In the corridors of the Equestria, Nanny DOT chased after Rider and Skye. “Rider, Skye. Get back here right this instant. Your mother is very busy and must not be disturbed!” She called out sternly. “She will be home when she is off duty, please.” She pleaded.

Rider and Skye ignored her and were giggling as they flew, searching for their mother. They flew past a door, which opened to allow Sela and Harlok to step out of the shuttle bay. Nanny DOT fortunately was a robot and thus had the reflexes to stop. “Look out!” She called when it became apparent she might crash.

Sela was first to hear her warning and stopped, also stopping Harlok just in time for Nanny DOT to skid past them and grind to a halt. Much to Harlok’s confusion. “Nanny DOT.” Sela identified the robot. “Is there a problem?” She asked.

“Rider and Skye got loose Commander Sela.” Nanny DOT responded.

The foals, being close enough to hear that, stopped in their tracks, turned, and both smiled and giggled as they saw their aunty Sela. They changed their minds about hunting down their mother and instead flew to crash into Sela.

Sela saw them coming and braced herself, holding out her arms so that she could catch them. The foals crashed into her and clung to her, nuzzling her happily. “Se’ah.” Skye squeaked out, not quite able to pronounce Sela correctly yet.

When Skye squeaked out in her cute voice, Sela admittedly felt her heart melt. “Hello there Skye, Rider.” She said, keeping her grip on them. “Looking for your mother?” She asked.

“Indeed they are.” Nanny DOT responded.

“Who is their mother?” Harlok asked, perplexed at the sight before him.

“That…would be me Representative Harlok.” Said Captain Maxima, who approached the exit to the bay. Her voice a mix of panic, concern, and resignation.

Hearing their mother, Skye and Rider smiled widely and used Sela as a launch pad to shoot towards Proxima, Proxima lighting her horn and catching them in her magic. “Hey there you two.” She said, smiling warmly and nuzzling them. “Are you causing trouble for Nanny DOT?” She asked.

Rider and Skye just giggled as they reached out for their mother. Proxima reaching out a hoof for them to grab at. Nanny DOT meanwhile turned to Harlok. “Please accept my sincerest apologies Representative Harlok.” She said, knowing his name from the Federation database. “It would seem the little tykes aren’t ready to let go of their mother quite yet.” She said.

“It is quite alright.” Harlok responded. “I may not be a father myself but I can understand a child’s attachment to their family.” He said.

“They are clingy. That’s for sure.” Proxima replied.

Sela, seeing that the foals would not so easily part with their mother, cleared her throat. “Captain. I can take over for the rest of the day if you need to take time for your foals.” She offered. “It might be that your week Long Maternity Leave was not sufficient.” She reasoned.

Proxima bit her lip, not not wanting to burden Sela. But on the other hoof, her foals clearly missed her. So, knowing that the ship was in good hands, she relented. “Probably for the best.” She said. “Thanks Cmdr. And…sorry about this Sir.” She told Harlok. “I promise they’ll be out of your hair from now on.” She said.

“It is fine Captain. I do not mind little ones. They can be quite a joy to be around.” Harlok responded as Proxima and Nanny DOT left with Rider and Skye. “And…congratulations Captain.” Harlok called out. Having heard rumors back home about Proxima becoming a mother. When someone is the first of a species to join Starfleet, they tended to garner a LOT of attention and gossip.

Walking down the corridor, Nanny DOT glanced at Maxima. “I apologize profusely Captain.” She said. “I should never have opened up the stroller’s dome until we got back to your quarters.” She said.

“In retrospect, it was probably more my fault.” Proxima said. “Typically Maternity leave is 12 weeks. But given that Rider and Skye are functionally already a year old and it is a well known fact that ponies mature faster than other species, coupled with the fact that we kinda need every officer we can get out here. I had, perhaps incorrectly, assumed that Rider and Skye would be fine after a week.” She explained, glancing down at her little ones, who were smiling and cuddling up to her. “Guess I got a lot to learn about being a mother.” She mused.

“I am confident you will get it, Captain. And I am sure Rider and Skye will grow up to be just like their mother.” Nanny DOT encouraged.

“Thanks Nanny DOT.” Proxima responded.

Meanwhile, Sela brought Harlok to some guest quarters, the two making conversation along the way. “Fascinating. I heard the story of how Captain Maxima came to Earth. Extraordinary that there were more life pods like hers.” Harlok commented.

