Into the Fire - Part One

Posted on Fri Mar 20th, 2020 @ 9:46am by Division Admiral Thomas Lasky & Captain Astrid "Alex" Yamaguchi

Mission: Mission 98: Building Our New Home
Location: Various Locations - Starbase Vanguard
Timeline: 1100Hrs - August 8th, 2393

Division Admiral Tom Lasky was seating in his office as he regarded the display before him and the Bajoran woman who was talking to him. "That's right, I'd like to offer her the command of the USS Ulysses." Division Admiral Kima Joralis explained with a nod. I have two large cruisers who as yet, do not have Captains and I'd like to offer one of them to your officer."

"Alex will do well commanding the Ulysses. She knows how to lead and command effectively." Lasky paused. "Should I call her in for you?" he added a moment later.

"If you think it'll help my case," Kima answered with a smile, Lasky did so and a moment later the human female entered his office. "You asked to see me, sir?" the human female inquired politely. As if in response, Lasky indicated the Bajoran woman before him on the display. "Admiral Kima, this is Captain Yamaguchi," he explained. "Alex, this is Admiral Kima and she has something for you." he handled the introductions with the ease of a practiced pilot.

Yamaguchi regarded the Admiral, she nodded her head in greeting. "Admiral, what can I do for you?" the middle-aged human female inquired of the Bajoran before her.

The Bajoran raised an eyebrow. "I've got two large cruisers, looking for a skipper and after looking at your service record, I think you would be an excellent choice." as she addressed Yamaguchi directly, she knew she was dealing with a rather complicated situation, with a rather complicated person but both people knew it could have been worse.

Yamaguchi raised an eyebrow. "When do you need me on site?" she inquired bluntly.

"Well you would be in luck, the Ulysses would come to collect you and could be there in three days, I would be aboard her with some of your senior staff but you'll need to select four officers." the Bajoran explained. "I know its rather odd but I do need her on assignment as soon a possible, we have a situation brewing with the Lyrans which is requiring attention." the Bajoran sighed. "I realize this is a terrible way to do it and I'm probably not helping my case with this command by telling you I'm going to throw you into the fire as soon as you get command." the Bajoran paused as she found she was expecting the rejection which she was now certain was coming her way. If this was the case, then she would need to start her search again from scratch. The assignment she was being asked to handle required a rather complex and specific kind of individual which also either experienced in command or someone new who was honestly a cut above the average. She also wanted someone single and didn't have the normal attachments of a family or a spouse who would need to be placated and the like. All of these requirements narrowed down her candidate list rather dramatically to six people and now she was on person number four. The first three had refused her for various reasons.

Lasky regarded Yamaguchi. "Are you sure that you want this assignment Astrid, it seems rather unfair." he turned to Admiral Kima. "Why is this assignment going to a new Captain?"

"That's a good question, It's the assignment I drew for my squadron, I have two experienced skippers and I am desperately seeking new ones. But if you turn me down, then that leaves me two other people to contact and if everyone turns me down then I'll go back to command and ask them for another assignment."

Lasky nodded his head, processing the news. "It's still your call Alex, I'll support whatever choice you make..."

Yamaguchi nodded to Lasky. "Very well, I accept command of the Ulysses. It's not as good as I'd like but the needs of others come before my own. I have no husband or children so I won't have that issue to address and I also don't have to worry about schooling and the like." she explained.

"Captain. Thank you, I will see to it that you and your crew get whatever you need to sort this mess out." Kima promised.

Admiral, I suspect that offer will come back to haunt you later as I intend to take you up on that offer."

Kima nodded her head. "That's fine with me, I have been very unfair to you on your first command Captain, I will make amends to you later." the Bajoran paused. "Also, for the assignment, you are to be given unusual breathe of discretion. Whatever it takes, resolve this issue. I will back you."

Lasky raised an eyebrow, he could tell that the woman before him was desperate, he had assumed that she was being merely demanding of him and Yamaguchi. "When will you be here Admiral?"

"In a week. You will need to choose an Executive Officer, A Chief Medical Officer, and your marine commander. Everyone else has been selected for you, your Chief of the Boat was an unusual choice but she will be able to assist you greatly."

"Understood Admiral. I look forward to the assignment." Yamaguchi suddenly grinned.

Lasky smiled. "Thank you, Admiral."

"I hope you do not come to regret the assignment Captain, though I suspect that you will."

"Not at all Admiral, I have been seeking a challenge for some time and this will suffice for me." as she turned to Lasky. "Do you need my assistance in finding a new Squadron Exec?"

"Nope, I'll ask your mom. She's due for the promotion anyway and it'll keep her out from under Starfleet's crosshairs..."

Kima smiled. "Thank you both for the assistance with my problem. Captain, I will see you in a week, Admiral, thank you for your time. Kima out." and with that, the screen went black.

Lasky nodded before he turned back to Yamaguchi. "Take care of any of your paperwork while I go ask your replacement to come in here."

"Yessir." and with that, Yamaguchi turned and departed Lasky's office so she could get on with what she needed to take care of before she departed in a week.