Post 224: Continuity of Federation Leadership

Posted on Thu Feb 27th, 2025 @ 9:48pm by Admiral Christopher Bradley & First Star Admiral Dakota Olvera & Admiral Michael Tabolt & Major General Talo Jackson & Lieutenant V'Lar & T'Kes

3,298 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Secrets

Another day, another protocol to be enacted, those were the words playing through V'Lar's head as she sat in one of the many briefing rooms aboard the base, not the main conference room, though at least time she wasn't the one in danger of wearing a hole in the deck plating, no that particular accolade belonged to her mother T'Kes who was displaying some nervous tension. And with good reason because this was one meeting that although V'Lar had suspected would be required and had prepared for it was also one that couldn't really be imagined until it happened.

"It'll be fine." V'Lar said "It's not like they're going to eat you alive."

"I know." T'Kes said "Doesn't make this any less nerve wracking though."

"I repeat it'll be fine." V'Lar said "They're good people, they're sensible people."

Chris Bradley entered the room with a deliberate pace, leaning heavily on a cane. An eyepatch covered his left eye, a constant reminder of his recent ordeal. He glanced around the room as he made his way to a seat, the quiet tension in the air palpable. He gave V'Lar and her mother a small, understanding smile as he sat down.

"Trust me, T'Kes, no one’s going to eat you alive.” Chris said with a dry chuckle, his voice rough but steady. “If they do, I’ll be the first to step in and stop it.”

He settled into his chair, adjusting his cane and sitting a little straighter. "But really, V'Lar's right. You've got this. No need to let nerves get the best of you." He leaned back, though his movements were still measured, with the residual pain from his injuries evident. "They may seem intimidating, but they're just people, like anyone else. Sensible, like she said."

Chris glanced between the two of them. "Besides, if all else fails, we can always throw in a few cookies and see what happens."

Dakota came into the meeting and looked to the others. Good Morning.” She took a seat and waited for the others to arrive. This was a meeting she had never expected to be a part of.

Talo came in a few minutes later. He knew he looked tired, he had not been sleeping well. The weight of all that had happened had been keeping him up, as well as his keeping up to date on what was going on out there. The news was not good.

Michael Tabolt followed Jackson into the room, nodded at those present, and took a seat. With all that had been going on he knew that like him, no one had had been resting- there was so much work ahead of them.

Dakota looked at them for a moment and then spoke. “I sent you all documentation earlier. We have verification that Starfleet Headquarters, all serving there as well as the leadership of the Federation have been eliminated.”

"For the purposes of evidencing that." V'Lar said putting a couple of PADD's on the table "These are the documented reasonable steps taken by our intelligence department to trace Starfleet Command personnel and the Federation Leadership. There were a handful of Federation Councillors not on Earth when the attack happened but they were either on Starfleet vessels we've confirmed as destroyed or they were killed when the Synthulans attacked their homeworlds." she took a moment "For the benefit of Admiral Bradley and my mother who weren't in the room last time, Starfleet's continuity protocols were activated and Fleet Admiral Olvera is now Commander in Chief of Starfleet. Today we're activating the continuity of government protocols relating to the Federation. From an intelligence perspective we need to do this now because the sooner this is done the less chance there is of any smarty pants in some random corner declaring themself the leader. Does anyone have any questions before I continue?"

Chris spoke up. "Have we sent out a survivor call?"

"Not that I'm aware of." V'Lar said "Captain Pontmercy ordered the base go dark while it was moved, that of course includes communication restrictions. I do believe that such a call being issued will be high on the list of priorities for the next few hours."

Chris nodded, his expression grim but resolute. “Good. That needs to happen as soon as possible. We don’t just need to let survivors know where to rally—we need to show them that Starfleet isn’t broken, that the Federation isn’t gone. Even if we’re bloodied, we’re still standing.”

