====== Bridge, USS Qashqai ======
Sitting in the CO's chair, Shane watched the stars passing
by on the main screen. It was already 26 hours since they
left UNITY and they were slowly approaching their
destination. Trouble was … that they had only a very vague
idea of the destination. All they knew was the name of an
area – Quorum space. It was a wide area … impossible to
search in all length. Shane could only hope that Commander
Terek back on UNITY will provide him with more detailed data
soon.
For the moment, the lack of exact destination was not
critical … since they set the course for the middle of the
Quorum space. Until they arrive there, there was time.
Wouldn't it be for such a dangerous and personal mission,
Shane would really enjoy to be in the CO's seat of a star
ship again. He almost forgot how it felt like sitting in the
high seat, with all the bridge stations manned all around
him. Here was no time for long time strategic decisions and
tons of paperwork … cause his attention was required by
other, day-to-day operations issues.
Speaking about paperwork, Shane remembered the last minutes
before departure …
====== TF CO's office, Fleet area, SB 234:
UNITY, one day earlier =====
The Qashqai was scheduled to leave in 20 minutes. Using the
remaining time, Shane was fastly reading his mailbox,
filtrating to-do-things. Not long ago, a wise old man
introduced him the concept of a 'rotting heap'. Those
skilled in beaurocracy know this very well … as well as
most of the desk chained high brass in Starfleet … but
Shane was fresh to this idea and unspoilt by the effects.
The idea is straight and simple. Put ALL mails, requests,
memos, orders, suggestions & other stuff arriving @ your
desk on a single heap and forget about them. When folks
start inquiring about this or other … do what burns but
nothing else. Repeat this with every new stuff arriving on
your desk … and concern yourself only with things that
you're inquired about … forgetting all the rest. This
way you'll soon have a growing heap … that's slowly
rotting. Since the 'smell' becomes too strong soon …
dispose of that heap every three months … and begin with a
clear table. Be assured that stuff that is none inquiring
about was by FAR not important for your time to be wasted.
Experience teaches us that at least 60% of all stuff coming
your way is 'rotting heap'.
Shane's busy work was interrupted by LT. Pakosii's
voice:
+TAPS+ Lieutenant Pakosii to Commodore Guzman +
Shane wiped the sweat of his face and replied:
+TAPS+ Go ahead +
+TAPS+ Consul Guzman is asking for a short meeting +
Shane looked at the chrono and replied: +TAPS+ Send him in,
Lieutenant +
Within a little while, the door leading to the reception
area hissed open and Shane's brother, Martin Guzman,
wearing a civilian diplomat uniform ranking him as consul,
entered the room.
"I am sorry to disturb you, Shane, but I have a pressing
problem" he said.
"No problem, Martin" Shane replied, "but you have to
be fast, cause I am leaving the base in 15 minutes"
"You're going away from UNITY?" Martin asked.
Shane nodded and replied: "Yes, on board the Qashqai"
"Hmm … that's quite fitting" Martin replied, "can
you not take me with you?"
Rather surprised by the question, Shane said: "What's
the matter Martin. Why do you want to go on a mission you
don't know anything about it? And well … aren't you a
member of Chimera's crew?"
Martin nodded and shrugged: "Well, yes, I am … but you
know, Chimera is away and I can hardly expect any shuttle
going their way any soon. Until they return, I am stuck
here".
Shane laughed: "I still don't see a problem. When your
ship is away, enjoy your free time. Book a holodeck, get a
gf … whatever. Don't tell me you're bored".
"I an not indeed, but the trouble is … our father."
Martin said in a sore tone, "once again he's hunting me
down about returning to Earth".
"Hmmm" Shane went on, "I thought that's settled. I
told him quite directly that I will not let go. And as far I
know, Captain Rojac does not favor you leaving his crew as
well".
"That's both true" was the reply, "but I am not on
the Chimera and you are now leaving. How long will our
father need to figure that out you think? In a day or two he
will request my transfer and there will be none to stop him
…"
Nodding, Shane replied: "Quite right, that sounds just
like dad. All right then, you come with me, but you have 10
minutes to pack whatever you need. I will not wait for you
if you're late".
"I wooont" sounded from the reception area as Martin run
out Shane's office in a hurry.
====== End of log ======
Commodore Shane Guzman
CO, 1st TF, SSF Command
CO, SB 234: UNITY