negotiating the non-aggression pact between the Romulan Star Empire and the Dominion. He was also the most ardently pro-Dominion senators within the Romulan Empire. Vreenak had little faith the Federation/Klingon Alliance could beat the Dominion. All seemed to go normal on Soukara. However, Vreenak's shuttle was destroyed by a Cardassian bomb on it's way back to Romulus. The Tal Shiar, was the Romulan's elite intelligence agency. They combed the wreckage and found the explosive, and a Cardassian data rod. The rod held a holo recording of a secret planning session. The invasion of the Romulan Empire was being planned out by Weyoun and Legate Damar, the current leader of the Cardassian Union. It was believed that Vreenak got the rod while on Soukara, and that the Dominion tried to keep him from returning home with it. The Tal Shiar was forced to accept the facts at hand. They had a dead senator, and a data rod where the invasion of their space was being planned. The Dominion protested their innocents, but the Romulans didn't believe them. Because the Romulans would have done the same thing.

The news got better when Kyle & Lenara read how the Romulans attacked 15 bases along the Cardassian boarder. The Romulans had opened up a second front. They were also sending several fleets of Warbird, to join Federation and Klingon forces along their front. " A Romulan Task Force will be here in the morning. " Captain West told Lenara. " I'm not sure how I should feel........I've spent all my life distrusting the Romulans.......I've fought their ships in several battles.......It's hard to believe they're on our side now. " Kyle said while shaking his head. The most recent encounter between Captain West and the Romulans, came just a few months ago. Lenara would remember it well. It was the mission where the Protector was sent to bring back the USS Prometheus, after the prototype Starship was stolen by Romulans. Lenara was placed in command of the Prometheus once it was safely back under Federation control.
 
After sitting down, Lenara took up her drink and sipped it happily before they began to go over what they had missed. When she heard that the Romulans had joined in the war. This made her look up from her drink, her hand hovering with it. "Romulans?" she echoed. "That certainly is interesting." She set down her drink and leaned forward in her seat while reading the report of why they had decided to join the war. It turned out that the Cardassian's had attacked a Romulan on his way back from a meeting with the Vorta official, Weyoun. It turned out that after combing the wreckage and finding both the explosive and the Cardassian data rod, which revealed a recording of a secret planning session about invading the Romulan Empire. After this, the Romulans attacked several bases along the Cardassian border.

When Kyle spoke of not being sure about how to feel, she nodded in understanding. They had just recently had an encounter with Romulans not too long ago, when they had stolen a prototype Starship. It had been an impressive ship which Lenara had been honored to be in command of until they had it safely back under Federation control. "This may just be the edge we need in this war. However, while we may have to fight beside them, lets not put too much trust in them. After all, with their cunning and opportunistic nature, if they see an opening, they'll most likely take it." she said honestly. Lenara has had a couple run ins, in the past with the Romulan race. Back when she had served upon the USS Farragut, they had encountered the Romulans. She spoke with Kyle for a bit about her experience with the race that were so similar to Vulans, yet so different, and about fighting them while on the USS Farragut.

After discussing the Romulans, Lenara then moved onto another bit of news. "We have several new crew replacements. One of them, however, is a Senior Cadet from the academy. Her name is Kendra Nunez." she informed him while once again picking up her drink and leaning back in her seat. It was nice to once again be back on the Protector.
 
Lenara had served several years on board the USS Farragut, a Nebula Class Starship. She'd been the ship's security chief. The encounter Lenara spoke of, happened a few months before the second Federation/Klingon War broke out. The Farragut had been patrolling the Federation/Romulan Neutral Zone. They were jumped by a Romulan Warbird. A short, but brutal battle broke out, which left both ships damaged. The Farragut was lost in early 2373. Towards the end of the war with the Klingons. Lenara earned herself the Starfleet Award of Valor that day. She took command of the ship after the captain and first officer were killed during a nasty battle with the Klingons. The Farragut had taken heavy damage and was on the brink of destruction. Lenara got as many of the crew as she could to the escape pods. There would always be those who distrusted Lenara, because of her father. However, she'd proven herself whenever given the chance.

After the news of the Romulans had set in. The captain & Lenara moved on to other business. Lenara spoke of new crew replacements. The Protector had been suffering from manpower, just as every ship in the fleet suffered. This is why Lenara, the first officer, also worked as security chief, chief tactical officer and Operations Officer. Kyle was always happy with the news of new crew replacements. But, this wasn't one of those times. Putting Senior Cadets into the field, before they graduated from the academy. Seemed like a desperate move. There were times in the past, when Senior Cadets were given field duty. It never happened during a time of war. " How the hell does Starfleet expect us to fight and win a war when they give us children who barely know how to wipe their asses. " Kyle's words were harsh, but he was once a green cadet. Starfleet Cadets had their heads full of rules and regulations. It took time to learn, that rules and regulations were only the guide lines for Starfleet Officers. Experience was the key to a good Starfleet Officer. There was no way of knowing if this Kendra Nunez would crack while in battle. She wouldn't be serving on a Starbase, or some ship away from the fighting. The Protector would be leaving for the front lines soon. Their next mission was to help defend the planet, Minos Korva. A planet near the Cardassian boarder. It was a planet the Cardassian claimed was theirs. Captain West fought several battles in this part of space during the first war with the Cardassians. He was serving as First Officer aboard the USS Repulse, an Excelsior Class Starship in those days.

