Updated – November 5, 1998
NEW BEGINNINGS
Chapter 2 - Part A
John Samarra found he could get no where with the admiral that had just decided to “pop in.” Samarra had been forced to sit quietly as the Rigellian vented for fifteen minutes on the need for building support and confidence in a proactive stance against the I.S.C., or put it succinctly, building support for war. Finishing his numerous points, the admiral gave Samarra an opening into the conversation.
Calmly leaning forward on his desk, Samarra tried to explain his position, “Admiral Flagilin, you have to understand my concern. I just can’t have you using my name in justifying a war movement, especially without my consent. I don’t particularly like to access FNS (Federation News Service) only to see myself being misquoted about my standing on the I.S.C. and validity of a war. Don’t get me wrong, I’m long passed opposing this, or quibbling. I agree that we’ve run out of options. Additionally, I like the fact we’re coordinating with most of the other majors powers on an overall strategy. I might have even gone to FNS myself, maybe, but you have to come to me.”
The admiral gave Samarra a fierce look. Leaning on Samarra’s desk, he stared at him saying, “Commander, things are moving quickly, quicker then most citizens know. You have a lot of support and influence with the pacifists and conciliators. Besides, how could I not assume we’d have your full support.”
“Take a few minutes next time to find out.” The Admiral was about to start in again when Samarra waved him off and interjected himself. “Listen, I just said what I did in that message to you to get you down here. When the FNS contacted me itself about the story, I did agree with you, mostly. I’m not going to pay you lip service, but I did lay out what I’ve seen and what I feel. You should like it, it’s the truth.”
Admiral Flagilin stood up to his full height and stood quietly. “Thank you, Commander.”
“We’re on the same side, but we’re not the same person. Please remember that, sir.”
The Admiral almost let a smile slip, before saying, “Just remember who’s the admiral, Commander.”
With that, the admiral quickly strode out of Samarra’s office, leaving him with some peace and quiet. He was beginning to understand why Katie was so tired of all of this.
God, he hated war. What can you expect when your father's a diplomat, and a proactive one at that? He didn't want to see anyone else die without due cause and, damn them, the I.S.C. had given them a reason. He remembered the General War very well; it still haunted his dreams. He didn't like telling the story anymore, but the Yuresh Fields, which started his move towards command, still blotched his thoughts. Seeing so many people that had become friends fall around his in one "seemingly" pointless moment was aggravating. How many people wouldn't see their friends again this time? How many men and women wouldn't be returning to their husbands, wives, and loved ones. He didn't want to say it, but he was happy Katie wasn't in the Prime Teams any longer, he couldn't imagine waiting to see if she survived this battle. He wished he could be assured this war could be the last one. He'd have to try to ensure that. If not for Katie and himself, if they ever did decide to have children, he wanted them safe from these horrible times.
Picking up one of many reports that needed his approval, Samarra attempted to loose himself in his work.
Getting halfway into the report, Samarra’s comm line came alive. Activating it, he found Harrison Fine staring back, with his serious, doctorly look.
Pleased to see him and hoping to further escape thoughts of war, Samarra said, “Harry, already bored? I just saw you two hours ago.”
Frowning slightly, Fine said, “John, listen, I think you should get over to Medical quickly. Katherine was just brought in, unconscious.”
Samarra stared blankly at the screen as his face slackened. He stayed eerily quiet and still. He felt numb inside and time seemed to stop for him.
“John! Come on. I’ll check on her and tell you what I can when you get here.”
Nodding, escaping the shock of his friend’s words, Samarra quickly rose saying, “I’ll be right there.”
*****
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