EARTH, SOL SYSTEM, ALPHA QUADRANT – Nearly half a year after the devastating attack on Frontier Day, the USS Astraeus and the newly reactivated USS Chin’toka have completed extensive refit and repairs and are set to return to active duty.
The vessels, both assigned to the Par’tha Expanse, symbolize a new chapter for Starfleet as it rebounds from the dark days following the events of Frontier Day.
The attack left the Astraeus significantly damaged, requiring considerable time in drydock. Captain Mei’konda Delano, the commanding officer of the Astraeus, expressed his readiness to leave those difficult times behind and embrace the return to exploration.
“It’s been a long six months in drydock,” Delano shared. “Our crew and our families needed the time to heal and recover. But we joined Starfleet to be explorers. With Astraeus ready to depart, we’re all ready to get back out there and begin exploring the wonders of the universe again.”
As part of these fleet updates, decorated officer and four-time Captain’s Commendation recipient Lieutenant Commander Lael Rosek-Skyfire has been permanently appointed as First Officer of the Astraeus, succeeding Commander Serala, who has now taken command of the Chin’toka.
Reflecting on her new role, Rosek-Skyfire remarked, “Though the events of Frontier Day were tragic, it’s an honor to be back in the First Officer role. I admit I was a different person the first time I filled it. I’m looking forward to using my experiences since then to serve those under me well.”
In the wake of the Frontier Day attack, Starfleet saw an influx of new officers and a substantial number of promotions, filling positions vacated by those lost or who resigned in the aftermath. Among them were cadets seeking experience as part of their Academy training, eager to step into roles that many veterans were forced to leave behind. Starfleet Medical officer Dr. Alix Harford, formerly of Denali Station and a recent transfer to the Astraeus, noted the resilience and camaraderie within the crew.
“I’ve never seen such resilience and togetherness before,” Harford said. “Their commitment to Starfleet and spirit of exploration are incredible, considering what the crew of the Astraeus went through fighting on the front lines.”
For the crew, the journey has been as much about healing as it has been about returning to the stars. Many have struggled to come to terms with the events of Frontier Day and the personal losses they suffered. Charles Matthews, a senior operations officer, opened up about the emotional toll the attack left on his crewmates.
“It’s been a long road, getting from there to here. A lot of the crew were struggling after Frontier Day; me included,” Matthews shared. “I’ve seen people breaking down, crying, struggling to control their anger. I think, in a weird way, we’re closer together, and this shakedown has come at exactly the right time. With a bit of luck, we’ll get to do what we signed up for: exploring.”
The Astraeus, a Galaxy-class starship known for its versatility and capability for deep-space exploration, will return to a familiar mission in the Par’tha Expanse—a sector rich in cultural diversity and political complexity. The Akira-class Chin’toka will provide the Astraeus with support in securing the region and conducting exploratory missions.
The mood among the crew is one of anticipation and readiness. Sevantha Saa, a member of the Astraeus medical team, noted, “The excitement of exploration can be felt on the Astraeus the closer we get to launch. Rest has been greatly needed by all, but everyone feels it’s time to return to the stars.”
This sentiment exemplifies Starfleet’s commitment to resilience and exploring the unknown, even in the face of adversity. With two formidable starships at the helm of this mission, Starfleet looks forward to renewed discoveries, fresh alliances, and a journey that embraces the uncharted mysteries of the Par’tha Expanse.
Written by: Lael Rosek-Skyfire
