[DS5] A Small Matter parts 1-3

Posted on 10 Jun 2009 @ 4:22pm by Commodore Da`nal of the House of Varal

8,469 words; about a 42 minute read

Mission: M2: Aggressive Negotiations
Location: DS5 Ops
Timeline: BACK POST - Day 3 - 0630 to 0700

** NOTE - This is an extremely large post. Only the Beginning and Final portion have activity from Freedom player but in order to keep everything relevant I keep everything intact. (actually part 3 is still continuing on DS5 but as of the posting it should not be anything effecting the USS Freedom


ON

After yesterday, today was going to be a walk in the park for David and he was armed with the pleasantries, carefully secreted in the desk draw, each with their own label.
David watched the yeoman fuss over the table for a few minutes, before deciding enough was enough.

"Yeoman, it looks fine, really it does, now go and do anything else!" He exasperated.

"Sir?" The yeoman questioned, placing one hand on his hip.

"Yes, you heard me." David flicked his hand, shooing the yeoman out of his office. "If I need you I will call." He said, rising from his chair, glancing at the drawer, just to make sure it was closed.

The yeoman sighed as he surrendered to the Commanders order and turned indignantly on his heel and exited.

~Good riddance ~ David thought to himself, walking around the table, inspecting what was laid before him and the guests he was about to call to the office.

The croissants were laid in order of size on a china plate, paper doilies strewn across the table, in what appeared to be a haphazard design, but from above, it silhouetted the Starfleet Insignia. The large silver pot held steaming fresh ground coffee, not replicated and the smaller pot held morning breakfast tea. There were several cups on saucers and biscuits set on the side. The pot sized glass held fresh replicated oranges, freshly squeezed for their juice and at the head of the table, a large bowl of fresh fruit.

"I don't think that's too much." Davies said smugly to himself, before tapping at his comm.

=^= "Will the following crew report to the Commander office,"Commander Da'Nal, Lieutenant Dorian Gabriel, Lieutenant Chelsea Adams, Lieutenant Junior Grade Zorana Kasikova, Ensigns Joel & Wallace, Officer Petro and Major James Darson. Davies out." =^= He closed the comm with a grin, wondering what was going through their minds. He immediately tapped at his comm before any responses could come through.

=^= "Ambassador t'Khellian, would you honor me with your presence in the commander's office?" He asked with a slight aloofness.


[USS Freedom shuttle - Liberator]

Isha glanced across the table at Da'nal as she placed her coffee cup down, "Of course, Commander Davies," she said with the slightest twitch of one eyebrow. "I assume we can transport directly there," she said to Da'nal.

"I can transport you there if you wish. However, I think I had better put my new toy away first..."

"I can wait," Isha said. "The most pressing question would seem to be whether or not you have any concerns about arriving at the same time as me, Commander. Assuming that you have no such objections, I will be patient, and once you have put it in its box, I will consent that you escort me to this meeting which we would both appear to be requested to attend."

Da`nal thought for a moment, then a grin spread over his face. "It would get under Gabriel's skin now wouldn't it?"

"If it would cause Agent Gabriel to itch, I think that I would pretend to be best friends with a Ferengi," Isha said, her tone conspiratorial, though nothing could remove the hint of venom beneath her words.


[Back on the Station]


Jo'el was in the sonic at the time of the message, and he found his comm panel flashing while he dried off. "Kosst," he grumbled, fumbling quickly for his uniform. He was off-duty today, but a summons from the commander was a decry not to be brushed off. Why so many of us?

Chelsea had finally gotten off duty late last night and handed over to Ryan. She had fallen into a deep and exhausted sleep and was enjoying a lie-in when the call came through to report to the Commander's office. Groggily she rolled out of bed and staggered sleepily into the sonic shower. Refreshed she dried, dressed, tidied her hair and made her way to answer the summons.

As predicted, on the way there, she wondered what this was about.

Martina heard the page, ~that was odd, Mr. Wallace wasn't due back until later this morning.~ =^="Intelligence to Commander Davies, Mr. Wallace has not returned from his field assignment."=^=

Davies tapped at his comm and thanked the respondent. =^= "Please ask him to see me at his earliest convenience, it is of an urgent nature." =^= He closed the comm and helped himself to a shining red apple from the top of the bowl.


[Back on the Station]

Jo'el was in the sonic at the time of the message, and he found his comm panel flashing while he dried off. "Kosst," he grumbled, fumbling quickly for his uniform. He was off-duty today, but a summons from the commander was a decry not to be brushed off. Why so many of us?

Chelsea had finally gotten off duty late last night and handed over to Ryan. She had fallen into a deep and exhausted sleep and was enjoying a lie-in when the call came through to report to the Commander's office. Groggily she rolled out of bed and staggered sleepily into the sonic shower. Refreshed she dried, dressed, tidied her hair and made her way to answer the summons.

As predicted, on the way there, she wondered what this was about.