“It was a surprise to be sure. But Starfleet has always believed there were more pods out there. So perhaps it is not so shocking that we would stumble upon one.” Sela said. “The more shocking part is that their pod held two occupants instead of one.” She said.

“Interesting.” Harlok responded.

At that moment, Shron’s voice came through Sela’s combadge. “Bridge to commander Sela, we’re receiving a hail from the Salvation.” He reported. “Looks like Verak wants to speak with Captain Maxima.” He said.

Sela’s breath involuntarily hitched in her throat, nonetheless, she responded. “I shall be up there momentarily.” She said, before getting an idea. “Representative Harlok, I believe it might be a good idea for you to be in attendance.” She proposed.

“My thoughts exactly. I would like to meet this commander Verak.” Harlok responded. Sela nodded and the two transported to the bridge.

(Start to about 1:24)
Space: The final frontier. This is the story of the USS Equestria. A ship fresh out of construction, with a crew fresh from the Academy. Together they will embark on a mission of discovery, and evolution. They will explore a strange new frontier, seek out new life and a new civilization, and boldly go farther than anyone has ever gone.

On the bridge, Sela and Harlok appeared in the middle of the room, setting themselves up to be center frame while Shron took his tactical console. “On screen.” Sela said. Bracing herself.

The screen turned from the previous view to Verak sitting in his captain’s chair. “Commander Verak.” Sela acknowledged.

“Commander Sela.” Verak responded. “Might I inquire where Captain Maxima is?” He asked.

“She is occupied with other matters at the moment.” Sela said. “To what do we owe the pleasure?” She asked.

“I wanted to see if our two senior staffs might be able to meet tomorrow.” Verak responded.

“I believe that would be acceptable. Assuming you agree, Commander?” Harlok asked. To which Sela nodded in Agreement.

It was then that Verak noticed the Reman standing next to Sela. “Pardon me, but who are you?” He asked.

Harlok, bracing himself for whatever a Romulan might have thought of a Reman during Verak’s time, responded. “I am Representative Illum Harlok. In this situation I speak for the people of the Federation, and more importantly N’Var, formerly known as the Planet Vulcan, prior to the reunification of the Romulans and the Vulcans.” He introduced himself. “I welcome you and your crew to the future.” He said.

Verak’s eyes widened. “Vulcans and Romulans, Reunified?” He asked. He had heard rumors of such an act being on the table, but he did not believe it was possible within his lifetime.

“Indeed. With the Remans also occupying the planet.” Harlok responded. “Much has happened in your absence, commander. I would be happy to fill you in.” He offered.

“I am sure we will get the chance to have a rather interesting conversation Representative.” Verak said, his intrigue high. “But I believe that conversation would be better served after the senior staffs of the Equestria and the Salvation meet.” He proposed.

“That is logical.” Harlok responded. “I hope you and your crew are adjusting to this change.” He said.

“So far so good.” Verak responded. “I look forward to our in-person meeting.” He said.

“Likewise Commander.” Harlok responded. “We have quite a bit to discuss.” He said.

After exchanging farewell pleasantries, the screen cut out and Sela tapped her combadge. “Commander Sela to Captain Maxima. The senior staff of the Salvation wants to meet with us tomorrow.” She reported.

“Sounds good. Make it so Cmdr.” Maxima responded.

Sela acknowledged and cut the connection. “Yamik.” She said. “Make sure security is posted in all sensitive areas of the ship tomorrow. Instruct them that the Salvation’s senior staff are our guests, but also not allowed anywhere near Engineering or the cargo bay.” She ordered.

“My thoughts exactly Cmdr.” Yamik responded as he got up from his console and went off to make the arrangements.

“Cmdr.” Shron spoke up. “Shall I re-engage MultiVector mode and surround the Salvation again?” He asked.

“Make it so LtC Shron.” Sela agreed.

“For what purpose might I ask Cmdr?” Harlok asked, curious about the suggestion.

“Assurance.” Sela responded simply. “As you recall. The Salvation is a Tal’Shiar vessel, which means that everyone on the Salvation is a Tal’Shiar agent.”

“While over there some crew of the Equestria nearly got into a firefight with some of those agents. They did not look too happy to see us.” Shron interjected.

