Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek or any of its characters, only my OC - Kaitlyn Donovan.
This story is the sequel to All's Fair in Love and War.
Query: What sacrifices must be endured by those that secure our freedom?
Thank you to Just a Crazy-Man, bina W, and IrishBug74, LoyaulteMeLie, Lupinesence, jeangreyten, and Belen09 for the reviews, and to everyone that is following this story and adding it to their favorites!
Chapter 8 - No time to rest.
The Price of Freedom
Chapter 8 - No time to rest
0930 - Starfleet Weapons Research and Design Facility
Lieutenant Malcolm Reed watched as Kaitlyn and a few of her MACOs demonstrated the latest weapons to the small group of Armory Department Heads from all over Starfleet.
"Heard she's one of the best MACOs." Lieutenant Jackson, the Columbia's Tactical and Armory Officer commented quietly as he stood beside Reed.
Malcolm Reed nodded, "Captain Donovan has a vast knowledge of tactics from other species - she writes all those reports that come out." he pointed out.
"You've worked with her before?" Jackson questioned as he continued to watch the demonstration.
"Yes, we've worked together a few times." Malcolm nodded, cautiously keeping his words to a minimum. They both focused all of their attention on the new pulse rifle as it was demonstrated and blasted a hole into the metal door it was aimed at. He raised an eyebrow, "Definitely not to be used in the confines of the ship." he whispered.
Captain Donovan brought the rifle over and stood in front of the group, "Obviously, it shouldn't be used on a ship - it will blow out a bulk head. But, for a planetary assault and defense - it will mean quick entry and egress." she pointed out.
Malcolm smirked slightly, had she heard him?
Commander Morrison stood in front of the group, "What we'd like to do to get you more familiar with the weapons, is to have you work in small groups with each of the MACOs - that way you can get your questions answered and they can show you how to use them and take them apart." He indicated for everyone to split up.
Two hours later, all of the Department Heads had used each of the weapons and had learned about the quirks and inner workings of the four new weapons.
Commander Morrison smiled at the group as they gathered once more, "I hope this demonstration today has been helpful. We have a schedule posted of when we can rotate all of your Security Officers through this training - I will be sent out to you in a few hours. If the timing isn't right, just send me a message and we'll work your staff in at another time. We want every Security Office trained on using these weapons. If you have other people in your Unit that you think would benefit from this training, just bring them along with you. Thank you for coming out today and thank you Captain Donovan and her MACOs for running this demonstration." The audience clapped their approval, then slowly began to disburse.
Lieutenant Jackson turned to Reed, "Would you be willing to speak to me about how you and the MACOs worked everything out on the Enterprise? Hernandez is requesting a MACO Unit on the Columbia."
Malcolm Reed nodded, "Be happy too, though it was a bit awkward at the beginning - not exactly knowing which unit should led sometimes. Captain Donovan is helping me write up the Protocols. Could you do lunch? Perhaps we can see if she can join us?" he suggested.
"Sounds great." Jackson smiled brightly.
They walked over to Donovan as she spoke with Commander Davison, the Head of Security for the office building of the United Earth President. "We've only heard good things about the Security you've had in place, Captain. Do you know where you will be stationed next?" he questioned her.
Donovan nodded as she noticed Reed and Jackson walking closer to them. "I just learned this morning that I will be in charge of the Security for the upcoming Summit on Vulcan at the United Earth Embassy." she stated.
Davison smiled, "That's wonderful - and you know Vulcan too, right?" he checked.
"Yes, Sir. It will be a challenge to bring the Security Protocols up to the levels they need to be, but it will be worth it - I've been promised the ability to train with the Vulcan Security forces there." she mentioned the offer she'd been given to sweeten the deal.
"How many MACOs will you be taking with you?" Davison asked as he noted Reed and Jackson.
"Only fourteen, Sir." she admitted.
Commander Davison shook her hand, "Well, I know you and your Unit will do an outstanding job. I hope the training is beneficial and that you'll share your knowledge with us when you get back."
Donovan smiled softly, "As I always do - I'm sure I'll be asked to write a report on the Vulcan Tactics we learn. Thank you again, Commander." She looked at the two men standing to the side. "Commander Davison, this is Lieutenant Reed - the Head of Security on the Enterprise. And this is Lieutenant Jackson - the Head of Security on the Columbia." she introduced the men.
