Task Force Liberty

Posted on Mon Sep 22nd, 2025 @ 11:02pm by Vice Admiral Mei Irizaki

1,256 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Assembling The Fleet
Location: USS Madison/Starbase Liberty

Vice Admiral Mei Irizaki, stepped off the transporter pad in the spacious transporter room of the Galaxy Class, USS Madison. This would be her new home and new command. The Vice Admiral looked young, but in fact she was well over two hundred and fifty years old. It was due to her species, El-Aurian. They were known as a race of listeners, and known for their extraordinary long life spans.

"Admiral," The officer at the transporter operator said standing instantly to attention. Mei couldn't help but smile. Once upon a time, many years ago that would have been her standing at attention.

"Relax ensign. I prefer a more casual approach to command. I might be a Vice Admiral, but in the end I am still in command of this ship. In a way, I see myself as a leader of a community. Which just happens to be on a starship." Her voice was soft and caring, but she seemed sincere yet had a casual tone to her words.

"Aye Admiral." The operator said.

Mei nodded and gave the young man a smile. "Would you let the bridge know that I am aboard. Have them set course for Starbase Liberty. Tell them to engage warp drive once we're ready to go."

"Yes sir."

[Several Days Later]

The USS Madison dropped out of warp on the edge of a star system on the far edges of the United Federation of Planets. This would be the home for a new Task Force. Its mission was simple, to return back to the traditional mission of Starfleet. To explore unknown space and to seek out new civilizations. To expand their knowledge and understanding of the galaxy and to boldly go where no one had gone before.

Mei sat in the center chair on the spacious bridge of the Madison. The polished mahogany horseshoe behind her set a nice backdrop for the admirals brown hair against the cream and soft walls and light carpets. A class M world was slowly getting larger on the viewscreen, and just noticable was something in orbit. Even from this distance it was huge, bigger than any starship.

"There she is." Mei said with a smile. "Welcome everyone to Starbase Liberty. A brand new improved Stardock Starbase. The new home for Task Force Liberty, and what will one day will become a center for not only Starfleet, but for civilians, trade and hopefully exploration and science."

"Helm. Take us closer into orbit." She ordered.

The Madison slowly approached the huge Stardock Station. It was still under construction. Its huge framework being built in huge sections. The mushroom style starbase was a floating city in space. Yet Mei had agreed with Starfleet Command that this starbase was not going to be where she was stationed. She belonged on the bridge of her ship, she wanted to 'fly the flag' amongst the stars, join the ship commanders on out in the unknown.

The Galaxy Class ship stopped only a few hundred kilometers from the starbase. Several work pods and other smaller ships darted around assisting with the construction of the base.

Mei stood up from her command chair. "Inform the current commander of the Starbase that I'll be beaming aboard shortly." she said with a smile.

"The base currently doesn't have a permament Commanding Officer Admiral." The officer manning the operations station said, turning in his chair to face her. "However Starbase Operations informs us that Admiral Rhodes is awaiting you."

"That sounds about right." Mei smiled. "I had a feeling he would be here. He loves the whole 'passing the torch' thing." she chuckled. "Let him know that I'll be joining him shortly."

[Starbase Liberty]

Starbase Liberty was still under construction, so naturally its interior was littered with parts and open panels. Thousands of engineers and construction workers were hard at work to finish that starbase and have it ready to be commissioned properly.

Mei stepped into the huge Main Operations center. A elderly man was stood at the center table looking over several PADD's that were stacked upon it. He looked up and easily spotted the El-Aurian woman.

"Admiral Irizaki!" he called out, waving her over. Mei couldn't help but smile. There stood Admiral Matthew Rhodes. He was an old friend from many years ago. Back in 2320, sixty five years ago, she met him as a young cadet. She had taken an instant liking to him, and it was him that convinced her to return to Starfleet during The Dominion War.

"Matthew. Its lovely to see you again." Mei said as she approached. She held out a hand for him to shake. However once she was close enough he took it and pulled her into a tight hug.

After a few moments they broke free. "I wasn't expecting that." She laughed. "What in the world are you doing here?"

"I'm here to pass the flag onto you." he grinned. He turned and grabbed a PADD off the table. He held it out to her with both hands. "Here you go Mei. Your official transfer and command orders for Task Force Liberty. I'll admit, I'm a little envious about you getting this assignment."

"Oh, how so?"

"Well, most of us old pencil pushers are stuck behind desks. You get to be out there with a starship. Not only representing The Federation, but no doubt seeing and discovering new things everyday." Matthew grinned.

"It was mynonly condition." Mei laughed.

Matthew laughed back. "Well, the construction of the Starbase is going well. It's still going to be a few months until its fully finished. Also, Rear Admiral Jacob Hawks should be arriving soon. He's your new deputy commander."

"What do you know about him?" Mei asked curiously.

"Not a lot I'm afraid." Matthew said. "I've never met him. But he's young. Veteran of the Dominion War. Apparently a damn good commander too."

"Everyone is young to me." Mei smirked. "And it's hard to find anyone above the rank of Lieutenant these days that didn't see action in the Dominion War." She looked around at the Operations center. "I suppose I'll have to find someone to Captain this starbase too."

"Yeah, its a huge task. It'll take a very special commander to run such a huge installation." Matthew smiled. "However, the USS Renown should be here within the hour. Thats my ride home, and I still have to pack..."

"Leaving it to the last minute as always..." Mei smirked at him.

"You know me too well Mei. Anyways..."

"Ah yes..." Mei said. She pushed her thumb against the thumb sensor on the PADD. "I Vice Admiral Mei Irizaki hereby take command of Task Force Liberty, relieving Admiral Matthew Rhodes." The PADD beeped a few times confirming that the command codes and orders were nowm recieved and transferred.

"You are relieved Admiral."

"I stand relieved."

Matthew held out a hand. Mei took it, his grip was firm. "Good luck out there Mei. I might pop by sometime, check up on you."

Mei couldn't help but smile. "My door is always open for you Matthew. Pop by anytime. Safe travels."

With a nod Matthew released her hand, took one last looka round the semi-finished Operations center and made his way towards one of the turbolifts. He smiled at Mei, their eyes meeting just before the turbolift doors closed.

Mei tapped the PADD against her chest a few times as she looked aorund. "I've got a lot of work to do..."

Posting by:

Vice Admiral Mei irizaki
Commanding Officer
USS Madison & Task Force Liberty

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