Interview With An Admiral

Posted on Fri Apr 25th, 2025 @ 11:28am by Penelope Haskell & Admiral S'iraa

3,509 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Let That Be Your Last
Location: Admiral's Office
Timeline: Prior to arrival at AO

"And here is where I'm going to leave you." The words were almost toneless as they came from Commander Aventnova while Penelope tugged the outfit she wore as straight and neat as possible. Interviewing an Admiral was a rarity outside of major Fleet centers, especially not Admirals who weren't very specifically chosen to represent the Fleet in front of the cameras. It seemed that the Commander was even slightly amused by the discomfort that the reporter was showing as she plucked at her dress, "Don't worry, he won't bite.. Probably." The hint of a smile as the meticulously uniformed officer walked away sent a shiver down Penny's spine.

Even with that, she took a deep breath to calm her nerves. The bright blue of the pencil dress with flowers embroidered along the hem meant she probably couldn't run away from the Caitian, but she wouldn't do that anyways. She finally put on a bright smile before knocking old-fashioned-like on the door. Penelope was expected, after all, not like this would be a surprise of any sort.

S'iraa was in his office away from the Bridge but also from his quarters, a sort of middle area where work could take place without being seen on the Bridge or taking it home with him. Sat in his custom made chair to support his size at the desk he was flicking through reports and updates from the various departments. They were for all intent and purpose routine, trusting matters to the department heads without direct interference. Only a few knew where the Admiral was and even few would come to his office, but an office was a work place and work never ended for an Admiral, especially on this ship.

The knock on the door was different, most would have pressed the chime, so it pulled his attention away from the report towards the door rather easily. "Enter."

As the door slid open in front of her, Penny made one final brush down and walked in, purse hanging in the crook of one elbow, the tools of her trade inside it: A notepad, a small camera in case he allowed it, writing implements and the like. "Good evening, Admiral, I wanted to thank you for this opportunity, I know that it's really out of the ordinary for an interview like this, but it's really is the chance of a lifetime for a reporter like me."

S'iraa stood when he saw that the new arrival was female. A slight bow of respect, given his cultures ways, then righted himself. "Please." His arm out towards the seats in front of him, a choice of which she could pick and be comfortable in. "I admit I was surprised to get your request, given this ship there are plenty of people you could have picked from. Most usually shy away from officers the higher up they are."

"Ambition flies higher than the clouds." Penny stated, "I think that was the motto of the USS Himalaya, one of the troopships that I've had the pleasure of getting a ride on." She settled herself on the edge of one of the seats, putting her purse on her knees, "I've had a chance to talk to several of your senior staff already, for a series of interest pieces about the Dreadnought, basically the day-to-day life aboard the largest ship in Starfleet. I figured if I culminated the series with an interview with you, it would be the perfect ending to it."

S'iraa was never really a fan of the news service, they could just as easily work for and against depending on the perspective being narrated. "If I may, you're well known on the news service, even I have seen a few episodes because I remember your face. You're popular, even amongst the younger male officers frequenting monitor screens now that you are on board, the ratings were favourable at least from what I could gleam, so why leave that and come here? Is it because of the Marine Captain?" S'iraa asked.

That caught her off-guard for a moment, but it wasn't like she was trying to hide her relationship with Wolfe. The fact that she followed him from one assignment to the next was impossible to hide from anyone, especially an Admiral if he really wanted to know. "Yes, Admiral, it's because of Wolfe. I could have a consistent news show on any of a few planets if I really wanted to settle down, but I decided that I'd far rather follow him around for whatever time I could get with him, even if it meant not getting the recognition for my work much more."

"I recall reading a not so, endearing report from Colonel Frost. A ground mission where you attended mid engagement." He paused. "A brave move considering the action at the time." Marines were trained for combat, it's what they did, but for a civilian to throw herself into the midst of it was something else.

