And now, the conclusion
Posted on Fri Jan 19th, 2024 @ 4:31pm by Captain Michael Intermeezo
Edited on on Fri Jan 19th, 2024 @ 4:33pm
Mission:
The Avenger
Location: USS Chuck Norris / DS9
Timeline: Present
:ON:
{Captain’s Quarters, USS Chuck Norris}
Michael tried to keep himself busy in his quarters. He knew the ship would shortly be arriving at Deep Space Nine, along with the Avenger, but he couldn’t help but feel the sting of anxiety. Commander Rodale had led the mission very well in his absence, which made the decision to promote her even more rewarding for him.
“What do you recommend?” Michael asked, taking a seat at his desk, addressing his communications terminal. “The crew don’t know, and I don’t plan on sharing it with them anytime soon. Do you understand how difficult it is to keep something like that to yourself? To keep it from your colleagues, from your friends. My absence from leading the Chuck Norris won’t have gone unnoticed recently. The crew will start to ask questions.”
On the screen was nothing but a sillhoutte. A shadow. No face, no features. The Captain could have been speaking to anybody. “Now see here, Captain.” The raspy voice on the other side of the comm spoke slowly, clearly, and menacingly. “We had an agreement whereby your terms would be met once we were satisfied with your progress. So far you’ve given us nothing. All you seem to do is stay in your quarters and let your second in command lead things!”
“I know, damn it!” Intermeezo barked at the sillhouette. “I know! Don’t you think I know?!” He got to his feet and walked over to the window. In the distance he could see Deep Space Nine. The station was getting bigger and bigger, quickly. “Look, give me more time. That’s all I’m asking for.”
“Time is a luxury you nor I have, Captain. This needs to be done as soon as possible.” The sillhoutte on the screen rasped. “If you don’t act, the Federation will collapse. That is worth saving more than any life, don’t you agree?”
The Captain turned slowly to face the screen and quietly spoke, “Maybe. But what you’re asking for isn’t just one life is it. You’re asking me to sacrifice my entire crew.”
“For the greater good. For the greater good.” The sillhoutte repeated.
Michael sighed. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He considered sharing his knowledge with the crew, but that might only make things worse. Even confiding in Mira could spell disaster. No, he needed to continue to carry this burden by himself. “I’ll be in touch.” He crossed back over to his desk and closed the line of communication, the sillhoutte now replaced by the Federation insignia.
{DS9, a few hours later…}
“So the Avenger and her crew will be safe?” Michael asked aloud.
“Yes, of course.” Colonel Kira Nerys assured the man from behind her desk. “The crew will spend a period of time being debriefed and brought up to speed with the last 200 years, and then they’ll be supported in their reintergration into society. Starfleet have assured me that they will be well looked after.”
“And the ship?” Michael asked.
The woman smiled, “It will join the rest of the relics over in the Starfleet Museum at Athan Prime. Commodore LaForge has already been informed and he’s over the moon to have such a piece join the collection there.” She got to her feet and walked around the desk towards the man, “Try not to worry, Captain. Deep Space Nine is at the disposal of you and your crew for however long you need it to be. Relax, have a drink, play some Dabo. You’re our guests.”
Michael nodded and smiled, “I appreciate that Colonel, thank you.”
:OFF:
Captain Michael Intermeezo
Commanding Officer
USS Chuck Norris, NCC-4005
