Posted by Major General Malcolm “Astro” Dawkins (Commander Northern Provincial Command, Colonial Defense Force) in Final Day at Spaceport & Orbital Ops

Posted by Civilian Vaelir th’Renn (Governor) in Final Day at Spaceport & Orbital Ops

Posted by Major General Malcolm “Astro” Dawkins (Commander Northern Provincial Command, Colonial Defense Force) in Final Day at Spaceport & Orbital Ops
The parties were finally over, his office was boxed up, and last night’s dinner with his senior staff was surprisingly harder than Malcolm had expected. Since he arrived nearly four years ago, Malcolm Dawkins had been at the forefront of the massive improvements to OED V. He watched with pride as his wife’s CCDA had grown from a piddling system defence force into a formidable group of three agencies, totaling nearly 100,000 strong, that touched nearly every facet of life on the planet. The Customs & Immigration Service had become a top-rate law enforcement agency, the Astro Control Service had solidified into one of the Federation’s best Air & Space traffic control organizations, and the Colonial Defence Force was now really only second to the SFMC in professionalism. Though only a fraction of the SFMC’s size, the CDF always scored well in inter-service training ops… becoming not only the first non-Federation unit ever to earn Battle E honors, but doing so twice… both in the previous year’s exercises and this year’s as well.

As for his beloved Spaceport & Orbital Operations Agency, it transformed from the butt of too many jokes to a universally respected organization employing nearly 40,000 people. The pride and joy of the Agency was the installation of the expanded Docking Ring for the OED V Spaceport and City Center Field. Installation and pressure testing took over nine months. Completion of the 1,500-meter-wide, 12 liner-sized docking port ring, along with the expansion of the Orbital Platform’s central spire of now over 500 meters and 125 decks, the incredible structure now had a full-time presence of over 1,800 personnel (CIS, ACS, CDF, Starfleet Security, Planetary law enforcement, and support offices from over three dozen shipping and starliner firms).

He had done a lot in just over three and a half years. But the uniform he thought he’d hung up for good came calling in the form of General Calvin Harris, a man both he and Ellie greatly respected… even more so following that horrifying attack on him and Lucas Holloway shortly after they arrived four years ago. So, when a man like that knocks on your door and personally asks you to return to uniform, you thank the man for the opportunity and sign the damn papers. And that is just what he did.

So, Wednesday, July 31st, on the old Terra calendar, was his last day as a government agency head. Tomorrow morning, he would formally commission into the Colonial Defence Force as a Major General, one of only six in the entire CCDA, and only a single officer stood between him & the CDF’s Commander, General Devri Hudson. From talking with Hudson and Harris, he was the last piece of their ‘Dream Team’… after spending the past three years pulling the best and the brightest from across the Federation and building a frighteningly formidable network of bases, space stations, and top-of-the-line starships and small craft, they wanted the Commanders of the two Major Commands of the CDF to be people someone within the CCDA family knew personally. That’s why he would be standing next to Dr. Trinity Forgrave, former Dean of the OED University College of Arts & Sciences who had taken early retirement from Starfleet (Commodore) to follow her only daughter, Geneva, along with her husband (Phillip) and Trinity’s three grandchildren (Trina, Felicia, and Cameron) to OED so Geneva could become the first Superintendent of the Holloway District’s school system.

The hardest part of the day now approached, and he hated seeing the look on Yasmin’s face as he opened his office door for the last time. After she had gotten over her puppy crush, she had been a great asset and friend who helped make the agency what it was today. Wiping a few tears, she extended a trembling hand. “It’s been a pleasure, Sir.” Malcolm returned the gesture with a smile. “I assure you, the feeling is mutual… though, after today… I think Malcolm or Astro would be fine.” With a giggle, Yasmin nodded. “I always liked your callsign. You take care of yourself over there at the CDF. I hear your new boss is a tough cookie.” “Can do.” Malcolm smiled wider and gave Yasmin a tight hug. “You take care of yourself and don’t act like I’m dying… I just won’t work here anymore. Keep in touch, ok?” Can do.” Yasmin nodded with a smile as Malcolm walked out the Director’s lobby door for the final time.

Minutes later, Malcolm was ushered into the new Governor’s office waiting room. Though he’d only met the man a handful of times and been to only a couple of cabinet meetings since he arrived, Malcolm still felt a bit bad for leaving so soon into his administration. But, at the same time, there was no way he could pass on such an opportunity. Malcolm settled into the comfortable couch to wait to say goodbye to the Governor and thank him for his time with the Spaceport & Orbital Operations Agency.

Malcolm Dawkins
Outgoing Director of Spaceport & Orbital Operations

Renn stepped out of his office, it had been a long day, it seemed his days were to be filled with traveling around OED and shaking hands, or sitting filling out paper work. He was informed that Malcom was here and was rather tired of being in his office. Renn stepped gracefully accross the area to where Malcolm was sitting. “Mr Dawkins” he said, “So good to see you, I don’t suppose we could take the meeting up in the roof gaurden?” he asked

Vaelir th’Renn
Govenor OED V

Dawkins stood and greeted the Governor with the characteristic smile many in Gov Tower had come to know over the past few years, more than a few sad to see go. Tugging straight his trademark turtleneck and dark brown bomber jacket. “Of course, Governor. Lead the way.” As the pair walked, Malcolm began in earnest. “As I told you in my letter, I am happy to assist in the transition period as a part-time consultant until you can secure a new Director. I wouldn’t want you to feel I was just walking out and leaving you holding the bag.”

Malcolm Dawkins
Outgoing Director of Spaceport & Orbital Operations

“I am sad to see you move on” he noted, “You however would be ok to move on without sticking around to help, and that would be ok given your exemplary service” he continued as he called the lift to the roof. “I know you would not leave the Colony in a bad position” he said smiling motioning for Dawkins to take the lead into the elevator.

“Tell me what are you plan again, after?” he asked

Vaelir th’Renn
Govenor OED V