The Starfleet Way (Part 1 of 2)

Posted on 13 Dec 2012 @ 6:55pm by Captain Jonathan Holliday & Rear Admiral Lirha Saalm & Jesra Moore

3,762 words; about a 19 minute read

Mission: Episode 02 - Resupply
Location: Vega IX - Galileo Landing Site
Timeline: MD 08 - 1250 hrs

[ON]

Pushing her sun glasses to the top of her head before placing both hands on her hips, Jesra squinted through the glare of the sunlight at the hunk of metal infront of her. She had to give it something, it was certainly sexier then her own freighter but one wouldn't expect anything less of a Starfleet vessel. As her eyes moved downward, she took in each of the decks, the hull covered in a mass of bodies trying to repair and reseal the damage incurred when she landed, to repair the scars she currently held.

With a smile she tugged the glasses out of her hair before tucking one of the arms into the shirt she was wearing. In her usual attire of leather trousers and a work shirt, the sleves rolled up to her elbows and the buttons left undone to the top of her chest. Moving forward she figured she'd start her search at the ramp stretched out infront of her, leading up into the depths of the same ship she'd just stood admiring.

For the past few hours, the recently promoted Commander Holliday had been supervising the transfer of materials onboard Galileo to assist in the repair efforts. The sheer quantity of manpower and resources was more than a little impressive, even for a ship as small as a Nova class. Nevertheless, it had to be done, efficiency here was to be key if Galileo was to leave the surface of Vega any time soon.

From the top of the access ramp, Holliday had an outstanding view over the base camp set up by the repair teams to hold the majority of their superfluous equipment and stock whilst they worked both on and inside the hull of his vessel. Around him dozens of workers scurried from place to place, whilst security officers covered the main access port to the Galileo with striking finesse. Watching as the next group of engineers moved inside the ship, Holliday ticked them off on his PADD and examined the next duty roster of workers due to arrive within the next hour or so. Something however, caught his eye, a figure stood near the base of the ramp that didn't appear to be a member of Starfleet, or indeed wearing anything that would identify them as an authorised presence in this area.

Tapping a few more commands on his PADD to lock it down until he needed it again, the XO moved down the ramp to intercept this woman who as far as he was concerned, was certainly not supposed to be here.

"This area is off limits to civillian personnel....you need to leave immediately."

Keeping up her walk up the ramp, Jesra smirked as she spotted the man who'd directed his statement at her. She couldn't deny he was good looking, the uniform seemed to hide a firm body but the scar along one side of his face gave her a ruthless look. Spotting the pips on his collar, she came to a stop just infront of the Commander, having to tilt her head back slightly to look into his eyes. "I looking for a Commander who seems to have gone into hiding, she'd be pretty hard to miss. Black hair, green skin, yay high...don't suppose you've seen her around?"

Holliday wasn't exactly sure who this woman was, or indeed what she wanted, but the description she just given had a pretty good likeness to their recently promoted CO. Not that John was about to betray the trust of his Captain to someone who hadn't even bothered to identify herself.

"I'm sorry but I can't help you. Like I said...this area is off limits to unauthorised personnel...now you can leave, or I can have you put in the Brig and transferred to Vega authorities....your choice."

John still had no idea why someone outside of Starfleet would be looking for Saalm, there was no reason why she would have anything to do with this surly looking human, but then again, she seemed to have knowledge of the Captain's current situation, which confused even the XO.

Analysing the officer infront of her for a moment, Jesra's smirk broadened as she moved up further on the ramp, only coming to a stop inches in front of the man. Slowly, she used her tongue to dampen her lips before lowering her voice. "Now now Commander, I know she's in there somewhere, I do have my contacts you know sweetheart."

"You can have all the contacts you want ma'am, but I have a team of armed security guards who will have you in custody the moment I say the word....nobody gets on this ship without my say so....sweetheart."

John was quickly losing patience with this situation, in face if it had been a less official position, he would have picked his own phaser up and shot this woman before she had gotten anywhere near him. He was a little intrigued however, this woman seemed to know exactly where Lirha was, regardless of the usual protection afforded a Starfleet captain...something was amiss.

Laughing at his use of the word sweetheart, Jesra realised that there was more to this man then met the eye. Moving her hand, she trailed her finger down the centre of the man's chest. "Do you treat all people who help you this way Commander? You'd think in your rule book that surely there would be allowences allowed in some places."

