With Me Or Against Me
Posted on Wed Nov 11th, 2020 @ 8:24am by Commodore Tyler Malbrooke
983 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
Episode 11 - Family Matters
Location: Rear Admiral Oliver Lancaster's Office - Starbase Sirius
Timeline: MD001 1100 hrs
Tyler had been practically racing through the Starbase as he made his way to the Admiral's office. The news that Vaebn had given him just hours before still fresh in his head. Tyler had no idea how operatives could have even gotten that close to Earth, but Oliver would know, Tyler was sure of it. He was also sure of one other thing, that no matter what Oliver said the Pioneer would be the ship to make that rescue.
After a journey that seemed to have taken a lifetime Tyler arrived at Oliver's office. He walked in a little out of breath but still smiled at the Admiral's secretary. "Captain Malbrooke here to see the Admiral it is urgent."
"Admiral, Captain Malbrooke is here to see you. He says it is urgent." The Vulcan woman spoke as she pressed a control on her desk.
"Send him in." came the exasperated voice of the Admiral.
"The Admiral will see you now." The Vulcan woman spoke, nodding towards the door.
Tyler walked in and smiled despite all that was on his mind. "Admiral thanks for seeing me. But this could not wait. I will cut right to the chase I need you to authorize a mission into Romulan space." Despite the smile Tyler's tone was respectful but bilked no argument.
Oliver sat there in silence for a moment, not acknowledging the Captain as he finished the report he was typing. Finally, he set the padd down, taking a deep breath.
"On what grounds?" Oliver asked, looking Tyler dead in the eye "Because after what happened with Imperator last month, I'm in no rush to send any ships over the border."
"They have kidnapped one of our own..." Tyler stepped forward and placed a PADD on Oliver's desk as he spoke. "...Reports are coming in that a Starfleet Cadet has been kidnapped from the Academy on Earth. Admiral this cuts to the core on the Pioneer. If the reports are accurate it is the only surviving relative to my Science Officer Lieutenant Commander Vaebn tr'Hwersuil. I don't think I have to tell you how Romulans are about family. I want to take the Pioneer in and get her out."
"Why would a cadet be kidnapped?" Oliver asked, briefly perusing the padd "You know I can't authorise this. Your ship isn't a gunboat, Captain. I appreciate your Science Officer's position but I can't send a ship I deem inadequate to task for a single cadet, particularly when a member of it's senior staff is a relation to that cadet. To do so would introduce an unstable element."
"With all due respect Admiral unstable my ass. If anyone is qualified to get in and get out with our Cadet it is the Pioneer. My Intel people have gathered some chatter about a Romulan plan to infiltrate Starfleet from within. This is something that we know they have tried before albeit with a more senior officer. Perhaps now they think if it is a Cadet we will not notice." Tyler failed to tell Oliver that the person responsible for the kidnapping knew Vaebn personally. Tyler got a hold of himself to better explain his idea. "The fact that the Pioneer is not a gunboat plays to our advantage. We go in under the auspice of exploration and once inside get what we came for. My Diplomat Ensign Raine believes that she can get us access through diplomatic channels."
"Bullshit." Oliver replied "If you believed for one minute that she could get access through diplomatic channels, you would have come to me having already gotten it. You sure as hell wouldn't come in here asking to mount a rescue mission."
He paused for a moment, sighing.
"I can't authorize the mission." Oliver continued "I'm ordering you to the Jutus system. The Jutrai have indicated they're ready to talk, and as you said, you have a diplomat onboard."
The silence was deafening as the Oliver's orders hung in the air. Tyler attempted to muster his thoughts and quickly arrived at a harsh conclusion. One of the reasons that Tyler enjoyed serving under Admiral Lancaster is that they both thought similarly. As such Tyler could not think of any other way to convince the Admiral. "If that is your final word on the subject. At least promise me that you will get her back. Her name is Lyie t'Hwersuil she is a Junior Cadet. I need to be able to tell her brother at least that."
"We'll do what we can." Oliver said "You're dismissed Captain. Now, can I make a friendly suggestion?"
At the order of dismissal Tyler turned to leave, he was in a hurry as the anger roiled within and he had to let it out without the Admiral knowing. However the question caused Tyler to turn over his shoulder and smile. "Of course Admiral your guidance is always welcome."
"These talks won't need a captain or a Science Officer. Take him in the Aeroshuttle for a trip around the local area." Oliver replied "Check the charts. You'll find some beautiful views that are sure to distract him."
Tyler smirked and chuckled. "Thanks Admiral I think I will do just that. It will probably be a good way to get his mind off of things. Besides I have been itching to take the Oakley out." Tyler came to attention and then turned to leave. He would have to have a chat with Niel and Quinn first however, it was time for the Oakley to take her first flight.
"Good luck with the mission, Captain." Oliver said with an inward smile.
A Joint Post By
Captain Tyler Malbrooke
Commanding Officer, USS Pioneer
Rear Admiral Oliver Lancaster
Commanding Officer, Task Force 47 Obsidian Fleet
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