Post by Scribe on Aug 8, 2009 1:59:46 GMT -5
New Earth Colony
Gaia
Stardate: 23rd August 2166[/b]
The meeting held at Starfleet Headquarters in New Earth Colony, Gaia in the middle of April 2166, was a secret and closed affair with only three people required in attendance. Admiral Gregory Mesu, Captain Jonathan Archer and Governor Gabriel Loman Hayes.
As they waited for the third member of their company to arrived Admiral Gregory Mesu said nothing, as he sat in almost statue like silence. The round boardroom table in the middle of his office was polished plasteel made to look like redwood and save for a jug of water and three glasses, was devoid of any other thing. Captain Jonathan Archer of Enterprise was shifting uncomfortably in his seat. While nothing that would be a surprise at the meeting, he was not looking towards it nonetheless.
In truth, it was Jon's own fact finding mission that had set off the chain of events that had led them, albeit down a rather winding turn of road, to this moment in time. He had arrived early, hoping to discuss a few things with Mesu but the man refused to entertain any discussion until Hayes' arrival. As Jon glanced the chronometer on the wall, he knew that it was early. Hayes would arrive promptly on time as it was his habit.
*******
Not fazed at being called into the Admiral's office, Hayes arrived five minutes early only to be directed inside by Mesu's Yeoman, Lucy. A nod, he saw Archer and Mesu awaiting. "I know I am not late," he said in his usual, dry and professional manner.
"You're not Colonel," Mesu allayed his concerned immediately, standing up along with Archer to greet the man. His use of military rank was also intentional. This discussion had nothing to do with the civilian population of Gaia though this would affect them soon enough. This was a Council of War.
"Good to see you Hayes," Jon greeted politely; pleased to see the man was acclimating so well on Gaia. Jon had been terribly guilty about the enforced promotion on Hayes after the destruction of the Xindi Planet killer. However, it seemed that recent developments in Hayes' private life had shown that worry was premature because Hayes was doing better than most in the colony.
"Gentlemen," Mesu said to the two, "let's get down to it."
Once everyone was settled, Mesu began. "Hayes, at this moment you are being recalled to active duty, as the commander of Starfleet Marines. Jon, you'll be raised in rank to Commodore. Gentlemen," he looked at the two, "In a matter of 12 hours, we will all be attending a conference with the leaders of Vulcan, Romulus, Bajor, Cardassia, Andor, Tellerite and Betazed. Jon, you're not aware of this but two hours ago, we received word from a listening post on the edge of Bajoran space that Ferenginar, the Ferengi home world was destroyed by the activation of Xindi sphere in their space. The distortion caused their sun to nova which took the entire star system with it. It seems that the Xindi are pushing their way out of the Expanse into the Alpha Quadrant. We believe that Bajor and Cardassia are now under imminent threat."
"Jesus," Jon exclaimed at the loss of so many lives. Feringinar had a population of almost 15 or 20 billion people. The scale of loss left his throat dry.
Hayes hadn't realised his duty was considered inactive and simply nodded at the Admiral and now, Commodore. The tone of Mesu kept him serious. "How long is this mission?"
"It's not a mission," Mesu corrected him automatically. "This is an act of war, not just on us but on the civilised population of the Alpha Quadrant. We will be apart of an interstellar alliance. They want Earth to lead. I'm afraid I might have mistaken my earlier comment, you're not returned to active status Colonel, you're returning to combat duty. We'll need to coordinate the operations on two fronts. The MACOs will be assisting with the defence of Bajor and Cardassia because it's almost certain that the Xindi will attempt to construct their sphere network through these two systems. The fleet led by Enterprise will be heading towards the Expanse. The plan is to take out the spheres one at a time all the way back to the Xindi home world, a planet we've now learned is called Azati Prime."
Gabriel simply sat there. Taking it in. After all this, after what they went through, they were putting him back in charge? Combat? "Who will run Gaia?"
"I am putting Commander Jellico in temporary charge of Gaia while you are indisposed," Mesu answered.
"And how long will I be," nice phrasing, thought Gabriel, "indisposed?" He was trying to get a timeline, dammit. Unbelievable.
Jon who had inkling as to what Hayes was concerned about, since he was told by T'Pol about the relationship between the Governor and her friend on the colony who was a MACO, spoke up. "It's going to be months Hayes. The push into the Expanse is going to take months."
"How many months?" Hayes cut to the chase. "Specifically."
Mesu who hadn't caught on to what concerned the Governor so specifically, responded. "We're estimating six to 18 months."
Gabriel Loman Hayes wasn't one to beat around the bush. "Send McRae. Or Merrick or Jellico." There was no hesitation or apology to his words. "For that length, I'm not your man."
Shit, Jon cursed under his breath and responded with a resigned sigh. "Gabriel, there's no one else who can do this and you know it. Everyone is being recalled to active duty. '"Everyone. "
Mesu looked at Hayes puzzled, "I don't see the problem..."
