<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>[Yorktown] 2161.10.08-DL Ca'daar -Homecoming</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
<FONT FACE="Optima, Times New Roman"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12pt'><BR>
<BR>
</SPAN></FONT><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12pt'><FONT FACE="Arial"><I>~Space, near Earth solar system~<BR>
</I></FONT></SPAN><FONT FACE="Arial"><FONT SIZE="2"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:10pt'> <BR>
<BR>
“We're approaching the Sol system Commander.” Came the call from helm. <BR>
<BR>
“Acknowledged mister Cromwell. Inform Intrepid that we're dropping out of warp and send off a message announcing the return of her prodigal daughter.”<BR>
<BR>
“Aye sir,” The crewman manning the comm station responded. <BR>
<BR>
Yorktown was in drastic need of this refit and re-up, especially given their last run in with the Romulans. He would have to make it a point to see about finally getting a dedicated comm officer, he thought to himself as he remembered the performance of Mendez from Intrepid. <BR>
<BR>
“Earth acknowledging Commander. We've been cleared for immediate berthing in the moon dockyards. Fleet sends it’s thanks and congratulations.” <BR>
<BR>
“Tell them thank you crewman Simmons, thank you and it’s good to be home.” It was sentiment that Da'nak hardly felt, being Andorian, but he knew there were a great number of crew that did, so the message seemed appropriate.<BR>
<BR>
There was a short pause as the woman sent and listened to the return broadcast. The smile of relief on her face was replaced with an expression of concern. “Sir, they're asking about the Captain sir.”<BR>
<BR>
Da'nak sighed heavily. “Tell them there has been no change. Ask them to have medical teams standing by to move some of our more severe injuries… Captain Morgan and Dr. Tsang included.”<BR>
<BR>
Simmons nodded and quickly began sending the message. <BR>
<BR>
Although he tried not to show it, the loss of the Captain had effected him greatly. In the past he would have gone to her for advice, both with running the ship and with his more “personal” situation with CPO Yearly. As it was, he felt like he was flying blind. Hopefully, under better conditions, the Captain would make a full recovery.<BR>
<BR>
“Also include that Ensign Valorum and Lt. Mathews will have a repair list prepared the moment we dock. Technicians will be able to coordinate with both of them on an alternating schedule as we intend to begin shore leave the moment we reach dry dock.”<BR>
<BR>
The little tech’s fingers flew over the comm panel, then she waited for a reply.<BR>
<BR>
“Earth responds affirmative sir. They say welcome home, and they are anxious to read our report on the battle.”<BR>
<BR>
Da’nak nodded, his antennae shifting slowly on his head as he did so. “Thank them again Simmons. That is all. Mister Cromwell…” He said, turning to face Yorktown’s junior helmsman.<BR>
<BR>
“Yes sir.”<BR>
<BR>
“Take us in Mister Cromwell.”<BR>
<BR>
The man paused for a moment. He knew that the Commander usually preferred to bring the Yorktown in himself. “Are-Are you sure sir.”<BR>
<BR>
“Aye Mister.” The azure Commander said, smiling for the first time in what seemed like ages. “Take us in Mister Cromwell, You've earned it.”<BR>
<BR>
“Yes SIR!” The man said turning back in his seat. “Next stop… Earth.”<BR>
<BR>
There was a light laughter on the bridge as Cromwell guided the Fighting Lady home. For Da'nak though, this joy of this homecoming was tempered by the realization of those who would never see it….<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Andorian Commander Da'nak Ca'daar<BR>
Executive and Chief Helm Officer<BR>
NX-05 Yorktown<BR>
<I>The Fighting Lady<BR>
</I> <BR>
&<BR>
Various NPCs (Apb Leo)<BR>
<BR>
</SPAN></FONT></FONT><FONT FACE="Optima, Times New Roman"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12pt'><BR>
</SPAN></FONT><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12pt'><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"><I>You ever dance with the devil in the pale moon light?<BR>
I always ask that of all my prey...<BR>
I just like the sound of it.....<BR>
<BR>
</I></FONT></SPAN><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"><FONT SIZE="2"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:10pt'>Jack Nicholson- Batman<BR>
</SPAN></FONT></FONT><FONT FACE="Century Gothic"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12pt'><BR>
</SPAN></FONT>
</BODY>
</HTML>