Closing Up The Shop

Posted on Thu Sep 10th, 2020 @ 7:06pm by Lieutenant JG Issac Drake

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: SF Intel HQ, Vault Seven
Timeline: current
1081 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Issac Drake stood from his desk stretching his back, long arms high above his head. He had been archiving files for several hours. Soon he and a small staff would be leaving this place. The research over the last seven years had been submitted for classification and he had to hide away the rest. His replacement had stopped by earlier and over lunch they discussed the future of some of the projects in detail. Drake was leaving the department in good hands.

Petty Officer Rachael Richards walked in with a hot coffee urn and several cups. It was customary for Drake to meet the team every day at 3pm to go over progress made during the shift. She poured a cup for Issac and herself. “Travis said he would be a few more minutes locking everything up and he would be here shortly.” She sat back on the couch crossed from Issac's desk. The team had been together many years and in private were very informal. Drake preferred it that way just for the sake of productivity.

The form of Ensign Travis Burke walked into the large office. He moved straight to the coffee... Drake knew he was still pretty nervous around him yet, but that would pass in time.

He took a short sip and winced as he swallowed the hot brew. “Done.” He looked at Issac confidently.

Drake nodded and smiled as he returned to his chair and sat. Rachael had and approving grin on her face. “Our estimates were off by a few days. I was sure it would take us a least a week to get that stuff put up.”

Issac ran his finger through his Grey hair. “Yes, it couldn't have been done without both of you putting in the extra time. But it's behind us now and on to bigger things. First off... you both need to get ready to depart. I'll handle the rest of the stuff here in the Cab, it's not much really and I can punch it out with some of the new staff as they arrive to take over.”

Travis sat down on the couch beside Rachael. “When will the new crew be here? Will they have any experience to get through the transition?”

“They should. From what I've seen they are highly qualified and ready to go. But of course they really have no clue what there walking into here at all.” Drake and his team chuckled over the understatement.

“I need both of you to take a week off and get some rest. Visit your families and get personal affairs in order. Catch up so to speak. We'll be on the move soon enough.”

“Rach, have you made arrangements to pick up the new codes for the ship?”

“Yes sir, I even went over to the fleet vaults and verified the package yesterday. Everything was in order and sealed. I did notice several other classified packs we're going to be delivering too.” She stood and poured another round of coffee.

Drake nodded his thanks to Rach as she filled his cup again. “I suspected quite a bit of it could be diplomatic intelligence, but one can never be sure. Good thing we have Travis here. A good pack mule is always helpful.” Drake smiled at the look on the Ensigns face. Travis Burke laughed but knew it was the truth.

“We are quite new to the Elysium. She's one of the best ships of the line out there right now and clearly the most advanced system that's currently online. We were selected as her Intel support because we developed many of her encryption systems and have done several upgrades for it over the last two years.” He knew it wouldn't be a huge stretch for the team at all. What would be different was the operational missions they now had to support.

“However our work here is complete and as you well know it's time to test these systems out. So get your access cards turned in and I'll see you in a week.” He rose up from his chair smiling at both his team members. As they were headed out the double oak doors Rachael stopped and held out her arms to Captain Neil Murphy who was on his way into the office. “Look who showed up to say goodbye.”

The Fleet Captain returned the hug and shook the Ensign's trembling hand. “You didn't think I would let you guys leave here without counting all the pens and pencils did you?” He spoke in a loud Irish accent as he entered Drakes office.

Issac stood and waved to Rach as she closed the doors. He stood at attention with a stern look on his face as Murphy waved for him to sit down. Drake leaned over and pulled out a bottle of Bourbon and two glasses from his top desk drawer placing them on the desk.

Murphy took the full glass offered and sat back heavily on the couch taking a long drink. “Well Ike, have you got this shop closed down and ready to move?”

“Yes sir, a few very small things to tie up but all the really important stuff is prepped and ready. I'll just be waiting for Commander Ellis and her team to arrive now and get them signed in.” Issac wasn't sure what the Bourbon would do to his stomach, but he would worry about that later.

“She was highly recommended and one of your more promising students I believe.” Murphy reached over and filled his glass again.

“Yes sir, she was a very good student. And she's going to do just fine here if she can develop some of the next generation sensors she's been working on. I hear she might make Captains list too.” Drake was very happy about that prospect.

“She very well could Ike. I hope so. But, I stopped by to thank you for your work in this division. And I'm damned pleased you get to take this system operational. The Elysium is a good ship with a great crew. In fact the perfect ship to test it on.” The Captain stood. “Oh, tomorrow night be at the house. Becky wants to cook you dinner before you leave out. Seven would be perfect. And don't bring a date either she has another friend she wants you to meet.”

Drake finished the last of his drink as Murphy waved behind his back as he walked out the doors...