Post by CO_Capt_Savage on Feb 17, 2018 14:54:09 GMT
Location: Space Station Odyssey, Quarters of Captain Oliver Savage.
“Ops to Captain Savage.” a familiar voice called over the intercom as Oliver crossed his quarters, he was just pulling on his uniform jacket. He reached up and tapped his communicator activating the channel. “Savage here, go ahead.” He said stopping a moment.
“Captain I’ve got Admiral Walker on subspace for you, said he needed just a moment of your time sir.” Casey Torin’s voice said over the intercom.
Oliver nodded to himself moving over to the wall mounted monitor. “Put it through down here Mr. Torin.“ he said leaning against the back of a chair. He waited the moment it took for the Admiral’s face to appear on the screen. “Hello Admiral, how can I help you today?” he asked.
“Hey Oliver, got a thing I need you to do. It may not be entirely enjoyable but but I have to ask nonetheless.” He said turning his attention to him, as he was clearly talking to someone off screen previously. “We’ve been trying to work on our Public Relations image and while no one honestly enjoys working with the Federation News Network it’s the main news and media outlet that hits the most people.” He said.
“Why do I get the feeling your going to ask me to do some public relations mumbo jumbo for the Federation and Starfleet that will make me rather uncomfortable.” Oliver said flatly.
“Sorry Ollie.” He said with a half-hearted smile. “You know we allowed the insertion of two FFN reports on the Tempest some time ago, well they have been chomping at the bit to get at you and your crew for interviews since you all appeared back here and we’ve kind of been holding that in reserve. For a rainy day. Well it’s raining pretty hard now.”
Oliver nodded. “Alright I’ll see about getting some of the crew scheduling interviews with them.” He said.
“Lets just say I’m pulling one of those favors you owe me, I want you specifically to do an interview. Lead the way Ollie.” He said.
Oliver sighed, “Guess it's as good as any a time to ask. But I don’t think you need to call in a favor on this one. I’ll see about getting one as soon as I can then I’ll encourage others to chat with them. But unless you're asking me to force the issue I’ll make it voluntary. Though I don’t know if putting Johnny or maybe even Sully in front of a camera is a good idea. They still are working through some issues.”
“Indeed, but I hear that Sully’s doing well these days? Making good progress?”
Walker asked. “At least that’s the impression I got after your last mission.”
Oliver nodded sagely. “Yeah, he’s doing very well lately.” He nodded, he still felt a bit of trepidation about putting Johnny in front of a camera but Sully might be an opportunity, he made a mental note to ask him later. “I’ll get on it right away, anything else boss?” he asked.
Admiral Walker shook his head. “No, and thank you, Oliver. Walker out!” He said and then his image was replaced by the Starfleet command insignia.
Oliver lolled his head back with a sigh, he rubbed at his eyes as he felt his stress level rise. “Crap.” He said, then continuing his morning routine. No doubt it was going to be a long day.
Location: Space Station Odyssey, Some random undisclosed lounge...
The lights in the room were a bit blinding, and the heat reminded Oliver of an interrogation room and not so much a small makeshift studio.He watched as they fussed about with the lighting and holo-imagers that were covering multiple angles on where he was sitting. He sighed and tugged his uniform straight. A stray thought entered his mind, wondering which side was his good side, or if he even had one. His attention was pulled back to the room as the doors to the room split and a man strolled quickly in.
A slightly balding man approached him and extended a hand. “Hello Captain Savage,” he said as Oliver took his hand in a firm grip. “I’m Richard Head, I’ll be doing your interview today.” He said as he settled down into the seat opposite of Oliver. “Any questions before we begin?” he said pulling out an old data pad. While it did not hide its age and functionality
Oliver shook his head, and watched as the man thumbed to life the Padd he had been carrying and then looked towards the Holo-imagers. “Ready!” he said with a nod.
One of the crew began a countdown and then pointed to Richard.
“Hello Federation, I’m Richard Head reporting to you live from Starbase Odyssey today poised on the edge of Starfleet Territory. Today we have a special guest today, we will be interviewing with one of Starfleet’s finest, Captain Oliver Savage, the Commanding Officer of Odyssey and the Galaxy Class Tempest.” He said looking to Oliver.
“Hello!” Oliver said awkwardly with a wave. Oliver felt his anxiety rise at the sudden change in the spotlight.
“Man of many words I see. Thank you for being here Oliver and sitting down with me today, I know you’re a busy man so it is most appreciate by both myself and the rest of the Federation Citizens out there wanting to know more about our people in Starfleet.” He said and settled back into his chair. “How about a simple question to start Oliver, where are you from?”
Oliver sat back in the chair trying to relax but it was clear that he was not. “Umm. I was born on Earth.” He said. “Grant Pass, Oregon to be precise. My families from that area, helped found it in fact many centuries ago.”
“Any family?” Richard asked.
Oliver nodded, “My mother still lives in the area, one of my Sister Hannah is still in Starfleet serving aboard the Ahwahnee as a security officer, and my other sister Jessica, the youngest of us, has a medical practice on Denobula. She lives out there with her family.” He said.
“You must be very proud of your sisters for surviving all these years.” He said.
Oliver nodded. “Yes. Of course!”
“But you’ve lost family too am I right? To the wars?” Richard asked.
Oliver nodded. “Yes, my father passed away while I was missing. He died at the Federation Embassy on Betazed at the Battle of Betazed during the Dominion War. He died doing what he loved.”
“He was with Starfleet Security correct?” Richard asked again leading him.
Oliver nodded. “Yes. My sister Rachael recently passed away after fighting for some time against injuries she also sustained during the Dominion War. She was nearly Killed on the Bellerophon.” He said quietly.
Silence Hung between the two men for a moment. “My condolences for your loss.” Richard said.
“She got a chance to see her brother return from the dead, and was doing so well only to pass away during her sleep. So it was a quiet passing and without pain so that is something to be thankful for.” Oliver said, looking to the floor for a long moment.
Richard nodded allowing a brief silence to reign for a moment. “You grew up in Grants Pass, nice area. I’ve been there once, what was it like growing up in the Rogue River Valley?” he asked.
“Quiet. Very one with nature, even in today's age of technology its still a nice slice of the past. Lots of old buildings that are still around. Including my families home, that things been there in some form or fashion since they found the area long ago. I think the oldest piece of the property is the front door to the house, its survived since the very first home was built on that plot of land. Love the Rogue River, its an amazing piece of nature.”
“You’ve got a favorite place along the river do you not?”
Oliver nodded, offering a smile. “Yup.”
“Care to tell us where it is?”
“Nope” Oliver said with a smile. “Some secrets are best kept to oneself sometimes. It’s that one place I could always go to get away from it all. Even visit it in the holodeck and while on shore leave even if just to see it. Lots of great memories in that spot.” He said a warm smile forming as flashes of that riverside grotto flashed in his mind, he was certain he could even smell the river for a moment before he returned his attention to Richard. “I’d rather keep it to myself. My one slice of earth that’s mine.” He said with a slight chuckle.
“Indeed. I can understand that.” He nodded thumbing through the information on his Padd. “Your mother was a Dental Hygienist?” he asked looking up.
“No,” he said frowning. “She was a Doctor of Dental Surgery.” Oliver corrected. “She wouldn’t take too kindly to be called a Hygienist” he said, he pictured his mom suddenly appearing and throttling the man which caused a grin to appear, replacing the frown.
Richard nodded. “I apologize,” he said laughing himself. “They are certainly two totally different animals to be sure. With all of that nature at your disposal I imagine it was great being a kid living in that area?”
Oliver nodded sagely. “Yes,” he said. “Plenty of forts, hikes, camping trips, fishing, and lest I forget all the Nassicans, Klingons, and Romulans, oh my.” He said jokingly.
Richard gave him a quizzical look at that comment. “Did you just quote the Wizard of Oz in a modern sense?”
Oliver nodded. “Poorly I’m sure. But it relates I suppose. All the kids used to break up into factions and play ‘war’. I think a lot of kids probably did that, but you would never guess how true those sorts of scenarios would come true later in your adult lives. I never would have imagined being at war with the Klingons, maybe the Romulans or the Nassicans. But we were kids what did we know, except but for the stories told about Starfleet’s dealings with those species.” he said with a shrug.
