Act Two, Scene Two

[Akirapryde]

Admiral Tate listened to what Captain Campbell said with a very thoughtful look on his face. The group continued to walk through the corridors of Thunderchild with Admiral Tate in the lead. "Jackie, I understand what you are saying. However our little fugitive here has stolen a Starfleet runabout and now is armed herself with more than enough anti-mater to make good on her threat. At least two times, she has attacked Starfleet personal. Once aboard this very ship. Starfleet Command can not take the chance that she bluffing. Hell Jackie, the Cardassians are at the verge of Civil War. Garak and his Detapa Council are barely hanging on to power. This is just what Starfleet can't afford to happen. We must stop the Susquehanna within Federation space."

Following just behind Captain Campbell and Admiral Tate, Captain Phillips spoke up, "Captain Campbell" he said in his ever professional and steady voice. "With the balance of power within the Cardassian Union shifting away from the Detapa Council, something like this could expose them as being too weak to protect their citizens. Despite the Federation's efforts at rebuilding and support, discord across the Cardassian Union has spread steadily over the past year" Captain Phillips explained. The Admiral Tate, Captain Phillips and Captain Campbell were all very close friends. They had serviced together on three different starships during the past ten years. However unlike Admiral Tate and Captain Campbell, Captain Phillips never held a command of his own.

At the rear of the group, Captain Vakath walked with his hands behind his back. There was deep thought on his face. As the group turned a corner, Captain Vakath spoke in Vulcan to Commander V'rol. "At some point, Commander I must speak with you" he said plainly without further explanation. There was no emotion in his voice or on his face.

At the front of the group, Admiral Tate continued "we simply don't have the resources to fend off a full scale civil war Jackie." The Admiral stated after Captain Phillips finished his statement. The group in the front were unaware of the statement made at the rear of the group. "Jackie, I have to ask because some troubling news has come up. I have been informed that you and this fugitive might share a common past. I have never had a reason to doubt your loyalty in the past and I am not doubting you now. But IF there is something that has been left out of your official reports, I need to know." There was a stern glance in the Admiral's eyes as he spoke. The statement seemed to come out of no where but at the same time it was something that was due to come up.

Luckily for Captain Campbell answering the statement would have to wait as the group turned a corner, they ran head long in to Lieutenant Kiera Medart and the cup of hot coffee she was carrying. The impact sent burning hot coffee all over the front of Admiral Tate's uniform ripping a very loud, "SON OF A BI......" from his lips. He leaped back in to Captain Phillips causing the group to come to a halt.

Lieutenant Medart's eyes grew wide as she stumbled back from the impact, "OH MY GOD!" the shock was in her voice and clearly all over her face. The now empty mug held tightly in her hands. "I thought maybe the Admiral wanted some coffee when he came aboard."

The anger in his eyes was clearly seen by those in the front of the group. "Damnit Lieutenant, haven't you ever heard of a replicator?" he said out of anger. He stepped back and paused for a second regaining his temper. "Jackie, I take it my VIP Quarters are on Deck Two?" he asked waiting for a nod from Captain Campbell. It was Commander Bonham who spoke up and confirmed the location of the quarters. The Admiral then continued, "I am going to go change. Captain Phillips, make sure that the staff is assembled in the CIC in thirty minutes. I want all Captains on line during that time. Explain why the briefing was delayed." Captain Phillips nodded his understanding as Lieutenant Medart lowered her head.

Lieutenant Medart stepped forward, "Admiral" she said with a stutter in her voice. "Is there anything I can do?"

Admiral Tate shook his head, "No Lieutenant, you have done more than enough." He ringed hot coffee from the front of his uniform. There was clearly anger in his voice.

Commander Bonham stepped forward and stood between the Lieutenant and the rest of the group, "I got this" he said to Captain Campbell.

With that, Admiral Tate nodded his head. "Jackie will you join me" he said motioning to a near by turbo lift. "We have a lot to talk about before the briefing." In that moment all eyes were on the young lieutenant who brought the group to a stop.