The Orbital Retirement Home (Wax, Frazer and Kill)

[MrKill]

(As per Frazer, this mission is taking place after the M6 intermission but before the upcoming 'Unit Missions' - which will be explained later.)

Admiral Eric Klix
UNSCS Iowa
Marathon II Super-Heavy Guided Missile Cruiser

Klix sat in his chair, glancing at a box in his hand. Soft blue, with a warm red colored cloth. In the center of the open box was a freshly polished star - the rank of Rear Admiral Lower Half. More importantly, it was his own when he was a Rear Admiral Lower Half - a good while ago now. Fortunately, today, he had the pleasure of pinning the star on a recently promoted Rear Admiral York.

"Bridge, Klix. What is the status of Micheal and York's shuttles?" Klix said, pressing the intercomm button hard enough he could feel the pulse through it. He released the button, surprised with his mild annoyance towards the small red sphere on the device. Regardless, the last couple of hours were immensely frustrating for the aged Admiral. The Iowa had been pulled from the repair docks and reassigned to service at a hull integrity of ninety five percent. Yes, ninety five.

While the spine and most of the deck damage had been done, not all of the damage was completed. The Iowa was still missing sixty meters of deck and hull where the plasma torpedo had struck. Instead, as ONI intelligence reports came in, the Iowa was effectively rushed back into service. They welded a two meter titanium plate over the damaged area and called it a satisfactory patch job. Klix, however, felt it was a liability and would get him and his crew killed.

He send Admiral Freemont a message, in which he gotten a reply. Admiral Vardy had already disembarked and arrived at the Tranquillitas Beta system, the same planet with Hope and Sanctuary - the location of their previous defeat. Naval Command was sending them back as Vardy sent in a plea for help, so Klix and his 22nd Fleet were being deployed early. They were taking random vessels from Reach as Klix's proper reinforcements hadn't arrived yet.

"Sir, they just landed in the hanger bay." Came the reply over the intercomm.

"Good. Have them escorted by Marines from the hanger to my office immediately." Klix replied, turning the intercomm off. Now he waited.

[Wax™]

Rear Admiral Jonathon Michael (Upper - Half)

UNSCS Iowa - Unspecified Hangar Bay

Marathon II Super-Heavy Guided Missile Cruiser 

Jonathon stepped off the Pelican dropship he was escorted onto from his own ship which had traveled to the Iowa's position, as the Pelican rumbled to a halt Jonathon pushed himself out of his seat and straightened out his officer's attire. He wasn't in the usual combat attire but just the standard formal uniform, looking down to his shoes for a moment he smiled with satisfaction as he could see his reflection in the black boots. Lifting his head as he saw the reflection of the Pelican's blast door lower down Jonathon turned his gaze and nodded to the two Marines that accompanied him in the Pelican, one was an elder Sergeant whilst the other was a young marine who probably saw his chance to get out of latrine duty.

"Rear Admiral..." Another marine from outside the Pelican spoke over the loud noises and roars of the busy hangar bay. The marine was accompanied by another marine and the pair saluted him as you would expect, Jonathon smiled at the pair and saluted back before stepping off the Pelican. "This way Sir... Admiral Klix is in his quarters." The marine said before spinning on his heel and making for the hangar's exit.

Jonathon followed suit after the two marines, looking back momentarily to the two marines from his own ship along with the Pelican, the two marines inside seemed to sit down and slouch lazily, starting to talk to one another. Jonathon wasn't sure how long he was going to be but he assumed he was going to be some time. Jonathon also noticed that another Pelican drop-ship was entering the hangar but he had exited the hangar before he was able to view the occupants.

Jonathon was lead through a series of corridors and up at least two elevators. The ship was quite busy with both naval, marine and engineering personnel alike wandering the busy halls. The ship was still damaged in some areas as far as Jonathon could tell and was still under some maintenance and repair. Eventually Jonathon was directed to just outside Admiral Klix's quarters and the marines nodded and left his side to wait just down the hall. Jonathon cleared his throat and took a few moments to straighten out his uniform, removing his hat from his head and tucking it underneath his left arm whilst his right hand swept his matte black hair back, which he had grown out a slight amount, he then approached the Admirals door, knocking a few times before gently opening it. He was sure Klix wouldn't mind.

"Admiral Klix." He said, stepping in and saluting, assuming that the meeting was of formal matters.

[Frazer]

Captain Frazer York

UNSCS Iowa 

Marathon II Super-Heavy Guided Missile Cruiser 
Moving from Hanger to Office

Frazer sat in his shuttle eyes peeled downwards to the ground. He rested his head on his hands, it had been a long leave. A lot messing around trying to get his old bridge crews transferred from the Preston to his new ship the UNSCS Tassafaronga. Frazer also thought of his goodbyes he did. Saying goodbye to ship that he loved was hard. Frazer said his goodbye to Tiffany and the crew. He had to look forward. His new ship and crew needed him at 110%.

