Advocacy

Posted on Wed Jun 7th, 2023 @ 11:50am by Commodore Dazad & Captain Christine Adkins & Captain Thyr Th'rhaatress

2,395 words; about a 12 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Operations, Deep Space 12
Timeline: 2399-09-21, 10:00

The turbo lift came to a hault and the doors silently opened to reveal the control center of Deep Space 12 a buzz with life. Crissy looked at her XO and raised her eyebrows in surprise with how busy it was before stepping off the lift.

"Any ideas where the Commodore might be, number one?" She asked quietly.

"Maybe the guy sitting in the chair?" Commander Ghijad Jawi joked as they entered the Operations Center of the Starbase. For the hybrid she was fascinated by what she saw inside the command center of the station. Unlike most starbases, Deep Space 12 had what closely resembled the Bridge of a Starship, not the cavernous structure that most starbases had. Going through her knowledge of Starship Bridge designs she surmised that the module had once been part of either a Nova or Prometheus Class starship. When she noticed that there were two chairs in the center of the room, not a single one, she surmised it was probably based on a Nova.

"Now i remember why i choose you as my first officer." Crissy replied with a smirk. "Lets find out shall we." She added before moving towards the chair.

"Captain Christine Adkins and Commander Ghijad Jawi reporting as ordered." She said after standing to attention.

Commodore Dazad Targaryen looked up from the console built between the CO and XO's chairs at the two new arrivals in his Operations Center, separated by the Situation Table. "Welcome to Deep Space 12," he said not rising from his chair. "Please have a seat." It sounded friendly, but it was clearly an order.

Ghijad Jawi stood at the side of her Captain, not taking a seat until she did.

"Thank you for the warm welcome, Commodore." Crissy replied with a smile as she took the offered seat. "So, what's happening here in the Maelstrom to have Starfleet push us out of spacedock early and with only a skeleton crew?" She asked as she straightened her uniform before crossing her legs.

Dazad noticed the Cardassian XO starting to lower in the chair before focusing on the Captain of the Kumari, "Starfleet Command is diverting a lot of resources to this station because of the importance of the Maelstrom Sector. The Kumari is one of two Inquiry Class Starships, the Khitomer and the Zheng He, that have already been deployed here. Regrettably, crews for ships are hard to come by these days. Ever since Mars we've had a recruitment drop."

"Forgive me, Commodore but i know the official line of personnel shortages. However, im lacking all department heads bar my XO. Im well aware that the Inquiry class can be used with less crew but a crew compliment of 20 is crazy and, if im totally honest, dangerous." Adkins stated, her tone respectful but letting the Commodore know her frustrations.

The El-Aurian sighed in response to the Captain of the Kumari, upset that she was going through this but more than understanding of the whole picture. The Federation had neglected the Maelstrom for so long there were two types of people who ended up here: the ones who wanted to make a name for themselves and the ones who had no other option. Pretty much everyone else avoided this Sector like the plague out of fear that their career would dead end. Perhaps one day this Sector would be important again, but that was not today.

"I will be able to assist you with some crew, Captain, your senior positions at minimum and some of the supporting," the Commodore confirmed. "I assume that you would not be opposed to double duty, Commander?"

Commander Jawi nodded, "I'm not against helping my ship where necessary, Commodore."

"I'll be working with Starfleet Personnel to assist with getting you additional personnel," the Commodore added.

Crissy nodded her approval. "So, what brings Kumari to this part of the galaxy? I've read the file on the Maelstrom and know of its reputation but how can we help?"

"Starfleet is only just refocusing efforts on this region, Captain. In the late 24th Century this had be a priority region for us, a strong focus for rebuilding and resources in a post-Dominion War galaxy. When the First Contact Day Massacre occurred, let's just say Starfleet's reevaluation hit the Maelstrom hard. Our forces are here to right a past wrong."

"Is it not too little too late, Commodore? I've heard the Maelstrom is rife with petty conflicts and plenty of criminals from all walks of life. Without significant resources we'll just be a droplet of water in a vast ocean of chaos." Crissy replied.