"Not everyone," Gabriel returned his former Captain's stare. "And if I have to retire to resolve this, then I'll retire" Apparently Mesu didn't read the Rumblings. "I'm not going for any long duration of time. If you need a compromise, I can train a replacement for a few months." He looked at Mesu, "That's the best I can do."
"For crying out loud," Jon exclaimed deciding to get it out in the open. "Greg, the Governor has a baby on the way."
Mesu stared at Hayes, in surprise "I see." He did see but it didn't matter. "Welcome to the world we live in Governor, the difficulty between duty and family. In your case, I am willing to compromise to a degree. You may remain long enough to see your child born but you will be leading the MACOs after that. I see no reason to why you cannot conduct the opening part of the war from Gaia but that's all the time I'm giving you." His voice hardened. "Do not assume that this is a negotiation."
He was more willing to work with Mesu without the man pushing him against a wall. The Iron Colonel was not used to working that way. "I have given my entire life to this 'world we live in'." Hayes was about two seconds from losing any control or emotional guard he was famous for. "If that is not good enough for your Admiral, feel free to push me so I quit." Gabriel crossed his arms, "I will not be away from the family I plan on raising nor will I raise my son in a war zone." He had such hopes of his son being a MACO, but all in due time. Not to start before birth and especially if the choice was not even his to make.
"You do understand that if we don't stop this, your son will have no home." Mesu said pointedly. "Unless you missed the point and are only concern with your own situation, we are speaking of the human race here. Ferenginar was destroyed, 20 billion people are dead. They may not have been human but they are still dead and this war is all that's stopping the Xindi from doing the same to countless other worlds including this one. And you can bet the instant we launch this offensive, Earth will be in their sights first and foremost. Yes, you will be separated from your son for a few months but the war will find you if you are here, where you can do nothing to stop it or out there, where there is a chance he won't have to deal with the Xindi when he grows up."
Gabriel was not happy to be talked to like this and remained stock still. His mind burning. "I will let you know my decision tomorrow."
Mesu was unimpressed, "you will let me know before I leave for my ship this afternoon Hayes." The man was mercurial in his fury but like Hayes hid it well. "Dismissed, both of you."
Gabriel gave a long look to Jon before turning around. He left without further word.
~~~~
Five months pregnant and Renee Richard Hayes was at that stage of pregnancy where the sight of water didn't make her want to throw up. Oh she was hit with a slew of other problems but she was happy to see the end of morning sickness. Most of the time, she found she was prone to heartburn and indigestion, some pelvic pain as she started to develop stretch marks and she was getting nosebleeds more frequently. Dr. Quinn said that all this was normal and though she was certain she could run maggots into the ground with the best of them, she had been relegated to desk duty as Tom Merrick's assistance because as the Major put it, Gabe would kick his ass if anything happened to the kid.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Ren thought when he had told her the news, your brave MACO men.
On this occasion, she had come home early. Another damn nose bleed and she needed to change. Blood didn't faze her. She was a fucking Shark after all. Blood and guts were part of her everyday life. Still, men being what they were, tended to get all stupid when you couple blood and pregnant woman in the same sentence. So she had come home before the Major and newly minted Lt. had a complete panic attack.
They were such pussies, she thought.
Thus Ren cleaned herself up and took at the room they had chosen for the nursery, opting to using the time to continue organising it.
Who would have thought? Mrs Renee Richard Hayes, soon to be mom and Governor's wife.
It sounded so fucking respectable it was surreal.
~~~~
Entering the place, looking at the time, he expected her home in an hour. Enough that he would pace and wait only as Gabriel began to pace, instinct alerted him that someone was in the baby’s room. Narrowed eyes already angered and enraged at Mesu’s fucking insensitivity. What really burned Hayes off the most was the way Mesu talked to him as if he were ignorant and didn’t know the stakes, the job or ever saw combat. It was enough for Gabriel to tell him to fuck off and have a nice life but Hayes was too professional to do that. Besides, then he’d be pulling Merrick’s act.
“Renee?” He was surprised to see her home. “What are you doing here?”
"Nose bleed," Ren replied, looking up from section of wall she was measuring for wallpaper. "Honestly, I've been fighting Klingons and MULKS with those guys, one time I had entrails all over me from blasting the fuck out of one of those things. One nose bleed and the Major freaks out and sends the pregnant woman home."
His gears instantly shifted and Gabriel moved over to Renee, his hand habitually going down her side to touch his son. “What does the doctor say about the frequency in which you’ve been having them. Maybe you should take it easy and not work.” Work. That was almost funny to say.
"Oh it's normal," Ren replied. "I'm fine it's everyone else that's insane. I mean being the Major's assistant is dull enough, he thinks I need a gopher to do the job and Gunny," she rolled her eyes. "If he asks me one more time if I want anything, I'm going to shoot him." She ranted and then paused. "So," she leaned over and kissed him, "how was your day dear?" She teased.
