The Admiral

Posted on Wed Feb 26th, 2020 @ 12:19am by Commander Curtis Thibideaux & Commander Natan O'Donnaghue & Lieutenant Tavana Kolan, Daughter of Kretorg

3,514 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Aftermath and Downtime
Location: Deck 124 - E Ring Office Area / Room 77B
Timeline: MD 002 : 1400

Curtis cooled his heels in the Bases’s commanding Admiral’s waiting room, his eyes going back and forth between the SCPO who ran the Admiral’s administrative office and his proteus. USS Valiant’s CO was nearly late to the meeting the Admiral called and Curtis wasn’t quite sure what to do if the Admiral’s door opened early.

Then foot steps sounded and Captain (Master and Commander) of the USS Valiant came into view, paused to survey the office then headed toward Curtis.

The Valiant’s executive officer visibly relaxed for a moment as he saw the Commander and he stood. “Good afternoon, Captain. How’s Bella doing?”

Natan walked up to Curtis and nodded, "Doctor says she will make it through and I have no doubt. I am married to her for almost 30 years, that woman is tough as nails." He pointed to the door. "Is the Admiral in yet? I suppose we got to tell everything now." He sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. "I don't even know myself what just happened. It's like...it's got to sink in. But Bella knows more about these people than I do, you know!"

Curtis's interest piqued at the Commander's words and he asked, "Did she give you any clues as to who they were? My last contact with station security came out as a very polite, 'Mind your own business' type of tone.

Natan chuckled, "She is my wife, but she is also protective. Whatever it is, she won't even tell her husband. But I can tell you this, she is freaked out as hell. So whatever it is, it's got the strongest O'Donnaghue woman scared for her life. Or she is just protecting me. Damn intell." He sighed. "I am sure when she is ready, she will tell me. Valiant is deep in to their ears to it, now that we saved her."

"Glad we got there when we did. If they'd had a few more minutes in that system, with those Ion storms there wouldn't have been any good way to track that ship. For all that it was a registered Ambassadorial ship...it really didn't fit the profile we thought..."

"There's a good reason for that," a baritone voice said and both Valiant's officers looked up to see a trim brunette woman with Lieutenant insignia standing in now open doorway. Commander O'Donnaghue, Lieutenant Commander Thibideaux, Admiral Leyhei will see you now." The brunette stepped back and the two men moved into a comfortably appointed, large office with broad, clear view ports overlooking the station. Seated at the desk was human with salt and pepper hair and a well trimmed mustache and goatee.

Natan stood a little before Curtis to show he was the commanding officer of the other. He stood at attention. "Admiral, Commander Natan O'Donnaghue, as ordered." He stood there a moment studying the face of the admiral. He had a hard time trying not read in to the Admirals mind. As a scientist he was very curious as to what the admiral knew and what they were missing of course. This wasn't something they would come out from.

Leyhei, waved generally at the pair of comfortable looking white on white chairs in front of his desk. "Seats, gentlemen. This is Lieutenant Bremen, my aid," he stated, gesturing to the brunette. "She'll get us some coffee while we speak, if that is agreeable."

The tall man gave Valiant's officers a moment to speak their preferences then he began, "Well, it's been an interesting ten days. First, Commander O'Donnaghue, or if I may, Natan...how is Lieutenant Commander O'Donnaghue? Sick bay tells me she's recovering satisfactory but I assume you have a few more insights?"

Curtis slipped into the proffered chair, knowing that for now his roll was to listen and provide answers when asked.

"Lieutenant Commander O'Donnaghue is doing much better," Natan started. "The Starbase doctor thinks she will be back on duty in no time." He smiled at the thought of her returning. And he then continued, "As you know, sir, she it a fighter, and sure enough she wanted to leave when she woke up."

Leyhei smiled knowingly and glanced at his aid as he spoke. "I'm sure she is. Unfortunately, when she is released from Medical, Starfleet Intelligence plans a full debrief for her. So she may end up missing Valiant's departure. Which is a large reason that you're here."

The Admiral nodded to his aide and the brunette handed both of Valiant's officers PADD's and Leyhei continued. "Valiant has been tasked to carry Ambassador Giles Telford, a senior diplomat with the Diplomatic Corp, to the Honir Star System, which is part of the Valdivaeann Commune and home world to the race bearing the same name."