Harlok listened, and understood what they were getting at. “Ah. I see. Would this be the equivalent of the earth phrase, gunboat diplomacy?” He asked.

“Not an entirely accurate comparison but the principle remains the same.” Sela responded. “In the 24th century, the USS Prometheus used Multi-Vector Assault mode to take down a D’Deridex. Because the Equestria has that same ability, and is centuries ahead of the Salvation in terms of technology, it is our hope that we can deter the Salvation from opening hostilities towards us.” She explained.

“Logical course of action. Though I am hopeful that we can proceed without the exchange of fire on each other.” Harlok said.

“Of course Representative.” Sela responded. “Now, do you wish to proceed to your quarters?” She asked.

“Please.” Harlok responded, allowing Sela to lead him to the Turbolift.

Shron watched as Harlok and Sela left the bridge, and assumed the Con as the segments of the Equestria split up and surrounded the Salvation again. “So. How long does anyone think it will take for the Romulans to try to blindside us for the billion and oneth time?” He asked.

“Not sure.” Paris responded. “Seems like that Verak guy is trying to play nice with us.”

“What about his first officer?” Shron asked. “Paris you were there when we were held at gunpoint.” He reminded him.

“G’Nor, I can see doing something.” Paris responded. “He did not look happy to see us.”

“Given that he comes from a time where Romulan/Federation relations were…shall we say less than ideal, it would make sense he would act like that.” Prestine commented, having bore witness to G’Nor’s outrage.

“Here’s hoping he recognizes the position he and the Salvation are in and behaves.” Shron replied.

“We can only hope.” Norman said.

Over on the Salvation, Verak nodded as he got up out of his commander's chair. “Subcommander G’Nor, you have the con.” He said as he went over to the empty first officer station and wiped a handkerchief across it, obtaining Sela’s DNA. “Don’t do anything without my OK.” He warned. Sensing what G’Nor wanted to do.

Though he groveled, G’Nor acknowledged as Verak left the bridge. “Sub-Lieutenant.” He addressed an officer on the bridge. “Start doing everything you can to get whatever intel you can from that federation ship out there.” He ordered.

“Sir.” Another officer said. “Commander Verak-“

“I heard the order Lieutenant.” G’Nor responded. “Have you forgotten the Tal’Shiar’s general order one? Always Purloin all intel.” He said.

The two officers hesitated, debating what to do, before the lieutenant nodded to the lower ranked officer, confirming the order. “Aye sir.” The officer said as he began his work.

Off to the side, another officer watched the exchange with a mix of uncertainty, and worry. “G’Nor, are you sure about this?” They asked. “The Federation—“

“Violated the Treaty of Algerian by boarding our vessel, and also took control of it away from us.” G’Nor cut the officer off. “They have committed acts of war and we will respond in kind.” He declared. “And that is final.” He added.

The officer could tell G’Nor was not in the mood for argument, so cautiously quieted down. The other officers on the bridge doing the same, though with the same uncertainty and worry.

Meanwhile, down on a lower deck, Verak made his way to the Salvation sickbay, cloth with Sela’s DNA in hand, and mind racing as he thought of Sela. And specifically, her silver eyes. “There’s only one way a Vulcan or Romulan could have Silver Eyes…” he mused to himself.

“What was that commander?” Verak heard a female voice ask. He glanced to his side and saw a young Romulan officer take up stride beside him, with a curious look in her eyes.

“Sub Lieutenant B’Lursa.” Verak acknowledged the younger female officer. “Glad to see you’re up and about.” He said.

“Likewise Commander.” B’Lursa responded. “How’re you holding up?”

“About as well as can be expected given the circumstances.” Verak responded. “How’s the crew holding up?” He asked his ship’s counselor.

“I think the order to get this ship back in order is helping them adjust.” B’Lursa responded. Looking around at passing Romulan Officers. “A few have expressed concern that our saviors were Federation. But other than that all’s going surprisingly well.” She said.

“Great to hear.” Verak said, relieved that all seemed to be going well. “That’s what is going to get us through this. Keeping our heads.” He said.

“Seconded.” B’Lursa said, noticing the cloth. “What do you have there?” She asked.

“A cloth, on which is the DNA of a Starfleet Officer that was onboard.” Verak responded.

“Wait, Starfleet was here?” B’Lursa asked.

“Yes. As you may be aware, the Salvation found itself fighting for survival. Alongside the Federation. A group of Starfleet officers served as my bridge crew.” Verak explained.

