WAR GAMES CHAPTER 1
USS WISCONSIN
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
IN ORBIT OVER STARBASE 5
Jacobs pressed the record switch and spoke into the computer, "USS Wisconsin Captain's log, Stardate 6320.0. We have just entered orbit over Starbase 5. Our stay here is for two weeks while we get an experimental sensor array installed that should help detect cloaked vessels. During the time that the array is installed, I hope to give the crew some shore leave time, they have been hard at work for the last two years building this ship.
"Starbase 5 has grown from a purely Starfleet facility to having some civilians here also. I was based out of Starbase 5 when commanding the Wolverine, and the planet has become my second home. I have fully utilized Federation Law in staking claim to property on planets designated as colonies, which this world is one.
"Mr. Leonaidas and I are just about to beam down to report to Admiral Adama, commanding Starbase 5. First, I have been informed of a potential sensitive situation with Mr. Joseph Kenn, and that meeting is happening shortly. Jacobs out."
Jacobs checked that his datapad had all the necessary items completed for beaming down and reporting to Admiral Adama. Just then there was a door chime. Jacobs said, "Come in."
Lt Cdr Bauer, Ensign Kenn, Cdr Leonaidas, and Pastor Octavian entered. Jacobs stood up and said, "Gentlemen, please sit down. Let's start from the beginning. Mr. Kenn, I believe you wanted to explain yourself."
Kenn nodded and started explaining, "Sir, I first of all want to thank you for your hospitality while on board. I also want to apologize for my behavior while I was in the boot camp for the Badgers. I also want to apologize for this transfer order to the Wisconsin, it was not my idea."
Jacobs was listening while Kenn was talking. A year ago, he had washed out of Badger training primarily because of having a bad attitude. Kenn had made himself a pain in the butt when he was in training, a combination of elitist attitude being the nephew of a senator and also thinking that Bauer and Teal'c were too extreme in training. It certainly seemed like Kenn's attitude had changed, Jacobs had read the report of what happened to him on the Pirate station. Maybe being in fear of his life had changed him for the better. Maybe that is why Octavian was here too. Jacobs thought that they will get to that later, but first the official concerns. "Mr. Kenn, I can say that the way the orders were written to me to accept you on the Wisconsin didn't make either me or Mr. Bauer too happy. We have no choice but to have you on the Wisconsin."
Kenn nodded. "Yes sir, and that wasn't my idea, but my uncle's. I would be happy to go back to the Huron, or anywhere else for that matter."
Jacobs raised an eyebrow. "You don't like being around us?"
Kenn answered quickly, "No sir, I mean Yes Sir. I mean, the Wisconsin's crew has been extremely hospitable to me, way more than I expected or deserved. I do not feel worthy to be part of this crew."
Jacobs looked to Octavian, who gave a knowing nod. Looking back at Kenn he asked, "I want to focus on this 'worthy' bit. Why don't you specifically feel worthy?"
Kenn swallowed a bit. "Sir, the only group in Starfleet that could even have hoped to accomplish that rescue was the Wisconsin and the Badgers. 'Normal' Starfleet security would not have been able to accomplish the hostage rescue."
Jacobs looked to Bauer, who also gave a nod. "Why not? What was different?"
Kenn continued, "First, doctrine. Starfleet security would have beamed over with just phasers once the starship had pounded down the shields. Their phasers would have been set to maximum stun setting, which probably would have not been able to stop a Norsican quickly. Norsicans would probably have gotten off a few shots as they were falling unconscious and most likely have hit a few of the landing party and the hostages. Second, Security never would have used the various booby traps to slow the enemy. If anything, they may have used stun grenades because Security is in into this whole doctrine lately of 'non-lethal force.' Lastly, the security staff probably would have left some or all the hostages. They have never have been pushed beyond their limit for service to others."
Jacobs thought a bit. His analysis was spot on. Time to see if this kid has the understanding. "Mr. Kenn, what would you think that would make you 'worthy' to be on the Wisconsin?"
