Admiral Ross sat in the Captain's ready room, waiting for Admiral Devore to arrive. He was now over half an hour late, but Ross knew as well as anyone how time could slip by when you were with loved ones you'd not seen for some time.

Just as the Admiral was getting ready to leave, Devore finally arrived.

"My apologies Admiral." Devore stated. "I just don't know where the time went."

"Apology accepted." Ross replied. "Let's sit down and talk."

Devore went to the replicator and ordered a coffee, then sat across the desk from Ross.

"I suppose you're wondering about why you've been promoted." Ross started. "I'm sure you are aware of the Mulluran\G'Kar conflict near Supply Base 901, well it's far worse than we anticipated. Our most recent reports have informed us that a faction calling themselves the New Dominion are also involved in the conflict. The G'Kar have requested our help and we have offered them assistance. As we speak, Captain Wallace is forming a task force."

"New Dominion ?" Devore enquired.

"We have very few facts, but it would seem to be a large force, hoping to revive the ideals of the Dominion and bring about order within the Alpha & Beta quadrants. Because of these threats and the growing importance of the Federation within the Beta quadrant, Starfleet has reorganised its command structure. As such we have a command position open for a head of strategic operations for the Beta quadrant." Ross replied.

"And you want me for the post ?" Devore asked.

"I can think of no other." Ross replied. "The Leviathan was the first Starfleet vessel assigned to explore the far side of the Beta quadrant and you handled the Barien crisis with ease. Initially you'll be based at Starfleet headquarters, but eventually once the area has calmed down you may wish to relocate to Supply Base 901."

Devore was quiet for a moment.

"One more thing. As the Beta quadrant is becoming more important, we've also reassigned several vessels to form a new fleet that we are calling the Deep Range Fleet. Its function will be one of exploration, at the moment the only vessel assigned to the fleet is the Leviathan, so you'll be able to keep in contact with your ship. Before the Mulluran\G'Kar and New Dominion problems arose however, Starfleet was intending to assign another vessel to explore the area immediately beyond the Briar patch. Hopefully that vessel, the USS Hornet will be still be assigned to the area becoming part of the DRF when this conflict is resolved. The USS Ronin will also be joining the fleet once it has returned from exploring the Galactic core. In effect you will be responsible for the 'day to day' operations of all Federation controlled space and exploration missions within the Beta quadrant."

"It's very impressed." Devore replied. "And I'm sure there are many other officers within Starfleet who could fill the role. No disrespect but I'm a Starfleet Captain, I enjoy the adventure, waking up in the morning and not knowing what the day will bring."

"You are no longer a Captain." Ross corrected him. "You're an Admiral now and I wouldn't have offered you the promotion and the position if I didn't think you were the right person. Plus this ship's not going to space-worthy for five weeks if the reports are correct. We can't have one of our most experienced Captains 'sat around'. Marcus, I believe that you can make a difference."

"And if I take the position, what about the Leviathan ?." Devore enquired. "Who will command the ship ?. What about the crew ?."

"For the moment Commander Rashad will be in command, she is more than capable of ensuring that the repairs are completed. By then we should have selected a new Captain to take over. I've read your crew evaluation and although she's been a fine first officer, she's probably not ready to be in command of a vessel permanently." Ross replied. "As for Lieutenant Commander Barker, again he doesn't have the experience. As for the rest of the crew, they'll remain, the Leviathan is not finished, just starting a new chapter. If we can find and destroy this mirror vessel quickly, the Leviathan will be assigned back to the it's original mission of exploring the far side of the Beta quadrant."

"I'd like to think it over a while Admiral before I give you my answer." Devore asked.

"Of course, talk it over with Commander Devore." Ross replied. "The Enterprise will be here until tomorrow, then we're heading back to Earth. But I will need an answer by then."

With that Admiral Ross rose from his seat and headed out of the door.

Devore sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. He was being given a chance to move up within Starfleet, have a fleet of vessels dedicated to exploration under is ultimate command and a position which would mean returning to Earth. This also meant that Sierra could take up her position as head counsellor and not feel guilty about leaving her husband behind.