An Old Friend

[Capt Ayers 0]

Nick finishes the last of a large pile of paperwork and pushes it to one side on his desk. He presses a button on the computer display and says "Control Tower, get me a secure line to Admiral Adleman at Starfleet Command. Within a few minutes an older look human wearing an Admiral's uniform and rank appears on the display screen on Nick's desk.

 

Then Captain Adelman had been Nick's first Commanding Officer out of the Academy. Adelman, then in charge of Starbase 315, was kind of gruff but well liked by his subordinates. Still, it took Nick a while to feel like he wasn't going to break out in a cold sweat and stammer every time the Captain addressed him. Over time, Nick got used to Adleman's style and was one of the few people that Nick would trust with his life.

 

As such, Nick dispenses with the formality and greets the Admiral by smiling and saying "I hear I have to congratulate you, sir. A grandfather for the third time. How is Sharon doing?"

 

The Admiral smiles "She's handling the addition to her family with her usual pluck. Nathan and Travis are still causing their normal amount of mischief though I think they're getting used to the idea of being big brothers. So how are you doing? And I see I have to congratulate you as well."

 

Nick smiles ruefully "Don't. This promotion has reminded me how good I actually had it being a junior officer back at Starbase 315 or as a senior officer on the Venture. It feels like an ill-fitting coat more then anything."

 

The Admiral's smile broadens "That's normal. You'll get used to it. You just need to have faith in your own capabilities, Nick. I seem to recall you thinking much the same way when you first arrived at Starbase 315." The Admiral's smile takes on a mischievous look "So, when are you going to give your parents grandchildren?"

 

Nick coughs and chokes as he feels a blush crawl up the back of his neck. He says "When and if it happens. What? Engaging in a grandparent conspiracy?" Or just that now that you have three grandchildren you think everyone's parents should be grandparents?"

 

The Admiral smiles "Just having a little fun at your expense. " The smile disappears as the Admiral continues "I'm guessing this isn't only a social call. What do you need?"

 

Nick nods slightly "My apologies, no it isn't. I'm not sure if you're up to date on the command structure here on Aegis but while the Admiral is handling the diplomatic and sector wide considerations, I've been left in charge of the day to day operations of the Station. This falls under that. If you wouldn't mind doing me a favor, we're having a little trouble getting it through Supply Command's collective head that with Aegis rather high profile we should be a higher priority on receiving supplies on a timely basis and, frankly, more of them. Especially with the current situation down on Cardassia Prime. We're not exactly in the same strategically defensible position as say..Starbase 001. If you could use some of your influence to budge them, especially concerning defensive armaments and weapons such as photon and quantum torpedoes as well as more basic supplies it would be appreciated."

 

"You're expecting trouble then?"

 

Nick replies "More like I'm anticipating it. If the political group aligned with Free Cardassia wins the election it's a sure bet that they're going to turn their attention towards us afterwards. They will even if they don't win the election but the situation is going to be more..perilous for us if they do. While I hope for the best I intend to be ready for the worst."

 

The Admiral nods "I'll see what I can do, Nick. I'll get back to you when I have something for you. Anything else?"

 

Nick smiles "Thank you, sir. And no, nothing else. Give my best to Sharon and tell her I said congratulations. See if you can get her to send a picture or something of the kids."

 

The Admiral smiles "Will do. Watch yourself out there."

 

With that the Admiral closes the channel leaving Nick to muse over his thoughts