Ok, my whole day has just been ruined! :(
First off, the near 60* we had yesterday has given way to 14* with near white-out snow fall, but I like winter over summer so that's ok. I'm driving back to work after a very delicious lunch out our local New York-style pizza place, happily listening to our local talk station that carries Rush's show and what comes over my speakers? A Ron Paul commercial!
I get enough of this guy in the blogosphere and I don't want him polluting my lunch hour!
Rant concluded...carry on
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
No Matter the Cost
Continued from here
I stormed into the governor’s office. “It was my understanding Governor that I and I alone, have command of all military personnel during this evacuation.”
Without looking up from his terminal, Governor Utain Twitz replied, “That is correct Commander. My authority is solely over this city and its citizens.”
I slammed my hands down on his desk, “Then why was my order for a rescue mission countermanded?”
He finally looked up at me, “Because Commander, an attempt to retrieve dead bodies is not in the best interest of the citizens of this city. Citizens whom I will remind you are also your primary responsibility. Or did I misunderstand your orders from Fleet?”
I tried to keep the fury out of my voice. I was only partially successful. “Your people are safe Governor. The Fleet will be here in less than one hour, Militia forces have organized the civilians into evacuation groups and the Dominion has been beaten back from the city. My troops are maintaining vigil on the walls and we’ve even retaken the trenches around the city. Now is the perfect time to send out a rescue mission.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way Commander. But as long as there is still a single civilian within New Downtime, we cannot risk weakening our defenses. Once the evacuation is complete, assuming you get clearance from Fleet, then you can go on your retrieval mission.”
There was no point in arguing further. The man’s stubbornness was legendary. He was right to a point. My official responsibility was to the people of New Downtime, but during a declaration of emergency, military command overruled any civilian leadership. He had no standing to countermand my orders. However, the city’s Militia was under his command. I didn’t doubt for second if I attempted to lead any kind of recovery mission out of the city, he would order my arrest. That would result in either a shootout between Coalition military and civilian Militia personnel or my spending a few hours in a cell until the entire issue could be cleared up by Fleet. Neither would be of any help to Dara. That didn’t mean I was happy with it. It definitely didn’t mean I was going to let him have the last word.
“Be aware Governor, I am going to begin organizing a rescue mission. I am also going to contact Fleet for confirmation of my authority to do so. Do not attempt to interfere. I will not hesitate to place you under arrest using my authority as senior Coalition officer during a declaration of emergency.” An empty threat really, and we both knew it. Neither of us really wanted to create the massive division and strife such a conflict would cause, especially since this crisis would only last another hour at most, I hoped.
I spun on my heel and left the office. Noe and Redding were waiting for me in the foyer. Both fell in behind me as I strode quickly out of the building and toward the command post and Yofin.
"What's the word Commander?" Redding asked.
"Jay'em, begin organizing a rescue mission, volunteer only. We launch the moment the last evac shuttle lifts off."
"Aye sir!"
“Redding, I need you to begin getting us supplies. Expect a team of about 5 to 7 men, plan for everything.”
“Yes sir.” As he replied, we entered the command post. Yofin saluted before returning her attention to the display, the other two officers went on to their assigned tasks.
I returned her salute, “Do we have any idea where they have her yet?”
“Nothing solid yet sir, but we do have a few possibilities.”
“Rescue beacon?”
“As long as they continue jamming, rescue beacons are useless, the Fleet might be able to punch through though.”
“Maybe, get me the Hedonism, I want to speak to Admiral Sean.”
“Aye sir.” As she moved to the comm station, she shook her head, tsking quietly, “Who names a warship Hedonism anyway?”
I chuckled. “She’s Admiral Sean’s flagship, it was his choice.”
“I have the Hedonism, Admiral Sean will be on in a few minutes.”
