Command Staff Meeting

Posted on 03/02/2022 @ 6:05pm by Captain Cara Letsul & Lieutenant Hiro Yoshida & Colonel Loval & Rear Admiral Thomas Rice & Lieutenant Daynah Ral & Petty Officer 1st Class Maisy Shields

4,370 words; about a 22 minute read

Mission: Mini Mission: When The Cat's Away
Location: Meeting Room in Station Ops
Timeline: MD02 01/04/ 2397 - 1100

ON

Cara decided she'd send out a message to those whom she will be working with, while Harrington was away. Best to make the connection and get a team plan made. She wondered who would be the first one to arrive. Would it be Astrid, Daynah Maisy or Thomas, or even James McCauley. While she waited, Cara went over towards the viewport and gazed out over Aquil. It was a beautiful planet, she had yet to go there though. Perhaps she will go there soon. When Neil and Adira came back from their mission.

Even with Harrington away you'd think Maisy would get some time off, lighter duties but no. She had been cleaning up his office, he wouldn't let her do it when he was there so now was a good time to clear up some of the excess PaDDs he liked to hide in his desk that he thought she did not know about. However, she quickly moved from his office to Ops thankful it was only a small walk. "You wanted to see me, Commander?" she asked as she approached Letsul, a little Scottish twang sneaking through.

Daynah walked into the meeting room with a soft smile on her face. She could immediately see and sense the trepidation present in Cara. Alaryc's memories within Ral told her that was the nerves that came with being in command. She placed the PADD which contained the latest fleet movements on the table. "Reporting as ordered Commander." Alaryc's memories also told her to wait to be acknowledged before sitting.

Astrid had been slammed with reports from the night shift and had been trying to catch up for the past few days with what looked like an end in the future. She sighed as she set down another report and was about to pick up another when she got the notification of a meeting. She raised an eyebrow and headed for the location of the meeting. She walked through the door to see two others already there. She took a sip of the coffee in her hand trying to relieve the exhaustion that had overtaken her to no avail. She looked as chipper as possible "Reporting as requested."

Tom wasn't sure why the station's Commander of Operations had summoned him to a meeting, he smirked. "Maybe our dinner went better than I had thought," he sipped his coffee as he entered the meeting room. He stopped in his tracks noticing the others present, "Commander," he nodded to Cara. "Neil's gone for a day and you gunning for his position, Cara?"

He ignored the others as he stepped further into the room, coffee in hand.

Cara watched the reflections of the people in the window coming to her summons, she slightly smiled at Tom's remark, still facing the window. She turned around, "No, I'm not gunning for his position, Commodore." Cara returned his smile, then she looked at the others. "Please there is some refreshments and you can get a beverage from the replicator.

"You are probably wondering why I called this meeting, it is due to getting a bit acquainted with the command staff as it stands." Cara looked over at everyone. "I do not know if anyone has met each other as of yet?"

"Well, the Commodore sits on his throne upon high. Don't bother with us pesky peasants do you sir?" Maisy half-joked. She was a bit annoyed he had not at least acknowledged the others in the room. Her problems with authority had not disappeared overnight, very much as her history had shown but she'd taken a shine to Captain Harrington recently. She knew some of the others in passing, the passing of reports and whatnot but nothing more in-depth.

"Petty Officer," Tom turned to the woman as she spoke, "I like to think that Officers who work under my command would have a bit more professional behavior when in public. If you could keep your opinions to yourself going forward," the man slipped into his old habits of abrupt behavior. He'd changed, but it was still easy to be the old Tom. "If not then I am certain Commander Letsul could find another Petty Officer who would be more workable."

"Thankfully I'm not an officer sir but if that's what you want I will keep opinions to myself and to the ear of Captain Harrington," Maisy replied. She'd be more than happy to leave the red jumpsuit brigade. "I don't shy away from work but I am more than happy to leave."

"And this is why I have called for this meeting," Cara stated calmly. "It is to get a working relationship with everyone." Signs of her having been an admiral and counselor showing. "I have found that when we meet face to face and even air out our differences, we'll have a better team. Communications is a key factor." giving a polite but firm look to those that are gathered there. "Please have a seat and we can get started."

