Great Responsibiliity

Posted on Sat Sep 23rd, 2023 @ 6:32pm by Commodore Jacob Kane

Mission: Wrath of the People
Location: Starfleet Headquarters
Timeline: Following "Crescendo"
647 words - 1.3 OF Standard Post Measure

The emotions of the last few days had been draining. Admittedly, Kane was exhausted, and wanted nothing more than to be somewhere quiet with a cold beer and some daylight. But it was never going to be as simple as that.

He had never met Admiral Broll before, but he knew the man's reputation. A long-standing flag officer, known for being calm and fair. Well-respected among veterans. And typically the guy the senior admiralty sent to be their messenger. He was also the father of Hamilton Broll, a young man Kane had already had the pleasure of meeting. Evidently that was something Broll senior knew.

"Seems like you've had a rough few days," Broll began, collecting a pair of glasses from the replicator and offering Kane one. "Water?"

Kane took the glass and sipped.

"You could say that."

"Never a nice affair, a court martial. And it would be easy for you to walk out of that feeling let down by the Fleet. I know I would." Broll sat down in a seat opposite him. "Pretty embarrassing for Starfleet, too. If it got out."

"Shouldn't it?" Kane asked. Broll smiled wistfully.

"Were it so simple. Once you reach my age, Captain, you learn that these things are far more political than we'd like to admit. I'll be clear, though: we're not ordering you to keep your mouth shut and look the other way. I think we both know how that would sit." Broll reached into his pocket, then slid a box across the desk.

"What's this?" Kane asked.

"A recognition of all the bullshit you've endured over the last few months," Broll smirked. "If you'll forgive the expression." He took a sip of his own water. "Minawara, Ehestri, Dulac...they haven't overlooked your track record. That business in the Rondac system, for one thing. It doesn't go unnoticed."

Kane opened the box. It contained a single golden pin, bordered with the same bold trim. His eyes twitched with surprise.

"It's small compensation for the last week. But believe me, this is something you have earned, not some attempt at buying forgiveness or silence," Broll explained. "Hell, the increase in responsibility and expectation is probably more of a punishment than a reward..."

"Okay." Kane picked up the box. "Okay," he repeated. "I understand."

Broll paused, before that trademark knowing smile returned. "Good. We're giving you a Task Group. Your choice of ships and commanders, covering a stretch of the Federation frontier. Now, Admiral Dulac wanted me to offer you command of the USS Aurora, but I get the feeling you're one of those commanders that's a little more attached to his ship and crew than most. Right?"

"Athena...is my ship," Kane nodded. "Her crew are the best."

"In that case, Andreas owes me a bottle of Andorian Brandy," Broll grinned. "If I can make one more suggestion? Well, more of a request..."

"I'm listening."

"There's a young woman who has been doing her level best to fill your seat the last couple of weeks. Commander Amaya Lance. She's got a good head on her shoulders, even if she doubts herself sometimes." The Admiral's head tilted a little. "I think she'd be good for you. Put her where she can do some good."

"I'll consider it," Kane noted.

"Well. Good." Broll tapped the table and stood. "Congratulations, Commodore. I'm sure we'll be in touch again once you're fully up to speed."

"Thank you, Admiral." Kane watched the man depart. The weight of everything felt like it was falling around him at that moment. A promotion, new responsibilities, and potentially new demands of him personally. Shore leave might have been on the cards, but he missed his ship and his routine. And certainly there were several people he needed to have a conversation with. Starting with that pair of officers that had broken his case wide open.