New Assignment

Posted on Sat Feb 11th, 2012 @ 10:41pm by Admiral Deela T'Lar & Commodore Andrew Clifford & Captain R'nard Lokran & Lieutenant Commander Rachael King & Commander Tressa Brislan & Brigadier General David Hurd Sr

1,428 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Mission 78 - Colonial Uprising
Location: Starbase 400

On:

After leaving, T'Lar went back to the ship first before going to take care of crew quarters. She hadn't even discussed it with the crew. With the exception of Lokran and Hurd, she was sure that the rest would remain with her. But there was one person she needed to tell.

Before she could talk to Craufurd, she contacted her and asked T'Lar to meet her at the base's promenade.

Captain Craufurd and T'Lar met and talked. "Deela, you are never going to believe this. There is a possibility that I might get permanent command of the USS Dexter. I've been eyeing her for a while now. They said that they'd let me know by tomorrow."

Deela smiled, "More like a certainty. They didn't waste any time."

Craufurd gave her a strange look, "What do you mean?"

Deela sat back in her chair, "Admiral Bremer just offered the position of XO to me and the Essex to stay as a flag ship. I just accepted."

"Deela, I am so happy for you. I think it's great."

Deela nodded, "I think so too. And don't worry, you'll get it."

Craufurd stood up, "I do worry that they will give it to someone else."

Deela stood up as well, "I'm sure that they aren't toying with you. I need to get together with the crew, let them know what's going on. I hope that they accept." She spoke now with a bit of annoyance in her voice, "I wish that Starfleet would get their heads out of their asses."

Craufurd chuckled, "I hear that. Well my friend, I'll see you later on the Essex." They hugged, "I'm so excited for you. Let's do lunch tomorrow one last time."

Craufurd smiled, "That would be great."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

An hour later, Deela called for six of her crew to meet her on the Essex's Observation deck in two hours.

Rachael was in her office as usual when she received a message. "Acknowledged," said Rachael. "I will be there in 2 hours." In the meantime, she was mulling over what to do about April. She never seen such a stubborn doctor in all her years in starfleet.

R'nard was in his quarters meditating. As usual, he did his meditation in nothing but his fur, as it made him more open to the universe. He got the message as well. "I will be there in two hours. I look forrward to it."

David was sitting in his quarters, going over a stack of Starfleet dispatches,when he recieved the message. Taping his combadge, he said, ''I will be there in two hours as well.''

Andrew acknowledged receipt of the message, then two hours later he was sitting in the observation deck watching the other officers arrive.

R'nard was next to arrive two hours later, his meditation over and dressed in his uniform. He saw Andrew there and nodded to him then sat down.

"Good afternoon," Tressa said with a smile as she entered and took her seat. She had been decorating her new quarters which were roomier than her personal space on the former Essex.

Andrew smiled and acknowledged both the officers as they arrived. Pretty soon everyone was there and Admiral T'Lar was ready to start the meeting.

Rachael found her way to the observation lounge where everyone was gather. She found her seat and sat down.

Deela stood up and addressed the small group of people, "Thank you all for coming. I have just gotten some news that just might surprise you. Captain Craufurd will most likely take over the USS Dexter and I'll remain here at SB400 where WE, are all assigned to. I'm sorry for the short notice."

"We're not returning to the Delta Quadrant?" Tressa asked. She had read many accounts of the lawlessness that prevailed beyond the Federation's borders.

"No, we are not. If you want another assignment somewhere else, I could arrange it for you. I'm not going to make anyone stay if they don't want to be here." She hoped though that they'd stick with her.

Andrew watched and listened. This was all very sudden, and he wondered what Starfleet was up to. They didn't do things at such short notice, especially Admiral Kennedy, without a very good reason. He was more than happy to stay on board as XO or Head of Security/Tactical, whatever the Admiral decided. He briefly thought back to the loss of the Original Essex, and wondered what the results of the Admiral's investigation was. His initial results indicated a long stream of seemingly random accidents.

David looked up, kind of taken by surprise, which he was not used to. Simply stating, in a calm voice, ''Ma'am, I will go wherever I am ordered to.'' ''That's just what Marines do.''

Tressa cocked her head, considering. Admiral T'Lar's family was with her, she would never endanger the families of her crew. But she remembered the stories of kidnappings and other criminal activity ouside the Federation's political and military influence. It wouldn't hurt to take a few self-defense lessons on the holodeck.

"Sounds like an adventure, Admiral," the medical officer said. "I'm with you and the Essex."

"Good." She looked around at everyone for a second, "There will be a few changes in position on the base but as for the Essex, things will mostly remain the same. Commander Clifford as my Chief of Staff and CO of the USS Constantinople as needed, Lieutenant Commander Lokran as Chief of Security, Lieutenant Commander King as CMO and Lieutenant Commander Brislan as her Assistant CMO, and Captain Hurd as First Marine Division XO with a promotion to Major. Let me remind you Captain Hurd that you will still lead the marines on the Essex when we go out on missions."

She continued, "I like this a lot better that the alternate one which was to be stuck behind a desk at Starfleet headquarters pushing a pencil. I know you that most of you are familiar with the base since we did spend some time there a few months ago. Like I said, I know this is short notice but I think this will be good for us in the long run. Those of us with kids, I feel a lot safer with them being on a Starbase than a ship. And the other pro is that when we do go on the missions, they will be safe on the base, not with us. When we arrive, Captain Hurd, you will be reporting to Lt. Colonel Highsmith. Dr. King, you and Brislan will report to Sickbay and relieve the temporary person in charge. Sickbay is all yours. Lt. Commander Lokran, you will report to Captain Harrison and she will transfer all security protocols to you as well. Commander Clifford, you're with me."

T'Lar looked at both Hurd and Lokran, "I know that we don't know each other but I'm sure that Admiral Bremer wouldn't have offered the position to you if he didn't think that the both of you were highly qualified. Captain Harrison, the Chief of Security, used to be one of my Security Officers and she concurs with his choice. She was also quite impressed. You both will be a great asset to the crew of Starbase 400 and the Essex."

She took a breath, "Sorry for my long winded speech but I wanted to let you know what was happening before I answer any of your questions. If you have any questions, now would be the time to ask." She looked around at the five faces sitting before her.

As David looked around at those assembled in the room, a thin smile spread across his face. A smile, that normally would be out of place. Clearing his throat, David said, ''Ma'am I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity, and your faith in me.''

"You can thank me by being the best Marine Executive Officer you can be." She looked around, "Anyone else?" Lokran shook his head no.

Andrew looked around, "Nothing from me, except 'welcome back, Admiral'"

"Thank you. It's good to be back and congratulations on your promotion to my Chief of Staff and the Essex's XO."

Andrew smiled, "Thank you, Admiral. It is something I look forward to"

"Same here," said Rachael.

She stood up, "Okay. Since there doesn't seem to be any more questions, you're dismissed." She figured that if they did have any, they could talk to her later.

Andrew was last to leave the room, following the general chatter of the other officers leaving.

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