Chapter 9
Captain Picard, Captain Riker, and Lieutenant Commander Andrew Jellico teleported onto Starbase 421 with a flash of shimmering blue. The three men examined the Transporter Room briefly and realized that someone besides the transporting officer was waiting for them. Admiral Edward Jellico smiled lightly at Captain Picard.
"Captain Picard, always a pleasure, stated Admiral Jellico with a nod, I'm just sorry its under such a terrible situation that we meet again.
"Likewise Admiral, I'm sure you remember William Riker." stated Picard as he gestured toward the new Captain of the U.S.S Farragut.
Both William Riker and Edward Jellico forced a tight smile. Both men were still unfavorable of each other but forced their dislike aside. This was no time for petty rivalries. Captain Riker was the first to speak.
"Greetings Admiral, glad to see you're doing well."
"Thank you Commander, likewise. I see you've added another pip to your collar. May I ask why?"
"I told him to Admiral. Commander Riker is taking permanent command of the Farragut. I thought it would be comforting to his crew if they have a commissioned Captain leading them during this terrible situation." interrupted Picard.
Admiral Jellico remained silent for a moment. I don't have time to nit pick, he thought, just let it go. The Admiral forced another smile and nodded in acceptance. Both Riker and Picard silently let out a sigh of relief. Admiral Jellico turned his attention to the young man standing next to Picard. The young officer stood up straight with his arms locked behind his back. He was not looking at the Admiral but instead focusing on the wall. Edward examined the young man. The officer looked extremely familiar. He had all the visible traits of his son Andrew, but Edward had not seen his youngest son in so long. Surely, this was not Andrew. Andrew Jellico would never join Starfleet. He hated Starfleet and everything it represented. Captain Picard turned from Admiral Jellico to Lieutenant Commander Jellico, and then back to the Admiral. Picard realized that the Admiral's attention was focused on nothing but the Enterprise's Chief of Security.
"Admiral, I'm sure you know your son, Lieutenant Commander Andrew Jellico.
Andrew stiffened uncomfortably and Edward's jaw dropped. Both men were feeling extremely awkward. Admiral Jellico forced his mouth to close and straightened his posture.
"Yes, of course. Hello, Andrew." greeted the Admiral.
Andrew was filled with a powerful fury. After all these years, he still felt angry toward his father. Andrew did not want to speak to him but Starfleet training forced him to recognize a superior officer. Andrew nodded to the Admiral.
"Greetings, sir." replied the anger stricken Commander.
Admiral Jellico was completely caught off guard. He had wanted to speak to Andrew for so long and now the time had come. Edward could not let this precious time slip away. He had to seize it. Edward Jellico had to amend the broken ties between him and his son.
"Captain Picard, if everyone will follow me. We have an Senior Staff meeting in twenty minutes. Admiral Hayes will want to speak with you before the meeting." informed Jellico as he headed out of the transporter room.
The other three men followed the Admiral as he headed down the main hall onto the turbolift. Lieutenant Commander Jellico was very uncomfortable. The sight of his father was making him extremely edgy. He would have rather been thrown into a pit of rapid wolves than to spend one second with his father. As the four men stepped onto the turbolift, Andrew made it a point to stay as far away from the Admiral as possible. The young Chief of Security noticed that his father was tossing glances his way. That made him feel even more edgy. Sweat trickled down Andrew's neck. His pulse was racing and for the first time in his life, Andrew knew what claustrophobia felt like. The turbolift seemed to move slowly and the walls appeared to be closing in on him. Finally, the turbolift doors opens and the Lieutenant Commander let out a silent sigh of relief. The four men stepped off the turbolift and entered a main conference room. The main room was gigantic and filled with head Starfleet officers. The chief of staff stood around the huge room, talking with one another. Picard knew most of the faces but there were a few that he did not recognize. However, one face really stood out to him. Picard smiled and headed toward it. Commander Worf was speaking to a Admiral when Picard walked up to him. Worf noticed Captain Picard but continued to speak with the Admiral. After the two men finished their conversation, the Admiral gave his leave and Worf turned his attention to Captain Picard.
"Greetings, Captain." said Worf with a straight face.
"Hello, Mr. Worf. How are you?" replied Picard with a huge smile on his face.
Both men shook hands and Picard patted Worf on the shoulder. Worf formed what would be considered by Klingon standards a smile.
"I am well despite our current situation. Two Borg Cubes are a real security risk."
"Yes, yes. I would have to agree with you. Things are looking rather bleak but I'm sure we'll figure something out. We always do."
