A Time of Need - Part I

Posted on Fri 13th Jul, 2012 @ 1:55pm by Colonel Horatio Drake

493 words; about a 2 minute read

Mission: http://sb109.sim-station.net/index.php/sim/missions/id/2
Location: Deck 12: Main Ops - Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: Pre-Mission #1

ON:

“Did I tell you I’ve got a bottle of vintage double malt with me?”

“Ah... now you’re talking... but there is no way I can get shore leave until next month, at the earliest!” the Sergeant Major replied.

“Well that certainly isn’t any good...!” Ashton replied, smiling.

“How are you holding up anyway kid? We haven’t really had a good talk in ages...” Graham said with sincerity evident in his voice.

Ashton didn’t look up, “I’m doing fine, Sergeant”

“Sergeant?! Oh are we doing the rank thing now... Colonel?!” Graham lightened the mood with as much sarcasm as he could possibly muster.

Laughing Ashton replied, “I’m sorry Graham... I just want to talk about it in person... no point in talking about it now”

“Fine... it’s good to see you laugh again, my friend. It’s been too long...”

Changing the subject, Ashton thought quickly...”Erm... how’s Sarah and the kids?”

“Oh they’re fine...just in the other room at the minute finishing up their packing”

“Packing?” Ashton said, interested “are you being reassigned?”

“Indeed I am kiddo... they’ve only gone and made me Chief Engineer on the new Sovereign Class, USS Indomitable!” He said with a smile from cheek to cheek.

“Chief Engineer?!” Ashton was genuinely surprised.


“I know... looks like there’s a shortage of you stuck up officer types...” Graham retorted.
Ashton wasn’t in the mood for one of these contests... as much as he loved them... “Well, there’s no one else that I would trust more...” A genuine smile was apparent on his face and the deep friendship was evident.

“Don’t get all soppy on me now kid... where have you been assigned then? Something far better, I’d be sure! Academy Commandant, perhaps?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you Graham!”

“Try me”

“You are looking at the new Commanding Officer on, none other than, Starbase Protector... Military Waypoint and Resupply Station extraordinaire...” Ashton desperately needed a drink.

“Jesus...” Graham was unable to say anything else.

“I know... I’d give my right foot to be a Head of Department on the Indomitable... Starfleet simply doesn’t trust me anymore!”

“But think of all the firepower you’ve got on board! Enough to take down a fleet of Indomitable’s! That’s what always got you excited!”

“True, but only when there’s something to fire at! Protector is situated in the Asuran System”

“Ah...” The Chief was lost for words.

“Colonel Drake, please report to Ops” an indistinguishable voice sounded over the comm. System.

“Acknowledged” he replied briskly.

“Gray, I’ve got to go… we’ll catch up soon!” Ashton wanted nothing more than to sit down and have a night of talking and drinking with his friend, like they used to on the Jakarta… but it wasn’t to be.

The Sergeant simply winked and cut the communication.
OFF:

 

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