When it rains, it pours. (part 1)

Posted on Thu Mar 19th, 2015 @ 11:38am by Commodore Samantha York & Commander Thaddius Storm

1,098 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Deadly Diplomacy
Location: Captain's Ready Room

"Priority one message from USS Niagara." Sam's console bleeped.

Priority one? Sam thought. "Send it to my Ready Room. I'll take it there."

She turned the bridge over to Hans and headed to her office to hear the message. "Computer, open the channel to the Niagara," she said as she took a seat at her desk.

The blackened screen soon changed to a betazoid woman whom Sam would recognize as Vice Admiral Veronica Constantine. Admiral Constantine appeared before her with her shoulder length black hair worn down and running along side her cheeks. She placed her hands folded atop her desk and glared at Sam once she had taken her seat. Veronica was clearly not in a good mood and the call would not be cordial.

"Commodore, would you care to explain to me why the Cardassians are contacting me with accusations that you have confined one of their diplomats aboard your ship with no just cause?"

"She is not confined," Sam replied. "She is free to leave any time she likes. She came aboard my ship uninvited and unannounced. We are in the middle of a ... delicate ... situation with the Paneerian and Octurian delegations. Her presence at the moment is a hindrance to our mission."

"That's hogwash I sent the transmission to you days ago. Even so what exactly did she do to hinder besides her presence?" Veronica retorted.

"I received no transmission, Admiral. Did she tell you that three Cardassian ships attacked a shuttle, killing my Executive Officer and several security officers with her? The Calypso is on an assignment that precludes visitors right now. Although we are not at war with the Cardassians, we are not allies, either. Her presence is not welcome, ma'am."

"And you think I didn't already know this? Was she not accompanied by a Starfleet officer?" Constantine's tone became more irritated as the conversation carried on.

"Who was miraculously promoted, yes. It doesn't matter who came with her, she was not invited and she failed to contact the ship first. Both were informed that this is a very bad time for a visit. Both are welcome to leave, Admiral. This is not the time or the place for this."

"Who do you think sent her with the ambassador?" Veronica exclaimed throwing her hands up in the air. She pressed her hands to her skull running her fingers through her hair. She quickly regained her composure and placed her hands down upon her table top. "I've explain this to the Cardassians already. Whatever it is you've gotten yourself into has attracted their attention. I had to compromise and this is why Commander Vance was sent with her. I figured perhaps you could entrust her but that's obviously not the case. Yes they are not our allies, but extending an olive branch could change that. Do you even have any evidence to support the possibility the cardassians even have any interest in your situation besides the circumstances surrounding Commander Vance's death?"

"There's enough to keep the Cardassians off my ship," Sam declared. "All due respect, ma'am, but did you stop to consider the timing of this request? Did you stop to consider that you are putting this mission in jeopardy by sending a Cardassian Ambassador to peace talks with the Federation? Read the reports. I have enough evidence to disregard direct orders from Starfleet Command. I will not allow anyone free reign on my ship until I get to the bottom of this. If you want to appease the Cardassians, then do so on your own ship. Do not send them here."

"So you have evidence to support this? Because clearly Commander Vance's murder was meant to coincide with these peace talks. Clearly the Cardassians are somehow involved and wish to sabotage the talks and have gone to great lengths to do so. Why didn't I think of this before? The evidence is clear." Veronica's tone throughout the entire monologue was blatantly sarcastic and near mocking. She clearly was not buying into what Samantha was saying.

She leaned forward and glared into Samantha's eyes. "First thing's first, you do not tell me what to do with my ship. Secondly, Commodore. Since you clearly have lost faith or respect in those you serve under then let me be the one to wish you luck. You wish to be left alone, so be it. Starfleet Command will no longer interfere in your affairs. Furthermore I will ensure a full investigation is launched into the clear corruption within the hierarchy of Fleet command.

And finally, if it is not too much trouble for you of course Commodore. Send Commander Storm back with Commander Vance. I wouldn't want a cardassian spy interfering in your talks."

"First, Admiral, an investigation is already underway. Admirals Burke, Hunter and Panthera are in charge of that particular investigation. Second, no, I don't believe Commander Vance's murder is related to the peace talks and third, I will be happy to send Commander Storm back with Commander Vance and the Ambassador. He is currently under report for dereliction of duty and disobeying a direct order. Those charges will remain, but you're welcome to take him back, ma'am." Sam would like nothing better than to send all three of them to Vice Admiral Constantine -- with her blessing.

"Last time I checked each of those individuals serve under the umbrella of Starfleet Command, what makes you so certain they are innocent?"

"I do not wish to discuss it over an open comm chanel, Admiral."

"And...." Veronica placed her hand up facing the palm to York. "Forget it, I don't really care to be honest. Send Commander Storm and the delegation away. Finish your peace talks and go about your merry way. I can only sincerely hope you have a capable officer onboard competent and willing to be your XO, because you will see no replacements from this end of Starfleet. If there is nothing else, I must go speak with the Cardassians."

"I have competent officers on board, including my former XO and my current Acting XO, ma'am. We will be fine. I'll send the Commanders and the Ambassador to you immediately. York out." Sam was relieved to have the conversation go as well as it did. Under the circumstances, being told she was not under the orders of Starfleet Command was a blessing. At least until the Admirals could find the traitor. Until then, she was better off as she was.

(To be continued...)

Vice Admiral Veronica Constantine
Commander, USS Niagara

Commodore Samantha York
Commander, USS Calypso

 

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