Richard nodded. “Do you think that type of play as kids fostered conflict as adults?”
Oliver shook his head profoundly. “Not one bit,” he said. “Case in point, I had a good friend during my time at the Academy at one of the local pubs. His name was Ruuykup, we called him Ruk for short, he was actually the pubs bouncer. Rough fellow around the edges but nice as can be. Accept when you crossed him.” He shrugged. “So, while some species get a bad rap because of the actions of others it does not mean we should expect them all to be the same. It's not fair to them or you.”
“Or you?” he asked.
“Think of all the missed opportunities for interaction, if your always afraid of someone because of the reputation you think they may have, you may deprive yourself of a great friend.” He said with a shrug. “Then again my family was always a bit different in our upbringing and I think part of that was because my dad and his dealings in Starfleet.”
“Interesting point of view,” he said looking back down at the Padd in his hands. “So, tell me why Starfleet? Why did you Enlist?”
Oliver shifted in his chair. “For a time, everyone seemed to think that it was to follow in my father’s footsteps, and for a time I even thought that was why. Coupled with my curiosity and desire to help others it just seemed like a good fit.” He shifted again. “Then as I went through the Academy and took class after class I realized it was honestly more for the ladder. I wanted to go see what was out there. My father stayed pretty much within the confines of our quadrant and most of his duties were temporary and not more than a days travel from earth, so we saw him more than most Starfleet fathers i suppose.” He said.
“But you had problems because of your dad’s involvement in Security?” Richard asked.
“Only once, but that was a couple of years after I graduated. There was an Ensign on board the USS Leeds that my father had put into a penal colony early in his career who took issue when he realized who I was, and it only lasted for about a day. We settled our differences.”
“How did you do that?”
“Starfleet Security officers are always training, and always keeping up their skill level in certain areas, and he chose to bring that up during a hand to hand training exercise.” Oliver shrugged. “We just participated with a bit more vigor than usual during that session.”
“So much so you both ended up in Sickbay?” Richard said with a smile. “What was his name? Lefwiz or something?”
Oliver laughed. “Yeah, good old lefty Lefwitz. His first name was Merry if I remember correctly.”
“Lefty?”
Oliver nodded. “He could never throw a left side punch without telegraphing.” He said.
“Telegraphing?” Richard asked again looking up from his padd.
“Yup,” Oliver stood up and took a loose fighting stance. One of the crew had to pan one of the Holo-imagers up to keep him in view. “So, if you plant your feet and throw a punch.” He said and jabbed quickly. “Notice how I didn’t really move my upper body?”
Richard nodded, an eyebrow raised in curiosity.
Oliver threw another and this time there was a visible shake in his shoulder before the punch snapped out. “See that?” he said pointing to the shoulder. “Notice how I drew back and then punched?”
Richard nodded again.
“So a lot of species out there in the galaxy have better reflexes that Humans. Take Klingons for example. If they are intent on hurting you, you’ll be hard pressed to see it coming. If they are being cocky, you’ll see that telegraph big time. So you have to train yourself to eliminate as much of the Telegraph as possible so they don’t see it coming.” He said slowly sitting back down and pulling his uniform taut again.
“Fascinating.” Richard said. “I’ll have to keep that in mind. So lets answer a question from our viewers, is that okay?” he asked looking back to Oliver and then back to his Padd.
“Sure, why not.” He said with a smile.
“This is from Katie from Earth, Is a Redshirt really a death sentence on an away mission?” he said looking up, an eyebrow rising slightly out of curiosity. “I’m not sure I get the reference?”
Oliver let out a hearty chuckle. “The answer to that is somewhat complicated Katie.” He said stopping for a moment to compose himself and then nodded. “Many years ago yes, it was. back when the Security and Engineering Departments wore the redshirts. Oh about close to two hundred years ago or os. They were the ones that were always in the most danger back then. This was also a time during some of Starfleet and the Federation’s largest Expansion so exploration was in its prime. So naturally those people from those departments often times ended up as casualties. Nowadays it's yellow or gold Shirts if you want to call them that. As the Gold now signifies Security or Engineering. Both those departments typically see a lot of action. But yes, long ago a Redshirt was surefire trip to glory, and sickbay if you were lucky.” He said.
“Fascinating.” Richard said.
“Your starting to sound like a Vulcan Richard, are you having an identity crisis?” Oliver asked mocking concern.
Richard held up a hand to stifle a laugh of his own. “No, just a habit. What would you say was your most profound moment while attending Starfleet Academy?”
Oliver went quiet for a long moment. “I flew under the radar most of my time at the Academy, not to say I didn’t do well and got great grades, but I just wanted to get through it and get out there on a ship. But I’d have to say in hindsight there was a moment which if I had, had my eyes opened might have clued me into my leadership ability was when we were on our Survival Training Practical, and we were sent to frozen ball of ice. I saw what needed to be done and got everyone doing it and just kept on with that attitude through the duration. It got me some high praise. At the time I didn’t think anything of it until much later.” He said with a bit of a shrug.
“Not sure I could do without warmth. You’re a better man than I.” Richard said looking back down at his Padd. “How about a Career goal? Do you have something in mind for the future?”
Oliver let out a sigh. “Given the state of things, and the state of things over the last twenty years I think right now is to Survive and retire.” He shrugged again. “I know that sound odd, but when you look at the life expectancy of a Starfleet Officer over the last twenty years it's not a bad goal in life. To stay alive. We’ve been lucky thus far and eventually luck runs out, so were waiting for the other shoe to drop. No matter how hard you prepare for something like that, you're never really ready for it when it happens.”
Richard nodded. “It's not so much a career goal as a life goal?”
Oliver shrugged. “Yeah a little both probably.”
“How about another from the viewers?” he asked.
“Sure.” Oliver said glancing off camera for a moment. “Could I have some water?” he asked. One of the crew nodded and disappeared.
“This one is from Nomed from Luna. Is the Hammer punch a Standard Starfleet Security Training thing?” Richard said looking to Oliver after finishing.
Oliver chuckled again. “No, not so much anymore. Though when fighting someone with a decent amount of strength over yours, it can come in handy. But really it's best used as a last resort to try and incapacitate someone rather than directly fight. We’ve come a long way in our battlefield hand to hand combat training in the last two hundred years.”
“Hammer Punch?” Richard said.
Oliver clenched both fists together and swung them as one unit slowly, then stopped to take a glass of water. “Its odd, but it has been effective at times.”
“Alright, so what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been so far?” Richard asked looking up from the padd.
Oliver didn’t hesitate. “Becoming Captain of the Tempest, and now Commander of Odyssey.”
“Quick answer, very certain, I like it.” He nodded. “How about the biggest drawback?”
Again, Oliver didn’t hesitate. “Losing over twenty years of time, experience, and knowledge.”
“Biggest overall Achievement in life?” Richard said.
Oliver hesitated on that one, he glanced up at the ceiling for a moment, and took a quick drink of water. “Biggest Achievement overall.” He said to himself thinking. “When I joined Starfleet I did not have any aspirations of being in charge, not even close to being in the big chair.” Oliver said leaning back in the chair. “So when I say achieving a command track was one of my biggest accomplishments may not make sense in a way. Not to say it's easy to become a commanding officer these days, they are kind of at a premium, so the track is starting to widen and Starfleet is considering new people for the Command track must faster. When I started down that track you had to get a sponsor and meet a lot of requirements. So, it wasn’t impossible, just more difficult. The classes were much smaller at the Academy, so it was a process.” Oliver took another drink.
“It took me outside my comfort zone when I was given my own squad, and eventually was assigned as a Chief of Security. It was not something I thought I wanted. For a time it was daunting and I resisted, but when I transferred aboard the Thunderchild my at the time Executive officer took an interest in me and my abilities. He apparently saw potential as he eventually got promoted to Captain. He pulled me aside and pushed me the rest of the way, he had one of those…” he paused a moment. “Come to Jesus talks with me.”
Richard looked at him a little lost on the reference, to which Oliver just held up a hand and shook his head. “He explained to me that I had a talent I didn’t know I had, and that he had the intention of exploiting that and molding me like clay and would help me if I was willing.”
