MUTATIS MUTANDIS: The More Things Change--The More They Remain The Same
Part 1
Star Station Echo
November 28, 2377
Stardate: 54907.9
Hunched over his desk, Rear Admiral Morgan Bateson, commander of Border Squadron Seven stationed at Star Station Echo, ran a hand though his thinning hair as he vainly attempted to work his way through the pile of padds on his desk. Sighing in relief at the comm chime, Morgan responded, “Yes, Ellen?”
“Sutherland has just entered into parking orbit around the station, and Scamp has docked at Berth Six.”
“Thank you, Ellen.” Morgan replied, “Have Captain Rodenko report here at his earliest convenience.”
“Aye, Sir.” His receptionist, a pretty auburn-haired lieutenant, responded as the transporter pads shimmered.
Rematerializing on the transporter pad, Admiral William Ross, accompanied by Captain Elizabeth Shelby and Dr. Denise Murakawa, walked towards the receptionist. Giving the young woman an avuncular smile, the admiral announced himself, “Admiral Ross, Captain Shelby, and Dr. Murakawa to see Admiral Bateson.”
“Yes, sir.” Ellen crisply replied, trying to keep the butterflies in her stomach down. After all, it wasn’t everyday that the Chief of Starfleet Operations spoke to you personally. “Come right in, sirs.” Ellen smiled as the door to the admiral’s office opened, “He’s expecting you.” As the three senior officers walked past, Denise turned to Ellen and flashed her a quick smile and a mouthed, “We’ll talk later.”
“Sir.” Morgan promptly rose to his feet on meeting his guests, “Captain Shelby.” The bearded admiral smiled, “Dr. Murakawa.” He also greeted, his smile growing wider at the sight of the woman he saw far too little of. Gesturing with a nod towards the liquor cabinet, he prompted, “If you would like some refreshments?”
“Later.” Admiral Ross replied, the smile still on his face. “I think we’re waiting for one more person.”
“He should be here shortly, Sir.” Bateson replied, “His ship had just docked and he’s on his way up.” A few minutes later, Ellen’s voice again came from the comm speaker, “Sir? Captain Rodenko is here.”
“Send him in, Ellen.” Morgan responded as the burly Russian captain entered the room, his eyebrows raising as he saw who else was in the room.
“If it’s all right with you, Morgan.” Admiral Ross beamed, “We’ll wait on the drinks until after we finish this. He then took a deep breath as both Denise and Liz took out a pair of jewelry boxes and approached the bearded admiral until they stood on either side of him. The head of Starfleet Operations then read from his padd, ““Attention to orders! The President of the United Federation of Planets, acting upon the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief, Starfleet, has placed special trust in the loyalty, integrity and abilities of Rear Admiral Morgan Bateson. In view of these special qualities, and his demonstrated potential to serve in the higher grade, Rear Admiral Morgan Bateson is promoted to the grade of Vice Admiral, effective Stardate 54907.9, by order of the Commander-in-Chief, Starfleet.”
Ross’s smile growing even wider, he commanded, “Captain Shelby…Dr. Murakawa…if you would do the honors. Both women then opened their jewelry cases to reveal the insignia of a vice admiral. Taking the pins out of their cases, they first removed the surprised and somewhat stunned Bateson’s rear admiral insignia from his collar and then replaced it with his new rank. After they had done that, each woman kissed the bearded admiral on his cheek before returning to Admiral Ross’s side.
“Congratulations, Vice Admiral Bateson.” Ross grinned. “We’ll get to the briefing and your new orders after you’ve had a chance to recover from this.” Ross chuckled as his eyes went to the liquor cabinet. “I think now would be a good time to break out that booze you offered us earlier.”
“Right, Sir.” Morgan responded as he opened the liquor cabinet and took out a bottle. “Cognac.” He said as he poured glasses for each of the occupants in the room, inviting Ellen to join them. “I was saving it for a special occasion. I’d say this qualifies.”
“Congratulations, Sir.” Boris announced and then proposed a toast. “To Vice Admiral Bateson…A man I am honored to serve under at any place and any time.”