Captain West sighed. He knew his words had been harsh. He'd never even met the young woman. She deserved a chance to prove herself. Just as Lenara deserved her chance. " She's part of the command department........Put her into duty rotation after she reports aboard. " Captain West added while he read over Kendra's Starfleet file. Being part of the command department. Kendra would be tasked with learning engineering, helm, tactical and security. Science and medical were not required, but could be added if requested. Kendra would fall under Lenara's direct command. It took almost two hours before Lenara and the captain were caught up with their business. They still had more to catch up on, but most of the important stuff was taken care of. Their meeting ended, and they returned to duty. The following day. 50 Romulan Warbirds arrived at Starbase 133. The new crew replacements also arrived that day. Senior Cadet Kendra Nunez beamed aboard the Protector. She went straight to meet Lenara, at her office. The buzzer on Lenara's doors alerted her that someone waited outside. Once told to enter, the door slid open. The young female cadet stepped inside, then stood at attention. " Cadet Kendra Nunez reporting as ordered Commander! " Kendra spoke while she looked straight ahead.
 
The captain and his first officer spoke about the Romulans for a while longer before they moved onto the next bit of news, which Lenara revealed as being the new crew replacements. Like Kyle, she was usually happy about crew replacements. Especially since they were currently in need of them. But this time they were being sent someone still in the academy and she told him so. After she mentioned this, she listened to Kyle speak, a vaguely amused look on her face for a moment as she tilted her head. While she didn't find the situation amusing, she did find his reaction a little bit so. Clearly her captain wasn't pleased with them getting someone so green.

"Now Captain." she softly said. "Though I don't like it any more then you do, we are in need of the man power and with any luck, this cadet will be competent." Of course, Lenara needn't of said this because he knew he'd been harsh with his words, judging someone before he had even met them. He told her that Senior Cadet Kendra Nunez was part of the command department and he told her to put her into duty rotation once she reported aboard. "Yes Captain." she said after he'd read over the Starfleet file. The two of them talked for nearly two hours, catching up on important things. They had to catch up on other things later, but this was the most pressing of things. With that, Lenara took her leave to do some other work.

The next day, 50 Romulan Warbirds arrived at Starbase 133. It was certainly interesting. But that same day, the new crew replacements showed up. When Senior Cadet Kendra Nunez beamed on board, Lenara was in her office catching up on her work. The woman heard the door buzzer sound and Lenara called for the person to answer and moments later, she heard the door slide open and footsteps of someone entering. Not once did Lenara look up as she did her work until Kendra spoke. Hearing the females voice, Lenara finally lifted her head and looked at the woman standing there. The First Officer set her work aside and folded her hands before her. "Welcome on board Cadet." she said, her voice soft but firm. "I am First Officer, Commander Singh." Lenara stood up from her desk and went on to tell Senior Cadet Nunez that she was going to be in duty rotation.
 
Starfleet had suffered major losses since the war began. The Dominion had proven they were a ruthless enemy. Starfleet had fought major wars against the Klingons, twice, the Cardassians and an early conflict against the Romulans, before the Federation was formed. Not since the Borg first invaded, had the Federation fought an enemy which seemed unstoppable. There were those in Starfleet, who believed defeat would happen sooner rather then later. Still, a great number would go down fighting. This was the reason why Starfleet decided on putting Senior Cadets into the field. The cadets would be scattered around, serving on different starships. Their field duty would be extra credit towards graduation. Cadet Nunez's service time on the Protector, meant she would began her Starfleet career as a Lieutenant Junior Grade, instead of an Ensign.

Kendra was eager to serve. She wanted a front line ship. One which got plenty of dangerous missions. It was possible, Kendra could graduate from the academy as a full Lieutenant. Her head was filed with the rules and regulations. However, it was also filled with thoughts of glory and patriotism. Kendra felt ten feet tall and indestructible. The young woman had no real idea of how dangerous combat was. Kendra stood tall, before Lenara's desk. She was shorter then Lenara. Almost two inches shorter. Kendra listened as Lenara introduced herself. She was then told of being put into duty rotation. Where Kendra started, was Lenara's decision to make. The young woman needed to learn all areas involved with command. " Thank you Sir.......I'm ready to start right away. " Kendra spoke as she remained at attention. " If I may ask Commander?...........Where will I be starting on the ship? " Kendra was very happy to be on such a well known starship. The Protector was one of those ships, many wanted to serve on. One gained a certain amount of prestige, from serving on ships like the Protector.
 
