Mission Briefing

Posted on Fri Aug 31st, 2018 @ 12:59pm by Lieutenant Commander Charlotte Hudson & Rear-Admiral John Wheeler & Captain Cynthia Jackson

1,392 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Mission 0 - Christening of Legacy and Crew Arrival
Location: Admiral Wheeler’s Office, Starfleet Headquarters
Timeline: 2261.185 1805

Rear Admiral John Wheeler stood at the window of his office and waited. He look out at the bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge could be seen along with a light mist which seemed to sit just above the water in the bay.

He looked at the old fashioned grandfather clock which sat in the corner of his office and shook his head. ‘They’re late.’ He thought to himself, was he surprised, of course not.

Bec straightened her uniform before ringing the chime to the Admiral's office. She hoped she wasn't late, but knew she was likely the last to arrive. When the call to enter came, she walked through the doors and took in the decor. 'Nice clock,' she thought as she came to stand at attention in front of the Admiral's desk. "Lieutenant Commander Charlotte Hudson reporting as requested," she intoned, feeling her back muscles spasm as she held the pose.

Cindy knew she was in trouble. She was late. As if she needed another excuse for Admiral John Wheeler to hate her.... However, she had made a promise to the Baron to accept the transfer of Ensign Wachahunka, at his request. On top of that, nearly every Admiral in Starfleet was coming up to Cindy to congratulate her on Legacy and wish her well. What did they care if she was late to see Admiral Wheeler? And how could Cindy very well refuse to stop and talk to them? She was a mere Commander, compared to an Admiral. She doubted that Wheeler would find that an acceptable excuse.

Worse, although it was for a practical reason, the transporters at Starfleet Headquarters were at the opposite end from the offices of the Admirals. That meant she had the longest walk to get from the transporters to Admiral Wheeler's office. She just prayed that this was not enough of an excuse for him to yank Legacy. She doubted that it was considering that between the PR officer and Admirals taking her time, that she would have more than sufficient evidence to show that she was not neglecting her duty. Yet, Wheeler worried her. For whatever reason, he had it out for her and Cindy was unaccustomed to that.

Despite all odds, Cindy managed to get to Wheeler's office two minutes past their meeting time. Bec was already there and standing at attention. Cindy was glad that she sent Bec ahead while she took care of the Ensign's transfer. That way Bec would not get blamed for any of this. She should not have her career ruined by a grudge. Then again, Cindy reflected, neither should I.

Because of the time, however, Cindy could not tuck her luxurious hair underneath the hat. The long platinum blonde hair which waved underneath the dress uniform hat looked absurd - like a woman trying to play military officer. She tried not to rush in but her breath betrayed her as she saluted and said, "Commander Cynthia Jackson reporting as requested, Admiral."

“You’re both late.” Wheeler said quietly as he turned around to face them. “What feeble excuse are you going to come up with today?”

Cindy answered first. “Admiral Wheeler, I apologize for my tardiness. However, the Baron requested that I personally handle the transfer of Ensign Wachahunka to Legacy. Between that and admirals stopping me to wish us well, I was unavoidably detained. I offer this not as an excuse but as an explanation, sir.”

"To be honest," Bec said looking Wheeler in the eye. "I was early by nearly five minutes and have been standing here waiting for you to acknowledge me."

Standing at attention, Cindy stifled any emotions. However, at that moment in time, she wanted to give her XO a huge hug. Her move might not have been the most politically correct, but now Cindy knew for sure where Bec stood and how much they both disliked this Admiral.

“Both excuses are unacceptable. Do you know why your both here?” The Admiral said as he sat himself down at his desk but left both Junior Officers standing in front of his desk.

Why does this Admiral dislike me so much? What did I ever do to him? Cautiously Cindy answered, "I presume to give us our orders, sir." Well, that was as short as it will get. I get the impression shorter is better with him.

'Unacceptable my arse,' Bec thought and bit her tongue, she wanted to actually say something snarky, but didn't want to get herself or Jackson into trouble. 'So you can tell us where to go and how to get there,' she thought wanting to smirk, though she kept a pleasant look upon her face.

“Congratulations, Commander. There maybe hope for you yet...but I very much doubt it.” He said before moving the conversation onto business. He brought up a picture of the Klingon neutral zone and highlighted two stations. “We have lost contact with them a couple of days ago. We suspect foul play by the Klingons but we need to be sure. This mission would be suited to an excellent and experienced crew, unfortunately we have you. You’re the only ship that can investigate this.”

Cindy wanted to punch the Admiral in his nutcracker's face mouth. She wanted to ball up her hand in a fist. However, she was still standing at attention and she knew that either might cost her career. She was not willing to do it. She would take it out on the gym facilities on Legacy later, and perhaps vent at Bec, too. "Yes, sir. We will investigate it, sir. As soon as all personnel are aboard, we shall immediately set off. Is that all, Admiral?"

“You leave tomorrow. This mission is far to important to wait for your crew to arrive and your next hair appointment. I want Legacy launched by 1400 Hours tomorrow, do I make myself clear?” Wheeler said as he looked between both officers stood in front of him.

Bec's eyebrows raised a fraction of an inch, and she looked to Jackson. 'Far too important to wait for crew? How the heck does this idiot expect us to carry out the mission without our crew?' she thought, her jaw tightening ever so slightly. 'Next hair appointment? Ooooh, he is really trying to piss her off,' Bec nearly laughed at the thought, but she knew Wheeler would just use that as an excuse to yell at the both of them more. If it were just her, she would have laughed or snapped back by now, but she couldn't get Jackson into trouble along with her. As she waited for Jackson to answer, she wondered if she could sabotage something on her way out and gave a quick glance around the room.

My next hair appointment?! Does he think that I am some kind of diva that has to spend hours just getting it to look right? That chauvinistic pig! And leave without crew reporting? That's insane. How'd this guy get to be an admiral? Oh, I know. Khan killed all the sane ones. Cindy tried not to grind her teeth as she uttered, "Very well, sir. Tomorrow by 1400 hours, at your command."

Wanting to be rid of the vile man, she dared to ask, "Are we dismissed now, sir?"

“Don’t screw this up. Dismissed.” Wheeler said, wondering how long it’ll be before the Commander stumbles and falls of her high pedestal.

Cindy did not acknowledge the Admiral further. She was dismissed. She whirled on her heels and exited, silently fuming. She knew that the moment she got to Legacy, Bec and her were going to have quite the bitch session.

Bec also stayed silent as she turned and left the office. On her way out, she pretended to stumble and use the section of wall where the door panel was to steady herself. As she did, she hit a few buttons on the panel, causing it to stay stuck open. A few seconds later the chime went off, and would continue to do so every fifteen to twenty seconds. Smirking to herself she rushed to catch up with Jackson for the walk back to Legacy.

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