“Thanks, I’ll take it in my office.” She nodded and I walked through the door to the closet I’d claimed as my own. I sat at my desk, and waited for Admiral Sean to appear. God I was tired. I hadn’t slept in days. Of course, that was nothing to what Dara was certainly going through. My mind began to drift, images of what the Dominion did to prisoners began to drift through my mind…They weren’t asking questions. Searing pain shot through her skull. Why aren’t they asking any questions? Barely conscious, Major Daramis Mcejo’s mind was working at an agonizingly slow rate. Nearly every time she formed a complete thought, one of the two troopers conducting the “interrogation” would hit her, screaming at her as she sagged against the restraints. Always screaming, or yelling, or shouting, but no questions.
She wished they would ask something, anything, so that she could focus on denying them information. But they did not ask, and all she could do was anticipate every fresh stab of pain, or track the sensation of warm blood trickling down from her split lip, or from the gash on her forehead. She closed her eyes, but not seeing was almost worse.
When they finally stopped an eternity later and removed the restraints, Dara fell to the ground in a heap, without the will or the energy to move. They grabbed her arms and hauled her back to her cell, where she lay curled up on the floor, blinking at the intense darkness, trying to regulate her breathing.
A single tear coursed down her cheek and splashed onto the floor. She felt as if she were falling away from the memories and the pain, into a bottomless black. Moments before it engulfed her, her lips began to move and she whispered, “Rogue won’t leave me to die,” and then, “Why didn’t they ask any questions?”
“I said; did you have a question Commander?”
I blinked, shook my head. On the screen, Admiral Sean was staring at me with a smile on his lips. “Am I boring you Commander?”
“Sorry sir, been a while since I slept.”
“Understandable. You’ll be relieved to know that we have achieved orbit and the first wave of evacuation shuttles are enroute.”
“That’s excellent sir. I do have a request though. During the final assault on New Downtime, the Dominion captured a squad of troops alive. I’m not leaving those men behind sir.”
“Since you haven’t done it already I’m assuming the Governor refused to let you go after them?”
“We did have a…discussion regarding it. He’s convinced they’re dead.”
“I’m afraid I have to share that sentiment Rogue. The Dominion isn’t known for taking or keeping prisoners alive.”
“They’re alive sir. I know they are.”
“And how do you know that Commander?”
“I can’t explain it sir, I just do.”
“I need more than that Rogue. I won’t send good men to retrieve corpses based of your gut feeling.”
“I’m not asking for a full fledged assault sir. I already have a group of volunteers. All I need is permission, arms and equipment, a Ranger transport with pilot and maybe an additional surprise or two.”
“No Fleet support?”
“No sir, just what I asked for.”
“What’s so important about those men to you?”
“They were under my command sir.”
“We command men knowing it might lead to their deaths all the time Commander. It’s a part of war. There’s a specific reason or a specific person you’re worried about.”
I took a deep breath. I’d hoped to avoid this. “The senior officer captured was Major Daramis Mcejo sir. We’ve served together for years.”
His eyes narrowed, “Your concern is strictly professional, right Commander?”
That was why I’d wanted to avoid it. Too many senior officers, despite years of service and combat experience, couldn’t understand the bond created by surviving hell.
“Strictly professional sir; the two of us, as well as two of the volunteers, survived Arneb IV. I refuse to abandon her to the Dominion’s tender mercies.”
He was silent. He hadn’t been there for the battle, but he had been there for the aftermath. “You realize that I can’t give you any additional support beyond what you’ve asked for.”
“Yes sir.”
“Ok, you’re approved. Don’t make me regret this Commander.”
“I won’t sir.”
“Now you mentioned a surprise or two.”
“Yes sir. I need one other little item.” The rest of the conversation went smoothly.
Several hours, and one much needed nap later, I stood outside New Downtime watching the last evac shuttle lift off. As it rose toward the waiting fleet, I glanced around at the eight men with me. Our transport had already put down in the woods under cover of darkness and would await our pick up request. We were ready. Jay’em looked down from watching the shuttle and then asked, “Orders Commander?”