As she spoke to Kendra, Lenara studied the girl, her gaze sharp and calculating. It was one that many new recruits found themselves under. But with Kendra being a Cadet brought an even more intense gaze. Lenara took her job seriously. Too seriously, some said. But she was also very protective of her crew. Their care was something that she took to heart. The woman wanted to keep losses of their crew to a minimum. As she studied the young woman, she was quiet while listening to Kendra speak of being ready to start right away. Upon being asked where she would be starting on the ship, Lenara slowly stood up to her full height. Many new recruits often spoke of how intimidating the First Officer was and those who had been on board a while, usually chuckled. They knew what the new crew members meant, but they would learn that though intimidating, Lenara was secretly a kind woman who could be trusted and confided in.

"You will first settle in and then you will be reporting to engineering." she told Kendra. She'd already had some of the new recruits reporting to the other areas, so she wanted Kendra to report there first. She wanted to balance where their new crew members were. "I will show you to where you will be staying." Lenara knew how many still in the academy and those fresh out of the academy often thought. They were eager to see action and to get out there to fight. They often didn't know what it was like and none were really ready for it when it happened. Many felt the way Kendra currently felt. Indestructible. And it sometimes got them or even others around them killed. This was something that was corrected quick enough.
 
Kendra nodded her head when Lenara spoke of where she would be starting. Being in the Command Department, Kendra needed to learn different parts of a starship and how those area worked. She didn't have to become an engineer, but she did need to know and understand things like the warp core, how dilithium crystals were used, how the warp warp nacelles worked in real space and about the Impulse Engines. She had a working knowledge from the academy, but you can only learn so much from lessons. Things aren't as black & white in real space, as they were in lessons. Unexpected things often happened which made engineers think outside the box. Since Kendra was starting in engineering. She would full under the watchful eye of Lieutenant Commander Thomas Quinn. Tom had proven himself to be a damn fine engineering officer. He transferred over from the Enterprise to become the Chief Engineer of the Protector.

Lenara took Kendra to deck 5. There she had quarters ready for the young woman. A small sign on the bulkhead had Kendra's name and rank as a Cadet, the room number was also on this sign. Each crew member had their names on their quarters. It was nice for Kendra to see. it made her feel welcome. Kendra was instructed to get settled in, she would then report to Lt. Commander Quinn at 1500 hours to begin her duty. He would decide where she would start from there. Lenara & Quinn would stay in close contact about Kendra. They would decide on when she moved on to other work. Lenara's evaluation of Kendra was important. What rank Kendra was when she graduated from the academy, was based, in part on the reports made by Lenara. Captain West would also have a chance to voice his opinion. Once Kendra was given her orders, Lenara returned to her other duties. She went to the bridge as the ship was getting ready to leave on their next mission.

The Protector was leading a force of 50 starships to help reinforce Minos Korva. A planet and system near Cardassian space. The Cardassians claimed that planet since before the first war with the Federation. This mission would be putting the Protector, back on the front lines of the war. Since the war started, the Cardassians had tried many times to force the system from the Federation. They failed each time. Captain West was to take command of the fleet already guarding the system, and keep it out of Dominion hands. The task force left Starbase 133. It had been a while since the ship was on the front lines. Captain West asked Lenara to schedule a series of battle drills before they reached Minos Korva. By the time they reached the system. He wanted his crew ready for what awaited them. The crew of the Protector was facing a very rough end to 2374. Some of the drills would be scheduled for certain times. Others would happen without warning. This would keep the crew on their toes. Only Lenara would know when the drills would happen. If she wasn't on duty. She would call the bridge and have them start a drill. Lenara could even wake up in the middle of the night and order a drill. And she did this, several times before the ship reached Minos Korva. She made sure, each member of the crew was ready. Upon reaching the system. Captain West took command of the fleet. His first job was to call a meeting of all the ship captains and their first officers. This meeting took place on the hanger deck. During the trip to Minos Korva. Captain West & Lenara went over all the battle reports from that system. Lenara pointed out an area of concern. It was a place the Dominion and Cardassians hadn't exploded yet, but they could. Captain West ordered a new line of battle for the starships. This would strengthen that area of concern. He credited Lenara in his log for her strategic knowledge. The starship quickly took up a new line of battle. One which would allow them to press and attack and even push into Cardassian space. However, Captain West had no orders to counter attack. He was told to hold the system at all costs.
 
