Upon walking into Commodore Hunter's office, Hunter saw that Commander Wallace was not in uniform and felt kind of bad for bring this information to him on his day off. He pegged Wallace as a person that only took a few days of every three years and was a workaholic.
"Commander I am sorry to have to take your time off work away from you, but this is a matter of extreme urgency." Hunter said apologizing and informing him that it was important.
"The Sutherland has been attacked by two Pirate ships that are of unknown origin. They disabled their warp drive and impulse drive. They freed your Cardassain War Criminal. It seems they were ambushed just as they were getting ready to enter the Briar Patch. So Star Fleet is sending the nearest available Star Ship to search for those parties responsible. You and Lieutenant McGrady will be picked up in 40 minutes by the USS Benjamin Franklin. Your job is help them locate the pirates and if possible arrest them."
This was unusual because Richard was and thought he was only to deal with the Security issues planet side. Strange I am Chief of Security here.
"Sir might I ask a question?" Wallace asked, in an unsure voice.
"Speak freely Commander." Hunter replied.
"I'm Chief of Star Fleet Security for this Colony. This should be handled by the Strategic Operations Officer shouldn't it?"
"Well in a way your the officer in charge to keep law and order and also keep all the territory safe. Think of yourself as an old Earth frontier Marshal. Your the territorial law officer responsible for what you help acquire." Hunter thought that if he had put it this way that Commander Wallace would of understand better. Didn't he know his job before asking for this posting?
"I understand sir. I would like to take Cadet Tyran along. He could use all the first hand knowledge he can get. I would also like to know what sort of ship is the Franklin, sir?" Damn I guess that was why Ross was reluctant to hand me this assignment.
"It's a Nova class. She was on a stellar survey. Her Command crew isn't..." Hunter paused and then finished. "...not really an experienced combat crew. You think it be wise to take the Cadet out? Remember last time."
Wallace was quiet thinking about the mission at hand. Nova class ship. Sutherland was Nebula that has been totally disabled. Jeez. They do need a miracle and I am not that.
"Sir I am going to change. Lieutenant meet me in HQ transporter room. Excuse me sir I have to get ready."
Now was the time to put aside his feelings about Command and take the lead again, something he hoped he wouldn't have to do.
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