Martina heard the page, ~that was odd, Mr. Wallace wasn't due back until later this morning.~ =^="Intelligence to Commander Davies, Mr. Wallace has not returned from his field assignment."=^=

Davies tapped at his comm and thanked the respondent. =^= "Please ask him to see me at his earliest convenience, it is of an urgent nature." =^= He closed the comm and helped himself to a shining red apple from the top of the bowl.


Petro finished lacing her shoes and rotated her shoulder. The pain was gone and the stiffness, though slight, reminded her that she needed to give it some exercise to keep it from becoming too stiff. She stood and listened to the page. "Morning meeting?" she asked herself. She looked at the Chronometer on the wall and came to the conclusion that the Commander wanted to discuss the days events before everyone began their duties. She wondered if there were any other ships coming to dock or if there were supplies for repairs that were needed. Perhaps there was someone in need of new quarters or maybe....

The list continued on in her head as she left her quarters and made her way to the lift. A few others were rousing and milling about the corridors. She gave them a smile and a nod as she passed them and was greeted in kind. While she waited for the lift, she found herself whistling a tune from some ancient earth song about an orphan. ~It's a hard knock life - for us~ she thought in her head in tune to her humming.

Dorian continued to walk down the hall past his intended location and walked directly towards the turbolift. He had been up for less than an hour and he was hoping that this day was much more mild than the previous. The casualty reports were still being compiled, but they were expected to be considerable. As he stepped into the turbolift he completed the communication that he was drafting.

"Computer, begin recording" Gabriel said. " Commander Da`Nal, my investigation into the recent attack on your family has yielded me no immediate results. There remains the question of Ambassador Isha t'Khellian involvement in either planning or executing the attack on your family. Not surprisingly, she has refused to cooperate in the investigation. As of this date, the investigation remains open and it will be supplemented as further details become available." Gabriel said as he pressed the button on his Padd to transmit the recording to the USS Freedom.

Gabriel exited the turbolift onto Ops and walked towards the Commander's Office as he saw several other officers entering at the same time.

David welcomed each of the crew as they arrived and could see that some were apprehensive about the impromptu call, but he would not divulge the reason for his summons, just offered each to help themselves to the breakfast table.


Da`nal of the House of Varal and Isha Isha e-Khellian i-Ramnau tr'Illialhlae entered Ops side by side a surprise to most to be sure after recent events.

Chelsea had reached the venue ahead of them, as had Petro and Gabriel. "I give it one minute before he makes a snide remark," Isha said in an low undertone.

Da`nal huffed a bit at the comment. "If he doesn't spray his drink out first from the shock."

Davies walked toward the large observation window and nearly dropped the half eaten apple from his hand. He did a comical double take, making sure he was seeing what it was he was seeing before finally convinced that it was, by the way Da'Nal aided Isha up the steps to the upper level.

He swallowed the soft chewed fruit in his mouth, before turning to scan the members of crew who had arrived.
~ No Darson, Kasikova or Opaka. Give them a minute ~ He thought to himself as he made his way to the rear of the office, to see some of the reactions at what was about to make an entrance.

"Well, someone has noticed us, at least," Isha remarked as she saw Davies' start, she didn't look at Da'nal, but she was quite aware that he was still there by her side. "Shall we go in? - bISovbejbe'DI' tImer (my source gives that as 'When in doubt, surprise them'), if you'll pardon my pronunciation," she added beneath her breath as they stepped into Davies' office.

Her pronunciation was off slightly, but it was close enough. Under his breath he replied. "Absolutely..."


Jo'el was still straightening his comm badge as the turbolift deposited him on ops. He was a bit taken aback as he made his way to the commander's office. Well, that's interesting he thought as he saw the backs of Da'nal and Isha heading into the office together.


As the turbo lift deposited Major Darson in the middle of Main Operations, he received more than a few stares from the actively working crew. It wasn’t his cloak, they were used to that by now. It wasn’t the fact that his hood was down revealing his mask and his right arm was drawn up and out, suspended immobile in a black sling either.

Rather, it was the simple truth that he was wearing enough expensive jewellery to gold leaf the entire station. Chains of rare metals hung down from around his neck, and he wore a fantastic purple sash Pancho Villa style across his chest. The most ostentatious thing of all though, was the circlet he wore on his head.

Crafted out of pure latinum, and inlaid with various precious gems, it was fit for royalty, and in Darson’s opinion looked quite nice on his head. Add to that whole ensemble the enormous battered container he was balancing delicately on his shoulder with his one free hand, and he made quite the sight.

With a small grunt, he hefted the case to a better position on his shoulder and strode calmly across the operations room; the only sounds being made were the jingling of the chains. He left Ops and ascended the steps to the Commander’s office with apparent ease.


By the time Petro arrived at the Commander's office, there were already a few people there. She recognized some but not all of the faces and, as usual, was her normal taciturn self. She watched as they milled about, seeming to be at ease with whatever it was that was going on. Petro, on the other hand, was confused by the varying personnel in attendance and by the colorful assortment of voedsel on the table. She leaned against the wall, feeling a bit out of place considering the rank of the others in the room. She was, after all, the only enlisted person in attendance.