Lenara would watch the progress of Kendra carefully. The young woman would be under the watchful eye of Lieutenant Commander Thomas Quinn. Lieutenant Quinn has proven himself to be an excellent engineering officer, one that Lenara was happy to have on board. After speaking to Kendra, Lenara led the young woman out of her office and took her to deck 5 where she guided her to her quarters. There was a small sign on the bulkhead with Kendra's name, rank and the room number. Each member of the crew had their names upon their quarters. Lenara then told Kendra to get settled in before then reporting to Lt. Commander Quinn in 1500 hours to begin her duty. After telling her when to report to her duty, Lenara took a moment to study Kendra once more. "I hope to hear good things about you, cadet." she finally said. "Welcome to the Protector."

With that, she left Kendra and returned to her own duties. This time she moved up to the bridge as they were getting ready to leave for their next mission. They were leading a force of 50 starships to help reinforce Minos Korva. It was a planet and system near Cardassian space which had been clamed since before the first war. They would now be returning to the front lines of the war and Captain West was taking control of the fleet currently guarding the system and to keep it from Dominion hands.

They left Starbase 133 and head for the front lines for the first time in a while. Lenara was asked to schedule a series of battle drills before they reached their destination and she offered West a grin. "Leave it to me. They'll be ready by the time we reach Minos Korva." she told him, her eyes bright. After that, the crew would soon learn that the Drills could come at any moment. While there were some scheduled drills, there were others that happened at any time. Whether it was morning noon or night, Lenara had drills run when ever she felt like it. Several times she'd woken up and called the bridge, ordering for a drill to be started. This would keep the crew on their toes and ready to go.

Finally they reached the system and Captain West took command of the fleet. The first thing he did was call a meeting of all the captains and their first officers. The meeting took place on a hanger deck. One of the things that Lenara had pointed out while she had been going over the reports with West during the trip to the system was an area of concern. It was a place that hadn't been exploded yet. "The Dominion and the Cardassians could do so at any time." she softly told him.
 
Captain West & Lenara drew up a new defensive line for the fleet. He wasn't about to become the captain who lost Minos Korva to the Dominion. If the Dominion gained control over the planet and it's system. They would have a jumping off point to several keys Federation sectors. Lenara didn't need to be reminded of what could happen if they failed. This was another mission where the fate of the Federation was in their hands. Long before the meeting with the other captains and their first officers. Kyle & Lenara hammered out a new plan. One which took away the weakness which was never exploited by the Dominion. During the meeting. Captain West & Lenara laid out their new defensive plan. The fleet would be deployed in a frontal battle line, with 200 starships. The remaining ships, and those which the Protector brought with them from Starbase 133, would be the reserve. They numbered 100 starships. These ships would wait behind the main battle line and fill any gaps in the line. The Protector would be at the center of the line. Captain West had Captain Tyson Ashford of the USS Fearless, an Akira Class Starship take command of the left side of the line. He then had Captain Saavik, of the USS Alliance, an Excelsior Class Starship take command of the right. This move did bring low murmurs from many on the hanger deck. Saavik was a good captain, but she commanded Science vessels before the war started. There were others on the Protector hanger deck which had more combat experience.

Captain West wasn't one to discuss his orders once they were given. He was in command of the fleet, and he would assign any officer to positions he felt they could do. Besides, as Lenara knew. Captain West was big on giving people a chance. He'd given her a chance, he'd given Lieutenant Getal a chance. Both times, West was proven right. Captain West knew of Saavik's background. He knew she was a capable commanding officer. Saavik had sought out a combat command at the start of the war. She took command of the USS Alliance in 2373. West knew Saavik would hold the right of their line at all costs. Just as he knew Ashford would do the same on the left. He needed such captains to defend Minos Korva against the Dominion. Once the plan was laid out, Captain West brought the meeting to an end. The other captains began returning to their ships. Captain Saavik remained. She was puzzled by West's decision to pick her. Saavik decided to speak with Lenara. She called to Lenara, asking for a moment of her time.
 
With her advanced knowledge, Lenara worked with West to draw up a new defensive line for the fleet that he was now in charge of. She knew that he was determined not to be the one who lost Minos Korva to the Dominion, and she would do everything she could to help him. Of course, she was always ready and willing to do anything she had to in order to help her captain. Over her time on Captain West's ship, Lenara had become fiercely loyal to him. He was one of the few who had gotten past pretty much all of her walls and came to be known as a friend to her. Before they met with the other captains and first officers, Lenara sat down with Kyle and they worked out a new plan for this new mission. With her skills in battle tactics and her sharp eye, she was able to point out weaknesses that needed to be covered.

In the meeting, the two spoke of the new defensive plan. It was clear from watching the two that they worked as a team. They were in synch with each other and complimented each other perfectly. As Captain West began to assign the different captains to where they would be positioned, Lenara sat back in her seat and studied everyone at the meeting, her pale gaze moving from person to person. The only person who discussed Captain West's orders was usually Lenara, but usually it was on how he wanted his orders carried out or if she saw a problem with something. The captain and his first officer had great respect for each other. He had given her a chance when others were either highly reluctant or downright refused to. And she proved West that he'd made a good choice in giving her a chance.

