The USS Revolving Door

Posted on Mon Jan 8th, 2018 @ 2:35pm by Commodore Jason Myers

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/4
Location: Admiral Marquette's Office, New Earth
Timeline: July 4, 2399 @ 0900

Jason headed just off the Ops Centre's platform to seek out Admiral Marquette. He had been told she had other information she needed relayed to Bartlett, but didn't have the time to do it herself. He rang the door chime and waited patiently for her to open the door.

"Come in." Marquette said as Jason walked into the rather spacious office.

"You wanted to see me?" Jason asked.

"Yes." Marquette replied. "I need you to inform Captain Bartlett that there will be some last minute reassignments of a couple senior officers."

Jason looked gobsmacked. "Reassignments? Admiral, with all due respect, the crew are just settling in to their new superiors now... Reassigning crew so soon after.... I'm sorry but has someone in personnel lost their minds?"

"I would ordinarily agree, but they were insistent." Marquette replied. "Commander Lawson has been assigned to take command of the fighter fleet at Starbase D97. Looking at the record of most of his team, we also transferred them en masse. It's near where we think the Cardassians might have a base of operation out here. Lieutenant Commander Damian's expertise is needed along with Lieutenant Walker carrying out a nebula study that could last up to 6 months." Marquette said.

"Shelly's going to think you've lost your minds. You know that, right?" Jason said.

"I know." Marquette said.

"Honestly, I'd be willing to bet she's already found out and I know her, she's probably on her--" Jason's train of thought was interrupted by Michelle barging into the Admiral's Office. Her adjutant looked helplessly on. "I'm sorry, ma'am. She wouldn't take no for an answer."

"It's all right." Marquette said. "Captain. What can I--"

"With all due respect, ma'am... What in the name of sanity is going through the head of your personnel director?!" Michelle asked rather annoyed. "Anything? Is it a void? A total black bloody hole?! My Fighter Commander, my Chief Science Officer, AND my Chief Engineer?"

"I'm sorry, Captain. I tried to fight it. I informed them that there has already been a high turnover of senior officers and it wouldn't be advisable."

Michelle took a breath. "I'm sure you did, ma'am. And I've got very capable officers to fill those voids. But that's not the point."

"In fairness, Shelly... Transfers are a fact of life. We all know that." Jason replied. "Wait... why are they reassigning Commander Mo'Bri?"

"It appears they're seconding her to Starbase 231 along with her Musketeers." Michelle said. "There's obviously quite a few openings for senior staff on that station."

"I see." Jason said. "As I was saying, though... Transfers and secondments can happen at any time. You and I both know that from the Yorkshire. How many were still there from the time you and I were still in command of it?" he asked.

"Had we not just lost most of our senior officers I'd emphatically agree with you, Jason." Michelle said. "But this? I'm already hearing stories of crew being a bit late for shifts or not as focused as they were.. Even with shore leave. Lieutenant Tink sent me a PADD yesterday saying she thinks the crew's mental health is at its breaking point."

Marquette heard the discussion and pondered her next statement. She sympathized with the Captain, but there was little she could do.

"Commander Mo'Bri, Damian, and Mr. Lawson were reassigned for missions critical to advancing our interests out here. I don't like it either, Captain. I agree with you that it's going to make a tense situation worse. But realistically, this was on the table when Captain Ross was still alive. Mo'Bri was seconded because she's a damn fine engineer. And I know you have equally competent replacements."

"I do. That's just not the point." Michelle said.

"The other transfers from some of the junior officers? It might be better for them to be on a ship where... Well..." Marquette said, trying to find the words.

"Where most of the senior staff didn't just get blown to bits?" Michelle asked. "I never asked for that to happen, Admiral."

"Of course you didn't." Marquette said. "If you did, we'd be having a vastly different conversation on opposite ends of a holding cell."

"You realize that Tink and I are the only two original senior officers left?" Michelle asked.

"I know." Marquette said. "And I'm sorry for that. As for any further transfers, you and the Commodore may deny them."

"Thank you." Michelle said. "I apologize for the outburst, ma'am. I just... This has all been so unfair lately."

"I understand." Marquette replied. "I might have done the same thing, actually."

"Do you need me for anything else while I'm here?" Michelle asked.

"No, Captain. Thank you for your candor." Marquette replied. "I... rather look forward to it." she added with a grin.

"Don't encourage her." Jason said with a playful grin.

"Oh stop it!" Michelle said. "I learned to be this way because of him!" she said back as she pointed to Jason and left the room. "Thank you, Admiral. Commodore." she said with a nod as she left.

END

Captain Michelle Bartlett
Commanding Officer
USS Wellington

Commodore Jason Myers
Task Force Commanding Officer
Starfleet Command

Admiral Elizabeth Marquette
Fleet Commanding Officer
New Earth Station