Setting Expectations
Posted on Sun Jul 28th, 2024 @ 4:19am by Llaudh Drusilla Creon & Commander Rovak & Rear Admiral Abhishek Singh
1,257 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Startup Sequence [0]
Location: Command Information Centre, DS13
Timeline: Immediately following 'Awakenings'
“Welcome to the command information centre, gentlemen.” Ambassador Creon said as the doors parted, leading into the massive two-story command centre. A handful of Romulan and Starfleet crew turned to look as she spoke. The viewscreen was not focused on anything, showing the view from that position on the outer hull.
“Is the chair a Romulan design?” Rovak asked, focusing on the elevated seat that he assumed was intended for the commanding officer. He found it distasteful.
“As near as we can tell, the chair is an original from when the station was built. Other than some reupholstery and hardware updates, it’s all as it was.” Creon answered.
“Do you have any of the original design schematics or information, Ambassador?” Admiral Singh asked.
“I’m afraid not. I inherited blank computers when I took command of this station. Tal Shiar procedure when a base is mothballed as this one was in the 2390s.”
“A pity. It is most baffling. Starfleet has never built a station such as this. Similar, certainly. Concepts that are almost exact are known to have been rejected. Do you have any thoughts on the matter, Ambassador?” Singh asked Creon.
“I know from experience that the Tal Shiar are effective, but not infallible. Perhaps they became aware of these designs but were not privy to the uncertainty of the development process. For all the energy that went into making it, I would expect they would want their resources’ worth, even if it had no value as a replica. I’m afraid we can’t even say when it was completed, though your scientists may have the resources to determine that.”
“Can you tell us anything about the station that was not in the files, Ambassador?” Rovak asked.
“We know the original computers were duotronic. Some components are still in storage from when the isolinear system was first installed. My people only learned what they were this morning. Even in the month since your first few people have been here, there has not been time to go over everything.” Creon assumed his question was a challenge, but maintained her warm diplomatic way.
“I understand there is a conference room nearby?” Singh asked, sensing the well-concealed tension between the two.
“Yes Admiral, through here.” They walked silently for a couple of minutes, away from the cavernous CIC.
They entered into a dark and sparse area, with a prominent central conference table and lectern at its head. “Remarkable.” Admiral Singh noted. “Just like Starfleet Headquarters on Earth.”
“I believe that is the inspiration, Admiral.” Creon noted.
“Is there something more.. understated?” Rovak asked, trying to imagine the dread an Ensign might feel as they came to sit around this table in this darkened room.
“Of course Commander, the senior staff briefing room is this way.” In the time it took them to get there, Creon had explained to Singh that she had been here since the first few days of 2400.
Rovak had a sudden recollection of his time in the forge on Vulcan, where had been around the date Creon described. He had been there for another month before anyone told him that he had been vindicated. “This is much more appropriate for non-ceremonial use, I would expect.” Rovak said. “Perhaps we should begin our discussion of the next operational steps.”
“I agree, Mister Rovak. Ambassador, unless you object.” Singh said.
“Please, Admiral, I hope we can begin operations presently.” Drusilla agreed.
“What can my engineers focus on to get us where we need to be?” Singh asked.
“Getting the reactors going. They’ve been out of fuel since shortly after the fall, upper sphere obviously notwithstanding. We have a small supply that will sustain us modestly for at least twenty months.” Creon explained.
“Easily done, I’ve got a small moon’s worth of deuterium in the tank.” The Admiral said with a cordial nod, noting it on a holographic display he brought up using the tables interactive surface.
“Otherwise, the computers are ready for your encoding.” Drusilla explained.
“We’ll be putting in new computers, Ambassador. Every system is getting the top and tails treatment. We expect it to take two weeks. Have you any engineering staff you can contribute?” The Admiral asked.
“Other than Sublieutenant Viren, none rated, at least not in active service. There are some former Galae forces among the residents, but they are fathers and old men who choose civilian life. We have a number of young volunteer Uhlans who have been working alongside your people. It is encouraging.”
“We will need oaths and records from every Romulan on station before the beginning of their next duty shift. They can come to myself or Commander Rovak to administer.” The Admiral stated.
“Of course, Admiral. My loyalty to the Federation has never been questioned, the Free State is my home. I believe in a future where they are one and the same.”
“You are not required to take an oath, Ambassador. In fact it may be a minor scandal if you did.” The Admiral said jokingly. “How expert is your replicator in matters of tea?”
“I am a good honest Romulan, Admiral. We have a teagarden on deck 63. A wide selection from three quadrants. I understand you prefer Andorian breakfast?”
“My complements to your intelligence services. I hope there will not be too much disruption during the refit. My people will be replacing virtually every system aboard. How many are currently residing permanently aboard the station?” Singh said with amusement.
“Officially it’s 2,008. Unofficially it’s closer to 4,000. Trying to catalogue Romulans against their will comparable to the task of taming earth cats.” Creon explained.
“I hope disruption will be minimal, but it must be clear to your people that registration is a condition of Federation citizenship and remaining aboard. As will be compliance with maintenance crews.” Admiral Singh said in a tone that brooked no argument.
“Yes. Many have settled against our instructions in the temporary accommodations designed to service crews in the interior dock. I hope your security teams will not be required, but it remains a possibility.” Creon acknowledged.
“Were your own security staff unwilling to enforce your directives, Ambassador?” Rovak asked.
“My security staff are 12 people, either over-eager teenagers or old men who want the service credits. Other than Centurion Artolonok, I don’t believe any have seen combat in the last twenty years. A Starfleet security crew is exactly what we need to show people how things will be from now on.”
Singh looked to Rovak as if he was hoping to gauge whether the answer had satisfied him.
“If it will help, I am willing to take a team and begin having any necessary conversations with your people who may face disturbance.” Rovak offered.
“That is very generous of you Mister Rovak, I wish you safety.” Creon responded with an insincere smile. She wondered if he expected her to reject the offer.
“And I also, Mister Rovak. Please avail yourself of anyone you may need from the Qaraqorum not otherwise assigned, they get enough downtime as it is.” The Admiral pushed himself away from the table and stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to work personally on the reactors. I will leave you to resolve the remaining operational matters. Thank you Llaudh-Ambassador, Comander, I hope to see you both for dinner in my ship’s stateroom this evening.” He moved swiftly, leaving the two alone in the room. He hoped they would quickly resolve their differences, subtle though they were.
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