Sorrow Filled Duty

Posted on 04/25/2024 @ 2:50pm by Captain Cara Letsul & Colonel Jack Patton & Commander Raphael Mattix & Lieutenant Commander K'doc Valadorn & Lieutenant Commander Jezka Joah & Lieutenant Sara’draphia T'eseri & Rear Admiral Thomas Rice

1,452 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Pages...
Location: Observation Lounge
Timeline: MD 13

On:

Tom trailed a few steps behind his Yeoman, mentally scanning the padd. A subtle sorrow marked his stride, though he attempted to hide it, those close to him could easily see through the facade. "And, Colonel Patton has been informed?" he asked, attempting to divert his thoughts from the impending task.

"Yes, Sir."

There were few aspects of his duties that he truly despised, and this was undoubtedly one of them. It never became any less difficult. Stepping into the room, he was greeted by a few officers rising to acknowledge his presence.

"No, please remain seated," he motioned, "this isn't that kind of meeting." The fact that Tom had ordered this gathering should have been indication enough that things were far from ordinary.

Taking his place at the head of the table, the Admiral smiled, "Let's begin."

He cleared his throat, "Yesterday, we received a transmission from Romulan sources." He contemplated withholding the footage, but ultimately, they deserved the truth. Pressing a button on the terminal, he continued

"Greetings, to all who my voice can reach. Who I am is of no consequence. What I have to say is of the utmost consequence. For too many years now the Romulan Empire has played second fiddle to the Federation. For too many years the Federation has attempted to keep us at bay. The age of appeasement is over, and the age of action has begun.

Every great age requires a defining moment, something that like pebble on a lake will cause ripples. For a time we believed this moment to be the Hobus star exploding. But no, that is a mere footnote to what has begun and what is to come. By now I am sure you are wondering when he is going to get to the point. My people are after all known for being short winded. I must offer my apologies... This is exciting for me and my people.

This message is to inform you that Captain Cornelius Harrington, Starfleet serial number CH-2354-051201 has been executed. For those who do not believe my words I encourage you to view the following..."


"I'll spare you the details, but the message included footage of Captain Harrington's execution," Tom spoke, his voice betraying a hint of emotion. "I regret that I am the one bringing this news, but as his crew, I felt you all needed to be informed." Tom sighed.

"While we here hope this is a Romulan ruse..." he paused, "Starfleet officially considers Harrington, Neil... KIA."

"Colonel Patton, your mission shifts from search and rescue to recovery." Tom rubbed his temples wearily. "I sincerely hope the Captain is alive, and we'll see him again. But for now, we have a station to run, a murder to investigate, a grieving family to support, and a community relying on us to lead."

"Neil would've wanted us to carry on," Tom stated firmly. He knew better then most knew the risks of wearing this uniform. "Is that understood?"

Jack sat on the bridge of the Klingon ship surrounded by his Kingsmen. For Jack news like this was not something you kept under your hat, it was something that everyone should hear first hand. "Sir, yes sir. We will bring him home. Are there any leads as to where the message originated? We have received the telemetry from the USS Pioneer. Lieutenant H'ros has briefed us as well and it seems that the ship that carried Captain Harrington has sprung a leak in its cloak. In situations like this the Corps states that lethal force is authorized. Do you wish to override that Admiral?"

Tom paused, reflecting on the sudden increase of bad news that had descended upon the crew in the last few hours. He was uncertain about adding further bad news. Losing their Commanding Officer was a severe blow, but additional losses, regardless of their roles, might be too much for some to bear. Tom ran his hands through his hair, letting out a sigh.

"My father always believed in ripping off the band-aid rather than letting things linger," he said, glancing at the screen. "Unfortunately, an hour ago, I also received word that I am being transferred. With tensions escalating in the Romulan sector, Starfleet is assembling a task force to assist our remaining allies there. Ambassador Quinn and I are expected to report to the new Task Force in three days," he looked around the room.

"I understand this is far from an ideal situation. This station is under immense pressure, but this crew is resilient, and you have exceptional leaders." He turned to Patton. "Colonel, one way or another, do whatever is necessary to bring Neil home." Tom then addressed Captain Letsul with a smile. "I entrust Poseidon to your capable hands. Effective immediately, you are hereby promoted to the Commanding Officer of Poseidon Station, Captain." He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "The Station can not be without a leader at the helm."

"The rest of you," he nodded, "go easy on them." He gave the room one last smile as he winked at Cara, "the floor is yours Captain." He turned and headed out of the room before anyone could ask any more questions. He wasn't one for long goodbye, change was just a part of life.

The emotions that she felt earlier when that video had been shown to her about Harrington's execution, hit her hard once more she quelled it down though tears stung her eyes. Then came the dropping of the other shoe, the words striking as if someone had sucker punched her in the stomach.

Tom's words echoed through her mind, she gaped as Tom had made his statement, her mind and her emotions were all tumbling, running together in a chaotic mess. This was reflecting a time in her past, last time her other CO Admiral Nicholas Hall and his XO Fernandez had pulled her into a conference to make her an admiral. They were stepping out of service then. There was something she wanted to say to them and Star Fleet and then a spot of anger welled up inside as Tom made his exit.

"Son of a bitch, you son of a bitch!" Cara slamming her hands palms down, abruptly standing up. She fought to control her emotions, taking in gulps of air. She didn't need to continue in this manner. Much was at stake here.

"I will echo Admiral Rice's words, you do need to do all that you can to bring Neil back home." Cara finally stated in a calmer manner, looking at Colonel Patton.

"Yes ma'am we will bring back the Captain or the person who did this. We are hot on the trail now. We are following a trail that will lead us into enemy territory. Once there we will maintain radio silence." Jack replied. When news was bad Patton often turned inward to his work. This was no different and so he took the opportunity to give an update on their status.

K'doc didn't even look up from the table as he spoke. " I will put an undercover security team on his family until we know that they aren't targets themselves. But if the Romulans do make a move on them, then we will be able to capture them and get information from them. " The large Klingon fell silent ashe thought of his friend who had gone to join with the other honored fallen souls, and tonight he would drink in his memory.

Cara cast a glance towards Raphael, her lips turning to a thin line. Her request that she made to Raph just a few days ago, looked like it was going to be very official now. "Any questions from anyone? Comments?" she looked at Jack. "I will say fair winds be at your back and may you be successful in your hunt." with the com closing between her and Jack Cara looked towards the others.

"Any comments, statements, questions? We've got a station to keep moving forward." Opening up for anything else anyone might want to say.

K'doc spoke up. " Security and the Marines will do they're duty and protect the station at all cost. " He then stood up and pulled his d'k tahg from his belt and squeezed the blade with his hand until blood dripped on the table. " The cowardly bastards that committed this act and took one of our own shall pay for this. To this I swear. " He loked around the table with his gaze stopping at Cara. " If I may be excused, I have work to do. " He said simply.

Cara gave a nod and watched as K'doc left the room.

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