Story:Star Trek: Ares/Poison Chalice/Act One

A week later......

Ext. Space-Earth Orbit

(NOTE:  Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)

The USS Ares is docked at Earth Station McKinley, as we hear the Captain's voice.

Capt. Taylor (v.o): ''Captain's Log Stardate 53985.4. The Ares is docked at Earth Station McKinley, following the end of the Dominion War. And so far it's boring and the crew is getting anxious to resume our mission of exploration, I for one can't wait till we leave Earth Orbit and restore the peace.''

Int. Captain's Quarters

Captain Taylor is Exercising stretching out her lower back and neck, when the com activates.

Cmdr. Martin (Com Voice): Bridge to Captain Taylor.

Capt. Taylor: Go Ahead.

Cmdr. Martin (Com Voice): We're receiving a hail from Vice Admiral Ethan Samuels.

She rolls to her side and then gets up.

Capt. Taylor: Route it here.

On the monitor it shows the office of Admiral Samuels.

Capt. Taylor: Admiral Samuels...what can I do for you?

He has a grim expression on his face.

Adm. Samuels (on monitor): Captain as it accured to me is that your original chief engineer was killed during the final push to Cardassia am I not mistaken?

Capt. Taylor: Yes, sir.

Adm. Samuels (on monitor): Your first officer has made a recommendation to assign a Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson to the Engine room?

Capt. Taylor: (beat, tight) Yes, Admiral.

Adm. Samuels (on monitor): Captain he's been reprimanded and assigned to Starbase 621 along the Tzenkethi Border for screwing up at the Starfleet Corps of Engineering when Voyager sent us data on the technology that we got.