“Was there not enough time to awaken us?” B’Lursa asked.

“No, there was not. Not with the added complication of acclimation into the 33rd century.” Verak responded.

“I see.” B’Lursa nodded in understanding. She had heard explosions rocking the Salvation when she awoke. “So why do you have a cloth with Starfleet DNA on it?” She asked.

“My reasons are of a personal nature. Which I would preferably like to keep to myself until I visit Medbay.” Verak responded.

B’Lursa studied Verak’s expression. She could tell something was bothering Verak. “Do you believe this Starfleet Officer might be related to a member of this crew?” She asked, taking a guess based on context and what she could see.

Verak jumped a bit when B’Lursa said that, before sighing. “It’s possible.” He said.

“If that’s true, it would be incredible luck.” B’Lursa commented. “The starship that finds us has an officer that’s related to a Salvation crewmate.” She mused.

“The odds of such are astronomically low.” Verak said. “But the same was said for our survival after that Tachyon Eddie ride.” He added.

“And here we are. So I suppose if we bear the odds once. It could happen again.” B’Lursa said.

Verak nodded as they continued to walk, eventually parting ways at an intersection while Verak continued to the medbay.

“Just take it easy for now and I’ll put you on restricted duty for the next three days.” A Romulan Doctor said to an officer in the Medbay.

The officer nodded in response. “Thanks doc.” They said as they got off the bed and exited the Medbay, right as Commander Verak entered.

“Doctor k’Roy.” Verak acknowledged.

K’Roy smiled when he saw Verak enter. “Cmdr Verak.” He responded. “Finally come around for that examination we talked about?”

“K’Roy, that was 800 years ago.” Verak deadpanned.

“Unlike the justice system, medical matters have no statute of limitations.” K’Roy replied, smirking slyly.

Verak couldn’t help but chuckle. “You got me there.” He said. “But another time, right now.” He said, handing K’Roy the cloth he was holding. “I need you to run the DNA on this cloth through our database.” He said.

Taking the Cloth, K’Roy proceeded to his lab, though confused. “Who’s DNA am I running?” He asked.

“A Starfleet officer from this future century. Commander Sela. A Vulcan.” Verak responded.

At that, K’Roy stopped, and gave Verak a perplexed look. “Anyone from this century wouldn’t be in our database.” He said. “Our records only go to 2400.” He told him.

“I’m aware. You’re scanning for a match.” Verak replied. “Cross reference my DNA first.” He said.

At Verak’s request, K’Roy picked up on what Verak was trying to learn. “Don’t tell me a T’Pala might be working with Starfleet.” He said.

“We are in the future K’Roy, anything is possible. Would you please just do as I asked?” Verak asked.

K’Roy complied and placed the cloth in his scanner, the device whirling to life as it started working. “So, anything you can tell me that makes you think this Vulcan is a T’Pala?” He asked.

“She had Silver Eyes.” Verak responded. “Only those in my family are capable of such a genetic rarity.”

“It could be possible the rarity has lessened over the centuries.” K’Roy responded. “Genetic mingling over 8 centuries can introduce certain traits once found to be rare.”

“Maybe.” Verak responded. “But what are the odds a Vulcan with silver eyes would just happen to be on the ship that at long last answered our distress signal?” He inquired.

“Astronomically low. Maybe fate had a hand in this.” K’Roy said.

Before Verak could reply, the device chimed, indicating it was finished. K’Roy went to his computer console. “Scan complete, cross referencing with the DNA in our database.” He reported. After a few moments, the console flashed the word match in Romulan when it compared the strand with Verak’s. “It’s a match. This Vulcan Starfleet officer IS your descendant.” Verak announced.

Verak’s mind raced with this confirmation. “Is it direct or someone from my family?” He asked.

“Hang on…” K’Roy tapped at his console again to get a more detailed report. “Hmmm….got it. She looks to be the direct descendant of your brother, Krefax T’Pala.” He announced.

Verak couldn’t help but smile at that news. “Woulda liked to have been there to see him finally find the one.” He mused, before he noticed something on the console. “What’s that?” He asked, gesturing to the console.

K’Roy noticed the same thing, and tapped at the console again to analyze it. “Ahoy captain what have we here…” He took a closer look, before his eyes widened, recognizing the oddity. “Sir, you’re not gonna like this.” He said.