After everyone had finished their brandies, Admiral Ross cleared his throat. Taking his hint, Ellen quietly slipped out of the room as the admiral gestured for everyone to have a seat. “Morgan…I’m giving you a difficult job—but it needs doing and you’re the best man for it. As I’m sure you’re aware, a lot of our resources in ships, equipment, and personnel have been prioritized for Task Force Vanguard. The danger out there is real…make no mistake about that. The Federation faces a threat that is potentially as devastating as the Hur’Q were for the Klingons or the Germanic migrations for the Roman Empire. However, the problems here aren’t going to go away because of a threat in the Delta Quadrant, and they’re every bit as dangerous for the Federation—if for no other reason than because they’re closer.”
“You won’t hear any argument from me, Sir.” Admiral Bateson agreed as the others attending the meeting also nodded their heads in consensus.
“At the same time though…we can’t afford to neglect deep space exploration.” Ross continued, “Putting aside the recruitment slogans of ‘Going Where No One Has Gone Before’ or ‘Exploring New Worlds and New Civilizations’, the simple truth of the matter is that it is better to find the bear in the woods rather than in your front yard.” The admiral declared, again receiving nods of agreement. I need people I can trust to man the walls…to keep the Federation safe from the wild dogs next door while Vanguard deals with the bear in the far woods. And I need someone with a level head and who is not afraid to call them as he sees them in command of those people. And that someone, Morgan…” Admiral Ross gazed straight into Morgan’s eyes as he spoke, “…is you.”
“What do you want me to do, Sir?” Morgan asked in a soft voice.
“You’ll be responsible for a stretch of territory extending from Sector 0324 to the Dubhe Sector. I know it’s a lot of space…” Ross said through thin lips “But we’re stretched thin.”
“What sort of assets will I have to call on?” Bateson asked.
“You’ll have Third, Seventh, and Twelfth Border Squadrons along with two Nebbies: The Sutherland and the Bellerophon, the Kearsarge, the Perseus, the Victory, and the Madrid and other assets as needed and as I can spare them. I know it might not seem like much, but I’m giving you two good captains, both of whom you know well in the center seats of the big boys and a damned good captain in the Perseus whom you also know, and, you also know the captain of the Madrid. You’ll also have access to Indefatigable as needed. Captain Hoffman’s a good captain—a bit unorthodox, but then…” He smiled, “So’s the rest of your little circus. We’re retiring the Bozeman, Morgan. Her time has passed, and you know it. We’ve offered Gabe the command of the Madrid and he’s accepted, and he’ll be bringing over much of his old crew.”
“Well…” Morgan sighed, “I’m sorry to hear that the old girl’s being put out to pasture, but it’ll be good to still have Gabe on my team.”
“I figured that’s what you’d say.” Admiral Ross smiled. “I also want you to know that the captains of the Victory and Kearsarge know their stuff too. Not to mention the cutter captains you have working for you now and in the other squadrons. They’re good people.”
Morgan smiled as he regarded his old friend seated to the left of him, “I know Liz well, but I’m unfamiliar with the captain of the Bellerophon.”
Smiling, Admiral Ross replied as he once again looked down at his padd, “That’s the reason why I asked Captain Rodenko to be here. Captain…” The admiral stated as he rose to his feet, accompanied immediately by the others in the room standing up as well, “I am offering you command of the Bellerophon effective immediately.”
“But, Sir…” Boris protested, “I’m just an old Border Dog…”
“An Old Border Dog who knows his way around a Nebbie better than most people I know.” Morgan grinned at his old subordinate and friend. “Remember when I said that you should consider moving up to a bigger ship? Well…my friend…here’s your chance.”
“You can do this kis apam.” Liz said encouragingly.
“Please, Boris…” Morgan entreated, “If I’m going to make this work, I’m going to need you in that center seat and Liz in the other.”
“What about Joseph?” Boris asked, referring to their mutual friend, Joseph Akinola.
“Joseph’s a good man, a good captain, and a good friend.” Bateson declared, “But he doesn’t want command of the Bellerophon even if it were offered to him. He’s a Border Dog through and through. Boris…you do belong in the center seat of a Nebbie. I’ve seen you in command of one and even though you wouldn’t admit it at the time—I could see it in your eyes—you enjoyed it. You can do this.”
Bowing down to the inevitable, Captain Rodenko took a deep breath and exhaled, “Very well…I accept command.”
“Excellent!” Admiral Ross replied. “Bellerophon, Perseus, and Madrid will be here in two standard days. When they arrive, I want to have a sit-down with you and all of the captains and their first officers—we have important matters to discuss. “Until then, we have lots of work to do and I know you’ll want to make preparations and say your goodbyes to your old crew.”
