Reaper: Greener Pastures

Stardate: 20721.0000

Title: Greener Pastures

Author: Nelson Reaper

Scene: Ready Room

Time: various

Captain's log, stardate 20610

Things around the ship have been awkwardly quiet. Maybe it's just everyone appreciating the fact that they're alive... for those who still are, maybe it's something else. 

Pirates have been rounded up and will be turned over to Starbase 12's authority within 24 hours. Our mission at the Aean system has been undertaken by another vessel, which is fortunate since our ship is in somewhat dire condition. Lieutenant Mulder assures me that with SB12's help, we can be on the road again in 2-3 weeks.

Louise and Istari have not left our quarters since their return on board. I am concerned for them, but Doctor Dray tells me recovery is only a matter of time. What records could be recovered of recent months are being analyzed by the Science department.

My sixth sense is buzzing, hopefully more on this later.

==

Personal log, stardate 20620

I have uncovered a document I hope is a hoax.

I received an anonymous message from someone in the Admiral's office. It was written in typical Starfleet newspeak, but its meaning was clear. Now I know the reason my requests for new personnel have continually been denied.

My course of action from here is unclear, though I know from experience trusting my first instinct will only make things worse. I have decided not to confide in Commander De'vil on this matter, for reasons with deep roots.

Still the crew seems in a bit of a daze, me included, though I cannot now know how much of my own malaise in due to the message I received. I suppose it doesn't matter... anymore.

Louise and my son are doing well, much better than I had hoped so early. It lifts my spirits to watch their progress with the counselor and the doctor. I have missed them so much.

==

Captain's log, stardate 20623

Today I have sent my resignation into Admiral Kelly's office. In it I recommended Commander Zild Remo for Executive Officer; his tenure on the ship is the longest and his command potential is strong. His loyalty and idealism make him one of the best men I've known in my career, and I shall miss his candor and nearly human vulnerabilities. In fact, I cannot express the sense of loss I feel over this: my entire crew has been a family to me, and they are all part of who I am. They, and Carpathia, are dear to me, but the time is past due for a change. 

I am unsure how to tell the crew about this, but I am sure by stardate 20801, I will have figured something out. In the meantime, we will make for Starbase Arcadia, where I'm sure Captain Bell will gladly install Commander De'vil as the new CO of Carpathia. My next assignment is uncertain, but I plan to inquire outside Starfleet.

==

Personal log, stardate 20710

I got a reply today from my inquiry at UCLA, and I have been offered an associate faculty position in the Department of History! On-campus housing is available for the three of us beginning in just under a month. I broke the news over dinner and for the first time in weeks we celebrated as if we'd never been apart. I will send my acceptance and make preparations in the morning, and hopefully break the news to the crew.

==

Captain's log, stardate 20714

Today a friend has died. Doctor Katherine Dray died of unknown causes at 1105, as reported by Doctor Steele. Katherine's career has been exemplary, and she will be missed. During her short time on Carpathia, she made friends of us all. I have the unfortunate duty to contact her friends and family, which include Captain Bell, her former CO. I know they were once great friends, and she will mourn with us. A memorial has been planned in Katherine's honor, but it will be a long time before I will be at peace with her death.

We left SB12 only four days ago, which puts us just over a week away from Starbase Arcadia at warp 5, currently our maximum speed. A response to my resignation has yet to come; I am unsure what the Admiral has planned for my ship or my crew. This makes me uneasy, but I am sure they will be in good hands.

==

Personal log, stardate 20719

I found out yesterday that Carpathia is to be decomissioned. HQ is sending the crew invitations to come aboard a new science vessel as if it were a birthday party. I know some will go, they deserve the best in their careers. I hope they find success.

My heart is broken.

I know inside the pain is part of the process of letting go, and would come regardless of Carpathia's fate. But it seems so futile now, all the effort we have made to restore her from the looting. This ship is our home. I thank the Maker my family and I have greener pastures ahead, but I feel like I have deserted the crew to an uncertain fate.

==

Captain's log, stardate 20721

In two days, we will arrive at Starbase Arcadia, and I will depart for Utopia Planetia. I will take the USS Erinyes for reasssignment, go through outprocessing for my discharge, and from there... to Earth.

I have had the privilege to command one of the finest ships, some of the finest officers, in the fleet. For that I am grateful. I have made and lost many friends; I will never forget them. My 2½ years on Carpathia have been the most memorable of my life. May all of you who I leave behind fare well in the futures you choose for yourselves. It has been an honor.

Captain Nelson S. Reaper

Commanding Officer

USS Carpathia

NCC-17499

NRPG:

The Road Goes Ever On

Still round the corner there may wait

A new road or a secret gate,

And though I oft have passed them by,

A day will come at last when I

Shall take the hidden paths that run

West of the Moon, East of the Sun.

(J.R.R.Tolkien)

Goodbye, my friends.

http:/soultrek.net/carpathia/

_______________________________________

"Vera Pro Gratiis" (Truth Before Favor)