City by the Bay (Part II)

Posted on Tuesday, 24 November 2020 - 10:32am by Captain Barret Stillwater & Commander Soral & Lieutenant Talarn Zilth & Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali & Lieutenant Alex Kingsley & Lieutenant JG Adrianna Eberhardt

Mission: Operation: Ouroboros
Location: Earth: San Francisco

Admiral T'Arev stood, her arms behind her, hands clasped together, fingers interlocked and staring out the observation area of the conference room that had sight of the golden gate bridge. The doorway parted, sliding open and the officers from the USS Standing Bear entered the room, drawing her attention away from the view of the bridge and adjusted her posture accordingly. She greeted them with a traditional Vulcan salute, the hand gesture crisp and met with perfection. "Live long and prosper," she said to them.

Soral returned the salute, "Long life and prosperity. We come to serve."

"Logically," she replied with a small nod.

Stillwater was not the best at the Vulcan greeting. The Romulan version was more his style, but nonetheless, he did his best with it. "Admiral T'Arev, Commander Stillwater of the USS Standing Bear," he said introducing himself. He gestured to Soral "Lieutenant Commander Soral, my First Officer," he motioned to Kinglsey and Zilth. "Lieutenants Kingsley and Zilth, Science and Tactical."

As the introductions proceeded, Kingsley was distracted by a flash of lightning in the distance as the rain outside intensified. While they were indoors, in the carefully regulated temperature of the Admiral's office, she couldn't help but shiver a little at a perceived coldness in the room. All completely imaginary of course, since it was actually a little too hot in here. As she heard her name she turned her attention towards the Admiral. "Ma'am."

The Vulcan studied Lieutenant Zilth from head to toe, giving him more than a brief once over. It was as if just for a small brief moment her pointed ears curled at the sight of him, but she did not break from her stone posture and expressionless facial expression. "A Cardassian Ex-Borg," she said as she looked at Talarn, and then shot a glaring look at Stillwater. "Illogical choice in a tactical officer under these harrowing times," added Admiral T'Arev.

Talarn met the Vulcan's gaze, his own unwavering and his face also expressionless.

Stillwater met her glare with a dissecting gaze of his own. "It would not be the first time someone so archaic has taken to questioning my taste in men, Admiral, and it probably will not be the last; however, my Chief Tactical Officer is far more loyal to the Federation and providing safety and stability than most men. I believe it was the Andorians who were among those to threaten to withdrawal from the Federation because of Romulan refugees?"

She cocked her head. "An accurate observation," she replied. "Who you choose to name Chief Tactical Officer aboard your starship is not of my concern, Commander Stillwater. What is of my concern is what is taking place here on Earth. As you may have noticed, there is a storm system moving in on San Francisco."

As if to emphasize her point, a deep rumbling thunder echoed around the building and - just a few seconds later - another flash of lightning. Perhaps it came with all those pips, Alex mused, even bad weather was on hand to lend dramatic effect. Given how the woman had started off their meeting, she wouldn’t be surprised if she sent their tactical officer outside with a metal pole. Yet, since the woman seemed content to direct her comments to Commander Stillwater, the science officer moved to the window, taking in the bleak view.

Talarn said nothing. He was used to insults. He was also used to people underestimating him. It didn't matter to him at all what she thought of him and he ignored her comments. If she wanted to show everyone she had issues that was fine. He was not about to add to it. He tucked his hands behind his back and continued his silence.

Soral said nothing. He observed the happenings. He wasn't sure he was comfortable with the Admiral's view of the tactical officer. He then broke in. "These...weather irregularities are they just limited to here or are they global?"

"The problem had the potential to be global," she replied. "A virus, sophisticated, and a sleeper was lying in wait. When we underwent an upgrade to the weather control software, it awoke the virus and it began to spread. We were able to cut it off and isolate regions from the overall master system. However, San Francisco and the entirety of the west coast of this continent were infected," she explained.

"I see," he said.

"The level of sophistication and technical prowess of this virus is remarkable, a very disciplined mind had to have designed it," the Admiral added. "Lieutenant Zillth," she said addressing the ex-Borg. "Our cyber security experts have been able to make little progress with the virus. We have dismantled our Androids and most Ex-Borg are no longer in service to Starfleet or the Federation. Your... knowledge and expertise may be suitable for combating the virus."

Talarn tried not to react, but it was difficult. Barret could probably sense what the Cardassian was feeling. He smiled at the admiral and clicked his heels together and gave her a curt little bow, in the form of acquiescence, albeit sarcastic. He remained silent. If he opened his mouth right now, things would come out of it that he was sure no one really wanted to deal with at the moment. Hopefully, his sarcasm wouldn't read to the admiral. Even though Vulcans were very attentive, they often passed over the emotional expressions of others, and Talarn's was subtle.

Soral turned to Stillwater. "Do you believe that Chief Eyelaya maybe able to help?"

"Possibly," Stillwater said, though he eyed the admiral with caution. "We are not going anywhere anytime soon. Tal, if you want we can spare Eyelaya to assist you. I'm not going to order you to assist or anything, but if these people or person have control over the weather, they could really do some harm if they get creative."