Suddenly, Admiral Hayes approached Picard. He apologized for interrupting the two men but he desperately needed to speak with the Captain of the Enterprise. Worf bid farewell to Picard and looked for a place to sit down. Meanwhile, Hayes pulled Picard aside.
"I'm glad you're here, Picard. Now we can get down to business. I just spoke with Riker. I'm glad he has decided to take the command. Anyway, the blockade fleet will be divided up into four divisions; Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Gamma teams. You will be leading the Delta team. Admiral Jellico will be head of Beta team and Admiral Kathryn Janeway will be head of Gamma team. I will be in charge of Alpha team and head of the entire fleet. I'll be commanding the fleet through my ship, the U.S.S Titan. Alpha, Beta, and Delta will be the front line. Gamma will be our second line of defense. They will be stationed above Earth. Let's just pray the Borg don't make it that far." informed Hayes.
Riker observed Hayes and Picard as they spoke. Hayes appeared to be nervous. The Borg threat was real and there was no turning back. Riker realized that the time of battle was approaching. These last few Starfleet officers are Earth's last hope against the Borg, he thought, I just hope we don't let Earth down. Suddenly, Admiral Janeway walked up to Riker and patted him on the back. Riker turned to Janeway and smiled broadly.
"Hello, Will." greeted Janeway.
"Hello, Admiral. It's good to see you."
"Likewise. Listen Will, I tried to contact you earlier but couldn't reach you. I heard that you've been given command of the Farragut."
"That's right."
"I have a helms officer who really wants to pilot a ship. His name is Lieutenant Tom Paris. He is an excellent helm officer. He was my chief helm pilot on Voyager, during our long journey home. Will, I couldn't have asked for a better helmsman. I wish I could put him on my ship but my crew manifest is full. I figured you could use a good helm officer so I told him I'd recommend him to you."
"Well Admiral, I'd love to take him but don't we head out in a few hours."
"Oh don't worry Will; he's on his way to 421 as we speak. He should be on the Farragut in about an hour."
Riker smiled hard. He realized he had been set up. It was as if he had no choice in the matter. However, Will knew Kathryn would never steer him wrong. If Tom Paris is ok in Janeway's book than he sure as hell was good enough for me, he thought.
"Alright Admiral, I'll take him. If he's as good as you say he is, then he should be quite an asset."
"Thank you, Will." replied Janeway with a smile.
Suddenly, Admiral Hayes stepped up to the podium at the front of the room. He took a deep breath and spoke into the microphone.
"Will everyone take your seats? We have a lot to discuss but not a lot of time."
All the Starfleet officers found a seat and turned their attentions to Admiral Hayes. They were a little uncomfortable about the Borg situation but eager to learn the plan to prevent it from becoming worse. Admiral Hayes addressed the crowd and told them of their current status. He informed them of the Borg's trajectory and current speed. The audience shook their heads in shock. As Hayes spoke, the threat seemed to become more real. The Admiral remained calm as he spoke but it was apparent that he was just as nervous as everyone else. He discussed the blockade and the team leaders. As each leader was announced, a sense of relief waved over the crowd. They felt a little reassured in the fact they had great commanders leading them.
"Well, I guess that about covers it. Every commander will be given their orders and informed on which team they will be assigned to. We only have an hour before we depart, so everyone to your starships. Good luck and may God watch over us all." stated Hayes, trying to keep the shaking out of his voice.
The crowd rose from their seats and the room was filled with loud discussions. Riker bid farewell to Picard before heading to the Farragut.
"Goodbye Captain." stated Will.
"Goodbye, Will. Good luck."
Meanwhile, the crowd steadily headed out of the main room and unto the turbolifts. Admiral Edward Jellico squeezed through the thick bunch of people and pulled Andrew Jellico aside. Andrew felt a huge lump form in his throat. He did not want to speak with the Admiral but it was apparent to him that his father was not going to let him have a choice in the matter.
"Listen, Andrew. I know we haven't spoken in a while but I was wondering, that when this is over, maybe we could get together and have dinner or something. I'd like to catch up with you son."
"With all do respect sir, I would appreciate it if you didn't call me son. And the answer to your question is no. I have no desire to have dinner with you or even spend a fragment of my time in your presences. If you'll excuse me, my Captain is waiting." replied Andrew in a firm and angered voice.
Admiral Jellico watched Andrew as he vanished in the crowd. Edward Jellico felt his heart shattered within his chest. Andrew's words were like hammers beating on his soul. He managed to hold back the tears but the pain was there. The distance between him and Andrew was too great. There was no fixing it. He realized that now but it still hurt all the more. Edward closed his eyes, took a deep breath, let it out, and then headed for his ship. He had more pressing matter to attend to.
