Intimidation

Posted on Mon Apr 13th, 2026 @ 5:52am by Captain Maddox Greene & Lena Holt

865 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Lines in the Vacuum
Location: Base Commander's Office

It had been about a week since the High Fang and his ships had left the station. Things around here had calmed down, which went back to a sense of normalcy. One of the things Maddox found interesting was the station's civilian population. They ran the shops and even worked side by side with the Starfleet personnel in some cases. But among those civilians were spouses and children. Three days ago, he was asked to speak with the children at the school. So many questions that came from the view point of the youngest on the station. This place was more than just a strategic point in the region, but it was a community. The Captain enjoyed himself being at school. But it was also a realization that leading a community wasn't something that he didn't have much experience in. Sitting at his desk, he suddenly found himself interrupted by the door chime. "Come on in."

The door opened a female not in uniform walked in. By the way she walked in and the scowl on her face, she clearly had an issue to address. Lena Holt, the Civilian Trade Coordinator for the station. Captain Greene was scheduled to meet with her to discuss all things civilian-driven two days ago. But due to a meeting with Starfleet Command, he had to cancel. "Captain Greene, we need to talk."

Standing up from his seat, Maddox walked around the desk. "Please have a seat. Can I interest you in some sweet tea?"

Lena stared at the Starfleet Officer as she sat across from him. The last thing she came for was some damn tea. "No, thank you. I'm actually here to discuss with you the concerns from many of the businesses on the station."

"Let's get right to it then," Greene responded as he poured himself a glass. Returning to the desk, he sat down. "It seems like the businesses are settling in nicely."

"For now," the coordinator replied. "But we're dealing with a shipping issue. Not sure if you have noticed, but civilian traffic to this station has slowed down over the past week."

"I'm not familiar with the patterns of cargo ships to be honest."

Lena leaned forward in her seat. "Captain, I am well aware of your lack of experience in such matters. Which is why I was placed on this station. Which is why I would recommend keeping our appointments in the future."

"Starfleet Command wanted an update on the current situation with the Nausicaans," Maddox explained. "Which is very important."

"Well meeting with me is just as important as meeting with Starfleet Command," Lena spoke up. "Especially if Starfleet intends on conducting business on Sentinel Station."

Before speaking further, the Captain thought about her words. She was right and there was no way that he could refute that fact. "You're right, and I apologize for not taking your position more seriously. I am all ears to hearing what you have to say."

"The word right now is that the Nausicaans are posted just outside the system," Holt explained. "Intimidating ships along the trade route."

"Have they attacked anyone?" Greene questioned.

"Not at this time, but with a piracy reputation. Most ships aren't risking it when they show up. The station is no good if they can't get to it."

Pulling out a PADD, he jotted down a list of things to do. The top on his list was to send out the Frontier to patrol the area as a show of force to the Nausicaans. Deep down, he knew the High Fang wouldn't just simply walk away. Maddox refused to compensate him, and now he was going to interfere with trade coming to the station. "I'll send the Frontier out to address this Nausucaan issue. Let everyone know that I will rectify this issue ASAP."

Lena nodded, pleased with his reaction. "And one other thing. I believe it would be important for you to attend the business meetings that are held twice a month. It would mean a lot to those who have doubts."

"Do they really need me in the room with them? Not really sure what I can contribute to their business."

"You are ultimately responsible for ensuring transports arrive and are the one responsible for running this place," the Coordinator assured him. "You can contribute more than you realize."

"Point taken," Maddox gave in. "Send me the dates and times for those meetings. I will be there with a smile on my face to address the concerns of the community."

Standing from her seat, Holt smiled and headed towards the door. "I'll leave you to it then, Captain." Exiting the office, she left Maddox alone with his thoughts.

Thinking about his next move, the Commanding Officer knew that at this point a show of strength was required. Nothing crazy, but the Nausicaans and others like them had to know that Starfleet wouldn't sit back and tolerate such actions. Tapping the communication device on his desk, he made an announcement. "Senior staff and Frontier crew, report to the Frontier in an hour to prepare for departure."

=================
Captain Maddox Greene
Commanding Officer
Sentinel Station

Lena Holt
Civilian Trade Coordinator
Sentinel Station

 

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