The future is nigh. Part five. Designated survivor.

Posted on Tue May 2nd, 2023 @ 1:54am by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Commander Sthilg & Lieutenant Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen [Taylor]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Earth
Timeline: The future
3428 words - 6.9 OF Standard Post Measure

Sthilg was bored. After all the effort he'd been through getting out his dress uniform, having it adjusted just right to fit around his belly, polishing his medals and cleaning his teeth to a bright sheen for the presidential inauguration.

Only at the last minute, he was pulled aside and told he was the designated survivor. Now here he was in a random apartment clearly not built for gorn eating a few chips as he watched the inauguration on the holo screen.

The hologram they had of him on the stage was a remarkable copy though he was wondering. Was he rally that fat?

Oslod Breilut had finished the swearing-in ceremony and was now going over his acceptance speech. Talking about how the federation star party wouldn't let the overwhelming trust the people had placed in them down.

Savar was with Alicia as they watched Breilut give his acceptance after being sworn in as Federation President. His speech was hopeful and uplifting, Full of great promise. Savar silently wondered how much would actually come to fruition and how much was just pap for the masses.

Alicia looked at Savar. “He makes big promises doesn’t he? Do you think he really means what he’s saying? I haven’t seen dad yet either.”

"I believe that he hopes we believe what he is saying Alicia. Make more effective to govern if the masses believe you." Savar answered as he continued to watch the screen. "There is your father, Alicia. In the back right on the stage."

“Ohh yeah! I see him now!” Alicia grinned.

Savar patted Alicia's hand. "He looks most impressive Alicia." He observed.

"All mothersss teeth I am getting fat." Sthilg said out loud as he saw his hologram on stage. As Oslod began the part about the return to the glory days of explanation the gorn paused at a sound outside of his apartment. One of the planetary defence guns had emerged from it's bunker a thick layer of dust falling from the massive phaser cannon. " Odd." Sthilg said looking out to the balcony. Even his security detail seemed confused as they seemed to be talking with control.

Turning back to the holoscreen the gorn looked at his friend finishing his speech. As it reached it's climax the holoscreen began to flicker before with a pop vanished. Sthilg stood up preparing to try changing the channel just as the building shook. As his snack bowl feel off the table the gorn's eyes darted to the window.

Across the darkened skyline a fire burned on the horizon turning the night into a blood red dawn. The defence gun fire the sound defining the gorn with it's roar as it fired at something. His ears still ringing he barley noticed the security detail burst into the room yelling at him. As the sound began flooding back into his ears he finally hired them. " Sir we have to get you out of here."

As if awakening from a dream the sudden onrush of emotion hit the old lizard like a tidal wave. Something terrible had just happened.

Watching at home Alicia screamed out loud as the whole drama unfolded live, she practically fell off the sofa trying to get to her feet. Not that she could do much from where she and Savar were. If she could have run out of the door to try to get there she would have, instead she simply lay sobbing her heart out at the thought she’d lost her father.

Savar was at her side in an instant and gently lifted back onto the couch. He said nothing as he simply held her in his arms and let her cry.

Sthilg on the other hand was being bundled into a shuttle by a very frantic and scared security team. No one was telling him anything, but he could tell emergency order omega was in effect. Someone had tried to decapitate the federation leadership most likely as an impending invasion. Considering they were using the shuttle the transporter network was either down or had been attacked as well.

" Sir." One of the team yelled as the shuttle took off from the landing pad. Around them, shuttles and emergency vehicles were racing towards the amphitheatre. Looking at the obviously terrified federation security member Sthilg knew what to do as he saw the computer in the terrified man's hand. Reaching into his shirt he pulled out the small red card that he'd been given and snapped it in two. Imputing the code and his security clearance code with the push of a button all the power of the president of the federation had been transferred to him. Looking up at the scared human he gave him the warmest most ressuring smile he could. " It'sss okay sssson I've done the drillsss."

The man nodded a small sense of relief on his face as he returned to his seat. Sthilg turned and spoke to the pilot. " Where are we going."

" Emergency attack bunker in the Himalayas." The female pilot yelled back.

"My fam." he began before she cut him off. " Being evacuated now sir. Except your youngest commandant, Xalanth has mobilised the academy's forces."

Great another thing for him to worry about as he leaned back in his chair running his hands along his head as he tried to think this all through.

At that precise moment Alicia and Savar were in the mist of their own emergency. Having watched the attack on the vid screen both were trying to comprehend what they had seen when the door to their home burst open and a squad of heavily armed Federation security forces stormed into the room. From the corner of his eyes Savar could see other security forces, spreading across the yard surrounding the house like ants in search of sugar. "Captain's Savar and Kelea-Salik, come with us now." The voice commanded. "Where are we going?"" Savar asked even as he placed Alicia in her wheelchair. "Emergency attack bunker in the Himalayas. We have a shuttle waiting." Was the clipped reply. "You'll be with the President." Savar nodded and began to push Alicia's wheelchair towards the waiting shuttle. He leaned forward and whispered to Alicia. "It will be alright Alicia. Your father is alive."

Moments later they were secured inside the shuttle and lifting off, heading to the emergency attack bunker and Sthilg, the new Federation President.

Alicia looked at Savar as she wiped away the tears. “Alive!? He’s really Alive!!?” The sheer relief at not having lost her adoptive father was written all over her face. She looked to those they were with “Our son and daughter? My mother and my sister? Are they all safe?”

"We're in the process of gathering them all now Captain." The security agent replied crisply.

Alicia nodded. “Thank you. Keep us appraised please.” She rubbed her hands nervously together, she still had the horrible image of Sthilg being lost in her head, it was taking time for her to come down from the shock of the thought that she’d lost him. “I thought we’d lost him Savar, I thought my father was gone!” She shook her head. “Who in the hell is doing this?”

"I do not have any answers at this time Alicia." Savar answered, "However I will get them and then we will know what and with whom we are dealing. One thing is clear, with this attack they meant to decimate the federation's ability to function and lead."

“Agreed, but with my father in charge now they’d better look out.” Alicia offered a calmer smile. “He will make a wonderful, and well liked president.”

"I agree with your sentiment Alicia. Your father will be a fine example of a president. He just needs the opportunity to show it." Savar answered.
He took her hand, "You are feeling better?"

Alicia nodded. “Somewhat better, but it's going to take some time to fully get over that sight.” She held onto Savar’s hand. “I’m glad you were with me Imzadi, I would be lost without your support and love.”

Savar squeezed Alicia's hand. "I will always be here for you Alicia and we will get through this together and with the strength of our family."

Alicia nodded. “I know we will Imzadi.”

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The door's to the command centre slowly trundled open as Sthilg step into it. So far he was somehow even more angry at the previous party than before. This bunker hadn't been updated since the dominion war and it showed with the security staff doing their best to get the outdated equipment up and working.

" Mr president." Said the woman who appeared to be in charge of this mess giving a salute as she did so. She was near middle age and Sthilg guessed a mix of native American and south American. " Report lieutenant...."

" Zola sir." She replied as she walked over to a hologlobe. Several red targets were lit up on it's surface. " So far we know almost nothing. Whoever they are just decloaked above several major locations on earth. The Archer amphitheatre, north and south teleporter matrix, seven of the planets lava towers, are key coms satellites, atlantias tidal generator command and the southern Africa police headquarters. " She said highlighting each attack sight.

" Do we have any contact with the ressst of the federation? " Was the next question from the gorns lips.

" Yes sir backup communications with mars is already up and running." was her reply. Sthilg smirked. The backup coms was the old jodrell bank radio telescope. " We have contact with luna,mars and the Jupiter moon alliance. Security forces and starfleet are on high alert. Disaster relief is on the way as well."

" Good good. " Sthilg replied giving the woman a present look and a reassuring hand on her shoulder. " Your doing great." he said reassuringly as the doors opened again.

Having arrived five, or so minutes ago, Alicia and Savar came through the doors. Motioning to Savar to stop Alicia pushes herself up out of her wheelchair and took several tentative steps to her father, throwing her arms around him she hugged him tightly. “I thought I’d lost you!!” She held on almost as though she expected him to be gone if she let go.

