"Watching Rome Burn" || Intelligence Log || Cpt. Sebastian Ascari, SFI

Posted on 241403.19 @ 7:53am by Commodore Sebastian Ascari

Mission: Insurrection [Fleet Plot]
Location: San Francisco, Earth
Timeline: Current

"What the hell is going on", Ascari shouted at the terminal on his desk. The captain was standing half bent over the edge of his desk fuming at the display.

The past few weeks had seen civilian changes the likes of which he had never seen. Whole sections of Starfleet Intelligence had been co-opted by civilian leadership on the flimsy basis of oversight. Many of his best officers had been replaced or had tendered unusual early retirements. When questioned they all gave similar, cryptic reasons for their departure.

Civilian officials chanted the same tired rhetoric blaming intelligence for its shortcomings and failures given the attack on Earth and the attempted assassination of the Federation president. Half of intelligence had been reassigned to duties or activities he himself had no knowledge and when he inquired he was stonewalled at every turn. Bit by bit, intelligence was slowly being reassigned and quietly turned toward unknown ends.

No stranger to adversity, Ascari himself had not been immune to the rapid and highly unusual changes streaming outwards from the Federation Council. A conversation with one particular official of the council nearly resulted in a fist fight. Ascari had the man escorted from his office and the building citing an arcane regulations that he had been forced to dredge up simply as a defense against what had become oppressive oversight, meddling, and outright interference with Intelligence operations.

He hadn't been able to reach Admiral Malone in days. Various officials and staff gave a plethora of excuses often the same ones for why the Admiral was unavailable. In fact, much of the admiralty was unavailable. He was constantly referred back to civilian or Federation officials who seemed equally unwilling to speak or discuss the political gridlock that seemed to be washing over all of Starfleet. Civilian "oversight" was paralyzing the fleet and curtailing his ability to do his job which given conflict, attacks, and assassinations was stretching his endurance and stamina to its limits. Sleep had become a luxury and he feared there was more coffee running through his veins than blood.

Some part of him wondered if this was simply backlash against recent events. Earth had been savagely attacked. The Federation president killed. The newly elected president had been threatened in a botched assassination attempt that had only further fueled public resentment. He couldn't blame the public at large. Starfleet had failed on multiple occasions.

Yet despite a vast network of intelligence assets, hardware, and informants little had been collected on why Starfleet had failed so spectacularly. Ascari had run the odds on a whim finding that the probability of such massive lapses were astronomically improbable. That left him with two possibilities. Starfleet was either grossly incompetent and negligent thus allowing determined enemies to exploit gaping weaknesses or else something else, something sinister, something unfathomable was lurking in the shadows like a parasite feeding of its victim, weakening it, until the host was too weak to fight back.

He wasn't sure if he could subscribe to either options and having wrestled with the dilemma he had himself become paralyzed unwilling to believe the institution he had sworn to uphold and protect was so grossly incompetent or else its very core was rotten; eaten away by someone or something ever so slowly. He had no concrete evidence, no facts, nothing actionable upon which to accuse, reject, or eliminate possibilities. Intelligence operations, already suffering from poor morale and high level investigations, had been virtually halted in a quagmire of political and civilian interference.

He had never seen anything like it before or since and as acting intelligence director he was uncertain how to proceed. The admiralty had neither confirmed his appointment when he had taken over the position as acting director after the attack on Earth and the loss of his superior. Nor had they replaced him with another member of the admiralty to oversee operations.

Ascari had been left in operational limbo unsure of his authority and hamstrung by silence from top brass. Unable to reach a superior in days for information, guidance, or direction, Ascari's paralysis had only increased as did his fears something dark was on the horizon.

"Calm yourself captain", the official on the terminal stated with a smugness befitting a Cardassian Gul. "I understand your frustration. Admiral Malone is a busy individual. I assure you that your requests have been noted and that your requests to see the Admiral will be realized as soon as his schedule permits."

Ascari had heard this line for days. Something odd was happening and he had had enough. He was being put off. It had never been this hard to get a few minutes of Malone's time, even if brief. He had even attempted lying about an impending attack bolstered by fake intelligence as an excuse to see the Admiral. His intelligence and his concerns had been noted and he had been informed the admiral and others would "be in touch".

"His schedule will permit it now", Ascari shouted at the man. "If I have to bring an armed detachment and break down the doors of the entire damned admiralty that is what I will do", Ascari continued his voice escalating with utter exasperation and the sheer lunacy of the current situation.

"Where is Admiral Malone", Ascari stated bluntly.

"I'm not at liberty to disclose that to you", the official stated.

"I have top clearance levels and I demand to know where the Admiral is. This is no longer a request. Under article 9, section 7, sub section 12, paragraph 43, line six of Starfleet Intelligence Directive Ten, I order you under my authority as Starfleet Intelligence Director to disclose the Admiral's whereabouts and put me in direct communications with him now! If you refuse, you will be in direct violation of Starfleet regulations and be responsible for obstruction of Starfleet and Federation security! Answer me now or else I will have an armed intelligence detachment there faster than you can blink mister! You can tell them no from the wrong end of a phaser rifle!"