Kenn did not think of this question before hand. "Well, sir, I haven't thought of this, please forgive me if I say something that offends."
Jacobs nodded. "Go ahead, speak your mind." Jacobs thought that this ought to be interesting.
Kenn thought a minute before speaking. He was surprised but he was getting emotional. Kenn looked to Octavian, who nodded. The two had a long heart-to-heart conversation, and Kenn found Octavian to be a very big surprise. Not only had Octavian been a Marine and understood what goes on through his head, but Octavian also had a special wisdom about him. Octavian was not preachy or anything, but he truly lived his Bible and his faith. Kenn's conversation with Octavian made Kenn realize that Octavian had something that he needed. Kenn realized that he was going to have to talk more with Octavian about that later.
Focusing on the question Kenn answered, "Well, Sir. First, I would have to go through the Badger training all over again. Mr. Bauer told me that he has a ship-based program that would qualify me as a full Badger, and that the Badgers would accept those that come through that route as full Badgers. I would have to complete it this time, and do far better than how I was doing before. I also would need to prove to my shipmates that my elitist attitude is no longer here. Rather, I am in debt to each and everyone on board the Wisconsin. The only way to do that is not what I say, but what I do. Maybe this is the right time to mention this also sir." Kenn reached in a pocket and handed over a clear colored memory chip.
Jacobs took the memory chip and asked, "What's this?"
Kenn explained, "My uncle got me posted here to spy on this ship." Jacobs looked Kenn, Bauer and Octavian also were looking at him. Kenn continued, aware that everyone was looking at him. "My uncle told me that he expects me to continually send reports on the Wisconsin. I am to use the program on that chip to encode my report and hide it in a message that is totally harmless. He is digging for dirt on this ship and you in particular, Captain. He chose me because he thinks I have a beef with all of you and he thinks he can trust me."
Jacobs looked at the clear plastic chip. "Why does he think you have a problem with us?"
Kenn continued, "I complained to him when I quit the Badgers. My choice of words I regret tremendously, because I blamed it entirely on you and nothing on me. He thinks also that because of the rescue I would blame you for everything."
Jacobs asked, "Do you?"
Kenn shook his head, "As I said before sir, I don't blame you, rather you are the only ship that could have carried out that mission. I tried to tell my uncle that, but he was not listening. I tried to tell him everything, but he would not listen."
Jacobs raised up the chip, "What about this chip, where do we go from here?"
Kenn shook his head vigorously, "I gave that to you because I wanted you to know that he's after you. I also thought about smashing it, but somehow, somewhere, I could see it getting pieced together and then the question is why did I have it and my integrity, what little I have, would be in question. I want to be trusted by you." Kenn was shaking because of the emotion of what they were talking about. "Sir, my uncle placed me in an impossible position. He expects me to betray my shipmates, and I will not do that. I do not want to betray him, but I just want to tell the truth."
Jacobs looked at the men. Bauer, Octavian, Leonaidas and him had already talked this over, the only surprise was the chip, but that could be handled easily. "Mr. Kenn, first, we have no choice but to have you on board. As a Starfleet Security member, you will wear the standard security uniform, and will have normal Security duty as on any other starship. You are encouraged to enroll in Badger training. As far as rank is concerned, your rank of Ensign of course will be respected, however it will be interesting to see how you handle the leadership challenge of more qualified but lower rank personnel."
Jacobs put the chip back on the desk and slid it to Kenn. "As for the reports to Senator Jameson, all I ask of you is to tell the simple truth. Do not embellish, do not lie, just simply tell the truth."
Kenn was dumbfounded. "You want me to spy on you?"
Jacobs shook his head. "Of course not, just report what you feel comfortable. I will not ask you or another member of the crew to lie for me. Your uncle wanted complete reports, and that implies that he wants you to transmit classified information, which is illegal. Whatever you report, stay within Starfleet guidelines concerning correspondence and we have no problem."
Kenn should have thought of that earlier. His uncle was asking him to commit a crime with the reports. Supposedly there was immunity somewhere, but Kenn could not count on it. He was glad that he did the right thing. "Thank you, sir. As a measure of good faith, could you copy that before you give it to me. I want to prove myself to you."