As the Admiral spoke, the PADD's came to life and brought up a Federation racial index showing a insectoid race with an upright thorax, two sets of arm like limbs, four sets of legs, and a long abdomen. The picture rotated, then closed in showing antenna, faceted eyes and mandibles mounted to an wedge shaped head.

"The Valdivaeann's have been Federation members for nearly two decades now and are an important member race for us in this quadrant. While their past has been less rocky than other member species, the shake ups they've had tend to move the entire species. They aren't a hive mind, but it borders on it. They do have a cast system, though it's more of personal choice than anything from what I've been told. And they're moving into an election 'cycle' within a couple of months and there are rumors that they are not overly pleased with being members of the Federation."

The Admiral looked at the two men as he continued. "They threw out the last Ambassador, who was an Andorian and did not mesh will, apparently, with their outlook and requested a new representative. Someone from the Diplomatic Corp rather than another species member. Valiant was chosen to deliver Ambassador Telford after a round table was held on the Valdivaeann problem. She's not the fanciest ship in the fleet. More of a work horse and perfect to show the Valdivaeann's that the Federation, and Star Fleet, isn't all show."

Leyhei stopped then and looked at the two officers seated before him. "The Ambassador is aboard the Base and is planning to hold a meet and greet in five days time for your crew, some of the diplomat's on the station and numerous others." He cast a whimsical look toward his aide again who kept a stoic expression on her face, yet managed to portray a 'much put upon' look as well.

"Which reminds me," Leyhei smiled to Bremen, "How goes things along that avenue this morning?"

The brunette kept up a neutral look and met his eyes. "No problems, Admiral. He changed the guest list again and is seeking a larger venue personally. I believe he intends to speak to you about my, and the staff you arranged for him, are not getting it at lunch."

The Admiral's eyes narrowed and he said slowly, "I'm having lunch with him. Again?"

"Aye aye, Admiral. I put it on your schedule last night after he voiced his displeasure....," Bremen stated calmly.

Leyhei's lips pursed and he glanced at the Valiant's officers. "Mr. Telford is a tad zealous for his roll, gentlemen. But, he's going to have a bit of a row to hoe, so to speak, so we're letting him run right now."

Gesturing toward the PADD's they held, Leyhei continued. "There are some work orders in there for Valiant." His eyes affixed on Curtis then. "From long standing tradition, Lieutenant Commander, you and...."He paused to check a flimsy on his desk before continuing, "Lieutenant Commander Ral will have to displace and your quarters made...more fitting...for the Ambassador."

Curtis bit back a sigh and said simply, "Aye aye commander. It'll be mine, and I'm sure Commander Ral's, pleasure."

"Nicely put, Commander," the Admiral nodded, then winked. "The things the service requires, eh?"

The Valiant's XO thought about that for just a beat before answering, "Aye aye, Admiral."

"Good man," Leyhei stated then looked back to Nathan. "Any questions, Captain?"

Natan wanted to comment on everything, but this was starfleet, you rarely got a choice and where you were stationed. And so far they have been lucky to be stationed together most of the time. So he just shook his head and said, "No, sir, no questions. Maybe we should return and prepare for the Ambassador's arrival."

Leyhei fixed Natan with a look and said. "You're sure? You don't have to stand on ceremony Captan. If you'd rather speak one on one, we can do that. An old Admiral once told me that the only bad question was the one that was left unasked. If you have concerns, questions by all means ask. We may not be able to change things, but at least we'll have broached your thoughts."

Natan inspected the admiral up and down, without prying in his private thoughts of course. He then took a deep breath and said, "Curtis, would you like to wait outside please." He straightened his back before seating himself in a chair. "That wasn't a request, Curt, I will be alright. And admiral, have him take your aid with him. This will be between you and me."

Curtis almost grinned when the Captain assured him he'd be fine. The exec wasn't quite sure what Natan thought was going to happen but he stood and answered, "Aye aye, sir. Admiral, by your leave?"

Leyhei chuckled and made a shooing gesture with his hand and nodded to Bremen, "Lieutenant, please excuse Captain O'Donnaghue and I. Perhaps go over some of the itinerary that's going to be added to Valiant and her Command Staff coming up?

The brunette nodded and led Curtis out of the room.

"Ok, Captain...Natan if I may. What's on your mind," Leyhei asked once the hatch closed.

