The Only Constant is Change
Posted on Thu Oct 11th, 2018 @ 8:05pm by Lieutenant JG Jonah Masters & Captain Horatio Refelian
Edited on on Sat Dec 29th, 2018 @ 11:52pm
1,132 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Mission 1: The Return to Faltan
Location: Faltan Station
Timeline: MD 16 - 1300 Hours
Jonah took the steps up to the raised command office a little more slowly. He had long been released from using the brace and was continuing his physical therapy, but there were still challenges. At the top, he could feel his quadriceps muscle burning in his right leg.
Adjusting his collar, complete with a new pip and a half, he stood before the double doors and touched the annunciator, signaling his arrival. He brushed back his hair and wiped a small bead of sweat, the result of his exertion climbing stairs, from his brow before adjusting his duty jacket. The yellow of security and tactical was very different from the gray stripes of his previous department.
Captain Refelian sat at his desk going through the program of events for the station’s upcoming ‘Grand Opening’. He knew it was busy work, running a station, but didn’t realise how stressful planning an official opening of said station really was. When heard his door chime go, he welcomed the break. “Come in,” he called as he set down the padd he was reading.
Jonah stepped trough the double doors as they opened with a pneumatic hiss. Inside, Captain Rafelian sat, looking somewhat pleasantly distracted from whatever he had been doing.
Jonah stood at attention. "Lieutenant Jonah Masters reporting for duty as your new head of security and tactical, sor." Jonah extended a PaDD to the CO. "My reassignment orders sir "
“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Refelian said as he reached and took the orders. “Please take a pew.” The Captain said gesturing to the free seats in front of his desk. He thumbed through the orders, everything seemed in order. The reassignment of Lieutenant Damon has been surprising considering the current state of affairs on Faltan but Refelian was pleased to have a replacement quickly. “So what do you know about Faltan?”
Jonah settled into the seat, his right leg glad for the relief. As Captain Refelian asked the question, Jonah cocked his head. "My understanding is the station was all but closed after Providence Shipyards took control a few years back, but recent events have created the need to reopen the station in an effort to provide additional support and stabilization, sir," Jonah answered.
Refelian nodded, at least the Lieutenant knew the basics. “Are we aware of what’s been happening since we reconstituted the Station?”
"I'm afraid I've not had time to read the most recent briefings, the reassignment to Faltan happened a little quicker than expected. In fact, I had to cut my leave time short and pick up the fastest transport hede, sir. Maybe the Reader's Digest version from you before I can settle in and get the reports loaded to my station?" Jonah suggested. He also idly wondered if Refelian would understand the Reader's Digest rederence.
The Captain smiled. “Very well. Our first mission here was to find the small Administrative team who were left on the station; who had gone missing. We had no idea where or how they’d gone missing but Starfleet ordered us to investigate. Three days after arriving on the Station, we were invited to the Faltan capital to meet their Government officials. The meeting was very icy. It was obvious they still didn’t want Starfleet’s presence here. Towards the end of the meeting, I was shot with a projectile weapon from a clock tower opposite. My injuries were life threatening, but due to the excellent care of Doctor Aereen and her team, I’m still here today.
“The Faltans banned us from investigating the incident and we were told they would find the shooter. Later that evening, their Governor was assassinated. The killer used a Starfleet phaser and conveniently left it behind to point the finger firmly at us. The fallout has been a downward spiral. There seems to be several different factions at work here on Faltan, for more information, I suggest to go to the Intelligence department for a full run down,” Refelian explained.
Jonah nodded. He couldn't help but note the recent similarities in both having had life threatening injuries. "I'll be sure to do that, Captain. I'll check in with Lieutenant Dufrai this afternoon."
Jonah couldn't help but think that his experience in intel, coupled now with his Security and Tactical training would have prevented the commanding officer's injuries. He would have cleared and secured all the surrounding buildings were he in charge at that time.
Pressing on, Jonah added, "Additionally, I think it fair you be made aware of my own recovery. Sparing you the details, I'm still recovering from my own life threatening injuries. My right leg was slashed open almost to the bone, so the quadriceps muscle is still weak. I've also got some abdominal pain and a scar that still needs decision. I'm sure you can access my medical records, sir, but I thought it fair to warn you in advance."
“Sounds serious. Make sure you go and see Doctor Aereen and make her aware of these injuries. She’s got excellent facilities over in the medical hub which might help. I know they’ve been helping me in my recovery.” Refelian replied.
Jonah nodded. "It's one of the first stops on my list, sir. It's actually a standing order, along with counseling follow ups," Jonah assured the commanding officer. "I've also made sure Doctor Stringer has forwarded my most recent medical records from the Archimedes."
“You’ll be in good hands with Doctor Aereen. If there’s nothing else you wish to discuss I’ll let you continue to settle in.” Refelian said with a warm smile.
Jonah knew a dismissal when he heard it. "There's not much else, sir. I've got some work ahead of me regarding personnel and crew rotations, but that will take some time. I appreciate you taking the time to see me today, sir," Jonah answered pleasantly. He was as charming as he'd ever been, a disguise he'd learned while working field operations. His mind was still working on the Faltan assassination angle. Someone was sowing seeds of distrust among Starfleet and the Faltans, but why?
That was a new task he needed to add to his list. Already, his mind went to the new Ambassadors on the planet. Though none would admit it, each had their own reasons to sow seeds of discord among the two factions. Another set of visits he would have to make before too long.
“Not at all, Lieutenant. My door is always open, and I’m here to listen,” Refelian said with a smile as he rose to his feet.
Jonah stood as the CO did. Extending his hand, he added, "I look forward to working with you, sir."
“As I with you, Lieutenant.” Harry said shaking the younger mans hand.
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