Gabriel looked at the room past the Human Commander and his lowly date towards Darson. The Task Force had returned from the station overnight, but Dorian had not received any information as to what happened. The only thing he knew was that his Officer, Ensign Michael Duquesne was laying in sickbay recovering from a concussion, several broken bones, and a phaser wound. To make matters worse, Dorian was forced to sit without any questions being answered while Darson strolled into the office without a care in the word.

"So the Jester has arrived," Gabriel said to himself as he crossed the office and walked directly to Darson. "What the hell happened out there" Gabriel said in a low tone so only he and Darson could hear.

Darson cocked his head to the side as he was accosted by an obviously infuriated Lieutenant Gabriel. As much as he loved toying with the man, he had no interest in relating what went on during the mission…at least not yet, “Patience Lieutenant,†He said in a flippantly patronizing tone, “all will become clear in due time. Now if you would be so kind to get out of my way? This box is heavy and I wouldn't want to drop it on your foot.â€

David shook his head as Darson strode in and it seemed to overshadow the entrance of Isha & Da'Nal. Taking a freshly filled glass of juice, he looked across the room once again.

"Computer, Locate Zorana Kasikova." He asked, not realizing that she was on the Castor with Captain Tahir as Claire entered the office and made a beeline for the commander.

"Lieutenant Junior Grade Kasikova is not aboard the station. Currently she is aboard the USS Castor enroute to Sector 001" The computer informed Davies as Claire drew up to him.

"I'm sorry Commander. I got here as soon as I heard you call for Zorana. I was tied up with a patient. Would you like me to stay?" She asked.

"Thank you, I just found out. Sorry to drag you up here, but now that you are, you may as well stay for the department heads meeting that will follow." He smiled, refraining from placing a hand on her shoulder, he didn't want it to be misconstrued.

"Excuse me." He said, leaning towards her and making his way towards the Major and Gabriel.


ON:

He turned sideways in between Chelsea & Petro, "Ladies." He said in passing, a smile on his face as he made his way to Dorian.

"Lieutenant Gabriel, can I have a quiet word?" He intervened in what was obviously an disagreement between him and the Marine.

Gabriel was about to respond to Darson's flippant remark when he was interrupted by Commander Davies. Gabriel decided to resist the urge to punch the Marine in the face and actually have a word with Davies.

Darson would have made a rude hand gesture at Dorian, but his hands were otherwise engaged. He settled for subtly moving towards them, at least as subtly as he could with an enormous crate balanced over his shoulder, in order to eavesdrop on the conversation.

Making sure he was out of clear earshot of the other staff, he asked in a hushed voice.

"Dorian, are you happy to take full responsibility of the security department?" David asked bluntly, even though he could order the man so, he would rather give Dorian the option. A day was not really enough to fully experience the complexities and depths of security, but he could see that as a intelligence officer, he was also a damn good security chief.

Gabriel raised a brow. "Why? Is the Nausicaan unable to perform her duties within her substandard abilities anymore?" Gabriel asked wondering why he had not seen nor heard from the looming creature today.

Petro overheard the comment and stormed up to Gabriel. "What would you know about standards?" she barked. "or manners for that matter."

Darson restrained a chuckle that was forming in his chest as he watched Petro step up to do battle with Gabriel. From what he had seen of her personnel records, she wasn’t exactly the confrontational type…but maybe hanging around with Rakka had rubbed off on her somehow.

Gabriel looked at the Enlisted individual standing before him. He recognized Petro immediately as Rakka's little friend that always followed her around. Without Rakka, Gabriel wondered what she would do for companionship. It appeared that she had found something new to occupy her time: Insubordination.

"Standards, Warrant Officer, the same in time of an emergency." Gabriel said as he narrowed his eyes. "Standards which are in place to save lives, Warrant Officer. Perhaps you should review those the next time you *think* about accepting such a daunting task." Gabriel said as he continued to observe Petro's response.

"Some standards need to be set aside." Petro said, feeling the lump rise in her throat. "Would you rather have had it unattended?" She asked. Before he could reply she added another quip. "Standards, I've heard, are something that seem to fluctuate to suit your own personal goals."

“Oh…Zing!†Darson thought to himself amusedly as he continued eavesdropping on the conversation. Petro was really holding her own. Gabriel looked defensive and Darson was certain that he had not anticipated this amount of fight coming from the lithe quartermaster.

Da`nal shuck his head slowly as the two sparred. Nothing had changed, but could he really expect any different from the day before.

Gabriel hesitated for a moment before responding. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Gabriel asked, with the demanding intent obvious in his voice. "Explain yourself, Petro. Go ahead, there's no rushing mob coming to attack you, nor is there a hulking Nausicaan to stand up for you." He said, crossing his arms.

