Tyrus was on his way to see his brother. While they disagreed on a great many things,
they were still brothers, and that was a bond that was hard to break. The confident
Rear Admiral was surprised to get the call at this late an hour, but went anyway. He
was passed straight in, to see his older brother on a call.
The elder Lasiter waved his brother in, offering a drink while he finished his call.
"Admiral, I understand you concerns about the reserve inventories. However, I do not
think it is necessary to pull resources to do an inventory." said the voice on the
other side of the call.
"Perhaps you are not understanding me. I have a letter on my desk from a Federation
Counil member siting a report from our own inspector general that reports that
materials are finding their way into the hands of criminals and even our enemies.
Materials from Starfleet's reserve yards. At worst this smells of laziness, at worse
this reeks of corruption and theft."
The other was about to speak, but was cut off.
"You see, *Rear* Admiral, this kind of thing makes Starfleet look bad. It makes us
look incompetient and lazy. That is not going to happen on my watch. SO, you will
get me a full inventory of *all* storage facilities and yards, and I want them in 36
hours." Samuel Lasiter said in his 'I mean business' tone. Even Tyrus sat up a bit
straighter.
"36 hours Admiral, or I will be making serious changes in your department with the
assistance of Starfleet's Inspector General and the Federation Bureau of
Investigation. Lasiter, out."
With that said he closed the line, and turned to his brother.
"Sorry about that Tyrus. Starfleet suffers because of idiots like those at
Logistics. Content to burry their heads in the sand while their departments fall
apart, taking Starfleet with them." Samuel said getting a drink for himself.
"The question is not where incompetitance exists, but what do to about it. What
are you doing about it?"
Samuel simply said, "Watching, and listening, but mostly watching."
Tyrus smiled, "No seriously, Samuel. What are you doing about it? You can't tell
me that you have been CinC for this long and been doing nothing but 'watching and
listening'." Tyrus was egging on his older brother, mocking him.
"You know me, Tyrus. The new guy to a party, I am the quite guy in the corner.
Just taking in the surroundings, trying to get comfortable."
Really laughing this time, "That would describe you, brother. The wall flower you
have become. How did that happen to you? You were not like that when we were kids
living at home. "
"It happens when an offier damn near gets his command killed, him along with it.
Only to lose his wife and son for doing his duty."
The smile on Tyrus' face faded. "Yea, that would do it..." he said slowly.
Realizing where the conversation had gone to.
Samuel changed the topic. "How do you like Admiral Kettering? You learning enough
from him?"
"Yes. I love serving with him. He is a very dynamic leader...."
Their conversation lingered there for a while. Telling old war stories about
Kettering from their own past. It was clear that Tyrus really admired his CO, and
that Samuel knew Kettering quite well also.
"Do you know where he is? I have been trying to get ahold of him with no luck."
Samuel said at the end of their talk.
"Sorry, I have not been in contact with him in some time, but I will let him know
you are looking for him.."
"Thanks." Samuel said not too terribly happy.
They talked about several other things before breaking for the night. From home
life to Starfleet. But the night ended early, afterall Tyrus had a meeting.
On his way out Tyrus turned around, "When we were talking earlier about what you
are doing to fix the fleet, were you serious?"
"Of course. What's the best thing to do when you are underestimated... Watch and
listen, and all will come to you.", Samuel said with a sly look.
Tyrus did not know just how to respond. There was something about how his brother
responded. It reminded him of when they were kids and Samuel was up to no good.
"Good night, Ty."
"Good night, Samuel....."
TBC.....
*****
Chris
GM- SPD & JSOC
