Whats Next

Posted on 2025, Mon Jul 14th, @ 12:17am by Vice Admiral Jack Reacher Jr & Commander Ardon Devasia

784 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 1A "Shadows of the Empire"
Location: Halo Breifing Room
Timeline: After post - The Briefing

As the room cleared, Townsend caught Ardon’s eye and motioned for him to stay. His tone was firm but measured as he said, “Ardon, it’s time we have a serious discussion about this commanding officer position.”

"Well, I have taken the command officers course, Admiral. Granted it is Starfleet but, I am not unqualified to command a starship at least in the Federation. I know I will have to be much more cruel, decisive and focused to command a Terran starship, Sir." Ardon replied.

Admiral Townsend leaned back slightly in the command chair, his expression unreadable as he processed Ardon's words. His gaze remained steady, a silent reminder of the weight carried by his role. When he spoke, his voice was firm, but there was an underlying note of understanding.

"Commander Ardon, you are correct," he began, his tone unwavering. "The Terran Empire requires a different breed of leadership. It is a far cry from the ideals of the Federation, and that will test your resolve. Cruelty and decisiveness are tools that must be wielded with care, for they can easily consume you. However, in this alternate universe, survival demands that we adapt."

He paused, leaning forward slightly. "Your training may have been Starfleet's, but your ability to command a ship and lead a crew goes beyond the uniform you wear. I trust you understand what you're up against, and I trust your capacity to handle it. The Terran Empire will test your strength in ways that Starfleet never could."

He gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. "But make no mistake, Ardon, while the methods may change, the essence of command—the ability to inspire loyalty, the will to protect your crew—remains the same. Just remember to keep a firm grip on your humanity, even in a universe that seeks to strip it away."

"Aye Sir, that is the delicate balance of command. Fortunately, we have a starfleet crew on this ship. That will help make the difference." Ardon replied.

"Sir, I still don't understand the nature of our mission. Did we get here by accident or is this some sort of covert mission?" Ardon asked.

"Engineering says we were sabtogated, So someone wanted us out of their way, But their plan didn't go to plan, since we are still alive and moving, But there had been reports of possibly S31 Sleeper cells activating" Townsend replied.

"Section 31 wanted us out of the way, so they threw us into a parallel dimension, thinking we would be instantly destroyed. So now we have to retend to be something we are not to survive in this domain all the while trying to figure out why we are here and how to get back home to save our universe from whatever plan those that sent us here were trying to initiate. That is not a lot to go on, Sir."

"I know, But its all we got right now, till we get back to our timeline, we gotta play our Part...Talk to you XO in Med Bay and make sure their up to the task"

"I have run into section 31 a few times in my career. If anyone possessed a device or method it would be section 31. Perhaps they have sent the powers here messages detailing our arrival. They do like to cover their tracks especially if as you say they wanted us out of the way. Also our counterparts in this dimension will have far greater fire power than we have.. ctual combat will be problematic, Sir. Ardon said.

"Only thing we can do now, is wait, and hope Engineering gets something" Chris replied.

I've checked my file here and I'm a bit of a Sadistic Monster. It is easier for a sane man to play a monster than a monster to play a sane man. What is your role here?

"Im a Flag Officer, no command on a ship, But just Flag Officer, But the Fleet Flag ship is the Halo, So We are good there, but only major problem is that We are to meet at Earth for their 250th Victory Day....And Im to be a honorable guest...." Chris told Ardon

Victory day, huh? We will get you where you need to be. In the mean time I will be studying hard. the bridge officers command course the executive officers command course and the Captains command course. Also mirror history.

"Agreed, anything else?" Chris asked.

I'm concerned about delivering your baby in this universe. Ardon said.

"Me too, But not the only thing we should be worried about" Chris replied.

"That, Admiral, is the understatement of the week. I better get going. I have a lot of homework to do..."

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