"I um..." Penelope glanced away for a moment, "I had just really gotten aboard, a couple days behind Wolfe and I managed to attach myself to one of the Companies by flashing my credentials and sortof embellished my permissions a bit? But I'm used to being attached to combat units and have been along in many engagements by the Marines. I made sure that I wasn't getting in the way of the operation and whenever given a directive by any of the Marines, I followed it to the letter. I've been training as a combat reporter ever since I decided to not just stay on a single planet."

S'iraa smirked. Brave indeed. This one had spirit and she'd need it being with a Marine on this ship. "So, an interview, how would you wish to proceed?"

"Right!" Penny gave him a different smile to show her appreciation that he got her back on track, "First off, and this is totally up to you, but are you willing to let me record this interview? I may use some of the footage in the actual report, but don't worry, I'm not going to use anything that's completely unflattering, because I want this piece to reflect well upon the Dreadnought and her crew. I'd also use it as a basis for helping with making sure I get the quotes perfect. If not, I can just take notes, which I'm good at doing in any case."

"If you wish. Is there somewhere specific you would like to set up, lighting, seating position?" He asked trying to make things easier for her to get what she needed from this moment.

"No, this is perfectly fine so long as you're okay with it." Penny reached into one of her pockets and pulled out the camera drone that she tapped on the top of and then released it to hover around to find a good spot to get the whole scene in from, "And I highly doubt that we can get everything in on one interview, since you're the one with all of the answers to life, the universe and everything that's involved with the ship. Maybe we could have another one roaming the ship, Admiral?"

"If that would help." S'iraa spoke, it would be a first for him but perhaps an opportunity to get out and about and be seen amongst the rest of the crew and the civilian population on board. Often such things could have a calming and reassuring effect.

"I think it would be a great series of questions to be able to answer them among the crew and civilians." Penelope agreed, "We may have to do repeats of questions and answers in those cases. I'm guessing that with your size and um... Well, teeth and claws that a lot of people are intimidated easily by you."

S'iraa was wondering when those topics would come into play, they frequently did. "I won't deny that a certain level of intimidation is inherent given what I am, couple that with being an Admiral only adds to it. While I try to put those people at ease, I also expect that orders are followed, I like to believe I am fair but firm in my leadership."

"And I'm sure we can show that." Penny agreed, "So here we go." She settled her eyes on him and put on her 'show' smile, "Admiral S'Iraa, I would like to officially thank you for this amazing and unique opportunity aboard one the Federation's premier starships. I would like to start off by asking you how it came to be that you were selected for command of the Dreadnought, the largest starship in the Fleet, as well as how it is to be commanding a ship this size, effectively a very mobile starbase."

"I was her Master previously before I was reassigned, then at the end of the last mission the Captain then was reassigned so Command thought it easier to place me back in command due to my familiarity with the ship." S'iraa answered. "This would be one of a few U.S.S. Dreadnought's I have commanded in my time of service."

"Oh?" Penelope raised her eyebrows slightly in surprise, "While I was aware of the old naval warships named Dreadnought, around the turn of the 20th Century and the advent of the steam powered ironclads, I wasn't aware of any other starships named Dreadnought. How does this ship compare to the other namesakes owned by her moniker that you've served on?"

"While those before her were indeed smaller in size, each had its own contribution to the name. This one however is the most unique in terms of design, function and projection of force application...should it be required." S'iraa answered. This Dreadnought was indeed unique, but there were others of the same name that he'd trade it for to command again.

"Admiral, it has been said that this iteration of the Dreadnought could be compared to a starbase moving under it's own power." Penny let that sit for a heartbeat, "What would you say to those people who believe that the ship is a waste of valuable resources that could have been put towards a small fleet of smaller ships that could respond to multiple crises whereas Dreadnought can only be in one place at a time?"