Petro glared at Dorian. "I stand up for her." She said. "At least I don't arm prisoners and provoke them to attack another officer." Petro said, having heard of the incident from Rakka. "And don't pretend to deny it." She said, her gaze fixed on him, though the tension in her neck was growing.

“A knife…I would think,†Darson thought, casting his mind back several days to the interrogation of the interrogation of one of the Calina Consortium’s assassins, the one who had killed Lieutenant Riley. It was very interesting that she was accusing Gabriel of it though, especially since he had nothing to do with it. But he kept silent and continued enjoying the aural conflict while his eyes danced about the room cataloguing who was present.

"The hell are you talking about?" Gabriel said in a lowered tone so that nobody beyond Gabriel, Petro, or Davies could hear their conversation. "I've never given a prisoner any form of a weapon." He said, "Perhaps you should stick to your duties instead creating fantastic conspiracy theories." He replied.

David held up his hands in surrender. "Please!" He exclaimed a little too loudly as a hush came upon the room. It was not quite the way he had planned things, but now that there was a pause in the proceedings, he decided now was as good a time as any to spring his surprises, whether they were welcomed now or not.

"Being as I have you attention, I called you here to alleviate tensions, disparage the events of yesterday and promote a little 'joy' into the new day." His brow rose at Gabriel, then to Petro as he moved back across the silent room to his desk.

"I know you’re all wondering why I called you here," He swept around the decked desk, "some of you will have doubts and fears over reprisals and recriminations because of yesterday, but that was not the reason for my call. The events and actions of the attack, the battle and its outcome, made me see a lot of things differently on this station." David tugged at his tunic with one hand, as he pulled out the chair with the other casually eying each member of staff.

"As some of you know, a station would not be my first choice of Command, it fact, it's the first time I have ever commanded a station and though I am far out from my comfort zone, your actions spurned me on to recognize each of your actions. Please, each of you take a seat." Davies' hand waved to the vacant chairs that were currently tucked beneath the table and he waited for them to become seated before he continued.

Gabriel continued to eye Petro as he took his seat as commanded by Davies. He planned on having a long talk with Petro about what she had just accused him of. A long chat indeed. . .

Petro glowered at Gabriel as she took a seat a few paces away. What he had said about Rakka was unprofessional, unproductive, uncalled for and just plain rude. It wouldn't end here, not if the rumors about Dorian were true. He'd want justification one way or another and he'd retaliate in his own fashion in his own time. She just wondered how far he really would go to get what he wanted.

Having remained near the door keeping an ear open and barely able to keep the smirk from her face, Isha finally unfolded her arms and took a seat; if he admitted to his own staff, and whilst in the presence of outsiders that he was not at ease with his command, Davies could expect nothing more than continuing demonstrations of insubordination from them - it was basic common sense. It was also the first one that Isha had witnessed first hand and part of her had really hoped that someone would lose their control and hurt the man, she hardly though that it would be Petro who confronted Gabriel.

Isha sat upright and folded her hands in her lap keeping her eye on the room from beneath half lowered lashes; sometimes it was much more productive to remain unobtrusive and they seemed to have succeeded in making quite a scene without her assistance.

Ensign Opaka sat on Isha's other side out of instinct. She was really the only person other than Da'nal that he was very familiar with, and sitting on Da'nal's other side would have blocked his view of most of the other people at the table. As he minced bits of kava fruit into his raktajino, Jo'el made brief eye contact with the junior counselor across the table. His heart fluttered as he leaned over to Isha.

"That's her," The Bajoran said, "the Betazoid I was talking to you about in your office."

"The one who was so quick to find fault with your appearance?" Isha murmured with a sideways glance at Opaka. "Then she's blind or a damned fool," she could hardly help feeling a degree of partiality; Opaka had prevented her from being murdered at least once the previous day.

"No, no, that was her superior officer. We didn't really get a chance to speak..." Jo'el decided to file that one away for later. He pinched his nose nervously, avoiding eye contact with the counselor.

"Come on now," Isha said in a conspiratorial undertone as she reached for the coffee pot, "You were ready to gut my husband's brother, and you can't even look her in the eye - I didn't think you had a timid soul ... the worst she can do to you is say 'no'."

Darson gracefully moved off to the side to get out of the way of the numerous officers moving to take seats, and moved off towards his own designated seat at the table, but for the moment decided not to sit down, “Commander Davies,†he said in a lightly honeyed tone, “before we proceed, I request permission to share my report regarding the recent mission I embarked upon…I have a feeling that it will make the general mood in here a little less…moody.â€

"Denied Major. Tales of fancy can be relayed after I have made my announcements." David said as he nodded to the chair for the Major, the jewellery and his case.

Darson lapsed into an unreadable silence for a moment, then bowed his head in polite acquiescence and said in a contrite tone, “As you wish, Commander,†He bumped the case off his shoulder, and with the aid of his foot lowered it gently to the ground. He then brushed off his cloak and took his seat without pomp.