I raised my rifle. “Gentlemen, I thank you, and our comrades thank you. Now let’s go get them.”
Redding grinned, “All for one sir!”
I grinned as well, “No matter the cost.” We headed off into the darkness.
I stormed into the governor’s office. “It was my understanding Governor that I and I alone, have command of all military personnel during this evacuation.”
Without looking up from his terminal, Governor Utain Twitz replied, “That is correct Commander. My authority is solely over this city and its citizens.”
I slammed my hands down on his desk, “Then why was my order for a rescue mission countermanded?”
He finally looked up at me, “Because Commander, an attempt to retrieve dead bodies is not in the best interest of the citizens of this city. Citizens whom I will remind you are also your primary responsibility. Or did I misunderstand your orders from Fleet?”
I tried to keep the fury out of my voice. I was only partially successful. “Your people are safe Governor. The Fleet will be here in less than one hour, Militia forces have organized the civilians into evacuation groups and the Dominion has been beaten back from the city. My troops are maintaining vigil on the walls and we’ve even retaken the trenches around the city. Now is the perfect time to send out a rescue mission.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way Commander. But as long as there is still a single civilian within New Downtime, we cannot risk weakening our defenses. Once the evacuation is complete, assuming you get clearance from Fleet, then you can go on your retrieval mission.”
There was no point in arguing further. The man’s stubbornness was legendary. He was right to a point. My official responsibility was to the people of New Downtime, but during a declaration of emergency, military command overruled any civilian leadership. He had no standing to countermand my orders. However, the city’s Militia was under his command. I didn’t doubt for second if I attempted to lead any kind of recovery mission out of the city, he would order my arrest. That would result in either a shootout between Coalition military and civilian Militia personnel or my spending a few hours in a cell until the entire issue could be cleared up by Fleet. Neither would be of any help to Dara. That didn’t mean I was happy with it. It definitely didn’t mean I was going to let him have the last word.
“Be aware Governor, I am going to begin organizing a rescue mission. I am also going to contact Fleet for confirmation of my authority to do so. Do not attempt to interfere. I will not hesitate to place you under arrest using my authority as senior Coalition officer during a declaration of emergency.” An empty threat really, and we both knew it. Neither of us really wanted to create the massive division and strife such a conflict would cause, especially since this crisis would only last another hour at most, I hoped.
I spun on my heel and left the office. Noe and Redding were waiting for me in the foyer. Both fell in behind me as I strode quickly out of the building and toward the command post and Yofin.
"What's the word Commander?" Redding asked.
"Jay'em, begin organizing a rescue mission, volunteer only. We launch the moment the last evac shuttle lifts off."
"Aye sir!"
“Redding, I need you to begin getting us supplies. Expect a team of about 5 to 7 men, plan for everything.”
“Yes sir.” As he replied, we entered the command post. Yofin saluted before returning her attention to the display, the other two officers went on to their assigned tasks.
I returned her salute, “Do we have any idea where they have her yet?”
“Nothing solid yet sir, but we do have a few possibilities.”
“Rescue beacon?”
“As long as they continue jamming, rescue beacons are useless, the Fleet might be able to punch through though.”
“Maybe, get me the Hedonism, I want to speak to Admiral Sean.”
“Aye sir.” As she moved to the comm station, she shook her head, tsking quietly, “Who names a warship Hedonism anyway?”
I chuckled. “She’s Admiral Sean’s flagship, it was his choice.”
“I have the Hedonism, Admiral Sean will be on in a few minutes.”
“Thanks, I’ll take it in my office.” She nodded and I walked through the door to the closet I’d claimed as my own. I sat at my desk, and waited for Admiral Sean to appear. God I was tired. I hadn’t slept in days. Of course, that was nothing to what Dara was certainly going through. My mind began to drift, images of what the Dominion did to prisoners began to drift through my mind…They weren’t asking questions. Searing pain shot through her skull. Why aren’t they asking any questions? Barely conscious, Major Daramis Mcejo’s mind was working at an agonizingly slow rate. Nearly every time she formed a complete thought, one of the two troopers conducting the “interrogation” would hit her, screaming at her as she sagged against the restraints. Always screaming, or yelling, or shouting, but no questions.
