"Pursuit" - Part 1 of 3

Posted on Mon Nov 4th, 2024 @ 6:11pm by Captain Samuel Woolheater & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor] & Kyle Cragen [Reece]
Edited on on Mon Nov 4th, 2024 @ 6:14pm

Mission: Back Home
Location: USS Hale - Enroute to Galaxy Station
Timeline: Today
2051 words - 4.1 OF Standard Post Measure

[ON:]

Previously:

REAR ADMIRAL MATTHEW POPKES CONFERENCE ROOM

Marine Commandant Hawkins continued, “We stood up for what was right. You don’t need to be a Marine to do that. We fought for moral reasons. We fought and sacrificed because of the rightness of the cause. We had a moral compass, guided by moral leadership. We passed laws because they were just, in the fullest sense of that word. We struck down unjust laws for moral reasons, we waged wars on poverty, not poor people. We banned ignorance…not books. We sacrificed, we cared about our neighbors. We said what we meant, and we meant what we said. Our word used to be our bond. Not a Marine’s rifle or a bat'leth. Not a Federation starship armed to the teeth. We put our treasure where our mouths were, and we never beat our chest. My god people…we built great big things, orbital platforms, spacedock one, this base, the Argus array….we made god-like technological advances, explored the universe, cured diseases, and we were a beacon to the galaxy’s greatest artists and the galaxy’s greatest opportunities. We reached for the stars, we had dreams and we dreamt big. We acted with honor. We were kind and we were humble. We aspired to intelligence, we didn’t belittle it, it didn’t make us feel inferior. We didn’t identify ourselves by who we voted for in our last election, and we didn’t, scare so easy.

We were able to be all these things, and to do all these things, because we were informed. By great men and women, people of Science and Culture, Diplomats who used their words instead of a phaser rifle, people with vision and who were revered. Anybody want to get back to those days? Help me find the Elysium and let’s do them right. The First step in solving any problem is recognizing there is one. The Federation is not the greatest organization in the galaxy anymore.

But it can be.”




=== THE PRESENT === USS HALE - ENROUTE TO GALAXY STATION - TWO HOURS AWAY

Captain Hammond paused the video feed. At his right hand was Emma Woolheater and they had just seen the video footage that was now all over the FNN news. He sat back in his chair and sighed, "Needless to say...those comments were not well received by Starfleet or the SFMC."

Emma looked puzzled but she knew why as well, "Why not? It sounds like good news to me."

"To have the Commandant of the Marine Corps basically saying that the UFP has lost its way? He accuses Starfleet of being the quadrant's muscle-bound and poorly informed...bully...and he suggests that the Federation is using Marines to be the neighborhood bullies. Those...comparisons,,,did not go unnoticed" Captain Hammond said. The hum of the Steamrunner-class warp drive was the only sound. Emma sat forward in her chair an took a breath. "My god...".

"Yup" Hammond said. "I would expect that we're going to get new orders by the end of the day. Maybe when we dock at Galaxy Station."

She looked at him, "What are we going to do?"

"No sense in idle speculation. Nothing has happened yet. I'm just saying that we should prepare ourselves. I can delay us a few days, maybe a week if the ship needs a good goings over. But a lot depends on what Garrett will do. On what he thinks. If he doesn't think Elysium can be found. Then I don't know how far we can get without his help" Hammond said. His voice carrying the disappointment.

"I refuse to believe that this is the end of the line. Why would the President send us out here unless there was more than hope that we had an ally here. Maybe Captain Lovejoy is just as determined as we are? This is not going to be a setback for us. I will not let that happen." Emma said.

Hammond leaned forward, "Mrs. Woolheater...all I'm saying is that you have come a long way. You and all the parents, families and friends. But, the fact is, Hale is a Marine starship yes, but she's still part of the Fleet. And we have to follow those orders wherever they take us. I just don't want you to be too disappointed if things don't...if they don't ...go as we all hope they will."

"Captain Hammond, in the months that I have been trying to get to this point I have learned a few things about people and problems. People have a surprising, inexhaustible capacity to help. I have met, privately, quietly with crew, Fleet and Marine who support us. And it is because of them that I can keep going. I believe that doing the right thing is what everybody wants. And all that is needed is the belief, the trust...the opportunity to give people a chance to act. We have allies - everywhere. Our job is to find them and let them help us. I believe that with all my heart" Emma said to him.

Hammond simply nodded. He wished he had the same level of faith in the system. "We'll be at Galaxy Station in under two-hours."

Emma nodded and got up from her chair and looked out the window as the stars streaked by at warp. Rising with her to his feet he watched her a moment. Gathered his PaDD and quietly left the room.


GALAXY STATION - INTERIOR DOCKING PORT 07

The Hale finished it's docking sequence and in an amazing ballet or skill and maneuvering, a hard seal was accomplished and the vessel docked with Galaxy Station. On the bridge, Hammond was taking care of business when the COMM officer alerted him, "Captain? Dockmaster reporting a security team is at the airlock and is requesting permission to come aboard."