James stepped in at that very moment. He cleared his throat. "You wished to see me. Commander?" He was late and he knew it, but stepping up as Acting Chief Operations had come to a surprise, and handling everything that was going on took some getting used to.

"Yes thank you for joining us. " Cara stated towards the late arrival, James "Now it seems that there is some dissension? Or that can be discussed behind closed doors?"

Tom took a seat somewhere near the head of the table, he wasn't entirely sure why he was here. He didn't need to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the station and hoped that would still be the case after this meeting. The only reason he opted to stay was he had enjoyed Cara's company the other night and didn't want to upset her. Besides, he wanted to see how she handled things, with half the Senior Staff gone or occupied.

Cara took a look towards Tom, a smile in her eyes but a calm demeanor being shown, she looked back to the others. "I do know this isn't quite the normal procedure, however I am not the normal run of the mill person either. In order for us to have a good running of the station I am wanting everyone to be aware of whom they can call on and be able to find the support that is needed. And everyone needs to be involved. No one is an island when it comes to running a station. Sometimes a person is needing to wear more than one hat." Cara stated.

Cara hadn't sat down yet. "All of you have talents and intelligence that can be utilized to help keep things afloat. In case of an emergency I want those here to know, that if needed there is someone that can be contacted. From the Commodore all the way to Petty Office Shields. Each of you is important."

Daynah took her customary seat, which was usually to the left of the head of the table. So in this case she sat to Rice's left. She both understood and did not understand Cara's position. Daynah was blessed with the knowledges of Ral's previous hosts. As such she understood the need to have a cohesive, unified team on a ship or station. On the other hand if people did not like each other they were Starfleet. As such they would work together regardless. For the time being the Trill woman was content to watch the others and chime in when asked to report.

"Well I do feel all warm and fuzzy inside." Maisy spoke. "That is my superpower though." she said pointing a PaDD at some of the others. "No stealing it." she added as the memories of her past came to the forefront of her mind. Ironic that she was there because of her thefts in the past.

James wondered why he was called to attend this meeting. As far as he knew Operations as a department was and always had been quite approachable, albeit a large department with several smaller individual teams. He had not heard of any complaint yet. Though now his direct superior was a suspect in a criminal investigation and in a holding cell, maybe people had started to wonder about the integrity of the Operations department as a whole.

Astrid say there in silence sometimes it was best to say nothing and at this moment that’s how she felt. ‘What is this? They’re acting like a bunch of childish kids which was sad.’ She thought as she sat at the area observing the mix of drama and plain out ridiculous behavior from officers. She had her issues but she would never do this. Only person she had ever acted like that around was Harrington, but that was the past now.

She straightened up and looked at Cara who was trying to be diplomatic in the best way possible. Astrid admired her for her tenacity and skill in her position. Astrid was there for a meeting and she was going to make it known.

“If you please and with no disrespect can we please listen to what the Commander has us here for and not be arguing about things that don’t fit to the setting. As part of command your to act with some class and professionalism, but this is sad if any Starfleet Officer.”

She concluded sitting back down not wanting to say another word about what had occurred.

Tom just sipped his coffee as he looked over the crowd. He was impressed that Captain Harrington had surrounded himself with strong, confident, and capable Officers. Equally, he was also worried that all of these confident Officers were female. It was definitely a trait that was interesting. He opted to remain silent for now, knowing full well he didn't need to be here. Cara was only including him as a courtesy. He figured he would wait it out and see what Cara's plan was while Harrington and crew were gone.

Cara gave a sight smile towards Astrid after her speech. "Thank you Commander Fleming." then she directed her gaze at the rest of them, "Now for the matters at hand. At this time I am in command of the station, Commodore Rice will be here to step in when needed especially since he is the Sector leader over all. He is an approachable person, and will have good advice." she gave a nod towards him.