“Seems a bit forceful?” Richard said, frowning.
Oliver shook his head. “No, it was eye opening. No one had really expressed any kind of interest in me and my skills in this way before. I was just another pawn up until that point. Or at least that is how I felt, and he showed me another way.”
Richard smiled. “So a leader was born?”
“Kind of.” He said holding up a hand. “It took awhile for me to figure out things, but I did. Apparently he and Captain Phillips of the Tempest were buddies and they had been talking about my progress, and it came to a point where it was time to move on. He bumped me to Phillips, with a huge boost in my confidence at having been stationed to a Galaxy Class. That was the primo ship at the time.” He said.
“Not many were in service at that time, so I can imagine.” Richard said. “You mentioned that the loss of twenty years was a large set back to you. Can you elaborate a bit more on that?”
“What part?” Oliver asked a slight look of confusion.
Richard gestured to the holo-imagers. “They don’t really know about what happened to you and your crew.”
“Ah. I thought everyone knew.” Oliver shrugged. “The long of the short of it is this. We went out to Pacficia to start a five-year exploratory mission of the surrounding area, and came across a planet. We don’t exactly know what happened to us other than no one could find us, and that we were held in a sort of suspended animation for the time we were gone.”
“But how is that possible? Was this the work of Q?”
Oliver shook his head. “We don’t know even to this day, but I can tell you it wasn’t Q.”
“How can you be certain, he has been known to meddle in the affairs of Starfleet Captains.” Richard said matter of factly.
“Because he usually hangs around to gloat about what he’s done.” Oliver said flatly. “Not even a peep.”
“Fair point. So who would you say you learned from the most?” Richard asked setting the Padd aside for a moment. “Was it family?”
Oliver again paused for a long moment pondering the question. “Honestly, while we learn a lot from family, I think the most valuable and profound lessons I learned from Captain Phillips my former Commanding Officer from the Tempest, and Captain John Spencer, my former Exec and Commanding Officer of the Thunderchild. The two of them helped me grow in my career from many perspectives. I owe them a lot of credit for getting me here.” He said.
“Both Captains are Deceased?” Richard asked.
Oliver nodded. “Captain Phillips died at the Battle of Lyshan, and Spencer passed away of natural causes thankfully. He was a good man and was lucky to see his retirement.” Oliver said, a bit of sorrow slipping into his tone.
“Being a Starfleet Officer can be Stressful, I can’t imagine what it's like for a Captain, how do you handle it?” Richard asked.
Oliver again paused, “Stress is a crazy animal, and not an easy thing to manage. Sometimes you just don’t have the time, you can’t stop to think about it.”
“I can’t believe that is a possibility?” Richard said Ludicrously.
Oliver grinned. “It's not an easy practice. But in all honesty it kind of just happens. You know what's laid out before you, and you can usually see the path, but you have to quickly traverse it, so really while you know what the dangers are your training and instincts guide you well towards a solution through that path that hopefully leads to no death.” He said. “It's something you kind of get used to when you get put into a position of leadership, especially when you have hundreds if not a thousand people depending upon you to make the right decision and follow the right path. Sometimes they don’t agree and it upsets them, and you have to live with that.”
“So command isn’t exactly for the faint of heart?” Richard asked.
“As cliche as that is, yeah. That’s an honest assessment.” Oliver shifted, crossing one of his legs across the other. “But it’s immensely rewarding too.”
“I would be terrified.” Richard said flatly.
“With training and a career in exploration even you could get over that feeling I think Richard.” Oliver said with a smile.
“Really?” the news anchor seemed to perk up.
Oliver shook his head. “Maybe, but then again it's not for everyone.”
Richard stared at Oliver for a long moment, he almost seemed disappointed by the answer. “Right, well. Another viewer question then.” he glanced down at his Padd. “Tribbles, no… no tribble questions.”
“Someone really asked about Tribbles?” Oliver asked leaning over.
“Yes. But I refuse.” he said, his voice a little on edge.
“Had a bad experience did you?” Oliver said with an amused look, he glanced up at the Holo-Imagers for a moment.
Richard looked up from his notes. “This interview is about you Oliver, not me.”
Oliver nodded, and settled back in mock disappointment. “Have it your way.”
“This question comes from Evisorroc an actual resident of Odyssey station, You and your crew disappeared for a long time, what do you have to say about people saying you guys are cowards and hid during some of the Federations worst wars in the history of the Federation?” Richard slowly looked up and over at Oliver.
“Cowards?” Oliver echoed.
Richard Nodded.
Oliver felt a momentary surge of anger, but very quickly quelled it and opened his mouth to respond but hesitated. It took him a moment to find the words. “My crew and I were subjected to something we don’t understand. No one can say what happened to us, and we lost so many years. Most of us lost family, and friends during that time both from wars, and from just natural progression of life.” he paused a long moment. “We were violated in a way none of us understands, and to call us cowards, to say we ran away and hid?” he spat the last few words. “I cannot speak for my entire crew, but I can tell you that I regret deeply that I was not here to make a difference. It haunts me everyday. Every intelligence briefing I read trying to get caught up to today, every video, everything that shows me what I missed. Imagine what that feels like.” Oliver sighed deeply. “Coward Indeed.”
“Not an easy subject.” Richard said.
“No.” Oliver snapped. “But it's a part of who we are now. It’s affected each and everyone of us profoundly I can assure you of that. Sometimes we hide it well, but its there inside.” Oliver took a deep breath.
“Do you need a moment?” Richard asked.
Oliver shook his head, and let out another breath. “I’m good. Next question.” he said a bit sharply.
“As a Starfleet Captain it's kind of a lonely position, but it's been said that you become extremely close with your command staff, do you have friends outside that circle? What is your relationship like with your staff?”
Oliver was suddenly thankful for the change in topic, he nodded. “It’s a growing process. Some of the Tempest crew are closer than others.” Oliver said. “I’m probably closest with Elianna. Trying to figure out Sully and Johnny has been a challenge, and while it’s not always been easy, I think we're getting there. I hope that one day were all much closer.”
“I hear there has been a great deal of friction between those two?” Richard said.
Oliver shrugged. “Two people who are trying to find themselves as much as we're trying to find each other, it's bound to Happen. You know the old adage in team building.”
Richard shook his head, “Not sure.” he said.
“Storming, Forming, Norming, and Performing!” Oliver said, and offered a smile. “Were still kind of going through that forming stage, where we’ve come together and figured out what while we are still working on meshing together, we realized after a bad situation that we all worked very well together. Despite our differences. The team formed, and is getting used to working with one another and how we function. Once we get past that normalizing phase, it's off to the races. It’s just stages of growth.” he shrugged. “Some teams are easier to mesh with than others. I think given time were going to be great. Were getting there slowly but surely and yes we’ve had our rough patches.”
“But your working through it?”
Oliver nodded. “Yes. Slowly but surely.” he shifted in his chair a little uncomfortably. “I’m slowly getting to know Noemi, Corky, and Melody. And while she’s extremely busy all the time I get to see Eldrida from time to time as well. She’s been an integral part of the crew recovering from our time travel incident.”
“You had a visit from the Department of Temporal Investigations didn’t you?” Richard asked the question before Oliver could start another sentence.
“Not exactly an experience I want to repeat, but yes.”
“What was that like?” Richard asked leaning in curiously.
Oliver opened his mouth to say something, but he clearly thought better of it. “It was… difficult to say the least, but we managed to get past it. The two agents were good at their job, and had the tools needed to perform a quick and decisive investigation. Almost as if they may have done it a few times.”
“But not an experience you wish to repeat?” Richard asked.
“No.” Oliver said flatly.
Richard looked back at his notes for a moment then looked back up with a smile. “So inquiring minds want to know if you have a significant other?”
Oliver shook his head. “No, havent really had the time.” he said with a shrug.
“My understanding is that the daughter of your last relationship is serving aboard, that must be strange?” he asked, a curious eyebrow arching.
Oliver shrugged. “No, not really. It’s great seeing her all grown up, and while I really don’t get to see much of her she’s a great officer and will do great things in her future I’m sure. She’s got a great mentor.” he said offering a smile, but he held up a hand. “And to answer your next question, no I am not disappointed that her mother moved on while we were missing. I admittedly was at first, but you have to come to realize that we were gone. Considered dead, one cannot hold someone to waiting for the rest of their life for the dead to return to the living. It rarely happens.”
