Little Soldier Lost

Posted on Tue Feb 11th, 2020 @ 7:13pm by High Commissioner Jasmine Haynes & Commodore Loatha Targaryen & Captain Wilkan Targaryen & President Gruzy of New Xindus

2,057 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Genesis
Location: Admiral's Mess, Starfleet One
Timeline: 2430-01-06, 13:55

Perturbed due to her desire to meet privately with Admiral Teagarden, Admiral Lynzl changed their destination from the Ready Room to the Admiral's Private Dining Room at the front of Deck One of the ship with the rest of the party in tow behind her. Located at the front of the Deck, the Private Dining Room was for the Admiral's usage when aboard if he wanted to eat privately or host a small get together. The ship's Senior Staff had been approved to use it as well, provided the Admiral didn't need it, and this was one of the few instances where it was empty.

Passing through the inner door she looked over her shoulder, "Anyone want anything?"

"Nothing for me," Gruzy answered.

William did the same, "Just a tea for me please."

Jasmine wondered why she had been summoned to this gathering. Two Admiral's and a Federation President was a little above her pay grade, to have tea with. But it appeared, she was going to have tea regardless. Jasmine sat near Admiral Targaryen. She was still a little sore, that Paddy was choosen over her, but she was trying to accept what Nathan had suggested to her.

"Tea Earl Gray." Jasmine called out, typically she was a coffee girl, but she did not want to stand out. So she ordered what the Admiral ordered.

Walking to the replicator she tapped at the controls and placed the orders, carrying them back to the table. After placing them, she sat at the head of the table with her grilled lemon herb mediterranean chicken salad and water. She looked at the President on the opposite end of the table. She shifted in her chair, "Privacy."

"Privacy seals engaged."

"Interesting developments today," the CO of Starfleet One said from next to his wife.

The Xindi nodded, "To say the least. The Dominion Ambassador not calling and very little from Captain Bakti." He looked at the Security Officer, "Your thoughts, Commander?"

"I've learned a long time ago, that the Dominion will do, whatever the founders tell them to do. Despite how others might interpret their actions. I was taught patience is virtue when dealing with the Dominion." Jasmine said, as she started to remember her training on the Dominion. Her answer was a generic cop out. But she was not ready, to openly speak her mouth in front of the Admirals to the President. That could be career suicide.

Lynzl took a bite of her salad and looked at the Security Officer the whole time, carefully studying the Commander, "Who was it that you studied the Dominion under, Commander Haynes?" She took a sip of water, almost perfectly precise with her movements, "I want to discuss the 'patience is a virtue' philosophy that they taught you with them. Do you think that Weyoun not contacting us immediately was a deliberate action to unnerve us, an oversight on his part, or something else?"

Jasmine was given a plate of salad, she just grinned as she took the plate, making sure to say thank you, when she heard the Admiral's question. Jasmine was a little surprised that the Admiral did not have this information already available to her. Jasmine then thought about it.

Had it only been 6 almost 7 years since she had left Starfleet Academy? She was amazed by that. She put her plate next to her, gave the admiral proper eye contact. "Professor Kingly taught his cadets, which I was one of back in 2418 about Dominion protocols. We learned about the Vorta and Jem'Ha'Dar, and how to interact with either of them. The professors credentials, comes from his interactions with the Dominion back in the early days of the Alliance, I do believe." Jasmine said, wondering where the admiral was going with this line of questioning.

"So," William took a drink of his Earl Gray Tea, "what about the second question? Do you think that Weyoun didn't contact us deliberately, it was an oversight, or something else?

"The Dominion follow orders from the Founders, so does Weyoun. The question is not really did Weyoun do this deliberately, its did the Founders?" Jasmine countered his point, with a point of her own. She paused for a moment, before going on. "Very few founders according to research care about solid matters as they call us. We don't know who in the Great Link is reaching out to us. So honestly Admiral, that is not an easy question to answer." Jasmine said, hoping he would move on. She had no clear answer for him. But she wanted to make sure to explain her reasoning.

William sat back in his chair, carefully studying the Security Chief. He crossed his arms, "Fair enough. So what are your thoughts on the appointment of your Assistant Chief as XO on the Spock?" The question was more direct and focused.

"He is a capable officer sir. He will excel in that role." Jasmine said, trying to remember her Vulcan training. She had spent some time on Vulcan, learning the arts of masking her feelings. Something she forgot to do with Nathan earlier. She was starting to wonder, did Nathan say something?

"That is a perfectly measured and polite response," it was Lynzl who answered that time. "And Bullshit. How do you really feel?"

"Lieutenant Commander Patton O'Sullivan is a capable officer, he has my full support. Under my tenure, he preformed phenomenally. I would strongly recommended him, for this position." Jasmine said, not falling for the trap that the fleet admiral had laid out for her.

Lynzl and William shared a look before the CinC responded, "How very civilized, Commander."

"Indeed," William grinned. "So no ill thoughts or concerns? No wanting to throw me out an airlock into calm seas?" He grinned as he asked, wondering if the diplomacy would continue.