Davison shook the men's hands. "Reed - great job in the Expanse. I'm looking forward to reading your Protocols for working with MACOs on our ships."
Malcolm Reed nodded, wondering how many people knew that he was working on those Protocols. "Thank you, Commander. Captain Donovan is helping with those Protocols." he indicated.
Davison nodded, then turned his attention to Jackson. "Columbia still on track to launch soon?" he questioned.
Jackson looked at bit uncomfortable, "Well, that depends on whether Engineering is able to work out some of the complications that keep coming up, Commander."
Davison raised an eyebrow at the news, "Well, we'll hope for the best." He nodded to the three Officers. "Donovan, when you get back give me a call. I'm interested in having you look over the Security Protocols we have in place."
She nodded, "Yes, Sir." She watched as he left and went to speak with Commander Morrison.
She looked at the two men beside her and raised an eyebrow in question.
Malcolm glanced at Jackson, "Lieutenant Jackson would like to learn more about the Protocols of Starfleet and MACOs working together on the ships - could you join us for lunch?" he offered.
Kaitlyn smiled as she heard some of Malcolm's thoughts about having to deal with a third wheel. "I'd be delighted." She shook Jackson's hand, "Sorry to hear about the Engines - I know Captain Hernandez has Starfleet Command breathing down her neck at the moment."
Jackson nodded, "It is a source of debate. The rest of the Department Heads are trying our best to have everything up and ready so that when we launch, there's no problems." he admitted.
Kaitlyn nodded as they headed to the Dining Hall, "That's good. If you need any further assistance with weapons and such, I'll be happy to lend a hand before I leave for my next assignment." she offered.
Malcolm Reed watched as she spoke easily with Jackson - making the man at ease and not threatened with her offer of assistance. She never had a problem making people feel comfortable around her. Well, except Admiral Gardner - something was causing friction between the two of them and he'd forgotten to ask her about it earlier. Though, they'd been preoccupied with each other earlier this morning before he'd beamed her back down to her apartment. She really shouldn't have spent the night on the Enterprise with him - it was a risk they couldn't afford to make again. They'd agreed it would be easier and less suspicious for him to go to her apartment, since he was the one technically on leave. He held the door open for them as they reached the Dining Hall.
XXXXX
After having lunch and discussing some of the Protocols they were coming up with, Jackson headed back to Columbia and Reed and Donovan headed to her office in MACO Headquarters to flesh out some more details.
Kaitlyn elected to sit in the other chair beside Malcolm, instead of behind her desk as they worked on the Protocols.
They'd been working for over an hour when there was a knock at her door and General Casey stepped in.
Reed and Donovan quickly stood up.
The General waved for them to at ease. "I didn't mean to interrupt." he apologized.
"We are working on the Ship Protocols for MACOs and Starfleet Security, General." Donovan explained.
The General nodded, "Good. I know we need those Protocols approved and in place before Columbia launches." He looked at Donovan, "Captain, you've been requested to oversee Site Security for the President when he comes and dedicates the Memorial for those fallen in the Xindi attack and those who lost their lives in the Expanse. We're having a debriefing at Starfleet Headquarters in an hour in the Conference Room." he explained.
Donovan nodded, "Yes, Sir." she acknowledged.
General Casey smiled softly, "You know, I don't think people realize how much you are already doing. Would you like for me to run interference and assign someone else?" he offered. He knew her well enough that she wouldn't take his offer, but as her Commanding Officer he needed to make sure she knew how valuable she was to the MACOs.
"Thank you for the offer, General - but I've got the time and I'm sure we can't afford to upset the President." she returned his smile.
Casey nodded, "See you in an hour." He turned to Reed and extended his hand, "I haven't had the chance to personally thank you for everything you did in the Expanse. Thank you, Lieutenant. I hope you can make it to the Dedication, and thank you for working with Captain Donovan on the Protocols."
Malcolm Reed shook the MACO General's hand, "Thank you, Sir." He watched as the General left. He couldn't believe the General was thanking him. Starfleet Admirals didn't generally thank lowly Lieutenants, in fact Admiral Forrest was the only Admiral that had thanked him for his efforts in the Expanse.