Richard nodded. “What do you want your legacy to be?”
“Legacy?” Oliver echoed. “You know I had not put much thought into that. I’ve been more focused on the here and now that there really has not been much time for that thought process. Though what I would love to see in my lifetime is the Federation overcome this division.”
“Reintegration of the True Federation into the Federation?”
Oliver nodded. “From an outside looking in perspective mind you, because we’ve not been here. It feels like two people fighting over a scrap of meat and there is an entire pile of it sitting within arms reach.”
“You think this war is…” Richard stopped searching for the right word. “Frivolous?”
Oliver shrugged. “No, I think both sides have their say. The problem is that neither side wants to sit at the table and truly listen. So the only recourse left is war. At some point both sides will have to realize that war only hurts both sides. Even if one side or the other loses the Federation will likely end up a third rate power with a significantly decreased military presence and someone else will come knocking on the neutral zone. Who will be there to stand up and fight that war when were still picking up the pieces.” he said flatly. “Both sides are being irresponsible.”
“So how would you stop it?”
“The war?” Oliver asked.
Richard nodded. “Yes.”
“Both sides are going to have to sit down and come to an agreement. Maybe it's time the Federation and Starfleet reconsidered what our charter should be, maybe those in the True Federation are somewhat right? Do I agree with them and would I go to war for them, no. But maybe they are right in the sense that we need to start thinking of protecting and furthering our interests here before we continue to expand. But to give up on exploration and take up warmongering, is wrong and that violates every founding principle that the Federation was founded on. But Starfleet isn’t truly a military force until it has to be, and maybe that’s the biggest problem of all.” he said bluntly.
“That sounds like a dangerous line to walk.”
Oliver shrugged. “I don’t think so. It clearly states my position I think.”
“Right in the middle?”
Oliver chuckled and nodded. “Yup.”
“Kind of puts a crosshair on you doesn’t it?” Richard asked.
Oliver thought about that for a moment. “Maybe, but if we’ve progressed to the point where I cannot think for myself and have to conform no matter what to do my job and be the best I can be at it, then I’m destined to be retired very soon. I’m going to do my job to the best of my ability to defend the Federation from all enemies foreign and domestic. I would prefer not to be exchanging torpedos with my brothers and sisters, but we all make choices. I’m doing what I believe is right, for me, for my family and friends.” He pointed to the holo-imager. “For you.”
“So let me ask you this, and it’s probably a no-brainer based on our conversation thus far, but what are your thoughts on Section 31.” he asked, an eyebrow rising out of curiosity. He was watching Oliver closely to gauge his reaction to the question.
“Section 31.” Oliver echoed. “This entire scenario is their fault.”
“One would say that Starfleet and the Federation council is to blame.” Richard said.
Oliver shook his head. “While in a way that may be right, but it’s really not where the blame should be entirely placed. Section 31 manipulated this into being because more than likely their efforts over time to push Starfleet towards a more militaristic approach have failed. Like an immature child that’s been told ‘no’ too many times, finally deciding to take it anyway despite all the warnings.”
“So you think that because Section 31 didn’t get what they wanted through regular channels they decided to go after it like an Immature child.”
“Yes, I think that is a good analogy anyhow.” Oliver said.
“What would you have done?” Richard asked.
“I would have continued to lobby for change, and found ways to help change policy in a way that fits the needs of everyone, and not my own self interests because I think I’m right.” Oliver said flatly. “If your told no, no kind of means no sometimes. What they are doing breaks the Federation. It goes against everything we set out to accomplish when it was founded. Imagine what would have happened had they made a case and it passed with the Federation council? Suddenly we change to making all out warships instead of exploration focused vessels, and started taking what we wanted versus adhering to first contact rules and the like?” he shifted in his chair. “I didn’t get a chance to experience the Dominion, but isn’t that exactly what they are? Should we not have just surrendered to them and become part of their form of government? Because that is more like the direction the True Federation is heading. It goes against everything we’ve been fighting for, or rather what you all have been fighting and dying for. If anything that fact alone should give you pause and consideration.”
“That is certainly a profound example.”
“Section 31 was founded by a group of people who thought we needed something more than Starfleet Intelligence. Maybe some point in time we needed that. But it’s by far gone past its mandate and way outside of the scope of what Starfleet is.”
“How would you feel if you found out your father was part of Section 31, would you feel any differently about it?”
“What the hell kind of question is that!” Oliver snapped.
“Just a theoretical question!” Richard said holding up his hands.
Oliver waved a hand in the air between them. “That would never happen! Not even a question!”
“Would it be that far fetched to think that someone like your father in the places that he’s gone wouldn’t be valuable to such an organization?” Richard pressed the issue.
“No!” Oliver said resolutely.
“No?” Richard asked again.
“Ask another question or were done.” Oliver said sharply, and gave him a look that could cut Duranium.
Richard slowly nodded. “Okay,” he held up a hand. “Okay, sorry.”
Oliver shook his head, his cheeks were a dead giveaway that he had clearly been spun up by the question. “Okay.” he echoed.
“What wouldn’t you do for your crew?”
Oliver took a drink of water while he pondered the question. “What wouldn’t I do for my crew?” he muttered. “That’s a hard question to answer.” he said.
“Would you break federation law for them?”
“Anyone worth his salt that sat here and told you that they could answer that question without being in the moment would probably be lying to you.” he said slowly. “You cannot possibly know what your capable of when it comes to your family.”
“You think of your crew as your family?”
“I think that was obvious, but yes. Absolutely.”
“Would you sacrifice yourself or your ship for them?” Richard asked more pointedly.
Oliver nodded. “Yes, I probably would. I did in a way once already.”
“On Lyshan?” he asked.
Oliver nodded.
“Why then?” Richard asked leaning back in his chair, and glancing down at his notes.
Oliver shifted in the chair, a hand unconsciously rubbing at a scar hidden under his uniform. “That’s a simple answer.” he said.
“How can a life or death question be answered simply?”
“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one!” Oliver said with a grin.
“Really, your going to quote vulcan logic?” the man sighed. “Really cheesy logic even!” Oliver was happy for the sudden change in atmosphere, but he nodded. “No in all seriousness I didn’t know what I was doing. I thought I had a chance to save the crews of all three ships with my one act. I was resolute in the idea that I was probably going to die.”
“But you didn’t.”
Oliver shook his head. “Not for lack of trying. I got lucky.”
“Why do you say that?” Richard asked leaning in out of curiosity.
“Those beings as we understood them were powerful, they were in their environment even. My opponent made a mistake, maybe it was fate, maybe they were overconfident. But regardless, their one slipup allowed me to survive and save my crew, all those people.”
“Fair point as usual.” Richard said. “Would you ever bend the rules or regulations Starfleet has asked you to live by in defense of your ship and crew?” he asked.
“Again, what person could say for certain given the circumstances.” Oliver said with a shrug.
Richard looked down at his notes, “Looks like we’ve got time for one last question. This one is from an Anonymous source. Are Engineers really in love with their ships?” he said looking up with a confused look on his face.
Oliver grinned. “Absolutely! I’ve never met an engineer that didn’t create or feel a bond with their ship. There is no doubt in my mind that an engineer, or at least more specifically a Chief Engineer loves his ship.”
Richard nodded and smiled warmly to Oliver and then looked over at the Holo-Imagers. “That’s all we have time for today, thank you Captain Savage for spending this time with us and answering our questions and those of our viewers. I’m Richard Head at Odyssey Station, signing off!” he said with a mock two finger salute to the camera.
One of the camera crew gave the cut single across his throat indicating the signal had ended and the broadcast switched back to the FNN Studio.
Richard stood slowly and with a bit of trepidation. “Sorry Oliver.” he said.
Oliver’s demeanor shifted rapidly towards annoyance and disdain. “Bullshit, you were doing what you media types do, making news!” he said sharply and started for the door. “If there is a next interview it may go a good deal different than you expect.” he said as he passed through the doors and disappeared into the hall.
“That went well!” one of the cameramen said looking between the door and Richard.
