Brass Tacks
Posted on 18 May 2018 @ 1:51am by Captain Akio Tachibana
Mission:
Ne Me'e Laua Na Paio - Heroes & Villains
Location: Captain's Ready Room - Deck 1
Timeline: 0700, 5 Jan 2389
Soundtrack
ON:
Akio had been supervising the repairs and finally, today had come. The Hawaii would be docking with XFY the next day, but RADM Banda and CAPT Ramsey wanted an update. Akio had parlayed a delay to present the best information and give the crew time to recover, yet that had not borne as much fruit as Akio had hoped.
A beep interrupted Akio's thoughts. Even though he knew who it was, Akio's anxiety did not subside.
"Greetings, Admiral," Akio said as Banda, an African woman with a shaved head, appeared on screen. Next to her at the table was a balding man, Captain Ramsey. Another Captain was also at the table across from Ramsey.
"Hello, Commander. We have read your report and we find it... worrisome, to say the least," the Admiral started. Akio felt sweat break out on his forehead. "We do commend you for your prudent actions, though."
Akio leaned back a bit. He wasn't being relieved.
"Yes, I do find it crazy that Captain Carson attempted to wrest command of the Hawaii away from you. However, we did have to confirm what we were seeing out of the sector," the unknown Captain chimed in.
"What do you mean confirm what you were seeing, Captain Thorson?" Banda asked.
The screen went mute as the three senior officers discussed. To their credit, they all seemed pretty neutral.
When the volume returned, the Admiral was speaking, "Commander, it seems we are still learning new pieces even days after your encounter. Captain Thorson is from Starfleet Operations and we owe you an apology, right Captain?"
Thorson looked a bit beat up and his cheeks were visibly blushed. "Yes, ma'am. There were assessments that the Gorn were much stronger than expected and based off of the intel we were receiving from the Wyoming, it was clear that there had been some technological assistance, we believe from the Federation. Yet, we did not have much proof, so we decided to send your ship to the Gorn Theater to generate the proof and impetus for more resources."
"I don't think I understand," Akio said honestly, "If you knew what was going on, why not just send more ships so we could attack the Gorn?"
"My thinking exactly, Commander. It appears Starfleet Operations had a better idea though," Banda said. "Go on, Captain."
Thorson looked pained, "It was decided that a Sovereign-class ship being destroyed would be enough to jolt the current administration into acting."
"Really, after two Federation planets were seized? We were sent in to... fail?" Akio was shocked.
"In the short answer, yes," Ramsey said. "However, please recognize that we are going to work through this with Starfleet Operations and ensure it does not happen again."
Akio was still reeling from the news that his crew was sent in without adequate intelligence on purpose.
"Why did Carson destroy his ship, then?" Akio asked, still focused on the battle and not about the revealed plot.
"Your guess is as good as mine, Commander. Captain Carson was not part of this plot, yet his actions probably saved your ship," Thorson explained.
Akio leaned back in his seat. Wow. In the end, Carson saved them all.
"Ma'am, not disparaging the final actions of Captain Carson, I must ask, though, was it Starfleet's intent that I command the Hawaii?" Akio asked.
Thorson looked to the Admiral before answering, waiting for her nod. "Yes. Captain Carson's actions in relieving you were improper and not part of our operation. As you were briefed by personnel, you were selected because we didn't want to escalate this war beyond what it had already become. Many of us in Starfleet want to avoid another Brancer."
Akio recognized that name. A Major General that led the last campaign against the Gorn. His ship nuked the Gorn capital after the Gorn had surrendered.
Banda spoke again, "Commander, you did the right thing," she reassured him, sensing the deep pondering. "To ensure this does not happen again, we are promoting you to Captain."
Akio was again stunned speechless. "I hear your crew is recovering well, yet you may need a new XO?" Banda asked.
Akio nodded, "Commander Marian took a nasty fall and after checking in with our interim doctor, it doesn't sound like he will be recovering very soon."
"Very well. It is my understanding there is a Lieutenant Commander Zamora on your ship? He's received high praise. I am sending you orders for his promotion to Commander and to be your new XO. You will also receive additional personnel once docked with XFY," Banda explained.
Akio half-bowed due to the desk. "I appreciate everything you have done for us, ma'am."
"Captain, do find out what happened to your doctor. If he indeed was conspiring with the Gorn, we need to figure out what, if anything, he sent them," Ramsey said. Akio took a while to tell he was being addressed, not used to the new rank.
"Yessir. We are pursuing leads currently and will keep you updated along the way. Is there anything else?" Akio asked.
"We will be transitioning to combat operations, so be on the lookout for new orders. The USS Devonshire is docked at XFY and you will be working with her in the future. She's commanded by Captain Wilcox," Ramsey explained.
Akio acknowledged the Gorn Theater Commander's update and thanked everyone, while assuring updates would be sent.
After the comm channel closed he quickly opened a series of communications to his senior officers.
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TO: LCDR Zamora
FR: CO
By order of CO, TF93, you are promoted to CDR and XO of Hawaii. Congratulations. I am appointing CDR Tolkath to 2XO. LT Kosu will be in charge of our promotion ceremonies.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
-Akio
Attached: Orders from HQ TF93
-----
TO: CDR Tolkath
FR: CO
I am appointing you to 2XO with the rank of CDR. LT Kosu will be in charge of our promotion ceremonies. You have been a true asset to our crew and a trusted adviser. Keep up the good work.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
-Akio
-----
In the middle of Akio finishing his message to Tolkath, he received a communique from Starfleet Tactical & Security. It was orders from the Tactical and Security Personnel Office to promote LTJG Winchester to LT. That was bizarre. Generally, promotions came from a central Starfleet administration office that held a board of all eligible line officers. Who did Winchester know? The Hawaii was again confirming its identity as a ship full of politics and intrigue.
He wrote a message to Winchester with the attached orders.
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TO: LTJG Winchester
FR: CO
Please see attached orders promoting you to LT. I expect results soon on all current investigations. LT Kosu will be organizing a promotion ceremony.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
-Akio
Attached: Orders from Starfleet Tactical & Security
-----
Akio then finished up his touches on a package for a Space Medal for LT Cassidy. He had done some incredible flying and his assistance as a member of the Senior Staff with the recent troubles seemed to warrant such an award.
He quickly summarized these promotions and the award to LT Kosu, designating her the organizing official for the ceremony to be held the next day before disembarking for XFY, and swearing her to secrecy.
After hitting send, Akio leaned back in his chair, momentarily closing his eyes.
Was he ready to be a Captain?
OFF:
Congratulations to all promotees and LT Cassidy on the Space Medal (I will be uploading the graphic and award shortly).
Zamora and Tolkath are now members of the command team and we will be unveiling new activity rules for crew input, just FYI.
I will also be starting the next JP about our arrival to XFY. I understand there are posts still being worked on between the battle and this post. That is totally fine and I encourage filling in the story with those posts!
If you are unsure what you should be doing or where your character is at, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the command team!
If there are any questions about any of the above, please do not hesitate to ask.
Akio Tachibana, CDR, SF
CO
