Post # 29 " Bravo Brave "

Posted on Sun Jun 27th, 2021 @ 10:31pm by Rear Admiral Paul Sanderson

Mission: Mission Guardian Shield
Location: USS Amandora
Timeline: Concurrent

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Time flies on a starship as Jay was discovering on his first few days. His shift on Beta watch was soon and he still had to check in with the Admiral.

Relieving the security officer and IT watch system Jay Bird tapped the Admiral's chime as he did often usually receiving the " All good here sir" reply. But this time would be different.

Paul closed the lid on the tank containing Cyndi's pet snake, secured it and walked to the door, opening it he stepped aside to let Jay in "Cyndi tells me you've accepted the position of first officer. Can I offer you something to drink?"

" Admiral? Yes I sort of did. You are secure here and it seems I might be less than useful to protect you. I will maintain a watchful eye on you with security but I think I would be more useful to accept her open position. If I might ask a question Admiral?" Jay replied.

"You can call me Paul, I'm retired now. What would you like to know?" Paul asked .

" I have been with you a year now. You are in your forties sir? Why did you retire so young sir?" Jay asked.

" Cyndi and I were on a diplomatic assignment, there was traitor in the midst of things and started shooting. I took a hit to protect the ambassador who I was meeting with. Spent several months recovering and was offered early internment because of it. Cyndi had just had our son and was off on leave," Paul said

" So then this is temporary? Your son is 3 ? I just can't fathom retiring so young. You are in your prime." Jay replied

"I may be in my prime but I was pretty banged up and with Cyndi in command of an active star ship and we all know the dangers out here I don't want my son to lose either of us. I'm content to raise him should something happen to my wife. And if you get technical as senior officer I can assume command of the ship. But I don' want it. It would take an awful lot for me to go back active," Paul said .

Jay smiled as he realized those were the similar words Cyndi had told him.

" Then with your permission sir I resign as your Chief of Security and will assume the role of Amandora's XO." Bird replied.

Paul held out his hand "Permission granted, my wife is always armed, there is plenty of security on the ship and I'm in no danger here. You'll do the ship proud."

" Thank you Admiral and I mean that sir. You were the most boring assignment I have ever had." Jay smiled as he might do with an old buddy.

Paul grinned at the comment "I told Starfleet I didn't need a personal body guard. They as you know didn't listen."

" Actually you do sir. They sent me because a faction of Star Fleet is intent on recruiting you. I was assigned to prevent that. I might resign but another covert officer will be attached to you sir. The next one will be stealthier than me " Jay warned.

Paul dropped his had and shook his head "What makes them think I even remotely want to come out of retirement? I'm happy with my life as it is. What faction and why?"

" Sir The organization claims to be sanctioned by the original Starfleet Charter, Article 14, Section 31 of which allows for extraordinary measures to be taken in times of extreme threat. You are in their sights to head a branch of their service." Jay replied.

"They can try all they want, but it's not going to work as I'm not interested. Tell me who is behind this and I'll take care of it," Paul said.

" That is just it you won't know until it's too late." Jay replied.

"You must have an idea or you wouldn't be warning me," Paul said "So tell me who is behind it."

" There is a Brigade Commander in the NSA that assigns clandestine missions for Special Operations. He is bucking for a promotion to become 31's top General. Rumor has it your name also came up to take the slot. Dark Intel has some dirt that this Commander has ties to Romulus. We found Romulan spy wear at your home . You were not informed but Star Fleet was . As a former anti Romulan Intel officer I was assigned to you sir. Your son and you may not be safe at home any more." Jay warned.

"We live in the Palace, there is no safer place. I will contact my in-laws and inform them and have them do a check on the Palace staff. Is it possible your information is wrong?" Paul asked.

" All that I can say is we disposed of the Romulan spy ware and doubled your security. I was relieved you came here sir. Somebody wants you out if the way. Even worse Section 31 wants you to return to active duty." Bird warned.

"I never dealt with Section 31, that's not even close to what I did with Starfleet nor have I ever had any dealings with the Romulans," Paul said "I do not condone what Section 31 stands for or does. They are not even part of Starfleet."

" Actually they are. Starfleet avails their existence in the Federation constitution under Starfleet charter Article 14. But like all intelligence agencies power corrupts ."

"Power indeed corrupts, and I don't like Section 31, never have and I don't trust them," Paul replied "There is nothing they can do to get me out of retirement and back to work, no one can get to my son so they're wasting their time in trying to recruit me."

Jay heard the ex Admirals words and felt confident in taking his new assignment. Part of him worried that the Admiral wasn't taking this situation serious enough but that was the Admiral's decision.

" Admiral I think I have taken enough of your time. If you should need me I'm only a call away." Jay replied .

"I'll remember that and I will contact the Klavorian government about your concerns, take care of the ship," Paul said

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