“What? What’s the problem?” Verak asked.

“It would seem this, Cmdr Sela, has Emotional Suppression Inhibitor cells in her DNA.” K’Roy announced.

Verak’s eyes widened. “Wait, she has ESI Cells, cells meant to disrupt a Vulcan’s or Romulans ability to suppress their emotions without risking termination?” He said. “That’s a Tal’Shiar Bio Weapon, made right before priority shifted to Supernova evacuation efforts. You’re saying it’s been deployed and Sela has it?” He asked.

“It looks like it.” K’Roy responded.

Verak stared at the screen in disbelief. Mind racing with questions. Who was the first in his family to be infected? And who was it that infected them? “Krefax you Petaq.” He cursed. He was never going to be able to confirm whether it was his brother that infected his own family, but at the moment he had no other suspects.

“We do not know for certain if it WAS him.” K’Roy commented. “It could have easily been someone else.”

“But who is the question.” Verak said, fury over this revelation rising steadily. He would never wish his family to be subject to such a bio weapon. No matter how much he loathed them.

“We may never know.” K’Roy said. “Do you think they know?” He asked.

“They must. I’m confident they have the technology to detect those cells.” Verak responded. “The question is, why haven't they been able to find a cure.” He mused.

“Heh.” K’Roy chuckled. “A centuries old Tal’Shiar bio weapon is still elusive to Starfleet even 8 centuries into the future.” He mused.

“Doctor, this is serious.” Verak snapped at him.

“Yeah I never said it wasn’t, but come on Verak. You gotta take some pride in our organization still being able to one up the Federation even centuries later.” K’Roy urged.

Verak only shook his head. “Maybe I would if it didn’t affect those in my bloodline.” He said.

“Fair enough.” K’Roy replied, knowing Verak’s devotion to those in his bloodline. “So, what are you going to do with this discovery?” He asked.

“I…don’t know.” Verak admitted. “As much as I want to let her know I’m her distant ancestor. She’ll likely think I’m crazy.” He said.

“Could always bring her the results of the DNA test as proof. Plus there’s nothing stopping her from requesting a DNA test with their technology.” K’Roy suggested.

Verak nodded, having come to that conclusion. “I’ll consider it. For now, our Senior Staff and their’s are meeting tomorrow. Along with a Representative Harlok of N’Var.” He said.

“Figures.” K’Roy replied. “I’ll be there.”

“I’d expect no less.” Verak responded. “Thanks K’Roy. Holding up alright?” He asked.

“We’re 800 years into the future and I’ve got about 2000 crew to examine for any lasting effects from Cryosleep that was caused by the unexplainable Tachyon Eddie we ran into that knocked up our ship.” K’Roy deadpanned. “I love it.” He said, letting out a smile.

Verak couldn’t help but chuckle. He knew K’Roy’s love for medicine. “Glad to see you can make light of the situation.” He said.

“Having the time of my life.” K’Roy responded. “Now, if you don’t want that checkup, please make room for someone else.” He said.

“Alright. See you later K’Roy.” Verak replied. “Thanks again.” He said as he left.

K’Roy nodded, before he turned his attention to another Romulan officer, who had come in during Verak’s visit. “Now, Let’s see what’s going on with you.” He said as he got his equipment ready.

Outside the Medbay, Verak proceeded down the corridor, mind racing. “Just this morning, I was in Cryosleep. And now, me and my crew are out and about and keeping station with a Federation Vessel with strange alien species as a captain and my distant descendant as an officer. Definitely wasn’t on my Gedothor Card.” He said to himself, processing everything that happened today. At least until his communicator sounded off.

“Cmdr Verak.” Said an officer on the other end. “Sorry to interrupt you sir but we could use some help in the shuttle bay. Scorpion Fighters are locked and we need your command codes to unlock them.”

“For what purpose is that a priority at this time?” Verak asked. “The fighters are not needed.”

“Wasn’t the Salvation in a fight not that long ago?” The officer asked in response.

“A fight she could handle without needing her fighters. Get back to work repairing the Salvation. Leave the fighters for another time.” Verak ordered.

“Yes sir.” The officer on the other end responded as the connection cut.

After the connection cut, Verak shook his head. “This better not be a recurring thing.” He mused.

To be continued…

Author's Note

Not much to say about this one. Thx for Reading. See you next time.