After the meeting was brought to an end, Lenara gathered up her pad and was readying herself to return to her duties when a voice called out to her and she paused, turning to look at Captain Saavik. One of her eyebrows was raised a little, the only sign that she was curious to Saavik's request of a moment. "Yes, Captain Saavik?" she asked softly, her gaze studying the other woman for a moment.
 
Captain Saavik wasn't one who normally questioned orders. Not unless those orders seemed miss guided, or when against logic. She was half Vulcan after all. Logic ruled over the Vulcan way of life. Captain West's orders seemed illogical. Saavik was a good captain. She'd been one for many years. More years then most of the other captains currently apart of this fleet. However, those years were spent commanding science vessels, not starships. It wasn't until the war began, that Saavik got command of combat ship. She watched as the hanger deck started to clear. That's when she called for Lenara. Saavik knew of Lenara's past. She knew who her father was. The fact that Lenara held the position of first officer on the Protector. Said a lot of how the woman worked to get beyond her troubled passed. Saavik also had a some what troubled past. Her other half was Romulan.

Once Lenara joined Saavik, the two women began slowly walking. The raised eyebrow wasn't missed by Saavik. Had she been human. She would have spoken of how Vulcan Lenara's reaction was. Saavik said nothing. She just thanked Lenara for her time. " Commander.........It's not my practice to question orders from a superior officer........Since Captain West is in command of this fleet.......That makes him my superior. " Saavik began speaking while they walked. " However.......His decision to place me in command of the right side of our line is illogical......There are several other captains with far more combat experience then me........Perhaps Captain West was unaware of this?.......After all........I've only had command of the Alliance for over a year. " Saavik asked, she was hoping for some insight from Lenara on Captain West's decision. Saavik and Kyle had met before, but they didn't really know each other.
 
After Saavik joined her and was at her side, Lenara turned and began walking. For a short while, neither of them said anything before Saavik thanked her for her time, to which she nodded in response. After that, Saavik began to speak of why she had wanted a moment of Lenara's time. She spoke of how it wasn't her practice to question the orders from a superior officer and which Captain West being in charge of the fleet, that made him her superior. However, she also spoke of his decision on where to place her being illogical. The entire time that Saavik spoke, Lenara walked at a casual pace with the Captain at her side. After Saavik finished speaking, Lenara continued walking in silence. To some it might of seemed like she was merely refusing to answer, but Saavik would be able to see that the woman was merely thinking over what she'd said to her.

Finally Lenara spoke. "Captain Saavik. Captain West is completely aware of the amount of combat experience that you have." she said, her voice gentle, yet holding the authority her position required. "The Captains decision may seem illogical, something that I agree with to a certain extent. However, he has deemed you best suited for where he has placed you." She stopped walking and turned to face Saavik, her head tilted slightly. "Captain West gives chances to those that some might think aren't right for a position, to prove themselves. That is what he is giving you." She became silent again for a couple seconds while looking at the other woman. "Or would you rather not have the chance to prove yourself?" she questioned.

Lenara knew that you didn't need the years of combat experience under ones belt to be a good captain in battle. And she knew that Captain West was giving Saavik a chance to show that.
 
Captain Saavik was beginning to understand Captain West better. Lenara spoke of him giving people chances. She said this was Saavik's chance to prove herself. So far, Captain Saavik had shown herself to be a very good combat officer. She had severed in the past under Captain James T. Kirk. One of the legendary Starfleet officers. Kirk was known for his bold and daring command style. This was the same command style which Kyle West used and had become equally famous for. It then struck Saavik, how much Kirk & West were alike. The two man often thought outside the box while dealing with situations. Coming up with plans and doing things other Starfleet Captains wouldn't do. " I accept the chance Captain West has offered me........He does remind me of Captain Kirk.......I served under Kirk as a young officer. " Saavik spoke. She was a very good looking woman, for being over a 110 years old. Many Vulcans lived well into their 200's. Saavik was concerned middle aged for a normal Vulcan woman.

Saavik then questioned Lenara on her beliefs. Lenara had spoke as if she thought Captain West's decision of putting Saavik in charge, was also illogical. This was surprising for Saavik. Most humans wouldn't agree to such a thing. Yet, Lenara did, or at least she made it seem that way. " Do you think Captain West's decision is illogical?......Do you think someone else should have been placed in command? " Saavik asked. She found Lenara to be refreshing for a human. Saavik had severed with many humans, and she never met one who seem so much like a Vulcan. The only Starfleet officer who seemed more Vulcan, was Commander Data of the Enterprise. But he was an android and not a human. Though he wished to be more human. Saavik did wonder if being the daughter of Khan Noonien Singh had something to do with the way Lenara was acting.
 
