To: Tempestas.ALL.Officers
From: SF.GTF.Intel
Subject: Known Romulan Intel
Stardate: 86008.91
//Encrypted Message Follows//

Officers of the Tempestas,

The following a release of all known information on the current Romulan situation, including a list of known Tal Shiar strongholds.

Strongholds
Hobus: Asteroid Outpost
Notes: Recently recaptured from Remen separatists. Defenses thought to be largely automated.
Threat Level: Minor

Telchas System: Orbital Platform and Accompany Ground Support Structures with Planetary Shield Grid
Notes: Considered the main Tal Shiar hub for all activities in the region, recently attacked by Guenidier task force. Damaged, but at least some repairs have been made. Scout ships attempting to get a closer look have been repelled by a massive military presence and a tachyon detection grid.
Threat Level: Extreme

Deep Space Sector R-7325: Station Platform
Notes: Last reported abandoned following Telchas 2 raid. Tachyon Emission Levels indicate a cloaked ship presence.
Threat Level: Major

Additional Notes: Romulans use cloaked ships to transport supplies regularly, so no known transport routes are available, however, it would be expected that they would have to drop out of warp at any stronghold outside the defense perimeter to pass through, though they wouldn't have to decloak to do it.



Good Fortune Tempestas.

"Admiral," Tracy said, hands behind her back in a casual 'at ease'. "Why do you think I'm here?"

"I believe you are here because you saw an opportunity to help Starfleet." Klena carefully studied Tracy's reaction.

"And I am Ma'am. However, some people's definition of help is vastly different than others," Tracy said. "I feel the need to inform you, I've never served as a first officer."

Klena quirked an eyebrow, unsurprised that Tracy had not served as a first officer before, but surprised that she had admitted it so openly. She thought for a moment before answering, carefully choosing her words. In the end, if she wanted this woman's trust and loyalty, she'd have to open up to her as well.

"I am aware." She said simply. "Your file is not the first, very classified, personnel file I've seen." That was certainly the truth. "However, what I desire in a first officer is... different... than other Starfleet Captains." She met Tracy's gaze evenly, the two women judging one another on every word. "Your unique background in shall we say, clandestine activities, makes you my ideal candidate."

Tracy thought on the words and then decided this woman was genuine. A genuine person like her didn't deserve the truth. Didn't need it.

But it would only help the mission if she was told it. At least for now.

So she smiled.

"It would goad my husband a bit if he heard you say that," she said, placing one hand on her hip.

(OOC: Angel's done his own share of Black Ops and the circle that knows about these dealings is exclusive, but still a source of pride/embarrassment to him)

"Why not him?"

"I have placed Maj Silliskian in charge of security, your husband is serving as his subordinate." Klena paused, letting the other woman have a moment to collect the complicated line of reasoning. "If I were to ask him to take the position of first officer I would undermining the Major's command. Such an action would be illogical."

Logic.

Tracy knew very little of that. Her life since joining Starfleet had been dreamlike at first, then chaos for as long as she'd known since.

All shadows and darkness. Loneliness and isolation, made worse by the secrets one has to keep.

"I suppose it would," she said, maintaining her expression. "If you would indulge me Admiral, I'd like to know exactly what you expect in a first officer. Of course I have my own leadership style, but I want to know exactly how best I can help you and the ship."

Klena nodded in acknowledgement of the question, it was an extremely valid one. "The administrative duties you can read about on the computer, but I expect my first officer to be opinionated and honest." She paused, knowing just how much trouble that criteria could cause without some restrictions. "However, I do expect that in front of the crew you support decisions I make unless you feel you absolutely must object. Privately, I encourage you to 'argue' with me."

She quirked an eyebrow, in what could be construed as a smile by Vulcan standards. "Within reason of course."

Tracy knew why she should trust her husband's first instincts more.

She was liking the Admiral.

"Angel can attest to that quality of mine Ma'am. My opinion rarely is kept to myself. And I do possess the tact to understand when to give it.

I believe Ma'am, that I can accept the post. With your permission?" she said, motioning to the door.

"Thank you Captain, I look forward to working with you." With that, Klena pushed away from the desk she'd been leaning again and headed back to the bridge. They'd be departing soon.