Jacobs shook his head. "This is a beginning; however, you will prove yourself somewhere else. Wait just a minute." Jacobs pushed the comm button. "Lt Jareau, would you come here, please."
In short order Lt Jareau came into the Ready Room. Jacobs handed her the chip and asked, "JJ, this contains an encryption program. Could you clone this chip for later analysis?"
"Not a problem, sir." Jareau turned and left.
Kenn said, "That will take some time. No doubt my uncle had some of his best people come up with the program along with anti-tampering programs on that chip."
Jacobs nodded, "No doubt. Lt Jareau knows her stuff." Jacobs pushed the record button. "Captain's log, supplemental. Mr. Kenn has just given me a chip that Senator Jameson gave him. The chip is to encode messages for transmission to the Senator. I am authorizing Mr. Kenn to use the chip as the Senator instructed, to send messages back to the Senator. He is simply to tell the truth without violating Starfleet policy on classified transmission. This is to meet Senator Jameson's expectations and to protect Mr. Kenn from reprisals from his uncle." Jacobs pushed the pause button and looked at the men in the room. "Anything else I should add?"
Nobody offered anything. Jacobs unpaused the log recording, "I am also directing Mr. Bauer, Mr. Leonaidas, and Pastor Octavian to make entries in their logs as to what was discussed here. Jacobs out." Jacobs looked at everybody, then focused in on Kenn. "Mr. Kenn, I want to explain some things. First, the fact that your uncle wants you to spy on us is a big thing. You have handled yourself properly concerning what he wants you to do. Second, I appreciate what you have said here. Your words are the correct words for the situation. The only thing left now is for you to follow up with action. Pastor Octavian can talk with you about this later but keep this in mind, in the Bible it says if your faithful with small things you will be faithful with big things. My advice to you is this, if you handle small things that pop up in day-to-day living, the crew will notice and I will notice. When the big thing comes up, you will handle it properly. That encoding chip is really a small thing."
Kenn was bewildered. Jacobs continued, "If we had not detected anything in your transmissions, the worst that would have happened is that you would have committed a crime by sending classified information to a non-authorized individual. Your uncle would still find out what he wants to find out anyway because his assumption is that we hide stuff and otherwise falsify what goes on out here, which we do not. Starfleet's very foundation is on honesty, integrity, and mutual respect. So, all that would have happened is you sacrificing your career for something that was not there anyway. If we had detected the encoded message, we would have followed protocols, which the first thing would be what Mr. Leonaidas?"
Leonaidas said somberly, "Shut down and archive all transmissions from the individual. An immediate evaluation as to the extent of conspiracy is done as to who can crack the code. Code is decoded by available individuals then reported to highest authority onboard."
Jacobs turned to Bauer who continued, "Said individual would be immediately placed under arrest and placed in isolation in the brig. No contact allowed with the individual except for onboard authority, and clergy where available."
Jacobs then turned to Octavian who finished, "If counsel of clergy is accepted. Clergy's responsibility is to show just how deep of a pit of despair awaited said individual and the need for salvation out of the pit."
Kenn was amazed at all of this; he should have realized just what his uncle was really asking of him. Jacobs explained, "To sum up. If we did not catch you, you would be in deep trouble and your uncle would not have any info because it does not exist. If we did catch you, you still would be in trouble and your uncle still would not have any incriminating information. The fact that you made the choice that you did shows hope for you, and I hope that you see now your uncle couldn't follow through with any promises because Starfleet would have nothing to do with you after your betrayal."
The door chimed, Jacobs said, "Come on in JJ."
Lt Jareau walked in with two chips. One she handed back to the Captain. "Here it is. I'll archive the other in safe stores."
"With that, I think we are done here. Everyone is dismissed except for Mr. Leonaidas. And Lt Jareau. Thank you, Mr. Kenn, and good luck."