"Currently the rest of the command staff will consist of Lieutenant Commander Astrid Fleming as my XO, Lieutenant Ral you will be needed to be a second officer. And Petty Officer Shields I will be needing you as my yeoman, I know this may or may not put extra work on your shoulders but, all of you are necessary. Plus we have an addition, Lieutenant James McCauly is currently stepping in as Chief of Operations at this time. " giving him a nod. "Thank you for being here."

"I will open the floor now for comments, questions, even a report or two."

Astrid looked around but didn't say much as she had decided to listen and wait until she needed to say something. She had already said enough to give her some not so nice looks.

Maisy couldn't help but roll her eyes at the the words Commander Fleming spoke. 'Could definitely loosen up a little' were one of many thoughts rolling around her head at the time. "For the record I wasn't arguing with anyone..." she made a little look towards Fleming before turning back to Letsul. "With Captain Harrington gone off on his little adventure all his messages have been getting forwarded to you anyway. I know you are asking now but I've been organising them to hand over to you. He did tell me that I'd be needed by you so I made myself useful." she gave a little smile.

"I do appreciate that very much Petty Officer Shields." Cara replied with a smile. "Now any reports on the newest nanites that have been crawling their way through the programs? I trust that our marvelous operations teams has been able to get rid of them?"

"Not yet, Commander. They're tricky little critters. They're hiding in the most unlikely places. What's more, when we capture them they self destruct. Whoever programmed these Nanites didn't want anyone to get hold of them." When James finished talking he looked at Cara to gauge her reaction. He wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't too happy with the news he'd shared.

"That is an indication that we are dealing with some smart people. Good work in finding out that information." Cara not seeming to be upset at all with the information James had given to her. "Does anyone else have anything else to report?"

Astrid could tell the Petty Officer was not a fan of her reminder, but it was her job to make sure that proper etiquette and actions were taken. After all they were all part of Starfleet and needed to act as such especially in a setting with other members in which they worked. She sat quietly listening impressed by Shields knowledge. She waited until asked and spoke "Nothing to report on my end the night duty shift has been rather quiet."

"Lieutenant McCauly, we know that the nanites Doctor Salar brought here were not originally intended for our station. Their release was a side effect of his murder. Is there anything you've been able to learn about what their intended purpose was, beyond sheer destruction?" Tom had remembered that the nanites were smuggled aboard the station, and that Doctor Salar had been working for another. Perhaps, through the nanites, they could figure out why and how.

"I'm not sure what you mean, sir. As far as I know, we captured every Nanite that originally descended from the ones that Dr. Salar created. The ones we're hunting now are of a different breed, so to speak." James wasn't sure why the Commodore thought Dr. Salar's Nanites were still roaming the station. Perhaps Lieutenant Yoshida had not been telling the truth? That was hard to believe, but..not impossible. "I believe someone else created the Nanites we're now after."

"I have the reports from those involved with the issues where Doctor Salar's nanites were concerned. These other nanites I feel are different, sent to try to locate information on a certain matter now what that is, is still under investigation. Currently, our intelligence team is working on breaking codes that was found to disguise messages. This may well give us more information that we need to resolve this mess." Cara stated.

Tom blushed, clearly he hadn't been keeping up on the current matters. He merely nodded as he let the others do the talking. He apparently needed an update from Cara once the room was cleared.

Cara caught the sense of embarrassment from Tom, however it can be talked about later on. "Anyone else have anything to report? Any findings that needs to be brought to our attention?"

Daynah had been silent as she listened to everyone else's report. She was also mentally adjusting to the fact that she would have to take over for Fleming as the the 2XO and take the night watch. This was not something the Trill had looked forward to. Ral on the other hand made it know that this could be a great time for the Trill woman to prove herself and perhaps earn a promotion. "Just some fleet movements. The Yorktown reports some minor activity from the Orion syndicate along the trade routes, but nothing that they cannot handle. Captain Malbrooke and the USS Pioneer reports that there are some strange goings on in the former Romulan Empire and they are investigating. They have also made First Contact with a race known as the Jutrai. The Cardassians are moving their fleet back to the homeworld to protect from within. It seems that the true way is back at it there. Captain Hood in command of the Cardassian Station Empok Nor reports that an organization called the New Maquis has taken root in various Cardassian systems. The Breen have been silent, too silent if you ask me. And the Klingons, well they are our staunchest allies and have not much to report. There is a small scouting party that is requesting permission for shore leave and restocking of supplies at the station. A Captain Torenga is in command of the three ship flotilla." It was her job to report fleet movements and the such and Daynah was happy to do so.

