Templar Stations First Officer Arrives

Posted on Fri Feb 28th, 2025 @ 8:29am by Captain Olivia Smith "Liv" & Vice Admiral August Laird

1,254 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: The Arms of Amadeus
Location: Hanger Deck One, VIP Reception Terminal
Timeline: TBD

The staff officer Handed Admiral Laird a message. The First Officer would be approaching the Secure VIP landing pad very soon. The execs quarters were complete and ready for it's first occupant...

As the shuttle hatch hissed open, Captain Olivia Smith stepped onto the landing pad with quiet confidence. The breeze caught a few strands of her long blonde hair, and with a swift, practiced motion, she brushed them aside, tucking them neatly behind her ear. Her ice-blue eyes swept the area before settling on Admiral Laird.

Straightening her posture, she took a measured step forward and offered a crisp salute. "Captain Olivia Smith, reporting as ordered, Admiral," she announced, her voice steady and resolute.

August returned her salute, he walked towards the captain stretching out his hand.

"Captain Smith, so glad you have arrived. I hope your journey to us here at Templar Station was safe and swift."

It was an occasion for the Station and the Tenth Fleet. Laird was relived to have his Exec on station to assist with forming a solid organization as things were ramping up quickly. Yes things were looking up.


Captain Smith gave a slight nod, her ice-blue eyes steady as she took in the admiral’s warm welcome. She offered a faint smile, the years of experience reflected in her calm demeanor.

"The journey was smooth, Admiral. No delays, and the crew was efficient," she replied, her tone professional yet carrying an undertone of satisfaction. "I’m eager to get started and help ensure everything is running at full capacity here on Templar Station."

She straightened slightly, her posture unwavering. "I’m looking forward to working with you and the team as we solidify our operations. It’s clear things are moving fast, and I’m ready to do my part."

Her gaze met Laird’s, confident and focused. "Together, we’ll ensure the Tenth Fleet is fully prepared for whatever comes next."

"Yes we have a few issues rolling in. And your role here shall be busy indeed."

Admiral laird began a slow walk to the Command deck nearby. he planned to introduce Captain Smith to the staff on duty awaiting her arrival. There was much pent up excitement with the staff. laird was quite sure that Smith new her way around the station and maybe even some of the staff.

Concerns of his previous meeting with Admiral Drake, the Issue of getting intel assets out to the Payens System quickly...

August looked at the Captain. "I have a few people here that are dying to meet you." As they entered a large Deck area many officers stood at attention as they entered.

"Good, I just transferred from Task Force Guardian and was assigned to Ambassador Snow as her protection detail, Captain," Olivia said as they walked side by side through the corridor. "Quite the change of pace, but an exciting challenge." She glanced at the Admiral before continuing, "I also heard Admiral Townsend was appointed as the Tenth Fleet XO while still commanding the Halo and serving as the flag officer of Task Force Guardian. That's an impressive workload, especially for someone so young. He must have quite the reputation to juggle so many responsibilities."

"Definitely a change of pace for you. And your skill is very much appreciated Captain. And Admiral Townsend as the fleets new Deputy Commander shall provide many assets to the Tenth." August smiled.

"To have Task Force Guardian close by will give us a very strong foothold in the area. I look forward to meeting the Admiral very soon I would include you in that meeting also."

"Thanks, Admiral. I haven't had the chance to meet him yet, but just let me know the time and place, and I'll be there," Olivia said with a nod. Then, shifting gears, she asked, "Has there been any update on the latest intelligence reports?"

"A few trips into the Payens System have shown us some recent activity. We need to send a Company of Marines to keep other interests off a few of the Planets. The Armand System has several colonized Planets and some very out of control. The third system Araxsis. is definitely locked down by the Federation due to it's resources." He looked about.

"Here in this sector many unscrupulous agents of corporate influence are arriving here daily. They need to be identified and sent off discretely. I shall leave this matter up to you as your experience in security matters is very detailed and proven. Just keep me advised on your progress. I shall be getting those Marines online and settled with their marching orders. I do expect Admiral Townsend to reveal more intel from his Federation sources when he arrives."


"Understood. I will ensure our security teams discreetly monitor arrivals and identify any individuals operating under corporate influence. We’ll handle their removal efficiently and without unnecessary disruption. I will keep you updated on our progress as we proceed. If any of these agents prove more elusive or pose a larger threat, I’ll request additional resources as needed.

Regarding the Marines, I trust you’ll have them mission-ready in short order. In that regard, I plan to request an old friend, Major JB Dersch, to take a position within the Marine department of the station. He’s currently temporarily assigned to the USS Halo, but I believe his experience and leadership would be invaluable here. If approved, I will make the necessary arrangements.

I’ll await Admiral Townsend’s briefing for further intelligence and will adjust our approach accordingly once we have more details. In the meantime, I’ll get to work." Olivia replied.

August was pleased, it was very clear help had indeed arrived to the station and he would be able to brief Admiral Drake on progress in Payens system.

"Wonderful to have the assistance of Major Dersch of the Task Force at our disposal. A firm hand to be sure in time of discreet control. The system requires complete access denial by Federation council. A strange request from them and I suspect certain assets of the system are high on their priorities these days. However one can never be certain these days."

Grace stood calmly, reviewing the reports from the Payens system. She glanced up at August, noting the satisfaction in his expression.

“Indeed, August,” she replied, her voice steady. “Major Dersch’s expertise will be invaluable. Having someone with his background ensures we can navigate this sensitive situation effectively. The request for complete access denial from the Federation Council raises several eyebrows, though. There must be more at play here than we understand.”

She crossed her arms thoughtfully, considering the implications. “If there are assets in Payens that are of heightened interest to the council, we must tread carefully. Transparency is crucial, but we’re also dealing with an environment where discretion is paramount. Our priority is not only to safeguard our own operations but also to ensure the stability of the system.”

Olivia leaned forward slightly, her gaze serious. “I recommend we prepare a contingency plan should the situation evolve unexpectedly. Our aim should be to maintain control while gathering as much intelligence as possible. What do you think?”

"I think we move forward with all haste, let's get the good Major moving. As soon as he feel's the first landings need to occur I'm good with that. The Second planet in the systems seems the quickest and most adaptable to deal with. He has the entire Tenth Marines to work with."

 

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