Captain Picard, Captain Riker, and Lieutenant Commander Andrew Jellico teleported onto Starbase 421 with a flash of shimmering blue. The three men examined the Transporter Room briefly and realized that someone besides the transporting officer was waiting for them. Admiral Edward Jellico smiled lightly at Captain Picard.
"Captain Picard, always a pleasure, stated Admiral Jellico with a nod, I'm just sorry its under such a terrible situation that we meet again.
"Likewise Admiral, I'm sure you remember William Riker." stated Picard as he gestured toward the new Captain of the U.S.S Farragut.
Both William Riker and Edward Jellico forced a tight smile. Both men were still unfavorable of each other but forced their dislike aside. This was no time for petty rivalries. Captain Riker was the first to speak.
"Greetings Admiral, glad to see you're doing well."
"Thank you Commander, likewise. I see you've added another pip to your collar. May I ask why?"
"I told him to Admiral. Commander Riker is taking permanent command of the Farragut. I thought it would be comforting to his crew if they have a commissioned Captain leading them during this terrible situation." interrupted Picard.
Admiral Jellico remained silent for a moment. I don't have time to nit pick, he thought, just let it go. The Admiral forced another smile and nodded in acceptance. Both Riker and Picard silently let out a sigh of relief. Admiral Jellico turned his attention to the young man standing next to Picard. The young officer stood up straight with his arms locked behind his back. He was not looking at the Admiral but instead focusing on the wall. Edward examined the young man. The officer looked extremely familiar. He had all the visible traits of his son Andrew, but Edward had not seen his youngest son in so long. Surely, this was not Andrew. Andrew Jellico would never join Starfleet. He hated Starfleet and everything it represented. Captain Picard turned from Admiral Jellico to Lieutenant Commander Jellico, and then back to the Admiral. Picard realized that the Admiral's attention was focused on nothing but the Enterprise's Chief of Security.
"Admiral, I'm sure you know your son, Lieutenant Commander Andrew Jellico.
Andrew stiffened uncomfortably and Edward's jaw dropped. Both men were feeling extremely awkward. Admiral Jellico forced his mouth to close and straightened his posture.
"Yes, of course. Hello, Andrew." greeted the Admiral.
Andrew was filled with a powerful fury. After all these years, he still felt angry toward his father. Andrew did not want to speak to him but Starfleet training forced him to recognize a superior officer. Andrew nodded to the Admiral.
"Greetings, sir." replied the anger stricken Commander.
Admiral Jellico was completely caught off guard. He had wanted to speak to Andrew for so long and now the time had come. Edward could not let this precious time slip away. He had to seize it. Edward Jellico had to amend the broken ties between him and his son.
"Captain Picard, if everyone will follow me. We have an Senior Staff meeting in twenty minutes. Admiral Hayes will want to speak with you before the meeting." informed Jellico as he headed out of the transporter room.
The other three men followed the Admiral as he headed down the main hall onto the turbolift. Lieutenant Commander Jellico was very uncomfortable. The sight of his father was making him extremely edgy. He would have rather been thrown into a pit of rapid wolves than to spend one second with his father. As the four men stepped onto the turbolift, Andrew made it a point to stay as far away from the Admiral as possible. The young Chief of Security noticed that his father was tossing glances his way. That made him feel even more edgy. Sweat trickled down Andrew's neck. His pulse was racing and for the first time in his life, Andrew knew what claustrophobia felt like. The turbolift seemed to move slowly and the walls appeared to be closing in on him. Finally, the turbolift doors opens and the Lieutenant Commander let out a silent sigh of relief. The four men stepped off the turbolift and entered a main conference room. The main room was gigantic and filled with head Starfleet officers. The chief of staff stood around the huge room, talking with one another. Picard knew most of the faces but there were a few that he did not recognize. However, one face really stood out to him. Picard smiled and headed toward it. Commander Worf was speaking to a Admiral when Picard walked up to him. Worf noticed Captain Picard but continued to speak with the Admiral. After the two men finished their conversation, the Admiral gave his leave and Worf turned his attention to Captain Picard.
"Greetings, Captain." said Worf with a straight face.
"Hello, Mr. Worf. How are you?" replied Picard with a huge smile on his face.
Both men shook hands and Picard patted Worf on the shoulder. Worf formed what would be considered by Klingon standards a smile.
"I am well despite our current situation. Two Borg Cubes are a real security risk."
"Yes, yes. I would have to agree with you. Things are looking rather bleak but I'm sure we'll figure something out. We always do."
