[ Padassa Station ]
After her talk with General Sharpe, Admiral Janeway had one more name on her list to get to before she could call it a day. This one was a little more difficult to reach, and while she had been talking with Sharpe, her assistant had been working on establishing a secure connection to the Padassa Station. Finally the spinning logo disappeared, replaced by Commodore Guzman's face.
Shane was already tired. He has been hardly more then a day on Padassa and he already learned to hate Klingon ways. Klingon were warriors and as such they had regard only for battle, good battle and glorious battle. And tales … and blood wine … and opera. He was a Commodore, but did not love fight or war and if fight was the motto of the day, Shane's preference was tactical position, not the front line fighter. This earned him a slight disrespect by the Klingon crews on Padassa, since he refused to take a part on some warrior competition to "show how Starfleet tough really is".
It was a welcome change when there was no Klingon in front of him … or on the other end of screen. When the call from JDC CO was announced, Shane was glad to see Janeway's face.
"Admiral" he greeted Janeway once the connection was established. "what can I do for you?" he asked politely.
"Commodore," she greeted him in return. "I hope I'm not interrupting you on important business?"
"You're not, Admiral. In fact I am thankful that I do not have to watch more Klingon warrior competitions and listen to their operas. One would say that being so deep in Romulan space would make them careful, but they all seem to enjoy the prospect of glorious battles ahead. But I suppose you did not contact me because of Klingon operas …"
"B'Elanna informed me she's managed to persuade the High Council to send a representative to Padassa, a Commander Kortag'h if I'm not misaken," Janeway said. "I believe you should be able to get along with him. If what Ambassador Torres tells me is true, he's one of the more level-headed Klingons she's had the pleasure of meeting. And I'm sure that's saying quite a lot."
Nodding, Shane said: "It would be great to have someone with let's say … more responsible thinking here. The Captains of those four Klingon ships are not exactly what I call strategists. Give them a target and they are happy like a Ferengi with a bar of lantinum, but I think we need more then bare firepower here. Not to mention that we expect Erassian forces to arrive here shortly as well."
"The Erassian forces seem to be a little stretched thin at the moment," Janeway replied, tapping a finger on her desk. "Their attention is focused on the Rios system. From what I understand only one or two of their agents were held captive on Padassa, and they don't consider the system of much importance to themselves. But, they
are likely to send at least a small military unit; its commander will probably take over the role of representative, if need be."
Shane nodded: "Not that I miss Erassians much, but I have to admit that their military presence would enhance our combat abilities greatly. Their heavy weapons are quite handy for mass combat. But still, even a small force is better then nothing" After a short pause he added: "As I understand this, we bulk of ground combat will be on our shoulder."
"I just spoke with your new MEF Commander," the grey-haired Admiral said. "And I had the pleasure of promoting him to Major General. It seems he's hit the ground running. If anyone can whip the marines into shape, it's him."
"I hope so" Shane replied. "I talked with Sharpe earlier as well, but cant make an impression from a single conversation. Nonetheless, I hope he's that good cause it
will be his task to drive the Romulans away from all nearby installations" Shane's face went a bit sour when he said: "Major General is a great honour, so I have to congratulate him when he arrives"
Janeway smiled. "It won't do to have him outrank you, Shane. Therefore
I'm promoting you to Rear Admiral with immediate effect. Your position
as Task Force leader has been invaluable over the last years, especially during the war. You've managed to hold the front against the Romulans, something which is not an easy task. This is well deserved on your part and quite overdue, if you ask me. Your father might not be so pleased about it, but I hope that you are."
Shane's face went less sour immediately. He would not show it openly, but he long hoped for a promotion ... and now the day came. "Thank you, Admiral. I can only say that I am most honoured" He grinned: "You know that the great Ambassador John Guzman is top of Federation diplomats, but Rear Admiral comes close"
"You deserve it, Shane," Janeway said simply.
With concern in his eyes Shane asked: "Hmm … I hope my promotion isn't connected with relocation, you know me, Bragg or even Earth is not of much attraction to me ..." he left the sentence unfinished as he knew if Janeway would
want to reassign him, he could do next to nothing about it.
Janeway laughed lightly. "No strings attached, I promise. Besides, we need you on the front lines."
With the slightest of relief on his face, Shane answered: "Thank you again. If you should have someday a trip near Aeran system, please don't forget to drop by, I am sure you will like UNITY"
"I might just do that, Admiral Guzman," she replied. "Janeway out."
[ End Log ]
Rear Admiral Shane Guzman
Task Force Commander
1st Task Force, SSF
-
Admiral Kathryn Janeway
Joint Defense Commander
Starfleet Command
[NPC by Bren]
