Unexpected Exit

Posted on Fri Feb 5th, 2021 @ 6:02pm by Commander Hades,MD & Fleet Admiral Mike K`Wor Bremer & Lieutenant Commander Carolyn Corrigan MD & Skye

1,705 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Episode 109 - The Dust Settles
Location: Various
Timeline: MD 02 - 0830 hours

ON:

Hades hit the chime on the door of Bremer's office. He waited patiently Skye standing beside him. His nerves were working. He felt Skye's hand on his shoulder.

“It’ll be alright, dad,” the teenager said with a small, uncertain smile. He was troubled, which made her uneasy. She had never met the man they were about to see. As a rule of thumb she had spent a long time avoiding Starfleet in general, those in authority more so. And in this part of the galaxy, Fleet Admiral Mike Bremer was Starfleet. Or at least that’s how most people on the promenade told it.

"Enter." Mike said as he sat a PADD down as he waited for the door to open.

Hades had invited Carolyn too, he hoped that she would get here soon. Steeling his courage he smiled at his daughter with a confidence he didn't feel. He walked in followed by Skye. "Admiral. How are you?"

Slipping inside the room, Skye stayed behind her father, almost completely out of sight. Still she didn't want to be rude. Peering around Hades she offered a simple, "hello" before stepping back.

Hades smiled a little. "My daughter Skye, Skye this is Fleet Admiral Bremer."

Mike stood and flashed a smile. "Skye, it's nice to finally meet you."

Mike motioned toward the sofa. "What can I do for you Doctor?"

Skye nudged her father in the back to get him moving, just as the door chime rang out again. "That's probably Ca- Doctor Corrigan," Skye offered, sounding vaguely relieved and being mindful to keep her hands firmly in her pockets.

"Enter." Mike called.

Hades gave a nod as Carolyn came in. "How are you feeling?" He was relieved to see she seemed a bit better.

"Curious," she teased him as she flashed Skye a warm smile. At his look she rolled his eyes, one hand resting on her swollen belly, "I feel whatever it is you are meant to feel at six and a half months pregnant. Which is to say, I feel fine."

She turned her gaze to Admiral Bremer, "Admiral. Apologies for interrupting, Doctor Hades asked me join you all but I'm not entirely sure why..."

"Well, I'm not one for suspense." He held out a PaDD. "These are the crew records. I've done an intensive medical department review and have rated and reviewed the staff as is required on an annual basis."

Mike took the PADD and looked over it for a moment, then looked back at Hades.

"That being said...this year has been difficult. I have lost my wife," he knew that Bremer would understand that. "We have not had a chance to lay her to rest, and most recently despite my loss a great Joy has come to me. My daughter, the daughter taken from me one I have searched for and now found." He took Skye's hand. "It has made me think. I require some time away." That an the fact that Rogers was on his behind.

"Are you requesting a leave of absence? By all means you've earned and deserve it." Mike replied.

"How much time?" Carolyn asked quietly. Would he have really called her up here, after everything, just to say he wanted to take a couple of days or a couple of weeks leave of absence?

He handed Bremer another PaDD. "This is a permanent leave. I am resigning...effective immediately."

There was a heartbeat of silence.

“Come again?” Dr Corrigan asked, her expression unreadable.

Mike gave Hades a look of, 'Say what again?'

"I'm resigning and I suggest that you take over as CMO." He turned to Bremer, "She's one of the best and has the respect of everyone."

"There's no question of that, of course Doctor Corrigan would assume the position of Chief Medical Officer, but what I want to know is why, and I don't mean the thought out and pre-planned version on the PADD." Mike said looked at Hades.

Skye gave her father an encouraging smile.

"I didn't exactly join Starfleet for... selfless reasons. I joined it to right a wrong. In the process I have lost my wife, my son, and perhaps my soul." He sat back. He looked at Mike. "Now if I may a bit of advice."

Mike took a breath, "What kind of advice?"

"Been following the news about Rebirth on the news service. Rumour is that Admiral Rogers is here."

Mike nodded. "He is. He asked Splendora Sage to speak with the First Federation and Rebirth. From what I understand, Tom Vercetti and Splendora Sage will travel there to speak with them. I'm waiting for them to get back with me to confirm they will in fact go. Why do you ask?"

