> > > She nodded. Then, changing the subject, she asked, "The 'hard stuff'
you
> > > mentioned... I presume that it is related to our discussion regarding
the
> > > proposed realignment of Command?"
> >
> > Lasiter broke a smile, a small smile, "You were always
> > perceptive.... You are quite correct. I have been working on my plan
for
> > some time now. Just how long it has been planned...well, I will use my
CinC
> > privilege and not comment on that one... But let's just say that it has
> > been a long time in the planning. I will be sending the details to the
> > members of Starfleet Command today, hopefully at noon. My intention is
to
> > release it, and allow SF Command members time to mull it over. Then
meet to
> > discuss it. As a group we will iron out some of the issues of
contention,
> > then I will present it to the President and to the Federation Council.
> > While I do not need seek their approval on many of my decisions, this
one
> > would be wise to at least tell them that I am doing. I intend on naming
you
> > the Fleet XO as soon as the overall framework is 'blessed', so to
speak."
>
> "*That* might be your most difficult challenge," t'Llhweiir said. "There
> are those on the Council who would not be pleased at your selection."
> They had had this discussion before, but she wanted to give him one last
> chance to reconsider. And, admittedly, it would take out of her hands the
> potential--growing greater with every passing day--that she would have to
> abruptly have to abandon the position and her friend.
>
"I know. But there are somethings that they do not have a vote on.
The command of the military beyond the CinC is not within their rights.
That resides with the President and me. In any event I will convince those
that need it, that you are the top officer for the job. Your experience and
respect throughout the fleet can not be passed off easily. Besides, I need
someone that I can trust in the trying times that are to come. You are not
thinking about backing out on me are you?" he replied.
{response}