Kaitlyn smiled softly as she heard Malcolm's thoughts, "We believe in acknowledging everyone involved. Everyone is important to the mission and it should be noted."
Malcolm nodded as he watched her carefully. The MACOs camaraderie was definitely different than Starfleet's. He was concerned that she was getting too much on her plate to take care of. "You're sure you're okay with taking on one more thing?"
She nodded, "Robbins and Tebbe are overseeing the Security for the Enterprise crew on leave and the Security we've been in charge of has all reverted to Starfleet. The only things I need to focus on are this Protocol, selecting my team to come with me to Vulcan, and now this Dedication Ceremony." Kaitlyn leaned closer to him, "Of course, I also need to carve out some time to be with you." she said softly.
Malcolm smiled, "Can't forget about that." He wanted to kiss her, but that wasn't going to happen here.
Kaitlyn grinned as she stepped back, "It's the thought that counts." She glanced at what they'd gotten done so far on the Protocols. "Why don't you come over later? Dinner?"
Malcolm nodded, "Italian? There's a great place not too far from here - Bella Rosa's."
"Sounds good. I can meet you there at 1830." she suggested. "Civilian clothes - right?" she checked. She quickly sent him a mental image of what she wanted to do after dinner back at her place.
"Definitely." Malcolm agreed and cleared his throat. "I'd better be off. See you at 1830." He stood beside her for a moment and smiled softly.
Kaitlyn nodded, "See you then." She watched as he left. She went around her desk and quickly typed up a few messages and sent them out. She picked her PADD back up and headed to Starfleet Headquarters to get to the debriefing.
XXXXX
Commander Davison led the Debriefing of the events to occur at the Dedication Ceremony to the Conference Room attendees. He looked around the table as he finished with the basic details. "I believe there is a heightened concern with Security?" He indicated Captain Donovan, "We have enlisted Captain Donovan and her MACO Unit to tighten up the Site Security, I'm sure everything will run smoothly." He looked around the table once more, "Are there any further questions at the moment?"
Admiral Stevens indicated he had a question. "This will be near the Planetarium? How many civilians are we expecting?" he asked.
"At the Memorial in Florida we had well over one hundred thousand - we should expect at least that many here." Davison stated.
Forrest raised his eyebrows. It was an enormous amount of people in one place - Terra Prime could easily get in the masses and cause problems. He looked at Donovan. She looked calm as ever. "Captain Donovan, will we be able to maintain Security for that many people in a public place?" he questioned.
Captain Donovan gave him a slight nod, "I will be taking a team out tomorrow to go over the area and determine where the best places for check points are. I'll have a firmer answer for you at tomorrow afternoon's briefing. As it stands, I would suggest video screens though out the area for viewing the ceremony, and only vetted guests allowed in the immediate area surrounding the Memorial and the President."
Admiral Gardner frowned, "People are going to be mad that they can't get that close." he pointed out.
Kaitlyn nodded, "They might be miffed that they can't be that close during the Dedication - but if we have enough video screens in place, they will be placated. Once the President has left, then we can have people come through the lines to pay their respects at the Memorial." She looked around the Conference table, "There is a point at which Security overrides immediate public wants - and this is one of them. I can not guarantee Site Security for the President with over one hundred thousand people wandering in and out freely - but I can guarantee his safety with two hundred or so vetted individuals."
Admiral Forrest nodded and stood up, followed by the rest of the room, "Very well. We'll meet back here at 1500 tomorrow for an update." He dismissed the room. He and Admiral Stevens walked over to Donovan.
The two men pulled her to the side to talk to her privately. They had spoken to each other before the meeting when they found out she'd been tapped to do Security.
Admiral Forrest sighed softly, "Do you really have the time to take this on?" he questioned her quietly.
Admiral Stevens looked over her and noted that she actually looked well rested and at ease. "We know you have a lot on your plate at the moment." he chimed in.
She smiled softly at the two Admirals, "Yes, I have the time and I have delegated some of my responsibilities out. I just had this same conversation with General Casey an hour ago. This is a quick turnaround - it happens in three days. Luckily, all of the site has been mapped out - I just need to strengthen the Site Security." she explained to the two men.
