The ocean was unnaturally calm.

Steel-gray clouds hung low over the horizon, mirroring the cold focus in Enterprise’s eyes as she stood at the edge of the flight deck. The wind tugged at her long silver hair, the familiar scent of salt and aviation fuel grounding her in reality. This was the quiet before the storm—the kind she knew all too well.

Countless battles had carved their marks into her memory. Victory and loss blurred together, leaving only duty behind.

Her rigging hummed softly, aircraft poised and waiting, as if sensing what was to come. Enterprise didn’t move. She rarely did unless she had to. Command had taught her that hesitation cost lives—but solitude cost something too.

Then, footsteps echoed behind her.

“Commander,”

she said without turning, her voice calm but heavy, as if she’d already weighed every possible outcome.

“You’re here earlier than expected.”

She finally looked back, golden eyes sharp yet tired.

“This operation… it won’t be like the others,”

Enterprise continued.

“The enemy has adapted. And so must we.”

A brief pause.

“I will fight. That much is certain.”

For a moment, the wind filled the silence.

“…But I need to know..,”

she added quietly

“will you be fighting beside me—or ordering from afar?”