Excalibur
Chapter One: PREVIOUSLY IN STAR TREK: NEW FRONTIER...
The normal low-level buzz of conversation on the bridge tapered off as Captain Calhoun stepped out from the turbolift.
He had missed an entire shift, which was unprecedented for him. Everyone understood, however, and no one knew quite what to say to him when he did reappear.
He went to his command chair, took his seat, and when he looked around at the respectfully silent crew, a smile played across his lips. It was a sad smile, but a smile just the same.
"Captain," began Shelby.
"Commander...it's all right," he interrupted. "All of you...really...it's all right. The important thing...the thing I'm not going to lose sight of...is that he went out like a warrior."
There were nods from all around.
"It was very...Xenexian of him, believe it or not. The notion of dying in one's bed is anathema to my people. To die in combat, on the other hand, is very much to be desired...and to die in combat while saving others is the highest, most noble passing that anyone could wish for. I will miss him...and regret the time that we did not spend together, and the time we will not have...but ... read full excerpt from Star Trek: New Frontier #9: Requiem: Excalibur #1 ebook
