Presumed missing
Posted on Wed Jun 11th, 2025 @ 4:30pm by Commodore Sureth & Lieutenant Commander David Wallace
Mission:
Stellar Problems
Location: Chief Intelligence Officer's Office
Timeline: Four days after the Athena Explosion
On:
Starbases as big as M-69 are like floating cities in space. In the case of one of it's residents; hiding on it. David had been unseen by the vast majority of the stations population, at first. David had taken off his communicator and disabled it so he couldn't be located, he'd managed to keep a low profile for about three days when there was a sighting by a security detail during the third evening. David had kept a low profile on purpose, his need to be alone with the mistakes he'd made, they had left him doubting his potential, even contemplating leaving starfleet, He'd spoken too his father who'd managed to convince him to give things time, that mistakes were made and that it would resolve it self in time. He'd chosen too remain close too his office, he didn't want too be called upon for much he just wanted to be alone, but that was about to change.
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Dealing with the other things the report of Lieutenant Commander Wallace exodus passed Sureth's eyes. Tapping his comm badge he then attempted to communicate with Wallace to no avail.
From there Sureth summoned his acting security chief Lt Foxx. Foxx was a fair but sometimes biased person .
" Mister Foxx please be subtle. Lieutenant Commander Wallace is a very good officer." Sureth explained.
" Commodore I will be very professional. " Foxx promised.
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David filed another report and closed the file. He looked up too see an ensign walk in passing him a report, "Thank you ensign."
The ensign paused for a moment, "Sir you know that the Commodore has been looking for you."
"I'm aware of it, I've needed to sort out some things since the accident aboard the Athena." David said.
The ensign left David's office he stopped in hallway, "Ops this is RamÃrez, Mr Wallace is in his office."
Foxx looked toward the closed door he had just left and quickly paced to Lt Commander Wallace office. Tapping the chime he introduced himself.
" Lieutenant Commander David Wallace this is acting security chief Foxx. "
David looked up from his work, he quickly pressed to door lock button embedded on his desk allowing the door to open, He was expecting several security officers here to arrest him, "Enter." he said.
" Commander am I to understand you have concluded to resign ? Foxx asked.
"I'm not supposed to be off of active duty until the investigation of the accident on the Athena is completed, or am I being asked to resign?" David said not hiding his disdain.
" Commodore Sureth asked me to find you. He wants you to report to him. By the way here is your comm badge." Foxx said as he handed Wallace the badge.
David looked at the badge taking it. "I'll check in shortly."
The curious Andorian stared directly at Wallace and then pivoted away. Once outside the door he quickly contacted Sureth to let him know where to find Wallace. A few short seconds later Wallace chime again rang.
Before he replied he let out a small groan, 'This is it' he thought "Wallace."
Moments later Commodore Sureth arrived to Lt Commander Wallace door along side Lt Foxx,pushed the chime and then entered.
" David it is not my custom to barge into an office but I am concerned with your recent actions and choices? What is going on ?" Sureth asked
David leaned back in his chair, "I can quote regulations here, I can cite the rules and procedures as well." David paused leaning forward resting his elbows on the desk, "I know I'm not a popular officer aboard the station and I won't deny that we should have done more extensive final checks before we moved to testing, but I'll be damned before I take the fall for someone else's negligence."
" Commander I was only recently brought up to speed on the Athena incident. My understanding from Lt Myar is that the Athena was rushed into service by then Captain Deke Rivers , during an event against the Assul. When I gave you that role you inherited the issue but was forced to launch. But at no time did I or Captain Shauna Call...Vehn relieve you of any duties.
So this notion of taking blame is non sense." Sureth replied. " Actually I owe you a bit of thanks. The Athena helped open the oriface long enough for us to return."
David had to mentally step back for a second, "Thank you..." he tried too keep his tone even "Why hasn't Captain Rivers been questioned along with the former chief engineer?" David had been able to quietly follow the investigation and knew there hadn't been interviews with either.
" Because Captain Rivers was killed shortly after that attack by the Assul on the catwalk. As for Lt Myar he admits to some of the patching to make the ship work. But Admiral Thirman has not involved JAG . As for you Commander I expect you to resume your Intel duties ASAP. You promised me a new ship to replace the Athena. I want it and my Second Officer back to duty...understood?" Sureth sort of growled.
David didn't know about Winters being killed, but he slid a pad across his desk towards the Commodore, "Axnar shipyard has four of the Interceptor class in inventory, two Bayfield class and a Sabre class." he paused as he slid a second pad across "Beta Antares has one of the Diligent class both prototypes of the new Pulsar class and a California class that is sitting in surplus, plus the usual collection of Nova and Akayzi classes in reserve fleet depots." David slid a third and final pad across the desk "There's an Akula class in the Jupiter yard that's being refit and Three of the new Kodiak class that are all finished trials."
" Well done Commander. The ship for this station needs to be science worthy as well as capable of defending this sector and station. I am very proud of the officer you are Mister Wallace but I am concerned with your focus. Do you like being on the 69? " Sureth then asked.
David didn't really have to think about it, "I'm enjoying it here, but I could use some extra staff at times."
" Do you prefer your Intelligence duties or do you fancy becoming a cadre officer of command? The new ship will need a full time Captain." Sureth added.
David knew if he wanted to advance his career staying exclusively in intelligence was not an option, "I would like to command some time soon."
" Your advances here are only limited by you .I will see you later Commander." Sureth replied.
"Yes sir." David said wondering what was next as he sat back.
Off
