[Captain, a new security officer is here to report for duty.] The ensign said on the com channel.
"Very well." Wallace said putting down a PADD, that contained a report about the status of the ships defensive systems.
The doors, slide open, and middle aged Chief, walked in that Wallace hadn't seen in 9 years. It was an old friend from his Delta Force days. "Anderson?" Wallace asked to make sure he was right.
"Yes, sir. Chief John Anderson reporting for duty." Anderson said handing over a PADD, containing his orders. Richard took the PADD, and motioned the Chief Petty Officer to take a seat. Richard read it and saw it was at Anderson's own request.
"Well, Chief, glad to have you on board. I need you to read the coming battle plan. And I want you as Acting Chief of Security." Wallace said making a few notes on his computer.
"I thought you had one? A Lieutenant Commander Nevar. I understand he is very good." Anderson gave a uneasy look.
Wallace, was uncomfortable, talking about his Security Chief. Richard, and Nevar didn't get along very well. They butted heads way too much, for Wallace's taste. "He's on extended Medical Leave. I feel he may not return," Wallace said getting a frown his face.
"Ok, Captain I'll get to work. And get back to you in the Morning sir."
"No, when you see the battle plan. I won't be here. I have to get going," Wallace said standing up, and shutting his computer off. Wallace's stop was the Star Lounge, he had reserved it for a few hours that night. He wanted to do something he had never known a Captain to do.
Star Lounge was filled with the members of Banshee Squadron, and the Marine Major Tarik, and Commander Garek Loran, and Vince Kelly. Also present was Amelia Dongahy and Kassia. Richard took a look around and gave a brief smile, he then walked over and picked up a glass of scotch. All the people in the room had one too, they had no idea what to expect. Wallace then walked to the rear where, a little bit of a rise was present in the floor. He motioned for every one to gather around
"Please, listen up. I take no pride in killing, or in fighting. We are under a very real threat, not only to us, but to the Federation. And what we do here is as important as the outcome of WW1 was to the start WW2. In three hours, all civilians will began the departure from the station, to New Canada. In 4 I leave with 32 fellow officers, to bring the fight to our door, and in 8 hours Major Tarik will leave for an assault he deems a suicide mission. But first, I want to explain something, for all of you. Nine years, ago I was part of the Elite Delta force. We were to capture a Breen ship for studying. On paper it looked like it could succeed. In truth the mission was failure, out of the 21 people in the team, me and two others survived. The mission failed, because the Commanding officer in the field, failed to act on a hunch, that the Breen had scanned the shuttle and found out we were human, Vulcan, and Bolian. That has bugged me for 9 years. So I know this time I will check every possibility, before I commit the lives of my crew. So here is to our mission," Wallace said holding his class up, and then he took a drink downing the scotch.
After the talk mostly everyone split up, and went off to do something. Wallace went over, and orderd another glass of scotch. He drank it and then drank another.
"No offence Rich, but in four hours your leaving," Garek said leaning over the Captain's shoulder, so to be descret.
"Your right, but I will be fine," Wallace said putting the glass down, and turned around. "Mister Loran, I'll be on my ship, the station is yours."
"Aye Aye sir." Garek said. As Wallace walked away, Garek grabbed him by the arm, forcing him to turn around. "Rich, don't get dead." Garek grinned.
Wallace had a bad feeling in his stomache, but couldn't understand why, he knew he'd see the station, but he had a sinking sensation, when he thought about his ship.