All stood and nodded to the Captain. Leonaidas and Jareau stayed while the others went out of the ready room. Jacobs checked the clock and asked, "Which one did you give him?"
Jareau smiled and held the chip. "He has the copy."
Jacobs smiled, "I never doubted you. Thank you JJ. What's your next plan?"
"I'm going to get McGee to work on the encoding, find out just how good it is."
Jacobs smiled, "Let me know how it goes." Jareau nodded and left the room.
Jacobs asked, "What do you think?"
Leonaidas was thoughtful. "I think he's in the right frame of mind now, question is if he sticks to it or not. He has a lifetime of privilege and spoiling to overcome, and I'm not sure that he's quite there or not."
"From what Octavian told me, he thinks that there is more to this turnaround."
"He left something out of the debriefings?"
Jacobs shook his head, "No, just that when he started talking to Octavian, the conversation came around to his being scared to die on that station."
Leonaidas raised an eyebrow. "Something for the good Pastor to work with?"
Jacobs smiled, "Perhaps, you know that first a lost man needs to see that he's lost. Not much time left, see you in the transporter room in ten minutes. We've got to change." And with that, the two left to go change into class A uniforms.
USS WISCONSIN
TRANSPORTER ROOM 1
Jacobs walked into the transporter room wearing his class A uniform. Leonaidas was already there also in his class A uniform with an oversized briefcase. Jacobs looked at the briefcase and remarked, "Everything in there?"
Leonaidas nodded while he stepped on the transporter platform, "Yes Sir, everything that we talked about. All set?"
Jacobs stepped up on the platform, "All set, let's go meet Admiral Adama. Chief Kaylee, Energize."
The transporter chief operated the controls and the two beamed out.
STARBASE 5
ADMIRAL'S RECEPTION AREA
The transporter pad for the reception area glowed and two figures materialized. Jacobs and Leonaidas stepped down from the transporter platform and walked up to the yeoman behind the desk. The pretty, black- haired yeoman stood up and smiled a greeting, "Captain Jacobs, nice to meet you. I am yeoman Della Street. Admiral Adama is inside waiting for you."
Jacobs felt the blood rush from his hands, "Are we late?"
Street answered, "No sir, not at all. He had no prior appointments. Please go on in."
Jacobs nodded, "Thank you very much, Miss Street."
Entering the Admiral's office, you could see the commanding view from the very large windows. Starbase 5 was on an Earth-type planet, however the base itself was in the middle of a desert. The view right now was mid-morning with the sun already high in the sky. Adama got up from his desk and walked around to greet the officers. Admiral Adama was a medium-sized man, stocky, in his early sixties. He had a face that denoted both harsh experience and patience that was learned. "Welcome, gentlemen. I have been looking forward to meeting you." Adama extended his hand.
Jacobs took the offered hand and shook it. Adama had a good, firm grip. "Captain Joshua Jacobs, USS Wisconsin. Reporting as ordered. This is Commander Alexander Leonaidas, my XO." Adama shook Leonaidas' hand as well.
Adama motioned for them to sit in the two chairs in front of his desk. "Please sit-down gentlemen. Can I offer you anything to drink?"
Both the men answered, "Water would be nice."
Adama walked over to the food station and grabbed three glasses and a pitcher of ice water. In his raspy voice he started, "You have already had a heck of a first mission just getting here. I have been looking over the mission, particularly the assault on the pirate base. Your tactics validate your design philosophy in the Wisconsin. Is that briefcase your data?"
Leonaidas set it beside the desk. "All of the raw data. It includes Mr. McGee's computer full of downloads, downloads from the Pirate's sentries, plus the logs of everyone involved, and finally the techniques on how to hack into Norsican technology. The Claw, of course is in orbit around Starbase 5 with even more data that we should be able to recover."
Adama walked back with glasses and a pitcher of ice water. "I will get some personnel working on that right away. Good job." He handed the first glass to Jacobs.
Jacobs reached for the offered glass and answered, "Thank you Admiral."
Adama started pouring the glasses and asked, "Captain, when was the last time you were out here at Starbase 5?"
