Returning the Prisoners - Part V

Posted on Wed Jan 21st, 2026 @ 5:00am by Commodore Samantha York & Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe

1,348 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Broken Mirror
Location: Calypso & Pridwen

[PREVIOUSLY]

"Wonderful, Sir." Gibbs replied, before looking to Sam and Damion with a large smile, bowing his head repeatedly. "Many... many thanks. Our people are most appreciative. How ever can we repay your generosity?"

[CONTINUED]


"You can make sure the mercenaries don't come back and steal from us," Sam said. "But I think your Captain will take care of that." She glanced over at Thayne and wondered how different their universe might be if Kilgore had been more like this Captain.

Thayne nodded his head. "Of course I will, Commodore. It's the least I can do for your generosity." He let out a smile and placed his hand on Nerant's shoulder. "I want you to arrange the transfer and distribution of the supplies. Be sure to begin with the ones that most needed."

"Of course, Captain." Nerant replied, looking up to Sheridan, as he placed his hands together. "I do hope I finish in time to make my usual appointment with the young ones." He gave his Captain a big smile and turned to York and Damion before bowing his head. He soon walked off to prepare for the supplies to be delivered.

Captain Sheridan smiled as he watched his Ferengi friend walk off. He crossed his arms over his chest and looked over to York, keeping to his smile. "Nerant enjoys reading to the children onboard very much. He's reading his favorite story. The Giving Tree. I am sure the kids mostly enjoy the funny voices he does to keep them entertained."

"I'm glad the children have someone like him to read to them," Sam said. She wondered if the story was the same in her world. "We should go back so we can arrange for the supplies to be sent to you. Is there anything else you need from us?"

"Wait... I would think a book like that would be banned in this Universe, by your Terran Empire." Damion asked, curious as to how a book so similar from their Universe could be made here given its history.

Thayne nodded his head slowly before replying softly with a gentle smile. "It wouldn't... and it hasn't. It's thanks to their connection to your world, Alex and Alora could bring books and movies like that to this Universe. Giving the new generation something to watch and read that will bring them hope and start up their imaginations. The Knights and their team have only brought material like that across to us. Nothing dangerous. Nothing that could be used for war, so there is nothing for you to be concerned over."

"Books are important in any universe," Sam said quietly. "I'm glad you were able to get some for your people." She wasn't sure if the Federation would condone sharing literature with the Knights to bring here, but if not, she knew some scientists and academics who would make private donations.

Damion gave a slight smile before adding. "Maybe, the Commodore, could put together a few books and movies she feels are appropriate for the children here for Mister Gibbs to share." He crossed his arms slowly before adding. "And Captain Sheridan can return them should we encounter each other again."

"No." Sheridan replied, raising his hands slightly. "I wouldn't want to put you in any position that would violate your rules. You've all done so much for us already."

"I appreciate your concern, captain," Sam said. "But I'm not going to send large quantities of books. But I do know people who collect books for impoverished worlds. I simply propose sending a box or two back with the Knights. I don't know how long it will take me, but I would like to try. And maybe some sweets for the children as well. Call it my thank you for your timely assistance, and a gesture of good will."

"Again... I thank you both for going the extra mile when you weren't obligated to." Thayne said softly as he added with a smile. "Send them to Mister Gibbs, if you can. Nerant always gets excited when someone sends him something. He can't wait to tell someone what it is and who it was from." He gave a slight chuckle before letting out a sigh. "Sometimes, it will help keep a smile on his face for the rest of the day. With all the fighting and issues we deal with, he tends to worry about everything that's going on and grows worried about making sure they are handled."

Sam inclined her head. "We'll do that. Thank you again for the assistance, and for taking the prisoners off our hands." She really didn't want to take them back with her. This was, hopefully, a simple solution to the problem of the mercenaries and would keep them from returning. A few supplies the Calypso could easily replace when they got home and some books from colleagues was a small price to pay for the peace Sheridan could give them by simply keeping them here. "Before we take our leave, is there anything else you need from us?"

"I believe, Commodore, you have done more than enough." Sheridan said as he pushed away from the desk he was leaning on and walked over to Sam and Damion. He gave them a calming smile, one fueled by their generosity to his people and cause, before stopping in front of them. He eased his hand out to Sam and added. "I only ask, you plead with your Command, to give the Knights and their people some personal time. If they don't take it... force them." He chuckled slightly. "They certainly deserve it and, Alex and Alora have occasionally talked about slowing down to start a family. I want them to start one. Especially, in your Universe. They should be raised in a world were these troubles aren't a common danger."

Sam took his hand. "I plan to give everyone on the Calypso a short break and the Knights are helping us, so they can take the time they need." She wished Sheridan and his crew could do the same, but she knew that was not likely to happen.

Thayne took her hand and smiled back. "Thank you, Commodore." He said with slight tears in his eyes. "You have no idea how much this helps us." He placed his second hand over hers and looked down for a moment, before looking back up again. "Godspeed, Sam."

"And you, Thayne," she replied. After his help and their conversation, she felt it appropriate to drop the formality as he had. "It was a pleasure meeting you and your crew."

She glanced at Damion. "And now we should return to the Calypso so we can prepare the supplies for you."

"Good luck in your journey, Captain Sheridan." Damion said, with a smile, as he raised his hand towards Thayne. He finally let his guard down and saw the man as who he really was. A man trying to protect others while pushing against an enemy that was difficult to keep down. Always fighting a battle, just to sit there and wait for the next one to come around. Struggling to win, but always reminded why he fought. Not for himself, but for others.

"To you as well, Commander." Thayne replied with a gentle smile. His eyes still a bit teary, from their generosity. He gripped the mans hand and shook it firmly, before turning to look at Sam. "And to you, Sam, I have only this." As he raised his hand, he continued with a smile and soft tone. "A Starship in a dock is safe, but that's not what starships were built for. Go forth and explore. May your path be clear, your heart be light, and your spirit soar safely amongst the stars. Safe journeys, Samantha York."

"Thank you." And with that, she and Damion headed back to the transporter room and home.

A post by

Commodore Samantha York
Commander
USS Calypso

Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Calypso

Captain Thayne Sheridan
Commander
Pridwen

Nerant Gibbs
Yeoman
Pridwen

 

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