“Sir?” Captain Rodenko ventured, and then proceeded with his request on receiving Admiral Ross’s nod, “I’d like to request that Commander Vribb be promoted to Captain and given command of the Scamp. She is an excellent first officer and would make an excellent captain.”
Seeing Admiral Bateson’s subtle nod of the head, Admiral Ross grinned, “From what I’ve seen of her record, I agree. Very well, I’ll put in the orders and recommendation for promotion. Go ahead and tell her that she has command of the Scamp and give her that fourth pip. Starfleet Command’s approval is just a formality. By the time Bellerophon, Madrid, and Perseus arrive, everything will be official.”
“Aye, Sir.” Boris replied with a big grin.
“Well…Admiral Bateson…Captains…I’ll take my leave for now.” Sighing, the head of Starfleet Operations remarked, “Let this be a lesson to you, Morgan…the higher up you go, the more paperwork you have.”
As Ross left the office, Denise drew closer to Morgan while Liz and Boris stepped off to another part of the office to talk amongst themselves. “Congratulations, darling.” Denise said in a low voice as she gave her long-time lover a kiss. “You deserve it.”
“Thanks.” Morgan whispered as he kissed Denise back. “At least we’ll be spending more time with each other.”
“Yeah.” Denise smiled as she took Morgan’s hand. “That’s good.” Then her smile brightening, she exclaimed, “You’ll never guess what I got from Mom and Dad for my birthday!”
“What?” Morgan asked.
“It’s an icon of my patron saint, St. Luke, the patron saint of doctors.” The devout Catholic replied.
“That’s wonderful.” Morgan said, adding, “I was happy when you told me your parents were reconciling their differences.”
“Well…they’re not getting back together again.” Denise remarked, “But at least they’re talking to each other and getting along and that’s a good thing.” Her lips then turned up in a mischievous grin, “I also got your birthday present…I’ll wear it tonight when we’re alone.” Seeing the lascivious grin on her lover’s face, Denise quipped with an impish twinkle in her eyes, “I’ve got to have something to tell the priest when I go to confession tomorrow…”
“Congratulations, Boris.” Liz smiled as she sipped her brandy, “You deserve this.”
Sighing, the curly-haired Russian responded, “I hope I can live up to everyone’s expectations.”
“You’ll do just fine, Boris.” Liz placed a supportive hand on the burly Russian’s arm. “You did an excellent job subbing for me on the Sutherland.” Her smile growing wider, she joked, “I think you’re going to thrive on the challenges you’re going to meet now. Not that you didn’t have big tests sitting in the center seat of the Scamp…” She quickly qualified, “But these encounters will be different.” Her smile now replaced by a thoughtful look, she remarked, “I think you need this.”
“Da…” Boris replied, “Maybe you’re right. Maybe it is time for me to test myself in new waters.”
“That’s the spirit!” Liz grinned as she stood up on tip-toes and kissed the big Russian on his cheek. “I better go now and check on my ship. I’ll see you later.”
Sighing, Captain Rodenko returned his friend’s kiss, “Da. I must go back to mine as well and break the news to Comm…Captain…Vribb”
*********************************************************************
As he made his way to his office on the Scamp, Boris ignored the surprised looks coming from some of his crew on their noticing that instead of the Border Service combadge, he was now wearing a Regular Fleet badge on his chest. Sitting down at his desk, he tapped the comm button. “Commander Vribb…see me in my office please.”
“Aye, Sir.” The Bolian XO promptly replied. Moments later, Rodenko’s office door slid open.
“Come in, Ronata.” Boris requested, “Sit down. I have something important to tell you.”
“I assume it has something to do with that Fleet pin you’re wearing now, Sir.” Vribb noted as she sat down in front of the captain’s desk.
“It does.” Boris nodded his head as he pushed a padd towards her while also taking out a small jewelry box. “Read this.”
As the Bolian commander read the padd, her facial features showed first surprise, then disbelief, and finally a mixture of elation and…sadness. “This isn’t a joke…is it, Sir.”
“It’s no joke.” Boris smiled as he got up from his seat, walked around to where his first officer sat, and then, opening the box, pinned the fourth pip on her collar tabs. “Congratulations, Captain.”
“Thank you, Sir.” A breathless Ronata replied as she fingered the four pips on her collar.