He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple with his good hand. “I assume Olvera is already coordinating with fleet assets that remain intact? What do we have in terms of confirmed operational forces? We need to establish a chain of command beyond just continuity protocols—we need leaders out there, visible, giving orders.”

His gaze flicked to Dakota, then to V’Lar. “And what’s our intelligence picture on the Synthulans? Any indication they’re aware of our survival? Are they hunting?”

“The moment the threat was told to headquarters steps were taken.” Admiral Olvera spoke up. “I will be working with Admiral Tabolt to get that word out there.”

Chris gave a slow, measured nod, his expression unreadable, but the slight furrow of his brow suggested deep thought. His fingers drummed once against the table before stilling, a controlled movement that hinted at restless urgency. He exhaled through his nose, a quiet but deliberate breath, as if restraining the impulse to push for even faster action. His grip on the cane remained firm, though his posture shifted subtly—straightening just a fraction, a sign of readiness despite his injuries. His gaze lingered on Dakota for a beat longer than necessary, a silent acknowledgment of the weight she carried, before he finally looked away, his jaw tightening briefly before he settled back into focused stillness.

Dakota felt Chris’ eyes on her and she stared back at him, though she gave nothing away. There were things about her position that she couldn’t share, with him or others. The truth was within just a short bit of time, a survivor call had been implemented. Considering the severity of what was happening she was not going into details.

"Ok." V'Lar said "To the protocol." she glanced at T'Kes wondering how to word what was about to be put in place "Under normal circumstances the transfer of authority within the Federation Leadership is a celebrated moment, it's witnessed by the Federation Council and very straightforward when it comes to what happens." she took another breath "As we know the Federation Council does not presently exist so it falls in this circumstance to the four of you." she looked along the line of admiralty "To act in the stead of the Federation Council." she placed a PADD on the table "This is the authority for the Federation's leadership to be transferred to my mother. I recommended last time that you had a conversation with her first before signing this and I still think that so I'll take my leave." she stood and left the room.

“This has been planned since before the attack.” Dakota spoke up. She turned to V’Lar’s mother. “Though I have not had a chance to speak with you. I assume you were aware of this possibility and are ready and willing to lead the Federation forward?”

Michael shifted in his seat, not saying a word. This was getting tense, and he knew that emotions were running high with everything that had happened.

Chris sat there. As Dakota said this had already been planned he didn't need to ask his questions from an Intelligence standpoint as they had already been done, he gathered, previously. This was more just the formality.

T'Kes looked from one end of the line of Admiral's to the other, she'd never served in Starfleet but she understood what it was to wear that sort of uniform, and she could guess that with recent events the magnitude of responsibility had increased. "I didn't know that the possibility existed before I came aboard, but the concept of pre-empting disaster is not unfamiliar." she looked at Dakota with the faintest of smiles "Fifty two years ago I watched as Romulus and Remus were destroyed in a supernova, millions of Romulans and Remans died that day, the only reason there are survivors is because of the Federation and Starfleet. I owe the Federation a debt and if I can repay it by drawing on my years in the Senate and leading the Federation through the dark as it once led my people. Then I am ready, willing and able."

“I imagine this isn’t something you imagined would ever happen.” Dakota said with a smile. “I am still getting used to the change for me.”

"None of us could have expected this," Michael said, finally speaking. "But now we must act. It looks like we will look to you, now."

"And in turn I will look to you for advice and assistance." T'Kes said "Starfleet and the Federation have a symbiotic relationship, now I'm not about to suggest that we get surgically attached to each other but I hope we'll work together in a manner that reflects that."

"I expect that will be more so now, more than ever," Michael said. "Even on a station this large I expect it will feel like close quarters after a time."

“We will be there for one another.” Dakota agreed. “This will be a learning process for all of us and I admit it will be very helpful to work together.” She was relieved at T’Kes words.

