Past Mistakes
Chapter 2-Mike (Post Season 5)
"The Port of Miami is the new hub for the United States Navy. Since our White House has moved to St. Louis, it was either New Orleans or Miami. New Orleans didn't have the infrastructure to support a large base and there are still some ill feelings there due to the Immunes, so Miami is our choice." President Reiss explained.
"And what am I being tasked with?" Mike asked, with a sense of dread. He had a feeling he would need to settle for a while, and he specifically didn't settle because he would start missing his family too much. It was easier to be on the go.
"Well, you've rebuilt the Navy. Now I need you to build up a base. It is going to be hard to attract people to stay in the Navy, enlisted or officers; so we are teaming up with a local real estate agent who has facilitated the purchase of literally hundreds of homes. She also is going to make the homes more homey by staging them. You are to assign the housing, make sure the enlisted and officers have everything they need, work with vendors for a P.X. Just basically be a Base Commander." President Reiss answered.
"Sir; not to argue, but I am better at sea then I am on land. I've never been good at desk jobs." Mike objected.
"I understand, but honestly; you are an Admiral and you intimidate the newer Captains. You aren't ready for retirement, so this is the best assignment for you. What's your aversion?" President Reiss asked. Mike blinked for a moment and decided to just be honest.
"Before the Arctic, my commission was up and I had been offered a very lucrative private sector job in Miami. My wife was really excited, but I turned it down because I wanted to be a Captain. Two days before I left, we had a huge argument about it, and we never fixed things before I left. And the rest you know." Mike explained, hoping it would dissuade the president.
"Well, I'm sorry; but you are the man for the job. Your new assistant is already there, and has been working with the realtor. The assistant's name is Lt. Sarah Adams. She is very efficient. She will facilitate all of your needs." President Reiss answered rather dismissively.
"How long will I be in Miami?" Mike asked as he was handed Lt. Adams dossier.
"As long as it takes. We figure by the time all the personnel are moved in; it'll be approximately two to three years. Of course, you will have your choice of homes with an option of purchasing it once everything is done and you retire. The base will be in the Kendall area of Miami. Beautiful area and there beach-front properties." President Reiss told him.
"I see. Thank you, Sir." Mike said. He stood up and stood at attention. President Reiss also stood up and saluted Mike before shaking his hand.
"Your flight information is attached to the dossier. Lt. Adams will pick you up at the airport. You have enough time to pack your clothes and making grab a bite before check-in. You have my number if anything is needed. Don't hesitate to call." President Reiss told him.
"Thank you, Sir." Mike said before leaving the office.
It didn't take Mike anytime to pack up his few belongings and head for the airport. He used a government vehicle, which meant he would either have to utilize the same mode of transportation or he would buy a vehicle of his own. Check-in at the airport was a breeze, and he only had to wait forty-five minutes for his flight, giving him time to grab a burger at one of the airport restaurants. He ate and then boarded the plane.
The flight lasted two hours and he was able to disembark immediately. Mike was able to pick Lt. Adams out due to her uniform. A woman in her late twenties; she was all business and very efficient. In some ways, she reminded Mike a lot of Kara Greene, but even more organized and business-like. Mike would take some time to warm up to her, because she was without a sense of humor.
"Alright, sir. I have you a reservation at one of the premier hotels in South Beach. You will be able to order room service or there are several local restaurants within walking distance. I figured; tonight you would get settled in to your temporary residence and tomorrow; we would meet with the real estate agent, and look for your personal residence so you could get moved in and get right to work." Lt. Adams explained from the driver's seat as she navigated through the streets in Miami.
"Excellent." Mike answered.
"Perfect. Here we are. I will carry your bag in." Lt. Adams said.
"Absolutely not. I can carry my own bag." Mike told her. She pulled into the parking lot at the hotel and Mike got the bag out of the bag seat.
"You have my cellphone in your dossier, sir. If you need anything?" Lt. Adams offered.
"Thanks. When is pick up tomorrow?" Mike asked.
"0900. I will be right here." Lt. Adams said before they parted ways. Mike went into the hotel, checked in, and ordered room service before he ever went upstairs to his room. As he expected, the room was very nice with a view of the beach. His dinner arrived and Mike got out of his uniform, into a pair of pajama pants and t-shirt, dreading the next day. He didn't want a home and he didn't want to be settled. Maybe a catastrophe would happen and he could go back out to sea.
I know this scenario would never happen in real life, but just bare with me!