As the shuttle landed in the hanger Frazer lifted his head up to face the door. The shuttle landed smoothly as it could. Frazer stood up and walked out of the shuttle, there to meet him was a small squad of marines. The squad leader saluted Frazer and Frazer saluted back. "Captain York we have been told to escort you to Admiral Klix's office. if you would like to follow us sir."

"Alright." Frazer moved his hand forward. "After you Lieutenant." The squad of marines started to move forward so Frazer followed closely. Frazer rarely had escorts so this was quite weird but good at the same time as it made him feel important. Although technically he was as he was being promoted and being given one of the biggest ships in the UNSC.

As they walked through the many decks Frazer noticed the ship was near enough repaired from what happened above the planet Hope. He only wished it didnt turn out the way it did. Frazer didnt like leaving the fight but he had to under Commander Janeway's orders. Frazer neared the Admirals office. As he arrived at the office the Lt pointed to the door and walked away with his squad. 

Frazer took off his headdress as he was going to enter a mess. Frazer knocked on the door. Waited a few moments and then entered. There was two people in the room. Admiral Klix and Rear Admiral Jonathon Michael. The Rear Admiral was from 22nd fleet as well so Frazer assumed this would be about the fleet. As Frazer entered he saluted both the Admirals before speaking. 

"Admiral Klix." He looked at Rear Admiral Jonathon Michael. "Rear Admiral." Frazer could tell this was going to be a long meeting.

[MrKill]

Admiral Eric Klix
UNSCS Iowa
Marathon II Super-Heavy Guided Missile Cruiser

"Welcome, gentlemen. A few orders of business, I suppose. Firstly... Here are your stars, York." Klix said with an amused grin. He pushed the two boxes across his table, each of them containing the single star for the forty seven year old Captain needed to be considered a Rear Admiral, Lower Half. Those stars were nearly as old as the Captain but - inside their box - looked brand new.

"If you'll sit down and make yourselves comfortable I've got a topic needing to be discussed. Please, technically we are still off duty." Klix said, opening his desk drawer and pulling out three shot cups. He opened up a bottle of 2175 Red Wine. Wine, as history showed, got better with age. He poured the three cups and slid them carefully across the polished wooden maple table, staining in a dark gloss.

"As you know, the twenty second fleet is the name of our fleet. However, this fleet is unlike the others around. We're, technically, split into three groups. 22nd Fleet A Group, B Group and C group. Since we are all Admirals this organization is required to maintain the image that there are three individual ships, but quite honestly I think it's rather - well - ridiculous that NavComm is willing to deploy three men with our pay grades. But I don't make the rules, I follow them."

"With the 22nd Fleet being forced to pull ships from the Epsilon Eridani defense fleet I've had to shuffle things up. We have thirty three vessels, so each group will consist of an individual flagship - those being the Iowa, Athenian and Tassa.. something. I apologize, I haven't looked up the name yet, York."

"Anyways, A Group is lead by myself. With the Iowa as the flagship, I command ten Frigates and a destroyer. B Group, under Micheal with the Athenian as his flagship commands ten frigates and a destroyer. York, you and your flagship are the carrier strike force. The Preston is under your command, as are the remaining six frigates and a destroyer."

Klix signed and took the shot of wine, "However I'm open to discussions on how I should continue forward with the organization of this fleet. Do you think it would be wise to surround the two Carriers with the Destroyers and have them sit back, away from combat, or do you think all three destroyers we have should be on the front lines with the two Marathon II cruisers. Speak what's on your mind, and yes, you can speak candidly."

[Wax™]

Rear Admiral Jonathon Michael (Upper - Half) 

UNSCS Iowa - Unspecified Hangar Bay 

Marathon II Super-Heavy Guided Missile Cruiser 

"Welcome, gentlemen. A few orders of business, I suppose. Firstly... Here are your stars, York." Klix said, Jonathon turned to look at the now Rear Admiral York, offering the man a small smile and nod before looking back to the Admiral as he began to speak again.

"If you'll sit down and make yourselves comfortable I've got a topic needing to be discussed. Please, technically we are still off duty." Klix said again, Jonathon had already begun to pull out a chair before he even spoke and was seated by the time he finished the sentence. Jonathon watched as the Admiral poured the three a glass of finely aged Red Wine. Jonathon himself was more of a whiskey man and Klix knew that, however each man had his taste. Jonathon himself always had a draw filled to the brim with whiskey on his ship at anyone time. None the less Jonathon took the glass and lifted it to his lips, taking a small experimental sip of the liquid, it was quite nice actually, Jonathon then finished the small glass' contents rather fast. Soon after the Admiral spoke again. "As you know, the twenty second fleet is the name of our fleet. However, this fleet is unlike the others around. We're, technically, split into three groups. 22nd Fleet A Group, B Group and C group. Since we are all Admirals this organization is required to maintain the image that there are three individual ships, but quite honestly I think it's rather - well - ridiculous that NavComm is willing to deploy three men with our pay grades. But I don't make the rules, I follow them."

