A comm channel awoke Wallace from his sleep. He opened his eyes to see he was on the station. He heard another chirp and sat up and ordered the lights on. "Lights 5%." He leaned over and pressed the control button on his night stand to open the comm channel. [Sir, we have Admiral Ross on Subspace.]
What in the world would he want at this time, Richard thought as he yawned and stood up and grabbed his bathrobe. "All right, route it to my computer in here." Wallace walked over to his desk and took a seat and turned the computer screen on. It was daytime on earth and the Bay Bridge was seen in the back ground.
[Sorry to wake you Rich.]
"No problem sir. I don't mind being awakened at 0245 hours."
[I have something that requires your skills. It's come up at the Federation Council. So you're being relieved of Command of Supply Base 901.] The news was shocking! Richard's heart sank with the news.
"Sir? I'm sorry. Kelly's death wasn't anyone's fault."
[This isn't about Kelly. Major Jackson's report and yours explained it all too clear. You're being reassigned like it or not. Your new assignment is here at Earth. You have four days to report to my office, Commodore.]
"Sir, who will take Command?"
[Kitara Mallory. She's more than qualified. You have your orders. Ross out.] The screen went blank as Wallace sat there in shock trying to grasp why he could have been transferred to Earth. Richard put his uniform on and went to his office to work on some final orders. Commodore Wallace read a report on the section of the new station. He also thought a lot about the current orders and requested that Commander Mallory join him at around 0935 hours.
"Commodore, you wanted to speak with me?" Wallace looked up and realized that it was that time. He saw Mallory standing in front of his desk.
"Oh yes. Take a seat. I am being relieved of command of the station. I've been reassigned to earth. You've been named to replace me. Here are the orders." Wallace handed a PADD to the new Station Commander.
"I feel happy for you Commodore, but also feel bad for you. I know you enjoy being here." Mallory knew how Wallace felt about his posting.
"Ah it's just an assignment. Meanwhile, congratulations Commander.
"I've requested a new starship for the station. If it doesn't come contact me personally. I am sure I can manage something." Wallace extended his right hand and the commander took it.
"When do you leave?"
"Tonight on the Sentinel, 2130 hours. I believe the sooner the better." Wallace stood up and walked over to the viewport.
"Sir, I believe we should have some sort of farewell party. After all you've done so much for the crew and the colonists."
"No! I will announce my departure. And that's it. No party. I wanna leave quietly. If you'll excuse me please, I need to inform the crew." Wallace walked over to the office door and stepped out, looked down at the Operations station. "Mister Razek. Open a station-wide comm channel."
"Attention Crew of Supply Base 901. As of today, I, Commodore Richard Wallace, have been relieved of Command and been sent to earth. I am leaving tonight at 2130 hours. Commander Mallory is the new Commanding Officer. I hope you show her the same respect you've shown me.
"I just want to say you're all in my thoughts and heart. You're the bravest crew I've served with. We faced danger and death together. Wallace out." Richard looked down at his officers and then turned to Mallory. "I have to finish packing."
Richard packed three bags and visited his daughter before leaving. He then headed to the airlock to the Sentinel. As he walked into the hallway both walls were lined with crew and officers. He kept walking towards the airlock. The Senior staff was near the airlock. "Commodore, I want to wish you luck sir," Razek said shaking Wallace's hand. "Zank you Dick." Deveraux said. Wallace walked up to entrance to the Sentinel, saw Garek and Tarik.
"It's been an honor, Sir," Tarik said bowing his head slightly. Richard looked at Garek and gave a smile. "You take care of her, Garek," Wallace said looking at his station one last time. Then Banshee began to chant, "Wallace, Wallace!!!" The other crew followed through. Richard smiled and gave nod and turned around and stepped aboard Sentinel. He heard the airlock close. Wallace didn't look back as the ship left Supply Base 901.
Was this the end of Wallace's field days?..................................................