Act Two, Scene Two

[Akirapryde]

Stardate: 53832.8
Just outside of the system: UIH-0351
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Admiral Tate and Captain Campbell
Deck Two, VIP Quarters

As Captain Campbell spoke, Admiral Tate removed his shirt and tossed it on the replicator so that it can be recycled. He pulled the fresh shirt over his head and started to fasten it. There was a lot going on in both the Admiral's mind as well as beyond the Thunderchild. It was clear by the look in the Admiral's eyes. Admiral Tate set done on the bed and let out a heavy sigh as Captain Campbell said, "Ok David, maybe you should tell me whats really going on."

Admiral Tate didn't bother to look up as he starred in to his hands, "Jack, you have no idea how this Melville business is fueling the critics regarding the Thunderchild Project." The Admiral was speaking of the project that was centered on the Federation's first experimental carrier. This project was years in the development and Admiral Tate had been pushing since the raise of the Maquis. Had it not been for the Dominion War, the project would have never gained needed support in the Federation Council. Admiral Tate had banked his entire career on this project. The earlier successes of the Thunderchild prior to her refit help secure the resources needed to conduct a complete overhaul of the ship and rebuild her in to a fully dedicated carrier. Captain Campbell knew that the project had its opponents all the way up through the Federation Council.

With a heavy sigh, Admiral Tate continued "I was informed this morning that the planned overhaul of the USS Shevardnadze has been placed on hold." he explained. The USS Shevardnadze was the second Akira Class ship set for refit to become another fully functioning carrier. The USS Thunderchild was to be the test ship of the project. Aboard her, new technology would be explored and those results would then fuel ten other refits. The over all plan called for two carriers per fleet. Each newly designed carrier would be dubbed Akira Mark II Class Carriers. However Admiral Tate and his supporters had loftier goals. A completely new designed starship that would be centered on carrier operations.

Admiral Tate continued, "it would appear that once word got out that your ship was vulnerable to a lone small craft, the critics jumped at the chance to suspend the program. Their arguments are questioning how could a lone small craft like the Susquehanna sneak up on a carrier that was designed to combat such craft." He lifted his head and looked right at Captain Campbell, "hell Jack, that is what that new point defense system was to prevent." There was more frustration in his voice than anger.

He rose up from the bed, "Damnit Jack, that is why your ship is so important in her capture." He checked his uniform once more before adding. "Jack, if she is in that system you and your fighters have to find her. Prove to the Federation Council that your ship can fill the role it was intended to. Because if you can't prove to them that this ship is capable, than the Thunderchild will be ordered back to Utopia Yards for decommissioning."

He paused a moment and recalled the request, "The USS Ramstine is one of the ships in orbit over Cardassia Prime. I will have them locate your father." He said knowing that Captain Campbell's father was on assignment.