Command Consequences
Posted on 03/06/2024 @ 8:56pm by Rear Admiral Thomas Rice
Edited on on 03/08/2024 @ 5:28pm
639 words; about a 3 minute read
Mission:
Pages...
Location: Sector Command: Office of Tom Rice
Timeline: MD 006 1600
Rear Admiral Thomas Rice sat in his spacious office aboard the Poseidon Station, his fingertips lightly tapping against the sleek surface of his desk. The view outside the window offered a serene sight, stars twinkling against the vast expanse of space. But Tom couldn't find solace in the beauty of the cosmos, not when Captain Neil Harrington's disappearance consumed his thoughts.
Neil was more than just a subordinate; he had grown into a trusted friend, an ally in the explosive realm of space exploration. His sudden disappearance had sent shockwaves throughout Poseidon Station, leaving a void that seemed impossible to fill. Tom couldn’t imagine what Adira and the kids were going through.
Tom leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowing as he replayed the events leading up to Neil's vanishing act. There were no signs of distress or foul play. It was as if Neil had simply vanished into thin air, leaving behind a trail of confusion and concern.
As Aqual Space's sector commander, Tom was responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of all crew. But how could he protect his crew when one of their own had been snatched away without a trace?
A sigh escaped Tom's lips as he raked a hand through his graying hair. He knew he had to remain composed, to lead with strength and conviction in the face of adversity. But deep down, uncertainty gnawed at his resolve, threatening to unravel the carefully constructed mask of confidence.
With a heavy heart, Tom turned his attention back to the task at hand. He couldn't afford to dwell on the unknown; he needed answers, and he needed them fast. Little did he know that the looming threat of Starfleet Command would soon compound his troubles.
Just as Tom was about to delve deeper into his investigation, the shrill chirp of his communicator shattered the silence of his office. With a sense of suspicion, he tapped the device, activating the holographic display.
The stern visage of Vice Admiral T’pek materialized before him, the lines of age etched into his stoic features. T’pek was not a man to mince words, and Tom braced himself for the inevitable flurry of accusations and demands.
"Rear Admiral Rice," T’pek began, his voice devoid of emotion. "I trust you are aware of the situation regarding Captain Harrington."
Tom nodded, his jaw set in determination. "Yes, sir. I'm doing everything in my power despite STarfleet’s opinion that Captain Harrington is gone, lost in action.”
T’pek’s gaze hardened, his dark eyes boring into Tom's own. "You would do well to remember the gravity of the situation, Rear Admiral. Starfleet Command is not pleased with the recent string of incidents under your watch."
A chill ran down Tom's spine as he absorbed T’pek’s words. He knew what was coming next and dreaded the implications of T’pek's thinly veiled threats.
"If you fail to rectify this situation swiftly and decisively," T’pek continued, his voice a low growl, "you will face the consequences. Your tenure at Poseidon Station hangs in the balance, Rear Admiral. Do not disappoint us again."
With that menacing warning hanging in the air, the holographic projection flickered and vanished, leaving Tom with his thoughts again. The weight of T’pek’s ultimatum settled heavily upon his shoulders, driving home the harsh reality of his dilemma.
But Tom refused to succumb to despair. He may have been dealt a challenging hand, but he was determined to rise to the occasion to prove his worth in the face of adversity. With renewed resolve, he set about charting a course of action, determined to uncover the truth behind Neil's disappearance and restore order to Poseidon Station, no matter the cost.
Tapping his comm badge, "Captain Letsul, report to my ready room."
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