Update

Posted on 2025, Sun Aug 24th, @ 12:38am by Vice Admiral Jack Reacher Jr & Rear Admiral Selar Vance
Edited on on 2025, Sun Aug 24th, @ 2:33am

507 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: Hours after long-range comm with Fleet Admiral Lovell

Reacher activated the secure subspace channel, the holo-display flickering to life with the familiar image of Rear Admiral Vance aboard TF18. Vance’s posture was impeccable, his expression steady, but Reacher could detect the faint spark of curiosity — and perhaps wariness — at the sudden theater-wide change in command.

“Vance,” Reacher began, voice calm but authoritative, “Vice Admiral Reacher. Congratulations again on leading TF18. You’ve done an excellent job maintaining operational readiness.”

“Thank you, sir,” Vance replied, nodding once. “TF18 is fully operational. Crew morale and readiness remain high, and all systems are performing within expected parameters.”

Reacher leaned forward slightly, steepling his fingers. “Good. Here’s where things change: with the formation of the Beta Quadrant Operational Theater, TF17 and TF18 now report to me at the theater level. Your command of TF18 remains intact — day-to-day operations, crew management, tactical execution — that’s yours. My focus is strategic coordination across both task forces, allocation of resources, and ensuring seamless operational alignment.”

Vance’s brow furrowed slightly, not in disagreement but in careful consideration. “Understood, Vice Admiral. Chain of command is clear. I’ll ensure TF18 integrates smoothly with your theater directives.”

“I appreciate that,” Reacher said. His tone softened slightly, but the steel behind it remained. “I need full transparency. Any anomalies, intelligence updates, or operational challenges — I expect them immediately. We can’t afford gaps, miscommunication, or delays. The Beta Theater operates as one entity, not two separate forces.”

Vance nodded. “Agreed. I’ll maintain direct communications with your staff as needed and ensure my CO reports are synchronized with TF17’s operations.”

Reacher’s gaze swept over the tactical display in his quarters. “One more thing. Over the next 48 hours, I want a joint theater readiness review. TF17 and TF18 will run simulated maneuvers together — rapid deployment, coordinated tactical exercises, and emergency response protocols. I want to see how both forces function as a unified command before we make any theater-wide deployments. Once this mission is over with”

“Understood, sir. I’ll have my TF XO coordinate immediately with TF17 and begin preparations for the joint exercises,” Vance confirmed, his tone firm and professional.

Reacher gave a short nod. “Good. I trust your judgment, Vance. Keep me informed, and make sure your crews are aware of theater-wide protocols. The Beta Theater must be ready for anything — and I intend to make sure it is.”

“Understood, Vice Admiral. TF18 will be ready for coordinated operations,” Vance said.

Reacher ended the comm, letting the holo-screen fade to standby. He leaned back, letting out a long breath. The foundation was set: TF18 in capable hands, TF17 ready, and now it was his job to unify them under the Beta Quadrant Operational Theater.

The stars outside the viewport seemed endless, and for a moment, Reacher allowed himself to imagine the scale of what he now commanded. Two task forces, one theater, countless unknowns. It was daunting — but he felt ready. “Let’s get to work,” he muttered, already drafting plans for the joint readiness review and theater coordination.

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