Rendezvous

Posted on Wed Jan 15th, 2020 @ 11:31am by Commodore Jacob Kane & Hamilton Broll & Commander Taeler Santu M.D.

Mission: In the Family
Location: USS Athena/SS Glory
Timeline: MD-01
764 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Of course Harrington had been unhappy with the orders. But the orders were from higher up than he was. As much as both he and Kane would protest, the Federation Diplomatic Service had a lot of influence at Starfleet Command. So, Kane surmised, they were on babysitting duty for an ambassadorial delegation for the time being. Of all the ship commanders in the fleet, somehow they'd picked the one who was probably the least diplomatic.

"Energize," Kane told the transporter chief.

After a moment, two new arrivals materialised on the pad. The first, a younger-looking human, glanced nervously around. His posture was slouched, his expression guarded. The other, a taller woman in extravagant clothing not particularly typical of the usual Federation Ambassadors, practically towered over the younger man.

"Ambassador. Welcome to the USS Athena. I'm Commander Kane, and this is Lt Commander Taeler, my First Officer."

Of course she knew that. Introductions were so tedious. Didn't they think she'd done her research about them before coming aboard? "Yes Captain," Donatella said vaguely, using his position rather than his rank as was customary for someone in his position. "I Don't see why it was necessary to beam aboard when I already know what both of you look like. My work is very important and I must have total silence while doing it. I wish to return to my ship. That is where I will remain for the journey."

Just as Santu wanted to extend her greetings and her hand the Ambassador interrupted. She resisted the urge to frown at the blunt arrogance.

Kane opened his mouth to reply, the words not quite coming to him. He glanced at both Taeler and the Ambassador's assistant, trying to work out how to respond.

"I had thought you might share some of the details of your mission..." he began.

"Details?" Donatella eyed him carefully, a slight smile was forming on her lips. "Here are the details. You are to escort me and my assistant to Paratus system. End of mission details. Now someone find me some tea, I'm getting a headache. I'll be back on my ship, just send it over when it's ready and don't take too long."

"I should assist the ambassador with her-" the nervous-looking assistant piped-up. Kane waved his hand, probably a little too dismissively.

"Don't let us keep you, madam." He stole another glance at Taeler before nodding at his transporter chief.

It was like watching a herd of Tirak break free from their pens. You knew there was going to be a lot of damage, but you simply couldn't look away. As the blue energy enveloped the Ambassador Santu let out a sigh of relief. Still at a loss for words.

Kane, too, was a little stunned. There was a long moment as he just looked awkwardly at his First Officer and at the empty space where the Ambassador had been a moment before.

"Well, that wasn't what I expected. I suppose we should delegate someone to liaise with the Ambassador for the duration?" He shook his head. "Can't imagine there being many volunteers for the job."

"Any junior officers you don't like?" Santu looked at the Commander, holding her serious face for a moment before cracking a smile, "I'm sure we can find someone suitable."

"Do we have any Vulcans on the senior staff? I can imagine you'd need the patience of one to deal with that." Kane was being ironic, but his mind did wander. "I believe Lieutenant Commander Horn has some Vulcan genes, actually. Perhaps let him loose on her for the time being. Though I'm sure we'll all feel the impact of this for the next few days..."

Santu nodded a bit, "I guess this is why so many of us take up Vulcan meditation techniques as an elective. I'll make sure to brief Peter."

"Thank you. I have a feeling this might be a little bit more interesting than a simple milk run, Commander," he noted.

"I never expected there to be such a thing, Captain." Santu gave a smile and a sloppy salute before turning on her heels and walking out of the transporter room. She couldn't really wrap her head around people that felt like they needed to pull rank or privilege over others. What gave them the right? What higher goal did it accomplish? She hoped that the StratOps chief was ready to deal with this level of arrogance.


:: OFF ::


Commander Jacob Kane
Commanding Officer
USS Athena

Lieutenant Commander Taeler Santu
Executive Officer
USS Athena

Lady Donatella Hortensia
Ambassador
(NPC Kristi)