Backpost - Job Roles

Posted on Mon Oct 4th, 2010 @ 3:35pm by Captain Alexander Gunning & Commander Dietrich Reinhart

Mission: Welcome to Archa IV
Location: Observation Deck
Timeline: Mission Day 00 - (Backpost)

::ON::

Dietrich stood and watched through the ten-inch thick transparent-titanium "glass" window as another warship passed through the massive doors of the Stardock. Thirteen large warships were berthed inside the beast at the moment, and one might think that this was the organization of a task force of some kind. A Sovereign, two Galaxy's, a Prometheus and an Ambassador. There was a plethora of Excelsior's, a few Norway's and one Jackal.

It certainly did not look like an exploration fleet. Not that it troubled Reinhart, but it was a sight to see. More so, it was an intriguing circumstance. Should they always expect ten to fifteen thousand transients to drop by the station on a weekly basis? It seemed reasonable, but something was up. Something well above his pay grade.

Ever since learning about the change in command, his new role and the responsibilities that came along with it, he had been standing in tranquility over-watching the station's operations. But that was not the only thing that had bothered him into seeking solitude. Ever since 0830 Earth Standard Time, Star Fleet had lost all communications with the Shiloh, his brother's carrier. Another ship with eight-hundred crew and a huge purpose was outside of the Federation territory and missing.

The red-shirted man hung his head low and rested his hand on the glass, closed his eyes and sighed.

Until a hand landed on his shoulder.

"You're looking a little preoccupied, Dietrich." Gunning said as he stepped beside his Executive Officer, releasing his grip on the man's shoulder as he did so. "Everything all right?"

"I am fine, Alex," he said without looking up, only recognizing the man for his voice. "I am just trying to cope with the changes."

"You'll get there," the older man replied, "this is a lot for us all to deal with but it's a challenge and there's nothing more life-enriching than a really massive, incomprehensible challenge."

"Alex," Dietrich said, interrupting the Captain's mini-speech.

"Yes?"

"The Shiloh went missing twenty-four hours ago." It was not an easy thing for the pilot to say, being a man whose nature is to hide his emotions and thoughts. With the transfer of the station's shrink and really no one else for Dietrich to confide in, his superior (and peer) became the only person of the 40,000+ person station whom he could confide. He leaned into the glass and held his forehead against the window, closing his eyes. "I don't want to lose another brother," he declared somberly, referring to his brother who died in the First Cardassian War.

"Your brother knows what he's doing, Dietrich. You'll see him again." He sighed as their eyes continued to pass over the gleam of the other ships. "You won't lose another brother. Not in peace time."

::OFF::

Captain Alexander Gunning
CO

Commander Dietrich Reinhart
XO/CAG