Each of them sat and his eye mainly remained upon the Romulan Ambassador & the Klingon Lieutenant Commander, for it was he David wanted to publicly address first.

David watched as James gracefully took his seat, before the Commander continued.

Pulling open the drawer, he glanced down at the red felt covered boxes and the singular Purple one, before his eyes came back to study each of their faces, some looking back with apprehension, one with fear and the other with nonchalance.

"Firstly, I am sure that you will all join me in wishing, now, Commander Da'Nal a safe journey as he takes command of the USS Freedom."

He leant forward, his hand snaking into drawer to retrieve 2 inconspicuous boxes. His mind raced, deciding who was to receive the first accolade and a smile came to his face.

"Lieutenant Chelsea Adams." He saw her redden and it made his smile widen.

"You worked tirelessly in sickbay yesterday, not only healing wounds, but minds as well. I was inspired watching you and even received a few words of comfort and guidance from you myself." The Commander now made his way towards her as her head fell.

"For your actions and wisdom, I hereby promote you to Lieutenant Commander." He paused, handing her the box and this time, he said nothing as she opened it and her head snapped around to him.

Chelsea stood up to receive the box and allow him to position the pip that had been inside. Then she shook David's hand and saluted him.

"Thank you Sir" was all she could say although there were a thousand words in her head all at once, those three were the only ones she could put together into anything that made sense. 'Made Up' didn't cover it.

"I think Dr Milarno will be a little mortified!" He teased.

Petro found herself smiling at the promotion. Though she didn't know Chelsea well, it was always good when a person who deserved something received it.

Chelsea blushed again but she found her smile at this. "I think you may be right Commander, he may be just a *little* put out!" She joked too, but remembering how pleased Ryan had been for her when she had made Lieutenant and how proud he had been. She couldn't wait to see him, it had been a very long week in which they had passed like ships in the night almost the whole time.

Casting a glance across the table as she sat back down, Chelsea was proud that Isha was here. This was an amazing moment for her and having her friend there made it all the better. She gazed at the box and ran her fingertip around the edge, a myriad of thoughts racing through her mind.

"Congratulations," Isha mouthed but kept her silence. So Davies was a bit of a showman, she mused still not quite sure why she had been asked to attend the meeting unless he wished to demonstrate first hand to a Romulan that despite everything they were still functioning and largely in one piece.

David's head bowed towards Chelsea and he noticed Isha mouth her own pleasantry as he took a step backwards before turning around looking at the rest of the crew, who were now expectant as he held the second box.

He stopped behind nurse MacKenzie. He looked directly at Dorian, who held his eye as cool as ever. David could not begin to penetrate the cold exterior of Dorian and he had no intention of doing so.

"Lieutenant Gabriel, I started to ask you just now, if you wanted command of the security department, do you?" Davies asked, his face serious, though he could not contain his own feelings of excitement and content, but he idly swayed the felt box knowing that it would have absolutely no affect on the officer he was addressing.

Gabriel stood as Davies addressed him. He pulled on his uniform jacket straightening it out before responding. "After the events of yesterday and the work that remains to be completed today, I see that the Security department is in need of firm leadership." He said while casting a glance towards the assembled officers.

"Yes, I will accept the position as head of this station's security department." He replied.

Darson leaned back in his chair slightly as he rubbed his armored chin with his good hand in a quietly introspective fashion. This was troublesome…Gabriel as a security officer? He gave a small mental shudder. He didn’t know if Commander Davies knew the ramifications of what he had just done, and made a small mental note to talk to him after the meeting. As the Chief of Security on a station such as this, that person would have to deal with all the complaints given by the general populace. Rakka was not the best choice for the job, but Gabriel would be much worse.

Suddenly, the door hissed open behind him. Even with his disabled arm, Darson was still the most imposing and combat capable person in the room, and as such had taken the seat closest to the door in order to act as an unofficial vanguard. As he turned in his chair to observe the newcomer, his hand dropped smoothly to his hip inside his cloak, where his sidearm waited.

Darson shouldn’t have worried though. As soon as he saw the person entering, he smirked to himself and kept turning, making a full revolution and ending up facing the table again.

"I hope you enjoy your new job, I know I'm going to enjoy mine." Jarred said as he walked into the room.

Claire looked up and saw Jarred standing there, her heart skipped a beat, she was completely speechless. Claire simply stared at the man she loved.

The entrance of Ensign Wallace was unexpected, but Davies just looked as the Ensign pulled out a chair.

"That Ensign, depends on whether we believe you to be the right candidate for the position!" He replied with a severity to his tone. David held forth the box to Dorian. "Lieutenant Commander Dorian Gabriel, you are hereby promoted and re-assigned." David said, wanting to smile but with Dorian, it would have been misread so he offered his hand.

Gabriel shook the man's hand as he accepted the box. He opened it slowly and examined the black pip that was to be added to his collar. The promotion itself signified a form of recognition of his sacrifice to Starfleet and to the Federation as a whole. She would have been proud of him. . .