“It went fantastic!” he said with glee.
“Ops to Captain Savage.” a familiar voice called over the intercom as Oliver crossed his quarters, he was just pulling on his uniform jacket. He reached up and tapped his communicator activating the channel. “Savage here, go ahead.” He said stopping a moment.
“Captain I’ve got Admiral Walker on subspace for you, said he needed just a moment of your time sir.” Casey Torin’s voice said over the intercom.
Oliver nodded to himself moving over to the wall mounted monitor. “Put it through down here Mr. Torin.“ he said leaning against the back of a chair. He waited the moment it took for the Admiral’s face to appear on the screen. “Hello Admiral, how can I help you today?” he asked.
“Hey Oliver, got a thing I need you to do. It may not be entirely enjoyable but but I have to ask nonetheless.” He said turning his attention to him, as he was clearly talking to someone off screen previously. “We’ve been trying to work on our Public Relations image and while no one honestly enjoys working with the Federation News Network it’s the main news and media outlet that hits the most people.” He said.
“Why do I get the feeling your going to ask me to do some public relations mumbo jumbo for the Federation and Starfleet that will make me rather uncomfortable.” Oliver said flatly.
“Sorry Ollie.” He said with a half-hearted smile. “You know we allowed the insertion of two FFN reports on the Tempest some time ago, well they have been chomping at the bit to get at you and your crew for interviews since you all appeared back here and we’ve kind of been holding that in reserve. For a rainy day. Well it’s raining pretty hard now.”
Oliver nodded. “Alright I’ll see about getting some of the crew scheduling interviews with them.” He said.
“Lets just say I’m pulling one of those favors you owe me, I want you specifically to do an interview. Lead the way Ollie.” He said.
Oliver sighed, “Guess it's as good as any a time to ask. But I don’t think you need to call in a favor on this one. I’ll see about getting one as soon as I can then I’ll encourage others to chat with them. But unless you're asking me to force the issue I’ll make it voluntary. Though I don’t know if putting Johnny or maybe even Sully in front of a camera is a good idea. They still are working through some issues.”
“Indeed, but I hear that Sully’s doing well these days? Making good progress?”
Walker asked. “At least that’s the impression I got after your last mission.”
Oliver nodded sagely. “Yeah, he’s doing very well lately.” He nodded, he still felt a bit of trepidation about putting Johnny in front of a camera but Sully might be an opportunity, he made a mental note to ask him later. “I’ll get on it right away, anything else boss?” he asked.
Admiral Walker shook his head. “No, and thank you, Oliver. Walker out!” He said and then his image was replaced by the Starfleet command insignia.
Oliver lolled his head back with a sigh, he rubbed at his eyes as he felt his stress level rise. “Crap.” He said, then continuing his morning routine. No doubt it was going to be a long day.
Location: Space Station Odyssey, Some random undisclosed lounge...
The lights in the room were a bit blinding, and the heat reminded Oliver of an interrogation room and not so much a small makeshift studio.He watched as they fussed about with the lighting and holo-imagers that were covering multiple angles on where he was sitting. He sighed and tugged his uniform straight. A stray thought entered his mind, wondering which side was his good side, or if he even had one. His attention was pulled back to the room as the doors to the room split and a man strolled quickly in.
A slightly balding man approached him and extended a hand. “Hello Captain Savage,” he said as Oliver took his hand in a firm grip. “I’m Richard Head, I’ll be doing your interview today.” He said as he settled down into the seat opposite of Oliver. “Any questions before we begin?” he said pulling out an old data pad. While it did not hide its age and functionality
Oliver shook his head, and watched as the man thumbed to life the Padd he had been carrying and then looked towards the Holo-imagers. “Ready!” he said with a nod.
One of the crew began a countdown and then pointed to Richard.
“Hello Federation, I’m Richard Head reporting to you live from Starbase Odyssey today poised on the edge of Starfleet Territory. Today we have a special guest today, we will be interviewing with one of Starfleet’s finest, Captain Oliver Savage, the Commanding Officer of Odyssey and the Galaxy Class Tempest.” He said looking to Oliver.
“Hello!” Oliver said awkwardly with a wave. Oliver felt his anxiety rise at the sudden change in the spotlight.
“Man of many words I see. Thank you for being here Oliver and sitting down with me today, I know you’re a busy man so it is most appreciate by both myself and the rest of the Federation Citizens out there wanting to know more about our people in Starfleet.” He said and settled back into his chair. “How about a simple question to start Oliver, where are you from?”
Oliver sat back in the chair trying to relax but it was clear that he was not. “Umm. I was born on Earth.” He said. “Grant Pass, Oregon to be precise. My families from that area, helped found it in fact many centuries ago.”
“Any family?” Richard asked.
Oliver nodded, “My mother still lives in the area, one of my Sister Hannah is still in Starfleet serving aboard the Ahwahnee as a security officer, and my other sister Jessica, the youngest of us, has a medical practice on Denobula. She lives out there with her family.” He said.
“You must be very proud of your sisters for surviving all these years.” He said.
Oliver nodded. “Yes. Of course!”
“But you’ve lost family too am I right? To the wars?” Richard asked.
Oliver nodded. “Yes, my father passed away while I was missing. He died at the Federation Embassy on Betazed at the Battle of Betazed during the Dominion War. He died doing what he loved.”
“He was with Starfleet Security correct?” Richard asked again leading him.
Oliver nodded. “Yes. My sister Rachael recently passed away after fighting for some time against injuries she also sustained during the Dominion War. She was nearly Killed on the Bellerophon.” He said quietly.
Silence Hung between the two men for a moment. “My condolences for your loss.” Richard said.
“She got a chance to see her brother return from the dead, and was doing so well only to pass away during her sleep. So it was a quiet passing and without pain so that is something to be thankful for.” Oliver said, looking to the floor for a long moment.
Richard nodded allowing a brief silence to reign for a moment. “You grew up in Grants Pass, nice area. I’ve been there once, what was it like growing up in the Rogue River Valley?” he asked.
“Quiet. Very one with nature, even in today's age of technology its still a nice slice of the past. Lots of old buildings that are still around. Including my families home, that things been there in some form or fashion since they found the area long ago. I think the oldest piece of the property is the front door to the house, its survived since the very first home was built on that plot of land. Love the Rogue River, its an amazing piece of nature.”
“You’ve got a favorite place along the river do you not?”
Oliver nodded, offering a smile. “Yup.”
“Care to tell us where it is?”
“Nope” Oliver said with a smile. “Some secrets are best kept to oneself sometimes. It’s that one place I could always go to get away from it all. Even visit it in the holodeck and while on shore leave even if just to see it. Lots of great memories in that spot.” He said a warm smile forming as flashes of that riverside grotto flashed in his mind, he was certain he could even smell the river for a moment before he returned his attention to Richard. “I’d rather keep it to myself. My one slice of earth that’s mine.” He said with a slight chuckle.
“Indeed. I can understand that.” He nodded thumbing through the information on his Padd. “Your mother was a Dental Hygienist?” he asked looking up.
“No,” he said frowning. “She was a Doctor of Dental Surgery.” Oliver corrected. “She wouldn’t take too kindly to be called a Hygienist” he said, he pictured his mom suddenly appearing and throttling the man which caused a grin to appear, replacing the frown.
Richard nodded. “I apologize,” he said laughing himself. “They are certainly two totally different animals to be sure. With all of that nature at your disposal I imagine it was great being a kid living in that area?”
Oliver nodded sagely. “Yes,” he said. “Plenty of forts, hikes, camping trips, fishing, and lest I forget all the Nassicans, Klingons, and Romulans, oh my.” He said jokingly.
Richard gave him a quizzical look at that comment. “Did you just quote the Wizard of Oz in a modern sense?”
Oliver nodded. “Poorly I’m sure. But it relates I suppose. All the kids used to break up into factions and play ‘war’. I think a lot of kids probably did that, but you would never guess how true those sorts of scenarios would come true later in your adult lives. I never would have imagined being at war with the Klingons, maybe the Romulans or the Nassicans. But we were kids what did we know, except but for the stories told about Starfleet’s dealings with those species.” he said with a shrug.
