Arriving at Earth

Posted on Thu Jul 7th, 2016 @ 11:06pm by Fleet Admiral Mike K`Wor Bremer & Captain Patrick Dow & Christopher Bremer & General Janice Fultian-Bremer & First Ramata`tar & Master Sergeant Atlee Micklin & Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway

2,555 words; about a 13 minute read

Mission: Episode 92 - More Questions than Answers
Location: Various
Timeline: MD1 1415hrs, Current

ON:
USS Voyager, Bridge

Once the ships were on their way to Earth, Bremer took a little time to tour the historic USS Voyager with Janice and Christopher. Paris was their guide while Chakotay was on the Bridge and Janeway was in her Ready Room talking with Starfleet Command.

After the tour, Janice took Christopher back to their quarters while Mike returned to the Bridge. Once there, he was directed to Janeway’s Office.

“Care for something to drink?” Janeway asked.

“Raktajino please.” Bremer replied.

Janeway turned to her replicator, “One raktajino and one coffee.” After a moment, she handed Mike his mug. As she took a sip of her coffee as she sat.”

“Thank you.” Mike took a sip of his as well. “And thank you for letting Janice and Christopher come along aboard Voyager.”

Janeway smiled, “You’re welcome. It’s not often we have kids aboard, besides Tom and B'Elanna's.”

“He enjoyed the tour, but didn’t want to go anywhere near Seven’s alcove.” Mike replied with a smile.

Janeway smiled again, “Even though she’s an Instructor at Starfleet Academy, I didn’t have the heart to have it removed when Voyager was overhauled and refit after returning from the Delta Quadrant.”

Mike nodded, he understood the loyalty to one’s crew. He took another sip, then changed the subject to something more serious. “How are the alliance talks coming?”

“Slow, but good. There’s still a lot of animosity between the Cardassians and the Federation and even more between the Cardassians and the Klingons, but both sides have made a lot of progress since the end of the Dominion War and they know it’s mutually beneficial with the size of the Typhon Pact now, especially after how they supported the Krazzle in their war against the C'hakilians.” Janeway replied before taking a sip of her coffee.

“I admit, I have little love for the Cardassians, and not just for things they did before and during the Dominion War, but that said, since then they have been more honorable, and they were a help during the blockade of Krazzle territory that lead to the end of the Krazzle/C'hakilian war. With the Romulans and Gorn becoming bolder again as well, having another major power on our side is necessary. My next next desire would be to sign the C'hakilians to the Alliance as well.” Bremer said.

Janeway smirked, “Actually, those talks are already taking place on a smaller scale.” She took another sip. “We’re really dividing Alpha and Beta Quadrants up to two sides.”

“Don’t forget the progress we’ve made with the Dominion since the end of the war.” Mike added.

“We haven’t, I’m sure no one else has either. The Cardassians aren’t taking that to well, its been one of the major holdups in the alliance talks, but they also understand that things in the Dominion have changed.” She paused as she adjusted her sitting position. “You’ve been one to push for better relations between the Federation and Dominion since the war ended, soon after it ended. You really believe they could be a worthy ally?”

“I do. I’ve been a part of four different joint missions with the Dominion. One before the war, and three after. With Odo’s influence, I’ve seen a change. Sure, a Vorta is still sly, a Jem’Hadar is still a killer, and a Founder is still suspicious of solids, but the change is there. They fought with honor against Toral, against the Jem’Hadar garrison on Iconia, and then acted with honor when they came to the station to recover Kratz. First Ramata’tar has been one of the most loyal crewmembers since he joined us as an exchange officer.” Mike replied bluntly.

Janeway nodded.


Cargo Bay 2

Beta Team stacked and secured their deployment bags to a vacant corner of the cargo bay. The bags contained their tactical equipment. Mick hoped that the team did not have to break out the "toys". Then he looked at his team. He was not used to seeing them in a Class B Duty Uniform, nor was he used to seeing the human members of his team "clean shaven". "I will beam down with the Admiral with Section 1. Zed, you stay up here with Section 2. You can be our QRF if needed." Mick picked up his tactical ear piece, "I will be wearing mine down there, on our usual frequency in case I have comm-badge failure. " Gunny Zedrakken nodded at his Team Leader. It was a sad state of affairs that they needed a QRF on Earth at all.