"While they do have a point in terms of the resource aspect, there also comes the practical element. This one ship could be turned into many smaller vessel, but why send many where one will suffice. In addition, the defense capability of the Dreadnought is such that would take a fleet of vessels to pose a threat to it. The power projection in a region where it's needed from such a vessel could make the difference of stopping a conflict, or preventing one from starting in the first place." S'iraa responded. Remembering those details from when he reviewed the simulations, live cruise results and weapons test situations...and personal experience.

There was just one more question that Penelope desired to ask and she knew it may sound like a trap, but it was the last thing she wanted to make it sound like, "That power projection you mentioned was certainly on show during the ship's most recent deployment, however the ship was heavily damaged by what people would call a fifth-rate colony that had the misfortune of being taken over. Was this incident the reason that Captain De Havilland was relieved of his command and sent back to Earth?"

A choice question indeed. "The Dreadnought was damaged as a result of a raider force that took the colony, The colony itself in its original submitted design posed no threat at all to the ship, the use of stealth based weapons, even rudimentary kinetic ones makes detection of them difficult for any vessel since they have not powered factors or wake emissions which is what happened in this case. Captain De Havilland's return to Earth, along with factors of the mission and the colony in question, all necessitated his movements".

"Coming around to your own career, Admiral, I have discovered that prior to your commissioning in Starfleet, you were a command-rank office in the Caitian Navy. How would you compare the culture of your homeworld's military in comparison to that of Starfleet and the Federation?" This was a pure getting-to-know-you question from the human, one delivered with a soft smile. This was what the whole ordeal was supposed to be like, Penelope reminded herself, but she couldn't be seen to just give softball questions to him.

"The military of the Homeworld is understandably different to Starfleet. There is a lot of culture in what we do and why, it drives us to accomplishments but also the protection of others. Male and female may serve though mostly males do. The female life is more valued for many cultural reasons. Starfleet is broad in its encompassing acceptance without the assimilation of the cultures of its members races. Starfleet is large, dynamic, fluid. We Caitians, to a point." S'iraa answered.

"Certainly a contrast to the Federation way of doing things." Penelope agreed, "Another interesting fact that I came across was that you joined the Judge Advocate General corps after spending some time teaching at the Academy and then spending a few years in command of a starship. I'll admit that I'm curious what would make an experienced line officer switch from what could be a combat command for something that involved sitting behind a desk much of the time?"

"Variety." S'iraa spoke. "There were personal reasons that played a part in those choices, but the constant of a something can dull the edge of ones self, without constantly trying new things. As Humans have a fondness for, being normal is overrated."

"Normal is overrated," Penelope allowed herself a chuckle at that one, "Which brings up a silly rumor that I've heard a couple of times since I came aboard Dreadnought, rumors that have you eating some recalcitrant personnel during your first stint in command of this ship. The saying 'Don't interfere in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup' comes to mind whenever I've heard the rumor. Is there any truth to it, or is it purely a trope due to the fact that you are well... Feline?" It was clear that she didn't actually believe it, but still, it could make for an interesting sound byte.

"Truth, though by which the circumstances are classified." S'iraa answered. "It was during my tenure as master of the first Dreadnought actually."

"Tr-" Penelope's eyes opened wide at the admission in surprise and shock and she shifted in her seat, "I won't even ask what the circumstances were, but I'm presuming that it was justified, especially given your knowledge of Federation law and procedures. You haven't um... Made plans for any of the current Dreadnought's residents being on the menu, I'm hoping?" That one came with a nervous laugh.

"Not presently, though the day is young and I am prone to change my mind." S'iraa played, seeing the slight change in her when she heard it was true. "You should not worry, culturally females are highly regarded and protected.....the Captain though..." Implying Wolfe.

Penny's eyes flicked over to the camera drone for a heartbeat, but knew this was one thing that probably would get left on the proverbial cutting room floor, "I um..." She shook her head to clear it, the nervousness that her lips had become going to back to her normal interview smile, "Um, I'm sure that the Captain will give you no reason to have that role on board. However, speaking of your subordinates, what is your opinion on the current personnel you have on board? Are there any standouts among them, or anyone that you are considering replacing?"

