I Know A Place

Posted on Tue Feb 17th, 2026 @ 9:23am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Civilian Teevs Dosivi

Mission: Season 6: Episode 6: Conglomerate
Timeline: MD4 Late
1347 words - 2.7 OF Standard Post Measure

Teevs was starting to feel the deja vu as he helped clear away debris. It had to be the fourth or fifth time he had done this. His clothes were covered in dust and his forehead glistened with sweat. He grunted as he set down the armful of debris he was carrying, the pieces clattering together as they rolled into place on the pile he had been contributing to.

Wiping his brow, he walked over to where he had put a small water bottle and took a seat for a short break. Someone was patrolling the corridors with a grav cart to pick up debris, and they had stopped by his section a while ago.

The Commodore, dressed down in what she termed her work clothes, of uniform pants and red undershirt, came around the corner with a hover trolley stacked with food and water for the workers. She paused when she spotted Teevs. She pushed the cart to him. "Mr Dosivi" She said in her lilting voice. "I have food here if you are hungry."

Looking up, he gave a kind smile to Phoenix. "Thank you, Commodore," he said. Pushing himself back up to his feet, he looked over the items available. He had only consumed part of a breakfast when the attack happened, so a pick-me-up was much appreciated. He was careful to avoid any orange-looking foods, as he learned the hard way that both he and Kerilia were allergic to them. "I heard that the main Galtonian ship was destroyed. Is this true?" He asked while reaching for a granola bar.

"Yes. The Romulan ship was sacrificed to take it out." She replied not hiding things. "But they left a big mess behind."

Teevs' expression took on bittersweet relief. While he was glad that the Crown Ship had been taken out, the weight of its cost was unavoidable. From what he heard, they were still recovering bodies, and they were lucky the ship was even intact. "I'm sorry to hear about the loss of their ship. I can only be grateful that it wasn't your ship as well," he said. "I was so worried that I hadn't done enough to prepare your people for this."

"There are somethings you cannot prepare for Mr Dosivi. Sometimes we just have to deal." Phoenix said gently. "Your advice was great and we are most grateful for it."

Teevs nodded slowly. There was no way to know just how aggressive the Galtonians would get. He knew he didn't have to shoulder the guilt, but it would take time to convince himself of that. "I'm grateful that the knowledge I had helped." He took in a breath through his nose, "I have to remember that what your people accomplished today had never been done before. This was probably the most significant event of the century... possibly in the entire quadrant."

"Well let us hope they learn the lesson." Phoenix replied. She looked at him carefully. "The crew are tired, and this does not help their exhaustion. Is there a station or planet that you would recommend for a little RnR?"

There was a pause as Teevs recalled which sector they were in. Phoenix's request considered the crew's well-being, but he couldn't ignore the state of the ship. After surviving the Galtonians, they'd probably need any help they can get, especially with their mission to get back home. "Unfortunately there is not much in this area of space. There's a few space stations I can think of that have facilities, but it may actually be faster to get to the Thilia system. It's just on the other side of this sector."

Looking around, he approached a wall console and typed on it. The flickering screen showed a star system with five planets, the second closest one to the star highlighted, and Teevs' request also showed its position relative to the ship based off of the star charts he had provided. He ignored the implications behind suggesting his homeworld, because it meant a decision he wasn't ready to make yet. But this wasn't about him. "My planet, Niea IV, is one of the larger trading hubs in the area and regularly accommodates travellers."

She studied the map. "At our best warp, 7, its a nearly 3 week journey. Doable." She nodded. "Would they welcome a ship like the Elysium coming to their planet?"

"They might be cautious due to the size of your ship, but it's unlikely that they would turn you away," Teevs replied. He remembered just how intimidating the Elysium was when he first saw the ship. "I know what Niea Orbital Control will request, so I can assist with communications. They will appreciate advance notice for a ship of your size." He pointed out a section between the second and third planets' orbits, his finger spanning about a third of the asteroid belt that separated them. "The only area to avoid on approach is here. It's a demilitarised zone, and neither Kavai or Lonians are allowed to enter. Entering this section of the asteroid field with Kerilia and I aboard would violate the deescalation treaty between the two species."

Phoenix nodded. "Very well. I want you to hold briefings for all crew around your people. Everyone is to attend. I do not want any diplomatic gaffs. Start with the diplomatic team."

It had become a more or less regular thing for Teevs and Orin to meet and discuss the alien species in the areas of space they were passing through. Her words meant scheduling another meeting, only this time it would be about his own people. "Yes, Commodore. I will make the necessary arrangements." He was already making a mental checklist of everything he'd need to do. "Your people have endured so much in such little time, so I will do whatever I can to make sure they can get their rest. Yours as well."

She studied him. "And maybe a rest for you and your daughter as well?"

Teevs gave her a small smile. "We'll try. Visits home mean family reunions, which make Promenade celebrations seem modest." He paused to think, then added, "I'm willing to continue with your ship for as long as I can, but Kerilia has been away from home for too long. She really wants to be around family when she reaches puberty, and that could happen as early as her upcoming birthday in a couple of your months. I have to respect her wishes."

"It is a big cultural thing for your people then?"

"Probably one of the most significant moments in our lifetimes," Teevs answered with a nod. "My people are storytellers. When a child reaches puberty and develops their ridge, there is a celebration where the family guides them into adulthood by sharing their successes and failures. It's a way to show them that they aren't alone in this transition. Legally, puberty is considered the moment someone becomes an adult and can start making their own informed decisions." When he was finished, he took a bite of the granola bar.

Phoenix considered it. "Do you throw a party?"

Teevs shrugged as he finished chewing the granola. "It's common to see parties, yeah. The ceremony itself is more like those campfires that Humans build and is at the end of the day. Then there's a ritual bath before going to sleep, then the following morning is focused on self-reflection."

"Well, once she has done her ceremony, we will have to throw her a party. Becoming an adult is very important." Phoenix said. "You let me know when."

Teevs smiled at that. "She would love that. I will let you know." Behind her, he spotted the officer with the grav cart approaching again. Taking another bite of the granola bar, he re-wrapped the rest and put it in his pocket. "I might take another water, too. If there is anything else I can assist with, Commodore, please let me know."

She handed him two bottles and a bag of snacks. "Share if you want" She smiled and headed off to keep distrubuting things.

OFF