The Art of War

Posted on Thu Feb 27th, 2020 @ 9:49pm by Division Admiral Thomas Lasky & Jillian "Phoenix" Sullivan

Mission: Mission 28: Those who Remain
Location: Various Locations - USS Roanoke
Timeline: 0800Hrs - February 22nd, 2391

Lt Commander Tom "Boomer" Lasky was tired, it was showing on his face as he was not used to the admin work as he ran a hand through his hair. "Alright guys.. thanks for coming." he looked at the Wing Commanders and the Squadron Commanders. "I want to start getting this wing into order... since everyone is back from their leave.." he paused. "So.. who wants to start us off?"

"We need to do some real-time wargames. Give them somethin' ta take more seriously than computer opponents," Phoenix fielded first.

Boomer nodded. "Okay... that will be added.." he responded. "I'll have a surprise war-game scenario for them tomorrow morning."

"Oh?" Phoenix asked with intrigue. "What sorta madness ya got planned?"

"We send the entire air wing to bed... and then we beam them onto the holodeck... with conditions matching our ship... with one exception.... the Holo-Roanoke comes under attack... by... a large Cardassian force... I like Cardassians for this because they are the most obvious..."

"So you want them to fight a boarding party?" Phoenix asked with true bafflement.

"No.." Boomer responded. "I want them to fight Cardassian ships before they have a chance to board the Roanoke." he explained. "They will need to stop the cardies from bringing down Roanoke's shields."

"Easy task for our bomber pilots. Not-so-easy for clown squad an' tha rest of the screwballs," Phoenix admitted with true concern. "This a pass or go home sort of test?"

Boomer paused. "Pass or lose their wings, kind of test."

"I'm totally onboard with it then," Phoenix agree. "I'd like to get better pilots for a change. Overall."

"That makes two of us... granted many of our pilots are showing improvement but of the remedials, only Taffy has gotten her wings back thus far... and that's because she took her training seriously.... twelve hours a day for weeks..."

"We need to move from basic combat to advanced combat courses, if we're ta be taken as legit in tha fleet," Phoenix pointed out very soberly.

"I have a hundred and forty eight people and I think of half of them as worthless.." he responded. "some of them have improved but at least two squadrons are complete write offs...." he growled. "We need to make diamonds with castoffs and rejects..." he sighed.

"So all the squadron leaders turn into trainers?" Phoenix asked with a bit of annoyance. "Seems like this is the only avenue we have, until we get a good standin' as a unit."

"They've already been serving as instructors." Boomer responded before he stopped as a sigh escaped his lips. "clown flight is better than they were. Taffy also got her wings back... and the other failures are showing some signs of improvement."

"Wanna walk a bit? Get a bit of fresh air?" Phoenix asked while she gauged him with much concern.

"Probably a good idea." he paused. "guys, talk among yourselves.... we'll be back shortly." and with that, he turned and walked out the door, Phoneix following him.

Boomer regarded Phoenix. "I think I know why you wanna see me." he paused.

"You had ta do my job for a few stupid reasons, an' I'm sorry for that," Phoenix began apologetically. "But for now, I'll run the unit. I want you ta take time off. Fuck five women, and come back with a goofy grin on your face once ya done 'em."

Boomer had been expecting this but he wasn't expecting Phoenix's approach to it. "Alright... Thank you Phoenix... It's been educational.. and I'll be on call if needed alright?"

"Bed them well, My Friend." There was that old Phoenix people rarely saw. Playful and carefree as she parted with him. He needed to relax, after all.

Boomer had been expecting many responses but no that. "I'll start with Tressa... I'm sensing she's been under a great deal of stress recently...so I'll help her cure her issues..." as he had a rather evil smile on his face. "Phoenix, you will forever have a place in my will..."

"I prefer your best booze," Phoenix spoke with a wink.

"Consider it done." Boomer responded evenly.