=Docking Port 2=
=Starbase UNITY=
Rear Admiral Leland Jefferson was the first to step out of
the docking port, looking around to find Commodore Guzman
waiting for him. Leland had not expected this to be a formal
affair, so standard dress uniform was not required.
Trent stepped out of the docking port as the admiral walked
up to Shane.
"Commodore, it is good to see you again," Jefferson said
with his southern American accent, offering his hand.
The two had only met on a couple of occasions during
meetings, but only in the presence of other admirals and
senior officers back on Earth.
"The pleasure is mine, Admiral" Shane replied and shook
the offered hand, "please welcome on board the UNITY. She
might not be as beautiful as JDC Command back on Earth, but
she's the best in the sector"
As the admiral began talking to Shane, Trent looked around,
studying the scene. He noticed that Shane had an unusual
amount of security for a commodore. He had read Shane's file
and understood the reason for this extra protection. He also
understood that special forces facilities took extra
precautions compared to regular fleet facilities.
If there was anything that Trent understood was security,
being a former security officer himself and in charge of
security at the Federation Council.
Trent was so deep in his observations that he almost didn't
hear the admiral acknowledge him.
"I sure I don't need to introduce you to Captain Rodgers,"
Jefferson said.
"Captain" Shane smiled at Trent, "welcome in the tea m
and I hope you will settle in fast and enjoy your time
here". Offering his hand, Shane nodded towards his new XO
"Commodore," Trent said, taking the offered hand. "I look
fo rward to serving under your command."
Nodding once again, Shane replied: "Most of the senior
staff is away on missions, so you will meet them when
they're back. There is a lot of work here, since you
undoubtly know that my last XO – Colonel PontBrillant was
transferred to Marine command in Quantico on a short notice
… and that happened several weeks ago."
"I understand, Commodore, and I shall do whatever is
required of me," Trent said, then started to study the
expressions of his new CO.
Shane looked at Leland and said: "Admiral, if you allow,
I'd like to strengthen your security detail with a few of
my man. We are almost the front line and the danger level on
board the UNITY is considerably higher then on Earth.
We've had some security accidents in the past and a Deputy
JDC Commander is a prestigious target".
"Normally, I would say no. After all, only a hand full of
people are suppose to even know that I'm here. But, darn it,
from what my people are telling me, word has gotten around of
my visit. So, I suppose the extra security would be a wise
precaution."
Shane pointed towards a security Lieutenant saying:
"Lieutenant Mumacik, Chief of fleet level security will be
at your service during your entire stay on board".
Mumacik, much like most security guys remained silent and
emotionless. In his case however … it was no 'tough
guy' pose, but rather the usual. There were six more
marines behind the Lieutenant and this team was assigned to
support Jefferson's own security detail.
"Then I place my safety in your capable hands, lieutenant,"
Jefferson smiled, knowing that his own security would have
been enough.
Looking at both the Admiral and the Captain, Shan e
suggested: "Shall we get the business out of the way first
or do you want a small tour around the UNITY?"
"Business first," Jefferson said.
"Very well" Shane replied and with a nod ordered
security to head the way. "Let's go to the task force
area, there we can talk without any disturbance". Since
UNITY had a large civilian inhabitant population, it was not
difficult for intel agencies to plant spies on board … and
Shane was sure that the news of Admiral Jefferson arriving
at the UNITY would reach enemy ears soon.
As they walked, Trent walked next to Shane and managed
to position the two away from Jefferson, out of earshot.
"Commodore, I know this may be a bit out of line since we
hardly know each other, but you seem to be a bit
distracted," Trent spoke in a low tone.
Shane looked a pit puzzled at Trent. Well surprised was the
more exact word. For a moment he did not want to respond,
but then only asked plainly: "How do you know?"
"I've been a security officer long enough to pick up on
these things. And working as head of security for the council,
one learns to read their expressions."
Nodding, Shane replied quietly: "Our chief JAG officer,
medical advisor and a civilian child have been kidnapped
yesterday. We have … little clues about where they are at
the moment or what's the reason for the kidnapping". He
did not give away any clues about why he was personally
involved with such a case.
Trent gave an understanding nod, "Well, if there is anything
I can do to help ..."
Shane shrugged slightly: "I don't know Captain. First we
have to locate our people. If you really want to lend a
hand, contact Commander Terek Weranis, UNITY's CSCiO …
he's tracking them down just as we speak"
"I shall do so," Trent replied.
