A First Step

Posted on 06/05/2020 @ 1:32pm by Captain Cian D'Anvers & Lieutenant JG Rafael de Vega
Edited on on 06/10/2020 @ 4:16pm

Mission: S1E3: Visit to Starbase 375
Location: Captain's Ready Room, Deck 1, USS Crazy Horse
Timeline: Day 2 at 0900

Rafael expeditiously paraded through the Luna class vessel. He acknowledged the diversity of species and facial expressions with an affirmative nod, moving at a steady and brisk pace, to give an impression that his purpose was immediate and of utmost priority. First impressions and timely arrivals were a family legacy, an accolade that reflected well on his service record. He was proud of this new position and eager to explore uncharted territory. The greater joy, however, was that he would be able to spend the nights with his family. Fame, fortune, and happiness were certainly worthy of aspiration, but none of them compared to the endearing countenances of his wife and daughter.

Rafael stepped onto the bridge, calculating the straightest path towards the ready room. Eyes intently focused on the most recent intelligence reports, secured freedom to achieve a precisely timed arrival five minutes before the hour. He tucked the padd into his left arm and pressed the door chime with the right.

"Enter," Cian said, the turbulent gray of his gaze running down the report on personnel changes, as his right hand reached for his tea cup. He preferred the stronger blends and always unadorned.

The pungent scent of mixed spices and black tea roused Rafael's senses. The redolent odor was familiar and grounding, releasing tensions associated with military decorum. Placing himself central to the Captain's field of vision, he stood tall, firm, and erect; remnants of the soldier's blood which flowed through his veins. "Lieutenant Rafael de Vega, reporting for duty Sir." A hint of Castilian Spanish influencing his words.

Cian stood as well, remembering as he did so the records he'd just been going through, and smiled. "As you were, Lieutenant," he said, an echo of his home world underlying the words, "Welcome aboard the Crazy Horse. Please, have a seat."

"Thank you, sir" Rafael acknowledged, taking note of the Captain's well organized collection of treasures. It was something to discuss at another time; he preferred to reveal only what was pertinent in the moment, until he better understood the person or situation at hand.

"I understand you're replacing Lieutenant Aurelius as our Chief Intelligence Officer," Cian said. "Why don't you tell me a bit about your background."

Rafael nodded in confirmation, "yes, unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet my predecessor in person." There were rumors, but there were always rumors about everyone and everything in the intelligence division. He often imagined what was said about him; positive or negative, whatever was said often made or destroyed careers. "My father introduced me to politics at an early age, traipsing through the galaxy with his ambassadorial entourage." He often prefaced the elevator speech with his early history as it showed a breadth of understanding and familiarity with a variety of species, even those not yet affiliated with the Federation.

"The attacks on Mars began my career; the first years spent processing and and analyzing information. I was then tapped for some for some 'hands-on' operations in the Orion Sector, monitoring the black markets operating in both Klingon and Romulan Space. After the birth of my daughter, I requested an assignment further from the action, managing civilian informants on Ferenginar, tracing latinum and threats against the Federation." Rafael paused, uncertain of the information the Captain was hoping to obtain. "Is there something specific you would like to know sir?"

Cian considered the question for a moment. The questions he would like to ask would not be answered in any meaningful way; he had enough experience with Intel officers to know that much. They hugged secrets to themselves in a way that reminded him of young girls and love letters.

"The area where we are headed borders Ferengi space," Cian said after a moment. "Its an unexplored region with certain navigational difficulties, so the notion is that you'll be focusing more on gathering than dispersing. Still, I'm expecting your experience to be useful to the ship and our mission."

"Gathering is my specialty Captain," Rafael added, leaning back in the the chair. He crossed his legs at the knee and coupled his fingers, resting them in his lap. "From what little information I have received, navigational difficulties may be a bit of an understatement. There are some assets in the local area which may provide some useful in our travels. I'll be sure to get credible information to you immediately."

"From my briefings," Cian said, sitting in a deceptively relaxed posture, hands resting on the arms of his chair. while his gaze sharpened in study of the man before him. There was a part of him, withheld from the conversation, that assessed the benefit versus risk of being straight forward and just as quickly decided to see what happened first. "The Athegon Rift is largely unexplored. Mapping has been limited to Skunil system but not much else and that only because the Federation has established a colony there. But then, unexplored areas do tend to draw attention," he mused.

Rafael nodded in affirmation. "We will be charting this region with very little information, but it is not my first time breaching into unknown territory blindfolded." Maintaining a casual facade, he refrained from skepticism and pessimism. He preferred to think the odds were always in his and Starfleet's favor, but more was riding on this mission than those of the past. His wife and daughter were also onboard. This added a significant element of risk.

"Nor mine," Cian said. "Did you have any questions for me before I release you to get settled?"

"Permission to speak freely, sir?" Rafael riposted. There was a matter of concern to discuss. A topic he had come to realize was part and parcel to his role and functionality, especially on a starship.

"Within reason, permission granted," Cian said and settled back to listen to what the man had to say.

"Over the year I have become keenly aware of the bias and stereotype through which many in Starfleet view my chosen profession." Rafael lowered his head, matching his vocal tone to a more somber reality he faced for the first time in his career. "In fact, I myself have indulged those perceptions on occasion." He looked back at the Captain, with a weighted chuckle. "But this assignment involves mi familia; the stakes are higher now. I want to assure you, there will be no games of mystery with the intelligence we receive."

"I applaud your willingness to deal with this directly, Lieutenant," Cian said quietly. He remained where he was, sitting back, hands draped over the edge of his chair, legs stretched out under the desk, booted feet crossed at the ankles. "Intelligence has often worked at cross-purposes with those who serve aboard ships though I see no need for that. I'm not interested in knowing everything that Intel knows. Never have been. As long as you use every resource available to you to get the information I need to do the job we've been set to do and you don't decide for yourself what I do and do not need to know with respect to that mission, we'll get along just fine."

Rafael nodded in agreement, "Thank you Captain, you'll get no arguments from me. Let's bring everyone home safe."

"Then welcome aboard the Crazy Horse. You are dismissed."

A Post by:

Commander Cian D'Anvers
Commanding Officer
USS Crazy Horse

and

Rafael de Vega
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Crazy Horse