Fond Farewell?

Posted on 27 Oct 2018 @ 2:51am by Rear Admiral Azura Ashcart & Commander Rhyan

1,038 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Empty Creche
Location: Commander Rhyan's Quarters, USS Redemption
Timeline: (BP) Before Azura's departure from the Redemption

Azura stopped outside the quarters of the executive officer. He would make this stop before going on to have the much harder conversation with his wife. He pressed the buzzer to alert Rhyan that he was outside and waited for the door to open. Commander Rhyan's voice erupted from the buzzer and commanded the newly-promoted admiral to enter.

When Ashcart entered Rhyan's quarters, the Vulcan was finishing putting on a fresh uniform tunic. With all the excitement that had taken place the preceding day this was the first opportunity he had been given to return to his quarters and freshen up. Rhyan was surprised to see the captain enter his quarters, as it was not often he arrived un-announced. He zipped the black and grey tunic over his teal under-shirt and then turned to face his commanding officer. "Captain, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Azura cleared his throat and stood for a moment thinking of how to put it deciding that bluntness would be best. "I have been relieved of command, effective immediately. A new Captain is on his way here to take over. I'll look to you to make sure the transition is smooth and the crew is taken care of."

Rhyan stood shocked and confused. "Relieved of command, Sir," he asked, unsure why the man who oversaw the construction and commission of the Federation flagship was being asked to stand down. On a more personal note, Ashcart had helped Rhyan grow from an inexperienced lieutenant to a commander worthy of serving on a ship as prestigious as the Redemption; he did not want to see his mentor leave under any circumstances. His only hope for the captain was that the move was a consequence of a promotion, rather than for political or disciplinary reasons. In the current climate Rhyan was unsure Starfleet Command always made the best decisions regarding personnel assignments; himself included.

Azura paused and thought about his phrasing for a second then nodded. "Admiral West has been... rendered unable to perform his duties. As such I've been promoted to Rear Admiral and placed in command of Starfleet Intelligence," he clarified.

"Congratulations, captain," Rhyan said instinctually before realising his error. "I mean, admiral," he corrected. Although unhappy with Ashcart's reassignment, Rhyan was pleased for his former commanding officer's well-earned promotion. The benefits of having a friend high in Starfleet Intelligence's ranks was also not missed on the Vulcan as he pondered the admiral's new command. It was especially beneficial after the duplicitous actions of Jon Marshall who, to Rhyan's own conclusions, had been working in part for Starfleet Intelligence while on board the Redemption.

Rhyan stretched his arm forwards in the gesture of a hand shake.

Azura took and gripped his executive officer's hand, shaking it before lowering his voice. "And you can rest assured I'll be looking into the Marshall issue and will deal with any who assisted him, personally." He held the man's hand for half a heart beat longer than was required and looked up and around him to the room they occupied. "Take care of her commander, I'm counting on you to keep my home in one piece for when I return."

"Of course," the Vulcan replied. He was pleased to hear the admiral talking of return. Then another thought entered in to his head. "I have not had a chance to tell you this, but it appears that Commander T'Kesh, my mother, may have had a role in Marshall's reassignment on board the Redemption. You may wish to start your investigation there." Rhyan remained cold as he spoke of T'Kesh; they were not on the friendliest of terms at the best of times, and the revelations involving Marshall would only serve to distance them further.

Azura's eyebrow went up. "Commander T'Kesh... I will investigate that lead as soon as I reach Earth. Thank you for the information."

"Yes, admiral," Rhyan said, not quite sure how to feel about reporting his mother to her new commanding officer. It was probably the coward's way out of dealing with the issue himself. "I don't doubt she is a capable officer, Sir. But something is not right at Starfleet Intelligence if they feel they have to place operatives on board the Redemption without our knowledge. And I don't know how to forgive her for inflicting Jon Marshall on this ship and her crew."

"I will investigate what caused her to send him here." The admiral rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm not supposed to share this with anyone, but I want you to be on the look out. There is something that can alter a person's brainwaves. From what I've gathered that's what's causeed West's illness. Keep and eye out for any alterations in the normal behaviour of the crew."

Not quite sure he heard Ashcart correctly, Rhyan asked for clarification on what he had just divulged. "Did you say that someone, somewhere, has a device that can alter a person't brain function?" In theory the science officer knew that methods existed for 'mind control' through auditory or visual stimulation, but he had not heard of anything - outside of telepathy - that could directly interfere with a person't brain waves. The mere thought of such a device unnerved the Vulcan.

"That is all I can say. When I get back to Earth I'll study the situation further and get with you then," Azura said almost enigmatically.

"I understand," Rhyan said, not wanting to press his former commanding officer any further. He understood the need for secrecy in such matters, even if he had grown to dislike all the cat-and-mouse games Starfleet Intelligence seemed to be playing with him as of late.

Not wanting to drag things out any longer than they had to, Rhyan looked once more at Ashcart. "I will therefore bid you a safe journey, Admiral." He held his right hand out in front of him, and as with the tradition of his people, gave Ashcart a Vulcan salute. "Live long and prosper," he said, uncharacteristically.

"Peace and long life," Azura said returning the salute before turning to leave.

OFF

Azura Ashcart
Rear Admiral
Cheif of Star Fleet Intelligence/Master of the Company

&

Rhyan
Commander
XO
USS Redemption

 

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