Posted by Captain Benjamin Gillespie (Incoming Commanding Officer) in Captain’s Office - Meeting Request

Posted by Civilian Micah Pikelsimer (Merchant) in Captain’s Office - Meeting Request

Posted by Captain Benjamin Gillespie (Incoming Commanding Officer) in Captain’s Office - Meeting Request
Posted by… suppressed (12) by the Post Ghost! 👻
A full twenty-four hours after he arrived, Pikelsimer sent a request for a meeting with the Commanding Officer. He didn’t specify a date or time, but asked for the first available appointment. Knowing the CO was a new arrival, he didn’t expect as quick a response as he received when the confirmation for later that same day. “I guess new duty stations aren’t as hard to check into as they used to be.” he said to himself.

Micah spent the rest of the day making his new ‘business’ was getting set up properly and his cargo was being secured to his specifications. He then went back to his apartment and changed into a fresh suit and made his way to the Command level. In typical Marine fashion, he arrived fifteen minutes early for his designated appointment.

Pikelsimer, Trader

Ben was already in his office - He had felt important to meet and get to know Magellan’s residents as soon as possible and when a civillian with Micah’s distinguished record it would be beneficial to meet the man sooner rather than later. As such he had agreed to an early evening meeting the same day.

At one end of the spacious office were two storage crates sealed and labelled to be loaded on the ship that Briony was due to depart on. Ben’s own much smaller crate was on the desk open. Many of Ben’s commands had been short term, or temporary so he had never bothered to make his Ready Rooms into much of a personal space before. The space he found himself using as an office now, was much larger than what would have been practical on a ship and would be ample big enough for staff briefings as well as just a personal office.

Gillespie invited the Trader in to the office. “Apologies for the state of things. I’m sure you’ll appreciate that I’m new here and only just getting settled in,” he said with a warm smile.

“Would you like to talk over a coffee or something to eat? Or does your request for a meeting require more privacy than the promenade can offer?” he asked.

-Ben

Taking a seat in front of the desk, Pikelsimer said “Privacy for this discussion would be most appreciated, Captain.” and he reached into one of the pockets of his suit and produced a small, black pyramid. “In fact, if you don’t mind, Captain…” and he set the object on the desk and tapped the sides in a quick sequence. A small blue light activated on one corner of the base and Pikelsimer said “Just a precaution, Captain.” and he leaned back in the chair. “So how was your trip in, sir? Uneventful, I hope?” he asked casually.

Pikelsimer, Trader

“That private?” Ben asked raising an eyebrow. He moved the crate off his desk onto the floor before sitting in his own chair, “Indeed it was. You know what the press can be like when they think there’s a story lurking beyond the surface, though. They were here to greet me when I arrived.”

“Now a man of your experience, carrying a portable privacy booth. You’re not going to tell me you’re Section 31 are you?”

-Ben

Micah chuckled and his whole demeanor shifted. Where just moments ago a slick businessman had walked into the office, now sat a much more taciturn and rigid man. Even his facial expression changed. Before, he had had an almost jovial and friendly expression. Now, a gruff and deadly serious former Marine.

“No. I’m not 31. Although you may wish I was after you read this.” and he produced a small optical disc and handed it to the Captain. “This will explain, and I’ll answer whatever questions I can after.”

Once inserted into the computer, there was a pause and a flicker on the display and then the following text appeared:

EYES ONLY

To: Commanding Officer, Starbase Magellan
From: Director, Covert Operations, Federation Security Agency
Subject: Operative Assignment - Starbase Magellan

EYES ONLY

The person presenting this disc to you is Undercover FSA Agent Micah Pikelsimer. You have been sent his background previously.

He has been tasked with inserting himself into the station’s civilian populace for the purpose of surveillance, threat assessment, fugitive recovery, and conducting undercover investigations of any person or persons of interest as designated by FedSec or Agent Pikelsimer. Should he garner evidence pertaining to threats to Federation citizens or the violation of Federation laws, he possesses the authority to halt those threats with or without the assistance of Star Fleet or Station personnel or residents. Agent Pikelsimer is not required to discuss his operations with any Star Fleet or Station personnel, but has discretion to do so as he sees fit.

FedSec requests any and all cooperation be made available to Agent Pikelsimer with regards to establishing and maintaining his cover of a overt trader and merchant, with the addition of having an established hand in black market smuggling and arms dealing. Agent Pikelsimer will be utilizing his actual background for these purposes, with certain embellishments that he can brief you on at your request.

