Casper

Posted on 31 Oct 2018 @ 3:32am by Lieutenant Colonel Anton Markov

Mission: From the Darkness
Location: USS Powell Captains Ready Room

"Anton, a pleasure to see you again," the young looking Admiral said to the large gruff Major. "How is the vacation going?"

The Russian grunted at the console. "Was going better until you showed up. Can't I even have my leave in peace any more Thompson? Or are you checking in to make sure I haven't gotten into any trouble again?" he half-jokingly retorted.

The El-Aurian Admiral smirked. "Only a little bit. I actually have a job for you if you're interested. I know the Galileo didn't end particularly well and this should get you back in the groove," he said hopeful.

"Nope. I have another two months of my break left and I plan to take them John. And given how often you've fought me to take a break over the years I'll be damned if your going to send me to babysit someone else and ruin it," Anton replied, face frowning heavily. "Let me rest and I'll go back to it."

John nodded having been somewhat in the loop to the events that led to Anton resigning from the Galileo. "I can understand that. However, I don't want you to babysit anyone this time, at least not a Commanding Officer anyway. I need you in the middle seat and this time Major. The Corps isn't going to take no for an answer from you," John added heading off the protest he could see forming on Antons lips. "You've turned down command too many times and as far as Marine Headquarters are concerned you either take your turn or you retire. They're serious this time."

Anton nearly growled out loud to his old friend. "You know I have no interest in doing diplomatic niceties or hand-holding transport ships in the arse end of nowhere. Whats wrong with me helping new CO's learn the ropes while I keep the crew straight?"

"Nothing. But this time they need someone with your skillset and with your security clearance. Not many Marines have your background these days and right now we need someone who has worked behind enemy lines before," John stated quite plainly, all amusement gone from his face. "Do you remember the USS Powell?"

Markov sat back in his chair for a moment and scratched his chin. "Aye. Didn't her crew have to abandon ship after klingons attacked her about two years back?"

"Thats the one," the Admiral replied. "Well about six months ago while patrolling the area the USS Exeter found the hull. It had skimmed off the surface of the sun the battle had taken place over and was propelled into deep space, not destroyed like we previously believed. So since it was listed as destroyed in action already Starfleet Intelligence fixed her up." He took a sip of tea from a cup hidden below the viewscreen. "To that end Starfleet Intelligence and the Marine Corps want you to take her out. I'll send you the full briefing via a secure transmission but needless to say, the Powell does not exist. As far as anyone is concerned you are being assigned to Starbase 504. A regular class on the far end of the Klingon Border."

The Major sat back thinking. It took nearly a minute before he replied and the Admiral was happy to let him if it meant Anton took the job. "Hmm. Back in bed with Starfleet Intelligence or retirement. This must be serious for them to be involved. Fine. Send me the details and for goodness sake Thompson. Don't send me some pimple faced kid for an executive officer."

John chuckled, "I'll try not too. By the way. This comes with the obvious promotion. Good luck Lieutenant Colonel. Rear Admiral Thompson out."

As the channel before him closed Anton sighed. "Well then. It seems we are back to work," he said out loud to noone in particular before grabbing the vodka glass he had been nursing while he worked before the Admiral called and downing it in one.