Jacobs sipped a little bit and answered, "A little over two years ago. It was as we were returning the Wolverine to be decommissioned. I was based out of Starbase 5 for the whole time on the Wolverine."
Adama finished pouring Leonaidas' glass and asked, "What about you, Mr. Leonaidas?"
Leonaidas thought a bit, "I have been here, but it's been years. I have been in the special Security section ever since they got rid of the Marines."
Adama sat down with his own glass and gave a knowing nod. "I have worked with a lot of your special security forces. Good people, all of them. No exception. "
Leonaidas answered, "Thank you sir, high praise coming from the Admiral."
Adama gave another knowing nod. "Just to give you a short background on me so you can understand where I come from. I took over Starbase 5 just after Admiral McGonagle retired. We had a bit of a talk about you when he left. He sends his regards."
Jacobs took a sip and asked evenly, "Thank you, what did he say?"
Adama answered, "He told me to get a hold of you when you finished building the Wisconsin. Kirk also recommended you highly. Basically, I have been waiting for you to come out here, to the wild frontier. The Wisconsin's perfect duty awaits it out here."
Jacobs nodded, "Thank you sir. I did not have a particular operations area in mind, but rather just trying to make things safer for my crew. I had no idea I was returning to Starbase 5, but am glad to be here."
Adama continued, "Well, I am glad to have you and your ship. You are bucking some current thinking of powerful politicians; I think you can guess who the ringleader is. I view my job is to help my people to do their job, and to protect them from interference. I will try to watch out for your 6."
Jacobs noted the Raptor model on one of the shelves on the far wall. "Thank you, sir, I see the Raptor on your shelf. Do you have some time in them?"
Adama smiled, "Ten years, Raptor Rangers."
Jacobs finished, "No one crazier."
Leonaidas jokingly remarked, "Another pilot to make me throw up."
Adama pointed at him with his glass. He said in his raspy voice, "We took the flights no one thought we could survive."
Leonaidas asked, "Why?"
Adama sipped some water. "Mostly because we had to pull you guys out of Indian country. If we did not, the landing party would die. That Raptor is one of the most underrated ships made. It survived when even the designers said it should have died."
Leonaidas asked, "So what was your callsign?"
Adama said, "Husher. What about yours?"
Jacobs smiled, "Deadstick."
Adama gave a short smile, "Your Antarctica landing?"
Jacobs laughed, "Yes. Given the jokers I was flying with at the time, I am lucky it didn't turn out to be Penguin Dung." All chuckled at the thought. "You know about that landing?"
Adama nodded. "Yes. I have reviewed your whole file. ALL of it."
Jacobs shifted, "Even….."
Adama finished, "Even the time you helped Kirk."
Leonaidas looked at Jacobs, "You met Admiral Kirk before we started building the Wisconsin?"
Jacobs did not know how to answer. Adama stepped in, "Captain Jacobs, I authorize you to read Mr. Leonaidas in on your entire event with Kirk. May I call you Joshua?"
Jacobs blinked, "Please, my friends call me Josh."
Adama looked at Leonaidas, "And you Alex?"
Leonaidas answered, "Actually, everyone calls me Leo."
Adama continued, "Ok, Leo, the reason I want you read in is because it is relevant to your mission." Tapping on a button, the windows darkened and the screen on the wall changed from a scenic picture to one of the sector. "Gentlemen, as you well know, Starbase 5 is the last base that is on the Klingon border. From here, the established borders split and free space beyond opens up. This was established by the Organian treaty. In the free space, both we and the Klingons are free to explore, claim, colonize, and exploit per terms of the treaty. The one thing we can't do is fight each other. The Organians have a strict no aggression clause in the treaty."
Adama pushed another button, the screen highlighted the free space. "Your mission is simply to explore this free zone. Do not enter the Klingon Neutral zone. Entry will be interpreted as an act of war."
Leonaidas asked, "Wouldn't the Organians intervene in that case?"
