#17 Directives

Posted on Mon Jan 30th, 2023 @ 6:48pm by Commander Taavis

Mission: Mission 9 Deal with the Devil
Location: Number One's office
Timeline: current

ON:

Taavis had gathered the shift leaders for Security. Each shift, Alpha, Beta, Gamma required such. She had them in her XO's office, the door shut, to keep this private and between those involved. She could see OPS through the windows in her office, in case she got waved out instead of using the comm.

"We have failed as a department," was how she opened the conversation, all of them sitting around in the sofa/lounge area within her sanctum, meant for comfort when there were visitors. It was friendlier than sitting behind the desk while they stood. "Every time we get any kind of infiltration they get all the way through this facility. Civilians included." She had a mug of camomille tea in hand, the rest holding their own beverage. The looks of surprise on their faces said everything. This was not what they expected to hear.

"It is time we act like Security and get back to keeping this base secure for all. We now have a Commodore in command, the first step in flag officer. If we can't keep him safe and free from harm then we are not up to the task, obviously. That will be noticed by command. I'm sure no one here wants Thirman to come asking why such a disaster was allowed to happen." Taavis sipped her tea while they said no as a group.

Taavis went on. "My first inclination was to rant at you lot. Our failure as a department got me removed from position and accused of a bunch of vile crap I had nothing to do with. Neither did Sureth. Yet, we were looked at for it. All procedures, no matter how small and inane you may think they are, will be followed to the letter from this day forward. By the book, in other words. When ships dock there will be a three person team at the airlock, armed, and waiting with PADD and tricorder to scan all incoming guests for anything nefarious. This does not include emergency dockings, but the team will still be in place to assist and watch over things. Work on your perception and subtle observation skills. Learn the quirks of those around you, observe body language. And, most importantly, follow your gut. It took me years to master that one, being Vulcan and having gone through Vulcan disciplines and adhering to logic over feelings. If this is too much for you then I will accept a transfer to any department you may want to serve in, with no judgement placed upon you. Not all are meant for Security, whether they think they are or not." She looked around at the expectant faces. "Are we in accordance?"

All the shift leaders present gave nod of acknowledgement and acceptance to the new directives, not one of them wanting to quit. This was the path they had chosen and their Supervisor was correct, it was time to batten down and get things done right.

Ending the meeting on the work side of it, Taavis stood, with her people standing with her. "On a personal note we have been through a lot these past few weeks. We did well to respond how we could and I am proud of all of you for giving your best in those trying times. But, now, our best needs to be better. Security needs to be bigger, badder, bolder." Taavis went around her desk to her chair side, setting her tea mug down but not sitting, the panoramic view of the stars and the systems beyond the window making for a proper background for their Department Head and Number One. Her strength of character alone made it an awe inspiring image. "If you get attacked in any way then you are to respond in kind, to detain and arrest, not to kill. Terminating anyone should be our last course of action but, unfortunately, there will be times when that is what is needed. When those times arrive do not hesitate. Do not flinch. If the people on this station see weakness and a reticence to act with violence then they will capitalize on that and gain an advantage. WE have the advantage, not them."

The group agreed as one unit.

Taavis gave a crooked grin, which had some of her subordinates looking at her with mild surprise. Did she not just say she was a Vulcan, and went through the disciplines? Obviously, the Commander was of a different sort.

"I see the looks on some of your faces," said Taavis. "I am a follower of Jarok. He attempted to reconcile Surak's logic with the undeniable truth of emotional existence; followers of Jarok seek to embrace, understand, and thus tame our emotions rather than fighting to repress them. Also, for those who don't know, I am half Romulan. So, there is that, too. I am a combination that creates volatile logic." Feeling she had said enough to gain more of their trust, Taavis closed the meeting. "Thank you for attending the meeting, and you may carry on. Implement the directives immediately. Dismissed." The group all left her office together, talking amongst themselves as they dumped their glasses into the replicator refuse bin on the way out.

Taavis did not sit down, instead taking up her still steaming tea as she spun and crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes scanning the star studded scene beyond. Her thoughts were all over the place. As Number One she would need the ability to move about for those times when the USS Nova-A (2) was not available to do so. Perhaps her personal vessel hidden in the Chaltok system deep within the Romulan Star Empire was completed and ready for use. There were several Cabal couriers aboard base, acting as the regular residents and working menial jobs for cover, that she could send out to discover the ship's status. But, that was something that could wait. She was in no hurry, her patience now back to a Vulcan calm. In her heart Taavis felt that Mercury was one step closer to being secure. She doubted she would ever see a command of her own, especially after the accusations by the JAG department. Starfleet frowned on such things, even when proven innocent.

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