Once More Unto the Breach

Posted on Fri Dec 18th, 2020 @ 2:51am by Commodore Wilkan Targaryen & Patton O'Sullivan

1,117 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Exodus
Location: Quarters, Starfleet One
Timeline: 2430-01-10, 19:45

Admiral William Teagarden walked through the corridors of the Enterprise's Saucer Module carrying a datapad in hand. He had received notification from the President's Office of some changes in his crew roster and, while they were losing several accomplished members of their team, they were opening several key roles aboard the ship at the same time. As he approached the door he tugged on his uniform tunic and looked at the PADD for a moment, checking the information quickly. He smirked and reached for the door chime.

Patton looked up from his desk at the sound of someone at his door and took a deep breath. “Come in!” He caked out. As the door slid open he stood quickly when he saw it was the Admiral.

William motioned as he approached Patton, "At ease, Commander." He looked around the room studying it for a moment before focusing back on the Commander. He glanced out the window at the star streaks that passed by them. They were almost to Earth on the last leg of their voyage home. The President and his company had been recovered and were safely onboard - plus the Klingon threat had been dealt with. It was nice to have the galaxy not preparing to blow up around them. Well unless the Dominion ship decided to open fire.

"So, we've had some rather incredible changes occur aboard this ship in the last few days. Wouldn't you agree, Commander?"

“Yes Admiral,” Patton replied. He kept his face expressionless but he couldn’t help but wonder where this was headed? There were many thoughts running through his mind, some good and some not.

He smirked as he answered, "You're allowed to be candid, Commander." He sat down in one of the adjacent chairs and twisted the PADD between his hands, "Anyway, I wanted to say that I am grateful for all of your efforts aboard this ship during its mission to the Dominion. Whatever happens next is up to history, but there are some changes coming aboard this ship and I need strong, capable people in positions where I can trust them." He leaned forward and pushed the PADD to the Security Officer, "Congratulations, Commander, I am appointing you Chief of Security and Senior Tactical Officer effective immediately."

“What about Haynes?” Patton asked. There was enough bad blood between them he didn’t want to make it worse. Maybe she had moved on which was fine with him, the woman had some serious issues she needed to deal with.

"I had a feeling you would ask. The Commander will no longer be continuing with us after this mission. She is going to be leaving us to join the Administration of President Gruzy as his new Chief of Staff on Earth." He shifted in his seat, "With this transfer that opens the position here for you. I'm hoping that you'll accept it. I need someone that I can trust at my side."

“I am honored,” Patton replied. “And yes I definitely will take the position. I won’t let you down, Sir.” Never had he expected this to happen.

"Of that I have no doubt, Commander. You're one of the best Security Officers I have ever met and you are a real asset to us," the Admiral informed. He tapped his communicator, "Computer."

"Awaiting inquiry."

"Acknowledge reassignment of Lieutenant Commander Patton O'Sullivan to Chief Security/Tactical Officer effective this date," William ordered with a smile. "Authorize Security Clearance seven. Execute on my authority."

There were a series of whirrs and beeps. "Command confirmed. Chief Security/Tactical Officer for Starfleet One is now recorded as Lieutenant Commander Patton O'Sullivan."

"Congratulations, Commander!"

Patton grinned. “Thank you, Sir!” He was happy with the assignment. “I am feeling energized by this transfer!” He found that he really was, he couldn’t wait to get started and to tell Zoey the news.

"I'm grateful to hear that," the Admiral said as he placed a PADD on the tabletop. "I'm going to count on you a lot, Commander, especially with the upcoming missions that the President has planned. We'll probably escort the Dominion vessels back home after their diplomatic mission. Plus, I have no doubt we're going to be spending a lot of time in Klingon Space after what happened to the Spock. We'll need to be ready."

“Security will be more then ready,” Patton replied with confidence. He was already turning some things he wanted to implement over in his mind.

The Commanding Officer nodded, "I expect nothing less, Commander. You are one of the best officers with whom I have ever served - I know things haven't always gone exactly the way we've planned and there were times where you were sidelined, but you are one of the best and I appreciate you being here."

“I am glad to hear you feel that way,” Patton replied, deciding to speak frankly. “There were times I questioned whether you thought I was a good fit here.”

Instead of being formal, William moved to be a little informal this time. There were times when the rule book needed to be followed to the letter, but this was one of those moments that needed to be a little friendlier. "Patton," he chose his formal name rather than title, "this isn't the typical starship fo the Federation. It never has been and probably never will be. That's what makes it unique. You fit better here than almost everyone and that's a good thing. I have never wanted or desired for run of the mill officers aboard this ship. They make things... boring. You fit perfectly."

Patton grinned then, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. “I appreciate it. I am not one to say much but knowing you feel that way just confirms this is where I belong.” He paused. “Before I forget, what about the Spock? Am I still assigned there as well?”

"We can discuss the Spock at a later date," the Admiral answered as he thought about the garrison ship for SF1. "President Gruzy has made the repairs to the Spock a priority for Starfleet, but they still do not have a firm estimate of how long it will take or even when they can initiate them. I'm hoping for some answers soon."

“Understood,” Patton nodded. He didn’t want to put added pressure on him, just always wanted to be on the same page.”

He nodded as he rose, "Congratulations again, Commander. I think we're going to have a lot of fun together."

“Thank you again, Sir,” Patton said with a smile. He put out his hand and shook the Admiral’s and he headed on his way.

 

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