Richard nodded. “Do you think that type of play as kids fostered conflict as adults?”
Oliver shook his head profoundly. “Not one bit,” he said. “Case in point, I had a good friend during my time at the Academy at one of the local pubs. His name was Ruuykup, we called him Ruk for short, he was actually the pubs bouncer. Rough fellow around the edges but nice as can be. Accept when you crossed him.” He shrugged. “So, while some species get a bad rap because of the actions of others it does not mean we should expect them all to be the same. It's not fair to them or you.”
“Or you?” he asked.
“Think of all the missed opportunities for interaction, if your always afraid of someone because of the reputation you think they may have, you may deprive yourself of a great friend.” He said with a shrug. “Then again my family was always a bit different in our upbringing and I think part of that was because my dad and his dealings in Starfleet.”
“Interesting point of view,” he said looking back down at the Padd in his hands. “So, tell me why Starfleet? Why did you Enlist?”
Oliver shifted in his chair. “For a time, everyone seemed to think that it was to follow in my father’s footsteps, and for a time I even thought that was why. Coupled with my curiosity and desire to help others it just seemed like a good fit.” He shifted again. “Then as I went through the Academy and took class after class I realized it was honestly more for the ladder. I wanted to go see what was out there. My father stayed pretty much within the confines of our quadrant and most of his duties were temporary and not more than a days travel from earth, so we saw him more than most Starfleet fathers i suppose.” He said.
“But you had problems because of your dad’s involvement in Security?” Richard asked.
“Only once, but that was a couple of years after I graduated. There was an Ensign on board the USS Leeds that my father had put into a penal colony early in his career who took issue when he realized who I was, and it only lasted for about a day. We settled our differences.”
“How did you do that?”
“Starfleet Security officers are always training, and always keeping up their skill level in certain areas, and he chose to bring that up during a hand to hand training exercise.” Oliver shrugged. “We just participated with a bit more vigor than usual during that session.”
“So much so you both ended up in Sickbay?” Richard said with a smile. “What was his name? Lefwiz or something?”
Oliver laughed. “Yeah, good old lefty Lefwitz. His first name was Merry if I remember correctly.”
“Lefty?”
Oliver nodded. “He could never throw a left side punch without telegraphing.” He said.
“Telegraphing?” Richard asked again looking up from his padd.
“Yup,” Oliver stood up and took a loose fighting stance. One of the crew had to pan one of the Holo-imagers up to keep him in view. “So, if you plant your feet and throw a punch.” He said and jabbed quickly. “Notice how I didn’t really move my upper body?”
Richard nodded, an eyebrow raised in curiosity.
Oliver threw another and this time there was a visible shake in his shoulder before the punch snapped out. “See that?” he said pointing to the shoulder. “Notice how I drew back and then punched?”
Richard nodded again.
“So a lot of species out there in the galaxy have better reflexes that Humans. Take Klingons for example. If they are intent on hurting you, you’ll be hard pressed to see it coming. If they are being cocky, you’ll see that telegraph big time. So you have to train yourself to eliminate as much of the Telegraph as possible so they don’t see it coming.” He said slowly sitting back down and pulling his uniform taut again.
“Fascinating.” Richard said. “I’ll have to keep that in mind. So lets answer a question from our viewers, is that okay?” he asked looking back to Oliver and then back to his Padd.
“Sure, why not.” He said with a smile.
“This is from Katie from Earth, Is a Redshirt really a death sentence on an away mission?” he said looking up, an eyebrow rising slightly out of curiosity. “I’m not sure I get the reference?”
Oliver let out a hearty chuckle. “The answer to that is somewhat complicated Katie.” He said stopping for a moment to compose himself and then nodded. “Many years ago yes, it was. back when the Security and Engineering Departments wore the redshirts. Oh about close to two hundred years ago or os. They were the ones that were always in the most danger back then. This was also a time during some of Starfleet and the Federation’s largest Expansion so exploration was in its prime. So naturally those people from those departments often times ended up as casualties. Nowadays it's yellow or gold Shirts if you want to call them that. As the Gold now signifies Security or Engineering. Both those departments typically see a lot of action. But yes, long ago a Redshirt was surefire trip to glory, and sickbay if you were lucky.” He said.
“Fascinating.” Richard said.
“Your starting to sound like a Vulcan Richard, are you having an identity crisis?” Oliver asked mocking concern.
Richard held up a hand to stifle a laugh of his own. “No, just a habit. What would you say was your most profound moment while attending Starfleet Academy?”
Oliver went quiet for a long moment. “I flew under the radar most of my time at the Academy, not to say I didn’t do well and got great grades, but I just wanted to get through it and get out there on a ship. But I’d have to say in hindsight there was a moment which if I had, had my eyes opened might have clued me into my leadership ability was when we were on our Survival Training Practical, and we were sent to frozen ball of ice. I saw what needed to be done and got everyone doing it and just kept on with that attitude through the duration. It got me some high praise. At the time I didn’t think anything of it until much later.” He said with a bit of a shrug.
“Not sure I could do without warmth. You’re a better man than I.” Richard said looking back down at his Padd. “How about a Career goal? Do you have something in mind for the future?”
Oliver let out a sigh. “Given the state of things, and the state of things over the last twenty years I think right now is to Survive and retire.” He shrugged again. “I know that sound odd, but when you look at the life expectancy of a Starfleet Officer over the last twenty years it's not a bad goal in life. To stay alive. We’ve been lucky thus far and eventually luck runs out, so were waiting for the other shoe to drop. No matter how hard you prepare for something like that, you're never really ready for it when it happens.”
Richard nodded. “It's not so much a career goal as a life goal?”
Oliver shrugged. “Yeah a little both probably.”
“How about another from the viewers?” he asked.
“Sure.” Oliver said glancing off camera for a moment. “Could I have some water?” he asked. One of the crew nodded and disappeared.
“This one is from Nomed from Luna. Is the Hammer punch a Standard Starfleet Security Training thing?” Richard said looking to Oliver after finishing.
Oliver chuckled again. “No, not so much anymore. Though when fighting someone with a decent amount of strength over yours, it can come in handy. But really it's best used as a last resort to try and incapacitate someone rather than directly fight. We’ve come a long way in our battlefield hand to hand combat training in the last two hundred years.”
“Hammer Punch?” Richard said.
Oliver clenched both fists together and swung them as one unit slowly, then stopped to take a glass of water. “Its odd, but it has been effective at times.”
“Alright, so what would you say your greatest accomplishment has been so far?” Richard asked looking up from the padd.
Oliver didn’t hesitate. “Becoming Captain of the Tempest, and now Commander of Odyssey.”
“Quick answer, very certain, I like it.” He nodded. “How about the biggest drawback?”
Again, Oliver didn’t hesitate. “Losing over twenty years of time, experience, and knowledge.”
“Biggest overall Achievement in life?” Richard said.
Oliver hesitated on that one, he glanced up at the ceiling for a moment, and took a quick drink of water. “Biggest Achievement overall.” He said to himself thinking. “When I joined Starfleet I did not have any aspirations of being in charge, not even close to being in the big chair.” Oliver said leaning back in the chair. “So when I say achieving a command track was one of my biggest accomplishments may not make sense in a way. Not to say it's easy to become a commanding officer these days, they are kind of at a premium, so the track is starting to widen and Starfleet is considering new people for the Command track must faster. When I started down that track you had to get a sponsor and meet a lot of requirements. So, it wasn’t impossible, just more difficult. The classes were much smaller at the Academy, so it was a process.” Oliver took another drink.
“It took me outside my comfort zone when I was given my own squad, and eventually was assigned as a Chief of Security. It was not something I thought I wanted. For a time it was daunting and I resisted, but when I transferred aboard the Thunderchild my at the time Executive officer took an interest in me and my abilities. He apparently saw potential as he eventually got promoted to Captain. He pulled me aside and pushed me the rest of the way, he had one of those…” he paused a moment. “Come to Jesus talks with me.”
Richard looked at him a little lost on the reference, to which Oliver just held up a hand and shook his head. “He explained to me that I had a talent I didn’t know I had, and that he had the intention of exploiting that and molding me like clay and would help me if I was willing.”
“Seems a bit forceful?” Richard said, frowning.