Adama pushed another button, showing a table of ships, stardates, and star systems. "Ideally, yes. This table is top-secret, codeword only basis. It lists engagements that we know about with the Klingons that lasted more than a minute."
Leonaidas was shocked. Right at the top of the list was "Enterprise-Wolverine." Leonaidas thought he knew everything about Josh, but this was very new. He asked, "Why were the Organians slow to intervene?"
Adama answered, "Short answer is we don't know. We visit their system on schedule every six months, according to the protocol the treaty specifies. We have asked them and they will not answer that question. We hope the Klingons do not figure this out. Safest policy gentlemen, is always be ready."
Jacobs also was shocked at the extent of the list. "Who knows about this?"
Adama clicked and a screen came up with the chain of personnel who know the classified information. "Josh, as you well know, the random computer word generator came up with 'peanutbutter.' Stupid name, but it works to hide the meaning. Leo, you can see your name here, so it was not a spur of the minute choice to have you read in. Also, every commander of the ships involved know about their own incident, but none others. Josh, you are the first to know that the others even exist. Starfleet is keeping it very close to the chest. Only the senior members of the Armed service committee and Intelligence committee know about this. That includes the good Senator Jameson."
Leonaidas chose not to address that comment but focus on the whole picture. "Why all the secrecy? Why not let it be known that the Organians aren't all-powerful in enforcing the treaty?"
Adama finished his glass off and started pouring another. "Good question Leo. It would make sense to let more people know. At the time of Josh's engagement, the thinking was that it was a fluke and better not to scare the population. Starfleet was thinking of declassifying this when the second group of attacks happened. If you notice, there was Josh's incident, then thirteen months later there were eight on the same day. When we notified the Committee leadership by law, Jameson clamped secrecy down tight. It has never been released since then. Speculation is yours; I know the history between you and him. I watched the hearings."
Jacobs nodded. "Releasing the information would cause the population to demand Starfleet be more prepared than we are. That goes against Jameson's world-view. I'd give a month's pay to know why he hates us, even with his information that we aren't protected by the Organians as well as everyone thought."
Leonaidas added, "Because he views Starfleet as the real threat to peace, not the Klingons."
Jacobs shrugged, "I guess, but it….."
Leonaidas motioned with his hand, "Pay up, one month!"
Jacobs leaned as if to pull out a wad of old-fashioned cash when Leonaidas finished, "Don't worry, I know you aren't good for it. Already spent it on flight lessons. I keep telling you that you need landing lessons, not flight lessons."
The three had a good laugh. Adama turned off the screen and brightened the room again. "I can see it's going to be fun having you two around. Some other business we need to take care of. First, Josh, it wasn't my idea about having Mr. Kenn posted to your ship. That came directly from Admiral Clayborne. As I said before, I'll try to protect you and I'm sorry I wasn't able to with the first item that came down. Did Jim Kirk get a hold of you concerning retaining Mr. Cogley?"
Jacobs smiled, "Yes, he did. What Admiral Kirk didn't know at the time was that I've known Mr. Cogley for a few years. I've been a client of his for quite a while, and he assures me he's keeping on top of the political aspect for me."
Adama nodded, "Very good. I'll keep him well informed. What about Mr. Kenn?"
Jacobs shook his head and assured Adama, "Don't worry, I understand. Besides, we think we have that handled properly. Mr. Kenn came to me to apologize. I believe he's made a turn of heart; he came clean about the whole issue. He even gave us a glimpse into why he was posted."
Adama leaned back in his seat and had an intense look on his face. "What was that?"
Jacobs answered, "Kenn told us that Jameson wants him to spy on us. Jameson expects that we lie about our logs, encounters, basically everything and wants Kenn to encode evidence and transmit it back to him."
Adama thought a bit. "Jameson wants him to commit a felony?"
Jacobs nodded, "Without saying it, yes, he does. The information would refer to events that no doubt would be classified."
Adama asked, "And how do you plan to handle it?"
Jacobs explained, "He gave us the chip with the encoding program. I have my people analyzing it now. I told him to go ahead and use the program and encode messages, just don't send anything classified. He will be encoding material that is legal for him to send. Just to make sure, we're going to go over all his transmissions with a fine-toothed comb to look for other messages."
