New Orders

Chapter 40

[Mess Hall]

    The next morning the Crew assembled at zero eight hundred, James had allowed them to sleep a little longer, for breakfast which would be a common thing from now on. Each one replicated their choice of breakfast then sat to enjoy their meals and talk as per usual when everyone was together.

    As they were finishing up their breakfast the Computer informed James “Captain, Commodore Chi wishes to speak with you Sir.”

    “Computer send it to the Office” as he wiped his mouth then whispered to Racheal “Sounds like we may have a mission coming up soon” then he excused himself and entered the Lift “Deck 1” he called out. Moments later the doors swooshed open as James walked to the Office. Sitting at the Terminal “Good morning Commodore, what do I owe the pleasure” he inquired with his usual smile.

    “Good morning James. Now for the million credit question, how is the Crew getting along with the new ship” she inquired.

    “Excellent! Everyone seems to be quite pleased with the new ship and all the comments I’ve heard have been nothing but positive which I’m quite pleased with” James replied with a smile “And the shakedown went very well and the ship handled beautifully I might add.”

    “Just what I was hoping for and you have no idea on hearing your report how it makes me feel” then Rebecca paused “I have to admit this particular project had me a little worried changing your ship so many times over these past few years” then she paused a second time “I knew if anyone could pull this off from the get go it would be you James.”

    James was blown away by Rebecca’s comments almost to the point of being speechless “Thank you Rebecca for your faith in my abilities and that of this Crew” as he paused momentarily “I can’t think of another place I’d rather be than here and with this talented Crew. By the way the new members are fitting in quite nicely as well.”

        “That’s great to hear. I thought the Lieutenant and Ensign would fit in quite nicely with the rest of your Crew since they both are very dedicated to their duties” Chi responded “Now for the matter at hand….I have an assignment for you.”

    James grinned “I was expecting as much…..so what’s the task going to be” he inquired being very curious as to the nature of the assignment.

    “This mission may be a little tricky that’s why we’re sending you, your crew, and your ship” she stated then continued “You are to travel to the Beta Quadrant, Titus Sector, to a planet known as Alben where we have an Operative deep undercover known only as AJ. She has collected vast amounts of intel for Star Fleet Intelligence concerning a weapon that could shift the balance of power in that Quadrant” then she paused “Make no mistake Captain this is a vile and very dangerous planet. The male population have free reign over what they can do to the woman there and quite frankly it disgusts me. Also I’ll have a ship in the area with two squads of Star Fleet Marines on standby; once you extract AJ let Captain Hunt know and his Marines are going in and clean house in that wretched place. I’m sending you all the intel for that planet we have for your Infiltration Specialists and trust me when I say it’ll take all three of them to pull this off. Also they are authorized to use whatever force is necessary be it lethal or otherwise” Rebecca concluded.

    Hearing Chi’s orders James sat back in his chair taking everything in knowing this was going to be a difficult task “We’ll do our best not to disappoint you Commodore and we will get this AJ safely out of there” James stated being quite resolute.

    “I know you will; that’s why I’m sending you. Needless to say a successful outcome in paramount James. Leave sometime today and get there as quickly as possible….AJ’s life may depend on it” Chi replied.

    “We can be underway within two hours or less then I’ll fill in the Infiltration Team on the details after we get underway so they have adequate time to prepare. I should be going then Commodore; I have a lot to do in a short amount of time” James answered with a smile.

    “Yes you do so I’ll let you go…..god’s speed Captain and I’m looking forward to a positive outcome on this one. Chi out.”

    While standing James tapped his Comm “Crew meet me in the Lounge immediately; we have a mission to go over” as he made his way to Deck 2.

[Lounge]

    Moments later everyone was assembled waiting on what the Captain had to say as he entered the room looking around “Good you’re all here already, thank you. Now to the matter at hand. 

This mission may be a little tricky. We are to travel to the Beta Quadrant, Titus Sector, to a planet known as Alben where there is an Operative deep undercover known only as AJ. She has collected vast amounts of intel for Star Fleet Intelligence concerning a weapon that could shift the balance of power in that Quadrant. Make no mistake this is a vile and very dangerous planet. The male population have free reign over what they can do to the woman there and quite frankly it’s disgusting from what the Commodore stated. Also there will be a ship in the area with two squads of Star Fleet Marines on standby; once we’ve extract AJ I’ll let Captain Hunt know and his Marines are going in and clean house.” Handing a disk to Nox “Here’s the intel for that planet, and from what Chi says it’ll take all three of you to pull this off. Also you are authorized to use whatever force is necessary be it lethal or otherwise”  James concluded

    Commander Reese spoke up  “So when do we leave Captain” she inquired knowing this one would not be an easy assignment.

      “That depends how soon Engineering can have us ready; Lieutenant Herek, timeframe?” James asked.

      “Looking over at D’Nall then back to the Captain “We can be ready to depart within the hour if you wish Sir” Daniel answered as D’Nall nodded in agreement.

    “Excellent make it happen; Engineering is dismissed” as all three officers left the Lounge for Main Engineering. Turning his attention to Nox “Lieutenant I want all three of you to go over the data the Commodore has provided so you’re ready when we arrive. Use whatever resources you need and needless to say we are counting on you all heavily for this one” turning once again “The rest of you I’d like to be on the Bridge in fifteen minutes so we’re ready to depart when Engineering gives us the all go” the Captain concluded as the rest of the remaining crew dispersed.

    Racheal stayed behind wanting to speak to James privately “Sounds like this may be our most challenging mission ever” then she paused “Do you think we can actually pull this one off” she inquired with some concern in her voice.

   Looking at his First Officer “Yes I do……we have to for everyone’s sake….especially AJ’s” James replied knowing what was at stake here “Let’s get to the Bridge” James stated as the command team left the Lounge.