Star Trek Hunter
Episode 19: The Ivonovic Commission
Scene 16: Retirement Planning
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19.16
Retirement Planning
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"How much longer, Minerva?" Fleet Admiral Miriam Stewart finally asked after a period of looking at her desk.
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Subspace conversations between Earth and Cun Ling involved an annoying and slightly unnerving 8-second delay. To compensate, people tended not to look into the veiwscreens until they heard the other person start talking. Stewart asked her question, then looked down, waiting 8 seconds for the question to reach Justice Minerva Irons and another 8 seconds for Irons' reply to return to her.
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"I am reasonably certain this will be my final mission, Fleet Admiral," Irons replied. "I have 17 weeks shore leave saved up, so once I return, I plan to work my remaining time one day a week from a small office on Starbase 11. That will finish up my final tour of duty – 91 years of service." Irons waited a second, then looked down and waited for the reply.
"Well, I have to give your Commander Dolphin the credit for wrangling this final mission for you," Stewart replied after a 16-second delay. "Honestly, I didn't understand what you saw in him, but he has turned out to be quite the asset. Under that soft Harvard accent and pretty blonde hair, the man has some grit. To approach Chekov, of all people, for this kind of favor – with so many people calling him a 'Kirk' – especially Chekov… Even though it galls me a little that your Kenny is fast friends with that reprobate stuffed shirt Ivonovic."
Stewart looked down for a second. Then: "I hate sending you into danger, Minerva. Especially since this will be the last thing I ever do as a Star Fleet officer. Your mission is authorized. I had to call in every favor I had left to obtain authorization, so bring that ship home in one piece and bring yourself home with it. But getting that boat out of dry dock – that you're going to have to manage on your own."
Irons smiled faintly, made an amused noise. "I have just the ferengi for the job. And about Chekov calling Dolphin a 'Kirk', you have to remember Chekov's grandfather served with the real Kirk – which may put that particular epithet in a different light when Serge uses it." Irons took a deep breath, assumed a more serious tone. "Be well, Miriam. It has been an honor serving with you."
After a pause, Fleet Admiral Miriam Stewart looked up again. "It's the end of an era – you and me leaving Star Fleet. Time to turn it over to the young folk. Chekov is 64. Dolphin is what – 52?"
"Children, Miriam. We work with children," Irons replied. "Irons out."
Irons waited for the reply.
"So long, old woman." The Fleet Admiral touched a switch and ended her transmission.
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"So long, Miriam," Irons said to the darkend screen. Alcohol was not recommended for recent stroke victims, but Irons brought a small bottle of merlot and a glass from under her desk and poured a drink.
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