> >"Actually, yes I am still near by your office. I will head back
> > that way. Can I bring you a real coffee? I am at a vendor now."
> > Garibaldi replied.
>
> "Yes sir that would be appreciated sir."
>
> >A few moments later the rear admiral returned. He passed into the
office of
> >the JAG Chief and started his conversation.
>
> David jumped to his feet and stood at attention.
>
Garibaldi gave a typcial look of mock annoyance. "David, this is a
social call more than anything, and it is just too damned early for all that
salute crap. Just be at ease..." he responded and moved on to the
pleasantries of the day...
>
> >"Good morning David. I hope that you slept well. It is not
> > looking like a good day, with that new tid bit about Doctor Brennan
that hit
> > the news this morning. It is a real shame that a good man like him
gets the
> > crap thrown at him while others that need it get off scott free." he
said
> > as a matter of factly as one would discuss the days events with a good
> > friend.
>
> "Admiral..." he listened-"I'm afraid I can't comment on an ongoing
> investigation sir-especially one as sensitive as this, however personally
I
> do agree completely."
>
> >"Well, I do not want to take up to much of your time, but I have
> > something of a personal favor to ask of you. One that you will find
> > surprising coming from me. I hope you do not mind my imposition, but
it
> > involves your uncle and the our boss." he added gingerly.
>
> David got the idea that rank no longer mattered in this discussion, "What
> can I do for you?" He said as he took a sip of his coffee.
>
"Before I begin, let me give you a disclaimer. This is going to be
filled with personal opinions and the like, so don't take anything the wrong
way. But to start...
I think that you uncle, Lorin Ranaud is a self righteous, arrogant,
pain in the ass. I can also tell you that our CinC thinks that he is a
arrogant, so and so as well. However telling you what I think of the man is
not why I am here. I *am* here to tell you that despite my feelings toward
him, I know that Starfleet needs him. More to the point that Admiral Samuel
Lasiter needs him too. My old friend is preparing for the biggest fight of
his life. He is going to be proposing a plan on how to change Starfleet for
the better, and it will not be easy. He will need friends. Friends who
will defend and support him. Friends that will be constructive in their
advice and criticism, not overly critical and destructive. While I do not
like your uncle, I do recognize the need for him as part of the team. Now,
I can not say any of that to Lasiter, because he can't stand your uncle.
Obviously, I can not approach your Uncle, because he feels the same way
about me that I feel about him. But you can. You can get your uncle to
make a peace offering. Not an outright one, but subtle. Like a deed, an
action, an open statement, a what ever.
The bottom line here is that Starfleet is a house divided, and it
can not stand much longer. To unite the house, Starfleet Command must be
united, and if push comes to shove it will come down to Lasiter going ro
Renaud going. I have known Samuel Lasiter for longer than you have been
serving in the fleet, and I can tell you that as sure as I am standing here
drinking coffee talking to you, that it will be Lorin Renaud that goes."
Garibaldi was speaking frankly. He hoped that his friend would understand
and catch his meaning. He stopped there to sip his coffee and to allow
Boulay to respond.
{response}