From this moment on Jonathon pretty much listened as Admiral Klix relayed to them what was the new 22nd Fleet layout. Jonathon himself didn't like the fact that three Admirals were going to be in the same Fleet no matter if two of them were only Rear Admirals. Jonathon however pushed his troubles aside as he came to the fact that just like Klix he still had to follow orders, no matter how high his pay-grade. Coming onto discussion was the splitting of the fleet into three groups, ten frigates and a destroyer each to be commanded by Klix and himself and a carrier, six frigates and a destroyer for York.

"I think the groups are split rather well tactically however it could be an idea to have all three destroyers hold back with the Carriers... I am sure our Marathon's would be quite capable of holding out any main attack with twenty frigates on our front and sides." He said voicing his opinion.

[Frazer]

Rear Admiral Frazer York

UNSCS Iowa  

Marathon II Super-Heavy Guided Missile Cruiser  

"I did it Mom!"

Frazer stood there waiting for the Admiral to start and he did as soon as Frazer finished his salute. "Welcome, gentlemen. A few orders of business, I suppose. Firstly... Here are your stars, York." Klix said, the Admiral pushed the two boxes across his table. Frazer stopped the box with his hands. 

"Wow." Frazer thought in his head. He never thought he would get this far up the chain of command but here he was. A rear Admiral. He put the box in his pocket as he would put them on later when he is on his new ship.

"If you'll sit down and make yourselves comfortable I've got a topic needing to be discussed. Please, technically we are still off duty." Klix said again. Frazer nodded and went to sit down across from Klix. Frazer watched Klix pour the three a glass of finely aged Red Wine. Frazer enjoyed red wine, he went to a lot of naval dinners so at these dinners the main drinks we're wine. Frazer always preferred to have red wine over white as red had a sweeter taste. Frazer lifted the glass and took a sip. Frazer could tell this was good wine just by how sweet it was, soon after though the Admiral spoke. "As you know, the twenty second fleet is the name of our fleet. However, this fleet is unlike the others around. We're, technically, split into three groups. 22nd Fleet A Group, B Group and C group. Since we are all Admirals this organization is required to maintain the image that there are three individual ships, but quite honestly I think it's rather - well - ridiculous that NavComm is willing to deploy three men with our pay grades. But I don't make the rules, I follow them."

"With the 22nd Fleet being forced to pull ships from the Epsilon Eridani defense fleet I've had to shuffle things up. We have thirty three vessels, so each group will consist of an individual flagship - those being the Iowa, Athenian and Tassa.. something. I apologize, I haven't looked up the name yet, York." Frazer forget to let the Admiral know his name of the ship. He would tell Klix once he had finished speaking.

"Anyways, A Group is lead by myself. With the Iowa as the flagship, I command ten Frigates and a destroyer. B Group, under Micheal with the Athenian as his flagship commands ten frigates and a destroyer. York, you and your flagship are the carrier strike force. The Preston is under your command, as are the remaining six frigates and a destroyer." As it was stated at Naval Command, Frazer was glad his old ship was under his command. No one knew it better than him.

"However I'm open to discussions on how I should continue forward with the organization of this fleet. Do you think it would be wise to surround the two Carriers with the Destroyers and have them sit back, away from combat, or do you think all three destroyers we have should be on the front lines with the two Marathon II cruisers. Speak what's on your mind, and yes, you can speak candidly." Before Frazer could speak the Rear Admiral got to it first.

"I think the groups are split rather well tactically however it could be an idea to have all three destroyers hold back with the Carriers... I am sure our Marathon's would be quite capable of holding out any main attack with twenty frigates on our front and sides." Frazer thought for a second. Yes the Marathons were like tanks in space but the extra fire power could be useful at the front.

"First thing Admiral my new ship is called UNSCS Tassafaronga. My bad for not sending you the name. Secondly although I think the destroyers would help the Marathons at the front with more firepower, I do agree with the Rear Admiral. We should have the destroyers surround the carriers." This was the best choice in Frazer's mind.

[MrKill]

Admiral Eric Klix
UNSCS Iowa
Marathon II Super-Heavy Guided Missile Cruiser

"Right," Klix said in reply to the two Rear Admirals. "Only problem I see in that - with the Destroyers sitting back with York - is they'll be almost completely useless at the range he'll be engaging at. The three Destroyers in the fleet are Venom Class, so they're fairly effective at fighting the Covenant compared to other destroyer classes we have in current service." Klix added, pouring another round of wine before sliding the bottle back in his drawer and locking it.

"Unfortunately, gentlemen, I need to dismiss you. As you know, a fleet is assembling at our location. Please return to your ships, and I think you for arriving on the Iowa to speak to me. I needed to call you to the Iowa to discuss what we just did because our secured communications network is still down for repair for the next hour and I didn't want to risk anyone hearing fleet force deployment procedures or tactics, just in case a Covenant patrol is listening in. I know, bold statement so close to Reach, but we all know anything is possible." Klix said.

"Congratulations again, Rear Admiral York. Proud to have you as an officer in my fleet."

// THREAD HAS ENDED AND SERVED ITS PURPOSE (Promotion of York to Rear Admiral), CLOSED! //