Little over three hours later

Voyager and Laffey exited slipstream and entered the Sol System. After a brief impulse flight, they arrived at Earth and entered orbit. A Galaxy class ship passed by to their starboard side as a Vesta class ship broke orbit to leave the system.

In Voyager’s transporter room, Janice and Christopher hugged Mike then beamed down to their house in South Carolina on the shores of Lake Murray. A moment later Bremer, Janeway, and Beta Team beamed down to Starfleet Headquarters. A moment later Dow and part of the MARSOC Team also beamed down from the Laffey.

Their appearance differed from Star Fleet Security officers with their green department colors, and the predominant wing shaped badges which sat just above their comm-badges. The expression on their faces were both alert, and predatory in nature.

Janeway looked over a Mike, “Bodyguards?”

Mike smirked, “We’ll, you never know what might happen.”

Mike looked around for a few minutes before turning to Dow. “Go home, see your family.” Mike smiled, “That’s an order.”

Dow glanced at Janeway, then back to Bremer before nodding. “I’ll stop by your house later tonight.” He tapped his commbadge and had the Laffey beam him back up before being beamed to his parents’ house.

Mike then looked at Master Sergeant Micklin, “You’re with me, the rest of your men can wait out here.”

"Yes Sir," Mick responded. He gave his men a look, and they all casually walked to separate spots close to the immediate area.

Bremer, Janeway, and Micklin walked through the corridors of Starfleet HQ, followed closely by two imposing Security Officers. Micklin eyed them as much as they eyed him. There was a saying in MARSOC, "Be courteous to everyone you meet, but always have a plan to kill everyone of them." A few minutes later they were taken into Fleet Admiral Akaar’s Office. The large office fit the tall Capilan man. The new Starfleet CnC was an imposing site, and by all accounts an honorable man. Mike had only met him a few times but knew him to be fair. Also in the room was Admiral Toddman, the new Vice CnC of Starfleet.

“Admiral Janeway, Fleet Admiral Bremer, please have a seat, this will be brief.” Toddman said.

Mike looked back at Micklin as to say wait outside. The doors shut and Akaar, Bremer, and Janeway took seats, Toddman stood over to the side.

“Fleet Admiral Bremer, I’ve looked over all of evidence presented to me. Reports, logs, other official statements, and even nominations for citations of service. I am still considering everything I’ve read, and we will meet again tomorrow morning. For now, you will remain on Earth.” Akaar said.

“That means no returning to the Laffey or beaming to any other Starfleet facility. Your authorization codes have been suspended.” Toddman added.

Mike nodded, it was what he expected. “Understood. I plan to go home to South Carolina when we’re done here and report back tomorrow.”

Akaar nodded, “Very well. Until then.” He stood up, “Good day Fleet Admiral. Admiral Janeway please remain a moment.”

Mike stood and gave a respectful nod, “Admirals.”

Leaving Akaar’s Office, Bremer and Micklin walked back toward the entrance. “Master Sergeant, you and your men are off duty until tomorrow morning. Feel free to take some time to relax.”

Emotionless, Mick answered, "Aye Sir." When the Admiral turned his back to him, Mick quietly placed a tracking dot on him.

Leaving Starfleet Headquarters, Mike walked to a public transport station and was beamed to his house in South Carolina. Walking into the house he heard Janice and her mother talking while Christopher was playing. Mike didn’t want to interrupt them so he walked up stairs to the master bedroom and changed to comfortable civilian clothes. He then walked back downstairs, said hello to Janice and her mother, then walked outside and onto the back deck. Mike looked out over the lake. The house sat in a large cove giving some privacy, yet was open to the large lake beyond. He took a deep breath and let it out before walking down to the ground and over to his hammock. The air was warm but a cool breeze off the lake made it nice. Mike laid back and closed his eyes.

Several hours, a nap, good meal, and good family convocation later, Mike was again outside. Janice’s mom had taken Christopher with her to her house in Italy for the night. Mike had a fire burning a pit on part of the sandy beach. He and Janice were sitting in chairs around it, drink in hand, classical music playing quietly, a cool breeze in the face, and the sun setting to their left.

“I miss this.” Janice replied. “I think I really needed this.” She took a sip of her drink. “Is the tea too sweet?”

Mike smiled, he agreed, he needed it too. “A little, but it’s fine.”

“If you want something else, bourbon, bloodwine, Romulan ale, you can get it. I’m okay.” Janice smiled, she could feel all of her stressed melting away.

