The End of the Beginning

The End of the Beginning

Note: I don't own Star Trek and this is a continuation.

The desert air stole the breath right out of Aria's throat as she stepped into the Vulcan sun.  She squinted and rushed after the young woman leading her into the Starfleet Training Center. 

The building was over two hundred years old.  In Jonathan Archer's day, it was the United Earth Embassy.  Today, it was where most enlisted men and women got their first training.

The young woman stopped at the end of a long hallway and told Aria to wait.  She entered a large room Aria could only surmise was a gym.  A few moments later, she reemerged and ushered Aria inside.

The white suited students were running through standard self-defense maneuvers.  An Onari man stood at the front of the class in black robes.  Aria recognized him from his file.  His hair was grayer, but his eyes seemed just as kind, even though short spikes surrounded them.  He acknowledged Aria and clapped his hands, bringing his students to a halt.  He bowed and dismisssed them.  As they made their way out, he made his way to Aria.

"Captain Barclay, it is a pleasure," he said.  "I am Kumok Onari.  Would you like to step into my office for some tea?"

Aria nodded.  "Yes, of course."

She followed him to a small office just off of the gym.  A small tea setting was waiting for them on a small table only six inches off the ground.  Aria took a seat on a floor cushion.

"Are you a fan of ancient Earth's eastern cultures?" she asked.

"I am," Kumok answered as he sat down across from her, "especially the Indian and Japanese traditions."

Aria squirmed uncomfortably as he poured their tea in silence.  "Commander," she began finally, "I don't really want to draw this out.  The central question I have is, are you ready for what this task has in store for you?"

Kumok placed his cup back on its saucer.  "I believe I have stayed behind a desk long enough, Captain.  I would very much like to be on a starship again."

"Even though Captain Bragg wouldn't be on that starship?" she asked.

"Even though," he answered.

"I need a first officer with knowledge and experience," Aria continued.

"I have those things," Kumok said, sipping his tea.

"And I don't want anyone babysitting them just because they're young and inexperienced," she continued sternly.

Kumok gave her a small smile.  "I have never been apt to babysit anyone," he assured her.

"I don't think you understand what I mean, Commander," she told him.  "I don't want someone to babysit them.  I want someone to be their father."

Kumok cocked his head curiously.  "I do believe you will have to explain that to me, Captain."

Aria leaned across the table and looked him in the eye.  "I don't want someone to pander to them just because they're young and inexperienced.  I need someone to mentor them, and discipline them when necessary.  I need someone to be an intermediary between myself and my crew.  Just a few short weeks ago, I was one of them.  Now, quite suddenly, I'm their captain.  It's kind of a sticky situation, Commander.  And it's what you'd be volunteering for if you take this posting.  I just want you to be prepared."

Kumok gently set his teacup down and sighed thoughtfully.  "I had a friend at the Academy who became a father his senior year.  As we waited, I asked him if he was ready to become a father, and he said that no one would ever be prepared for all the challenges fatherhood poses, and that all one can do, is their best.  I may not be fully prepared for all of the challenges I will face on Excalibur, but I can assure you, Captain, I will do my best."

Aria smiled brightly.  "That's a very good answer, Commander."

Kumok returned her smile.  "I thought so as well."

"I'd like to leave in the morning if that's possible."

"It is."

She stood up and extended her hand toward him.  "Welcome aboard, Commander."

He stood and took her hand in the human custom.  "Thank you, Captain."

=====

"Captain, the McAuliffe is actually going to be in your general vicinity tomorrow," Ian said.  "If you and Commander Kumok could pick Lt. Vorik up, it would expedite his arrival.  Having a chief engineer a couple of days early may even get us out of here a little more quickly."

"That's a good idea, Commander," Aria said from his subspace console.  "I have a friend on the McAuliffe, I'll let her know we're coming.  How is your search for a new chief of security going."