"Our partners in the Klingon Empire have done their best in the region for the last 15 years, but I never said that this was going to be an easy assignment, now did I, Captain? Your Kumari is an Inquiry Class vessel, designed primarily for tactical operations, I suppose you'll be fairly popular." The El-Aurian Commodore replied from his chair. "Starfleet is putting resources toward this Sector left and right, but yours is probably the most advanced vessel aside from my Saratoga."

"By best, im assuming you mean they've dealt with what they wanted to and turned a blind eye when the price was right." Crissy replied sharp fully but also respectfully. "So, we're spearheading Starfleets push of authority in the Maelstrom. Starfleet knows the Maelstrom will push back, right?"

The Commodore answered bluntly, "Why do you think you're here in a Tactical Cruiser? Because it looks fancy?"

"Well, without a crew that's all we will be doing, sir." Kumari's Captain stated.

"Thank the Maker for automation," the Commodore replied quickly. "We're all facing these challenges, Captain. This station, for example, is considered to have a skeleton crew for its size. Key senior roles are being filled by civilians for Heaven's sake. Not something I'd ever have imagined encountering if my over a century with Starfleet." He sighed, "I have calls out, Captain, for additional crews, but you're not the only one feeling this challenge." Almost as if on cue he heard the turbolift doors opening, wondering if it what the Axca's Captain coming to call.

Thyr walked into ops, frankly puzzled as to why he was there. After all, he was a Cali class captain and he never expected to run with the "big boys" so to speak. But he sure wasn't going to show it. He walked up to the Commodore. "You sent for me, sir?" He said.

"Speak of the Devil," the Commodore said, absently. "Captain Christine Adkins of the Kumari, I'd like to introduce you to Captain Thyr Th'rhaatress of the Axca. You'll be working together fairly frequently."

Crissy stood up and turned to the Andorian Captain. "A pleasure to meet you, Captain Th'rhaatress." She said as she offered her hand for her counterpart to shake.

"Likewise, Captain Adkins" Thyr smiled. He eagerly took the offered hand.

"I wanted the two of you to become acquainted because I believe you'll bump into each other a lot out there," the El-Aurian smirked, "and you seem to be having similar issues."

"Will that be a good thing or not?" Crissy replied with a chuckle.

"It shouldn't be bad. If you don't mind a California class as backup" the Andorian chuckled.

The Commodore was the one who chimed in, "Nothing wrong with the Cali Class ship, Captain. We appreciate the help. I have about half a dozen additional meetings this morning, but I'd like to talk with Captain Adkins a bit more about the mission we'd like her to undertake."

"Nothing wrong with the California Class. I look forward to working with you out there in the wild west." Captain Adkins replied with a smile.

Thyr smiled back. "I wouldn't miss it!"

"Now, Captain Adkins, I have a quick mission that I'd like you to undertake. The Geronimo is proceeding to a diplomatic mission with the Kessok at their colony world on Omega Draconis. I would like you to shadow them and be available to provide assistance should they need it."

"Kessok, there's a name i haven't heard for a while." Adkins smiled. "Are you expecting problems?"

The Sector Commander sat for a moment, considering the situation carefully. "As much as it pains me to say it: yes. Admiral MacCray's logs were pretty specific and clear when it came to the Kessok. Starfleet's pulling out of this Sector left a bad taste in their mouth. They closed their borders not long after. Even the Klingons haven't seen them since then. They may not take too kindly to us paying a visit."

Crissy nodded, "Forgive me, but won't us showing up mob handed just provoke them further? Wouldn't it be best just to keep trading messages as a start to diplomacy?"

"Some decisions are outside of my realm of responsibility and authority, even as the Sector Commander. Admiral Clancy is who ordered the diplomatic mission to travel to the Kessok Colony. She has made restoring diplomatic relations a priority," the Commodore explained. "I am more pragmatic."

"Great, so we let the mission fall apart and Kumari will be there to pick up the pieces. Sounds like fun." Kumari's commanding officer replied.

Dazad nodded, "More or less. Any thoughts on that?"

"Yeah, but you don't want to hear them." The Captain said glancing at her first officer, wanting to see what his thoughts were.

