[Trek Universe] SD 241205.04 || "Ridealong" || VAdm Douglas (Dir Intel) & VAdm Drayson (Dir Diplomatic Corps)

[Jazza]

=/\= USS Viminal =/\=

As it turned out the trip out to the Gamma Quadrant wasn't as direct as Chris had intended. Shortly after leaving Earth space they were essentially flagged down to have a passenger brought aboard to join them on the trip. At the time he couldn't figure out who that would be, but since the only people who knew where he was going were in the very highest levels of Starfleet Command he figured it was worth the slight delay.

Chris turned a corner and in a few more steps walked into transporter room one to await the arrival of their guest.

"The USS Yarra is ready to transport," the transporter chief confirmed as the hum and lights of the transporter flared to life, a bright swirl revealing Vice Admiral Drayson.

"Going my way?" Jack greeted as he stepped off the pad.

Chris shook his head with a bemused grin, "Well that figures." somehow he wasn't the least bit surprised Drayson was the one hitching a ride, "I assume you are going to play nice with the locals?" he asked, motioning Jack out the door so they could leave the transporter room.

Jack stepped into the corridor with Chris alongside, "Settling a few ruffled feathers, is the nice way. Cleaning up the pile of Targ crap is the unpleasant way," he confirmed. "Taking your little fleet out for a spin I see?"

Douglas nodded as they entered the turbolift and he directed it to the bridge, "Something like that. These are destined to help in the Gamma Quadrant. Probably would have been more useful had then been there a few months ago, but things just don't always work out that way."

"Just remember, we have dropped the ball on this one, but there are hundreds of flare ups each week we stave off," Jack reminded him as they stepped into a turbolift. "I heard you were headed Zetari's way and I needed a lift. I can vouch that my runabout pilot won't divulge your course. He's top rate."

Chris sighed, "With the number of black areas in that quadrant I'm actually surprised it took this long for someone to plan something we got absolutely no warning of." it was a bothersome situation but one everyone just had to make the best of, despite recent events.

Douglas stepped out onto the bridge and offered Drayson a spot on the comfortable bench area next to the Captain's chair, "We may be able to juggle staff and turn out these new ships, but we've also been limited in taking on new operatives which doesn't help."

Jack sat down beside the CO's chair, "I've got a few diplomatic corps officers that might be useful to you."

Captain Bennington relinquished the big chair to Douglas, "Admiral, we're out of the runabout's sensor range. We can proceed to the wormhole."

Chris nodded to his XO and the rest of the bridge crew got things back under way.

Jack continued, "They're not trained on covert ops, but they're security cleared and know the political side well. Besides, they could use the experience."

"Oh a join venture." Chris smiled, watching at the screen displayed the star trails, "That has possibilities. It would save some of my people playing diplomat at times... and as you said, experience for yours. It is creative, I like it."

"I'll prepare a list of officers I think would be suitable for you, and you can choose from those. I'll make sure they're people I can personally vouch for."

Chris nodded, "Excellent. Then I'm glad we picked you up." he smirked a bit, "Otherwise you might have had to hitch a ride with someone far less fun."

"I'm sure you'll keep me amused," Jack replied, standing, "Alas, I have a call with the President's Chief of Staff, if you'll excuse me. You're welcome to join if you like, it may interest you; the cleanup of Carrie 8."

Douglas grimaced slightly but nodded and stood to go with Jack, "Yeah, probably should."

The two Admiral's headed for a turbolift, unwittingly pratically marching in lock step.

=/ End Log \=

VAdm Chris Douglas

Director, Starfleet Intelligence

(Jaeger)

VAdm Jack Drayson

Director, Starfleet Diplomatic Corps

(Jazza)