Adama observed, "You don't trust him?"
Jacobs pointed out, "I am willing to work with him, he's made an apparent change of heart, but trust is something earned, not freely given. I think it only prudent to make sure he is staying true to word."
Adama remembered an old saying, "Trust, but verify."
Jacobs smiled, "A great US president used that phrase a lot. It works for me."
Adama thought a bit. "Sounds like a good plan, but risky. Be careful. The moment you catch him breaking regs, let me know and I can get him off your ship, Clayborne won't have any way to keep him there. The last item I want to talk about is that experimental Vulcan sensor suite. It is having serious problems. They aren't going to be ready for at least a month. It works out for the better because I would rather have that installed on some other ship such as a frigate or destroyer. Your ship is more set for action, let another ship do long-range scans. With that, how long before you are ready to leave orbit?"
Jacobs thought a minute, "Well, Sir, I was planning on giving my people some shore leave before going out to parts unknown. It would be a nice break for them from the last couple of years of hard work. Could we still give my crew two days?"
Adama reacted, "Negative, give them a week. Our facilities are rather limited here on base. What are you planning?"
Jacobs answered, "I own some property in the oceanic tropical islands. Very primitive, but nice to relax with. I figure we'll bring some shuttles down to provide the essentials, they can sleep in those temporary shelters we carry, and the last night for each shift we'll have a Luau. You're welcome to come."
Adama thought a bit. "I'd love to, but your crew doesn't know me yet and it would not let them be able to relax totally. Let me take a raincheck this time. Speaking of your crew, I believe we have an inspection scheduled in an hour."
Jacobs nodded. "We do, and the ship is ready. If you like, we can throw in a run around the patch in a Raptor for you."
Adama smiled a big smile, "I'd love that. We'll see you in an hour. Gentlemen, Dismissed." All rose and shook hands.
BREIFING ROOM
USS EXCALIBER
Admiral Clayborne leaned against the table looking at the fleet deployment diagram for the sector surrounding Starbase 5. To help Senator Jameson out, Clayborne would have to find something that will discredit the Wisconsin. Something to throw them off. They just had a very successful mission, and it validated the crazy ideas that Jacobs had for Wisconsin. When the details of the mission hit the public, there is going to be an expectation that Starfleet can do more missions like that. What Clayborne thought he needed was something to make Jacobs look bad, preferably with civilians somehow. Civilians always talk.
Nothing on the big board in the Excaliber's briefing room was jumping out at him. He was tired from thinking on this too long. Clayborne could not ask for help for ideas from Captain Jackson, he did not know Jackson that well, and Captains tend to stick together, even when they do not know each other. Clayborne did not really like trying to make a starship Captain look bad, it left a little bit of a bad taste in his mouth. However, it did have the payoff that its virtually going to assure him to be Chief of Starfleet Operations when Nogura retires. Clayborne was just tired playing Jameson's games.
Games? Maybe if there was not a real situation out there to exploit, maybe he could create one. Better yet, get some civilians involved. Clayborne checked cargo ship routes and saw what was a great opportunity. He started working on the datapad and changed the view on big screen. There was a real opportunity, but he would have to be quick. Pushing on the com button he said, "Bridge, Admiral Clayborne."
"Captain Jackson, what can we do for you Admiral?"
"How long before we get to Starbase 5?"
Jackson's voice came back, "Six days, sir."
"Can you get us there any faster?"
Jackson's voice was not amused. "No Sir, we are at cruising speed now. Anything more and we will have to stop sometime before then to work on our engines. We are at the best time-saving speed now."
Clayborne checked some figures. "Very well, Captain. That will have to do." He pushed the button again shutting down the intercom. The time should be fine anyway.
