Clear Horizons and Calm Seas
Posted on Tue Dec 8th, 2020 @ 4:16am by Captain Wilkan Targaryen & President Gruzy of New Xindus & High Commissioner Jasmine Haynes
1,173 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Exodus
Location: Officer's Quarters, Starfleet One
Timeline: 2430-01-10, 19:00
Admiral William Teagarden walked down the crew deck toward the Officer's Quarters holding a PADD in his hands. It wasn't every day that someone was offered an opportunity of a lifetime and he was happy that a member of his crew was on the receiving end. The problem for him was that he was losing out on an amazing member of his crew in the process. He didn't begrudge her the decision, rather he was happy for her future, but he was going to miss having an accomplished officer as his Tactical Officer.
Approaching the door to Commander Jasmine Haynes' Quarters he tapped the door chime to request entry.
Jasmine was not expecting anyone at her door. She had just taken off her uniform top, she was still wearing the undershirt. She reached over for the uniform top, as as she got up and off the couch, making her way over to her front door. She had no idea, who to expect. "Come in." Jasmine said, as she started to get redressed.
Just as William was about to enter the Commander's Quarters he noticed that the President himself was also on approach. The Commander of Starfleet One paused before entering, stepping back a bit from the door as the Xindi joined him, "Mister President."
"Admiral," the President greeted. "Are you here to meet with Miss Haynes?"
"Indeed," he answered. "I take it you are here for the same reason?"
"I am," the Reptilian replied. "I was about to offer..."
The Enterprise's CO lifted a hand, "Glad that you stopped me then. I thought that was a done deal?"
"I haven't even met with her yet," the President informed.
William stepped back, "Maybe I'll let you two be alone then. If you'll excuse me."
"Nonsense. Come on," Gruzy said as he stepped through the portal. "Is now a good time, Miss Haynes?"
Jasmine noticed the President walking into her quarters. She quickly zipped up her jacket. "Mister President, its always a good time to meet with you sir." Jasmine said, as she humbled bowed in front of him. Then saluted him and the Admiral as they both walked in.
Not one for pomp and circumstance, Gruzy pressed away as he approached the replicator, "Sorry for us both barging in on you at the same time." He typed on the keypad next to the replicator, "We both have the same news for you."
"News Mister President?" Jasmine asked, wondering what new security protocols, she would need to enact in order to protect the President. She wondered by his tone, how challenging the task would be.
Willian remained quiet as he stood in the corner of the room watching the President and the Security Chief. He knew what this was about, but he was pretty sure the Commander would be taken by surprise. He tugged on his uniform, uncomfortably, wondering how this would go.
The President turned away from the replicator holding a replicated bottle of Chateau Picard 2385 and three glasses. "The Admiral and I have spoken at length and I am offering you the position of my Chief of Staff."
"Chief of Staff Mister President?" Jasmine asked, with a surprised look on her face. She had never thought about a career in Politics. She wondered if she miss heard him, maybe she would be working with the chief of staff. That made more sense.
"You sound surprised," William said with a grin.
The Xindi nodded, "Indeed, Miss Haynes. I have been impressed by your work recently while aboard the ship and I feel that you'll be an asset to our operations. It's yours if you want it."
Jasmine was completely taken away by this sudden news. She wondered deep down, why her? Sure he gave her an answer, but it was pretty vague. Jasmine knew she could not refuse the offer, but deep down she had never considered a political career.
Part of her wanted to say no, she always saw herself in the captain's chair of a Starship someday. But this move would change that potential future. This did however, open a new career path for her. One in politics. A field she never thought about before today.
"I am honored Mister President, and I accept." Jasmine responded, thinking to herself, 'Did i make the right call?' She wondered, as she reached out to shake his hand.
"Excellent!" Gruzy announced proudly. "This is the best course for all of us. Of that I am certain." He handed the glasses finally after having held them for what felt like weeks. He poured the drink, "Allow us a toast as we celebrate your success and what it brings for the future for the Federation."
Jasmine was pleased, she could hear it with his tone. She then looked over to the Admiral. "I suppose this means, I will have to resign from Starfleet?" Jasmine asked Admiral Targaryen.
"Unfortunately you would not be able to actively serve, Commander. We can place you in the reserves, however, that way you can one day choose to return should politics be boring," he smiled at the President as he made his jab.
"Then I can assure you she will never return," he teased back. "My sphere is never boring."
Jasmine debated about responding to those two sligh remarks. She decided to use her better judgement, and just smile at the two of them. Instead she decided to respin the conversation back on her. To avoid any animosity. "I would like to recommend Commander O'Sullivan to replace me as Chief of Security, Admiral." Jasmine said, with a big grin on her face.
"He'll love that one," William answered as he held his drink in his hand. "I have already considered him and will be extending the offer later today."
"Thank you Admiral." Jasmine said, with a smile on her face. That went easier, than she thought it would. Everything was happening so fast. And it was all happening in her quarters. Which seemed a little strange. She would have expected this meeting to take place in the President's office. Clearly the President wanted to surprise her, which he succeeded at.
The Xindi nodded, "Very well then." He ensure that everyone had their own glass of the Chateau Picard, "Lead us in a toast, High Commissioner."
Jasmine felt a little on the spot. She was not prepared to give a toast. So quickly thought about what to say. "Changes can be very scary, but very rewarding. Today marks a new day for me, and I want to thank you both for this opportunity." Jasmine said, she raised her glass for a toast.
Both the President and the Admiral shared in the toast as they saluted the future.
Jasmine smiled, as the three of them smiled and had a sip. As the scene fades away, she wondered how she was going to tell Ryan, and what this would mean for the two of them going forward.
[TAG/END?]
OCC J: I love it. I think its a good place to end.