Hammond raised his eyebrow and turned to answer, "Someone's anxious to see us. That didn't take long. Tell them that we're on our way and will meet them at the airlock."

The COMM relayed the information as Hammond rose from the center seat and said, "XO, I'm going aboard with our guest. You have the ship. Maybe start a level five diagnostic on the life support systems?"

The first officer looked at him and asked, "Level five sir? That could take a while."

"Mmmm...safety is job #1 mister" he answered as he boarded the lift and departed the bridge."


MAIN AIRLOCK - GANGWAY #2

Hammond stood there together with Emma Woolheater. She had a single packed bag which he noticed. She noticed he noticed and answered, "Just in case I never get to come back here. Thank you for your hospitality Captain. This is a fine ship and a fine crew. My son was lucky to have served with you and this ship."

"Tours of duty aboard the Hale tend to be short for good officers. Sam was here for some of our more...memorable...missions. Ready for this?"

"Ready" she answered.

The doors parted and they traversed the gangway and to the open doors at the other end where a group of security personnel awaited them.


GALAXY STATION

"I'm Captain Hammond, this is a civilian and I am her escort. Permission to come aboard? We would like to see your station Commander, Captain Lovejoy."

The lieutenant who met them nodded, "Captain Lovejoy as been notified of your arrival and is on his way here Captain and permission granted sir, ma'am. I'm Lieutenant Stone,"

"Thank you Lieutenant" Hammond said as the two stepped into Galaxy Station. Bob took a look at the Security detail and asked the lieutenant, "You boys come prepared huh?" Here he indicated to the sidearms.

The Stone grinned at him. "We were all boy scout's sir. So, we're always prepared. Captain Lovejoy stresses it."

A few moments later, Captain Lovejoy arrived. In his company, was a large man, wearing starfleet Intelligence grey, with no rank pips on his collar. Two additional guards accompanied the pair, though they seemed more focused on the man, then on the Captain.

As Garrett came to stop in front of Hammond and the woman beside him, he spoke first to Stone. "Good work Lieutenant Stone. " Then he addressed the pair standing before him. "Captain, ma'am. I'm Captain Garrett Lovejoy, welcome to Galaxy station." He turned slightly to the man beside him. "May I present my associate Kyle Cragen."

Hammond gave a polite and professional nod saying, "Gentlemen, this is Emma Woolheater and I dare say that she is the reason we are all here; I am merely the escort to bring her here." Bob was generous and kind as he moved to bring attention to Emma. She smiled and said, "Thank you Captain Hammond, Captain Lovejoy, Mister Cragen. Captain Hammond has been very accommodating and far too modest. But, the purpose of our visit comes with a message from the Federation President himself. I am here on behalf the many spouses, families and friends of loved ones lost or gone missing from the Elysium. I am one of those persons. My son is a Marine aboard that ship. Some believe that the Elysium is forever lost. Gone or destroyed. I and many others do not share that belief. We're here to ask for your help and support in finding her."

Garrett gave a friendly smile to Emma has she finished stating the reason for her visit. "Mrs. Woolheater, I know your son. You notice I use the present tense know. For I want you to know both Mr. Cragen, myself and others here, feel like you do. That the Elysium can be found and returned here. However, let us not stand her and discuss what we are doing. Let us convene to the conference room where we can discuss this some more or would you like to rest and freshen up?"

Emma was caught by surprise by Captain Garrett's answer. He was a handsome man in his forties, she hazarded a guess. He was in a crisp and clean uniform. He had an unmistakable presence of character about him. One of authority and care. His voice was commanding and soothing. But in particular what caught her off guard was that he agreed that Elysium was worth the pursuit. A shared belief that she was not destroyed; but even if she was, the effort to find out her fate. And secondly, he cared about Hammond and her well-being. It felt a awful lot like at last, she had found th man that could truly help them. "Forgive me Captain Lovejoy, I'm not accustomed to being taken seriously by someone of your office and rank or station. I am very and pleasantly surprised. But very pleased and grateful. We have a lot to discuss and I have a lot to tell you about the mood of families and friends. I would like to refresh some. The Hale has everything one could ever need...if you're a Marine or a seasoned Starfleet member. We 'civvies'...are a bit more...choosy?" She smiled at him delightfully so and followed his lead. Hammond nodded and followed.

Garrett smiled at Emma it was full of understanding and hope. "No apology is necessary Mrs. Woolheater. I am sure you have had your share of polite smiles, nodded heads and empty words." He replied thinking of his own hell. being told Sam was gone, lost in the mirror universe. it had gone on for four long years, but he never gave up hope. Until the day came and she was returned to him by Phoenix Lalor and the crew of the Elysium. "I think I can safely say that you will that we here are full of cautious hope and that the Elysium and her crew will be found. I owe it to them to do everything in my power and ability to find them. But first, VIP quarters have been arranged for you and Captain Hammond so you may refresh, shower if you need do and even sleep. We'll even arrange for a proper dinner." He grinned as he said is last, "If you will both follow me."


=== Continued in Part 2 ===