After she questioned Captain Saavik about wanting a chance to prove herself capable, Saavik accepted it and Lenara bowed her head slightly in acceptance. As the other woman spoke of West reminding her of Captain Kirk, Lenara nodded slightly. "While I have not met Captain Kirk, the many stories I've heard about him would make me say that Captain West is of a similar attitude as him." she said as they began to walk together once again. She was then questioned about her beliefs and she glanced at Saavik for a long moment before looking straight forward again, her hands folded behind her and her shoulders squared with her head held high.

"Because of my training and because of who I am, I think about everything from many points of view." she explained, her voice filled with a soft confidence. "If I went with what I was taught in the academy, I would say that yes it was an illogical decision. But going by personal knowledge and from what I've learned from being on the field, no, someone else should not of bee placed in command." She explained that personally, she did prefer to follow the rules. But she had also learned that sometimes, you couldn't follow them and make the right choice.
 
Captain Saavik was impressed with the way Lenara carried herself. The way she moved, the way she stood and even how she spoke, were almost Vulcan. Saavik never saw this from any human before. Lenara was very disciplined, and held her emotions in check. Captain Saavik wouldn't mind having Lenara as her first officer. She thanked Lenara for her frankness, and for giving her insight on the type of captain Kyle West was. Saavik believed West was a man who could move mountains if need be. Just like James T. Kirk. She then offered Lenara a position on the Alliance, if she ever wanted a change of ships. Saavik said she would love to have Lenara as her first officer. The two woman continued on. Lenara was speaking about the offer she'd just been given.

They reached a pair of sliding doors, leading out into a corridor. Once outside the shuttle bay. The sounds of an argument got their attention. Just down the corridor stood Captain West and Captain Henry Howe. The two men were involved with heated words. Obviously Captain Howe wasn't happy with Kyle's choice of Captain Saavik to command the right side of the line. Lenara & Saavik stopped and watched as the argument grew more heated. They could hear Howe threatening to connect Starfleet Command. Kyle wasn't phased by such threats. " I'm in command of this fleet Captain Howe!........If you don't like it!........Take your damn ship and go home! " Kyle was by now yelling. Crew members passing near the shuttle bay had stopped and were watching as the two captains squared off. " If there's nothing else captain?.......You're dismissed! " Kyle added a final insult by dismissing Howe as if he were a junior officer. West then walked away, leaving Howe standing there, with a scowl on his face.

Howe was a senior captain in Starfleet. Lenara had served under him for a short period of time. Unlike West, Howe wasn't interested in giving Lenara any chances. Other then minor duties. Lenara spent most of her time in her quarters when she served with Howe. He disliked her and didn't trust her. Luckily for Lenara, she was transferred to the Farragut, where she was treated better. Howe held his hands behind his back. He started waking, then stopped suddenly. He spotted Lenara & Saavik standing there. Howe glared at Lenara for a long moment. His glare was icy. He then shifted his eyes towards Saavik. She just nodded her head at Howe. Captain Howe growled as he blew passed the two women. " Perhaps having command of the right is a good thing Commander?.......Captain West's decision no longer seems so illogical. " Saavik spoke. She was of course making light of the situation they just witnessed. And people say Vulcan's have no sense of humor. Saavik then bid Lenara a good day. She spoke of returning to her ship and getting ready for the coming battle. Saavik then left for the transporter room.
 
Lenara was thanked for what she said and she gave a slight nod of her head as they walked together. "You're welcome Captain Saavik." she told the woman. "Captain West has been one of the best captains I've had the honor of serving with and he has gained both my trust and by respect." When she was offered a position on the Alliance if she ever wanted a change of ships, Lenara smiled gently at the other woman. "I do not see me wanting a change of ship any time soon. But I will keep your offer in mind should it ever come about." she told the captain. By this time, they had reached a pair of sliding doors which lead into a corridor.

Once they were outside the shuttle bay, they could hear the sounds of a heated argument and Lenara stopped with Saavik at her side, the two watching like many others, as Captain West and Captain Howe argued. Lenara stood there at Saavik's side with her head high and her hands folded behind her, watching her captain face off with the older man who was challenging his decision as commander of the fleet. She watched her captain with a hint of pride in her eyes as he dressed down the other captain and then dismissed him before walking away, leaving Howe standing there.

Lenara remembered serving under Howe for a short time and she had hated it. But she refused to be broken by the way Howe had treated her. When he spotted the two women standing there, Lenara met his gaze unwaveringly, the look on her face making it clear that she was unaffected by him. He then turned his glare onto the female at her side before he growled and blew past them. Hearing Saavik speaking up, Lenara looked over at her and raised an eyebrow. "Indubitably." she told her before chuckling gently, her soft husky chuckle filling the air. Finally Saavik bid her good day and spoke of returning to her ship and getting ready for the coming battle.