Ensign Ptak had been given command of Ops as the rest of the team went for a briefing with Commander Letsul. All seemed quiet on the western front as it was said. However, Ptak knew that was the moment that anything could wrong. Unfortunately, she was right a claxon accompanied by a flashing red light brought all the junior officers at Ops to the present. "Report!" Ptak called out and was informed that a D'deridex Class Romulan Warbird had decloaked. The Imperial Romulan Warbird Glan'To demanded to speak with the Commander of the station. There would be no further responses unless it was Letsul. Ptak sighed heavily and tightened her pony tail. Something she did when she was nervous. She opened a channel to the Briefing Room. "Commander Letsul. This is Ensign Ptak in command at Ops. I am sorry to bother you ma'am but we have an incoming transmission demanding to speak with you personally."

Tom stood up as he turned to look out the nearby window, "what the hell, " he muttered as he placed a hand on Cara's shoulder turning her to see their Romulan guests. Tom thought it odd that he had just learned of the Pioneer's Romulan contact and now this guest. "Lieutenant Ral, something says we are going to need more information on the Pioneer." He looked over to Cara, "you need help on this one?" He smiled not to long ago it would have been him answering this call.

When Tom brought her attention towards the rather large Romulan ship, Cara's eyes widened slightly then they narrowed. She looked at Tom with a brief smile, "We shall see, but no one is going to need leave either."

"Ensign Ptak, direct the transmission here to the briefing room and place it onscreen.

"Romulan Vessel, this is Commander Letsul, please state your business. Who am I speaking to?" Cara's voice rather firm and having a no nonsense tone.

Daynah had already sent a message to the Pioneer. In it she requested all of Captain Malbrooke's logs pertaining to the Romulans. Of course she made sure to grease the wheel as it were by dropping the Commodore's name in the request.

Ensign Ptak whistled slightly as she took a look at the ship off the port side of the station. "The Romulans are our friends now..." she whispered to herself as a mantra. She acknowledged the Commander's order and was happy that she did not have to talk to whoever was on the other side of that communication.

The viewscreen in the Briefing Room dissolved from nothing to the bird of prey holding two planets that was the insignia of the Imperial Romulan Empire. That symbol dissolved again to an image of a darkened bridge. The only person visable was a stocky yet muscular male Romulan who sat with a smug look on his face in the center chair. He did not wear a traditional Romulan uniform. Instead he wore black pants, with brown linen shirt. A gold and purple robe was worn over his clothing and a chain indicating his office was about his neck.

The Romulan's elbow rested on the arm rest of his chair and his head rested on his hand. "Jolan Tru Commander. I am Ambassador Loval of the Imperial Romulan Warbird Glan'To. I am here on a mission of peace."

Tom stood next to Cara as he looked to the holographic viewscreen, "a great number of disasters started with the phrase we come in peace. You say peace but arrive in a massive warbird... unannounced." He folded his arms behind his back, waiting to see how the Romulan responded.

Cara shot a sidelong glance at Tom then turned her attention back to Loval then she spoke up, "Ambassador, I'd like you to meet, Commodore Rice, he is the Commanding Officer of this sector." a pleasant smile evident.

"Ambassador, I am a bit concerned that neither of our two governments bothered to share your arrival with us," Tom replied, "however, if you are truly here on a mission of peace then welcome to the Aquil sector and our lovely station." He nodded to a nearby officer, "operations will send you over docking instructions, "meanwhile, Commanders Letsul and Mattix will meet you and your staff in transporter room 2."

