<USS Atlantis> "Call"
- From: "Jason D. Belcher" <jdbelcher@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: ussatlantis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2006 18:53:09 -0700
"Call"
by Vice Admiral Ian Blackthorne
Vice Admiral Ian Blackthorne turned from the tactical display on the main
viewscreen to address Lt. Commander T'Kirr. In an even tone, looking
directly into her eyes, he said, "Launch the reserve fighters." The
preparations were complete, and it was time to make his final move, the
outcome of which would decide this fleet's fate. T'Kirr's acknowledgement
was lost to him; he knew it would come anyway, and soon after, the turbolift
doors swooshed closed behind her.
Minutes later, a prominent patrol of Mustangs displayed on the tactical
overlay. "Comm channel, fleet-wide," he ordered to the air behind him, and a
chirp and an aye sir indicated that he was on the air. Days ago, he had
written a speech, but it had been long since deleted, filed as irrelevant
garbage. Who could prepare an oration for such an affair? Now or never, Ian.
"People of the Xindi," he began, his voice solid and authoritative from the
start, "Tagan, your leader and representative to Starfleet has been found
dead. Assassinated." He let the word hang in the cold void separating him
from his audience, and continued, "My mission has always been to deliver you
to safety, but without a functioning government in place whose continuity
can be guaranteed, I can not do that. After much thought and consultation
with Tagan's advisers, I am declaring martial law upon this fleet, effective
immediately, and terminating upon safe delivery to your new colony.
"I do this not out of lust for power or desire to dominate the Xindi people,
but out of duty. My responsibility is to get you all through hostile space
safely, and I intend to do just that. Transition back to civilian government
will be seamless at this trip's end, so have no fears of lingering military
dictatorships. That is not how the Federation ideals are expressed, and I
would not welcome you into our space thinking that we seek to usurp your
right to self-determination.
"I have led you this far successfully. Despite this setback, I will see this
through. I ask you to trust me, follow me, and your people will have a
future. I will be working closely with Tagan's advisers to preserve the
ideals of the Xindi. That your culture survives is just as important as your
physical survival, and I will see to it. Our journey together is nearing
completion, and I ask you to stand with me through to the end.
"Vice Admiral Ian Blackthorne, out." The comm channel chirped closed behind
him.
Ian regarded the tactical overlay with interest as quiet settled over the
Atlantis's bridge. His hand was revealed. Would the pot be lost?
Other related posts:
