Duty calls

Posted on Sun Sep 6th, 2020 @ 1:00am by Commander Ryan Blake & Senior Chief Petty Officer Henry 'Hank' Keitel & Captain Maia Sterling
Edited on on Sat May 29th, 2021 @ 8:13am

Mission: The Thorion Conundrum Mission Brief
Location: Starbase 50, Strategic Operations Deck and Base Commander's Ready Room
Timeline: SD 39409.11 / 1930 hours

[On]

Ryan had just finished a 14 hour shift in Starbase 51's Strategic Operations Center. He was looking forward to a quiet evening in his quarters and probably turning in early. He closed down his work station and rose to his feet. He gave a nod to the Petty Officer of the Watch as he made his way across the bullpen.

The door to the office of the NCOIC opened and Senior Chief Petty Officer Keitel stepped out. He saw the young Lieutenant and walked briskly up to Ryan. "Another long one sir?"

Ryan glanced at Keitel and nodded. He really wasn't in the mood to talk, but he always appreciated how the Senior Chief looked out for the enlisted men and the junior officers. He gave Keitel a single nod. "That it has been Senior Chief." He glanced at the other office door and shook his head. Lieutenant Davis, the Department Head, had left hours ago despite not having completing the planning session for the next days business. Ryan had finished his own work, then spent another two hours taking care of the Department training and operations outline for the next week.

Keitel pointedly looked away for a moment as both men headed out the door. They walked in silence down the corridor and boarded the turbolift. Ryan called out the deck for junior officers country as the doors shut.

Keitel looked at Ryan. He frowned and after a moment gave a shake of his head. "Computer belay last command. Reroute to Deck 37."

Ryan gave Keitel a curious look. He opened his mouth to speak, but Keitel held up a finger. "Trust me sir." Ryan closed his mouth without saying a word. He had known the Senior Chief for four years. He gave a nod of his head. A minute later the turbolift doors opened on the commercial level.

Keitel stepped out and headed to a familiar establishment. Ryan simply followed. He figured one quick beer with the Senior Chief, listen to a few sage words of advice and he could go to his quarters and collapse. They entered the bar. Keitel looked about for one moment as if looking for someone. He crossed the floor with Ryan on his heels. Keitel came to a stop at a table where an attractive Starfleet officer sat. Keitel nodded at Maia before gesturing at Ryan. "This is the officer I told you about." Keitel then gave a nod to Ryan and walked away to grab a drink at the bar.

"Mr. Blake, thanks for coming, you look terrible. did you pull and all-nighter?" Maia asked.

"Please take a seat."

"I have just been assigned to command of the USS Leto, that Norway class star ship that's in dry dock for upgrades. I wanted to ask if you would join me as my Chief of Strategic Operations. I've been going over your record and it is quite impressive and believe that you would add to the potential success of the mission". Maia stated.

Ryan's expression displayed what must have been shock and awe. A Commander he was sure he had never met before was asking him if he would join her crew aboard a starship. It seemed a bit surreal "No sir. I mean yes sir....um. What I mean to say is no I did not pull an all-nighter and yes. I would be honored to join your crew." He'd been at Star base 50 for the last four years and had all but given up hope of getting an assignment aboard a starship.

"Good, then lets have a drink to celebrate. its about time you had a deep space assignment don't you think? Maia asked.

A waitress stepped up to take their order.

"I'll have an Aldebaraan whiskey, what are you having Mr. Blake?"

Ryan blinked several times to make sure he was not in fact already asleep in his quarters and this was some sort of dream. He looked at the waitress. "I'll have a Budweiser Classic." He turned his attention back to Maia.

Budweiser classic she told the waitress.

"Our mission will be to go to the Thorion system Thorion-4 specifically and establish an embassy there. I've been looking over recent intel reports and they claim that Pergium has been discovered on Thorion-3. That means that every minor and excavator will be heading to that system to stake a claim. It could prove to be a tactical problem, considering some of it is contested space." Maia said.

Ryan slowly nodded his head. He remembered reading an intelligence report regarding the Thorion system. "The USS Tomcat engaged a task force of Orion vessels in system about a year ago if I remember correctly." It dawned on him who he was talking to. "You're Commander Sterling. XO for the Tomcat."

