'In for a penny in for a pound.' Roeder thought to himself. He had plotted
a course and now he had to sail it. He just told the CinC that his
priorities were not right, and he had to deal with the fall out.
"Well to begin, sir I think your image needs to get out. I am
talking about the preception of you as an officer and as a being. The
people of the Federation need to know more about you, so do those that serve
Starfleet." Roeder started.
Lasiter interrupted, "I wanted to get away from politics. I wamt
Starfleet to move toward it's founding ideals, not further into this
quagmire that it has wondered into." His tone was slightly annoyed at the
man for suggesting that he pander to the vices that existed in Starfleet.
"Sir, you are in a political office. You are at the top, and you
have to interact with the political entities that run the Federation. Those
that the beings from all around the Federation have chosen to represent
them. To think that you can just ignore politics is not only not possible,
but it is naieve. You can still move the operations of Starfleet away from
politics, but you can not. Starfleet Command can not do it completely."
Roeder replied in kind.
Garibaldi saw this going to bad places, and decided to break some
tension. "Admiral Lasiter I believe that the Commander has a few good
points to make. I know that he has lots of experience in dealing with
politicians and the effect on Starfleet. Please listen to what he has to
say then make a judgement on the contents of the message." He hoped it
would cut some of the tension.
"Sir, again I am saying this with all respect, but some politics
must be played here. I am not saying that politics has a place in the
regular Fleet. That politics must played throughout all of the levels of
Starfleet. I *am* saying that at this high level it is a necessity. That a
fine must be drawn, and walked."
Lasiter was silent for a moment, milling the suggestion in his own
mind.
'He is a bit presumptous, this little crap ball. Or is he absolutely
correct? Is my Logan Crain effecting my thought process? It does make one
moody. Perhaps he is right. Perhaps he is about to see his last day as a
Commander in this man's Starfleet. Better yet, let him continue and make up
my mind then....' the CinC thought to himself.
"Commander, please continue, but get to the point quickly." Lasiter
finally spoke.
Taking a deep breath, Roeder began once more. "Sir, I suggest a
media special. A series of pieces that focus on you and your career. A
multi part piece that includes interviews with you, some family members,
friends, collegues, a look into your personnel file. I know a reporter or
two that may be interested. Reporters where we could control at least part
of the story, so we can craft your image instead of having it painted by
others. We also need to get something accomplished. Something small,
quick, and very soon. Small accomplishments can be touted and made to seem
bigger than they really are. It will also show progress, that you are doing
something. I do realize that you are doing plenty. However, the rank and
file in the fleet may not be as enlightened, and the beings around the
Federation certainly do not. A better image and an accomplishment or two
will give you some political juice to get your master plan through all of
the paces. At the very least the powers that be will not be able to ignore
you." Roeder stopped tolet it sink in, to judge Lasiter's reaction.
There was nothing, except that Lasiter brought his hind to his chin
and began to run it.
Garibaldi stared hard at Lasiter trying to discern what he was
thinking. Roeder looked at Garibaldi trying to pick up what he could from
there. The state fest was broken by Lasiter who said,
"Very interesting thoughts, Commander." Lasiter's tone this time
was a bit softer, perhaps he was changing his mind....
"Thank you sir, but that it not all." Roeder replied.
Garibaldi's eyes got wide. That was enough already, and he feared
that this meeting would go south yet.
"Well, sir, in conjunction with the interviews I suggest that you
handle a few press conferences. That will give you more exposure, and no
matter what will endear you to the public. Particularily if you break the
mold, take responsibility and admit fault rather than diverting it. I am
not saying that you should admit to things or that we shoudl air Starfleet's
dirty laundry, but I am saying that if it gets out not to avoid it. Take it
head on. The image of a straight shooter, one who accepts responsibility is
who you actually are. That is the image that beings from all over will
respect, and that is what we want.
I also think that perhaps you should go to a few conferences. Not
to speak officially, but to see the officers in the field. Talk to them as
we are now. Frankly, and friendly. Let them get to know you. It will also
put in the position to solicit suggestions right from them, if you want, and
to subtly push your agenda, your changes for Starfleet. Every little bit,
sir..." Roeder said adding more to the plan.
Garibaldi just sat there waiting for the brimstone to come down on
him and his second. It wat not long before he got his response...
"I must admit, Commander that you have an interesting mind. I have
no idea where you got it, but I hope that you have kept it a secret. I
shutter to think what Starfleet would be like if there were many more like
you." Lasiter started to say.
Garibaldi would kill the young man after this...
"This is the biggest crock that I have heard, but..... Garibaldi
you have been all too quiet about this. What do you think?"
"Well, Admiral, I think that it is a good plan. While not your
usual style, I think that it is just what is needed to start things off
right. To put you and Starfleet Command back in a position to make the
changes, to lead Starfleet back onto the right road..."
"Cut the bullsh!*."
"Yes, sir. The plan is what you need sir. You have been far too secretive
and reclusive for the CinC of Starfleet. While, I am not saying that you
did not have your reasons, valid reasons I may add. However, it's time to
break out, and Roeder has a good way of doing it. I say do it sir."
Garibaldi repharased.
"I see." Lasiter said now standing staring out his oversized view
port. he stared there for a moment until he said, "Commander Roder, Admiral
Garibaldi..."
They stood.
"Make your preparations. Send me an outline of how this will unfold. I
will need it in my overall planning. I will also keep you both in the loop
on my end. If that is all...."
"That will be it sir. Thank you for your time sir." Gariabldi said
as they both left.
"Get that outline to Lasiter ASAP, then take a day or two off to recover
from your trip. You have just changed the course of Starfleet Command. Now
rest up because you will have a hell of a ride ahead of you." Garibaldi
congradulated.
"Thank you sir. I will most certainly do that sir....."
the end for now......
*********************
Chris Salmi
http://home.earthlink.net/~csalmi/
ICQ# 28233696