"Some of them I have served with before, Colonel Frost, Major Snyder for example back when they started as Majors and Captains respectively. Some have moved on, others retired. Generally speaking those on board are skilled and competent individuals that had to fight for a place to be on board. The competition was high to get a placement on this ship, so all of my staff are highly trained, skilled and dedicated to what they do on board." S'iraa replied, though there were some faces that were not there, he'd remember those ones.

"And what would your vision of Dreadnought be going forward, Admiral? Any aspirations that you have regarding your future missions?" This question had a different tone to it entirely, one of genuine curiosity, "I know that orders from Starfleet Command will affect what you do, but as an Admiral, certainly you have a lot of leeway in-between those orders and I'm sure everyone here and throughout the Federation would love to know what you would do with a starship like this."

"Honestly I would like to explore more, I'd like to do what I joined up to do. I understand that this ship isn't suited to exploration but to go places seldom visited, or sites hardly explored would be my preference." S'iraa did miss those days, but rank came with duties and expectations, which he couldn't shy from.

"And there we have it," This time Penelope smiled brightly at the drone, "Admiral S'irra of the Dreadnought, I'd like to thank you for your valuable time and patience for this interview. Please know that the thoughts and prayers of the Federation go with you, your ship and your crew as you voyage among the stars."

"Thank you." S'iraa spoke. While the ordeal was not as painful as he expected, some questions were those he didn't expect. "I hope it meets with your expectations Ms Haskell."

"I know that I had other questions, but I got a bit distracted from them." The drone still hovered, but the light that indicated a live recording was off, "And I promise that Wolfe won't ever give you any reason to decide that he's lunch." She gave a hesitant wink at the Admiral with that one, "But seriously, thank you. I've gotten some interviews lined up with other senior officers aboard already, so if you indeed are up to it, perhaps we could have a follow-up later on once I've gotten through them?"

"What was your other question?" S'iraa asked.

"One was having to do with Commander Aventnova, who I have scheduled for tomorrow, but it was in regards to the attack on Dreadnought. She was the one on the bridge when the missiles came in, I found out. Do you think she did anything wrong to cause the attack to actually succeed? I mean, you said that the missiles were stealthy and all, but certainly she could have done something once she realized they were there. I was on the ground with the Marines when it happened, so I wasn't on board the ship at the time." Penelope was pensive about this question because it could sound like she was attacking the Executive Officer.

"It is easy to second guess, or cast hindsight on a situation past. I have reviewed the sensor logs, all the sensor footage of the 19 shuttles that were returning to the Dreadnought at the time including the recovered logs of the shuttle that was hit. There was no reason to suspect there was a danger. The enemy had yet to demonstrate use of stealth weaponry, and with no heat or power signatures the only moment knowing when they were there was upon impact. Commander Aventnova was correct in her conduct at the time, fortunate she was not killed by it though I suspect it is something she wont soon forget." S'iraa replied to the difficult question.

"I did overhear from one of the crew that there were fourteen of the bridge crew that didn't survive." Penelope said somberly, glancing down at the floor, "I can only imagine what was going through her mind when it was all happening, and after. Definitely one of the things I'm going to ask her, but as I was saying before, this really is just a series of getting to know the senior officers of the largest ship in the Fleet, maybe even make it all into a documentary."

"It might be good to ask. Everyone sees us officers as guardians, protectors, upholders of peace and ideals. At the end of the shift however that uniform comes off and we remain people, individuals." S'iraa added. "Putting a face to that officer, that individual, as a person might help."

"I think I will." Penny agreed as she gestured to the drone and it hovered over towards her and she plucked it out of the air and shut it down, "Again, thank you for being willing to do this. I've asked several other senior officers on other ships and bases about things like this, but they all think I'm the enemy."

"Then show them you are not, I hope this helps, if an Admiral is willing, so should others." S'iraa commented.

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