"I was the XO of the Tomcat, now I'm Captain of the Leto. So this mission is somewhat personal to me. I know a lot of people there and made some friends my last time through. It was touch and go for awhile but I think we made some friends. Still this will be a dangerous mission in many ways." Maia said.

Ryan gave an understanding nod. He had been following the development of the political situation in the Thorion system. Despite a strong faction in support of an alliance with the Federation, there were still factions that wanted to maintain a neutral stance in regards to the the Federation. "The discovery of rich mineral deposits on Thorion III has seen a resurgence of illegal mining and smuggling in the system. Shipping in and out picked up enough in the last month alone that Thorion IVs small fleet of customs lighters are not able to make inspections on more than 40% of the ships coming in or leaving the system."

"My understanding is that piracy is on the rise as well, as well as several key assassination attempts. It is best for the Orion's if there is chaos their. We will make sure that doesn't happen, because I have found that when you shed light, the cockroaches always scatter. The syndicate thrives best in the dark". Maia added.

Ryan gave Maia a single nod of his head. He took on a thoughtful expression. "I would also like to add that there's also been overtures from the Gorn Hegomy as well as two Houses from the Klingon Empire. Both have sent sent scientific and engineering personnel to the system in hopes of securing trade agreements if nothing else."

The waitress returned with their order. Drew gave the waitress a friendly nod. "Put both drinks on my account Cassie." He hoisted his bottle of Budweiser Classic and tilted it towards Maia. "No arguments sir. It's the least I can do for your job offer."

"I've never been one to turn down a free drink, Ryan. If you say yes I can have your transfer approved by tomorrow morning". Maia stated.

Ryan realized at that moment he had never really answered Maia's question. He almost choked on his first sip. "I most definitely and emphatically accept." He paused and looked over to Senior Chief Keitel. "I do have one request. Senior Chief Gunner's Mate Keitel is one of the best Non-Commissioned Officers in the fleet. I'd like to bring him aboard as my Department Senior Enlisted Advisor."

"I'm delighted that you accepted my offer. I'm afraid I can't make Mr. Keitel as your senior enlisted advisor. That's not possible as he will be the chief of the boat". Maia replied.

Ryan chuckled as he looked back at the Senior Chief. He gave several nods of his head as he turned back to Maia. "The Senior Chief is the best NCO it's been my honor and privilege to work with. He's going to make a damn fine COB for you. He doesn't pull punches though. So don't let him speak freely unless you want a completely candid answer."

"He will more than likely make Master Chief on his tenure aboard the Leto. He has the time in grade and service." Maia replied.

Ryan finished his beer. He set the empty bottle down and half stifled a yawn. He gave Maia a sheepish look. "Sorry sir. It's been a very long day. Actually...a very long four years."

"I quite understand. Report to me in the morning on the Leto 0900 hours." Maia said.

Ryan rose to his feet and nodded at Maia. He called Cassie over one more time and told her to put whatever Maia and Henry ordered on his account for the rest of the night. He then left to get some much needed sleep.

Henry wandered over and took a seat in the chair just vacated by Ryan. He took a long pull from the goblet in his hand before placing it on the table. He glanced at the exit which Ryan had departed through just moments before. He turned back to Maia. "Kids got a lot of potential. He'll do you real proud if you ask me."

"I rather like him too, Senior. Have you got your transfer orders and back pay?" Maia asked.

Henry gave a hearty chuckle and a sly wink as he smiled. "Hell Cap'n, got my bags packed and sittin' by the door already. Fresh uniform laying out. I'm ready to go the second you give the word."

She toasted holding her glass up.

"Senior the word is given". Maia said.

She clinked his glass..

Henry tapped his goblet to Maia's glass and downed the contents. He set the goblet down and gave a shake of his head from the potent drink. "Klingon bloodwine. Good night Captain." He stood and left Maia to her drink and thoughts.

"Goodnight Senior". Maia said

[Off]

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A post by:

Commander Maia A. Sterling
USS Leto NCC-80916
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Ryan Blake
USS Leto NCC-80916
Strategic Operations Officer

Senior Chief Henry Keitel
USS Leto NCC-80916
Chief of the Boat