Touch and Go

Chapter 17    

 

    The following morning James woke in his own quarters still a little giddy over what had transpired last night with Racheal; he hadn’t seen that coming but was happy about the situation. After showering James dressed being ready for the day not knowing if Rebecca had a new mission for them or not.

    James had just put on a pot of coffee when his comm went off. Walking over to his desk “Captain Lake, go ahead” as he heard a familiar voice “It’s Commander Reese, I think we need to sort out a few things after last night; can I come over.” “Absolutely and I’ll make us some breakfast if you’d like” James replied hoping she hadn’t had second thoughts. “Sounds yummy, I’ll be right over.” 

    Moments later James heard the door “Come in” he stated when Racheal walked in all smiles “So what’s for breakfast” she asked then walked up and gave James a kiss.

    “How’s a western omelet with hash browns and toast sound; and of course coffee” James replied figuring the kiss was a sure sign everything was ok between them.

    “Works for me; I’m starving” Racheal answered as James poured her a cup of hot black coffee with a smile.

    “You sip on that and I’ll have breakfast ready in a jiffy” he replied then turned to go to the replicator. A few minutes later James brought two plates of a nice hot breakfast setting one in front of her “There you go, dig in” as he sat across from Racheal grabbing his fork and starting his meal. After a couple of mouthfuls, and sips of coffee, James asked “So what’s on your mind.”

    Racheal swallowed her food and grabbed a sip of coffee “I just wanted to make sure we were both on the same page when on duty after what transpired last night” she commented with a smile.

    

    “Well when we’re on duty, and especially when we’re on the Ship, I would expect each of us to conduct ourselves the same as we always have….in a professional manner including when sharing quarters. At least that’s the way I see our duty lives together” he concluded hoping she felt the same way.

    “Good we are on the same page then; those were my thoughts as well. I’m sure the Commodore wouldn’t be to pleased if she found out about us so I would rather she didn’t. Besides we are both entitled to a private life….key word private” Racheal replied happy they both were in agreement.

    The two Officers sat eating their breakfast and talking when James’ desk comm went off. He stood looking at Racheal “That may be the Commodore; but she couldn’t have another mission so soon” he commented on his way to his desk and sat keying in his Security code.

    “Good morning Captain Lake sorry to bother you so soon but an urgent mission just surfaced and the Vigilant is our best hope of success” Chi stated.

    “Good morning Commodore, so what’s this urgent mission all about” James inquired. Meanwhile Racheal sat quietly not wanting Rebecca knowing she was there with James.

    Rebecca explained the Mission in detail to James before giving her final comments “I know you’re not fond of these types of Missions but this is critical to the entire region of space. I want you and your Crew to leave at sixteen hundred today; that’s how critical this operation is.”

    “I knew this type of mission would pop up sooner or later and I knew what I was signing up for from the get go, so rest assured my personal feeling will be set aside and the mission will be completed to the best of our abilities” James replied as he started going into Captain mode.

    “Yes I know you will James, I have the highest confidence in you and your Crew. Safe travels and I look forward to reading your report when you return. Chi out.”

    James let out a sigh not really agreeing with this type of Mission but orders are orders and he knew he had to follow them to the letter.

    Tapping his Crew comm “Attention Vigilant Crew this Captain Lake please assemble in the Briefing Room in twenty minutes” he ordered. Then walking back over to Racheal “We have an urgent Mission and we leave today at sixteen hundred so let’s go over to the Briefing Room and wait for the rest of the Crew to arrive.

    “I knew something was up just by your demeanor; I guess the rest time is over. Ready when you are” she commented with a smile.

    The two Officers went next door to the Briefing Room  moments before the Crew started to arrive. Maria, Nox, and Katlyn all walked in together talking “Lieutenants, good morning” James stated as they reciprocated the greeting soon followed T’Sol and Daniel “Good morning Lieutenants, thanks for being prompt” James commented with a smile. A few minutes later Mark came flying into the room “Sorry I’m late Captain I just got out of the shower when you called” Benna explained as he grabbed a seat. “No problem Ensign and your not late” James assured him.

    “Ok lets get started then. We have a rather urgent Mission ahead; we are traveling to the Gamma Sector to a Planet called Korop which has a high security prison. Our Infiltration Team will slip inside and try to rescue a Scientist by the name of Krosske who possesses sensitive information that Section Thirty One believes could be catastrophic to that sector of space if it were to fall into the wrong hands.

    Turning to Nox “Lieutenant since the prison has a high degree of Security I think it would be prudent in taking Lieutenant SanChez as part of your team; unless you think yourself and the Ensign can handle the extraction attempt” Lake stated. Nox thought for a moment “I agree Captain, if the security is that high then another pair of hands may come in handy and I know the Lieutenant is well trained in ground assault techniques should it come to that.” Then James looked at Maria “You ok with this Ms. SanChez” James asked wanting to know her state of mind concerning the Mission. “Whatever you need Captain, I’m there” Maria replied as she looked towards Nox who gave her a nod of approval.

    “One last mission parameter I need to let you know about; if Mr. Krosske can’t be extracted for some reason our orders are to neutralize him” looking at his Infiltration Team “Do you have a problem with those orders; I know this is extreme but the Commodore assures me it’s necessary” James concluded. Nox spoke up “Captain we will follow your orders to their completion even if we have to take a life” she stated as Mark and Maria agreed.

    “Ok it will be a four day round trip including extraction so pack accordingly. Please report to the Ship today at fourteen hundred and we’ll depart DS7 at sixteen hundred. Mr Herek I assume that will give you ample time to get the Warp Core warmed up and ready to go?” Lake inquired.

    “Yes Captain, Lieutenant Zebot and I will have everything ready for a sixteen hundred departure including making sure the cloaking generator is online and standing by” Daniel assured James.

    “Good Mr Herek and yes we’ll be going in cloaked so we can get in and out without being detected by anyone. Are there any questions at this time” James asked as he looked around the room not seeing any hands. “In that case thank you all for being prompt and I’ll see you aboard the Vigilant at fourteen hundred; dismissed” James concluded as the Crew filed out of the room on their way to get things together for the Mission including James and Racheal.