Stevens nodded, "We're going to have dinner at my home tomorrow night - we'd really like for you to come. Susan and Coulter have been asking for us to have you over." he indicated that his children wanted her to come too.
"How could I say no to the two of them?" Kaitlyn smiled softly. His children were so sweet. Susan was twelve and Coulter was ten, though they both acted more mature for their age. Kaitlyn assumed it was because the Admiral and his wife had waited until his career had slowed down to have children, that way he had more time to spend with his family. "What time?" she inquired.
"1800 - that should allow you enough time to change after the debriefing." Sevens glanced at his watch. "I've got another meeting in twenty minutes. I'll tell the family you'll be over tomorrow. I know they'll be ecstatic. See you tomorrow, Kaitlyn." he nodded to her and Admiral Forrest, then quickly.
Forrest smiled at her, "You know his kids love it when you go over." he pointed out.
Kaitlyn nodded as she clasped her hands behind her back as they started walking down the corridors. "It's too bad that I don't get to see them that often." She glanced at him, "You'll be there?" she asked.
Maxwell Forrest nodded, "Yes, I wouldn't miss out on Angela's cooking." They continued walking to his office. He stopped when they stepped into his office. He looked at her carefully as he leaned gently back on his desk. "You've done a lot for Starfleet and we appreciate it. The Command Council has recommended you for a promotion for exemplary service. It's up to the MACO Review Board if they accept our recommendation." he explained.
Kaitlyn watched him, flabbergasted. She quickly recovered, "Thank you, Admiral. I appreciate the Command Council's recommendation." She never expected to receive a recommendation for the work she'd done in conjunction with Starfleet - it was her job.
Forrest smiled brightly, "Don't look so surprised, Kaitlyn. You've undertaken a lot for us, it's only prudent that we acknowledge your work." He watched as she blushed slightly. She never was comfortable accepting compliments. "I'm pleased you'll be setting up Security for the Summit - I feel safer already." he admitted.
Kaitlyn smiled, "It will be a bit of work, but everything will be ready in time for the Summit." she promised him.
"Have you selected your team?" he inquired.
"I will be speaking with them tomorrow morning. Hopefully, they will all say yes. It's a very unique opportunity." she explained.
Maxwell Forrest nodded, "And you'll get to train with the Vulcan Security Forces too?"
Kaitlyn nodded, "We'll be the first. As soon as the Dedication is completed, we'll begin training together as a team."
"You leave in three weeks? That's not much time to train together." Forrest indicated.
Kaitlyn shrugged, "We've all had the same training, and I've worked with all of them before - it's just a matter of solidifying that team mentality."
He smiled, "You're father would be extremely proud of you Kaitlyn - you know that, right?"
Kaitlyn gave him a small smile, "I'd hope he would be."
"Undoubtedly." The Admiral nodded proudly.
She took it as her cue to leave, "Thank you again for the recommendation. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon, Admiral."
XXXXX
1830 - Bella Rosa's Restaurant
Malcolm stood up and smiled as she came over to the table. "You look lovely this evening." he said softly as they sat down. She was wearing a classic navy silk sheath dress that complimented her figure, but was subtle enough not to point out that she was on a date.
Kaitlyn smiled as she placed her napkin in her lap as their waters were poured for them. "Could you give us a few minutes?" she requested for the waiter to come back for their orders.
He nodded and went to check on his other tables.
Kaitlyn looked at Malcolm. He looked exceedingly happy. "Something good happen this afternoon?" she inquired.
Malcolm raised an eyebrow, "You mean other than I get to have dinner with you tonight?" he smiled slowly. "Captain Archer told me you're up for a promotion. Congratulations."
Kaitlyn frowned slightly, "Archer knows about the Command Council's recommendation?"
"Aren't you pleased?" Malcolm picked up on her hesitation.
"I'm flattered - really. But what if it doesn't go through? I'd just rather not think about it right now - not with everything else I need to focus on at the moment." she admitted.
Malcolm shrugged, "You deserve it, and the MACOs know it." he pointed out.
She could tell how proud he was of her and she was humbled by it. She hadn't gone into the Expanse like he had - hadn't fought the Xindi and kept the Enterprise safe like he had, yet he was proud of her. "What I've done just seems to pale in comparison to what you've done."
