Transfer Approved
Posted on 12 Sep 2024 @ 5:42am by Lieutenant Commander Dresden Cage
Mission:
M4 - Falling Out
Location: Dresden’s Apartment, La Playa St, San Francisco
Timeline: 1030PM - 11:00PM, 6 Days Prior to Arriving at Obsidian Command.
819 words - 1.6 OF Standard Post Measure
Dresden arrived at his apartment around 10:30 p.m. It was a modest apartment, located just 20 minutes from the office. His apartment was neatly kept, organized, and quiet. As he stepped inside, the automatic lights flickered on and it cast a soft glow over the furniture, a stark contrast to the chaos he'd just left behind at the compound.
He tossed his jacket onto a nearby chair and headed straight for the small kitchen. He grabbed a glass, filled it with water, and sipped slowly as he leaned against the counter. His mind replayed everything that had transpired today. The weight of the day hung over him, heavy and unrelenting.
He finished the glass and began to peel off his clothes. He started with his shirt, revealing toned muscles and light bruises from the day’s events. There were some cuts but they were minor, but each one was a reminder of how close things had come. He stripped down to his blue briefs, stepped into the bathroom to ready a shower when his computer beeped—an incoming communication.
He frowned but Dresden glanced at the console. He wasn’t expecting any messages, especially at this hour. With a resigned sigh, he tapped the screen. The Starfleet emblem appeared before it transitioned to the familiar face of Commodore Wells, the Starfleet Academy Dean.
Wells was a tall, stern figure, his salt-and-pepper hair combed neatly, and his sharp blue eyes carried the weight of years in leadership. His reputation as a strict but fair leader preceded him. Despite his rigid posture, there was an intensity about him that made people take him seriously, a man not easily impressed but also not quick to judge.
The Commodore’s expression on the screen was neutral, but something in his eyes made Dresden stand a little straighter despite his exhaustion.
“Lieutenant Cage,” Wells began, his tone steady. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.” His gaze flickered momentarily to Dresden’s shirtless state.
“Not at all, Commodore,” Dresden replied, “What can I do for you?”
Wells didn’t waste time. “I’ve just reviewed the preliminary report from you and Starfleet Intelligence about the situation with Commander Lake. It seems you’ve had quite the eventful day.”
“That’s one way to put it, sir,” Dresden said, unable to completely mask his fatigue.
Wells gave a small nod. “I wanted to commend you on your handling of the investigation and the takedown of those responsible. My report to the Admirals will reflect that.”
“Thank you, sir,” Dresden replied.
The Commodore paused for a moment, his tone shifting. “A few weeks ago, I noticed you put in a request to transfer to Obsidian Command. A final time, is there any way I can convince you to stay?”
Dresden hesitated, considering his response. “Sir, I’ve had a valuable experience here, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. But I feel it’s time to move on.”
Wells sighed but nodded in understanding. “I can’t say I blame you. Admirable decision.”
He straightened up slightly. “I’m calling to inform you that I’ve approved your transfer. The commanding officer of Obsidian Command has also accepted your application. You’ll start next week. I trust you’ll wrap up your affairs here—paperwork and such. Your replacement arrives on your last day, so if you can brief her before you go, that would be appreciated.”
“I’ll handle it, sir.”
Wells’ stern expression softened slightly, just a hint of warmth breaking through. “Thank you. I have no doubt you’ll excel in your new role, Lieutenant Commander. Congratulations on the promotion—it comes with the new post. The extra pip will be placed on your desk.”
“Thank you, sir,” Dresden said, feeling the weight of the title settling on him yet feeling extremely tired.
“And Cage,” Wells added, his tone serious once more. “One last thing—Obsidian Command isn’t just any assignment. Be prepared. Stay sharp.”
Dresden nodded, absorbing the gravity of the words. “Understood, sir.”
“Good luck, Lieutenant Commander. Wells out.”
The screen went dark. The reality of his promotion and transfer sinking in. Obsidian Command. Chief of Security.
He shook off the thoughts for now and walked into the shower. The hot water pounded his back, easing the tension from his muscles. He stayed under the spray for a good fifteen minutes, letting it wash away the remnants of the day.
When he finally stepped out, Dresden pulled on a pair of fresh boxers and crawled into bed. His apartment was quiet, and the city outside even quieter.
He leaned back against the pillows, staring up at the ceiling, letting the exhaustion overtake him.
As his eyes fluttered closed, Dresden knew this was just the beginning. Obsidian Command awaited him, and with it, a new set of challenges and unknown dangers. But for tonight, he allowed himself a brief moment of peace.