STARBASE 5 TERMINAL
OPERATIONS OFFICE
Senator Jameson was fuming. There were no ships heading back towards Earth. His time as prisoner of the Norsicans completely ruined his scheduled meeting on his home world. It is time to get back to Earth where he can do some work and bring down Jacobs. The problem was that there were no Starfleet warp shuttles around, no ships, and nothing commercial was coming through here for days.
Jameson was yelling at whoever was around. The civilian side of the office was cringing every time he let off a tirade. The Starfleet side was as impassive as always. Out the window, Jameson saw a warp shuttle landing on a pad and saw a man get out. The man looked somewhat familiar, but he could not place him and the shuttle was in the distance. He could see the heat from the sun creating shimmering heat waves. Fortunately for that man, a land vehicle was there to pick him up and drive him to where it was cool. Jameson went over to the civilian desk and asked loudly, "Who's shuttle is that out there? Where's it going now?"
The secretary looked at her display. "It's Mr. Cogley's shuttle."
Jameson instantly recognized the name. Samuel T. Cogley was a lawyer that worked out of Starbase 11 many years ago. His most notable client was that jerk James Kirk. Kirk was up for court martial for negligent decision making that led to a man dying, and Cogley proved his innocence by deducing the man was trying to destroy Kirk by faking his own death. Cogley moved from Starbase 11 a few years ago out to Starbase 5 where there was possibility for more cases. Between exploration and the Klingons, there was a lot of law to practice.
"I want to talk to him."
The secretary nodded. "He will be coming through those doors in just a minute. You will be able to talk to him directly."
In just a short time, the doors opened and the heat flowed in from the outside. Cogley stepped in and removed his sunglasses. Jameson was on him in a minute. "Mr. Cogley, I'm Senator Jameson."
Cogley stopped and sized him up. "Yes, you are. What can I do for you?"
"I want to use your shuttle. I need a warp shuttle to go back to Earth. Yours is the only one around."
Cogley nodded. "I see, what is the hurry?"
Jameson explained, "I have some important business at Earth, I am sorry but I can't go beyond that. Your shuttle is the only one that I can use."
Cogley shook his head. "No, it is not. I am surprised, but you have not done your homework. There are other shuttles. Senator, why are you here on Starbase 5? Why didn't you have your itinerary better planned? For that matter, why don't you have your staff with you?"
Jameson said, "I was out here for important meetings concerning this Starbase, the transportation that I had arranged is unavailable, and I must get new transportation. Can I rent your shuttle and pilot to take me back?"
Cogley asked, "Senator, where is your staff?"
Jameson was beyond impatient, "They are back over at the Starbase offices doing work for me, can I use your shuttle?"
Cogley thought a bit. "Senator, you have lied to me a total of four times including a statement depending on my being uninformed. Now, why should I trust you with my warp shuttle?"
Jameson could not believe it, the audacity of this man calling him a liar. "Just who do you think you are calling me a liar?"
Cogley looked directly into Jameson's eyes. Jameson thought that Cogley was staring deep into his soul with that gaze, he never had before experienced something like that. Jameson was unsettled by Cogley's demeanor. Cogley observed, "Senator, I think I am a Federation Citizen exercising his freedom of speech. I am also accurate in my observation. You lied to me four times."
Jameson exploded, "How dare you call me a liar! I am Senator Jameson, head of the Armed Service committee! I do not lie!"
Cogley kept a straight poker face. "You also were captured by the Norsicans, and recently rescued by Starfleet. You were just dropped off by the Starship that rescued you, which is why you do not have staff with you and are trying to charter a ride back to Earth. No sir, I will not let you use my warp shuttle, you are not trustworthy. Good day, sir." With that, Cogley turned and walked out to his ground transportation.
Jameson was beside himself. All he used to be able to do was tell people who he was, and he had stuff done for him, usually complementary. This infuriating man not only refused him, but threw out accusations in public like this. Jameson turned to the secretary, "I want the fastest shuttle to Earth, NOW!"
The secretary quietly answered, "Mr. Cogley has the fastest shuttle. I'll contact other shuttle owners to see if they would like to let you charter their craft."
Jameson fumed out the door without saying a word, stepping out into the blasting heat.