"Don't sell yourself short, Kaitlyn." Malcolm indicated the menu in her hands, "Do you know what you want?"
She nodded, "I think I need to stick with something light since I didn't get to work out this morning."
Malcolm looked at her curiously as he mentally reminded her what they'd done this morning, "That wasn't a work out? Because my body begs to differ." he pointed out quietly.
Kaitlyn could feel her face flush, "Okay, it was a work out - but very different than running three miles. Not the same." she whispered as she quickly composed herself as the waiter came back and took their orders.
Malcolm looked around the restaurant and noted the table of Admirals across the room. He sat up straighter and schooled his expression.
She noted his change and looked at him questionably.
"Admiral Gardner's here, along with Black and Jefferies." he stated and took a sip of water.
Kaitlyn felt her back stiffen at the mention of Gardner's name. "Are they in civilian clothes?" she asked without turning to look.
Malcolm nodded.
She sighed in relief, "They're here eating dinner before they head over to the 602 Club to speak to Hernandez and Archer off the record about Colombia's engines."
He raised an eyebrow, then he realized how she knew. She was constantly updated on Archer and Hernandez's whereabouts and appointments since her MACOs were still in charge of their security. "Are you going to tell me what's up between you and Admiral Gardner?"
Kaitlyn shrugged, "He is interested in me - has been since I guarded Admiral Forrest. I've kept him at bay and told him I'm not interested, but he has been persistent recently."
"Persistent?" Malcolm questioned, wondering how 'persistent' the Admiral had become.
"I had to physically restrain him earlier this week." Kaitlyn admitted and felt a wave of anger rush through Malcolm. She shook her head quickly, "It's been taken care of - Admiral Stevens knows and so does Colonel Kemp and my immediate MACOs. I will not have any further problems with him." she stated firmly, trying to reassure him that everything would be fine.
Malcolm took a deep breath and let it out slowly to calm down. "You shouldn't have to put up with that kind of crap, Kaitlyn." he whispered.
Kaitlyn nodded, "You're right - I shouldn't." She sat back as the waiter delivered their meals. "Thank you."
"Do you require anything else at the moment?" the waiter inquired.
Malcolm shook his head, "Not at the moment, thank you."
They ate quietly and focused on their food.
As Kaitlyn finished, she pulled out her PADD from her purse and checked her messages. She raised an eyebrow curiously at the message from the Embassy on Vulcan.
"What is it?" Malcolm asked as he set his fork down.
"Evidently Commander Tucker is on his way back already from Vulcan - without Commander T'Pol." she explained.
"Maybe she decided to stay for awhile longer." Malcolm shrugged.
"They were both booked to come back later this week together." she pointed out.
Malcolm winced. That meant something had gone wrong. He knew the two had gotten close during their time in the Expanse. Trip was likely to be in a foul mood when he got back. "When will he be back?"
"Tomorrow evening. Maybe you could take him out, maybe he'll talk to you. I'm going to be at Admiral Steven's house for dinner." she indicated.
"Trip's been sort of closed off since the Xindi attack, I don't know if he'll talk to me." Malcolm sighed. "I'll try. Do you often go to the Admiral's house for dinner?"
"Usually a half a dozen times a year. His kids like me coming around." she shrugged as she pulled up the last picture she had of them hugging her when she'd gone over the last time. She showed Malcolm the picture.
He smiled, "They are cute and they seem to like you a lot." He could tell they liked her - it was evident in their eyes when they smiled.
After they paid for their meal they headed out. Kaitlyn headed over to the Admirals' table.
"Good evening, Gentlemen." she smiled.
Admiral Jefferies smiled, "Good evening, are you enjoying a night off?" he inquired.
"Actually, Lieutenant Reed and I decided to have dinner before we go back to working on the Protocols. It was a nice meal, though. You've enjoyed your meal?" she asked Admiral Black.
Admiral Black nodded as he noted her PADD in her hands, "We appreciate the two of you working on those Protocols. Don't work yourself too hard, Captain - I know you've got a lot more things to take care of."
