Calling in the Big Guns

Posted on Tue Apr 7th, 2009 @ 9:47am by Captain Elsie Halliwell

535 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: In The Dark
Location: Lane's Ready Room
Timeline: Current

After Commander Lane closed the comm. channel to Captain Sheppard, he sighed heavily. Rubbing the back of his neck with his rough hand, he then cracked it and the stress fell away from his shoulders. He looked out through the reflective window, and as the Nova ship orbited Citadel Prime, the Trill trained his blue eyes on the marble that floated in space.

"Computer," he said as he tapped at the console before him, "activate a channel to Admiral Underwood, Starfleet Headquarters."

[26 minutes later]

The dialogue between the Admiral and the Captain went particularly well. Lane's request for a Defiant Class escort was granted in earnest. The escalation at the Citadel Tower concerning the assassination attempt of his first officer warranted such measures with an added bonus.

"Commander Lane, I not only think it a prudent measure to grant you the protection of a meatier ship," the weathered Admiral Eaglestone said, "but in addition, I am assigning you a Strategic Operations Officer for the Archimedes. A young gentleman by the name of Lieutenant Dernah seems to be at a loose end at Starbase 21, and with the political climate being what it is over there for you, I have no doubt that his expertise will assist you. I have already sent the assignment orders and you can expect them both in a few days."

Lane looked rather stunned by this suggestion, but somehow eased by the thought of added security. "Thank you, Admiral," he managed, swallowing hard.

"Just complete your mission and that will be thank you enough, Lane," the Admiral replied curtly. "Eaglestone out."

Land thought silently to himself, but then nodded. "Let's see what this young man has to say for himself, then," he said, activating the viewscreen again.

"Computer, patch me through to Starbase 21 for the attention of Lieutenant Dernah, secured channel.

"Dernah here. To whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"

"Mr. Dernah? Commander Coltan Lane of the Archimedes, how are you?" Lane said as he looked upon the older Betazoid.

"Ah, Commander Lane. I have been expecting this little chat with you. How is the situation?" Dernah asked.

"In need of a Strat Ops guy, apparently, Lieutenant," he replied with a smile and a subtle raise of his eyebrow. "I'm told that you maybe up for the challenge. I won't lie to you, by the day, this situation is worsening."

"Well Commander, I can safely say that I have been waiting for just such an assignment. I have been in need of a challenge for quite some time now," Brendan said to the Trill.

"Good, I'm glad, Lieutenant," he stated with a nod. "I assume that you have already received your reassignment orders." He shifted his weight in his chair and smiled. "How are you to get the Archimedes?"

"You would be correct in that assumption, Commander. I am taking the Defiant-class ship that should be en route to you in a few hours," Dernah said. "And please call me Brendan."

"Okay, Brendan," he smiled. "Have a safe journey and forward me your flight plan of the USS Daring. We'll roll out the red carpet for you."



Commander Coltan Lane
Commanding Officer

AND

Lieutenant Brendan Dernah
Chief Strategic Operations Officer

 

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