Return to Command
Posted on Tue Feb 14th, 2023 @ 10:04am by Captain James Phoenix
Edited on on Thu Oct 26th, 2023 @ 5:16am
1,205 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Untested
Location: Starfleet Command Complex
Timeline: Current
ON:
[Lookout Area of San Fransisco Bay, Starfleet Command]
It was a rather chilly day in the San Fransisco Bay Area. The sound of seagulls could be heard in the distance. The clouds were overcast and there was slight wind. This was one of the things James Phoenix loved about Earth's weather control devices. They could create what the Captain grew up with before his 'Captain America' status. That inside joke had been between him and a few close friends from his academy days and it had stuck. But regardless, he enjoyed the non-harmful weather, as it had been a common thing in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, where he had grown up.
The Acting Head of Starfleet Security lost track of time which could have been do to the fact of the slow nature of that Tuesday and the fact that the wind had been of a calming nature. It couldn't really be known how long he was there for but regardless he was. Before he knew it, he stopped staring out into nothingness as his personal PADD went off which sort of startled him. He turned around and decided to lean against the wall that overlooked the bay. He looked down at the device, which was showing a fifteen minute warning for his meeting with Vice Admiral Mckenzie, the Chief of Starfleet Operations.
James sighed. He wasn't sure what the meeting would be about, but he hoped that he was being recalled to the Horizon. There wasn't anything ill about his temporary assignment. He was just feeling homesick from the Horizon. The Horizon was in good hands while he was on Earth, however. The Captain turned on his heel and moved towards the closest entrance to the interior of the complex.
[Vice Admiral Mckenzie's Office]
Before he knew it he found himself in the waiting area for the Admiral's office. Just then, Admiral Mckenzie's aide exited from the same office.
"Admiral Mckenzie will see you now, Captain Phoenix" the Trill Lieutenant Commander said as she held open the door to the the office.
"Thank you Commander" James looked at the Trill before entering the Vice Admiral's administrative space.
The Captain stopped in front of the Admiral's desk and snapped to attention. "Captain James Phoenix, reporting as ordered Admiral."
The Head of Starfleet Operations chuckled before standing up. "As you were Captain. There is no need to strain yourself" she moved over to the replicator. "Can I get you anything to drink? Your usual?"
James had known the Admiral for years, since he was an Ensign, and her a Captain. He knew Admiral Mckenzie was typically lax on formalities, despite being a Vice Admiral. However with her action packed career and the fact that many people considered her a legend which was one of two reasons why James felt the need to be extra formal, even if he was just as lax with formalities.
He considered her a legend like everyone else. But she was arguably more important to him due to the fact that she was actually a descendant of Nicole Phoenix, his late sister. They had found that out years ago and the Admiral was like a mentor to him even during his small stint at Starfleet Command as the Acting Head of Starfleet Security.
"Captain?"
Phoenix jumped slightly realizing he had spaced. "Apologies Admiral. I sort of spaced. To answer your question, I'll take a warm coffee, with cream please."
"I thought I lost you there for a second" she chuckled as she tapped a few buttons on the replicator. "Anyways I won't keep you for too long as this is a very brief meeting" she picked up a PADD off of her desk and handed it to the Captain.
James accepted the device and read the message which contained new orders.
To Captain James Phoenix, Acting Chief of Starfleet Security,
Effective immediately, you are hereby relieved of your duties as the Acting Chief of Starfleet Security, and are requested and required to return to the USS Horizon NCC-88003 and re-assume command.
Signed,
Fleet Admiral Kirsten Clancy,
Commander-in-Chief, Starfleet,
Vice Admiral Raelyn Mckenzie
Chief of Starfleet Operations
A slight grin appeared on the Captain's face. Some would be upset that they would leave a flag position, but not Phoenix. While the past few months were an enlightening experience, he missed the Horizon and he was glad he was returning to his command.
The Admiral noticed the grin. "As I excpected" she chuckled.
James looked at her with a light smile. "Its not that I didn't have a great time in this temporary position sir. It's just that the Horizon is a home to me. Besides I can't let Commander Regan have all of the fun."
"Regardless Admiral, it was an honor and a privilege to serve under you, even if it was temporary."
Raelyn extended a hand. "The honor was mine Captain."
Phoenix shook her hand and released. "So, out of curiosity ma'am, given I have been relieved, I presume that it is because you have found a permanent Head of Starfleet Security? Who is taking over this position?"
"You are correct Captain. I believe her name is Commodore Oh. As far as I have heard, she has had quite the rise in Starfleet ranks."
"Respectfully Admiral, It sounds like you weren't the one to select her for the role?" James asked curiously.
Raelyn sighed. "Unfortunately no, I was not and all I have seen is the parts of her record that I was given. Which, I regret to admit it was not much. But, I trust Admiral Clancy and her staff decision making" she gave a weak smile.
James saw the look on the Admiral's face. It seemed like she wasn't sure about the new Head of Security. He wasn't going to press her however, especially since she was a superior officer.
"Is there anything else Admiral?"
Admiral Mckenzie spoke up. "There is actually" she picked up another PADD and handed it to James. "Its for a Flyer Class runabout requisition for the Horizon. If I recall correctly, the current two that you have are being upgraded?"
"Yes ma'am. I believe this one here also has the same upgrades?"
"You are correct Captain" the Admiral moved behind her desk and sat down. "The runabout is currently being stored at Earth Station McKinley. I'd like you to take her back to the Horizon. Space has been tight at the station. Think of it as killing two birds with one stone."
Phoenix nodded. "Will do Admiral" he accepted the order. "Do you have anything else for me ma'am?"
"No Captain. You're dismissed."
James nodded and began to leave the room before stopping in the doorway. "Admiral?"
"Yes Captain?"
"Thank you. For everything."
"You're welcome James" Raelyn started. "I wish you safe travels. Godspeed."
"No promises Admiral" James cracked a smile. "Godspeed."
As she watched the Captain turn and leave her office, Raelyn cracked a smile herself. "As I figured" she said quietly to herself.
OFF:
Captain James Phoenix
Commanding Officer
USS Horizon NCC-88003
Vice Admiral Raelyn Mckenzie (NPC)
Chief of Starfleet Operations
Starfleet Command
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