"Depends on how they helped me...right now you're just getting in my way...and that's not something I appreciate....so either show me some ID, or put your hands on your head...simple."

Finally giving in to his earlier impulses, Holliday raised his hand into the air, summoning the two security crewmen stationed near the access port to sprint down the ramp, phasers drawn, and take up positions either side of their XO. Looking down at the finger that was still on his chest, Holliday refused to flinch or even acknowledge her action, instead focusing on his duty, and nothing more.

"Like I said...nobody gets on board without my say so."

Grinning, Jesra shrugged her shoulders. "I'm afraid I left my ID in my other trousers. Now...I can certainly place my hands on your head if you'd like you might even like what comes after." The freighter captain was fully aware this would be easily resolved if she said gave her name and identification but in all honesty, she was having too much fun.

"I am a Starfleet officer...not some cheap and easy to please bar slug....very well if you won't produce ID then tell me how you know this...Orion woman you're looking for...perhaps then I could direct you to the proper channels to contact her."

Holliday hesitated for a moment, it would have been easier to simply arrest this woman here and now, but for the meantime, he was interested in how a civillian knew the whereabouts of his captain in the first place, afterall, it was a matter of ship's security.

"Once you've submitted for DNA identification of course."

"Hum...I prefer a well built man in uniform to a bar slug anyday. I find the entire excitement surrounds that moment where you get to reveal what lies below that uniform." Getting no reaction from the finger on his chest, she moved to trace the back of her nail along his scar. "Don't you trust me sweetheart?"

Watching as the woman's hand headed towards his face, John had to fight back the urge to grab her wrist and pin her to the deck, which would have been a much more satisfying response...the scar on his face was a mark of honour and respect as far as he was concerned, and to have the sacrifice of his shipmates during the war mocked that way was the limit of his cordiality.

"I don't trust anybody who attempts to evade my authority on this ship...last chance....identify yourself or you will be detained."

Letting out a dramatic sigh, Jesra reached her hand into her back pocket as she pulled a chip out and tossed it into the air for the Commander to catch. "I can see now why Lirha is so strung up alot. Can I recommend Commander that in the future you pay attention to the finer details, you'd have figured out my identity yourself if you'd paid attention."

Grabbing the chip deftly in one hand, the XO pulled his tricorder from it's mount and attached the small chip to the sensor pallette, allowing it to interface for a moment before it came up with the woman's identify. The freighter captain.

"Moore, Jesra...freighter captain....ahh...the vessel who towed Galileo here...this would have been much easier if you had simply identified yourself when you first approached the ship."

Placing her hands casually on her hips, Jesra raised an eyebrow as she smirked. "And where, I must ask, would have been the fun in that my dear Commander? Are you going to let me in or am I going to need to keep trying...alternate means?"

"Stay here." The XO replied without a moment of hesitation, before turning and looking at his security officers to stay exactly where they were and keep an eye on their guest. Taking a few steps backwards, Holliday tapped on his combadge once he was sure the conversation would take place outside of earshot of the freighter captain.

=^=Holliday to Saalm....Jesra Moore is here looking for you ma'am....how would you like me to proceed? =^=

Smiling as she watched the man walk away, Jesra couldn't help but think that the view from the back wasn't half that bad. The made the uniform trousers loose but in this case, she was still being offered a pretty good view.

Lirha was in her quarters when the call came through from her XO regarding an unexpected visitor. She blinked several times in surprise, not only that Jesra had simply decided to show up at her doorstep, but that John had somehow intercepted her. Well...not so surprised at John, but definitely at the unannounced visit. With a tap on her commbadge, she replied, "Acknowledged, Commander. Stay tight, I'll be right there."

Pulling on her red uniform top without the jacket, she placed her feet in her boots and then left her quarters. A quick stop at a nearby LCARS console revealed her XO's current position, just outside of one of the access ramps, and Lirha made a beeline for the turbolift. It was a short ride, after which she stepped out of the lift and made her way past the airlock's security personnel and outside of the ship. She quickly identified John and walked up to him, taking note of Jesra who was farther down the ramp and surrounded by security guards. "I take it you've met Miss Moore?" she said to him with a small smile. Lirha wondered what that initial meeting must have been like.

"We are..aquainted, yes ma'am." Holliday replied, surprised at quite how quickly his captain had made her way across the ship in order to intercept him at the loading dock.