Talo spoke next. “Now that the line of authority has changed all of you will need protection. It is not just the Synthulan we need to be concerned with. Any group that has ever had ideas of taking over Starfleet or the Federation is going to think seriously about making their move if they haven’t already.” He paused and looked at them all. “The marines are ready and have the manpower to provide this for each of you.”

Chris didn’t react immediately, letting Talo’s words settle in the air. His fingers tapped against the table in a slow, deliberate rhythm before he exhaled through his nose. His grip on the cane tightened slightly, knuckles whitening for a brief moment. He had known this was coming—protection wasn’t just a precaution; it was a necessity.

His gaze shifted first to Dakota, then to T’Kes, his expression unreadable but sharp, analyzing. He gave a slight nod, acknowledging the reality of the situation, but there was a flicker of something behind his eye—annoyance, perhaps, or the quiet acceptance of an inevitable burden. He was used to operating in the shadows, controlling the flow of information, and now, with this shift in power, they would all be targets. More visibility meant more vulnerabilities.

His voice, when he finally spoke, was low and measured. “Security is essential, but it can’t just be a show of force. The threats we’re facing aren’t just physical—they’re strategic, political, and psychological. The Synthulans won’t be the only ones looking to exploit this power vacuum like Talo said. Intelligence needs to be woven into this security framework, not just guarding doors but anticipating moves before they happen.”

He leaned back slightly, adjusting his posture in a way that suggested reluctant agreement. His jaw tightened briefly before he rolled his shoulders, as if shaking off the weight of the moment. “I’ll coordinate with Intelligence to ensure we’re not just reacting to threats but staying ahead of them. If someone wants to make a move against us, they should never get the chance. I believe we have a few operatives here I was working with as well.”

His silence after that was calculated, the kind that invited no argument.

T'Kes nodded as she listened, she could see how this group of officers had risen through the ranks to be where they were, "This is a once in 277 years opportunity for a lot of people who either want to see the Federation gone or to rise up. As Admiral Bradley said earlier it's important that word gets out that Starfleet has leadership, that the Federation has leadership and that we're not about to abandon anyone or any of what we stand for."

“The survivor call was made.” Dakota said quietly. “We are currently working to connect with any powers that be to inform them of just that but we needed to make this official with you before we did anything.”

Chris gave a small, approving nod at Dakota’s words. His fingers finally stilled against the table, and he exhaled through his nose.

“Good,” he said simply, his voice carrying the weight of everything unspoken. The survivor call was the right move—it sent a clear signal that they weren’t floundering in the dark, that leadership was still intact, and that Starfleet wasn’t going to fracture under pressure.

His gaze returned to T’Kes, measuring her, assessing. “The moment people sense weakness, they will act. They won’t wait for us to get comfortable in our new roles. The sooner we consolidate control and establish a united front, the better.” His tone was firm, but there was no mistaking the hint of steel beneath it.

Chris glanced toward Talo. “Your marines will be essential, but we need more than just a show of force. Psychological warfare, misinformation campaigns, economic destabilization—there are a thousand ways to tear apart a government without firing a shot. Our enemies will use every one of them.”

He paused, his expression hardening. “We’ll need to identify key threats and neutralize them before they can act. That means intelligence needs full access to security operations, and we need countermeasures in place for every possible angle of attack.”

Chris’ grip on his cane tightened briefly before he exhaled again, this time more measured. “I’ll coordinate with Intelligence and make sure we’re not caught flat-footed. The Federation’s survival depends on how we move in these next few days.”

He looked directly at T’Kes then, his voice steady but carrying the weight of trust. “And I want you to know, T’Kes, you have my vote of confidence. I believe in your leadership, and I’ll support you in every way I can.”

“We are all here to help each other in this transition.” Dakota spoke up. “And yes, we need to start implementing strategies so that we are not taken advantage of our eliminated by other sources but to do so we need to know what our numbers are and who we can count on.”

