Updated – December 16, 1998
BEHIND LINES
Chapter 2 - Part D
The Captain and First Officer rushed into the transporter room as the request to transport reached the Transporter Chief. Walking in, Samarra nodded to the Brecon chief, to acknowledge the request. Samarra and Dunnedy lined up by the controls and stood at attention.
Looking over at the Commander, Samarra asked, “Oh, I meant to ask you what you and the Major talked about this morning.”
Quickly looking at him, she confusedly asked, “What?”
Smiling, he said, “Well, you aren’t the only one with sources.”
Before she could respond, Major Lark strode in the room. As he got in line beside Dunnedy he explained, “The Admiral requested that I meet him here.”
The Captain and First Officer nodded to him.
Samarra whispered to Dunnedy, “Speaking of the…”
Dunnedy quickly shot an irritable glance to Samarra. His smile widened and he looked back the now activating transporter. He knew he probably wouldn’t have much to smile about in a few seconds.
The six transporter pads lit up as the process began. Quickly, six figures began to appear and form before them. Samarra didn’t know the four officers in the rear, but easily recognized Devaney, and his ever-present attaché in the front.
As the transporter process completed, the Admiral was first to step down from the pads. Standing tall, using his imposing height to his best advantage, Devaney surveyed the room like a returning lord.
Focusing on the trio, he quietly advanced and stood before them, inspecting them.
Deciding to fake cordialness, Samarra said, “Welcome aboard Admiral.”
Devaney took little attention of him or the remark.
Finally speaking, Devaney said, “Captain, Commander, Major, is everything on schedule?”
In unison, they said, “Yes sir.”
“Very good, I’d hate to face gross incompetence at this point.” Quickly stepping over to Major Lark, he paused before saying, “Major, I want your team assembled in your barracks. They are to stay there, until I arrive.”
Looking over at the Captain and First Officer for a second, he quickly looked back and accepted his orders.
“Good. I will want you and them secluded until this mission is finished. Now go, Major.”
Nodding to the admiral, he turned and quickly strode out of the transporter room.
Now looking at the ship’s commanders, the admiral smiled slightly. “This is an extremely important mission. The Arthurian Knights will need to be kept isolated. Along with them, I will need key areas secured for the remainder of this mission, the main engineering, sensor controls, tactical, security, and the bridge, among others. Is that understood?”
Samarra said, “Of course, Admiral.”
Now peering into the Captain’s eyes, he paused and savored the moment. “As for you Captain, I, unfortunately, am only temporarily removing you from command.”
Samarra looked mutely at the admiral for a moment. “What?”
“You’ve been deemed nonessential for this mission, so you will not be required. Consider it some free shore leave time.”
Turning to Commander Dunnedy, Devaney said, “Now Commander, I’ll need your help bringing in my support staff. Let’s use a conference room and discuss what we will be requiring before we set out.”
“Of course admiral, we’ll use Conference Room Four.”
“Superb.” Looking at the five men, still waiting on the pad, he ushered them down and out into the hall.
As they exited, Dunnedy looked at Samarra. “Sorry, but I warned you.”
Trying to be whimsical, he replied, “You just love being right.”
Trying to be serious, and quick, she said, “I’ll see what I can do.”
As she quickly slipped out of the room, Samarra tried to keep her out of trouble, saying, “Don’t worry, Commander. Just take care of the crew for me.”
The transporter chief followed her out, leaving Captain Samarra alone. Taking steps to the door, he shook his head. This was definitely not going to be a casual mission. At least he knew Devaney’s plan, keep him in the dark and proceed.
Great, just great. I hope Katherine’s going to be okay..
*****
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