Arguing Command

Posted on Sat Aug 25th, 2018 @ 5:07pm by Commander Abigail Prescott
Edited on on Mon Sep 3rd, 2018 @ 3:20pm

1,225 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Mission 1: The Return to Faltan
Location: Captain’s Lounge, Command Deck, Faltan Station
Timeline: MD04 - 1900

Once she was completely alone in the Captain's Lounge, Mint continued her worried pacing. She was so deep in thought that she didn't hear the doors swish open, or the footsteps coming closer. It wasn't until she turned around and found herself nose to chest with a man in a marine uniform that she realized she wasn't alone. "Geez!" She took a step back. "Don't sneak up on a girl like that..." she cleared her throat, recognizing who was in front of her. "What can I do for you Colonel?"

“Apologies, Commander.” Haversford said with a smile. “Colonel James Haversford, I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m actually here to do you a favour.” He said his smile turning into a smirk as he began to wonder the Captain’s Lounge. “Wow! I wish my office was this big, is yours?”

"Do me a favour? And what would that be, Colonel?" Mint was tired, no, exhausted, worried, and scared, but that didn't stop her from suddenly becoming alert at Haversford's demeanour and words. "And no, my office isn't quite this big. Though it's probably still larger than yours."

The Colonel gave an unimpressed smile back. “Well, looks like I’m going to be using this one for a while. You don’t have to stress that pretty little head of yours any longer. I’m taking command of Faltan Station. Captain Refelian left me in charge while you were off meddling in the Faltan’s business now I shall remain in command until Captain Refelian or Starfleet Brass relinquishes me of said command. Thank you for getting the ball rolling but I’m taking over now, sweet.”

"I don't think so," Mint suddenly stood ramrod straight, shoulders squared, and narrowed her eyes at him. "You have no right to assume command. Starfleet Emergency Procedures state that the Executive Officer assumes Command should the Commanding Officer of a station or ship be taken out of active duty. This 'pretty head' will continue to worry about this station and it's safety. YOU shall continue to do your duty as the Marine Commanding Officer," her blood boiled at the insolence this man was displaying. All because she was a woman? No. That would not be happening. Her face darkened as her anger rose. She practically growled at him, eyes daring him to try to fight her on the protocol, to argue against regulations.

“My rank and experience supersedes yours. To quote a Vulcan ‘I am the logical person’ to command this station. Don’t let pride or rules and regs get in the way of people’s safety.” He said as his features hardened. “Don’t make me contact Command to have you removed from your position. I’m trying to help, step aside.”

"I have already contacted Command," Mint's tone hardened. "I will not step aside. I am more than capable of running this station and keeping everyone safe. Your rank may be higher, your experience may be more, but I am still the person in charge of this station. Pride has nothing to do with this, I am following Starfleet regulations, and you will as well. Threats to have me removed will not work. Command is already aware of the situation and are in full agreement with me assuming command." She may be short, but she still stood tall. "I will not let you intimidate me. Stand down or I will have security remove you not only from this office, but this station!"

Haversford allowed his shoulders to relax a little. “So, What’s the plan, Station Commander Prescott?” In an unimpressed tone.

Mint continued to glare at Haversford. "We are not allowed in to investigate officially," she leaned against the desk and ran a hand over her face. "I would like you to do a topographical study of the city, I want to know every inch of it. Once we have that, we can formulate a plan on a covert op to investigate this incident on our own."

A cunning idea, the Colonel approved. “I’ll get birds in the sky right away. Will you be sending in the Marines if the Faltan’s start pushing back?”

"Potentially," Mint sighed. "Our Chief of Security seems more a shoot first ask questions later. He wanted to raid every house in the city looking for intel on the missing admin team when he first arrived. IF we go in, and that's a biiiig IF, I want you to coordinate a joint operation with the security forces. Maybe use them as a distraction while your people go in covertly and quash any resistance. But that is for another time. For now, the station must be protected. From the information I've received, it appears that the Faltans may target the station. I don't know if they're going to attempt to take me out as well, but I intend on making myself one hell of a target to keep them busy and away from the civilians we have here."

“Station Security is down to your Security Chief but we can provide assistance in plugging any gaps that need it. As for the Faltan’s, my people are ready, just give the word and we will act.” Haversford replied.

Mint nodded. "I would prefer your people to keep guard over the Command and Medical hub, even if done covertly. I don't trust the Faltans as far as we could throw them. I don't know what they're trying to plan, but their security chief was asking Damon about our security rotations. I have a nagging feeling they will be coming to sabotage or attack the station. I have M'Mira working on getting extra power to our shields. From a security standpoint, do you have any other suggestions?"

Haversford nodded his understanding, “Send Lieutenant Damon to me and I’ll put him in contact with Major Tritter for extra security. As for suggestions, perhaps we need to get birds in the sky doing exercises. Not directly near the Faltan’s but if they’re watching us then they’ll see we’re ready for anything.”

Mint rubbed her shoulder as she thought about it. "Keep them over the station, flying toward neutral territory," Mint agreed finally. "We don't need them accusing us of preparing to bomb them."

“Of course, but a gentle reminder for them that we do have the means to strike if we need to. I’ll speak with Major Braddock and he’ll get the something arranged.” Haversford agreed. “Anything else the Marines can help you with, Commander?”

"Not at the moment. Thank you Colonel. I will keep you advised of the situation," Mint stood up straight and gave him a weak smile.

“No problem. You know where I am if you need me. Keep me appraised of the situation.” Haversford said, before giving the Commander a nod and exiting the lounge.

Mint took a deep breath, held it for a second, then let it out slowly. She felt she did well in that meeting, but wasn't sure if Haversford was going to continue to try to undermine her. For now, though, she was more worried about getting the paperwork that needed to be filed done. She moved behind the desk, sat down at the console, and stared at the blank screen.

 

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