The gorn returned the hug trying not to let the nightmare he'd been thrust into overwhelm him. Wrapping his arms around his daughter he gave her a warm hug. " I'll always be with you little one."

Walking through the doors with her daughter and grandchildren Deanna paused at the sight before her. She didn’t want to interrupt the moment, instead she gave Savar a warm hug and kiss on the cheek.

Connor and N’vea walked over to their father, taking it in turns to give Savar a hug.

Savar returned Deanna's hug and kiss before turning to Connor and N'vea. "I am greatly relieved to see all of you. I confess to being worried about your well-being." He answered as he hugged them both in turn.

" Where'sss Acuzin?" Sthilg asked not seeing her. A cough from Zola made him look around. A holoimage was on the screen. Among a pile of the ruble was hundreds of what was clearly Starfleet cadets the armour making that obvious as they began to dig through the rubble. One of the said cadets was yelling at the source of the camera letting out a mix of betazoid and gorn swear words telling it as she put it " the muckracker " to clear off.

" That'sss my girl." He said softly. Looking over to his wife he walked over and gave her a big firm hug. " I'm sssorry if I ssscared you imzadi." He said softly as he held her tight.

Deanna held onto her husband tightly. “It’s alright Imzadi, I’m just relieved that you are alright, our bond told me you were alive I’d have felt it if you weren’t.” She looked at the image of Acuzin. “She takes after you that’s for sure. Are you sure she’s safe to be out there?”

" Asss sssafe asss anyone can be. " Sthilg replied honestly

" Sir we have coms back online we have Admiral Phoenix on the secure channel." came the voice of one of the security staff.

" Put her through." Sthilg replied calmly.

Alicia looked towards the screen waiting to see Phoenix appear on it. She was eager to know exactly what was happening in response to this attack.

Savar cast an eye toward the screen, waiting for the Admiral to appear. "Do we know where Admiral Lalor is?" He questioned.

" Lasssst possstion wasss her ssship was in high orbit. Sssavar can you give me a hand with a ssspeech. I have no idea how i'm going to explain all this to the people." The gorn said looking over at his son in law.

"Certainly Father. I would be honored to help you construct a speech. Do you have an idea of what you wish to tell the people?"

" Oh let'sss try and keep it sssimple. The goverment ssstill exsssissstsss and we will find out who did thissss and make them pay." The lizard said giving his son-in-law a meaty wack around the shoulder. On looked like normal fatherly behaviour though anyone who knew them deeply would know Sthilg would never do it. The lizard hoped no one but his Vulcan son-in-law would notice the small sliver of paper he'd stuck into the vulcans collar fold.

Savar nodded. "A logical approach. Direct and firm. If you'll excuse me father. I will begin creating a draft for you to look over." Savar answered as his father-in-law gave him a solid slap on the shoulders. The blow hardly affected Savar what did draw his attention was the behavior of Sthilg. He would never do that. Something was amiss. A discreet scanning of the area showed nothing out of the ordinary except for the heightened security.

Alicia frowned that wasn’t usual behaviour for her father, there was something more going on. She waited until Savar was out of the room, to avoid alarming him before faking a tumble from her chair. It was one way to get one on one attention from her father.

Sthilg was at her side in seconds. " Easy my girl. You're going to hurt your collarbone again." Hoping she would get what he'd meant as he glanced to the door Savar has just gone through as he gently patted where he'd hidden the paper in Savar collar fold.

Alicia nodded as she looked into her father's eyes, letting him know that she’d gotten his point. “It was clumsy of me, I’m sorry. You don’t need me making things more complicated right now.” She smiled as she moved back into her chair with Sthilg’s help. “I’ll go and see if I can help Savar.”

Entering the study, Savar closed the door, to give him some privacy to work on a draft for Sthilg's speech. He was thinking of his fathers-in-law slap when he passed a mirror and saw a sliver of paper protruding from underneath his collar. Reaching up he discovered it was a note, scribbled but a note from his father-in-law telling to be alert, something was not right with the current situation.

