The Strategist's Gambit (Part 2)
Posted on Sun Sep 14th, 2025 @ 5:27pm by Captain M'Raz & Lieutenant Darius Korveth
1,460 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Collating Data
Location: Restaurant | Starbase 353
Timeline: MD005
After getting directions from the harried woman, he made his way to where he was told the Captain would be. He saw a large Catian sitting at a table nursing a large coffee.
"Excuse me, sir," he said, keeping his tone neutral. "Are you Captain M'Raz? I was told to report to you. You have need of a Strategic Operations Chief."
Captain M'Raz, fresh from his meeting with Admiral Stillwell, had hoped for a few moments alone to think things through, looked up; his pale gray eyes, hard and flat, took in the newcomer. As he set his mug down, his deep voice rumbled with more than a little irritation. "I am. And it's your way, whoever you are, to just find me at a cafe rather than make an appointment, the way it's normally done?"
Darius paused for perhaps a second as he processed the man's words, but he didn't flinch. "My apologies, sir, it wasn't my intent to offend or intrude on your privacy. I can schedule an appointment if you like. With respect, though, we are hardly dealing with normal times."
"So," Raz said quietly as he lifted his mug again. "You'll make an appointment if I push it, but you don't think the situation warrants that sort of consideration?"
This wasn't going as he expected, but he kept his face impassive. "That is not what I meant, sir. I'm not trying to be inconsiderate, nor am I trying to be an ass. The last thing I want to do is piss off the man who could my future Captain. Can I at least take enough of your time to make an appointment?"
"Have a seat," Raz said after a moment's thought. "Why would I want you on my ship?"
The half-Orion sank into a seat across from the Captain.
" I don't know enough about you, your ship, or your overall mission to give you a complete answer. I'd be lying if I said that I could."
"But, I can tell you what I bring to the table. "I've served on three different classes of Starships as a Strategic Operations Officer. "
"As you know, that's a relatively new position in Starfleet. Additionally, I've served a dual role in Intelligence."
"I have experience with unconventional tactics from both sides. I know how pirates and raiders think, because I grew up around them. And I know how to counter their moves, because I've hunted them."
"Right now, everything we thought we knew about tactics and strategy has been turned on its head. The Borg surprised us, but their strategies were pretty conventional. If you need someone who can think outside the standard Fleet doctrine when it's needed. I'm your man."
"I have a personal stake in this, too. I lost my ship and most of my crew, including my Captain. Plus, I'll always treat you with respect, especially on the bridge, but I'll never blow smoke up your ass."
"And through all of this," Raz said, gesturing with his half-full coffee mug, "you have yet to tell me your name."
Darius chuckled despite the situation. "You're right, sir. My apologies. My name is Darius Korveth. What else would you like to know about me?"
He took his time with that question, his visage, framed in a Caitian's lack of 'human' expressions, combined with Raz's own tendency to keep things to himself, unreadable. "How long have you served in Starfleet?" Raz asked. He took a long and much needed sip of coffee as he waited for the answer.
"I graduated in 2361. So, almost seven years. Would you like to know more about my different assignments?"
"Alright," Raz said as he settled back into his seat. "Tell me about your assignments."
Darius nodded his head, leaning forward slightly. "The first ship I was assigned to was the Astera, she is a Defiant-class. Swift, maneuverable, and with a surprising amount of armament for a ship of its size. There, because the ship was so small, I served as both an Intelligence officer and a strategic operations officer. The Stats Ops portion was a novel concept back then, especially for a ship of Astera's size. I think it was an experiment on Starfleet's part, but it must have been a success because I was promoted to Lieutenant (jg) near the end of my stint there.
One of the reasons I liked it and excelled there was it was something new every day. We engaged in border control; we monitored neutral zones and disputed territories, were first responders when there was a conflict. and were liaisons with colonies and outposts.
We were also responsible for counter-intelligence missions; tracking suspected enemy agents, or infiltrators, disrupting espionage networks, and protecting classified Federation assets.
W... I was transferred to the Galileo, a Galaxy-class ship. I was promoted to Assistant Strategic Ops there. That lasted two months. Then, I was asked to volunteer for a mission that is still classified. I can't discuss the details." He paused, his eyes sweeping the area, "especially here."
"The mission was successful. It gave me my second pip, and I was assigned as the Chief on the Fernir under Captain Blake, one of the best Captains I've ever met. Our main focus was on Orion pirates and Syndicate members, where my background and heritage gave me a distinct advantage. We also did a little counter-intel there, tracking down a few Marquis ships. On a couple of occasions, we ran a couple of diplomatic escort missions."
"I've earned a citation or two: a Tactical Excellence citation, an Anti-Piracy Service Medal, and a classified operations commendation."
"My only real disappointment was that I didn't graduate near the top of my class. On the other hand, I did get an Advanced Tactical Planning Certificate back at the Academy."
"You've asked some important questions and I'll be glad to answer any more that you have."
"But I have a question or two for you. Could you define your command style? You've asked me why you should allow me to be part of your crew. If I may be so bold and direct, why should I want to be part of your crew? Finally, I know we're going after the Borg, but what types of missions will we be carrying out?"
Raz listened to the man's recounting of his career, enthusiasm mixed with maybe a touch of ego, and none of it was particularly impressive to him in the aftermath of the loss of his ship, his friends, and crew members; though, his clearance being as high as it was, he'd certainly look into the classified stuff. Stillwell would know if anyone. It wasn't until they got to the lieutenant's own questions that Raz set his mug down and straightened, the first stirrings of anger rising within him.
"My ship and my crew were in Sol system when the Borg attacked, and we survived, just barely, the Battle of Arcturus days later. If you think you're shopping for the best deal you can get, then I wish you good luck in your search. I'm not auditioning for you or anyone." Raz rose to his feet and picked up the PADD he'd gotten back from the Admiral, fully ready to leave. "The only thing I'm doing is figuring out the Borg and how to fight back successfully."
Darius rose to his feet, his own anger turning on. "I am. Not. Shopping around, I am not looking for the best deal," he said, his voice dropping an octave. "And I'm not asking you to audition. "My goal is to make sure it's the right fit. For both of us. The Borg killed people I care about, and I want to defeat them as much as anyone else you might bring aboard."
"I'm not trying to be a dick, and I'm sorry if my questions pissed you off. But help me understand, which one of them was out of line? Which one was inappropriate? If you were standing in my shoes, tell me you wouldn't have some of the same concerns I have."
"Me," Raz asked without backing off a step from the man, "I'd have done my research before I showed up. I'd have known the captain's public record, maybe done a bit of asking around, if people knew them, before I showed up. I'd have given the commanding officer a chance to review my record and do his own asking around. I would trust the commanding officer to decide whether or not my skills were what he or she needed ... and I certainly wouldn't let my temper get the better of me when I'm asking for a job."
Captain M'Raz
Commanding Officer
USS Crazy Horse
and
Lieutenant Darius Korveth
Strategic Operations Officer
(Unassigned)
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