Meeting the CO

Posted on Sun Mar 29th, 2026 @ 5:27am by Brigadier General Jonathan Frost & Commander Shae’Vaelor Threz

356 words; about a 2 minute read

Mission: First Light
Location: ready room
Timeline: Stardate: 477000

The doors to the Ready Room parted with a soft hiss, admitting Commander Shae’Vaelor Threz for what still felt like the first true moment of arrival. The hum of the USS Archlight was different here—quieter, focused, as though even the ship itself understood the weight of decisions made within these walls.

Brigadier General Jonathan Frost stood near the viewport, hands clasped behind his back, watching the stars stretch into distant infinity. He didn’t turn immediately.

“Commander,” Frost said at last, voice steady, measured. “You’ve found your way aboard without incident, I trust.”

Shae’Vaelor inclined her head slightly as she stepped forward, posture composed but alert. “Without incident, sir. Though I suspect this ship does not allow for much that is… uneventful.”

A faint smirk touched Frost’s expression as he turned to face her. “You’ll find the Archlight has a way of attracting the complicated.” His gaze sharpened, studying her. “And so do I.”

There was a brief silence—professional, not uncomfortable.

“It’s an honor to serve as your First Officer, General,” Shae’Vaelor said evenly. “I’ve reviewed the mission parameters and long-range assignments. This is… not a typical command.”

“No,” Frost replied, stepping closer to his desk but not sitting. “It isn’t.” He paused, then added, “We operate at the edge of Federation reach. Exploration, diplomacy, deterrence—sometimes all at once. I need an XO who can adapt faster than the situation changes.”

Shae’Vaelor met his gaze without hesitation. “Then you will have one.”

Frost studied her for another moment, as if weighing something unseen, then gave a single, approving nod.

“Good,” he said. “Because out there—” he gestured slightly toward the stars beyond the viewport, “—there won’t be time for second guesses.”

Shae’Vaelor allowed the faintest hint of a smile. “Then it’s fortunate I don’t intend to make any.”

That earned a quiet chuckle from Frost—brief, but genuine.

“Welcome aboard, Commander,” he said. “Let’s see what kind of legacy we carve out in the 29th century.”

“Together, sir,” she replied.

And just beyond the glass, the stars waited.

 

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