[Deep Space Nine]
"Sonak Van'Tak?" Captain Jeremy Savage smirked at the name "the slug that was spying on you back when you were commanding the Warrior?" A chuckled escaped the Captain's lips "I never thought you to be the vengeful type."
"Vengeful?" Jolias grinned "don't be inane. Who would you have me choose? You? If Starfleet wants to torture me, fine, its part of the job description. However, there is nothing that forbids me from appointing a deputy who I can torture equally. Sonak's history- his little job of mole as my executive officer on Warrior did play a small part in my decision. I can shovel all the paperwork onto him without sympathy. It's perfect."
"I like it. You're starting to think with your pips more each passing day." Jeremy winked "anyways, the Mayhem is resupplied. I plan on taking us out by 0800 tomorrow."
"Actually." Jolias smiled "I've decided to change your orders. I want you in Alpha Fleet. There are few good commanding officers these days- most of them are basically kids after the dominion debacle. I could use another seasoned officer here. Also, I doubt I'd last long without your dry humor and illegal store of Orion whiskey."
"Dry humor- eh, wait. How did you know about the Orion Whiskey?"
"I'm an Admiral, we just know these things." Jolias chuckled "no, but honestly, I ran into Yago and Praxton trying to smuggle a bottle out of your cargo hold about a week ago. Poor guys, as soon as they noticed me they went pale. I confiscated the liquor of course- disposed of it."
"Enh? Those twits, I told them I was saving it for a big occasion." Jeremy grimaced "and disposed of it? Do you know how much that crate cost me?!"
"A stray phaser shot at a Ferengi trawler."
Jeremy blinked "now you can't tell me you WALKED into that one. Who told you that?"
"Mihoshi, I asked her about the whisky I confiscated." Jolias grinned again, his friend has become predictable over the years "but don't worry; Starfleet has bigger things to worry about then a Captain hording confiscated contraband."
"And just how long did it take you to dispose of this bottle?" Jeremy eyed Jolias suspiciously; it was all in good humor though.
"Two days."
"Shameless, as always…" Jeremy paused and looked out the office window facing the corridor that passed through the fleet command section. Outside, about a meter from the office some Cardassian, a plump one at that, seemed to be exchanging words with the Admiral's yeoman. After shouting the yeoman sighed exasperatedly and walked off. The Cardassian turned his eyes to the office and approached. Jeremy stepped back "seems like you have a guest, I'll be on my way." As Jeremy reached the door the Cardassian bumbled in, Jeremy stopped letting the Cardassian in "greetings" he nodded his head at the guest and then left.
"Indeed." The Cardassian said after Jeremy and then turned his eyes towards Jolias "Admiral Enor I presume?" Like most Cardassian's this one's skin was quite gray but it was easy to see he was slightly overweight. Folds of skin rippled out from his waist and the scales lining his neck seemed to stretch to cover the excess flesh and an overly exaggerated smile caused his cheeks to swell considerably.
"Yes, that would be me." Jolias gestured to the chair across from him. He wondered for a moment if the large Cardassian would fit but the man seemed to squeeze in just enough "what can I do for you" he eyed the rank insignia and instantly restrained the disgruntled groan trying to seep out "Gul?"
"Gul Omek, head of the Cardassian fourth order- I am here to officially file a complaint on behalf of my government. The destruction of the Hadok is an egregious act of terrorism against my people." Jole didn't think it possible but the Gul's blustering caused his cheeks to swell further "that Starfleet takes this matter so lightly is an outrage! Not to mention the refusal of the Bajoran government to allow my people to conduct a parallel investigation! We demand justice Admiral! I assure you we will not allow Starfleet to sweep this matter away."
His last words caused Jolias some unease. It was a thin line between bluster and threat, the Gul was close to crossing it with his last statement. Leaning back in his chair Jolias regarded the Gul with a wry expression "an investigation is being conducted into the matter Gul. I have no idea what the results will be but you can rest assured that whatever the result is, it will not be swept away. In fact, if you are so concerned about the integrity of our investigation I'll be more than happy to allow of few Cardassian observers to watch the process to ensure that it is both fair and accurate. However, I will not allow interference. Our people are more than competent to handle it themselves. Also, I am not a diplomat. If you have an issue with the Bajoran government it will do you little good to bitch to me."
Omek swallowed, the rolls of his skin rippled like the waves of an ocean as a wad of spittle slid down his throat "I will be content with observers Admiral." His tone was now much less edgy and aggressive but he was still an irritating presence "but I warn you- if this matter is not handled properly the Cardassian government will take offense!"
Did he just spit on my desk? Jole glanced at the thin drop of spittle now staining his polished desk top. He smiled wryly at the Gul "I have already given you my assurances Omek. We will find out what really happened to the Hadok, and if it is indeed foul play we will do our best to find those who perpetrated it."
"Good." Omek pushed himself out of the chair with some difficultly. The Gul nodded his head "I look forward to working with you Admiral. Hopefully you'll be more understanding next time."
As Omek stalked out Jolias motioned for his Yeoman to come into his office "Lieutenant, what the hell was that? I thought I told Captain Maxwell to handle the investigation himself and discreetly. I specifically emphasized to him that I did not want to deal with the Cardassians." Jolias grimaced and shook his head "sorry, this isn't your fault. Get Captain Maxwell here immediately. It seems he's in over his head and needs a new assignment…"
[End]
Admiral Jolias Enor
Fleet Commander
Alpha Fleet
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