"And we're not likely to know that until the dust settles." T'Kes said "The face of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, the balance of power is about to dramatically shift, it's a much more dangerous world out there today than it was a week ago, but aside from the obvious differences the advantages the Federation had a week ago still exist today." she smiled again. "One thing we do know is that we have a lot of work to do."

Admiral Tabolt had been silent for a time, listening and observing. He knew that Chris meant well, but Michael had a feeling that Bradley's recent ordeal was affecting him more than he let on.

"This is a balancing act," he cautioned. "We cannot operate Starfleet the same as before. Our enemies are many, and we are outmatched. We have to regroup before we can take the fight to them. If we act rashly we risk what little we have left. Intelligence will be necessary in the upcoming days, but having them interfere with Security Operations is not necessary at this stage." He looked at his friend. "Caution, and strategic moves. We must gather our troops, and whatever allies we can muster, and gather our strength in safety. If you want to deploy your operatives, then by all means, do so. But Starfleet must build before we can attack." He glanced across the table at T'Kes. "You have my vote. I believe you have the Federation's best interests at heart and I'm thankful to have you." He glanced at Olvera, their new Commander in Chief. "What are your orders, Admiral?"

“You have my vote as well.” Dakota said with a smile. Her eyes then went to the others. “Michael is correct, we need to collect our forces and make a plan before we act or we will be no use to anyone.” She paused. “Our admiral in charge of security is on his way, we will let him handle his department while the rest of us concentrate on our duties.” She smiled at Chris. “I appreciate your offer.”

Chris nodded. “I was not aware that he was on his way.. “ He wondered how they knew that if the base was dark there should have been no communication going out after the survivor call went out. He wondered what other bits of information that should be shared with the admiralty board hasn’t been mentioned yet. “I’ll reach out to the section 31 folks as well as they fall under intelligence and give them their updates.”

“Good enough.” Dakota replied. Once their new Admiral arrived he would be taking Section 31 over but now wasn’t the time to speak of it. She and Admiral Tabolt were anticipating his arrival and they would meet with him before introducing him to the other Admirals.

Chris nodded. It always amazed him how his wife seemed to know what he was thinking and planning before he was going to do it. He had planned on transferring Section 31 out of his jurisdiction anyway so now he could let Dakota and Michael do his dirty work.

T'Kes knew it wasn't her place to involve herself in the organisation of Starfleet "I'll get my feet under the desk and start planning a little ahead on my end, the economics is going to be quite the challenge. And I'll need to set up a meeting with Lieutenant Quinn at some point."

Dakota nodded in agreement and then looked around. “Anyone have anything else?”
She glanced at Talo who shook his head and then waited for the others to speak.

"Just the paperwork." T'Kes said indicating the PADD on the table and putting her thumbprint scan on it.

"Nothing from me," Michael said. He took the padd when offered, and affixed his thumbprint.

Talo affixed his thumbprint on the padd next and turned and passed it to Chris. Once he was done then Admiral Olvera would go last.

Chris took the padd and reviewed it to make sure nothing out of the ordinary and then signed it with his left thumbprint and passed it over to Dakota.

“Thank you.” Dakota said with a smile. She looked it over and added her thumbprint and looked around. “Congratulations Madame President.” She said to T’Kes. It wasn’t the best of conditions but it was good they had someone to step into that position.

T'Kes had to blink a few times, that was going to take a fair bit of getting used to, "Thank you for your faith and your trust." she said "Now let the work begin."

“Agreed.” Dakota said as she rose. “Let’s all get to work.”

Off:

Fleet Admiral Dakota Olvera
Commander In Chief
Starbase Obsidian

General Talo Jackson
Marine Commandant
Starbase Obsidian

T'Kes
President of the United Federation of Planets
Starbase Obsidian

Lieutenant Junior Grade V'Lar
Chief Intelligence Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Admiral Michael A. Tabolt
Director of Starfleet Operations
Starbase Obsidian

Admiral Christopher P. Bradley
Director of Starfleet Intelligence / R&D
Starbase Obsidian

 

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