Turning to acknowledge her, John dismissed his two security officers to return to their posts, leaving the two command officers and their guest alone at the middle of the ramp.

Jesra had watched as Lirha walked towards them. Despite the relaxed stance of her body and easy smile on her lips the freighter Captain was still fully alert. Watching how the Orion seemed to walk easier then she had a number of days ago, the freighter Captain raised an eyebrow. "Think you can call off the guard dog? He seems to be of the opinion I'm about to storm his castle and ride away with all his secrets."

Holliday said nothing, it was not his place to speak for his captain, but nevertheless, at the drop of a hat he would be more than happy to educate the woman in front of him in correct Starfleet protocol for civillians approaching a starship and why exactly this "guard dog" had done precisely as he should have done.

The Orion captain normally would have found the situation amusing, but she detected an great deal of tension between the two, despite John's silence. The last thing she wanted was for the two of them to start some sort of altercation, especially considering each of their respective relationships to Lirha. For the moment, it seemed that playing diplomat wasn't just reserved for first contact with new species. Grabbing John's arm gently and leading him down to Jesra, she stopped and formally introduced the two of them with no concern for whether they had already done so. "Captain Moore, this is my XO, Commander Holliday." she said to Jesra, then turned to John, "And Commander, this is Jesra Moore, captain of SS Nautica, the ship which towed us to the colony. Although I think you've figured that out by now, no?" she added with the tiniest of grins.

"Indeed ma'am...once the good Captain felt it appropriate to hand over her ID...which...could have been much easier if she had followed procedure."

John knew that Lirha would be ever the diplomat in any situation, in fact she would probably be thanking the freighter captain for a few days to come yet, and the last thing the XO wanted to do was make himself end up on Saalm's bad side, but similarly, he had to make the point that procedure had been breached.

Lirha leaned up and whispered in John's ear. "I don't think she's one for protocol." she mused softly, then turned to Jesra and cleared her throat. "It's nice to see you again, captain. To what do we owe the pleasure?" she asked, wondering what had brought Jesra all the way to Galileo's landing site.

Wondering whether or to point out this wasn't their first meeting, Jesra decided to give Lirha the lead. No matter what this man might be like, he was her XO and she'd an image to maintain. "Well I figured given the
role myself and my crew played in helping get you back here, I'd check and see if everyone was in one piece as well as saying Hi, putting a face to the voice." Jesra watched Lirha as she said all of this, judging the Orion's reaction before switching her eyes back to the XO with a smirk. "Of course, any offers of thank you hugs, kisses and gift bags won't be refused."

The Starfleet captain gave Jesra a small smile and a barely noticeable wink to accompany it. "Thank you, that's a nice gesture. " she said. "We are doing well, all things considered. Most of our casualties have been treated at Vega's facilities, and as you can see," she added, pausing to swing around and motion towards the large hull behind her, "Repairs are underway and proceeding as planned. We're very grateful for your assistance."

"However....towing us to Vega doesn't necessarily mean you have unlimited access to this vessel or it's crew..." John replied with a glare in his eye, he was still less than impressed at the attitude of this freighter captain, and wasn't about to let himself be walked all over.

Lirha noticed John's unhappy demeanor and firm tone. As much as she wanted to defend Jesra's actions and give her the benefit of the doubt, her XO had a very valid point. "Commander Holliday is correct, captain. Although we are a ship of science and exploration, we belong to Starfleet and they are a military organization. Access to all Federation ships is regulated rather tightly, and though I doubt you meant us any harm...well, there are procedures to follow." she said, then paused to rub a sore spot on her shoulder. "However, since you are here now...I suppose I could spare a few free moments. Galileo is currently operating under restricted access due to the extensive repair process, so I'm afraid I can't let you on board at the current moment. But, if you would like to get some lunch with me somewhere in the colony..." she offered, her voice trailing off as she looked between John and Jesra.

Realising the woman was trying to act as mediator, Jesra focused her smirk back on the XO. "Only if his highness would care to climb down off of his high horse and join us. May as well get to know the complete chain of command of this ship. See if there is anything further I can do to help to get you back in space that little bit quicker."

Clearing his throat, John found himself once again having to hold his tongue. This woman simply held everything that Starfleet held dear about protocol and procedure in utter contempt. Had she been a crew member under his command, she would have been spending plenty of time in the Brig for her behaviour towards a superior officer.