"I believe I could use her assistance if she is also available," Talarn said, addressing Barret only. "And I agree. This is something that needs to be handled. Considering my expertise in encryption and such... it only makes sense."

Soral made a note to contact Eyelaya to come down here. "Admiral may I ask a personal question?"

"Yes, Commander, you may proceed with your question," replied Admiral T'Arev. She was a crisp Vulcan, her age worn well, but noticeable in her appearance. "What is it?" she added.

"When will Starfleet Tell the truth?"

The Vulcan raised a brow and made a triangular pose with her hands before her waist. "Elaborate," she replied.

"With respect to the protests against the Romulans. That they are already turning against Vulcans. The child in the hospital, so called Romulan child that is Vulcan. While I understand that the Federation does not want a Separation referendum from Vulcan like the one held in the 2200s it is something that will happen no matter how much the truth is hidden."

"The child in question, is indeed, Romulan," the Admiral replied crisply. "The child has some Romulan heritage from a few generations ago, not that it is known to those protesting. They see Romulans where there Vulcans. This is a logical yet suspiciously emotional questioning, Lieutenant Commander Soral. These are not the soundest times for the United Federation of Planets," she added just as another man in a security uniform came into the room unannounced and whispered something into the Admiral's ear and then departed the room.

Soral stood by watching the exchange but pressed, "You see emotion where there is none. It is a simple question. The child is Vulcan, Romulan blood that is of a few generations does not change that a crime has been committed against a Vulcan citizen. While it is inconvenient for the Federation, it is necessary that the truth be told to the Vulcan council." He paused. "An observation if I may, It seems that the Federation turns to deception and acts of convenience in times that are not so sound. This incident, the turning of our backs on Romulans when their homes and lives were in danger due to some members xenophobic threats. It leaves one wondering if the United Federation of Plants has forgotten the ideals it was founded on. Perhaps this is a time of de-evolution for Starfleet and the UFP."

The conversation had been playing out in the background as Lieutenant Kingsley watched the storm clouds gather, yet as she tuned back in to what was happening right here in this room she was beyond surprised at his 'observation'. She knew he was just as troubled - perhaps more so - than she was by the recent events. But still...

"With respect, Sirs," Alex began, wishing she were far more versed in diplomacy than she was, "our immediate priority surely needs to be the threat which brought us here. The storm is growing in intensity even while we have been in this office."

Fasted demotion to ensign ever, she thought inwardly.

"Lieutenant Kingsley is correct. There is time for this." Soral said. "I give thanks for your ear Admiral."

Commander Stillwater cleared his throat. "It would seem there are more storms than just the visible one," he said aloud. "The weather grid being hacked or at least contaminated with a virus is one matter, but this civil unrest is entirely another. We need to monitor these protests and quell them before the get out of hand, but that is not necessarily a job for Starfleet. That responsibility needs to be shouldered by the politicians and bureaucrat," noted Stillwater.

Admiral T'Arev nodded. "The President is planned to make a public address to Federation citizens this week from the Parisian grounds of the palace," she replied in response to Stillwater. "These 'storms' are getting worse. I was just informed," she began noting the man who had walked in moments ago. "That there was a situation in Boston Harbor. Responders are at the scene in question, but a Federation shuttle experienced 'difficulties' and plunged into Boston Harbor."

"Difficulties?" Kingsley repeated. It would be rare, she imagined, for any such incident to occur and the Admiral's tone made it clear she suspected it was no random incident. "You suspect sabotage?"

"The statistics of pilot error even combined with technological failures is negligible," replied the Admiral. "I do not partake in suspicion. It is emotional and illogical to do so; however, the numbers do not lie. It is improbable that this was an accident."

"Then we have work to do. If I maybe excused I shall ensue Chief Eyelaya is dispatched right away."

"You may all be excused, though Commander Stillwater will need to remain. We have business to discuss, Commander," she added swiftly. "Lieutenant Kingsley, a belated congratulations on your recent promotion."

“Thank you, Admiral,” Kingsley replied, clearly surprised the woman was aware of it. She nodded to Stillwater, “we will be in the lobby, Sir.”

With that she ushered her husband towards the door before he chose to make any more observations. As they emerged into the corridor, more thunder could be heard. “Just like England in the autumn...” she sighed.

"Indeed. Most melancholy weather." He was somewhat glad to be out of there. "A most melancholy admiral...quite fitting."

Back in the conference room Admiral T'Arev remained stern and icy as she had been, but there was something weighing on her. "You will want your intelligence personnel present for this, Commander Stillwater" she said with a small nod.

Stillwater was taken aback a bit, but proceeded with the suggestion. "Stillwater to Baciami and Vali," he said swiftly. "If you two have a moment, I believe your presence would be valuable in San Francisco right now. I am at Starfleet Head Quarters with Admiral T'Arev."

Adrianna came through quickly, though in Italian at first. She then corrected, "sorry, sir. I'll be there soon. I'm just in Rome. I'll be there shortly."

T’Lanna was resting was Stillwater’s voice came over the comms. She smiled grateful for the change from the case at hand. “Acknowledged Sir, I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Making sure to leave news of her whereabouts incase she was needed she headed out.