The Hornet had been in SB901's main docking bay for 8 days now undergoing resupply and a few modifications to the shields. Wallace was glad to be back to his own command; he sat in his ready room reading over Captain Sharpe's reports and was rather pleased with how his crew performed in his absence.
Then the door chime rang to his ready room. Wallace looked up from his computer screen and rubbed the sleet out and yield, "Enter."
Vice Admiral Marcus Devore walked in. Wallace knew him by reports he had read a few months ago but had never really met him. Richard stood up and gave a smile and stuck out his right hand. "Morning Admiral." Wallace said as Devore shook his hand looking at the decorations on Wallace's wall.
"Well we've only met each other through reports I figure before the big meeting later today that we meet in person." Admiral Devore said with a smile. Wallace gave a little bit of a frown he had not been informed of a meeting at all.
"What sir?"
"Oh don't worry it's a promotion for you." Devore said looking at the antiques on the wall.
"Sir I am happy back on my ship. I need not another promotion!" Wallace was getting kind of loud.
"Easy Richard take a seat. It's the whole thing with the Niprons and Mullurans. After your report you filed with me and I in turn handed it command. They believe the Mullurans are planning a major war effort. The Niprons may do the same.
"So Command and myself believe that it's in the best interest that you head the office of Deep Range Strategic Operations with the promotion to Rear Admiral. Your job will to watch all Mulluran and Niprons moves and Operations.
"We also are going to be postponing the Hornet's original mission." Devore walked over to the replicator and ordered a cup of coffee. All this was coming way too fast at Richard.
"So what will happen now sir?"
The Hornet will as other ships limit exploration near the DMZ and Nipron. The Hornet will be assigned to help patrol federation boarders and help with diplomatic situations in and outside the Federation. The only ship that will be charting this area will be the Marine Ship Iwo Jima. Admiral Ross is afraid that we may be the ones starting a War if we continue exploring the area that the Mullurans lost. The Iwo Jima is in appearance a science ship but underneath is a small escort ship.
"We don't need or want that right now. Allow them to start a war not us. You agree?"
Wallace shook his head and walked around to the sofa in the ready room and fell into the soft cushions. Now he had lost two commands that he was comfortable with. Richard looked up at his superior. "I will accept the posting. I do it though with a little frustration. Sir will you allow me to choose the Commanding officer of this ship?"
"Yes Admiral Wallace. That is your right and privilege."
Three hours later Wallace had assembled some his friends from both SB901 and the Hornet in the stations staff lounge for his promotion to Rear Admiral. In the room was Colonel Tarik, Captain Mallory, Lieutenant Commander Chee, Chief Murphy and his dear friend Commander Garek Loren. They were all at one end of the room and Wallace was at the other with Admiral Devore as he read the order aloud.
"To Commodore Richard Wallace for merit, efficiency and gallantry many time in the fields of both battle and aide to the Federation on countless occasions. You are hereby promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral for services rendered in over 21 years time to the United Federation of Planets. Signed Fleet Admiral William J. Ross." Devore handed the PADD to Wallace and replaced the single boxed gold pip with a double box gold pip. Wallace then shook his new boss' hand and gave a smile.
Colonel Tarik walked up and shook Wallace's hand and gave a big nod of approval. The reception lasted only 20 minutes or so. Wallace wanted to talk to Captain Sharpe before he left of the Sutherland bound for Earth in 40 minutes.
Richard walked through the hallways to Sharpe's temporary quarters and rang the door chime. [Come in.]
Wallace walked in and saw his old teacher packing his three bags. "Congratulations Admiral. Sharpe said seeing the new collar insignia.
"We're you headed?" Wallace asked seeing if Sharpe had been reassigned yet.
"I'm going to earth for now to await reassignment. I believe they may assign me to the Academy to teach command classes. I'll be able to finish my Star Fleet career there." Sharpe said Turing his neck making it easy to see that his fourth pip was missing.
"I thought you were a Captain Nate?"
"I was just for that mission. It was fun though while it lasted." Sharpe was kind of bitter sounding.
"Why aren't you Captain Nathaniel you have been in Star Fleet 24 years?" Wallace was very unsure of his own promotion now.
"Well my out spoken opinion of the Maquis and my not wanting to fire on that Raider during the Hallar mission has had some serious reparations on my career."
"That was a bad time for allot of officers. I can get you another Command." Wallace said walking up close to his old friend. Nathaniel looked up at Wallace and gave a unsure glare.
"The Hornet needs a Captain. At least a Captain with 24 years service. I only know one that is both a lover and a fighter. Is he up to it?" Wallace said scratching his chin.
"I am, Admiral just give me a ship."
"Very good meet me in my new office in the Morning. Say at 0930 hours."
"I'll be there at 0900 hours sir."