======= Conference longue three , SB 234:
UNITY ======
Looking around himself LaGrand added: "This station is
ideal for fleet command. Upgrades performed here are fine,
but there still needs to be done a lot of improvements on
her defensive facilities. All those murky civilians have to
be removed from the station. I really can't understand why
are they still here. It's war and this is a Starfleet
station. The war here went a wring way for too long ... but
things will change now"
Shane remained silent for a while. LaGrand seemed to be
determined about his words and Shane had only one 'ace'
in his sleeve. Using it too soon, could do more harm then
needed and let's face it; Shane did not want to anger the
Admiral. In every case Admiral LaGrand and his fleet will be
Task forces neighbors and both men will have to cooperate
tightly.
Shane nodded and said calmly: "But, Admiral … I have my
orders directly from General Kira. She will surely not like
me disobeying them" he tried his luck.
LaGrand shook his head: "That's not so important. I am
sure General Kira will be only happy if things improve here.
Aren't we all Starfleet officers?"
Shane shrugged and replied: "That's true, but there is
one more point. I can't surrender command of the Task
Force units to someone with no Special Forces clearance."
"I am a Rear Admiral" LaGrand said loudly, "I do not
need any clearances, not from Special Forces, or anyone
else. I am cleared by Starfleet Command and I am sure you
won't doubt their authority"
"Of course not, Admiral" Shane replied, "but what
about all those classified missions my forces are currently
performing? I am sorry, sir, but here are my hands bound –
you know that only SSF Command or Starfleet Command
'directly' can order my to surrender classified
information to anyone else."
LaGrand muttered something quietly, but he knew that Shane
was right. Intelligence had always own rules to follow and
rank played here not the most important role. One could be a
Fleet Admiral but without an Intelligence clearance – one
would not be allowed to play along.
"All right, Guzman. All classified missions will stay
under your command, but all other vessels wil be transferred
to my fleet"
"I understand" Shane replied, "but this brings a new
problem. I cannot reveal the names of vessels used for
classified missions to you …"
"I don't need to know that, Guzman … just transfer the
rest …." LaGrand said, but then his voice faded as he
realized the problem. He could not have the REST of the Task
Force under his command, since he could not be told about
who is NOT in the rest. He pierced Shane with his glance.
Shane had to do his best not to smile. It was very good that
he did not have to refuse orders from LaGrand … "I
suggest" Shane said, "that we immediately contact
Special Forces Command and ask General Kira to clear you up
for the required intelligence security level."
After a long pause LaGrand nodded: "All right, Guzman. I
get in touch with General Kira, but the moment I get the
clearance I want ALL your forces to be ready".
Shane nodded and hid a smile again. He was sure that Kira
will NOT agree on LaGrand taking command over the Task Force
and all will stay as it was now. "Of course, Admiral" he
replied, "might I suggest you dispatching your forces on
the alpha and beta shift front till you get the clearance?
I'd like to fetch some of the most battered vessels back
for repairs"
LaGrand nodded: "Yes, I send my fleet immediately. My 50
ships will deal with any Romulan aggression." With that,
he turned around and left the conference longue.
Only now, Shane allowed himself a broad smile and muttered:
"Much luck, Admiral". He tapped his badge and contacted
Colonel PontBrillant:
+TAPS+ Guzman to PontBrillant. +
+TAPS+ PontBrillant here +
+TAPS+ Admiral LaGrand and his fleet will take over alpha
and beta fronts immediately. Please order all our forces to
retreat back to the UNITY once LaGrand's forces arrive at
their positions. Use what vessels necessary to strengthen
gamma and delta fronts and have the rest of the ships stay
on the unity for a week of R&R +
+TAPS+ Understood, sir +
====== End of log ======
Commo. Shane Guzman
CO, 1st TF, SSF Command
CO, SB 234: UNITY