Oliver shook his head. “No, it was eye opening. No one had really expressed any kind of interest in me and my skills in this way before. I was just another pawn up until that point. Or at least that is how I felt, and he showed me another way.”
Richard smiled. “So a leader was born?”
“Kind of.” He said holding up a hand. “It took awhile for me to figure out things, but I did. Apparently he and Captain Phillips of the Tempest were buddies and they had been talking about my progress, and it came to a point where it was time to move on. He bumped me to Phillips, with a huge boost in my confidence at having been stationed to a Galaxy Class. That was the primo ship at the time.” He said.
“Not many were in service at that time, so I can imagine.” Richard said. “You mentioned that the loss of twenty years was a large set back to you. Can you elaborate a bit more on that?”
“What part?” Oliver asked a slight look of confusion.
Richard gestured to the holo-imagers. “They don’t really know about what happened to you and your crew.”
“Ah. I thought everyone knew.” Oliver shrugged. “The long of the short of it is this. We went out to Pacficia to start a five-year exploratory mission of the surrounding area, and came across a planet. We don’t exactly know what happened to us other than no one could find us, and that we were held in a sort of suspended animation for the time we were gone.”
“But how is that possible? Was this the work of Q?”
Oliver shook his head. “We don’t know even to this day, but I can tell you it wasn’t Q.”
“How can you be certain, he has been known to meddle in the affairs of Starfleet Captains.” Richard said matter of factly.
“Because he usually hangs around to gloat about what he’s done.” Oliver said flatly. “Not even a peep.”
“Fair point. So who would you say you learned from the most?” Richard asked setting the Padd aside for a moment. “Was it family?”
Oliver again paused for a long moment pondering the question. “Honestly, while we learn a lot from family, I think the most valuable and profound lessons I learned from Captain Phillips my former Commanding Officer from the Tempest, and Captain John Spencer, my former Exec and Commanding Officer of the Thunderchild. The two of them helped me grow in my career from many perspectives. I owe them a lot of credit for getting me here.” He said.
“Both Captains are Deceased?” Richard asked.
Oliver nodded. “Captain Phillips died at the Battle of Lyshan, and Spencer passed away of natural causes thankfully. He was a good man and was lucky to see his retirement.” Oliver said, a bit of sorrow slipping into his tone.
“Being a Starfleet Officer can be Stressful, I can’t imagine what it's like for a Captain, how do you handle it?” Richard asked.
Oliver again paused, “Stress is a crazy animal, and not an easy thing to manage. Sometimes you just don’t have the time, you can’t stop to think about it.”
“I can’t believe that is a possibility?” Richard said Ludicrously.
Oliver grinned. “It's not an easy practice. But in all honesty it kind of just happens. You know what's laid out before you, and you can usually see the path, but you have to quickly traverse it, so really while you know what the dangers are your training and instincts guide you well towards a solution through that path that hopefully leads to no death.” He said. “It's something you kind of get used to when you get put into a position of leadership, especially when you have hundreds if not a thousand people depending upon you to make the right decision and follow the right path. Sometimes they don’t agree and it upsets them, and you have to live with that.”
“So command isn’t exactly for the faint of heart?” Richard asked.
“As cliche as that is, yeah. That’s an honest assessment.” Oliver shifted, crossing one of his legs across the other. “But it’s immensely rewarding too.”
“I would be terrified.” Richard said flatly.
“With training and a career in exploration even you could get over that feeling I think Richard.” Oliver said with a smile.
“Really?” the news anchor seemed to perk up.
Oliver shook his head. “Maybe, but then again it's not for everyone.”
Richard stared at Oliver for a long moment, he almost seemed disappointed by the answer. “Right, well. Another viewer question then.” he glanced down at his Padd. “Tribbles, no… no tribble questions.”
“Someone really asked about Tribbles?” Oliver asked leaning over.
“Yes. But I refuse.” he said, his voice a little on edge.
“Had a bad experience did you?” Oliver said with an amused look, he glanced up at the Holo-Imagers for a moment.
Richard looked up from his notes. “This interview is about you Oliver, not me.”
Oliver nodded, and settled back in mock disappointment. “Have it your way.”
“This question comes from Evisorroc an actual resident of Odyssey station, You and your crew disappeared for a long time, what do you have to say about people saying you guys are cowards and hid during some of the Federations worst wars in the history of the Federation?” Richard slowly looked up and over at Oliver.
“Cowards?” Oliver echoed.
Richard Nodded.
Oliver felt a momentary surge of anger, but very quickly quelled it and opened his mouth to respond but hesitated. It took him a moment to find the words. “My crew and I were subjected to something we don’t understand. No one can say what happened to us, and we lost so many years. Most of us lost family, and friends during that time both from wars, and from just natural progression of life.” he paused a long moment. “We were violated in a way none of us understands, and to call us cowards, to say we ran away and hid?” he spat the last few words. “I cannot speak for my entire crew, but I can tell you that I regret deeply that I was not here to make a difference. It haunts me everyday. Every intelligence briefing I read trying to get caught up to today, every video, everything that shows me what I missed. Imagine what that feels like.” Oliver sighed deeply. “Coward Indeed.”
“Not an easy subject.” Richard said.
“No.” Oliver snapped. “But it's a part of who we are now. It’s affected each and everyone of us profoundly I can assure you of that. Sometimes we hide it well, but its there inside.” Oliver took a deep breath.
“Do you need a moment?” Richard asked.
Oliver shook his head, and let out another breath. “I’m good. Next question.” he said a bit sharply.
“As a Starfleet Captain it's kind of a lonely position, but it's been said that you become extremely close with your command staff, do you have friends outside that circle? What is your relationship like with your staff?”
Oliver was suddenly thankful for the change in topic, he nodded. “It’s a growing process. Some of the Tempest crew are closer than others.” Oliver said. “I’m probably closest with Elianna. Trying to figure out Sully and Johnny has been a challenge, and while it’s not always been easy, I think we're getting there. I hope that one day were all much closer.”
“I hear there has been a great deal of friction between those two?” Richard said.
Oliver shrugged. “Two people who are trying to find themselves as much as we're trying to find each other, it's bound to Happen. You know the old adage in team building.”
Richard shook his head, “Not sure.” he said.
“Storming, Forming, Norming, and Performing!” Oliver said, and offered a smile. “Were still kind of going through that forming stage, where we’ve come together and figured out what while we are still working on meshing together, we realized after a bad situation that we all worked very well together. Despite our differences. The team formed, and is getting used to working with one another and how we function. Once we get past that normalizing phase, it's off to the races. It’s just stages of growth.” he shrugged. “Some teams are easier to mesh with than others. I think given time were going to be great. Were getting there slowly but surely and yes we’ve had our rough patches.”
“But your working through it?”
Oliver nodded. “Yes. Slowly but surely.” he shifted in his chair a little uncomfortably. “I’m slowly getting to know Noemi, Corky, and Melody. And while she’s extremely busy all the time I get to see Eldrida from time to time as well. She’s been an integral part of the crew recovering from our time travel incident.”
“You had a visit from the Department of Temporal Investigations didn’t you?” Richard asked the question before Oliver could start another sentence.
“Not exactly an experience I want to repeat, but yes.”
“What was that like?” Richard asked leaning in curiously.
Oliver opened his mouth to say something, but he clearly thought better of it. “It was… difficult to say the least, but we managed to get past it. The two agents were good at their job, and had the tools needed to perform a quick and decisive investigation. Almost as if they may have done it a few times.”
“But not an experience you wish to repeat?” Richard asked.
“No.” Oliver said flatly.
Richard looked back at his notes for a moment then looked back up with a smile. “So inquiring minds want to know if you have a significant other?”
Oliver shook his head. “No, havent really had the time.” he said with a shrug.
“My understanding is that the daughter of your last relationship is serving aboard, that must be strange?” he asked, a curious eyebrow arching.
Oliver shrugged. “No, not really. It’s great seeing her all grown up, and while I really don’t get to see much of her she’s a great officer and will do great things in her future I’m sure. She’s got a great mentor.” he said offering a smile, but he held up a hand. “And to answer your next question, no I am not disappointed that her mother moved on while we were missing. I admittedly was at first, but you have to come to realize that we were gone. Considered dead, one cannot hold someone to waiting for the rest of their life for the dead to return to the living. It rarely happens.”