With Ascari's last bit of brinksmanship, the communications terminal instantly disconnected leaving the exacerbated captain staring blankly at a dark screen.

His worst fears now seemed confirmed. The bastard on the other end of the line hadn't the courage to debate him when confronted with the black and white letter of the law. Something was certainly happening. The darkness he had dismissed and pretended was an illusion now seemed very real.

Mulling over acting on his threat to send armed personnel to forcibly locate Malone and the Admiralty, Ascari weighed placing those under his command in harm’s way if indeed the worst had come to pass. If it had then such a force would either be disbanded or be dispatched one way or another. The time for force had passed. If something was crawling from the shadows stopping it now would be difficult without support - and that wouldn't be coming from Starfleet or the Federation council both of which now appeared to be dangerously unstable or corrupted. Logic and reason had vanished. The rule of law seemed to be precarious as well. If regulations, procedures, and the rule of law were under attack as it now appeared then there were all but a handful of bleak, logical outcomes in his and everyone's futures.

Ascari quickly attempted to contact various friends, colleagues, and contacts desperate to determine just how far and how fast his fears had manifested themselves. His frantic attempts at contact were in vain. Close friends and professional colleagues who would drop everything for a call from the Starfleet Intelligence Director went unanswered. It was as if everyone he knew who might know something on current events had disappeared.

Leaning against his desk, Ascari quickly pondered his options. He had few facts and suddenly found himself unable to trust anyone around him other than perhaps a few of his closest aides and associates. Did he abandon his post and his career for a hunch? He could scarcely believe what his instinct was telling him. Starfleet was being dismantled by a puppeteer. The "puppetmaster" would move quickly to replace officers of character, integrity, and duty with subservient puppets as power was consolidated and control established.

Was it too late? He couldn't start fighting against an enemy that was unseen and unknown. Officers like himself were likely already following orders from officials other than himself. His power and authority was waning if it wasn't gone already.

Suddenly, his terminal beeped. Ascari dove across his cluttered desk and several empty coffee cups to answer. He was surprised to see a familiar face staring back at him over the screen.

"Ambassador?" Ascari blinked wondering why an occasional friend of convenience was calling him...now. He maintained a cordial friendship of sorts with Ambassador Ian Lamont. Ascari would pass along bits of useful intelligence information that were of political use to the Ambassador in exchange for relevant information the Ambassador himself could obtain through his various contacts and interactions with high ranking officials.

"Ascari", Lamont stated. "Good. I see you're still in one piece."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Have you looked out your window recently?"

Ascari glanced over his shoulder. "No, why?"

"You might want to venture a quick look."

Ascari moved to the window of his office. His eyes made contact with a massive security force fanning out throughout the Starfleet campus. So it had already begun.

He turned back toward the screen.

"So you know", the ambassador stated.

"It would appear so", Ascari stated. "By talking to me you're putting yourself at risk."

"The risk is acceptable. What would I do without our frequent talks? I find them to be...quite illuminating as I hope you have."

"Illuminating or not, I'm afraid this well has just dried up Lamont. You'll have to look elsewhere in the future for information. I do not see this ending well given what is outside my window."

"I only just found out about this matter myself. I apologize for not bringing it to your attention sooner."

"No apology needed. You aren't exactly an intelligence agent which right now is something of a liability it would appear."

"You're the director of Starfleet Intelligence. Surely you have a plan?"

"We have evacuation plans yes for emergencies. I don't exactly have a plan to deal with a coup d'état. That's not something that's in the playbook I'm afraid."

"You have a shuttle no?"

"It's on the roof and in any event I can't pilot it. Never learned. There doesn't appear to be anyone I can trust to fly it and even if I were to take it where would I go? Where would I hide? Is that my fate? To end up in a dark hole somewhere wondering if I could have prevented this? Second guessing myself for eternity? No. If the end is near I will look it in the eyes and meet it on my feet as a loyal officer in service to the fleet. If I must pay the ultimate price then so be it."

"Noble if not foolhardy. Get out Ascari, while there's still time."

Peeking out the window again, Ascari shook his head. The building had been compromised. Running like a common criminal was not something he was prepared to do. They wouldn't get the pleasure of hunting him down like a wild animal and he would give them no reason to attack not that they needed one to begin with. He was curious what his trial, if indeed he had one, would consist of? Would they go for treason? Dereliction of duty? Gross, criminal negligence? Perhaps all of the above?

"I am trapped on the upper floors of fortified office building Ambassador. Where would you suggest I flee to? Transporters are not functional in this area for security reasons. And I am afraid there is little time for me to attempt a grand exit by means of cunning or subterfuge."

"You can't just surrender!"