"I'm certain that I don't need to be El-Aurian to sense the hidden undertones of that statement, Captain." He glanced at the quiet Cardassian woman next to the Captain, "Do you have concerns, Exec?"

Commander Ghijad Jawi crossed her arms, "It sounds more like you want the Kumari to be assigned to serve as a bodyguard than in an exploratory role, Commodore. Starfleet Command assigned us to this region to help keep the peace, that's correct, but they also want us to explore too. This region has three times the ambient radiation of any other sector encountered. We believe there are limitless resources. Instead you want us to go out and play nursemaid to your XO? It's not really a fitting mission. Plus, since this is a diplomatic assignment, parking the Kumari too close to the colony they're visiting may just trigger the hostilities that you're worried about causing." She paused, realizing the word salad she had just relayed, "I'm sorry I'll see myself out."

"No," Dazad answered. "Captain, do you share the thoughts of your XO?"

Crissy nodded, "I'm sorry Commodore, i do." She replied simply.

The Commodore was not really all that surprised by the challenge provided. He crossed his legs as he sat in the chair and considered how to move forward. Surprisingly, it was toward the path of least resistance, "So, Captain, what would you propose for your mission?"

"As in, free range, sir?" Adkins asked, wanting to be sure on what the Commodore was asking.

Dazad simply nodded in reply.

"What about a patrol mission? Something that's close enough to aid the Geronimo if needed but not too close to rouse suspicion." Adkins offered.

The Commodore sat and considered the option. That would give them an opportunity to have a ship not far away and make it look as if they weren't babysitting the crew of the Geronimo. The problem was which border did they patrol? "We have a couple of those: Cardassian, Kessok, Klingon, Romulan... which would you like to patrol?"

"We'll go and check out the Romulan refugees. Make sure all is well with them." Crissy replied glancing at her first officer. "Do you agree, Commander?"

Before Commander Jawi could answer, the Commodore cut her off, "I'm sorry, Captain, but I don't think that visiting the Romulans would be very advantageous at the moment for anyone. The Free State has operational control of the Maelstrom's Romulan Settlements, but there are many who think that is tenuous at best."

"Cardassian then, sir?" Crissy replied. Making a mental note to get fully caught up on the diplomatic situation of the Maelstrom.

Commander Jawi considered that option. While she was half Cardassian by birth she loathed the thought of returning to their territory for patrol. Deep down she knew it was an option that she would have to face one day regardless of her personal feelings on the matter, but that didn't mean she had to be a fan. Maybe biting the bullet and getting it over with was the right course.

"Commodore, my people need to know that the Federation is committed to this region again. If they don't it's entirely possible that they will begin a pacification campaign again to retake this region from us."

Commodore Dazad looked between the two and considered what they'd said. While he was worried about the crew of the Geronimo, until more ships were assigned to the region he'd have to overcome his fears and let things happen as they could. This was the wild west and it had to be treated as such.

"How soon can you fly?"

"As soon as we get some sort of crew on board, Commodore." Adkins replied, dropping yet another hint that they were short handed.

Dazad sighed, "I wish it were that simple, Captain, I truly do. Ever since the Android attack on Mars we've had increases in personnel shortages throughout the Federation. While Starfleet's been pouring ships into this region, they're heavily reliant on the automation systems. We'll work on it. Until then, please feel free to enjoy the station."

"I do sympathise, sir, I really do but we need a certain level of crew to make a mission like this safe." Adkins said as she rose to her feet.

"I understand," he replied with a respectful nod. "We will work on that aspect, Captain."

"Thank you, Commodore. We'd appreciate that." Adkins said with a respectful nod. She waited to be officially dismissed.

The El-Aurian could read the room easily, "If there is nothing else, Captain, I have another meeting with which to attend. Please feel free to explore the station in the interim if you and your crew would like to do so."

Adkins smiled again at the Commodore before turning and heading back to the turbolift that they had arrived in.

Commodore Dazad watched as the command crew of the Kumari exited the Operations Complex and hoped that this was the start of a good relationship, if only they could find the ship a crew or two.

 

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