====== conference room one, Task Force area,
later ======
"Please take a seat", Shane offered both his guests as
they arrived in the spacious conference room. After a brief
check, all security personnel left the room, leaving the
three high ranking officers alone.
Jefferson and Rodgers each took a seat. Trent looked around
the room, getting a better layout of things, while Jefferson
seemed to be content.
"So" Shane turned towards Jefferson, "might I ask
about the reason you are here, Admiral?"
"Initially, this was more of a courtsey call, just to get
away from Earth and check out the front on my own. I feel it
is more of a necessity than anything else to get a better feel
of how things are going," Jefferson said. "Recently, though,
we've had reports of Romulans mobilizing mining vessels. At
first, we were uncertain of why. But our operatives on
Romulus believe they are planning to use the mining ships'
drilling rigs for some purpose. Whatever that is, we are not
sure. Still, they seem to be putting some effort into
whateverplan they have for these vessels."
"That's quite news, Sir" Shane replied. After a slight
pause he went on: "There indeed is a matter that concerns
me above everything. Romulans … with all respect to their
Galae (Fleet) … fought for the last 2 years more or less
with the same tactics. Intimidating, raids and utilizing
their cloak technology, avoiding major battles … but for
the last year, we have seen many changes … one could say
improvements to their war tactics. I've got the impression
that the Romulans developed a new commanding style a nd
raised a new generation of war leaders … or someone is
aiding them in a major way. But I cannot imagine a power
aiding the Romulan Empire. I am sure we can leave out the
Borg or Species 8472 … or the Dominion. Klingon Empire is
divided, but sure not supporting the Romulans with full
strength … so who then?"
"That indeed is a good question," Jefferson nodded. "Who
would, or more importantly could help the Romulans and
what would they gain from it? It is possible that there is a
new power out there that we have yet to discover.
Someone is giving them a new found ... what's the word
.. ah, yes ... confidence. If you are right, then it is
important that we find out who the Rommies new friends
are and deal with them accordingly through either
diplomatic channels or with force, if necessary."
Nodding, Shane replied: "We have found some fragments of
evidence about the new player, but nothing we could make any
conclusions. We need to make more recon missions and spend
more time with the shady side of work, but resources are
quite short"
"I have also brought with me a new shipment of supplies
for your shipyard," Jefferson said. "You should be receiving
a new shipment every two weeks from here on out. That
should keep your facility operating nonstop indefinately, or
at least until the war ends."
Shane smiled this time and said: "That's very good news.
The recent lack of resources was unfortunate, cause we are
now quite behind the time schedule. Thank you, Admiral,
everyone needing our help and support will be glad"
"Is there anything else I can help you with, Commodore?"
Jefferson asked. "Now is the time to get any requests
fulfilled."
Shane grinned: "Two things, sir. We could use more help
from SSFI … or even from SFI. We seem to lack information
in a major way and I have the feeling that just ships
won't win this war. My second request is more a wish …
it would be nice if my senior staff would not be reassigned
after a few months here … and on a very short notice. This
makes any plans and development quite hard …"
"I'll have a little chat with Admiral Tuvok and see what SSI
can do to help more. I'll also talk with General Kira can do
from her end. To be honest, here recently, I've been getting
better intel from her people," Jefferson said before leaning
back more comfortably in his chair. "As for your staff, I'm
sure you realize that in war time, people tend to get tossed
from assignment to assignment where they are mosy
needed. Even so, your command is way to critical to the
war effort to be moving people in and out on what seems
like a whim. I'll see what I can do about some of these
orders transferring people out of your senior staff.
"I may have to simply deny those transfers," Jefferson smiled.
"May ruffle a few feathers, but that wouldn't be the first time."
"Thank you, Admiral. I must say that I am very pleased.
Its great to see that one's thing has the support from
high up. Turning to Trent he said: "Captain, your fist
task as my XO will be to inform the shipyard command staff
about the new resources. You know engineers, they will be
happy like a small child with a new toy"
"I'll take care of it right away," Trent said, who had remained
silent throughout the short meeting.
After a short pause, Jefferson stood and straightened out his
uniform, "If there is nothing further to discuss, I believe now
would be a good time to take that tour of your starbase."
Commodore Shane Guzman
CO, SB 234: UNITY
CO, 1st TF, SSF Command
and
Captain Trent Rodgers
XO, 1st TF, SSF Command
XO, SB 234: UNITY
and
Rear Admiral Leland Jefferson (npc by Rick)
Deputy Commanding Officer
Joint Defense Command
Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. Check it out.