"It is protocol that ship's visitors be accompanied by the First Officer...either with or without his....high horse."

Smirking slightly, Jesra wondered if perhaps the XO needed his hearing checked. "Hum...seems the executive officer is suggesting the ship for this meal but the Captain is suggesting an outside location? So many options..so many choices to choose from." Looking over at Lirha, the freighter Captain threw the Orion a wink. "Since procedures and such are so firmly followed and enforced, lets go with the commanding officers option, she has the ruling vote."

The captain nodded and turned her head towards a nearby makeshift landing pad full of support craft. "I can get us a shuttlepod for a few hours, and I know of a nearby establishment that serves some very tasty Earth food..." she proposed to the two of them.

"I....have no preference Captain....I will follow your lead" The XO replied as he suddenly found himself in a situation where he would be away from the Galileo; a course of action that he hadn't originally forseen him taking any time soon. Nevertheless, his captain was requesting his company for official ship's business with the captain of another ship, and it was his duty to oblige.

Making a gesture with her hand, followed by an ever so slight bow, Jesra looked at Lirha with a twinkle in her eye. "After you both your highnesses..or would you prefer I met you both there so you can change out of your royal robes?"

Lirha shook her head. "We are both still on duty so I'm afraid the 'robes' have to stay on for the time being." she answered with a wry grin, then headed down the ramp and towards the collection of support craft several hundred meters away.

Taking in the weary smile, Jesra hesitated for a moment before she moved up to Lirha's side, leaning in close to the woman. "You doing ok? I can make my excuses if you need some more down time." The freighter Captain remembered the Orion's fragile state the night they had met in the hospital and even still in the morning after. The medical report was still fresh in her mind.

"Yes, fine thank you." Lirha answered with a nod. "I think a good night's sleep was much-needed." she added. In truth, she would have preferred to sleep all day, but her ship's current circumstances didn't exactly allow her that luxury. Perhaps when shore leave started she would be able to find time to rest but for now, she and the rest of her senior staff were preoccupied with more pressing matters.

It was a relatively short walk until they arrived at their destination. Lirha approached the nearby red-collared warrant officer who she assumed was in charge of support craft flight ops and management, and quickly informed him of her request. After a brief exchange of words and her signature on a PADD, she returned to the craft and tapped the authorization code into the main hatch's keypad. The aft door unlocked and lowered with a soft mechanical hiss, revealing the inside of the small cockpit and seating area. Lirha stepped back and motioned towards Jesra and John for them to enter. "After you."

Stepping in before John, Jesra leaned close to Lirha's ear as she passed, gently resting her hand on the small of the Captain's back before dropping her voice to a low whisper. "I bet my modes of transport were far more exciting then this." With a brief wink, the freighter Captain moved over to a seating area, allowing the Commander space in which to enter.

Clambering in behind Saalm and her guest, who, from the observations he had made during the last few minutes seemed to be a little too familiar with a Starfleet captain for his liking, John headed toward the cockpit and settled himself into the pilot's seat. He wasn't about to make his superior officer fly him around, and he sure as hell wasn't going to give a civillian access to a Federation craft.

Taking a seat next to her XO in the cockpit, the Orion captain tapped several commands into her console and brought the shuttlepod's power systems online. The interior of the craft illuminated and the LCARS displays came to life with a bright display of colors. Tapping her green fingers against her console, she brought up a map of the nearby colony and selected one of her favorite diners, then sent the coordinates to the commander's console for him to follow. "Ready?" she asked him.

"Course laid in, flight plan cleared with suborbital control...engaging thrusters"

John replied without so much as batting an eyelid, before tapping a few more controls himself to begin their short journey.

Stretching out her legs, Jesra crossed them at her ankles as she studied the commands she could manage to see the XO entering. It was very rare she entrusted the piloting of a vessel to someone else when she was there but she realised there would just have been more arguments if she tried to argue her corner. Catching Lirha's eye, she flashed the Captain a quick smile.

To Be Continued...

[OFF]

--

CAPT Lirha Saalm
Commanding Officer
USS Galileo

Cmdr Jonathan Holliday
Executive Officer
USS Galileo

Jesra Moore
Freighter Captain
SS Nautica
NPC'd by Pola Ni Dhuinn

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