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The priority summons by Walking Bear could mean only one thing. The Admiral of the Fleet had reached a decision. Just exactly what he had decided was unknown and, in some ways, Sulu, Scotty and Chekov were almost afraid to find out.
Sitting in the admiral's outer office, the only sounds the trio could hear were each other's breathing. Even Tek was unusually quiet. Chekov, though, was convinced that everyone could hear his heartbeat.
Suddenly, the double pocket doors of the admiral's large office snapped open and Walking Bear was standing over them. He was silent, as if he was still contemplating some aspect concerning the 'Phoenix' project. Before any of the three officers could rise to attention, he indicated for them to enter his private office with a sweeping gesture of his hand.
As they stood, Tek mouthed a 'good luck.' The admiral walked back to his chair, followed by the anxious trio, their eyes fixed on the Grand Admiral. Then they took standing positions in a line across the front of the oversized desk.
Walking Bear made himself comfortable in his large chair and settled in for what Sulu believed would be a fight. Since he couldn't read the Amerind's stoic face, he figured the mission had been scrubbed. Still, he hoped that his evaluation was wrong.
Before speaking, the Grand Admiral folded his arms across his chest and eyed the three officers. The facial expression did not change a bit as he began. "After a number of meetings and several heated conversations, I found that our project has an equal number of supporters and detractors."
The elderly admiral seemed to wait for a comment. When it didn't come, he continued. "I made a decision about an hour ago not to proceed. The risks are too great, considering the current state of affairs within the Romulan Empire. Also, the mission would not only be hazardous, but perhaps even fatal for the rescue team. I could not, therefore, endorse an operation which might fail and also put some of Starfleet's finest officers in jeopardy. Nor could I approve something which could become a possible focal point of new animosities between the Federation and the Romulan Empire."
All three officers started to voice a vigorous, but somewhat subdued, protest.
Walking Bear held up a single hand, palm outward, to cut the protests short. "As I said, I made that decision an hour ago. However, since then I've had a most enlightening conversation with an old friend of yours."
He nodded towards the rear of the large office, indicating a lone figure, behind them, standing quietly. "Ambassador Spock reviewed the recording of our meeting and has come up with an approach which is acceptable to the Diplomatic Corps as well as Federation Council. Would you care to hear the proposal?"
The small group responded with an immediate, simultaneous and enthusiastic, "Aye, sir!"
The Grand Admiral eased back in his chair and spoke slowly. "First of all, as originally planned, the new Enterprise, with special modifications, will be used. Admiral Sulu will be the ship's commanding officer and in charge of the overall mission.
"Second, Captain Chekov is responsible for all security matters, including the Special Forces and the Klingons, as you will have their assistance. Only the six members of the rescue team will be allowed on Romulus at any given time.
"Third, and this must be clear people, absolutely no combat. Team members going to Romulus will be limited to a defensive posture and weapons will be placed on heavy stun force. In addition, the Enterprise is not to engage any Romulan ships, understood?"
Sulu and Chekov nodded and Scotty let out an "Aye," tainted with disappointment.
"Fourth, Ambassador Spock will accompany you and he will have the final approval in all matters. If, upon arriving at Romulus, he feels that the situation is not conducive to a rescue attempt, the mission will be aborted with no arguments.
"Last, if at any time he feels that your presence may lead to irreparable political complications, then he is obligated to cancel and you will return home at once.
"The only way I can approve 'Phoenix' is under the aforementioned conditions and even then, my neck is stuck way out on this one. At the conclusion of the mission, whatever the outcome, I don't want anyone to be able to say, 'I told you so.' Therefore, make Starfleet look good and keep the nay-sayers quiet. That's an order." He finished on a weak smile.
All three acknowledged in the affirmative, "Aye, sir!"
With that said, Walking Bear stood and exchanged a handshake with each of the three officers in turn.
The senior admiral then looked beyond the trio and directed his final comments to Spock. "Clear all final details with Kensington, Ambassador, and the best of luck to all of you."
Spock nodded curtly, then taking the Admiral's cue, turned and walked out. Briskly, Scotty, Sulu and Chekov followed Spock without further comments.
Exiting through the Admiral's outer office, the entourage filed past Tek. Judging by the smiles, the Tellarite knew the mission was a 'go.' He, too, was pleased and jumped up to grab Sulu's arm, speaking in an excited voice. "When will you be going?"
Sulu didn't try to hide his enthusiasm and smiled, "As soon as possible." Then he added quickly, "Before someone changes their mind."
Tek let out a low bellow of admiration and envy and gave Sulu a slap on the back. The unexpected blow nearly knocked the still-grinning admiral off his feet.
"Good luck, Hikaru!" Tek was barely containable.
"Thanks!" Sulu then turned and hurried out the door to catch up with the others.
As he entered the large hall, he joined Chekov and Scott, whose attention was focused elsewhere. Turning to look down the long corridor, Sulu saw Spock enter a turbolift. He had not waited to greet his old crew mates.
"Some things never change," Chekov lamented.
"I suppose the empty chair in the meeting was his," Sulu conjectured.
Scott put his hands on his hips and queried, "What I canna figure out, is how he convinced Walking Bear."
"I vould haf liked to haf been a fly on the vall for thet conversation."
"Aye, lad... me too."
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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