“Boris...” The burly Russian grinned, “You’re in the club now.” His smile growing wider, he said, “You’ll be taking over the Scamp effective immediately. Admiral Ross has already signed off on both. It’ll take a day or so for your promotion and orders to work through channels, but Ross is fast tracking it, so don’t worry—you’ve got the pips and the Scamp. We’ll have the official change of command ceremony in a couple of days when Bellerophon, Madrid, and Perseus get here. Give me a day or so to clear out my quarters and my gear from this office and they’ll all be yours—along with its ship and crew—except for Dr. Vordus and Lieutenant Rydell. I’ll be taking them with me to the Bellerophon.”
“You’re taking command of the Bellerophon?” Seeing her former captain’s nod of the head, she grinned, “That explains the Regular Fleet pin.”
“Da.” Boris replied, “And that’s not the only change.” He then took a deep breath, “Admiral Bateson has been promoted to Vice Admiral and is now in command of both border and exploration operations along much of the frontier here.”
“Damn.” Vribb swore. “Wonder what Captain Akinola’s going to think of all this. Bluefin is supposed to be docking here in a day or so as well. Oh frinx!” She cursed, “That means that…”
“Elizaveta and Joseph will be here at the same place and at the same time…” A hand went to the big Russian’s forehead, “Bozhe Moi!”
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After changing into civilian clothes and stopping off at the jewelry kiosk to pick up a special order he had made several weeks ago, Morgan stepped into a familiar place, smiling warmly as he entered the old tavern, the admiral paused momentarily as his eyes scanned the pub. Sloopy’s had been a fixture at Star Station Echo almost since its establishment back in the mid-23rd century shortly after the Four Years War. A lot of memories and ghosts lived here. Maybe…he mused…that’s why I like this place so much. One of the waitresses, upon recognizing the man standing on the threshold, smiled, “Hello Admiral. Your usual booth?”
“Yes. Thanks, Vicky.” Morgan smiled as he let the waitress lead him to the same booth he’d sit in back in the days when he was an ensign, fresh out of the Academy, on the old Kestrel-class border cutter, Merlin.
Moments later, the waitress returned with a frosty mug of beer, “Here you go, Sir.”
“Thanks again, Vicky.” Morgan smiled as his gaze again wandered about the pub. The time-displaced admiral saw sitting on stools at the bar the shade of his old commanding officer from the Merlin, Commander Sonny Parker talking to a dusky-skinned woman with emerald green eyes and dark hair whom he immediately recognized as being the Merlin’s first officer, Brooks Erdun. Lifting his mug up in salute, he murmured, “Here’s to you Sonny…Brooks. It’s been a long time.” For a moment, the admiral thought he saw the two of them lifting their mugs back in return. Shaking his head, he sighed, “I’m sorry Brooks that you never got the respect or recognition that you deserved. And Sonny—you were a helluva skipper. It was an honor for me to serve under you.”
Further down the bar, Morgan spotted the shades of two beautiful women whom he knew immediately to be Delores Del’ Vecchio, the helmsman for the Saladin-class Ajax, a gorgeous platinum blonde woman with a killer smile and killer boobs, better known by her nickname, Dee-Dee; and her partner in crime, a stunning red-headed woman who was the Ajax’s communications officer, Samantha Case, better known as Sammie, checking out the young men as they came into the bar. Chuckling as he remembered the…incident…that happened when he first met those lovely ladies here so long ago, a warm smile crossed his face as he lifted his mug to them. Again, he shook his head in surprise as he thought he saw the two women smile back at him and blow him a kiss. “Working too hard.” Morgan muttered as he took a draught from his beer.
His eyes now turning back to the entrance, he saw the ghost of Commodore Paski entering the bar. “Bridgette.” Morgan smiled at her, and again, shook his head as he thought he saw the Commodore smile back at him. His eyes then fell to an isolated corner booth where he spied the shades of two very dear friends of his, Aliz Bathory and Robert Wesley, sitting together, cuddled up and lost in themselves as usual whenever they could grab a small moment in an out of the way place where no one was looking. His smile growing wider, he brushed away a tear, “I just want to let you know, Aliz, that I’m keeping the promise that I made to you a long time ago. I’m looking after your little Elizaveta, even though sometimes she can make it pretty difficult. She loves you both, and, Aliz, she treasures the sacrifice you made for her. She sees it every morning when she looks in the mirror now and loves you all the more for it. She and I also know that she’s carrying a piece of your soul inside her and believe me, she treasures that precious gift you gave her more than anything else. Our wayward angel might not be perfect, but deep down, she’s a good person and it’s because of you two.”