"Natan is fine, Admiral," Natan said. He looked around before he leaned back and crossing his arms. "So tell me about this ambassador? It's not my sister, right? You know, Talim Meran, you probably heard of her. She became an admiral at a young age, you must know her, it must've been around the time you were a captain." He grinned at that part. But then looked serious again waiting for the Admirals answer.

Leyhei chuckled and shook his head. "No, it's not Meran. We've met on numerous occasions and I do wish it was her being tasked for this posting. Standing, he moved to a corner of his desk and propped himself up on it. "The Ambassador is newly appointed to his roll. He's served all of his career in the diplomatic corp. From what I've been told and been able to dig up, he's had a rather unspectacular career and seemed stuck as an adjutant and minor functionary until two months ago when he was tasked for this."

Natan blinked for a moment. "Wow, someone worse than my sister, can't imagine. So what is his name? What more can you tell me then his service record?"

A wry smile played over the Admiral's lips and he spoke, "Computer, bring up an image of Mr. Giles Telford." Immediately a picture of a tall, thin, almost gangly older human with greying hair and a distinguished look projected over the desk. "So," Leyhei continued to Natan, "This is Mr. Giles Telford. Twenty five year veteran of the Federation Diplomatic Corp. Solid diplomat, if a bit unique. He's done well, jut never really distinguished himself. Mostly, his field of expertise were the Klingons. He's spent his last five years at Federation Headquarters, working as a subject matter expert on the Klingons."

The Admiral separated his hands a bit and grinned. "And now he's been assigned as Ambassador to the Valdivaeanns."

"Quite impressive," Natan said, "Now what makes you say you rather want my sister instead of him." He raised an eyebrow. "I can sense you are not telling me everything."

Leyhei considered Valiant's commanding officer for a moment before saying, "Well that's a given. I'm an Admiral. We never show all our cards, Natan. What I've told you is the all based on facts." The salt and pepper bearded man met Natan's eyes for a few beats then said, "As to my wishes, well something just seems a bit off here. It feels like someone is messing with the Valdivaenn's. The last ambassador was an Andorian and they asked the Federation to remove him. The story goes that Ambassador Cruesh was too abrasive for their tastes."

The Admiral paused, as if ordering what he intended to tell Natan before continuing. "Now they've tapped a Klingon expert to represent the Federation. Maybe it's a fresh eyes thing, but it just all feels a bit off. I have no facts or anything to base that insight. Just a gut feeling."

Natan nodded and said, "I see what you mean, the Ambassador, but my sister would at least have been able to read the Valdivaenns." He smiled and then leaned forward to the Admiral. "So tell me, is this why my ship is being send? All the Betazoids on board and their Betazoid commander?" He shook his head. "I am a scientist, not a diplomat."

Leyhei chuckled and gave Natan a rueful look. "Now there's a story. Valiant was selected because internally, it's small and someone at Planning thought it would remind visiting Valdivadann's of their home tunnels. Your ship is also a subtle reminder that we'll protect their interests. Finally, Valiant can land on the surface of their homeward, which they will appreciate as they have remarked before that having Federation starships hang in space over their cities and the like can be unsettling for their populace."

Then Leyhei said, almost too casually, "The fact that you have a number of empath/telepaths aboard is not being advertised. The Valdivadann's do NOT trust those abilities and are a bit paranoid about it. So, I would recommend not advertising it." The Admiral paused for a few beats, then said. "You don't have to hide it, but I'd let the draw their own conclusions."

"Wasn't planning it, sir," Natan said, "I am keen on having my telepathic crew not use their ability, I think their empathic ability would suffice," he added. "As starfleet officer you learn a little discretion. Also I don't want my crew to be afraid I would read their minds and judge them on their thoughts. They need to trust me to respect their privacy, and I expect nothing less from my fellow telepathic crew."

"I didn't expect any less from you or your crew, Captain, "Leyhei assured Natan. "But fore-warned is fore-armed, as they say. You don't need any more surprises, though saying that reminds me of something. But that part can wait until I finish answering your questions and concerns."

Natan nodded, "Well I would say all my questions were answered and my concerns were put at ease. Now I just like to meet this Ambassador, any ideas when I will meet him, sir? That's my final question." He grinned.