Should the need arise, Agent Pikelsimer can be utilized for civilian law enforcement needs provided his covert identity remains intact.

FSA understands that this may not be an ideal situation for the Star Fleet personnel on your station. As such you are allowed to discuss this matter with your Security Chief only. No other Star Fleet or Station personnel or residents are to be made aware of Agent Pikelsimer’s assignment or true role on the Magellan.

Authorization command: Alpha-Delta-Nine-Seven-Zulu-Black, key word: Dishonor

“That’s the understatement of the century,” Ben said as he read about the situation not being ideal, “And frankly that is not going to happen.”

As Pikelsimer watched the Captain read and surmised he was finishing up, he said “Okay, Skipper. What do you want to know?”

Pikelsimer, FedSec

“I will discuss this with whomever I see fit. This is a Starfleet Outpost afterall,” Ben stated as he removed the disc from the computer. He waved it semi-casually, “You realise that I will have to verify the authenticity?”

“Of course. That’s what key word is there for. Just incorporate that into your verification request to FedSec and it will handle itself from there. You can ask your husband to check too, if you like. I made a provision in the clearances for a one time acknowledgement to him as well. It won’t give details, but will verify I am who that says I am. And as far as this being a Star Fleet Outpost, it sure is. Absolutely. But remember, Skipper… Star Fleet is part of the Federation. I represent Federation security. I don’t answer to Star Fleet. And neither do a lot of your residents. They are civilians. And that’s why I’m here.” and Pikelsimer leaned forward and set his elbows on his knees.

“Look, Captain. I’m not here to screw with your station or your people. Nor would I even if I was told to. You have my record. I have served in both the Marines and Star Fleet, and I am damn proud of that. Now? Now I serve the Federation as a whole. And I’m proud of that as well. I ain’t a spy, and I’m not here to throw my weight around. Hell, I don’t even have weight, sir. I’m a Cop. Undercover, sure. But still a Cop. And I’m here to make sure that any threats to this station, the citizens of Federation, and the Federation itself are handled in a manner that ensures the safety of those groups and leads to the successful prosecution of criminals. Criminals that fall outside your specific jurisdiction, but who may find themselves here on your station, or the areas around it. That’s it. But I would really recommend you don’t discuss my role here outside the parameters in that order. FedSec isn’t really known for their understanding, and my boss is a Grade A nightmare when it comes to security breaches. But you do you, sir. I’d just really appreciate it if you could see fit do as it says. At least for a while.”

Ben but the disk onto his desk and folded his arms. “Should it prove authentic, I will do everything in my power to keep your cover, but if you are caught by my security staff doing anything illegal, you go through the full processes. A Get Out Of Jail Free card will blow your cover instantly. The big question I have is what do you want from me? Surely if you didn’t want anything, you would not have even told me.”

-Ben

“Actually, Sir, I was ordered to tell you. And the Security Chief. FedSec wanted you to know from the get-go I was here. Call it a… gesture of goodwill. I mean, they could have just sent me and kept mum about it… wouldn’t be the first time, and I sincerely doubt it will be the last either. As far as what I want from you? Nothing really, sir. Not even a Get Out of Jail Free card. Hell, Skipper, getting arrested may even help my cover.” and he chuckled softly.

“Look, Captain. I’m not here to complicate your life. I’m here to catch bad guys and put them behind bars. If you want, we can set up a regular meeting so I can update you on what’s happening. That way you know what’s going on, and you won’t get caught flat-footed… at least, I’ll do my best to make sure you don’t. I’ve got a shop getting set up on the Promenade. Swing by any time. We can just say we are old friends from back in the day, war buddies catching up and such. Whatever I can do to help make this more palatable for you, I will try to do. All I ask is you don’t take my presence here as a slight, ‘cause it ain’t. I’m here to help. The friendlier you and I can make that, the better off both of us will be, I think.” and he leaned back in his chair. “Now go ahead and run your check, sir. I’ll wait.”