Jarred looked at the Commander then at Dorian "unlike Mr. Gabriel who has only had one Chief of Station assignment in intelligence, I have had several and want the job, I didn't come here to be second forever." Jarred only told half the truth, he was going to apply to return to command when he got back up to full Lieutenant "So if there is going to be a new Chief of Intel I think it should be someone whose paid a heavy debt for his service " pointing to the fresh scaring on his face,"and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty."

Gabriel looked up from the box and focused his eyes on Wallace as he entered the room. "Debt? You've barely been on this station long enough to accumulate any debt. When men and women were sacrificing their lives in defense of this station, you were off gallivanting who knows where. Anyone serving in a leadership role on this station has to be here full-time, not just when it suits their fancy, *Ensign*" Gabriel said smartly.

~So, he's thinks everyone is beneath him~ Petro mused, doing her best to refrain from making eye contact with Gabriel. Sadly, she couldn't quite place the Ensign to figure out if Gabriel had any grounds for his disfavor - not that he really needed one, she thought.

Jarred had the sudden urge to reach over and shatter the mans neck, the only thing Dorian knows is political ambitions are getting in the way of his duties, then again, internal affairs is going to have a proverbial field day when they find out he'd been promoted.

Darson cocked his head to the side as he waited patiently and silently for all these tedious proceedings to end. He stared discretely at the furious Ensign and started working on a plan in his head for how he could use him. He then turned his attention to the Commander at the head of the table. He couldn’t help but feel as if there was some double standard going on here.

Davies ambled back around the table. "Yesterday was a horrid day. Trouble flared and you all acted with the utmost professionalism and not only did you make me proud, you made Starfleet proud." The open drawer still held a few more boxes. "Some of you went above and beyond the call of duty." He looked at Ensign Opaka then to Isha. "Ensign Opaka. You were one such officer and I am sure that the Romulan Ambassador would do you the honour of handing you the correct insignia." He looked at Isha. "Ambassador, would you?" He asked, holding up the small box, containing a single black pip but as yet unopened.

Isha plucked the object from between his fingers as she rose; it was not quite what she had in mind - being made a spectacle of, but she could hardly refuse. "Opaka, you began today an Ensign, and a friend, you will end it still a friend, but also a Lieutenant," she said, Davies could correct that later if she had misunderstood the Federation hierarchy, "I owe you and your Prophets a debt, I think, that will not be marked by pips and baubles. Thank you, and congratulations."

The freshly-minted Lieutenant Opaka felt his face flush. He grabbed his nose by the ridges to partially hide the blush. His purple eyes teared up a little.

"Thank you, Madam Ambassador. And thank you, Commander Davies. I wish the captain were here as well, but..." he stammered. "Forgive me, this is a little overwhelming." He felt at the new pip on his collar.

"This represents the fruits of three years in service with Starfleet. I promise you, Prophets willing, I will not give you reason to regret your faith in me." His blush subsiding, he nodded to the commander and sat down. Something to distract me from the scenery... he thought, glancing back at Counselor Mackenzie.

Petro watched as Isha presented the new rank. It was hard to believe that this was the same woman who talked her into wearing that red dress at what seemed to be so long a time ago. A smile crept across her face unable to contain the swelling of happiness for Opaka.

As she looked around the room at the various reactions to these promotions and position changes, Petro couldn't help but miss Rakka all the more. Her eyes fell on Dorian Gabriel and though she had a dislike for him and knew beyond a doubt that he was the kind to bend the rules to suit his needs, she wondered if her accusations were accurate. After all, it wasn't the facts that were speaking but her emotions in reaction to what he had said about her friend. Perhaps, and now it would be pushing it, she owed him an apology. If for nothing else not having the facts presentable off hand.

She shrugged inwardly and continued looking around the room. All these people were ranks above her and she was clearly out of place. She lowered herself in her chair, even more so than she already sat, ashamed to be here. Gabriel was right, 'standards that should have stopped an inexperienced Quartermaster from being in control of the station's tactical systems'. There were standards and she had allowed her emotions to override them. 'Perhaps you should review those the next time you *think* about accepting such a daunting task' His words echoed in her mind. She had challenged him and if he was what she thought him to be then she made a serious mistake. As it was, she had challenged a superior officer and now, even as the meeting took place, she wondered how long it would be before he created a problem for her.

Darson looked quietly upon the now gloomy Janaii. He could use her too, he thought. Just like Wallace, she would be mouldable, instead of pure anger though, fear and her lingering feelings for the departed Rakka would be the catalyst…maybe Dorian becoming CSO wasn’t such a bad thing after all.


~Still we argue amongst ourselves ~ Davies thought as he placed himself back into his chair. He had refrained from answering Wallace, he didn't want to descend into an argument when he had so wanted today to be a peaceful and harmonious day, especially when there were still so many pieces to be put back on the station.