He smiled the truth of the matter was that the Romulan government was an ally of the Federation, until he knew more he had to treat this with kid gloves. He knew that both Mattix and Cara would be able to handle this Romulan, he wanted to personally reach out to Captain Malbrooke to confirm a few things.

"Ah, Commodore my apologies I was told to seek out Commander Letsul. This ship is my vessel, so it is fitting for it to carry me here. However, it will not be remaining. With your permission of course we will dock a small scout vessel and I will board there. I much prefer to walk aboard the station than transport. As to your second point my apologies but your Diplomatic Council should have informed you. I have a writ here from them that authorizes me to create the first Romulan Embassy within Federation space aboard your station. Of course there is much to discuss, so it should be done in person." Loval smiled the chess game had begun and he did not plan to lose.

While the conversation progressed Daynah made sure to take notes on this Romulan and his ship. She planned on using her contacts to learn all she could about him and why he may be here. Ral's voice within her constantly told her that Romulans could not be trusted and everything that had been occurring sent up a red flag.

Cara spoke up, "I am sure there was a reason why they recommended me. However, with the area being Commodore Rice's jurisdiction it is more appropriate for him to have been notified. I will find out why that hadn't been done." giving Loval a sharp, calculating look.

"Whatever, your procedures may be..." Loval began with a flippant wave of his hand. "...Now shall we say thirty minutes and I will meet you at the airlock. Of course I will coordinate with your, I believe you call it Ops, for docking procedures. Until then my friends..." Loval finished with a small bow of his head and a knowing smile. The screen went black and then showed the bird of prey that was the symbol of the Romulan Empire again for thirty seconds. Then it went completely dark.

Daynah stammered for the first time in a while she was at a loss. "My apologies Commodore, and Commander. I had no idea he was even in the area let alone coming to this station. I will of course gather all information I can..." Her voice trailed off as she realized she was beginning to ramble.

"Oh how exciting." Maisy said sarcastically. "This means more paperwork." she fake grinned, shook her head from side to side and clapped her hands together. She knew she'd have to try and find some information on Loval for Commander Letsul, just so she didn't go in completely blind when in conversation with the Romulan.

Astrid smirked "This should be interesting paperwork aside. Commander is there anything that needs to be done immediately regarding the changes?"

Cara had been staring at the viewscreen for a few moments, just the way Loval was acting like he owned the world. Her eyes narrowed then it cleared as she turned to look at those at the meeting.

"Well looks like we've got some moments to get some information on him, but mind you I have dealt with uppity people like that, and will have to tread carefully." she looked at Maisy then to Daynah, "Don't worry, information may have come just a small amount of being late. I will actually blame the new set of nanites in gumming things up. I have confidence that it will get cleared up soon enough." looking at James.

James nodded once. "We'll do our best, ma'am."

Then she turned to Astrid, " Commander Fleming, I will be in my office getting prepared for the meeting with Loval and will also be letting Commander Mattix know of Loval's arrival. You will be keeping watch over operations while Commodore Price will be getting briefed by Lieutenant Ral. I am quite confident that you will keep things from burning while we are working on our different details." Cara giving a smile.

Then she looked at Maisy, "Petty officer Shields, I trust that you will be able to get some information for me about Loval, and Lieutenant McCauly, keep up your good work as to ridding us of this new breed of nanites. Perhaps this is a good time as any to have this briefing adjourned?"

Daynah nodded in acknowledgement of her orders. She knew exactly who she needed to contact. The Commodore was right there seemed to be something fishy with the Pioneer's mission and now this Loval showing up. Her first step would be to contact her Romulan counterpart and let him have it for not giving a heads up about the Glan'To. She mentally prepared to gain the secured line as she sat there.

OFF

---

Lieutenant Daynah Ral
Strategic Operations Officer
Poseidon Station

Colonel Loval
Romulan Ambassador
Commanding Officer, Tal Shiar

Commodore Thomas Rice
Sector Commander

James McCauley (written by Hiro)
Acting Chief of Station Operations

Petty Officer Maisy Shields
Captains Yeowoman

Lt. Commander Astrid Fleming
Night Watch Duty Officer

 

RSS Feed