The journey of a thousand miles...

Posted on Tue Apr 14th, 2026 @ 6:02pm by John Eagle & Lieutenant Commander Kah’lyn Chiara-Rivers

Mission: CAPERNUM: {CD&MISSION} On Duty
Location: Starbase M-69 docking area.
Timeline: Current.

The door slid open just before a large collection of people walked through into the promenade of the base, families, businessmen and women and even star fleet personal coming back to work. The last one walked confidently through the door, blue eyes scanning the area as if he had done it a million times and now it was done without thinking about it. A single bag was over his shoulder that carried a few days of clothing, toiletries and a picture of his beloved family.

With a soft smile he headed deeper into the station. He had been in contact with the operations of the station and set up a living quarters and a space for a business. It had been a long time dream of his and his wife to open an antique shop. Something low key and start the next chapter of their new lives. It would be good for the girls too, a chance for them to get business savvy. All he needed now was to find the living quarters, take a shower and inspect the business area. He was sure he would be able to send a message to someone who would have time to do that later.

In Ops Kah’lyn was finding the day just a little slow, the arrival of new faces on the station was good after the recent problems. Taking a walk along the promenade checking all was as it should be she offered an apologetic smile as she almost bumped into someone. “Pardon me, I’m sorry.”

The man turned and looked at the woman who had addressed him. His analytical eyes looked her over, 'Vulcan and human hybrid...' he thought, decades of his work had made him analyze everything and anyone that could be a threat or a mark. He quickly stopped himself and put on a warm smile. "Here I thought starfleet personnel have excellent discipline and and focus." he teased, hoping that would ease the tension.

Kah’lyn smiled. “We normally do, but my spatial awareness was somewhat off just then. Are you new to the station?”

"Yes, docked not long ago. Minutes ago in fact." John smiled back. "I need to contact the station operation to see what quarters I got, I also need to inspect the location for the shop me and my family were going to open."

“In that case it’s a good job I bumped into you” Kah’lyn smiled. “I’m Chief of Ops so I can help you with all of that, how’s about we start with getting your quarters sorted and go from there?”

"That sounds good." John said, camly pulling a PADD from his inner pocket. "Here is the information."

Taking the PaDD Kah’lyn looked it over before handing it back and pulling out her own PaDD. “Right, your family quarters are right this way…”

A few minutes later they were standing outside the door to the Eagles quarters.

“I see you requested double living quarters, so that you could expand your family’s space, fortunately for you we don’t have that many resident civilian families onboard right now so we’ve been able to grant your request.” Kah’lyn motioned for John to follow her inside. “I hope you like it, I have to say I’m jealous!” She grinned.

"How so?" John asked as he followed the officer. Having big quarters was relatively new for them. They had their shuttle that had been home for some time, but settling down was important.

“Ohh sorry, it’s just our family quarters are just the normal size.” Kah’lyn grinned. “Here we go..take a look around and make sure you’re happy with it. Everything should be working, but if there’s any problems let me know.”

"Odd. Maybe you should ask for a bigger one?" Eagle asked.

“Oh, no it’s not necessary for crew to have larger quarters. We only have 1 child so far so it’s not really needed yet.” Kah’lyn smiled.

"Yet huh?" John smiled, she seamed like a good person and mother. He finished the walk through of the quarters, it was perfect for his need. "Do you have time to show me the shop area?"

“By all means” Kah’lyn nodded. “The promenade is quite a busy area when we have ships stop by, your shop is quite centrally located so you should get a good flow of customers.”

"We are going to have antiques, I am not sure everyone would be very interested in it. I would love for it to be so, but not expecting it to do so." John said, he placed his bag on the floor in the bedroom. "I am ready to check it out."

Kah’lyn nodded, leading on it took a few minutes but arriving on the promenade she motioned to the empty store front. “I believe it’s this one” she checked her PaDD. “Yes, thats it.” She typed in the security access code and let them both inside. “You’re the first owners of this site so it’s yours to do with as you need.”

"Interesting." John walked inside and looked around. "I am thinking of the goods being holograms, people can observe and test out the items without the risk of them being damaged. It's also safer if anyone want to be dumb and steal something. Then we will ship the goods in from off station. Is that something that you would think is allowed?"

“Provided the goods are all from sources that aren’t disputed in any way, or that could cause any security issues I don’t see a problem with it.” Kah’lyn offered. “We are moving the station soon so there will be some disruption I’m afraid.”

He arched an eyebrow. "Moving the station." he had read about stations that could move but never seen one. "The goods we are selling all have legitimate documentation. We will also offer copies of the originals for a substantially lower rate, hand crafted of course."

“I may just have to pop by and see what you have to offer once you’re open” Kah’lyn smiled. “It all sounds very interesting.”

He smiled back. "Do you like old furniture?"

“I love anything antique, and unusual. Do you have anything of Romulan design?”

"Romulan." he looked at her, that clue told him she was romulan. "We have a few pieces. Romulans are... not to happy with someone else having their stuff."

“I know, I was just curious.” Kah’lyn smiled. “Downside of being half Romulan I’m afraid. Anyway here are all the details you’ll need for accessing your store, feel free to start setting up whenever you like.”

"I know a few romulans, if you get past their guarded exterior. They can be quite reasonable. Just be sure to cover all your bases when dealing with them." he accepted the PADD and looked it over. "Am I allowed to install holographic projectors?"

“I don’t see a problem with that, but if the system needs tying in with the main power grid it’ll have to be done by our engineers.”

John rubbed his chin for a moment. "Maybe have it on a secondary power system. If the main power system is down, the power here could keep things like infirmary going..."

Kah’lyn nodded. “Actually that’s a very good idea, thank you for that. I’ll get that arranged as soon as we have people available.”

"Excellent. That covers the holoprojectors. What is the rules when it comes to advertisements?"

“Well, no huge sign boards that would detract from the way the station looks.” Kah’lyn paused to think. “We haven’t really had anyone ask that question before really, word of mouth is usually the way things get advertised around here.”

that made sense that large signs was not allowed. But he was surprised no other shop used things to catch the attention of customers. "So would I be allowed to put up a small sign there." he pointed to the middle of the passage that had some nice benches like an island for rest. "Maybe two air tube-men on ether side of the door?" he doubted she would know what those where. It was very much an old earth thing. Maybe he'll get one that gestured for someone to come closer. The uniqueness of it would draw a lot of attention.

“I don’t see what harm a small sign or two would do” Kah’lyn smiled warmly. “We can’t have your business suffering from lack of advertising can we? Anyway I should be getting back to Ops, welcome to the station Mr Eagle.”

"Of course. I'll submit my plans for your approval within the hour. I don't want to break any rules." John said as he looked over the front of the stood with a problem solving eye.

“Thank you” Kah’lyn nodded. “I wish everyone was as understanding and cooperative. Have a good day Mr Eagle.”