Star Trek: Atlas

14: The hand you are dealt

Brahms let out a large sigh of relief. "...Cancel red alert. Brahms to sickbay. Dr. Tilosi Can I get a status on Draconis and Tri'gon?"

"Draconis is lucky. He'll be up and around in a few hours. Tri'gon however, will require more medical attention. He still needs all his borg implants removed."

"Good." Anasazi spoke. "Maybe now we can actually work out some sort of peace between our peoples."
"Oh, I couldn't agree more." An all-too familiar voice said from behind Brahms and Anasazi. Brahms turned around in his chair to see Q next to Felix at the tactical station.

"Is there something you want, Q?" Brahms asked.

"Hmm..." Q put an index finger to his chin. "The only thing I intend for you to learn from this sometimes you have no choice but to fight. However, it's how you fight that can determine the outcome. I think you'll be a fine addition to the Captain's chart I've made."

"Chart?" Brahms raised an eyebrow.

"Of course." Q said, walking around to the front of the Bridge. "A chart I've made comparing all the great captains of Starfleet. So far, you rank firmly behind Janeway at number 3. Picard, of course, will always be number one on my list. He's always so much fun to mess around with. Kirk was fun, but unfortunately, he was never as open-minded as Jean-Luc."

"...I'll take that as a compliment." Brahms said.

"Oh, you should." Q said with a smile. "Seeing as how you were able to hold your own against the Borg's onslaught, you've proven yourself more than capable of command. Good luck in your travels, Brahms! I'll see you out there!" Q winked mischievously, snapped his fingers and was gone in a flash!

# # # # #

Six weeks later...

Deep Space Nine...

Brahms walked along the Promenade as the Atlas was docked for resupply. A treaty had been worked out between the Jarvanians, Jrekkon, and the Federation: The Gamma Accords. Things were now slowly getting back to normal. Except for Brahms still being captain of the Atlas. That was still sinking in.

He looked out to the wormhole as it opened up once more, seeing another ship come through. It always was quite the sight to see.

"Captain Jared Brahms." A voice said behind him. Brahms turned around. It was Picard.

"Captain Jean-Luc Picard." Brahms Greeted. "Good to see you."

"Indeed." Picard said. "Janeway is very impressed with your performance. She's decided to keep you on the Atlas."

"I'm glad to hear that." Brahms said. "I'll treat her well."

"See that you do, Jared." Picard said. "You make one hell of a captain, in battle or in diplomacy. I'm sure we will be hearing the name Atlas more in the future. Good luck with your command, Brahms. For now, I bid you farewell."

Picard then walked off.

Brahms then looked back towards the outer window. He looked over to the docking pylon where the Atlas was docked.

This command was going to be a great time for his life. It was just like his old captain said: Play the hand you are dealt. Everything else is up to fate.

Brahms walked off towards the docking ring. There was still a lot of things to be done, and places to see. It was now time for him to boldly go where no one has gone before...