The Press Conference
Posted on Sun May 31st, 2020 @ 9:08pm by Commodore Ledeya ‘Ed’ Ehestri (*) & Chief Operations Kendra McIntyre & Chief Helmsman Eden Bowers
Mission:
Cosmos
Location: Diplomatic Conference Room, Deck 91
Timeline: 2396
1465 words - 2.9 OF Standard Post Measure
The last few weeks had been hectic and full of emotions. After he had given the evacuation order as the attacks set off a chain reaction that made the station unsafe as a city in space. The science labs had suffered a leak of dangerous chemicals and the fusion reactors had almost gone critical, both were saved by luck and Starfleet ingenuity. Now, they were in the process of getting their station back.
The station was slated for a full refit, new systems, reactors, upgraded labs, all to bring the station up to Obsidian Fleet standards. However, today was a little bittersweet. Due to the evacuation order, Commander Rosado had been able to avoid the press. But, it was time to let the Federation and the former citizens of the station know what is going on.
As he stepped to the podium, Jared cleared his throat a bit. It was more of a nervous gesture, the sight of the packed room and the various holovids capturing his every move was a new experience. Looking at those in attendance, the Commander began, "Good morning. I want to thank everyone for being here. I have a few announcements to make before I open it up for questions."
Glancing at his PADD between sentences, the Commander started, "I want to begin with the investigations. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, I am unable to provide names and specifics. However, I can tell you that we have a pretty good idea based on manifest and shipping records of who did this. We are working with Starfleet Security and Intelligence, who have taken the overall lead of the investigation. So I will need to point you to them for the most up to date answers and information."
Shifting topics, Jared added, "Moving to the state of the station. As I'm sure most of you have seen as you made your way to the conference room, the station is a construction site. We are at about 80% of our operational capacity, but it is still unsafe for our civilian population to be welcomed back. The repair and refit process is scheduled to last about three months, which will then allow us to return to normal activities. We are looking to organize a civilian leadership board to help us guide and assist as people begin opening their business and resuming life aboard the station."
He paused a moment before continuing, this next announcement would be a bombshell. "We have also agreed to welcome a group of about seven hundred Roumulan refugees from the path of the Hobus Supernova shockwave. We have ran security and background checks on these seven hundred individuals and they will begin arriving in waves of two-hundred-fifty." He then looked set the PADD to the side of the podium before asking, "Are there any questions?"
Having prepared for what she assumed was going to be a very boring news briefing Mandy Loshbough had settled herself down in a seat as she chewed on one end of her PADD pointer. She looked up only occasionally and heard about half the words the commander spoke until he mentioned Romulan refugees. She sat up quicker than a child who is asked if they want candy. Her hand shot into the air. "Commander, aren't there those who would argue that taking in refugees just after a crisis like this is reckless? Background checks aside, how do we really know that it's safe? After all this station has just suffered substantial damage. Shouldn't we be trying to protect our own Federation interests before reaching our hand out to others who are potential security risks?"
"There are those who would argue just about any point," Jared countered. Getting a little serious he replied, "This is a humanitarian crisis where billions of lives are at stake." Pausing he added, "I would also argue that we are protecting Federation interests by living up to our own ideals. We also have an agreement to house a number of the refugees below on Aaru."
Pezos Zh'taatras stood up and smiled sweetly. This was the first time she was actually out in the world for her fledgeling network. it read exciting. "My question is that your briefing today was really focused on the future and not on what happened here and that Starfleet Security and Intelligence. Is that for a particular reason? Are you seeing any particular reason why the investigation should not be continued by the team here at the moment?"
"Good question," Jared replied, buying himself time to gather his thoughts. Looking at the Andorian, the Commander replied, "Due to the nature of the investigation, Federation law prevents me from giving out information that could jeopardize ongoing investigations." Looking around the room, then back at the reporter to ensure everyone was listening, he added, "We know exactly how the attack was carried out and have a pretty good idea about who did it. The station has implemented tighter security protocols as well as sending teams to knock down a few doors."
Ledeya smiled at the reporter as she joined the man on the podium. "Apologies for my lateness. I would just like to add to Commander Rosado's comment." She said quickly as the Andorian opened her mouth to carry on her questioning. "I hope everyone here would not want to jeopardise an ongoing investigation but the reason it has been taken over by another department is more that the base needs solid leadership that Commander Rosado is going to be providing going forward. His focus is going to be that and rebuilding to provide people with a new home and to allow the people back that call this home as quickly as possible. We have specialized people who investigate, why not use their skills to resolve and bring them to justice."
"Commodore," started a Vulcan who stood for a question. "There would be those who argue that this base in particular favors the Romulan refugees over the safety of those who once lived aboard Starbase Six-Hundred-Twenty-One." Without breaking his stone face or even hinting that it was his own question, the Vulcan asked, "How would you respond to those criticisms?"
"I respond to the criticism with amazement that it is even a thing. Both are coming to the base they will or have always called home. The people who lived aboard Starbase Six-Hundred-Twenty-One have already lived through things similar events in being homeless to the Romulan refugees so please I ask that you stamp out those rumours."
"Awww, well that's just no fun Commander. You can't comment on what happened and yet this is a news conference. The only piece of news you've given us that had any interest was those Romulan refugees as you call them. But since you can't comment on who was responsible for it how do we know that the station or those federations ideals you're so sure you understand, are safe?"
"Of course we cannot comment and I thought that was clear that Federation law prevents us from commenting on it and if we comment on it we are giving warning to the perpetrators of these crimes to allow them to evade justice. I am sure you do not want your readers to think that you would be encouraging that now would you?" Ledeya said with a smiled smile before she looked around. "Final question I believe?"
"Hearro Kea, New Day News," the reporter stated as she stood for her question. "I have heard rumors that there will be a change of command for the station. Do you care to comment on this?"
Ledeya smiled at the woman. "You know rumours as well as I do..."
"I believe I can provide some insight," came the voice of a man in Captain's uniform. Stepping to the podium, the man said in his not quiet hoarse but authoritative voice. "My name is Captain Lamar David, former commanding officer of the Yorktown. During the last few years, I have been in Starfleet Intelligence. The nature of my assignments has been classified, so I am unable to discuss those details but you are welcome to contact Starfleet Command."
The Commodore knew better than to react to the man crossing in front of her so she made a gesture of carry on as her yeoman waved his arms from the back of the conference room trying to get her attention. What could have happened to make her Yeoman interrupt a press conference?
"I believe we are dismissed," Lamar stated from the podium.
Commodore Ledeya ‘Ed’ Ehestri
Commanding Officer
USS Cosmos / TG 72-B
(PNPC Gregnol)
Captain Lamar David
Commanding Officer
Starbase 621
(PNPC McIntyre)
Commander Jared Rosado
Former Commanding Officer
Starbase 621
(PNPC McIntyre)
Mandy Loshbough
FNN Correspondent
Starbase 621
(PNPC Bowen)