Richard nodded. “What do you want your legacy to be?”
“Legacy?” Oliver echoed. “You know I had not put much thought into that. I’ve been more focused on the here and now that there really has not been much time for that thought process. Though what I would love to see in my lifetime is the Federation overcome this division.”
“Reintegration of the True Federation into the Federation?”
Oliver nodded. “From an outside looking in perspective mind you, because we’ve not been here. It feels like two people fighting over a scrap of meat and there is an entire pile of it sitting within arms reach.”
“You think this war is…” Richard stopped searching for the right word. “Frivolous?”
Oliver shrugged. “No, I think both sides have their say. The problem is that neither side wants to sit at the table and truly listen. So the only recourse left is war. At some point both sides will have to realize that war only hurts both sides. Even if one side or the other loses the Federation will likely end up a third rate power with a significantly decreased military presence and someone else will come knocking on the neutral zone. Who will be there to stand up and fight that war when were still picking up the pieces.” he said flatly. “Both sides are being irresponsible.”
“So how would you stop it?”
“The war?” Oliver asked.
Richard nodded. “Yes.”
“Both sides are going to have to sit down and come to an agreement. Maybe it's time the Federation and Starfleet reconsidered what our charter should be, maybe those in the True Federation are somewhat right? Do I agree with them and would I go to war for them, no. But maybe they are right in the sense that we need to start thinking of protecting and furthering our interests here before we continue to expand. But to give up on exploration and take up warmongering, is wrong and that violates every founding principle that the Federation was founded on. But Starfleet isn’t truly a military force until it has to be, and maybe that’s the biggest problem of all.” he said bluntly.
“That sounds like a dangerous line to walk.”
Oliver shrugged. “I don’t think so. It clearly states my position I think.”
“Right in the middle?”
Oliver chuckled and nodded. “Yup.”
“Kind of puts a crosshair on you doesn’t it?” Richard asked.
Oliver thought about that for a moment. “Maybe, but if we’ve progressed to the point where I cannot think for myself and have to conform no matter what to do my job and be the best I can be at it, then I’m destined to be retired very soon. I’m going to do my job to the best of my ability to defend the Federation from all enemies foreign and domestic. I would prefer not to be exchanging torpedos with my brothers and sisters, but we all make choices. I’m doing what I believe is right, for me, for my family and friends.” He pointed to the holo-imager. “For you.”
“So let me ask you this, and it’s probably a no-brainer based on our conversation thus far, but what are your thoughts on Section 31.” he asked, an eyebrow rising out of curiosity. He was watching Oliver closely to gauge his reaction to the question.
“Section 31.” Oliver echoed. “This entire scenario is their fault.”
“One would say that Starfleet and the Federation council is to blame.” Richard said.
Oliver shook his head. “While in a way that may be right, but it’s really not where the blame should be entirely placed. Section 31 manipulated this into being because more than likely their efforts over time to push Starfleet towards a more militaristic approach have failed. Like an immature child that’s been told ‘no’ too many times, finally deciding to take it anyway despite all the warnings.”
“So you think that because Section 31 didn’t get what they wanted through regular channels they decided to go after it like an Immature child.”
“Yes, I think that is a good analogy anyhow.” Oliver said.
“What would you have done?” Richard asked.
“I would have continued to lobby for change, and found ways to help change policy in a way that fits the needs of everyone, and not my own self interests because I think I’m right.” Oliver said flatly. “If your told no, no kind of means no sometimes. What they are doing breaks the Federation. It goes against everything we set out to accomplish when it was founded. Imagine what would have happened had they made a case and it passed with the Federation council? Suddenly we change to making all out warships instead of exploration focused vessels, and started taking what we wanted versus adhering to first contact rules and the like?” he shifted in his chair. “I didn’t get a chance to experience the Dominion, but isn’t that exactly what they are? Should we not have just surrendered to them and become part of their form of government? Because that is more like the direction the True Federation is heading. It goes against everything we’ve been fighting for, or rather what you all have been fighting and dying for. If anything that fact alone should give you pause and consideration.”
“That is certainly a profound example.”
“Section 31 was founded by a group of people who thought we needed something more than Starfleet Intelligence. Maybe some point in time we needed that. But it’s by far gone past its mandate and way outside of the scope of what Starfleet is.”
“How would you feel if you found out your father was part of Section 31, would you feel any differently about it?”
“What the hell kind of question is that!” Oliver snapped.
“Just a theoretical question!” Richard said holding up his hands.
Oliver waved a hand in the air between them. “That would never happen! Not even a question!”
“Would it be that far fetched to think that someone like your father in the places that he’s gone wouldn’t be valuable to such an organization?” Richard pressed the issue.
“No!” Oliver said resolutely.
“No?” Richard asked again.
“Ask another question or were done.” Oliver said sharply, and gave him a look that could cut Duranium.
Richard slowly nodded. “Okay,” he held up a hand. “Okay, sorry.”
Oliver shook his head, his cheeks were a dead giveaway that he had clearly been spun up by the question. “Okay.” he echoed.
“What wouldn’t you do for your crew?”
Oliver took a drink of water while he pondered the question. “What wouldn’t I do for my crew?” he muttered. “That’s a hard question to answer.” he said.
“Would you break federation law for them?”
“Anyone worth his salt that sat here and told you that they could answer that question without being in the moment would probably be lying to you.” he said slowly. “You cannot possibly know what your capable of when it comes to your family.”
“You think of your crew as your family?”
“I think that was obvious, but yes. Absolutely.”
“Would you sacrifice yourself or your ship for them?” Richard asked more pointedly.
Oliver nodded. “Yes, I probably would. I did in a way once already.”
“On Lyshan?” he asked.
Oliver nodded.
“Why then?” Richard asked leaning back in his chair, and glancing down at his notes.
Oliver shifted in the chair, a hand unconsciously rubbing at a scar hidden under his uniform. “That’s a simple answer.” he said.
“How can a life or death question be answered simply?”
“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one!” Oliver said with a grin.
“Really, your going to quote vulcan logic?” the man sighed. “Really cheesy logic even!” Oliver was happy for the sudden change in atmosphere, but he nodded. “No in all seriousness I didn’t know what I was doing. I thought I had a chance to save the crews of all three ships with my one act. I was resolute in the idea that I was probably going to die.”
“But you didn’t.”
Oliver shook his head. “Not for lack of trying. I got lucky.”
“Why do you say that?” Richard asked leaning in out of curiosity.
“Those beings as we understood them were powerful, they were in their environment even. My opponent made a mistake, maybe it was fate, maybe they were overconfident. But regardless, their one slipup allowed me to survive and save my crew, all those people.”
“Fair point as usual.” Richard said. “Would you ever bend the rules or regulations Starfleet has asked you to live by in defense of your ship and crew?” he asked.
“Again, what person could say for certain given the circumstances.” Oliver said with a shrug.
Richard looked down at his notes, “Looks like we’ve got time for one last question. This one is from an Anonymous source. Are Engineers really in love with their ships?” he said looking up with a confused look on his face.
Oliver grinned. “Absolutely! I’ve never met an engineer that didn’t create or feel a bond with their ship. There is no doubt in my mind that an engineer, or at least more specifically a Chief Engineer loves his ship.”
Richard nodded and smiled warmly to Oliver and then looked over at the Holo-Imagers. “That’s all we have time for today, thank you Captain Savage for spending this time with us and answering our questions and those of our viewers. I’m Richard Head at Odyssey Station, signing off!” he said with a mock two finger salute to the camera.
One of the camera crew gave the cut single across his throat indicating the signal had ended and the broadcast switched back to the FNN Studio.
Richard stood slowly and with a bit of trepidation. “Sorry Oliver.” he said.
Oliver’s demeanor shifted rapidly towards annoyance and disdain. “Bullshit, you were doing what you media types do, making news!” he said sharply and started for the door. “If there is a next interview it may go a good deal different than you expect.” he said as he passed through the doors and disappeared into the hall.
“That went well!” one of the cameramen said looking between the door and Richard.
“It went fantastic!” he said with glee.