Hayes tried very hard to once more not stiffen at hearing that name. It was hard, even after all this time and the turn of events. Gabriel did his best to mask it and kissed her back. “My day was… interesting.” He took her hand, “Why don’t we go sit down?”
She was once able to tell by the sudden shift in the wind and the snap of a twig that a MULK was on approach. Gabriel's tone reminded her of MULK on approach. "Sure," she said brightly, not wishing to tip her hand until she heard what he had to say. Gabe would have been proud to know that it was a trait she picked up from him. They went to the living room and nestled on the sofa, with Ren looking at him expectantly.
"The war has gotten worse," he doubted this highly sensitive information made it across a Major's desk when he and Jon were just becoming privy to it. "Mesu is employing back all to combat duty, myself included."
Ren's eyes widened in shock. Combat duty. It was what he had wanted since the day she met him. "Oh Jesus." She didn't dare say it but the implications of combat duty, for him, was clear especially to her. "You're going to be charge aren't of the Sharks aren't you?"
"Yes." Gabriel nodded with more stress than he'd ever felt in his life. In his career. "Front lines,"
Ren sucked in her breath, this was what he wanted and yet he saw the conflict in his eyes. That was then, before... her hand instinctively went to her stomach. Before their son had become a reality. "How soon?"
"Immediate. I've negotiated after Christopher is born. He was so angry, it was all he could manage to deliver this calm.
Ren took a deep breath, absorbing the information. At least he hadn't run out on her or told her she was shipboard fun. "Then that's all there is to it." She nodded. She was a Shark and she understood the sacrifice. It stung like hell but it was either this or let him throw his career away and watchi him grow to resent her and their baby for the man he could no longer be. There were people who were cut out to be civilians and those who born to the life of a soldier. Gabriel was simply not cut out to be anything than who he was.
"Mesu is putting my back against the wall, which, that in itself is reason enough to say 'fuck you' and retire..." Gabriel placed his hand on her swollen belly, "But that won't stop the Xindi eventually from attacking Gaia. You. And our family." Gabriel was so mad. So ready to make that decision. "I have to decide and let Mesu know before twenty-hundred hours."
"You have to go," she said simply without hesitation. "That's all there is to it."
"Renee" he didn't want more telling how it had to be, "I've seen more war than any MACO left alive. Each war is different but at the end, one man leading can make a difference, but the whole of the battle never rests on one man's actions." He stood and began to pace, what he wanted to for over an hour now. "I have given every fabric of my being to war. Battle. MACOs." His step increased. "I get to decide what I want for my family. Finally," Gabriel stopped and looked at her, "I get to decide."
"No you don't," Ren shook her head, "Not in this. Do you trust me?"
The wolf spun and gritted his teeth at that. Gabriel was sick of being told his new life was not for him to choose.
"You need to go because this is what you are," Ren said softly. "I love you more than I have love anything. I want you to see our son born and I want our son to know his father, the man who has always put everything before himself. If you sit this out, it will eat away at you. You don't feel that now but it will, you are warrior at heart Gabe and sitting out the biggest battle of our time, will destroy you and us. So I'm asking you to go because I want you whole when it's over."
"I haven't had family in a long time Renee'" As usual, she knew how to guide him. A trait he both adored and hated. "I want my family."
"Your family isn't going anywhere," Ren said placing her hand on his cheek. "I promise you, that when you come home your son and I will be waiting because you need to do this not just for you but for also for him. I don't want him growing up with the fear we've had these last twelves years."
He looked at her. More serious than the night he found out she was MACO. His voice soft, "what if I never make it back home?"
Only then did the fear come into her eyes, despair, anguish and so many emotions that she dare not give them form save they become real. "Then I will tell our son, his father died a hero."
Gabriel hugged her, the true and only fear the wolf had. He nuzzled her cheek and kept quiet in his manner.
"But don't do that please," Ren whispered. "I couldn't stand it. You're my life Gabe."
"I don't want to go Rennie..."
Ren captured his mouth in a kiss. "I know," she said holding him. "But you have to. Because you're our Colonel and when the Sharks go to fight, they need the meanest bastard MACO in charge to kick our asses and keep our eyes on the course. Because ground pounders get the job done."
He knew she was doing what had been engraved in him. Building him up. Hayes wasn't in the mood for a speech however, He simply held his soon to be wife. Feeling his son push into his hip. "I love you," Gabriel felt like he was being sentenced to execution. "I love you both, very much."
"We love you too," Ren held him close, never wanting to let go. "Go make the world safe for us Gabe. Only you can."
"Okay," Hayes sighed and left her, going to sit by himself and his thoughts for a spell. Finally he typed to his boss. "Logic wins. Let me know details of new assignment when finalized."
Nothing else was written and he didn't get up. Not for a long while.