Lessons Learned (Mission Close)
Posted on Sun Jul 12th, 2020 @ 6:35am by Commodore Jacob Kane & Maxwell Brand
Mission:
In the Family
Location: USS Athena - Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: MD-6
523 words - 1 OF Standard Post Measure
These post-mission breakdowns with Brand were starting to become a familiar pattern, Kane noted. He appreciated the moment of reflection and 'lessons learned' that they provided. At the same time, Brand's demeanor sometimes made him wonder if he was being silently judged.
"Lay it on me, Max."
"I'm sure you're aware that Paratus IV has now withdrawn from diplomatic accession talks, Commander." Brand's tone was calm as always, and very matter-of-fact. "The Duke's forces have had limited military success, but the political ramifications are likely to be far-reaching." He motioned to the wall-mounted screen, where there were various local news broadcasts of fighting and impassioned debate.
"So they won't be returning to the table any time soon," Kane remarked.
"It seems that way. Starfleet Intelligence believes that based on the evidence there was never any real chance of success out here, Commander; the political games and infighting of the royal family ran far deeper than the diplomatic service were aware." Brand clasped both hands together in front of himself. "Honestly, the chances of resolving a centuries-old cultural divide were always going to be next to impossible."
"Now you're just trying to make me feel better, Max." Kane shook his head wryly. "Had we known any of this in advance, I can't imagine Starfleet would have sent us out here like they did. Another example of the Federation Diplomatic service not dong it's job properly."
"Admittedly, Starfleet Intelligence may share some of that blame, Commander. Much of this information didn't come to light until now."
"As always, we only get the full story after it's too late." Kane leaned back in his seat. "Speaking of Intelligence; this Lieutenant P'rel. What do you know of her?"
Brand paused momentarily, considering how to respond.
"It would be inappropriate for me to reveal too much of her operational record," he explained, a little apologetically. "However she has a reputation of being very effective - if incredibly pragmatic. In many ways an ideal frontline intelligence agent, if she weren't so counter-authority." Brand paused. "Somewhat like yourself, Commander..."
Kane smiled slightly at the sentiment. It was a little out-of-line, but he knew Brand's intention wasn't to cause offence.
"I might keep her on. Assuming Harrington doesn't string me up." Kane shook his head.
"I assume the Admiral may be slightly indisposed at the moment. Starbase 50 recently suffered a pirate raid, and the thieves escaped with several gigaquads of tactical data." Brand frowned, himself concerned by those events. "Although that may make the Admiral more...annoyed...than usual."
"I'll bear that in mind in my report," Kane nodded. Raids on Federation starbases? Whoever was responsible for this sort of activity was bold. "Thank you for your time, Mr Brand. Rest assured, if Lieutenant P'rel does stay, I wouldn't want to lose your services."
"Of course, Commander." Brand smiled, gave a nod, and dismissed himself.
Kane sat back in his chair, looked over the images from Paratus one final time, then closed the screen down. Best to put all of that mess behind them.
Commander Jacob Kane
Commanding Officer
USS Athena
Maxwell Brand
Starfleet Intelligence Officer
USS Athena
(PNPC Kane)