"Oh but I can", Ascari answered tugging on his uniform and ensuring his appearance was becoming of an officer. "If Rome is to burn, I want to meet the persons responsible for setting it ablaze."

"To what end?"

"Personal satisfaction. Tick tock ambassador. The chess pieces are already in position and it would appear that I have been mated."

Ascari adjusted the collar of his uniform. He checked his reflection in the nearby glass of his window. At least he looked official even if it was simply for show.

"I'm sending you coded instructions. Given the circumstances and the nature of our friendship you alone must make the decision to read and follow them." Ascari brought up several secure files and transmitted them over the secured channel.

"White Knight?"

"Fitting no? In any event I cannot order you to get involved nor would I do so if I had the authority. If you choose to help it must be of your own volition Ambassador. Be warned that if you embark upon the path laid out in those instructions it will not be an easy one to walk. I'm not sure our friendship ever warranted such a request. All I can say is that it was a pleasure to know you and yes, I did enjoy our conversations together for more than simply their intelligence value."

"Captain, I..."

"Take care Ambassador. Trust no one and keep your wits about you. They have always served you well and will continue to do so. Trust your intuition and instincts."

"You aren't alone Captain. I know they aren't scrutinizing us diplomats nearly as much as the rest of the fleet. They seem to need us peacemakers to press their agenda whatever that may be. You have a friend and ally on the outside. We will meet again."

"Of course", Ascari stated. "You still owe me lunch and tea if I recall."

"Indeed I do. And I always repay my debts."

"Good man. Until next time Lamont."

"Until next time. Good luck captain."

Ascari leaned over and closed the channel just as sounds of yelling and shouting could be heard somewhere outside of his office door. He moved to a nearby cabinet and withdrew the bottle of 20 year old scotch given to him by Admiral Valtren along with a bit of fatherly advice some months ago. If ever there was a time to open this particular bottle, so coveted by the Admiral, the time had arrived.

He fiddled with the cork and opened the bottle pouring himself a glass of the sublime amber liquid. He took a long sip. Sublime indeed. It was a crying shame the remainder of this bottle would go to utter waste, a trophy of the puppet sent in to replace him.

The sounds in the hall grew louder. Ascari swallowed the glass and poured himself another. The scotch was smooth and was perhaps some of the finest liquor he had had the privilege of sampling.

Suddenly the doors to his office were thrown open as several UFP guards in full tactical gear entered their weapons trained upon the Intelligence Director.

"Gentlemen", Ascari exclaimed from behind his desk. "How about a drink? But what shall we drink to? The New Federation? A new Starfleet? Or to quote the bard, shall we sit here and tell sad, sad stories of the death of kings?" He raised his glass before sampling its contents.

"Captain Sebastian Ascari, you are under arrest for high crimes against the Federation and Starfleet including treason, conspiracy, and dereliction of duty."

"Excellent", Ascari stated seemingly unphased by the serious charges leveled against him. "How droll. I didn't see conspiracy in the trifecta. At least someone has a touch of imagination."

"Sir, come quietly with us now or else we will use force to..."

"Please dispense with the heavy handed protocol", the captain stated. "It's boorish. I don't intend on throwing myself through my window and I am surrounded by armed personnel. I have nowhere to go and resistance at this point would be quite futile."

Ascari finished his glass of scotch. He was afraid it would be the last time he would taste such ambrosia.

"Well then gentlemen. I know many of your are simply following orders. Let us not keep your superiors waiting any longer than required. Shall we?"

The men parted as Ascari made his way out of his office wondering if this was the last time he would ever see these offices and halls. Surrounded by armed guards he wondered if there had been anything he could have done differently with his authority to have prevented this moment. Perhaps he would never know.

His conscious was clear. He had worked tirelessly after the attack on Earth and the assassination attempt of the President. At least no one could question his work ethic. He was quite anxious to meet the torch-bearers who had managed to set fire to Rome. They no doubt would watch it burn and then move in to build a new amidst Starfleet's ashes as all those who sought power under such pretenses had done throughout human history.

Ascari smirked as he was paraded down the halls in front of his officers in what was designed to be a humiliating experience. He wore it as a badge of honor. If he was going to the gallows as a traitor then at least he would go proud and confident in the knowledge he had done his duty until the end.

He may have been mated, but the game was far from over. There were many other chess pieces still in play. The puppetmasters, torch-bearers, and tacticians hiding in the shadows would do well to keep that fact in mind. He was quite anxious to meet those responsible. He wanted to speak with the persons who had bested him at his own game even if they had cheating by bending the rules of engagement.

The game would continue on...with or without him but he had no doubt it would continue. Smiling at that realization he was led out of the building and toward whatever destiny now awaited him...

~ To Be Continued ~

Captain Sebastian Ascari
(Former) Director - Starfleet Intelligence

and

Ambassador Ian Lamont
Federation Diplomatic Corps