> <OOC: I'm leaving the house for my trip after this post...be back 8/3)
>
> > "Now it all makes sense..' Lorin nodded..., "Obviously that work needs
to
> > continue as the exploration possibilities become endless."
>
> >"That it does. It also makes Starfleet a threat to it's neighbors.
> >If we could move large numbers of ships to a conflict at what would be
> >practically instantly.... Do you think that the Romulans would be all
that
> >happy? We could scale back our defenses, and respond with half of the
fleet
> >in a matter of hours..... An invasion would be almost impossible for
them
> >to mount. Conversely, we could execute a first strike and be home
before
> >they could even think about a response. Targets like the homeworlds or
> >installations deep within their territory would suddenly be well within
easy
> >striking distance."
>
> "That is quite disturbing and I will discuss it with Admiral Lasiter."
>
> > "Admiral-if I may be frank..." Lorin waited for an answer...
>
> >"Yes, of course."
>
> > "When I was offered this position I knew you would be displaced, and
for
> > that I am truly apologetic, but I promise you I will do all I can to
keep
> > the department up and make it the best it can be...but I will need your
> > help. I will need you to show some visible signs of support for me with
> > your staff. I want to make these people's jobs easier but I can't do
that
> > if they are all bitter about the command change. Can I count on you for
> > some level of support?"
>
> >"Admiral, I appreciate your efforts to learn what we have been doing
> >and how we do it. I appreciate your efforts trying not to bruise my
ego.
> >However, I am a firm believer that a technical research unit must be led
by
> >someone that has a deep understanding for the work being done. This is
not
> >a operations specialist, a marine sentry, or a member of special forces.
It
> >must be an engineer. Through and through an engineer. My people
believe
> >that as much as I do. While I wish you well, as you seem to be a stand
up
> >officer, I can not endorce you.
>
> >That is not to say that I will not meet you half way. I will not oppose
> >you, and I will not influence the thoughts of those that are in R&D on
this
> >matter. I will leave it to you as to whether or not they will accept
you.
> >That is the best that I can do, Admiral. The only thing that a man
truely
> >has is his self respect and dignity. If I am not true to myself, then I
> freely
> >give up my self respect. I do hope you understand."
>
> "I do and I will not stand in the way of your self-respect...I am known as
> a man who stands strictly by his rules against some rather harsh
situations
> and I will do the same here. Fact is whether we both like it or not I am
> running this division as of shortly and we will all have to make the best
> of it. I will not let your department go downhill however I will expect
> cooperation and professionalism."
>
"Fair enough." he replied.
At this point Lasiter returns. "What ever you two have been talking
about I will assume that 'fair enough' is a good thing. I am afraid that I
will have to cut this jam session short. I want to take a look at this
facility."
{OOC: Pardon me for writing for you Pete. If I step over any lines
just slap me and we can re-write when you get back. Happy trip}
Both Renaud and Hutchinson stood and left the room with Lasiter.
They continued on their inspection tour of the facility. After spending the
next 3 or so hours meeting, greeting, and chatting with researchers and
other staff (Fleet and Civie alike), they departed. Back to SPD.
Once in the runnabout, Lasiter asskes... "So how was your talk with
Hutchinson?"
"It went better than I had expected. Let's just say that we have a
gentlebeing's agreement not to get in each other's way. Not that we
impressed each other, but rather we surpassed expectations of one another.
A good thing all around." Lorin answers.
"That is most definately a good thing. Well done......"
They chatted about nothing in particular on the rest of the trip.
Once they returned Lasiter returned to his office to make headway on his to
do list, and Lorin did the same with his own list...
TBC...
