Winston Chronicles: Qob/Tranquility Universe; Top Brass

[Mitar Precip 0]

(Note: This Chronicle was written by Joe Manning and Mitar Precip)

 

 

2418

12 hours after the “Garage Shootout”

 

Top Brass

 

Guardian Headquarters, Tranquility City

 

The aide was clearly not himself. Nor was any Guardian in the city at the moment. But his job was to debrief the Constable and the Marshall on the latest casualty figures, supplied by a Deputy who took charge of the scene ... some Deputy from Latinum District named Albert Knorr.

 

He was nervous, how many his age get to brief a Constable? The young man noted the office was what expected of a Vulcan’s spartan office. Little Decor, all that was there was for the Constable’s office to function.

 

“Uh, the Deputy on scene, sir, reports the following. Sunset District Sheriff Iktar Senar and Deputy Ethan Shrike are confirmed dead along with 15 other Guardians. Two Klingons were also killed, along with the civilian that Sheriff Senar called to the assembly ... his name Daniel Winston. Apparently this individual was responsible for greatly improving the Sunset District’s speeders and taught classes to their mechanics. The Deputy on scene speculated that this made him a target.”

 

“All the attackers were killed. Six Nausicaans, all with tattoos or marks on vehicles identifying them as Cycles of Death members.

 

“We lost four speeders, and a Klingon speeder was also destroyed. The Garage Facility itself was unable to be saved by Guardian Fire Authority. A total loss.”

 

“The media is attempting it’s best to access the scene, but surviving Guardians are keeping them at bay. The Deputy on scene reports replacements from other districts should be considered due to ... emotional reasons.”

 

The aide tried to change his tone. “But, he also reported survivors -- one Guardian, a civilian believed to be Daniel Winston’s son, and a Klingon who lost an arm and was taken by Klingon personnel on the scene to their ‘care’ facility.”

 

Constable La’Nok stood still with his arms folded behind his back, listening to the aide’s report with an almost statuesque emotional detachment. He did not so much as raise an eyebrow when the aide hesitated in suggesting personnel replacements for purely sentimental reasons. La’Nok, naturally, thought such a suggestion to be foolish, but he kept this to himself. If Vulcans had learned nothing over the past three decades, it was to keep their opinions on the emotionalism of others to themselves; it was the ones who chose to speak out who got themselves in trouble.

 

“Deputy Knorr normally supervises patrols in Latinum District‘s Red Sector.” The Vulcan turned to the Marshall’s secretary, seated in a small plastic chair to the side of the Constable’s desk. “It adjoins Sunset District. Given the proximity and the Deputy’s familiarity with its patrolmen, we will reallocate personnel from there. Notify Sheriff Tolson immediately.”

 

He returned his attention to the youthful aide, standing expectantly on the other side of the desk. “The Marshall is on her way to Sunset District. She will assume the duties of Sheriff there. Deputy Knorr will assist her directly. In the meantime, all witnesses, including survivors, should be gathered for interrogation as soon as they are capable of answering questions.

 

“The Marshall is bringing our public relations officer with her. He will issue a statement directly to the gathered press. They are to be notified at once that this statement is forthcoming. Deputy Knorr should designate a conference location a considerable distance from the site of the attack and direct the reporters there.”

 

“Should we begin considering permanent replacements for Sheriff Senar?” the Marshall’s secretary asked.

 

“This is not the time,” La’Nok replied, with a sharp look at the secretary. “The Marshall will assume authority for now to provide strong on-site leadership and to stabilize the situation. She will most likely name Deputy Knorr Sheriff shortly after her arrival.”

 

“With your permission sir, I shall pass on via ODRI Deputy Knorr’s instructions?” The Guardian intern asked with haste, he truly was uncomfortable in the Constable’s presence. “Or would you have me deliver them personally, Constable La`Nok?”

 

“I would have you deliver the instructions at once,” La’Nok answered with a raised eyebrow, his tone coldly matter-of-fact. “Your location beyond that is Deputy Knorr’s concern.”

 

“Y-yes sir!” He replied nervously with haste, proceeded to bow and dismiss himself from the constables office. Once outside the office the young aide, noticed he was in a cold sweat. After clearing his mind he, immediately went about following the Vulcan Constable’s orders. “What a day and I volunteered for this!”

 

Several Guardians overheard the young human as he quickly jogged down the hall. They shook their heads at the youth’s vocal exasperation.