The Final Word
Posted on Mon Jan 28th, 2019 @ 8:43am by Captain Luka Mahone & Oliver Stone
Edited on on Mon Jan 28th, 2019 @ 10:16pm
922 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
Groundwork
Location: USS Io, Captain's Office
Timeline: MD 19 - 0900 Hrs
“Of course, Admiral. Thank you.” As the console screen returned to the various readings and updates of the day, the typical jovial expression of Captain James Matthews had a serious undertone. He stared out to a blank space, before a young blonde human stepped into his view.
“Sir, Commander Mahone and Director Stone are here as per your request. I can send them in immediately.”
A smile came to the face of the young Captain. “Ensign Willis, you’ve read my mind. Please do, and why not take the rest of the shift off? It’s been a long day for the both of us.”
He watched as the younger man left, shoulders falling at the sight of the two who entered. There would not be any bad news, to be certain, but he was apprehensive of it, at best. He stood, gesturing to the small lounge area where he took multiple visitors. As he did, he strode around his desk. “Commander, Oliver. Good to see the both of you. Please, sit. I’ll get us some refreshments, then we can get right down to business.”
“Cheers Jim.” Oliver replied with a cheeky smile. “We can toast to me getting back to solid ground.”
Luka followed after Oliver, giving frown to the back of the Captain’s head. There were few reasons James Matthews called in the both of them, his mind on other endeavors and his own goals. There was something amiss, and he couldn’t quite place it.
James joined them, carrying a tray of… choice beverages. “I’ve been apprised of the status of Haumea’s progress, and I’m absolutely ecstatic to hear it’s all coming together. I’m hoping Commander Mahone here has been nothing but helpful in that regard.”
“Captain-” Luka began, taking hand of the oddly-colored beverage that was offered.
The Captain raised a hand, seating himself before continuing. “Don’t worry, I’ll get to the point.” He turned his attention to Oliver, tone hardening as if he expected a reaction. “Director, Haumea’s construction has not come without some… roadblocks, and I’m hoping this is seen as less than-” He glanced over at Luka, who was attempting to discreetly make a twirling motion with his finger. James cleared his throat. “To the point, Starfleet Command is pushing forward a presence on Haumea. Not to interfere, but to work alongside what you’ve worked hard to develop. There were some concerns voiced about the safety of the well-being of Federation members.”
Oliver coughed into his glass at the statement. “To say roadblocks would be an understatement Captain but then again if you’d taken some interest in this project you would know that. Unlike yourself, Commander Mahone has been nothing but helpful with the procurement of items for Haumea and most knowledgeable in our problems.” The Captain went to speak and in turn raised a hand to match the one he had shown Mahone mere moments earlier. He had respect for the young Commander, respect that had been earnt over many conversations and hard work they had done to help the colony. “As much as I respect Starfleet’s need to defend their citizens I don’t see the need for their presence on Haumea to increase. We have our own contractors, and workers that are doing a great job under Starfleet red tape and certain sanctions on our orders. If you want to come down and get your hands dirty Jim by all means I’ll make sure Lucille gets you a shovel…” he said with a grin.
“A sentiment that has been shared with Starfleet already,” the Captain pressed, but continued on, not missing the vibe but choosing instead ignore it. “But Starfleet is insisting upon it. If there’s an objection to it, it won’t be me who can do anything about it. I can give you the name of the Admiral who’s pressing into the matter. As for your kind offer-” he paused, gesturing toward the Commander between them, who had thus far remained silent as if waiting to spring to the defense of one man or the other. “-I think there are hands better suited for that. But, if you still remain hesitant on the matter, I'll get you a direct line to the Admiral. He wasn't exactly the most forthcoming on the full reasoning, simply that he felt Haumea was in need of a Starfleet presence.”
Oliver raised both his eyebrows, the whites of his eyes showing in slight disbelief at the man’s nonchalant answer and belief he was above getting involved himself. “As you wish ’Captain’ I will take this Admirals name and be sure to mention the fantastic job Commander Mahone has done with us thus far in making sure our needs are met and voices heard. He may even replace some useless junk on board the Io in the future.” he said with a slight smile on his face. “If Starfleet wish to increase their presence at the moment I cannot change that immediately, that is a fight for another time.”
James noticed Luka's inhale, as if the Commander were about to leap in and diffuse a potential situation. This had clearly not been the first time the Captain had gone through this. He rose a hand to head Luka off at the pass. “I'll be sure to pass the message on myself. Now, I'm sure you've got better things to do, so I won't keep you. Either of you.”
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