She wished they would ask something, anything, so that she could focus on denying them information. But they did not ask, and all she could do was anticipate every fresh stab of pain, or track the sensation of warm blood trickling down from her split lip, or from the gash on her forehead. She closed her eyes, but not seeing was almost worse.
When they finally stopped an eternity later and removed the restraints, Dara fell to the ground in a heap, without the will or the energy to move. They grabbed her arms and hauled her back to her cell, where she lay curled up on the floor, blinking at the intense darkness, trying to regulate her breathing.
A single tear coursed down her cheek and splashed onto the floor. She felt as if she were falling away from the memories and the pain, into a bottomless black. Moments before it engulfed her, her lips began to move and she whispered, “Rogue won’t leave me to die,” and then, “Why didn’t they ask any questions?”
“I said; did you have a question Commander?”
I blinked, shook my head. On the screen, Admiral Sean was staring at me with a smile on his lips. “Am I boring you Commander?”
“Sorry sir, been a while since I slept.”
“Understandable. You’ll be relieved to know that we have achieved orbit and the first wave of evacuation shuttles are enroute.”
“That’s excellent sir. I do have a request though. During the final assault on New Downtime, the Dominion captured a squad of troops alive. I’m not leaving those men behind sir.”
“Since you haven’t done it already I’m assuming the Governor refused to let you go after them?”
“We did have a…discussion regarding it. He’s convinced they’re dead.”
“I’m afraid I have to share that sentiment Rogue. The Dominion isn’t known for taking or keeping prisoners alive.”
“They’re alive sir. I know they are.”
“And how do you know that Commander?”
“I can’t explain it sir, I just do.”
“I need more than that Rogue. I won’t send good men to retrieve corpses based of your gut feeling.”
“I’m not asking for a full fledged assault sir. I already have a group of volunteers. All I need is permission, arms and equipment, a Ranger transport with pilot and maybe an additional surprise or two.”
“No Fleet support?”
“No sir, just what I asked for.”
“What’s so important about those men to you?”
“They were under my command sir.”
“We command men knowing it might lead to their deaths all the time Commander. It’s a part of war. There’s a specific reason or a specific person you’re worried about.”
I took a deep breath. I’d hoped to avoid this. “The senior officer captured was Major Daramis Mcejo sir. We’ve served together for years.”
His eyes narrowed, “Your concern is strictly professional, right Commander?”
That was why I’d wanted to avoid it. Too many senior officers, despite years of service and combat experience, couldn’t understand the bond created by surviving hell.
“Strictly professional sir; the two of us, as well as two of the volunteers, survived Arneb IV. I refuse to abandon her to the Dominion’s tender mercies.”
He was silent. He hadn’t been there for the battle, but he had been there for the aftermath. “You realize that I can’t give you any additional support beyond what you’ve asked for.”
“Yes sir.”
“Ok, you’re approved. Don’t make me regret this Commander.”
“I won’t sir.”
“Now you mentioned a surprise or two.”
“Yes sir. I need one other little item.” The rest of the conversation went smoothly.
Several hours, and one much needed nap later, I stood outside New Downtime watching the last evac shuttle lift off. As it rose toward the waiting fleet, I glanced around at the eight men with me. Our transport had already put down in the woods under cover of darkness and would await our pick up request. We were ready. Jay’em looked down from watching the shuttle and then asked, “Orders Commander?”
I raised my rifle. “Gentlemen, I thank you, and our comrades thank you. Now let’s go get them.”
Redding grinned, “All for one sir!”
I grinned as well, “No matter the cost.” We headed off into the darkness.
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