=/\= SB Unity, Task Force Decks =/\=
Why was it when you tried to get away from something, you were just pulled right back towards it even harder?
Dare Shao, former marine, former pilot, former...assassin, former lots of things, sighed as she stalked up the halls towards a destination that she knew would displease her greatly. This was the second time she'd been pulled from her semi retirement since returning from Civonian space and it was starting to get annoying. Whilst she was only 151 years old, she'd already seen enough and done enough to last her a lifetime
Gazing once more at her PADD, the Ka`Leigh woman stopped and stepped up to a desk. "Is this the office for Sharpe?" she asked bluntly, wasting no time of being pleasant.
The blonde female officer looked up suddenly at the voice. She brushed her hair from her face and looked up… way up… at the new arrival. “This is indeed the office of Major General Richard Sharpe.” Sophie said. “Do you have an appointment, Ms…?”
Dare looked down at the small human. "I am Dare Shao. This Sharpe fellow requested to meet with me...at my earliest convenience. *Now* is convenient for me."
Sophie looked nonplussed at this arrogant woman. “What if now is not convenient for the General?” She asked, sweetly.
"Then I leave now and ignore his request to meet with me." She dumped the PADD on the human's desk. "His words, not mine... 'I invite you to attend a meeting with me at your earliest possible convenience.' It's right there, if you dont beleive me." Dare clasped her hands behind her back and rocked back on her heels slightly, looking extremely comfortable just standing there. She could do this all day if she had to.
Sophie sighed, and pressed the intercom buzzer. “General, sorry to disturb you, but I have a Ms. Shao out here, demanding to see you.”
“Send her in, Leftenant.” Richard’s voice could be heard.
“You may go in, Ms. Shao.” Sophie said, indicating the large double doors at the end of the outer office.
Dare inclined her head slightly to Sophie, before turning away and walked off, boots clicking. She pushed the doors open and entered, eyeing the oppulent room with disdain as she approached the desk that a rather obvious marine sat behind. Her expression was composed in a carefully neutral expression by the time she stopped in front of him. "Dare Shao, former Lieutenant," she greeted him. "You wished to speak with me?”
She didnt salute, as far as she was concerned, she'd retired, but she stood straight backed at a sort of attention.
Richard placed down the padd he was reading and turned to look at the tall woman who had just entered the room. “Ah yes, Dare Shao. I’ve read your rather interesting file. I must say you’re somewhat more striking in person than your records lead me to believe.”
She nodded once. "Your records only date back maybe five years. That's hardly enough time to record over fifty years of combat experience." A smile almost graced her lips. "May I enquire about the reason I was pulled from my retirement to meet with you?"
“You can ask, by all means.” Richard said. “You were pulled back because we are at war with the Romulan Star Empire, and we need every capable person we can get. There is a mission coming up where your… skills, would be an advantage.”
"I see. And just what skills does Starfleet think I have that can help with thier war?" Dare asked, moving over to a wall and looking at the collection of items there.
“Your ability to get things done, without regard for the rule book or how it is done. Your philosophy of the ends justify the means is exactly what I’m looking for, for the platoon leader of a special unit I’m putting together.” Richard said.
Her head tilted slightly, but she didn't turn to face him. "I see," she said again. "So my absolute willingness to cause immense collateral damage, whether it be to property or life, whilst completely my missions makes me exactly what you want? I have to admit, your Starfleet's standards are certainly strange."
“Certainly not. I imagine that Starfleet would berate me something fierce for encouraging you to do that.” He said. “But I’m a realist.” Richard got up from behind his desk and walked around in front of it. “I know that a fight is not as black and white as Starfleet brass or the Federation council would like it to be. Sometimes, we need some rouges out there, doing what needs to be done.”
Dare turned, crossing her arms over her chest as she regarded the man at the desk. "Funny that. Starfleet suggested I retire because of my rougish behavior." This time she didnt hide the smirk.
“The SSF think differently, Ms. Shao.” Richard said. “So, do you want back in?”
One of her delicate brows quirked again. Well, well, well. First it was the SFMC, then Starfighters, then Security laying claim to her unusual skills, and now Special Forces wanted a bit of the action too?
Dare considered. She had her son to think of, but he was 50 now, so old enough to hold up on his own on occassion if she had to go. "A tempting offer, to say the least, General," she said. "A possibility of Starfleet finally using my abilities to thier full potential..."
“Well, it had to happen eventually.” He smirked. “Before you accept, you should know that there are some… conditions.”
"Arent there always?" she responded with a grin. "And what would those conditions be?"
Richard began walking the length of his office, his hands behind his back. “You would be operating outside of the chain of command, directly under my command. You will lead a team of special forces personnel whom you may pick from out of the MEF’s roster, but I must sign off on each selection.” He said.
“Furthermore, you will follow my orders, regardless of what they are. It may be necessary for you to operate in an area where marines or Starfleet are operating, and it must be essential that they not know you’re there unless I state otherwise.” Richard said. “Lastly, if anyone asks, you’re just a platoon leader within the MEF, nothing special at all.”
So, sneaky stuff. She used to assassinate people to collect bounties, she could do sneaky. Though sneaky with a whole heap of people, that could be a fun challange. "I bring my own weapons," she said after a few more moments consideration. "I'll train with other weapons like the rest of them, but if you want results, I need my personal cache."
“If you can get it past that bastard Mumacik, you’re welcome to it.” Richard said. “I’ve got my own cache, so I know what you mean.”
The corners of her eyes crinkled as she smiled. "I got this past starbase security..." She reached up behind her and withdrew her mono filament katana from its scabard hidden beneath her trenchcoat. The blade wasnt visable, but as she turned it this way and that, there was a slight blue sheen revealing an extremely long blade.
“I think getting weapons past just one person will be easy."
“Don’t bet on it.” Richard smirked. “Mumacik is not a normal person.”
Dare flickered for a moment before completely disappearing from Richard's view. When she reappared she was sitting in his seat, legs crossed. "Neither am I."
“Oh very nice.” Richard said. “Now out of the chair.” He said, gesturing with his thumb for her to move.
She chuckled. "Much too...cosy for my liking anyway." Standing, she came around the desk and stood before him. "Count me in."
“Alright.” Richard said. “I’ll give you a commission as a Lieutenant Major.” Sliding a padd across the desk to her. “Head over to the QM’s office to get yourself allocated quarters and a uniform.”
Dare looked at the PADD. "They must be quarters that will house myself and my son. Would you make note of that in here? I have had issues with the quartermasters in the past." So, she was back in the game. This was going to be fun.
Richard made the necessary note on the PADD. “There you are. Carry on, Major Shao.”
She sketched him a salute. "General," she said, taking back the PADD and made her exit, resheathing the blade as she did so. She was looking forward to this, it would be nice to play games again.
