Promotion And New Bigger Area Of Operation

Posted on 2025, Sun Aug 24th, @ 12:37am by Fleet Admiral Pat Lovell & Vice Admiral Jack Reacher Jr
Edited on on 2025, Sun Aug 24th, @ 2:32am

608 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Episode 2 "Demons of the Past, Friends of the Future" - USS Halo
Location: USS Halo - Deck 03 – Senior Officer Quarters - Admiral Reacher's Quarters
Timeline: 2 Days Into Trip To Romulan Dig Site

The low hum of the USS Halo’s warp engines filled Reacher’s quarters, a constant reminder of the vastness of space outside. The viewport stretched across half the wall, revealing stars streaking slowly past as the ship maintained its steady course toward the Romulan dig site. On the desk, mission reports, sensor logs, and crew updates were scattered across holo-panels, some still flickering with incoming data.

Reacher ran a hand across his face, rubbing at the fatigue that had accumulated over long hours of planning and tactical reviews. His mind was deep in the logistics of the Romulan mission — mapping potential excavation zones, coordinating science teams, and ensuring security protocols were airtight — when a soft chime alerted him to an incoming long-range comm.

He tapped the console. “Open channel,” he said, his voice low but firm.

The holo-screen shimmered to life, displaying Fleet Admiral Pat Lovell, framed against the familiar backdrop of Starfleet Headquarters on Earth. Even across subspace, Lovell’s presence carried authority, calm, and that unmistakable intensity that could silence an entire bridge crew.

“Jack,” Lovell began, his gaze locking onto Reacher’s through the screen. “I’ll be direct. Starfleet is formalizing the Beta Quadrant Operational Theater. Both Task Force 17 and the already-active Task Force 18 will operate under your overall command.”

Reacher straightened in his chair, absorbing the weight of the news. He had expected operational changes, but this was far more than anticipated. “TF18’s been active under Vance for some time,” he said slowly, a measured tone in his voice. “How does this affect his authority?”

Lovell’s expression remained steady. “Vance stays as CO of TF18. You’re not taking his command; you’re overseeing the theater. Strategic direction, coordination between the two task forces, allocation of resources — that all falls to you. And Jack,” he paused, letting the words land, “you’re being promoted. Vice Admiral, effective immediately.”

The title echoed in Reacher’s mind. Vice Admiral. Two task forces, a theater of operations — the weight pressed down like the gravity of a neutron star. He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair, feeling a mixture of pride, anticipation, and the inevitable tension of responsibility.

“Vice Admiral… overseeing the Beta Theater,” he murmured, more to himself than to Lovell. “It’s… significant. Immense responsibility.”

“Yes,” Lovell confirmed, the faintest smile softening his otherwise stern expression. “Starfleet trusts you to keep both forces aligned. The Titan Theater must operate as a cohesive unit. You’re the right officer for this mission, Jack — no one else.”

Reacher’s jaw set. His eyes drifted to the viewport, the stars outside suddenly sharper, as though challenging him to rise to the occasion. “Understood,” he said finally, voice firm and resolute. “TF17 and TF18 will operate seamlessly. Vance continues his command. I’ll coordinate theater-level operations — no gaps, no miscommunication. The Titan Theater stays secure.”

Lovell nodded, the image flickering slightly in the subspace link. “That’s what I wanted to hear. Congratulations, Vice Admiral. Starfleet is counting on you.”

The holo-screen went dark, leaving Reacher alone in the quiet hum of his quarters. He stood and walked to the viewport, letting his gaze drift across the starscape, feeling the magnitude of the task ahead. Two task forces. One theater. Endless unknowns. He inhaled slowly, grounding himself. The promotion was more than a title — it was responsibility, authority, and trust.

Reacher turned back to his desk, tapping on the comm console. The first step was clear: he needed to reach out to Vance and ensure both task forces were perfectly aligned for the Beta Theater. The real work was just beginning.

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