The Hammerhead Air Strip about half a kilometer outside New Canada was rather well-established. The tents were gone and buildings now stood where the tents were. The Air strip was about half complete. The asphalt runway would have to wait till spring to be completed. The hanger bay was complete as were a few office buildings to the side. The hanger housed all six Hammerhead fighters. It contained state of the art engineering equipment.
To the rear of the airfield was a cemetery that Commodore Wallace decided to use to bury those who died in the Jem'Hadar, Son'a and Mulluran Conflict. It wasn't very crowded but had nearly 1,900 granite and marble headstones. It was well-kept. Colonel Tarik had placed a detachment of three Honor Guards.
The weather was rather cold. No snow had fallen as of yet, making things worse than if it had snowed. Everything on the ground was frozen and trees were to hard to cut for fire fuel.
Major Boyle was in his office going over a few reports when Captain Bicardi walked in as he pressed the door chime at the same time. Boyle looked up and was not at all shocked by the Captain's behavior. "So, what can I do you for, Captain?" Boyle said throwing his PADD on the desk then stretching his arms out and giving a yawn.
"Sir, why are we not all going on patrols at once?" Bicardi had just finished reading the duty roster.
"Well, you've been flying patrols for the last three days. I need a little flight time myself. Also Captain Mallory thinks it be best if we don't all fly at once. In case something happens." Boyle handed the PADD containing the Station Captain's orders. "I recommended it Captain. You have a problem with my recommendations?" Boyle said with a gruff tone.
"No sir." Bicardi put the PADD on the desk and left grumbling something as he walked out the door.
"You're dismissed, Captain." Boyle said as Bicardi was almost outside.
Tom couldn't get the thought out of his head that he had been passed over for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. He believed his service in the latest conflict was promotion-worthy. Fourteen downed enemy vessels. Tom knew trying to figure out the bureaucracy of Starfleet was a full-time job.
[Major, Captain Mallory is here and wishes to see you,] the comm channel opened up with Corporal McAdams, the 58th's Company Clerk.
"Show the Captain in, Mick," Boyle said, standing up, getting ready for the Captain's entrance.
The Captain walked in with a look of confidence and enjoyment at her new position.
"Captain, welcome to Boyington Air Station," Boyle said as he shook the Captain's hand.
"Thank you Major. How are you doing?"
Boyle motion for the Captain to take a seat. "I'm good. Just having a little bit of trouble with the squadron, about the idea of flying limited patrols," Boyle said, taking his seat.
"Oh. I am sorry to hear that the idea isn't going over too well."
"No need at all. After all, we have hopefully taken care of the bad guys around here," Boyle said, leaning back in his chair and giving a smile.
"I was wanting to know if you'd move your team onto the new station since the Banshee Squadron has been assigned to the Hornet."
"No, I think it would be best if the 58th stayed here. After all, the Colonist have grown attached to the Marines here. And Boyington Air Field will be 100% come springtime." Boyle didn't want to give up his own piece of the galaxy, though he was sure his men wouldn't mind being nice and warm on a station.
"How much do you have done now?"
"We have the air strip half-way down. The hanger and two offices are complete. The enlisted quarters and the officers' are finished. We need to build a brig and Quartermaster office." Boyle handed a PADD over to Mallory showing the work and what needed completion. "You want me to show you around?" Boyle said with a smile on his face. This airfield he was extremely proud of.
"Actually, Major, I came to bring you the latest directive from Starfleet Command," Mallory said, handing Boyle a PADD.
Boyle took the PADD and read it. "Effective immediately all planet-based squadrons will be reattached to space-based facilities until further notice. This is to ensure operational capability in case of inclement weather and to minimize the possibility of sabotage or terrorist attack-- What is this crap????"
"Command believes that the Mullurans may have planted spies or saboteurs in the refugee ranks. Until this airfield is fully operational they're not taking any risks."
"Damn!" Boyle spat. "Just when we got everything here set up! That's just terrific! Mac, get in here!"
The squadron clerk returned. "Yes, sir?"
"Get all the pilots and maintenance chiefs in here ASAP. Also, get in touch with the station and see about rounding up some runabouts fitted for cargo stowage. We're going to have to bug out!"
"Aye, sir," McAdams left the office, afraid to let Boyle see the relief on his face that he wouldn't have to winter on the planet.
Boyle checked his terminal. "Just as well. Weather reports indicate a blizzard in three days. The blizzards here last for a while, too."