Meeting the Commodore

Posted on Fri Apr 25, 2025 @ 3:01am by Lieutenant JG Rachele Lamberti & Commodore T'mpest Michaels

1,152 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: Deck 12/13 Command Deck Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: MD10 Evening

Lieutenant Rachele Lamberti's shuttle arrived at DS5. She stepped onto the Deck and slung her carryall over her shoulder. Looking around she saw a multitude of species, some in Starfleet uniforms, others in civilian garb.

Her orders in hand, she made her way to Main Operations.

As the turbolift doors opened on Deck 12, she was greeted by a security officer. "Orders, Lieutenant?" He asked.

Rachele handed him a PADD which contained her orders.

"Lieutenant Lamberti Assistant Chief of Intelligence, Welcome aboard, Ma'am. What is your business here?"

"I'm here to meet the Commodore." She replied.

"Very well." He said. He then tapped his comm. badge. "Commodore Michaels, I have a Lieutenant Lamberti here to see you, Ma'am."

T'mpest briefly checked her computer. "Tell her to come in."

"She'll see you now." The Security officer said.

"Thank you, Ensign." Rachele said and made her way to the Commodore's Ready Room. Adjusting her uniform, she entered. "Lieutenant Rachele Lamberti reporting aboard, Ma'am." She said.

"Hello, Lieutenant. Please, have a seat," T'mpest said, indicating the seat opposite her desk. "Would you like something from the replicator?"

"Thank you, Ma'am." Rachele said taking the offered seat. "A glass of pineapple juice, please, Ma'am."

T'mpest replicated a glass of pineapple juice and a glass of pomegranate lemonade for herself. She set Rachele's glass in front of her and took her own seat. "Tell me a bit about yourself." She read the personnel profile, but she liked hearing what people had to say about themselves.

"My parents owned a freighter that was allowed by the Cardassian Trade Commission to operate in Cardassian Space. I was born onboard it. As I grew, they taught me the family business." Rachele began. "When I was 10 the freighter hit a subspace mine. I was the only survivor. After I was rescued, I was brought up, by the Pazacs, Cardassian friends of my parents, and fellow traders. They adopted me and taught me about Cardassian culture, and when I was old enough, I attempted to enter the Cardassian Military Academy. I was rejected due to not being a Cardassian. Even though I'd been acting like one for the last 7 years." She paused and sipped her juice. "With a heavy heart, I left Cardassia and headed to Earth."

That was an unusual upbringing. "How did you adapt to going from acting like a Cardassian to living in the Federation?"

"It wasn't easy, the cultures almost opposites." Rachele said. "My first year at the Academy I probably alienated everyone by spouting propaganda about Cardassians being superior to all other species." She smiled. "But over time with exposure to other species, I learnt everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and Cardassians aren't as superior as they believe they are."

T'mpest nodded. "Indeed. In my experience, those species who believe they are superior are the ones that quickly die out--in one way or another. I studied science and diplomacy. History is filled with cultures that only lasted a few centuries."

"Umm, history seems to repeat itself." Rachele agreed.

The commodore nodded. It was indeed. "Tell me, what made you choose intelligence?"

"I was recruited after I graduated the Academy with a Major in Security." Rachele said. "I didn't really choose it." She added. "I got the feeling, they didn't really trust me and wanted to have me where they could keep an eye on me."

That was an interesting way to put it. "Why do you think they did not trust you?"

"Well, I was brought up on Cardassia." Rachele said. "Maybe they thought I was a spy for the Cardassian government." She laughed. "Spy? I stood out like a sore thumb, spouting Cardassian propaganda and rhetoric."

T'mpest couldn't help smiling. "Yes, I can see how you would stand out. Perhaps they believed keeping you close was the best way to help you adapt to a more...open way of thinking."

"Perhaps." Rachele said. "If so, it worked." She said and took another sip of her drink.

"Indeed. And now you are on a station where we just had an encounter with the Cardassians. I hope your understanding will be of help as we broker peace."

"I'll do whatever I can to help, Ma'am." Rachele said.

"Start with learning what you can about the Cardassians that supported the takeover of the station. Chief among them is Ambassador Hydel Turvan. He has support from at least one of the council. Alanna Wells is in charge of science and archaeology on Pangaea. That includes the portal complex. That remains classified and is not part of your purview."

"Understood, ma'am." Rachele said. "A good kanar, will loosen some lips."

"Possibly, but do not underestimate any of them." They'd been subtle enough to succeed in taking over the station the first time. T'mpest did not fully trust them to keep their word.

"I never underestimate people especially Cardassians." Rachele said.

"Good." T'mpest nodded. "We are considering someone for chief intelligence officer. In the meantime, is there anything you need or any questions you have?"

"Is there anything I need to know about the history of the situation between the Cardassians and the Federation in this sector? ma'am."

"The conflict has been over control of the planet. Or, more specifically, a portal complex on the planet. Federation science is now in charge of the portals and the archaeological sites and the marines help guard them. They don't fall under the purview of intelligence." They fey might, but T'mpest needed more information herself before she could bring that up.

"Thank you, ma'am, its useful to have background on the subject." Rachele said. "I admit I am interested in these portals, but since they are not under my purview, the interest will remain purely academic."

"Good. There is also a man named Jason Haines who is the former chief intelligence officer. Last I heard, he was on Pangaea. If you find him, he could answer most of your questions. I worked briefly in intelligence, but not on the scope required for a station this size."

"Okay, I'll look him up." Rachele said. "Is it safe for me to visit Pangaea?" She asked.

"It is safe to visit the colony and the Marine training grounds. Much of the wilderness area is off limits, however. The computer can show you where it is safe to travel. There is a shuttle port near the colony that will also have that information."

Rachele made a note of this data. "Thank you again, ma'am." She said. "If that is all, I'll start making myself useful."

"I have nothing more, lieutenant." T'mpest replied. "Except to say, welcome aboard."

"Thank you, Ma'am." Rachele said resisting the urge to do a Cardassian military salute.

"You are welcome." She stood as he left, then went back to her seat to tackle the ever-growing stack of paperwork.

OFF

Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commanding Officer
Deep Space 5

Lieutenant Rachele Lamberti
Assistant Chief Intelligence Officer
Deep Space 5

 

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