"Thank you Ambassador," Davies began and nodded towards the Romulan Ambassador, "but that was not the only reason I asked you to attend today, though it was fortunate. Late last night, I was reading through the logs and at first, I believed you had simply abandoned DS5 in a time of need. It was only this morning, that I heard more of the facts that had befallen you and I felt ashamed at my own thoughts, but it was the message I received from Romulus that I have really asked you to attend here this morning." David reached into the drawer and took out the large purple covered box and the PADD that accompanied it.

"You will have to forgive me, I do not know what is contained in this," David apologized as he stood, "the replication order was in Romulan as apparently, spoken in English would not replicate this medal correctly." He said, handing her the box and PADD, "but I do know that your government has offered an apology for the attack to the Federation and that you have awarded some form of medal of valor." He explained with a smile.

She had been about to resume her seat. Instead Isha found herself the centre of attention once again - a spot she often liked to occupy, but right now as she extended her hand and took both the box and the PADD, she rather wished that the eyes of the station were not upon her because though there were some that were friendly, others would no doubt view this as an affront.

Isha skimmed the PADD before she crooked her thumb and flicked open the box. Had she been less well trained she might have dropped straight back into her chair, but years of breeding had put her where she was – an apology without admission of culpability, and … she placed the PADD and the box on the table before she lifted out the little gilt star with its blue enamel heart winking from the centre. “The Ranam Valassa,†she explained to Davies, “The Shining Star … not something I would ever have expected to receive – it is given for service beyond the call of duty.â€

Someone in the government wanted to register their approval of her actions and to be sure that she knew that she had one powerful backer at least.

The Commander could see that Isha was full of restrained emotion, but what really amused him, was the way that Da'Nal had put his arm around her in congratulation and some members of crew found it quite disconcerting.

Gabriel wanted to vomit. Federation citizens lose their lives because of some family squabble between Isha and her misbegotten tribe and all her government has to say for it is, "Sorry." To make matters worse, she is given a damn medal for her "bravery". It took every bit of his self-restraint to avoid flipping the table over and storming out of the meeting in disgust.

Darson resisted the urge to comment on the medal, remaining uncharacteristically silent as he basked in Dorian’s rage. While in this particular case he agreed with the dark-skinned man, Dorian had no idea just how much Isha now had to lose, “Oh Ms. t’khellian, he thought with just the slightest hint of humor, “This almost makes me regret having putting out a hit on dear old Raedheol…almost.â€

Still smiling to himself, Davies retook his seat, holding back on the 1 certain promotion he held and the offer on his mind for Petro.

He allowed the general hub-bub to settle, watching the quiet and unobtrusive J'naii, who seemed to be trying to push herself back into her seat whilst still watching those around her.

Finally, he took the last but one red box from his drawer and laid this one on the table, leaning forward for the mixed juice and topping up his glass. The room was starting to get a little stuffy from the body heat and exuded hot air, so seeing that Darson was nearest the door, he called to him.

"Major, would you be kind enough to open the door and then you can recant your report." Davies said with a nod and the faintest register of a smile.


Darson grumbled and made a childish sound of indignation, “Of course,†he remarked in a perturbed tone, “make the cripple get up and open the door. Honestly, do you people have a shred of compassion for the disabled at all?â€

Immediately after that he chortled and then burst into dark laughter as he waved a hand to forestall responses, “Haha…oh jeez, no…I don’t really want any answers to that question…I’ll get the door, Commander.â€

He stood up gracefully and sauntered over to the door, cloak swishing in the air. He pressed the controls gently and set them to keep the door open, then turned back towards the table as he thought about how best to regale them with his tale…as well as show Commander Davies what real showmanship was all about. After all, muffins and fresh fruit were nice…but it couldn’t hold a candle to what he had in the box.

As he arrived back at the foot of the table, he reached down to where his large case was making a deep imprint in the carpet and grasped the rusty handle with his good hand as bent his knees slightly. With a small grunt and a heave of his arm, he lifted the case into the air, and over to the table in one motion.

The case came down with a crash and a thud, and the end of the poor beleaguered table creaked in protest and threatened to buckle under the weight, but held fast. Darson ran his hand over the top of it in a loving fashion as he ruminated in silence for a moment as he gathered his thoughts and let the tension build.

David was not best pleased about the treatment of the desk and he knew that Tasha would want to know what made the dents in its wooden surface.

"Anytime this morning would be good, Major!" Davies nudged Darson.

Darson nodded calmly and said slowly, “Hmm…where…should….I…begin? Ahh…you know, I may as well spare you all the entire back story and be brief. As you’re undoubtedly aware, there have been many recorded incidents regarding pirate attacks in recent weeks. I was assigned to this sector to combat this threat, so as soon as I obtained actionable evidence of a pirate base in the area, I scrambled a Task Force to go after them.â€

He decided that since the whole affair at the pirate base was going to be classified anyways, and that most of the people in attendance wouldn’t understand the intricacies of a battle of such epic proportions, he decided to keep it simple, “Is anyone here well versed in ancient Terran History?â€

Petro slowly raised her hand, having recently studied some of the material. "Ancient could cover a vast period of time." She pointed out.