Jasmine was tempted by his offer to toss him in an airlock. But she did not show it. "I assure you Admiral, if I had any concerns I would address them." She said. Jasmine did address her concerns with Nathan.

"You do know I'm El-Aurian, right?" He questioned with a smirk. "So you haven't once questioned why it wasn't you? Why I didn't tap you to be the Exec of that ship and kept you standing behind my chair pushing buttons while others move ahead?" He kept waching, darkened eyes probing. His words measured, "At least you have your dignity." He drank his tea, glancing at the President to see if he'd intervene before returning his gaze to the Commander, wondering how much more she'd take of this. At least she hadn't smacked him yet because he had a feeling that she wanted to smack at least one of them, or wished ahe hadn't saved him during the training exercise.

"I'm aware you are El-Aurien sir." Jasmine said, avoiding the temptation to mouth off at tbe admirals. She felt like this was a battle for her witts. "And I stand by my statement. "Lieutenant Commander Patton O'Sullivan is very capable officer, he has my full support."

Gruzy laughed a full belly laugh, "I really thought you'd break her."

"We tried Sir," Lynzl answered as she pushed her plate aside.

"I told you she was good, Sir," William answered proudly to the President.

"Indeed," the Xindi answered as he slid back in his chair. "So why do you think you're here young miss?"

"Honestly I have no idea Mister President." Jasmine said in a calm voice, as she looked over to the President. She felt she was being tested. But she was not sure why.

The President leaned closer to the table, "Traditionally the Federation President is guarded by Federation Security. I've been unhappy with Federation Security for some time now and been considering some changes to my security detachment." He looked at the Admirals, "No offense to these two but they can be the most irritating and annoying people I have ever met. That's why I asked their help. I needed to see how you handle pressure."

The Federation Security Force is one of the best units in the Federation. Jasmine was surprised to hear that. "How can Starfleet's One Security Team assist you Mister President." Jasmine asked. She had a feeling she was about to be asked to do something? But she was not sure what is was.

"After discussion with the Admiral late last week we agreed that we would approach you about overseeing my Security teams moving forward. Federation Security is too closely controlled by the Secretary of Defense and politics is a far too tempting mistress for some," the Xindi informed.

"Captain Walsh seems like a capable officer." Jasmine said, a little surprised. "I am here to serve at you at your leisure, Mister President. If you need me to oversee your Federation Security Force I can do that." Jasmine said. A little confused why her? There had to be other qualified officers Most of them higher than a Lieutenant Commander.

Teagarden shifted, "I will be still keeping you as my Security Chief in addition to these duties, Commander. You are too valuable an officer for us to lose aboard this ship. More importantly both the President and I trust you and the safety of this vessel is by extension affecting of his safety."

Jasmine just nodded. Practicing Vulcan techniques she learned on Vulcan. It was not very easy for her. Most of her emotions were on the surface. Hard to burry.

"Do you have any thoughts on this, Commander?" Lynzl asked from her seat. "You may speak freely."

"That will not be necessary sir, what the Admiral says is true. By extension of my duties on Starfleet One/USS Enterprise while the President is aboard, my team has always coordinated with the President's team. I can lead that team for the time being. I serve at the leisure of the President and Starfleet."

Jasmine pointed out, not sure, what the Admiral's were trying to spark out of her. But she felt that this was a test. And she was going to pass it. She was really annoyed about the Admiral's rubbing it in her face. At least she felt like they were rubbing it in.

"Very well then, the President answered. "I think that we're done here, unless the two of you have something to add?" Gruzy looked at the two Admirals.

Lynzl shook her head but William did answer, "I told you I thought she was the best choice."

"I agree wholeheartedly, Admiral," the Xindi replied. "I'm glad I approached you about this before our mission began before she became unavailable." He looked at the Security Chief, "I will meet with you later about my security, Commander, until then thank you."

"I look forward to it." Jasmine simply replied, not sure what he wanted to discuss exactly. Or what his comment meant about being unavailable. But in good time, she hoped to find out.

Lynzl smirked, "Just try not to duck her as much as you duck the Federation Security people."

William shook his head, "He won't duck her. I think a shrouded Jem'Hadar couldn't escape her."

"Guess we'll see," the President answered. "Thank you again for agreeing to this. Meet me in my office this evening, I think you know the way."

"Yes Mister President." Jasmine said, wondering if she was only chosen, to be the president's canon fodder? Even if that was true, she swore an oath to protect him. As she said earlier, she serves at the leisure of the President.

William nodded to his Security Chief as he looked back to his wife for a moment. His eyes shifted to the President, "We have a lot to talk about."

Jasmine learns more about her role, before being dismissed. She was still not sure, why they chose her for this honor? Even if she was canon fodder, it was still an honor. She was not sure. She wondered deep down, if this was a cancellation prize for passing her over for first officer. Which was not fair to her or the rest of the senior staff. She did not want special treatment. This was not the moment to address her concerns. She would talk to the Admiral later on. And find out, what this was all really about. The scene fades away.

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