Setting Up Shop - Part III

Posted on Sat May 31st, 2025 @ 7:49pm by Lieutenant Sofia Gonzalez & Commander Vincent 'Vin' Salvatore

1,170 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: Intelligence Suite
Timeline: MD030 0900 hours

::ON::

[And now the conclusion...]

"So, we do the best thing we can and are trained to do. We learn everything we can and, in the event it falls into someone else's hands, we come up with a means to combat or neutralize it. Not everyone understands those gambles, but when it comes time to use what we've learned and share it to those in the fleet who need it, we feel better for it. That knowledge will save many lives and all because we had the time to learn as much as we could from it. Time we might not have had if that information was placed into the world before we had that chance. I know its frustrating, but in the end, the knowledge we obtained from waiting was worth it. I am sure, when it comes time to share that knowledge, your time into it will be considered. With any luck, they offer you the chance to publish it, to allow your words and experiences to be the voice of this discovery." He nodded his head and finally added with a pleased look. "And I will be happy to teach you all I know. It won't be easy, but with time and patience, it will be well worth it."

'Nothing worth doing is easy,' Gonzalez replied with a weary smile. 'I'm a quick learner. Wanna bet I can do it in half the time you did?'

The smile on Vincent's face seemed to fade as a more stern one took over. He looked at her firmly as he stepped towards her slowly. Something about that smile, the slight cockiness in that question, brought him to a place that took away his smile. "Don't turn this job into a game or competition. People get hurt and they die. There is no quick learning when it comes to that. One day you are talking with them, joking with them, and the next minute." He slammed his hands together into a loud clap to catch her off guard. "They're gone. And the worst part about it is... they don't all get remember because..." He paused as he stopped in front of her.

"Somethings when you die where you weren't supposed to be. You don't exist." Vincent looked at her firmly before reporting. "Working the field, Gonzalez, isn't like working at that dig site or in an office closed off from everyone else. Things happen beyond your control and you ability to adapt on the fly means whether you live or die." He took in a deep breath before slowly letting it out. "I'll teach you. I have no doubt you'll learn, but there are certain things I can't teach. There are certain things you just learn as you go. Whether you want to learn them is up to you, but remember. Field work isn't for everyone. There is no shame in not being in the field. I've seen it change people for the better... and for the worse. You make sure you are absolutely ready for it, because you can't shut off what you learn and see."

Her temper flaring, Gonzalez snapped back. 'With all due respect, Commander, you don't know me. What do you think I am, a stuffy academic? I have the same Starfleet Intel training as the rest of you. I am just as capable as the rest of you field agents to take this on. Do not,' she clapped her own hands, 'underestimate me, Sir. As I said. Trust me. I trust you.'

Vincent remained calm, despite being snapped at. He kept his gaze on her as he slowly raised his hands and placed them on her arms. "I never said you weren't capable. All said was not everything you learn is going to come from lessons or training. Intel trains you for some things but not all of them." He said in a calm voice, trying to make sure she understood he wasn't trying to turn her away, but to warn her it wouldn't be easy which her comment seemed to imply.

"I've watched good officers, great friends, die in the line of duty. Some who gave themselves up to protect me on a mission in order to get that important intel. Officers whose families never got to bury their loves ones. Officers who never went down as heroes because it would mean they had to admit they were somewhere they weren't supposed to be." He let out a deep sigh before continuing. "I am not underestimating you. I am preparing you... because, one day, you might be the one running away from me because what you have is far more important then my life."

'I assure you Commander, when the time comes, I'll not be found wanting,' Gonzalez said with fierce determination. 'I'm here to serve Starfleet, and the Federation, no matter the cost.'

Vincent stared at her intently, his eyes narrowed slightly, as he placed his hands behind his back. Slowly, but surely, a smile formed on his face as his intent stared turned pleased. "You passed your first test, Gonzalez." He said softly as he let out a slight breath. "Commitment and Determination. Jobs like these require sacrifices that not many are ready to take on. It's a big weight, but the weight of the consequences are an even bigger one. I have no doubt you'll go above and beyond when the time comes, but that requires training. That means, if you truly want this, there is no turning back. You'll have to be prepared for anything and anytime. No breaks. No excuses. If you want this... I'll give it to you." He extended his hand to her and looked her in the eyes. "Just take it and it'll be official."

Gonzalez looked at the outstretched hand, then at him, and put her own in his, giving it a firm handshake. 'Guess it's official then,' she said in a steady voice. Her mind raced at the implications of what she was committing to. A life in the shadows, always there but invisible. A seat at the table, but no record of influence. It suited her just fine, she thought, anything for a piece of the action.

"It's not not official. Not yet, away." He replied as he pulled his hand back a bit. "I need reach out to a few people, but I make sure to push for it to be official. Give me some time and, when its official official, you'll be the first to let know." Vincent gave her a smiled and added. "Patience, Lieutenant. When its done, I promise, we'll hit the ground running."

'I look forward to hearing from you then, Sir,' Gonzalez replied with a nod.

::OFF::

Commander Vincent ‘Vin’ Salvatore
Executive Officer/Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Hecate

Lieutenant Sofia Gonzalez
Intelligence Officer
USS Hecate
[PNPC Captain Robert Burke]

 

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