Once Saavik left for the transporter room, Lenara turned and head in the direction her captain had gone, her long legs carrying her quickly in the direction he had walked.
 
Captain Howe had challenged Kyle's decision to put Captain Saavik in command of the right side of the battle line. Howe felt he was overlooked, or even ignored by West. This wasn't the case. Kyle felt Saavik would follow his battle plan to the letter. They couldn't afford breaks in the line. Captain Howe thought he was always right. He disapproved of the plan from the moment Kyle laid it out. Howe had his own plan which Kyle had no interest in. Kyle felt Captain Howe could do something to jeopardize the defensive line during battle. Perhaps try something on his own. Such things had happened countless times, on many battle fields. Kyle & Lenara spent a lot of time coming up with a new plan to defend Minos Korva. And their plan was very sound, as long as the ends held. This is why Kyle picked Saavik. She was Vulcan and had served under James T. Kirk. Kyle believed she would hold her end at all cost.

Captain West didn't get very far down the corridor. He was stopped by Chief Petty Officer Dawn Tyson, who worked in the engineering department. She was the highest ranking non commissioned crew member on board the Protector. Part of her job, was to keep the transporters running. Dawn was holding a pad, showing Captain West a list of items they would need once they got back to Starbase 133. Kyle looked over the list and said Dawn would get what she needed. It didn't take long before Kyle noticed Lenara was hot on his heels. He remained a bit longer so Lenara could catch up with him. " Good afternoon Commander. " Dawn spoke, greeting Lenara with a smile. She then handed Lenara the pad. Asking for her signature so supplies could be got once they left the front lines. All supply requests needed the signature of the captain and first officer. Dawn already got Kyle's, she just needed Lenara's. Once she did, Dawn excused herself. " Well number one.......What's on your mind? " Kyle asked as he and Lenara began to slowly walk towards the turbo lift.
 
Lenara didn't appear as if she were in any kind of rush, though her long strides carried her quickly after her captain. It wasn't long before she heard his voice and she followed the sound of it, finally slowing down a bit as she neared where his voice had been coming from. When she saw him, she was relieved to see that he had realized that she was following and had waiting for her to catch up. Lenara dipped her head in greeting to Dawn, a smile of her own upon her lips. "Good afternoon Chief Tyson." she greeted before she was handed the pad in Dawns hand. Lenara looked at the other woman for a long moment before looking down at the pad as she spoke of it being for supplies once they left the front lines. After a moment, Lenara signed it and handed the pad back.

It was moments before West and Lenara were left together. Turning, they began slowly walking towards the turbo life and Kyle asked her what was on her mind. "Well, Captain Saavik was having some doubts about your choice for her. She said that it had been... Illogical." she said, faint humor in her voice. Lenara had actually said the same thing to West when they had been making the plans, but after talking things over and relying on her trust and faith in her captain and his choices, she had agreed to his plan. "However, after asking to speak with me, she is not doubting herself any more." She leaned towards him a little and lowered her voice in a slightly playful manner. "She said you sound like Captain James T. Kirk." The woman looked over at West and smiled for a moment before shaking her head. "We also witnessed part of the conversation with Captain Howe." she told him.
 
As they walked, Lenara spoke of Captain Saavik and the talk they had. West had seen Saavik call for Lenara, just before he left the shuttle bay. Hearing that Saavik felt his choice was illogical, made Kyle laugh. " Well Lenara.......Taking on four Romulan Warbirds with the Ranger wasn't logical either.......But I did it and survived....Made myself a hero in the Klingon Empire.......Though that was never my goal.......Saving the Klingon colony was. " Kyle admitted as they walked. " Saavik is half Vulcan......I expected her to have doubts over my decision.......And I knew she would never approach me with those doubts.....But she is damn fine captain.........Serving as captain of science vessels isn't easy.......She's often faced threats which out gun her own ship.......And she survived those threats......I like survivors Lenara.......Those are the types I want commanding my right and left during a fight. " Kyle added as they came to a stop at the turbo lift. The doors open, two crew members stepped out, then Kyle & Lenara stepped in. The doors closed as said leaned closer. Telling Kyle that Saavik thought of him as Captain James T. Kirk. " Bridge. " Kyle spoke out to the computer as the turbo lift started upwards.

Kyle wore a huge smile after hearing that. " I'll have to admit.......Captain Kirk was always a hero of mine.......I read everything I could get my hands on.......I read everything I could about the man and his adventures with the Enterprise......Kirk is the type of captain I always wanted to be......I often ask myself......What would Jim Kirk do? " Kyle finished with a laugh in his voice. Lenara then spoke of witnessing what happened with Captain Howe. Kyle lost the smile and cleared his throat. " Captain Howe is upset that Starfleet picked me and not him to command this fleet......He also didn't like that I turned down his plan for defending Minos Korva.......Then I picked Saavik over him.......This just isn't Howe's week.......But he'll get over it........You served with Howe for a time didn't you? " Kyle finished with a question for Lenara.
 