Suddenly, Admiral Hayes approached Picard. He apologized for interrupting the two men but he desperately needed to speak with the Captain of the Enterprise. Worf bid farewell to Picard and looked for a place to sit down. Meanwhile, Hayes pulled Picard aside.
"I'm glad you're here, Picard. Now we can get down to business. I just spoke with Riker. I'm glad he has decided to take the command. Anyway, the blockade fleet will be divided up into four divisions; Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Gamma teams. You will be leading the Delta team. Admiral Jellico will be head of Beta team and Admiral Kathryn Janeway will be head of Gamma team. I will be in charge of Alpha team and head of the entire fleet. I'll be commanding the fleet through my ship, the U.S.S Titan. Alpha, Beta, and Delta will be the front line. Gamma will be our second line of defense. They will be stationed above Earth. Let's just pray the Borg don't make it that far." informed Hayes.
Riker observed Hayes and Picard as they spoke. Hayes appeared to be nervous. The Borg threat was real and there was no turning back. Riker realized that the time of battle was approaching. These last few Starfleet officers are Earth's last hope against the Borg, he thought, I just hope we don't let Earth down. Suddenly, Admiral Janeway walked up to Riker and patted him on the back. Riker turned to Janeway and smiled broadly.
"Hello, Will." greeted Janeway.
"Hello, Admiral. It's good to see you."
"Likewise. Listen Will, I tried to contact you earlier but couldn't reach you. I heard that you've been given command of the Farragut."
"That's right."
"I have a helms officer who really wants to pilot a ship. His name is Lieutenant Tom Paris. He is an excellent helm officer. He was my chief helm pilot on Voyager, during our long journey home. Will, I couldn't have asked for a better helmsman. I wish I could put him on my ship but my crew manifest is full. I figured you could use a good helm officer so I told him I'd recommend him to you."
"Well Admiral, I'd love to take him but don't we head out in a few hours."
"Oh don't worry Will; he's on his way to 421 as we speak. He should be on the Farragut in about an hour."
Riker smiled hard. He realized he had been set up. It was as if he had no choice in the matter. However, Will knew Kathryn would never steer him wrong. If Tom Paris is ok in Janeway's book than he sure as hell was good enough for me, he thought.
"Alright Admiral, I'll take him. If he's as good as you say he is, then he should be quite an asset."
"Thank you, Will." replied Janeway with a smile.
Suddenly, Admiral Hayes stepped up to the podium at the front of the room. He took a deep breath and spoke into the microphone.
"Will everyone take your seats? We have a lot to discuss but not a lot of time."
All the Starfleet officers found a seat and turned their attentions to Admiral Hayes. They were a little uncomfortable about the Borg situation but eager to learn the plan to prevent it from becoming worse. Admiral Hayes addressed the crowd and told them of their current status. He informed them of the Borg's trajectory and current speed. The audience shook their heads in shock. As Hayes spoke, the threat seemed to become more real. The Admiral remained calm as he spoke but it was apparent that he was just as nervous as everyone else. He discussed the blockade and the team leaders. As each leader was announced, a sense of relief waved over the crowd. They felt a little reassured in the fact they had great commanders leading them.
"Well, I guess that about covers it. Every commander will be given their orders and informed on which team they will be assigned to. We only have an hour before we depart, so everyone to your starships. Good luck and may God watch over us all." stated Hayes, trying to keep the shaking out of his voice.
The crowd rose from their seats and the room was filled with loud discussions. Riker bid farewell to Picard before heading to the Farragut.
"Goodbye Captain." stated Will.
"Goodbye, Will. Good luck."
Meanwhile, the crowd steadily headed out of the main room and unto the turbolifts. Admiral Edward Jellico squeezed through the thick bunch of people and pulled Andrew Jellico aside. Andrew felt a huge lump form in his throat. He did not want to speak with the Admiral but it was apparent to him that his father was not going to let him have a choice in the matter.
"Listen, Andrew. I know we haven't spoken in a while but I was wondering, that when this is over, maybe we could get together and have dinner or something. I'd like to catch up with you son."
"With all do respect sir, I would appreciate it if you didn't call me son. And the answer to your question is no. I have no desire to have dinner with you or even spend a fragment of my time in your presences. If you'll excuse me, my Captain is waiting." replied Andrew in a firm and angered voice.
Admiral Jellico watched Andrew as he vanished in the crowd. Edward Jellico felt his heart shattered within his chest. Andrew's words were like hammers beating on his soul. He managed to hold back the tears but the pain was there. The distance between him and Andrew was too great. There was no fixing it. He realized that now but it still hurt all the more. Edward closed his eyes, took a deep breath, let it out, and then headed for his ship. He had more pressing matter to attend to.