"The Ambassador is holding a reception and you'll get your chance there," the Admiral told Natan. "After that, he has informed me that he'll be wanting to meet with you and your department heads over the course of a few days to lay out his expectations. All I can tell you there is that Valiant is at his disposal until you are recalled by Fleet."

Then the Admiral touched a control on his desk, making the holo-file go away and his door opened. When Lieutenant Bremen stuck her head in, Leyhei said, "Is Lieutenant Tavana here?"

"Yes Admiral," came the brunette's reply. "Shall I send her in?"

After the aide disappeared again, Leyhei looked at Natan, "You've also been assigned a member of the Diplomatic Corp to aid you with this mission."

Tavana looked up as the Admiral's aid came through the door, holding it open for her. Obviously it was time for her to go inside. She had a knot in her stomach. Sure she was slightly nervous, no very nervous, as nervous as she was when she was going to meet her previous CO on a Klingon vessel. She got up from the deep chair and walked towards the door, becoming increasingly aware of a Betazoid in close proximity. ~Oh crap, don't tell me...~ she thought as she walked through the door. It was the Captain, her new CO, he was the Betazoid. She plastered a very small smile on her face as she waited to be introduced. She would be Lt Tavana Kolan, the 'daughter of Kretorg' part would be of little consequence here, she decided with a pang.

Natan turned around and got up politely. She was quite a presence. She was a Klingon, yet he could sense her Betazoid side. He wasn't sure how she would react to him if he was to speak to her telepathically. "Lieutenant, welcome, I am Commander Natan O'Donnaghue, commanding officer of the Valiant." He turned to Leyhei, "This admiral Leyhei, he is our sector commander out here."

Tavana stepped forward adapting to the polite atmosphere. "Admiral," she greeted the imposing man with a respectful smile and turned her attention to her new Captain. "Thank you, Captain. Looking forward to serving with you."

"Come in and have a seat, Lieutenant. I thought it might be advantageous for you two to meet. Valiant's next mission is to ferry the newly appointed resident Ambassador to the Valdivaeann Commune, in the he Honir Star System," the Admiral stated, looking over the Lieutenant. "Once there, Valiant will be part of the diplomatic mission for a brief time until we know where we stand with the Valdivadanns."

Tavana lowered herself into the seat indicated. She had heard about the insectoid race. Part of her job would be to interact with the Ambassador and probably to act as a liaison between him and the CO or XO where needed. "What do you expect from me Sir?" she asked.

The Admiral let a ghost of humor run through his face before he said, "From me? Miracles. What about you Commander O'Donnaghue?"

Tavana smiled and shrugged her shoulders as if miracles were in the order of the day and then turned her gaze at the Commander. She had a few questions but waited for his response.

Natan smiled and then said, "What I expect from all my crew, to perform their duties to the best of their abilities. But I trust it's not something I have to ask." He turned to the young woman sitting next to him. "You must have questions, please ask them, it is why we are here, right? To get answers."

"The Admiral mentioned that it was advantageous that we should meet, for the purpose of this mission? Or is this a permanent posting? I am not entirely sure," Tavana asked them both carefully.

"I did. Because you'll both be dealing with a new to the posting resident Ambassador who's specialty did not include this region of space other than the Klingon's interests in the area. However, Diplomatic affairs believes he's the best candidate and Fleet has been tasked to help him. As to the length of your posting, Lieutenant. Needs of the service and wishes of Valiant's Captain.

Tavana glanced towards the Captain, wondering if her question was too presumptuous. So I got my foot in my mouth again she thought.

"Well, Lieutenant," said Natan, "This area is unfamiliar to me, and I am sure we will run in to a lot more diplomatic missions, I could use you out there. I am a scientist, so I could use your aid."

Tavana had not been so long in the presence of a full Betazoid before and her senses are so alerted that hearing him vocalize almost sounded weird. She acknowledged his response with a nod and a small smile, thinking about how much intelligence and diplomatic services overlapped where she came from. "Thank you Commander," she said, realizing just then how relieved she actually was for the stability a permanent posting would bring. "I am here to serve, and you can use me as you see fit."

The Admiral chuckled and nodded. "Good. Now, if either of you have any other questions I'll do my best to answer them. If not, I should move along to my next appointment."

Tavana shook her head. She had no questions, actually she had a quite a few, but not for the Admiral now.

Natan fell in line with that. "I think I have asked all I needed. Thank you, Admiral."

 

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