Pikelsimer, FedSec

“I’ll make that check in my own time,” Ben said, “For now we continue our discussion on the assumption it will check out. Federation law applies to ALL who reside and conduct business here. It is part of Starfleet’s directive to uphold that law therefore all activity and people aboard the Outpost fall under my jurisdiction. As you know, Starfleet has additional regulations and standards that it expects of it’s personnell which also fall under my jurisdiction. FedSec is known for being a blunt tool. Heavy handed. With both limited jurisdictions and no military purview you cannot legally cross the borders into the neutral zones at all. Where all I need is a just cause and reasonable suspicion. The only person I can think of here that falls under FedSec’s remit but not mine, is myself.”

Ben paused for a moment.

“You were quick to mention my husband as though you think I am only here and in command at his behest. I assure you that is not the case,” Ben continued, “I know about the escaped convict who was last seen in these parts. FedSec doesn’t like to lose its prisoners. I am also not naive enough to think that FedSec is not interested in my Husband and I. Especially given we were friends with said convict and now add the convenient timing of my own unlikely transfer here?”

“I will not stand in FedSec’s way, and in return, they shall not stand in mine, undermine my authority, or presume to tell me how to do my job. I am in charge here and I will discuss all station business as I see fit,” the Captain said firmly as he rose from his seat, “I’ve played your game before. I suggest we go somewhere more public to talk about your ‘shop’ and what you might supply me with to provide a cover these regular meetings we will be having. Perhaps one of your targets might be listening?”

-Ben

Pikelsimer looked at Ben with both a surprised and confused look. For a moment he didn’t say anything as he processed the new information, but after a moment said “Um, I’m rightly a bit confused, now. Because one, I only knew that your husband was in a position to verify this and you have a lot more reason to trust him than me. That’s it. Two, you seem to be operating under the pretense that I am here checking up on you. Like I said, I’m here for civilian matters. I only looked at your record because of your assignment here, nothing else. And three, I have no idea what fugitive you are talking about. First I have ever heard about it.” he said in complete honesty. “But since you just threw yourself under the proverbial bus and gave me a crap ton of attitude that I quite honestly didn’t deserve, now I guess I will be asking about it.” and the man’s demeanor shifted significantly.

First was a businessman. Then a law-man. Now? Now he was a highly decorated former Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant coming to his feet and pointing a metal finger at the new Commanding Officer.

“But only after you come to the realization that I don’t play games with innocent people. You need to get something through your brain-housing group right now, Captain. I am not here to fight with you, check up on you, investigate you, or anything else… not unless I find a need to and up till this very second I had no need to. I told you why I am here. And that was the whole truth as know it. I’ve been nothing but honest with you because you are, indeed, the CO of this station and I did respect that. But respect goes both ways, you know? You don’t like me being here? Fine. Take it up with FedSec. But until I get orders from my boss stating otherwise, I am doing the job I was sent here to do. You can work with me and we can get along; or you can keep that stick shoved up there making you uncomfortable as all hell if you want. Makes no difference to me, but it will make a hell of a big difference to you. I was sent here to help you… and the folks on this station. That’s it. So pull your head out and accept the offer and we can do some good and make this station a great place to be. Or don’t. I really don’t give a damn now.” and he sat back down and glared at the man before finally taking a deep breath, and he shook his head in resignation.

“You know what, Skipper? Never you mind. I’ll just stay outta your way and do my thing. Broadcast to whoever the hell you want to that I’m here. Ruin my cover. All that will happen to me is I’ll get reassigned. I’ve done what I was told to do. I’ve been honest and followed my orders. So I’m clear. You, though… you’ll have to deal with the inquiry… the investigation… the politics… the whispers… and all the fallout that comes with throwing a unneeded wrench into things. I’m sure that will eventually blow back on your husband, too. And that’s not a threat, at least not from me. You are right… FedSec is blunt tool at times. Absolutely. They will get mad at their operation being screwed up, not me. But remember, you don’t know all of FedSec. Not once have I been told to do anything to get in your way. In fact, it was just the opposite. But you have made your position clear, Captain. You are gonna draw a line in the stand and make up a scenario that I am here to get in your way. That’s your fantasy, not my reality. But have it your way.” and he stood up.

“Forget the offer of a regular briefing. That I offered on my own… to be cooperative. To level the playing field and start this off in an open and honest fashion. But you obviously don’t want that, you want to be right and ‘in charge’.” and he made air quotes with his fingers. “Okay, Skipper, you got it. You’re in charge of your station. You want to know what I’m doing, you come see me. I’ll tell you exactly what I’m required to… no more, no less. You don’t like that, take it up with Fleet Command and FedSec.” and he moved in the direction of the door. “I guess I’ll be looking into your fugitive issue now. If you want to save the time of another meeting, you can just send me your statement regarding the situation now. Or I can get it through official channels later, your call.” and he paused for a moment and then turned around.