Hearing Kyle laugh made Lenara smile a little wider while they walked together. He then spoke about how he'd become a hero in the Klingon Empire, which hadn't been his goal. But saving the Klingon colony had been and she nodded, showing she understood. She knew the stories about Kyle, having heard them many times from different people. He explained to her also, the kind of people he wanted commanding his right and left during a fight. She remained quiet as he did so, listening to him and coming to a stop at the turbo lift. When the doors opened, two crew members stepped out before the captain and his first officer stepped in, the doors closing afterwards while she leaned closer to him and spoke about Saavik thinking of him as being like James Kirk.

After hearing what she said, Lenara saw him smile widely and this made her own smile grow as he admitted that Captain Kirk was always a hero of his and she chuckled. "I do not find this surprising." she replied after he spoke, his laughter filling the lift. "You are both excellent Captains. You try to do what is right, not what is easy." At the mention of Captain Howe, her own smile disappeared and she sighed when he asked about her serving with Howe for a time and she nodded. "Indeed I did." she told him. "He made it clear on no uncertain terms that he did not like me, did not trust me and that he wanted me off his ship as soon as possible. He can be a very... abrasive person."

She told him that her time on his ship was much different then her time there on the Protector. "I was pretty much given busy work while there and I remained in my quarters anytime I wasn't working." she told him. She shrugged finally and turned to Kyle. "That man doesn't phase me anymore. I have come a long way since then."
 
Lenara would get no arguments from Kyle about Captain Howe. When Lenara spoke of the man being an abrasive person, Kyle chuckled. " Yeah.....Like sandpaper underwear. " Kyle joked to lighten the mood once again. People like Howe were mood breakers. They rubbed people the wrong way. You couldn't get along with such people, no matter how hard you tried. " His lose was my gain.......And a gain for everyone serving aboard the Protector Lenara.......You are the best first officer I've ever had......And one of the finest officers I ever served with........Besides......Not every captain in Starfleet can boast to having the prettiest and sexiest first officer in the fleet. " Kyle flashed Lenara a smile and gave her a wink of his eye. They were not only friends, they'd become lovers since Lenara joined the ship. Though, Captain West wasn't her only lover on board. Lenara had others, among her M.A.C.O. team and among the crew. Fellow officers who joined Lenara in her bed, of she then theirs.

The turbo lift stopped, then the doors opened onto the bridge. Kyle & Lenara stepped out. Lieutenant Simms was at the helm. Lieutenant Wong sat her communications station, listening to all the radio traffic. Mr. Vox was still away on Vulcan. It would be sometime before he could rejoin the ship. Until then, Lieutenant Getal was proving herself to be a fine replacement. This was another reason why Lenara had Kyle's respect. She looked beyond the fact that Getal was Cardassian when the Protector was in need of trained science officers. Getal couldn't get a posting until Lenara helped her get a position on the Protector. She was currently monitoring the sensors at the science station. Ensign William Craig stood at the tactical station waiting to be relieved by Commander Singh. He was one of her newest security officers. " Report. " Captain West called out as he and Lenara left the turbo lift. Getal said all sensors were clear, No sign of enemy activity. Lesley said all the captains and their first officers returned to their ships. Jamal said the ship was holding position and ready for combat. Captain West moved down to his seat. He sat down knowing the wait wouldn't be much longer. They would soon have combat.
 
Kyles joke was unexpected and it caused Lenara to laugh, a little surprised at the comment and she smiled at him. "Most unpleasant." she agreed, her eyes glimmering as she looked at her friend before he said that Howes loss was his gain and a gain for everyone on the Protector. As he praised her as being the best first officer he'd ever had and one of the finest officers he'd ever served with, the expression on her face was open, kind and affection for her captain could be seen. At the mention of not every captain in Starfleet being able to boast having the prettiest and sexiest first officer on the fleet, Lenara chuckled as he smiled and winked. "Speaking of which, Captain." she softly said while moving closer to him, her body moving very close to his. "Your first officer would like to join you for dinner again soon." she softly told him. "Either at your place or mine."

Her comment and actions were quite out of character for the woman. At least when not in the privacy of someone's quarters that is. But Lenara had proved in the past that she was full of surprises. Lenara lifted a hand and brushed it against his jaw for a brief moment before pulling back just as the turbo lift stopped. She sent him a playful yet teasing smile before she schooled her features and she stepped out. She heard West call for a Report as they left the lift and she moved towards the tactical station where Ensign William Craig was filling in for her and she relieved him, taking her place at her station.
 
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