Approaching the Sol System, their flotilla broke up, the former renegade vessels would be brought into the orbital Star Base one by one, their crew segregated and those guilty of crimes against the Federation would be held for trial. The innocent would either be reassigned to other vessels within the Fleet, or await new Command Staff for their current assignment. The ships were told to enter orbit of Jupiter and await instructions ... As for the Raven ..... They were ordered to approach Earth at half impulse ..... Hours into the System they picked up a vessel approaching, and identified it as the USS Hiniori, the flagship of the Head of Star Fleet Intelligence, Admiral Sato Tetsutaro.
The Hiniori passed the Raven and made a slow turn before coming alongside and falling into formation with the Galaxy Class Star Ship. Harry informed Carl that the Hiniori was requesting communication. Torek nodded.
=^= Admiral Torek .. Welcome home =^=
=^= Thank you Admiral .. To what do we owe the honor ? .. It can't be often that a returning vessel warrants an escort =^= the sarcasm was plain in his voice.
=^= My presence is just a formality my Son .. .. .. Numerous Representatives are demanding your immediate arrest on arrival .. I am here to shall we say prevent them from taking matters into their somewhat deluded hands =^=
=^= Surely you don't think someone would risk firing on a Federation ship in sight of Earth ! =^=
=^= We shall speak once docked my Son .. .. .. =^= the comm closed and Carl looked at Will and Calli, who both seemed more puzzled than concerned ..... Two hours later the USS Raven-B entered the massive Space Station.
~~~~~Sat in his Ready Room, Carl was making final amendments to his Logs before submitting them to Star Fleet Command for review. He was about to go back onto the Bridge and ask his Executive Officer to inform all Department Heads that they could assign Shore Leave to their Staff when the door chime activated. Cal said 'open' and was a little surprised to see who entered. Will Jamison entered, followed by three Civilian's and Calli behind:
"Admiral Torek. I am here on behalf of the Judge Advocate General. You're presence at Star Fleet Command Headquarters is required ... Immediately."
"The Admiral isn't going anywhere with you three !" Calli began, but fell silent as Carl raised his hand.
"It is customary to introduce yourself ... I assume you dressed out of uniform to save me any embarrassment when taking me off the ship ?" he asked.
"My appologies Admiral. My mane is Daton Roth, Commander ... Admiral Tetsutaro thought it, more 'Diplomatic' I think his exact words were."
"Are any of my Officers under arrest ?"
"I'm sorry Admiral, but you seem to have misinterpreted our presence. We are here to escort you. You're crew are, at least at this point in time, free to continue their routines. Our only stipulation at this juncture is that no-one on the Senior Staff attempt to leave the System without prior notification ... Now, Sir, if you would ?" the man said, motioning toward the door.
"I'm coming with you !" Jamison said defiantly, but one of the other JAG personnel held up a hand.
oooOOOooo
Office of the President
United Federation of Planets
~~~
Kellessar zh'Tarash
President
Entering the office, Carl was still somewhat confused as to 'why' he had been brought here rather than being arrested and held pending a resumption of his trial. He was used to seeing High Officials and Diplomatic Personnel, but entering the room with the Presidant, the Head of Star Fleet, Section Forty Seven's Section Admiral, and the man who had adopted him as a child, Admiral Tetsutaro, along with half a dozen Diplomats, was admittedly somewhat unnerving.
"Madam President." he said, making the slightest bow.
"Admiral. It is comforting to see you safe and well ... In my position I have so little time to 'mingle' if that is the correct word, among the Flag Officers out of the field, so to speak. Now ..... To the business at hand. I am happy to inform you that all charges have been dropped against you, and all mention of this 'unfortunate' incident will be purged from your records, you have my oath on that Sir. Following your, liberation shall we say, evidence came to light and several arrests have been made. Suffice to say those people are being most forthcoming with information since their respective home worlds refuse to have them back."
"That is, good to hear Madam President." Torek said, his tone neutral.
"I can, we can, fully understand your skepticism Admiral, but we ca ....."
"With all due respect Madam, I seriously doubt you have the first idea of how I feel at this moment ... But, if I had to, I would say 'disappointed' comes closest."
"Well I do hope that you can put that feeling behind you. You are a respected Flag Officer Admiral Torek, and on that point ..." the President said, turning away and going to her desk before returning, "While I am sure some of those here will quote 'Etiquette' in what I am about to do, but I was never one for reciting verbatim so ... It is with great pleasure, and gratitude for you long and faithful service to the Federation, that I hereby, promote ?, yes, promote you, to the rank of Fleet Admiral, with all the rights and privileges of said rank. This promotion is effective immediately." She took her time removing the old rank insignia and replacing it with the new.
"Madam President, if this promotion requi ....." Carl began, but she was seemingly ready for his comment and held up a hand smiling.
"Both Star Fleet Command, and the Presidents Office are fully aware of your dedication to the USS Raven and her crew, so no, we will not be asking you to relinquish Command, so until such time when you find a suitable replacement, the ship is yours Admiral ... You have my personal assurance on that point." she said holding out a hand which Carl took, still a little wary of the reasons behind his sudden promotion, but he let it go and enjoyed the offered drink.
~~~~~ MISSION CONCLUDED ~~~~~
I would like to thank everyone involved in our last mission
As usual, the Raven had some exciting and worrying times, but again got through safe and well
A 'Shore Leave' thread will be set up shortly where you can post your last thoughts before docking
or what you feel you want to get up to before we commence our next outing
Many thanks to you all
Best Regards
Fleet Admiral Carl Torek
Commanding Officer
USS Raven-B