Alicia wheeled herself through the doors of the study, closing the door behind her as she went. “Computer...level 1 privacy screen on this room, now!” Shecwaited for it to activate before speaking. “Savar...” she smiled as she found him. Did you...” she noticed the paper in his hand. “You found it, father tried to tell me there was something he needed you to find.”

Savar walked over to her. "Yes Alicia, I found this." He said handing her the note so she could read it for herself. "Something is not right and it has your father concerned. We must ascertain what it is." He stated.

Alicia nodded. “Agreed. I’ve had that feeling ever since my accident, the feeling that it wasn’t an accident, not that it could ever be proved otherwise. Something or someone is up to something Imzadi, I’m worried about our family, about my parents!”

Savar nodded, It does seem unusual to have so many 'accidents' or odd occurrences surrounding the family. As if someone or someone's wishes to do us harm. We must find out who they are and why they wish to do harm."

Alicia nodded. “Father obviously doesn’t trust everyone here, we have to warn Connor and N’vea. If anything happened to them...”

"Agreed Alicia. A message must be sent to our children but one that doesn't appear to be a message for them to be alert for wolves in lambs clothing."

The door slid open as Sthilg stepped inside. Giving the two of the m a hug he whispered rather quietly. " You've checked for bugs?"

Alicia looked at her father. “There’s a level 1 privacy screen on the whole room, no bug gets past that... does it?”

"We should be able to converse safely Alicia." Savar answered before he turned to Sthilg, "What has you alarmed sir?"

" This whole..... thing." Sthilg said as he tried to think through everything had happened. " You two sssomething is very wrong here. The defence gun that destroyed the ssship that attacked the arena. It had come online before the attack ssstarted. " he said very softly so as not to be overheard.

“So they were ready to open fire before the attack even happened!?” Alicia gave her father a very worried look. “That means it was all planned ahead of time, that there are people in on this at the highest levels!”

"It means we have traitors in the highest level of government Alicia." Savar replied pointedly and we can trust no one but our family."

" The federation and the Ssstar party have no end of ememies, but to try and decapitate the federation government......" Sthilg pondered. The star party rise had put a lot of old political dynasties either out of politics or on the back benches most likely for good. Add in that half of the previous administration was either under investigation or in prison for corruption. Then there were the various old enemies, but this didn't have the feeling of a Romulan or Klingon operation. Tholian perhaps?”

“Tholians? Why would they be interested in interfering with the Federation now?” Alicia looked at her father curiously. “This couldn’t be the Dominion trying to make a come back could it?”

" Perhapssse, but would they risssk war whilssst their sssuffering more rebbelionsss?" the gorn said shaking his head. None of this made sence " Sssavr when you get a chance to go home check everything twice including in the sssurrounding woodsss and I do mean everything even place we wouldn't think of checking. I'll get in contact with comondant Xalanth sssee if he and his cadetsss have found anything at the attack sssitesss."

Savar nodded, "When I get the chance. It will make more sense if Alicia is with me As I'm sure if this is some type of coup they would know, I never leave Alicia's side."

The gorn nooded as he gave them a reassuring hug. " If anything happensss to me you two are to get our family out of thissss you promissse me?" he said the certainty in his voice being unmistakable.

“I promise” Alicia nodded. “But I’m not letting anything happen to you, not now, not ever!”

" I know little one. I know." He replied softly looking at her with the love only a father could mange. " Now onto the other tasssk at hand. I have a ssspeech to write." he said looking at the papers on the desk.

Alicia nodded. “Then we’ll help you, from now on I’d like to take on a role as a part of your staff. I won’t be able to command a starship like this..” She motioned to her wheelchair. “At least I can be useful this way.”

"We will both help." Savar added, "In whatever capacity and role you need us." He said replied without hesitation.

Alicia smiled as she looked at Savar, before looking towards her father. “Let’s get started on that speech of yours.”

Sthilg nodded as he dipped the ball point pen in the ink and had a think. This would be a speech that would be remembered long after his bones had turned to dust.

{OFF}

ooc: Star party. Strength, trust and rebuild