“You know, I’ve always been really good at finding the truth. And I have no doubt that your relationship with… whoever this runner is… is completely above board and will, in the end, turn out to be nothing. But investigations leave a stink in people’s nostrils. And that stink doesn’t go away. It lingers… sticks to people near the subject of the investigation, too. Now I have always had a soft spot for Marines and Fleeters who find themselves stuck in a bad situation that they didn’t make. I always try and shield them from the worst of it, especially if they have no role in the crap they found themselves in. But I also hate being dictated to when I’m trying to be friendly. And I have found that folks who do that tend to have something to hide. Not always, but the statistics are in favor of it.” and he looked directly in the Captain’s eyes. “I was honest with you, sir. I was transparent. And I was forthcoming. Sorry you didn’t see that, Skipper. It’s much better to have me as an ally and a friend, than as an enemy. Ask the Cardassians that got me this.” and he reached across his chest and tapped the sleeve-covered right are from which protruded the metal hand. “But that’s entirely your choice. Not mine.” and he made an informal salute with the metal hand. “Be seeing ya, Skipper.” and he stepped to the door to allow it to open.

Pikelsimer, Trader

OOC: Fixing typos.

OOC: Nice interaction - Loving the tension.

IC: The doors did not open. The portable privacy booth was a sophistaced technology which not only disabled the microphones and cameras on the surveilance systems, but also disabled the door sensors preventing them from opening to uninvited visitors.

Ben picked up the device from his desk and stood.

“My turn. If you’re done?” he asked in a calm professional manner.

-Ben

Pikelsimer turned. “Oh, I’m done, Captain.” in an equally clam, but obviously very ‘cool’, manner. The fact that he was not happy was apparent, and he did nothing to hide it. “But you have made your position clear, and I’m not under any order to make friends with the station staff. Nor am I going to try an cajole you into accepting my presence here. Not in my job description. So say your peace and we both go do whatever we need to do.”

Pikelsimer

“You’re right, neither of us are here to make friends,” Ben said, “Now I have been nothing but honest with you about how I feel about FedSec’s presence. So I will make this simple. You will tell me everything you are involved and in return I will help you keep your cover and provide what support I can.”

Gillespie casually tossed the pyramid to Micah.

“Without my help, your cover is blown the first arrest you make. I’ll swing by your shop in a couple of days to see what you have to offer,” Ben concluded as he sat down.

“One more thing. Ben and I want Junior caught as much as FedSec does. Seeing how your boss has seen fit to keep you in the dark on the biggest case in the sector, I’ll get you his file… Providing the disc checks out to my standards.”

-Ben

Pikelsimer looked at Ben and said “So I make one arrest and then go. You’ll be rid of FedSec, and I’ll have another collar. Do what the hell you want to, but I don’t work for you and I do not take kindly to being told what to do by folks I’m supposed to be working with. This is either a team effort, or I’ll just do my thing and move on. But drop the attitude, Captain. I don’t deserve it, and sure as hell won’t stand for it any more. You want this guy caught? I’ll help. But not like this. I’m not your subordinate… I already have a boss, and she is a sight more difficult than you ever thought about being.”

Pikelsimer

“You’re a civilian and as such you will only be permitted to remain here as long as I say so. You’ve got two days to make a decision. My way or no way. Do not test me on that. I’m not afraid of a political stink and I am not intimidated by the threat of you going to your boss. Your two days have started,”Ben concluded.

-Gillespie

Pikelsimer said “I respond to threats like you do. Guess I’ll be pack up and mosey, then. Feel free to get irritated even more when FedSec sends someone else and they don’t tell ya. I’m sure that will make you much happier. But I guess you don’t cater to the belief ‘Better the devil you know than the one you don’t.’, huh Skipper?” and he walked forward and held out his flesh hand. “I’ll take my toy and be going. Got a lot of packing to do in the next two days.” and he smiled at Gillespie. “And I’ll just let you deal with the fugitive issue… oh, and the fact that that you have a known mercenary and cohort of murderers and drug runners already on board. Cheers.” and he looked at the Captain, then at his hand, then back at the Captain.

Pikelsimer