One Mans Trash Is Another's...

Posted on Sat May 23rd, 2020 @ 2:55pm by Fleet Admiral Mike K`Wor Bremer & Brigadier General Kaden Ross

1,101 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 106 – Stalemate
Location: The heap that is the USS Saratoga.
Timeline: MD4 1600hrs

ON:

Kaden stood on the bridge well what is supposed to be the bridge cause right now there was not much there as it was unfinished. Or in this case was in the middle of a teardown as the technician had put it when he got it. He was reading over a massive list of things on a to do list ranging from A to Z.

"Dilithium Energizers, Dual Plasma Converters, Direct Energy Modulators" The Technician was saying as he read aloud the long list of problems.

Kaden leaning on his cane his eyes wide was shaking his head in utter disbelief. "This is a joke right? Does the Admiral know about this?"

There was the sounds of huffing and puffing coming from the Jefferies tube behind them. "Think he is just finding out himself." Replied the Technician.

Bremer arrived aboard the USS Saratoga and was greeting with a sight he wasn't expecting. The Saratoga was new, and should have been ready for action but seeing the Bridge torn apart didn't leave him with a good feeling.

"What's going on around here?

Kaden took a seat in the only chair on the bridge to rest his leg. "Seems, Mike, they did a switcheroo on us." He replied.

The Technician lifted his finger as he pulled out another PADD giving it to Bremer. “Fleet Admiral Takahashi, said this explain why this was brought here.”

Mike read over the PADD and shook his head, 'He promised me a good ship' he thought.

"Thank you. Any ETA on when she'll be combat ready?" Mike asked.

"We would have to strip her down to the bare bones and bring the ship up to current specs not to mention what sort of hardware we wish to add to it. But...on a rough estimate if we get access to Starbase 400s construction facilities again...I say 3-4 months." The technician replied.

Mike lowered his head. There was an operation brewing and he needed every ship possible. "Is there anyway to get her at least ready for ship to ship combat ready in...three days? I'm not worried about science facilities or even crew comforts. Can you fire phasers and torpedoes?"

The technician thought over the question. "Afraid not, not even suitable for space travel on her own power, unless you plan to use this ship as a ram all she is good for right now." He replied.

Kaden finally spoke up. "So what you are saying is this is a fixer upper and no way she can be ready in three days?" He asked.

"Exactly, sorry sir we need new parts across the board and construction materials. She is a pile of floating crap and my team needs 3-4 months with her."

Mike wasn't happy. He shook his head in disgust. "Understood. Get her into a drydock here and do what you can. When we take Starbase 400 back we'll tow her there and get her ready."

"Admiral, Takahashi, did want me to tell you he has a new Akira Class on the way to you to replace the one lost."

Kaden's face turned red behind Bremer still feeling the embarrassment of losing that very Akira Class.

"Even the best COs have lost ships General. Kirk, Picard, Sisko, hell I've had four blown out from under me. What matters is what you do after." Mike replied. "Have that ship fall into line with the rest of the Forth Fleet ships when they arrive."

Mike looked around the Bridge again, "General, you'll stay with the Saratoga during the coming battle, you're also not combat ready." Mike flashed a smile.

"Right, I get on it right away, Sir." The Technician replied as he headed for the Jefferies tube. "I suggest we start our way down to the transporter, Gentlemen, the turbolifts don't work."

Kaden spoke up as he placed his arms behind his back. "Admiral, a moment if I could?" He asked.

"Sure." Mike replied.

Kaden fiddled with his cane while he waited till they was alone pondering how best to ask. Once the Technician was gone he looked at Bremer unsure how best to say what was on his mind. "Mike, since my accident I had come to recently open up some buried feelings that I been hiding for years. I...uh..." The Marine took a seat. "Look, I been asking everyone I come across lately this but I am looking for everyone's insight. I just wish to know if there was ever a time you felt you made a wrong choice joining Starfleet? That you feel you put what you really wanted in life on hold for the wrong reasons?"

Mike took a seat at the Ops station, which was missing the console itself. "Less than a year after I graduated from Starfleet Academy I resigned my commission. My wife, K'Wor and Becca's mother, suddenly divorced me after the twins were born. I was heart broken and questioned everything, including why I was in Starfleet. I resigned. I ran to the Klingon Empire and entered the Defense Force for two years before the Klingon/Cardassian war started and I realized I'd been running from my own hurt and anger. It was time to face it and I returned to Starfleet. You can't run away from the pain by second guessing past decisions. All you can due it pull yourself up by your boot straps, learn, and grow. That's what makes a good leader."

"Look, it don't take a genius to know Counselor Monroe and I have a history I joined out of love, Mike, cause I hated being away from her." Kaden looked down at his leg. "But I feel lost right now."

"We all feel lost sometimes. I just took the Pegasus on a behind the lines tour of Romulan space because my wife was killed. I didn't know what else to do but kill the Rommies. Was it the smartest thing I've ever done? No. You have to do what you feel it best for you at the time, but don't base that decision solely on your emotions." Mike said as he stood.

Kaden hung his head as stated at the floor between his feet. "I feel like this ship our fates uncertain will we fly again or won't we? What about you, Admiral? Are you willing to allow me and this old girl all the time to spread our wings again?" He asked.

"That's why the both of you will remain here. When we retake Starbase 400, you'll both come home." Mike replied.

Mike patted Kaden on the back as he left the Bridge.


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