Down To Business
Posted on 2025, Sat Sep 20th, @ 12:19am by Vice Admiral Jack Reacher Jr & Commander Jack Riley Jr
Edited on on 2025, Sat Sep 20th, @ 12:19am
640 words; about a 3 minute read
Mission:
Episode 2 "Demons of the Past, Friends of the Future" - USS Halo
Location: Star Base 113
Timeline: Present
Reacher had just left the Academy Corridors after chatting with Ward when his PADD dinged, saying The Deputy Chief of Staff, Planning, had arrived on the USS Armondo, a Streamrunner-class making a supply run and delivery.
"Good, Time to get to work." The Reacher then walked off to the docking bay.
Reacher was standing in the middle of the exit way from the currently docked Armondo, looking for the Commander. He had looked at his record and picture to try to catch him before he ran off somewhere.
Riley was in his late 40s and was somewhat of a career redshirt 'generalist' as far as anyone who didn't have a Theta 4 or better security clearance knew. In reality, though, he was a seasoned special ops officer with a knack for intel black ops and mission planning. This is why Hawks had recommended him to Reacher. He could appear like a run-of-the-mill staffer or a badass mofo that you didn't want to mess with, depending on what the situation required. He had been moved onto the 8th Fleet's planning staff about 6 years prior, and had been in 'staff roles' ever since. He knew he was getting too old to stay at the tip of the spear and had settled into the work over his time serving on the CnC's staff.
"Didn't expect to have a 3 pip Theatre commander meet me at the airlock, sir. Commander Riley, your new Planning wizard, reporting for duty, sir." Riley snapped to attention as he said the last sentence.
"Well, with what do we have to get rolling in the next few days? Trying to get a head start, so The File said Deputy Chief of Staff, but also had Planning highlighted next to it, so that's like scheduling or just plain your ship here and my ship there kinda thing?" The Reacher asked as they walked down the docking ramp towards the main hall that each drydock had.
Riley chuckled lightly as he realized this was Reacher's first bog command. "Well, sir. It's more like everything that happens has to have a plan; usually, others send their plans up the chain of command for your approval. I'm the last stop for those plans before they get laid on your desk. I iron out all the wrinkles, so to speak, and make sure all the plans fit together. Also, any task done will likely require, in that case, my little staff and I will prepare those plans and present them to you for approval and implementation, sir."
"Well, at least I know Nothing will be screwed when it comes to my desk. I have a meeting with the Prime Minister of Zytchin and also with the Zytchin Star Fleet Liaison, Commander Veyra, later today., Is it possible you can be in attendance for that?" Reacher asked.
"It'd be my pleasure, sir. Where and when?" The grizzled old vet said. He was actually roughly the same age as Jack, but the stress lines on his face and nearly full head of short, white hair gave him a look older than his new boss.
"In about an hour and a half, I believe, Veyra is currently picking up the Halo's New Medical Officer from Deta drydock right now. Meeting Room Alpha Beta 7, bring the latest trade routes report if you could," Jack asked.
"Sounds good. I guess I might as well check into my new quarters, grab snacks, and I'll meet you there. I appreciate you taking the time to meet me.
"Understood, will meet you there in about an Hour? So we get a half-hour prep?" Reacher asked as he pulled out his PADD.
"Sure thing, sounds good, boss," Riley said.
With that, Reacher parted ways.
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