Captain Wallace sat at his desk in his office looking at the view screen of his computer speaking with Fleet Admiral Ross. Ross seemed to be happy and was showing it, for Captain Wallace and Commander Mallory finally were able to negote a cease fire with the Mullruns only 2 days after the fall of Az'reel.
It seemed that the Mulluran Army and Fleet had overthrown their government which appeared to be based on ancient Rome. To them it was a disgrace to see their once-powerful Army and Fleet defeated in nearly every battle. And their government officials didn't seem to care anything about the troops' suffering.
[Well Captain, what can I say except job well done,] Ross said giving a smile.
"Yes sir, except it cost the lives of 14,321 Federation soldiers and officers. It was a costly war." Wallace said in his cold tone of disapproval.
[The Mullurans have agreed to cease hostile actions and have handed over two star systems which contain fifteen planets, many with resources we could use. I see it as a clear cut victory. Also, I have something for you. Since your station's design is outdated, I'm sending you a new station. Section by section, it'll take about four months to be sent there and completed.]
"Thank you sir, but why a new station?" Wallace wasn't sure about why he, an Academy dropout was getting new things.
[Well we can't have a Commodore on an outdated design. Oops that slipped out,] Ross said giving a chuckle.
Now that was a complete shock to Richard who sat at his desk staring at the view screen speechless.
[It's official as of two days ago. I'm transmitting the orders now.] Ross leaned forward and pressed a button.
"Thanks sir, but I ah..."
[Don't fool yourself, Richard. You're a great officer and leader. You earned this. Don't be ashamed to think less. You better get to the truce signing ceremony soon. And change your uniform -- you're no longer a Captain. I'll keep in touch. Ross out.] The screen went blank and Richard shook his head to see if he was dreaming.
Richard went over and replicated a new uniform and put it on. He stood at the view port looking at his reflection now wearing a uniform with gold braid. Somehow it didn't seem right. Then the door to his office slid open.
"Did you just read the official orders from Command? Oh, I guess you did, Commodore." Richard turned around to see his trusty XO Garek Loran, giving a smile.
"Don't say a word Commander." Richard knew Garek would say a smart remark, since the two had seen each other gain rank from the Virgo and now here.
"Commander Mallory and Field Marshal H'Pock are awaiting you in the Staff Lounge. The Mullurans haven't docked yet. They should arrive in 20 minutes sir.
Garek was in the standard duty uniform. No official ceremony was planned; the Mullurans made it clear they wished for no such actions. They believed they were not to be joyful or thankful, just there in body, for they had their own business to attend to and it wasn't with the Federation or G'Kar any more.
Commodore Wallace wasn't too thrilled with the cease fire agreement. The Mullurans had shortened their territory for what reason, it wasn't clear. Richard also knew that there would be a DMZ, and DMZs had been nothing but trouble in his time. He had wished that the Mulluran's surrendered unconditionally but Commander Mallory had not wanted to press the fact that they were beaten hopelessly. Feeling some sort of soldier's sympathy, Wallace was forced to agree with Commander Mallory on this occasion.
"Very well Commander, I'll be joining them now," Richard said with a smile and tucked his new tunic. He stepped outside of his office and headed out towards the hallway towards the Senior Staff Lounge. The hallway was flooded with reporters from diffrent powers: Cardassian, Bajoran, Federation and freelance reporters. The lights we're bright and Wallace had to shield his eyes. They were asking all sorts of questions.
At the door was the newly promoted Lieutenant Junior Grade K'Tag standing guard with his type two phaser on his left hip. "Lieutenant, clear these people out of here. The Mullurans won't like this," Wallace said as he walked into the lounge.
The Staff Lounge was arranged with just four chairs, two on each side. "Congragulations Commodore!" The G'Kar represntive said as he walked up and grabbed the Commodore and gave big embrassment. "Because of you we are free of the dirty Mullurans." The Marshel's words stuck a chord with Wallace, he had never really thought about it now. In fact it had never been put in retrospect.
Being modest, Wallace commented, "Well, I can't take all the credit."
"Sirs, I think we need to go over the cease fire agreement one more time," Commander Mallory said handing Wallace a Padd. He looked down at it. "I think we all know they have shrunk their empire and created a DMZ that nethier side can go in. If we do, that could lead to another war. I am sure the Marshel here knows that too!" Richard was getting a little uneasy and wanted to have this whole event done with. Then came the word over the comm channel.
[General Polar and Ambassdor Makip are on their way.]
Wallace tapped his comm badge. "Roger that. Commander, I believe we take our seats?" Wallace asked walking towards the seat facing the wall.
"Yes," Mallory responded in a tiredsome tone of voice. The wait took a few minutes. Then the door slid open. The First Mulluran wore a blue tunic similar to that of 17th century earth with several braids of gold and medals on the right breast side. The second Mulluran walked in with a similar uniform. Wallace, H'pock stood and motioned where to take a seat.
"Genetleman, if you'd please sign the document that Commander Mallory will place in front of you, all hostile operations on both sides will cease. And if you would talk with Commander Mallory she would like to arrange a diplomat from both sides to be stationed on our homeworld. So the next time the battle will be in the halls of diplomacy not on planets or space." Wallace paused to allow the representives to think it over. It was quiet. They then picked up the pen and signed their names and shook their heads.
"The war against the Mulluran Empire is at end," Ambassador Makip said with a fake grin. "Now if you'd excuse us we have a goverment to run and a people to take care of. " And like that they left.
H'Pock stood up and walked over to the computer screen and tapped a button. Wallace stood up and thought for a few minutes on the whole war. He realized he had help gain new territory and then it hit him what the cost was.
"Commodore, there will be a party later on at 1700 hours like you planned, right?" Mallory said putting the document in a folder.
"Yes, I want all senior staff to attend."
Wallace walked out and saw a few reporters and decided it was time to be nice. "I'll answer a few questions. One at a time."
"Commodore, You're the only person in the history of Starfleet to rise from Petty Officer to Flag level position. How do you feel about being a part of history?" The reporter was an older human male in his 50's. Wallace was quiet, and then decided to answer.
"Well, I wish I could have went down in history like Captain James T. Kirk. He scouted, and saved the planet Earth from destruction. That's how he wants to be remembered, and he died saving people on the Enterprise B. He saved lives and explored.
"I am not an explorer; I'm a soldier, and as General Douglas MacArthur said: 'Old Soldiers Never Die they just fade away.'
"Now if you'll excuse me, I have some work to attend to." Richard turned and walked back towards the Command Deck.