Drastic Measures

by Dayton Ward

After serving for three years as leader of the security detachment aboard the U.S.S. Helios, and four years on two other starships before that, Lorca was looking for a change of pace and scenery. Duty at a regular Starfleet starbase or ground installation held little appeal for him, and it was his captain and mentor, Zachary Matuzas, who suggested the Tarsus IV billet at OT-4. Matuzas, as unconventional a commanding officer as Lorca had known at that point in his brief career, informed him that not only was the observation and relay outpost an important part of Starfleet’s overall security mission, but it would provide him ample opportunity to rediscover his “land legs” in addition to an appreciation for wide-open spaces, fresh air, and actual sunshine. After reviewing the requirements to serve as leader of the small Starfleet team assigned to OT-4, the newly minted Lieutenant Commander Lorca decided it was a perfect counterbalance to almost a decade spent in space. Space is sounding pretty good right about now.