Crossroads - Part Five

Posted on Tue Oct 31st, 2023 @ 1:42pm by Fleet Admiral Heather Duval & Commodore Edward Antilles

Mission: Mission 112: The Heart of a Truth Long Lost
Location: Various Locations - Starbase Vanguard
Timeline: 1235Hrs - January 19th, 2394

Commodore Edward Antilles reached his destination. He nodded to Fleet Admiral Duval's yeoman who ushered him into the Admiral's office. Antilles came to a stop just before Duval's desk. He nodded to the second woman presently sitting before the Admiral's desk. "Admiral." he addressed Duval directly.

"Come on in Ed. Take a seat, and I'll tell you why I went through all the theatrics to hold onto you." she indicated the second chair before her desk.

Antilles sat down in the chair, in silence, he placed his hands on his lap rather than on her desk. He settled in to wait. He was but a Commodore, but she was a Fleet Admiral. She seriously outclassed him in terms of experience and rank power. He was not about to tangle with this woman, sitting before him. "How can I help with your issues, ma'am?" he inquired of Duval.

Duval regarded him with a soft smile on her lips. "Well. Your mother has requested that you go back to Earth with her as she wishes to track down your father and resolve any old concerns she has with him," she commented. "But thats not what I wanted to hold onto you for," she commented. "What I wanted you for was to resolve the command gap thats appeared at the top of Starbase Vanguard's chain of command." she then shrugged. "Admiral Yamaguchi will be along in a moment but I wanted a moment alone with you first," she added, a rather evil smile on her face. "I wanted to see what sort of a person you were, were you anything like your father or were you completely different?" she then shrugged a second time. "Your father and I have served together before." Duval decided to explain herself. "He was the one who encouraged me to take an assignment on Starbase One Thirty-two. Ironicly he said that when I was Lt Commander and he was a cadet at the academy." Duval smiled softly. "Had I not decided that he was right and these trained chimps were wrong. I would never have met my husband and had my family."

Antilles shook his head. "With respect. ma'am. He would have said that you owed it to yourself rather than any debt you owe him."

Duval slowly grinned. "You do not need to address me with such civility when we are alone Ed. I call everyone by name and I insist and demand the same in return. Jake still has issues with it. It vexes me. Please don't become like him." she added, a wide smile on her lips.

Antilles chuckled softly. "You sound like my father. He always had a certain disdain for the rules," he commented. "So, Heather. About the theatrics on holding me here?. I assume my wife is assigned here now?" he inquired.

Duval smiled as she picked up a PADD. she quickly called up the relevant information. "Yes. Your spouse's assignment here takes effect tomorrow morning," she commented. "She's being assigned to tactical. Is that a concern?"

"Not as such. K'Taal and I have been parted due to assignments before. This will be nothing new." he then shrugged, as if the matter wasn't a concern to him.

Duval regarded him. "Oh. Thats because I've yet to ask you to take over officially as Starbase Vanguard's new Executive Officer," she commented. "Thats why I went through the drama I did to hold onto you. You are much more qualified than most. But you will, unfortunately, lose your command and your squadron command posting. I apologize." Duval paused. "If you didn't wish to take the assignment then I will understand."

Antilles didn't hesitate. "Yes I'll take the assignment," he answered. "But I have the other concerns. Namely my mom," he added.

"Yes," Duval answered with a nod. "So, here is what I will do for you. A new second officer is presently being sought. I have one candidate in mind and I am really hoping she will accept the posting. If she does not then. I am no worse off them before and I will need to pinch some people from Admiral Lasky. I hate stealing from others because Starfleet personel were too stupid to resolve my issue." she smiled. "However, none of that is your concern. What I will do for you, is to put you and Ms. Sorlora onto the USS Marblehead, she's heading for Earth tonight to pick up a consignment of computer gear for the science department. I will inform her Captain to expect you and Sorlora. I will also request one set of quarters for your use while there." Duval added. "The ship leaves at about eighteen hundred, so that gives you roughly four hours to track your mother down and explain my plans to her. Unfortunately, there is one small issue.?"

"What's that." Antilles inquired.

"I'm afraid that you will need to make your way back on your own. Since I don't know her future plans and I have no idea if she's coming back with you, or if she's remaining on Earth. You two will need to sort that out between you." Duval sighed. "I'm Sorry Ed."

"It's fine Heather. I'll make do." Antilles smiled. "I'd best go deal with the concerns at hand."

"Thanks for coming in. Yes, you'd best get going," Duval answered. Just like that the meeting was over as Antilles departed. His next stop was to track down his mother.