"We've got a few more hours tonight to work on it." she gave him a small smile. She looked at Admiral Jefferies. "Captain Hernandez and Captain Archer just arrived at the 602 Club." she informed him.
Admiral Gardner frowned slightly, "What makes you think we need to know that?" He was still peeved that she was eating dinner with Lieutenant Reed - a Lieutenant for heaven's sake!
She raised an eyebrow, "Because I'm still overseeing their security and I know that you are meeting them there to discuss the Columbia's engines." She looked at Admiral Jefferies, "Commander Tucker will be back tomorrow evening, Admiral. Perhaps he could assist you with going over Columbia's engine the following day." she suggested.
Jefferies nodded, "I didn't know when he'd be back. Thank you, I'll speak to him."
"Have a good evening, Gentlemen." she gave them a small nod, then she headed out with Malcolm.
They walked up the street and headed to her apartment that was about another five minutes away.
"Gardner was angry." Malcolm pointed out after a few minutes of them walking in silence.
Kaitlyn shrugged, "Can't be helped - but I did give them a reason for us being out at dinner together. We can probably use it for another week, then we'll have to come up with something else."
Malcolm sighed heavily. He didn't want to have to sneak around, but he certainly wasn't going to put her in danger. "Are you sure it's okay for me to go to your place? You're sure that Harris isn't still watching you?" he questioned.
"I've been reliably informed that his attention is focused on the Klingons at the moment." she explained as she opened her apartment door and let him in.
"The Klingons?" he raised an eyebrow. He wondered what problems the Klingons were stirring up at the moment.
Kaitlyn nodded and set her PADD and purse down on the side table. She smiled and ran her hands over his sides gently to get his attention back to her.
Malcolm smiled and kissed her.
"What time does the last shuttle go up to the Enterprise tonight?" she asked.
"Five hours."
XXXXX
Malcolm stepped up to the transport station and headed to the shuttle going back to the Enterprise. He smiled inwardly when he saw Captain Archer getting ready to board. "Good evening, Captain." he nodded to the man.
Archer smiled wearily, "It's morning now, Lieutenant." He plopped down on the bench in the back.
Malcolm sat down beside his Captain and waited for the pilot to complete his pre-flight checks. He turned on his PADD and went through the Protocols he and Kaitlyn had added tonight after they'd spent some quality time together. He had to admit that they worked extremely well together. They'd completed more tonight than they had in the past two days.
Archer glanced at Reed's PADD, "Is that what you were doing? Working on those Protocols? Good grief. You need to take a break." The shuttle rose and headed up to the ship.
"Well, the Command Council really wants this finished. I can take a break after it's all done." Malcolm gave the man a small smile.
Archer nodded, "I guess you're right. They've got both of us doing stuff when everyone else is on leave. Oh well." He glanced at his Tactical Officer, "How's Donovan doing?"
"She's fine. Busier now that she's got the Site Security for the Memorial Dedication to head up." Malcolm indicated his PADD, "I think that's why she wants to get these Protocols taken care of." Malcolm stifled a yawn.
Archer chuckled softly, "I agree, Lieutenant." He thought back to his meeting with the Admirals at the 602 Club. They wanted to go through the problems with Colombia's engines later in the week, after Trip got back. He was surprised to learn that Trip was going to be back tomorrow - his leave request said he wouldn't be back until the end of the week. He'd been surprised that his First Officer and Chief Engineer had headed off to Vulcan together, but he shouldn't have been. He'd pushed Trip away during the Expanse. Heck, he'd distanced himself from everyone because he had to make choices that went against his very moral fiber. He was pretty sure he'd lost his best friend, especially since he hadn't even bothered to talk to Trip about Sim. He didn't know what to say to Trip anymore. The distance between them seemed to grow more and more with each passing day. He hoped he could clear the air with Trip after he got back.
Archer was pulled out of his thoughts as the shuttle docked with the Enterprise. he stood up and indicated for Reed to go first. "Have a good sleep, Lieutenant." he waved as he continued down the hall to his quarters. Jonathon Archer slipped out of his clothes and tossed them on the floor. As soon as he laid down on the bed, Porthos jumped up and licked his face. He smiled tiredly and rubbed Porthos' ears. Within a few minutes, Archer was asleep.
XXXXX
TBC.
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