Darson nodded his head in acknowledgment, “Well, then you should know that it holds that 2432 years ago, in the Terran Year of 47 B.C., Roman Emperor Julius Caesar set out on a Campaign to destroy Pharnaces II of Pontus. The entire Campaign lasted all of five days, one of the shortest military actions in history. After the Battle of Zela, where he crushed Pharnaces’ forces in the town of Zile, he sent back a message to the Roman Senate. This message consisted on only one line of text…just one. That line of text was ‘Veni, vidi, vici’.â€

"I think I had that for lunch once." Petro said, hoping that her levity wasn't ill placed. She knew she wasn't very good at it yet. "Latin, right?"


Darson gave an arrogant chuckle, “For those of you who are not as well versed in ancient languages as I am, that translates roughly to: ‘I came, I saw…I conquered.’†Darson leaned forward and said calmly, “And that is exactly what I did.â€

Gabriel rolled his eyes in disgust, but more so in annoyance. "Please Darson, don't break your other arm patting yourself on the back for an operation that you did not begin, nor did you execute by yourself you half-wit." Gabriel said as he raised from his chair. "The Base's location, the Legacy, all these things wee discovered through the efforts of both my Intelligence and Rakka's Security Departments. The only purpose your rag-tag group of trigger-happy grunts served was to simply point and click" Gabriel said while pointing an accusatory finger towards the shorter man.

The small J'Naii turned her head to Gabriel. Was he now saying that Rakka did a good job?

Darson turned his head slowly to face the newly minted Chief of Security, “Mr. Gabriel,†he said in a condescending tone as if he was lecturing a petulant child, “We’ve already been over this…remember? So I’ll save you the humiliation by not discussing it again in a public forum,†he turned his attention back to the room at large, “Regardless of Mr. Gabriel’s delusions of grandeur, the point of the matter is that the pirate threat is gone. We captured their base, and it now flies the flag of the Federation. The prisoners we took are being transported back to Earth to stand trial for their crimes, and a claims service has been opened for any merchants who have had their cargo stolen.â€

"What is your point Darson? Was your nonsensical diatribe was germane in some form to the proceedings of this morning?" Gabriel asked. "Or we did just lose precious minutes of our lives while being held hostage to your strained attempt at earning the few slivers of approval and respect that you utterly failed to obtain as a child?" Gabriel inquired rhetorically using every word as a precise weapon against the man.

"Anybody who wanted to know the result of the assault on the pirate base could simply read a Padd and go on with their day." Gabriel responded while waving an arm towards the gathered officers. "Or perhaps we could travel to Sick bay and view the various officers that are now fighting for their lives as a result of the previous operation." Gabriel stated in an unappreciative tone.

Deep in thought Isha only half monitored the posturing and crowing going on across the table, And they wonder why they were so vulnerable to attack. This pair could make a career on the stage. she twisted the little eight pointed star in her lap and shook her head gently rather wishing that she could come up with an excuse to slip away.

Da`nal to had had enough of the bickering. He had a ship to get ready for departure and all this useless squabling was wasting his time. Unlike most of those assembled he was no longer under the Commanders direct command. Standing swiftly as his hand slapped the table he spoke what the Ambassador had thought. "It no wonder this station's securtiy was breached! You are all sorry worried about one uping each other, and too busy pointing fingers at each other that a Ferengi circus could have gotten past any one of you!" Turning to Davies, "Commander, I hope to serve with you again, but I have a ship to prepare for departure." With a respectful nod to Commander Davies he turned to the Ambassador. "When you are ready to come aboard Ambassador...feel free to contact me."

If the Klingon could actually read minds then she was in trouble, Isha thought. For once she chose to assume that it was coincidence that caused his words to match her own thoughts so closely. “Thank you, Commander Danal,†she said with a nod that could almost be interpreted as submissive. “I will let you know as soon as I am ready.â€

Da`nal nodded in reply and walked out of Ops.

Gabriel was about to respond when he stopped. For once the half-breed was right. He had allowed himself to fall for the Marine's prattling diatribe and allowed himself to give him attention. Gabriel looked down at the table in front of him and sighed deeply.

"Da`Nal is correct, Commander. I have allowed my own hubris to blind me from my immediate duties." Gabriel said softly. "I apologize. If there is nothing further, then I'd ask to be dismissed to attend to more pressing matters." He added.......

----------------------------------------------

Commander David Davies
CO: DS5

Commander Da'Nal
CO: USS Freedom

Ens. Jarred Wallace
ACIO DS5

Lt. Cdr Dorian Gabriel
Chief Security

Warrant Officer Petro
Quartermaster

Major James Darson
Marine Commanding Officer

Ambassador Isha t'Khellian

Lt. Cmdr. Chelsea Adams
ACMO - DS5

Lt. Claire Mackenzie
Acting Chief Counselor

Ensign Opaka Jo'el
Master-At-Arms

 

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