He shrugged. "Rogers is a snake Admiral, take it from me and the First Federation...well one of the council heads is not too keen on a Federation Alliance. Trust me. I know the Rebirth leader quite well." He said cryptically. "An uphill battle." He shrugged. "But you never know." He stood. "I should depart. Oh and...beware the Dassik...they greet all visitors when they enter First Federation Space."

Mike held his hand up, "Wait a minute. You know of Rogers, you know the First Federation, you know the leader of the Rebirth...but what are you not telling me?"

He raised and eyebrow. "I know a lot Admiral. I know that out of all the scientists who worked on Rebirth...only three remain at large. Rogers being one of them. I know that they hunted Sage last year and Vercetti saved her life. I know that Rogers has a hidden agenda here to lens out the leader of he Verdari, the name the Rebirth people have chosen and I know that the leader is on the station."

Mike had a feeling Rogers wasn't being totally honest with him. He also felt someone, or multiple people he knew were hiding something from him too. Neither made him happy. "Would you be willing to go with Tom and Splendora? Rogers says the Romulans always want to get their hands on Rebirth tech, we can't let that happen. Either we need to bring Rebirth into the Federation for protection, or find a viable third option."

Hades stared at him. Then he laughed. "My dear Admiral. Those of the Rebirth project... well they are under First Federation protection and they are more advanced then we are in every way. They will not join the Federation but perhaps trade maybe possible. The Romulans...when Starfleet and the Federation turned against those who were part of Section 31's cruel experiment needed help the Romulans helped. But I can say that your concerns are noted. "As for going to the colony with Vercetti and Splendora...well that's not necessary." He felt Skye squeeze his hand. He looked to Carolyn. Should he reveal all?

Skye followed his gaze. During the entire exchange, Doctor Corrigan had remained resolutely silent. She had obviously missed much, if they were discussing Rebirth. She was still working around his decision to resign. When Hades looked to her she wasn’t sure what he was looking for. But she was tired, “tell him.”

He sighed. "Admiral I there is something you should know. Do I have your word as Klingon that what I tell you will remain in this room and go no further... at least at this time."

Mike leaned back in his chair. "It's you. You're the rebirth leader. The way you speak of the First Federation, the people you know, the events you're aware of, the things you've said."

Mike turned his chair to face away from everyone in his office. He stood, straightened his uniform, then walked around to the front of his desk before looking at Hades again. "I'm not going to say anything to Rogers. I can also promise the Federation wouldn't go to war with the First Federation, nor will Rogers try to conduct any 'off the books', however there isn't going to be a better time to renew relations with the First Federation, and this might also be a good time to try and heal old wounds."

Mike paused for a brief moment, "I understand the Romulans were there when Rebirth needed help, then the Federation wasn't and should have been. However, the Romulans never do anything without a reason, and a reason behind that, and it's usually to benefit the Romulans and more specifically the Romulan military and Praetor. If you choose to any kind of treaty with them, watch your back."

He gave a nod. "I am he indeed. The very first one to go through the project. I must admit I've had ... an alternate reason to join Starfleet. Keep your friends close and such. I will consider your words." He looked at Mike. "My staying would be a conflict of interests in many ways but I will be at the table and I promise you that I will be open minded and will encourage the rest to do so. I will listen. I will also guarantee the safety of anyone sent to the First Federation. It is too bad you are not coming. I think you and I could speak much now with a glass of Tranja."

Mike nodded, "Indeed, perhaps if you return here."

“Do you need me for anything else?” Carolyn asked them both.

"No Doctor, thank you. I'll update your Starfleet record with your promotion to Chief Medical Officer today." Mike replied.

“Aye sir,” she nodded, seeming far from thrilled. “With your permission, I’d like to request we get a new ACMO. With Dr Hades ... departure, we are down an experienced surgeon and in a short while I will be on maternity leave. We need another experienced surgeon and someone with experience running a medical department.”

"Carolyn, wait. Can I walk with you?"

She paused before nodding. “Thank you, Admiral,” Carolyn said as she headed for the door.

Skye turned on her heels to follow them both before turning back to face Bremer. “Thanks for hearing out my dad,” she said quietly. “He’ll miss this place a lot.”

Mike gave a respectful nod to both Skye and Carolyn.

OFF:

RSS Feed