Welcome Home (Sort of)

Posted on Sun Dec 3rd, 2017 @ 6:53pm by Captain Michelle Bartlett

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/4
Location: Central Promenade, New Earth
Timeline: July 3, 2399 @ 0900

Michelle was walking about the retail district of the station, looking at objects to buy and at some of the imported goods from the Alpha Quadrant that had come through. She chuckled a little as she looked at the goods... Back home, they were available everywhere. Out here? They were a treat. Especially anything to do with tea. She'd picked a couple items up, and then headed back out. New Earth had grown on her in many ways, even though it was basically one of the strangest designs she'd ever encountered compared to the Federation starbases at home. At first she remembered thinking of it as a big ugly ball.. But that had changed. It seemed so much had in the last few years since she joined Jason on the Yorkshire.

She stopped a moment to acknowledge the woman in front of her. It appeared Admiral Marquette had shown up. "I must say, Captain. I almost didn't recognize you not wearing blue." she said. "Congratulations... Sort of." she added.

"Thank you, ma'am." Michelle said. "Taking a bit of a break today?"

"Not entirely." Marquette said. "I actually needed to speak with you. I heard through the grapevine you encountered a Tialan vessel?"

"I did." Michelle said. "How much of the backstory do you need?" she asked.

"Not much. My understanding was that your Marine CO returned to her homeworld to partake in a ritual to free herself of that order?" Marquette asked.

"Along with Commander Mo'Bri." Michelle said. "There were some injuries but Sick Bay reports that Lieutenant Valentine is recovering."

Marquette nodded. This entire thing had been a mess with the Tialans, let alone them cruising through space of a power they just withdrew from membership of to make a show of force that was hardly needed. She had not been impressed with the way the Tialans handled their secession but that was for Earth to sort out. "I'm happy to hear that. We did recieve the order for asylum Commander Honn submitted. She can expect it to be granted within the next couple days. I'm a little concerned myself with the venture off to Tial, but under the circumstances, you firing on them and refusing may have started a war. I've noted that in my report." Marquette said. "Earth won't like it, but until they give us more to work with, they can stick it." she added.

Michelle smirked a little at Marquette's rather blunt and forthright tone. "I'm certain with the Cardassians now being in play, they'll have to rethink that hesitancy."

"I will admit, the concerns over the fact that somehow the Cardassians planted a base here without us ever knowing about it is... concerning. And it's generated a change in tone from Earth." Marquette said. "Especially with Gul Kasella now out in the Delta Quadrant giving them orders and using everything we know that she learned from impersonating Commander Bowman. The upside is the Organization in the last few days has stayed relatively silent. Their tails are tucked between their legs and some of the ones who defected on principle have surrendered and are prepared to tell us everything they know."

"What of Lo'Mah?" Michelle asked.

"So far he's been co-operative. But his court martial is to take place this afternoon. Just the start of proceedings... The Klingon government is insisting he be brought back to the Klingons. To an extent, our prosecutors agree with that approach. It's just convincing a judge."

Michelle nodded. "He may of more value to us, but if we have Organization people coming forward in disgust... Perhaps not. What are we doing with those that are?"

"At this point? Very light sentences to reprimands depending on their role. Someone like Commander Vargas? He's going to Jaros II for a very long time." Marquette replied. "So is most of his network." she added as the two continued their long walk. "But enough about that... How are things with your ship?"

"Fine, I suppose. I think everyone's come to terms with what's happened... Maybe a little shocked still but, as far as I can tell they're adjusting." Michelle said. "I've ordered counseling for the crew if they need. Whether anyone has taken it... I wouldn't know."

"I hope they do." Marquette said. "Owen was one of the first folks we had out here. He signed up just after the wormhole was discovered... A hell of a Tactical officer, too if I remember right. When he was promoted, his CO complained we were taking one of the best officers he'd ever worked with. It seems odd to think that he's not with us anymore. Don't put up a wall between you and the crew now that you're in the chair. They're going to need you for a bit."

"Agreed." Michelle said.

"I'll have a new assignment in a couple days. Something light... In the meantime, just enjoy your time here." Marquette said. "If I feel like entertaining, I'll let your senior staff know." she said. "Great to see you again, Captain."

"You as well, ma'am." Michelle replied.

END:

Captain Michelle Bartlett
Commanding Officer
USS Wellington

Admiral Elizabeth Marquette
Commanding Officer
Delta Quadrant Fleet