Before Mike could answer, he heard someone walking up from around the house.

“I thought I’d find you out here.” Dow said with a smile.

“And I thought you were visiting your parents.” Mike replied smiling.

“That was the plan, but Jeremy booked them a trip to Bajor and they were leaving when I got there. At least I got to see them for a few minutes.” Dow replied.

“How are they, how’s your brother?” Janice asked.

“Good, they’re excited, the first trip they’ve taken in years. Jeremy is good, busy as ever but he likes that.” Dow replied. “Oh, I also found this guy lurking out front.” Dow stepped to the side with a smirk on his face as another man stepped forward.

Seeing him, Mike jumped to his feet. “Lek!” He walked over and gave his old friend a hug. “How long have you been on Earth?”

Lek Draven was a former member of the Pegasus’s crew during the Dominion War and later with Starfleet Intelligence as a deep cover operative working the Trytonians. “I got in a few days ago. Starfleet pulled me out for full debriefing and R&R. They said they’ll give me a new assignment in a few months.”

Mike motioned to chairs for both of them to sit in. “You’ve been under for other ten years now, they should have pulled you out years ago.”

“I asked to remain. Once we learned they were supplying the Triangle Pirates with weapons, and then those were traced to the Pegasus-A’s crash site, I needed to stay in to find out their endgame.” Lek replied.

“And?” Janice asked.

Lek smirked. “That’s classified.” Everyone laughed before he continued. “After your fight with Westmoreland at Remu III, that supply of weapons and parts dried up. You left next to nothing there, and I made sure the last shipment was...lost. Sovak stopped sending supplies to the Pirates and reinforced the Tryton system. Starfleet is still trying to bring them back into the Federation, but many feel after all this time they'll be seen as only criminals...most people can’t even remember why they split from the Federation to begin with.”

Mike nodded. “That would partly explain why Pirate attacks went down for a while, but are now starting to increase again. They were hording their supplies, but now are in need.”

Lek looked over at the small computer monitor and tapped in a few commands, the music changed to 1960s rock and roll, the first song was by the Doors. “I’ve taken a liking to this kind of music.” He said.

“You know someone else who should be here, Greff.” Dow commented.

“Who?” Janice asked.

“Greff'an Zenum, former Marine Sergeant aboard the Pegasus during the Dominion War, one of the most hard-nosed Marines I ever met.” Draven replied, “And a good friend.” He then started to laugh.

“Do you remember that time he called you his 'beloved'?” Draven asked Bremer still laughing.

Mike shook his head with a smile while Janice sat up, “No, I’ve never heard this story.” Janice said.

“Mike had a brief relationship with a joined Trill woman named Zenum.” Draven started.

Mike quickly looked over at Janice, “That’s before we met.” He flashed a smile.

Janice roller her eyes, but then smiled.

Draven continued, “We were in a firefight with a Dominion Warship and two...”

“Three.” Bremer corrected.

“Three Attackships. It was a really brutal fight, we lost a lot of good people. Cat, the host was killed, but the Zenum symbiont survived. With the Pegasus damaged we couldn’t get to Trill or any base so Doctor Chong said it wouldn’t survive unless it found a new host. Greff'an was the only other Trill on board, and being unjoined he was the best bet. The procedure was a success. Greff took some time to get used to everything, it was all new to him. He tried to keep his hard-nosed persona but you could see little bits of Zenum’s personality coming out. Well, a few months later, after repairs were complete the Pegasus was one again in a fight. Greff was on the Bridge when we took a heavy hit to the saucer, everyone was tossed about and it was eerily quiet. The first thing we heard was Greff on the deck at Mike’s side trying to help him up saying ’Oh beloved, are you okay?’”

Janice and Dow burst into laughter. Mike’s face turned red with embarrassment as he shook his head. “I think I will get a stronger drink now.”

“What happened to Greff'an?” Janice asked.

“When Starfleet liberated Trill later in the war, he asked to be transferred back there to help his people recover and defend the system. He’s still there, in command of their defense forces and his a Starfleet Liaison.” Mike replied as he stood up to get another drink.

As the night went on, the four talked about old time and old friends to well into the early morning hours before Mike had to get some sleep for the meeting with Akaar in the morning.

In a grove of trees near the house, Mick and his men were enjoying the old war stories that the Admiral was exchanging with friends and family. They rotated on a sleep plan for the rest of the night.


tbc...

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