The Old Man

Posted on Thu Nov 6th, 2025 @ 9:30pm by Captain Tristan Faust & Vice-Admiral Heihachiro Nogura
Edited on on Wed Nov 12th, 2025 @ 1:34pm

709 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Mission 6: Echoes of the Interphase
Location: Star Fleet Headquarters, Earth
Timeline: M6 MD04 (2268.10.07) 0900

The crisp light grey visage of Star Fleet Headquarters stood proudly along the shores of San Francisco. After the much needed sojourn in Hawaii, Captain Faust now headed into the secure section of Star Fleet Command, his boots clacking against the polished terrazzo floor. He reached the outer office of Star Fleet operations and was greeted briefly by a lieutenant at a circular walnut reception desk. He handed over his encoded ID to the receptionist who quickly handed it back.

The Captain walked past the desk and up the floating cable suspended circular staircase. Several officers shuffled past him but none were command rank. He stepped into the walnut paneled hallway and walked past five doors alternating between red and turquoise. The hallway was clearly soundproofed. The only noises were his footsteps accompanied by a white noise. He stopped at one of the non-descript doors.

RADM H. Nogura, Starfleet Operations the black name plaque read. The lightbulb above the door glowed a solid green.

Tristan took a deep breath before stepping inside. The Captain glanced around the room. The room was spartanly furnished with a polished walnut desk and a low back black office chair. To the right, a small sitting area comprised of a Florence Knoll sofa in black leather and two Knoll Barcelona Chairs in coordinating black leather. A blue porcelain tea service was set up on the Noguchi Coffee table. A single white orchid in a blue porcelain vase accompanied the set. Other officers adorned their walls with certificates, diplomas, medals but on Nogura’s only a single Katana.

Behind the desk stood the Old Man himself. He was staring out the window, hands clasped. He turned his head slightly, “Captain Faust,” he said, before turning around completely.

The Admiral held himself in almost regal manner. His striking features matched his reputation as a distinguished commander. “Please have a seat,” he said before walking over to the sitting area. Captain Faust sat down as directed.

The admiral picked up the porcelain tea pot and began to pour the tea into the two matching cups. “I apologize for interrupting your well earned sojourn,” he said, his eyes focused on the tea pot. “But an emergency situation has arisen,” he quickly continued. He set down the tea pot.

Captain Faust nodded. With Admiral Nogura it was best to let him finish this thought and stay silent until invited to comment.

“A report came from the Sciences Division… The Daystrom Institute have confirmed the findings… The science vessel Osaka observed a planet on the Tholian border disintegrate… Then followed by an entire star system… Where the Defiant was lost,” Nogura continued.

Tristan frowned. “The interphase?”

Nogura nodded, “It is growing, expanding. The Osaka observed subspace fractures radiating from the original rift. If it continues unchecked, the safety of the Federation is at risk.”

The Admiral’s steely eyes turned to Captain Faust and scanned his face. “You and your crew have more experience with the Interphase than anyone else in Star Fleet. I want the Midway at those coordinates within seventy-two hours.”

“And the Tholians?” Tristan asked.

Nogura hesitated. “Already there. The Osaka barely escaped destruction. And not observing this time—interfering… It is possible they are manipulating the rift’s expansion towards the Federation.”

“So one ship against the Tholian fleet… Great,” Captain Faust responded, frankly.

“We can only risk one ship,” Admiral Nogura explained before picking up the tea cup, “To devote more could lead to a full scale war… We are… Hopeful, you can slip in, close the rift and get out before either the Tholians notice or at least before they can respond…” He set the tea cup back down onto the saucer without taking a sip. He stood up.

Captain Faust stood up as well.

“You are to recall your crew from leave and have the Midway prepared to leave dock within forty-eight hours… You are to keep the contents of this meeting a secret until underway. You may brief your crew only after outside Federation space and only under strict radio silence… Understood?”

The Captain nodded grimly, “Yes sir,” he said.

The Admiral gave the Captain a long look and then extended his hand, “Good luck Captain,” he said.

 

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