“Reminiscing?”
Looking up upon hearing Denise’s voice, Morgan smiled, “Just checking in with some old friends of mine.” He slid over as the lovely Japanese-Centauran doctor sat next to him, making herself comfortable in his embrace.
Coming over quickly, Vicky smiled at the couple. “Your usual, Denise?”
“Yes.” The doctor smiled, “Please.
“Refill for you, Sir?”
“Thanks, Vicky.” Morgan smiled back.
“Big day.” Denise grinned.
“Tell me about it!” Morgan chuckled. “Thought it might be a good idea for us to get in early—before Liz turns her people loose and this place turns into a madhouse.”
“Good idea.” Denise grinned as another couple entered the bar, “Looks like Talana and Jadon had the same notion. Is it ok if they join us?”
“Sure.” Morgan beamed as Denise waved the other couple over to their booth.
“Congratulations Admiral.” Talana grinned as she and her Trill escort took the seat on the other side of Morgan and Denise. “This place brings back memories, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah.” Both Jadon and Morgan nodded their heads as they replied in unison. “One of my prior hosts, Tesa, was a dilithium speculator and she used to come here often.” Jadon explained. “Lots of new memories to be made now though.” He grinned as he took his blue-skinned companion by the hand. I hear Perseus will be here in a day or two.” The Trill commented.
“Yup.” Morgan replied. “Along with Bellerophon and Madrid.” His smile widening, he declared, “Boris agreed to take command of Bellerophon.”
“Good!” Talana exclaimed. “He did a great job conning the Suthy a while back—he’ll do an even better job now that’s he sitting permanently in the center seat of a Nebbie.”
“You seem to be adjusting pretty well, Talana.” Morgan smiled warmly at his old friend.
“Yeah.” The lovely Andorian science officer nodded her head. “Jadon and Captain Shelby and everyone else has been really great in helping me get caught up and everything.”
“Miss the old days?” The Admiral asked.
“Sometimes.” Talana nodded her head. “I enjoyed my time on the Lady and I have fond memories of the Commodore and Aliz and Alexei and Jennifer and Cilla and everyone else, but…it was time for me to move on and the moment I set foot on the Sutherland, I knew that was where I was supposed to be, and I haven’t regretted a moment of it since.”
After about a half an hour of genial small talk over their beers and drinks, Talana and Jadon grinned at the other couple, “Hope you don’t mind us shoving off now.” Talana smiled, “But Jadon’s taking me to the observation deck…”
“You two have fun.” Morgan beamed as the couple waved goodbye. Taking a deep breath, Morgan decided that if he was going to do it, now was the time. If he waited much longer, the Sutherland crew would be here, and bedlam would ensue, and he wouldn’t have a chance to do it again until just before heading off to his new home base at Starbase 375. Besides…he wanted to do it here in front of the shades of his old friends now looking on with anticipation. Subtly taking the jewelry case out of his pocket, the admiral held it enclosed in one hand while he took his long-time lover’s hand in the other.
“Denise…we’ve known each other for a long time and I love you very…very much…and you have made me so incredibly happy…”
“I love you too, Morgan, and you’ve made me very happy. I remember the first time we met at Liz’s party so long ago…that’s when I fell in love with you.”
“That’s when I fell in love with you too.” He smiled as he took the jewelry case and opened it, “Denise Murakawa…would you marry me.”
Breathless, Denise sat in stunned silence for several moments as her eyes gazed into the loving eyes of the man next to her, his facial expressions a mixture of hope and anxiousness. Smiling, she took the ring out of the case and put it on her finger. “Yes, Morgan. Yes!” Hugging him tightly, she gave him a long, lingering, passionate kiss. “I love you.”
For a moment, Morgan imagined he saw all of his old friends cheering and toasting the happy couple. He then could have sworn that he caught the scent of a perfume he had not smelled in many, many years. Looking out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw a beautiful woman with olive complexion and luscious dark hair, wearing the blue minidress of a 23rd century science officer with the Lexington symbol on her chest smiling at him. He then could have sworn that he felt a kiss on his cheeks as he heard the words, “Way to go, Morgan! It’s about time.” Then, the ghostly apparition was gone, but, the happy Morgan swore that he could still smell the perfume that only one woman he knew wore—Jennifer Watley—his former love on the Lexington. Thanks, Jen.
