Slightly Awkward scenario

Posted on Mon Oct 17th, 2022 @ 3:57am by Lieutenant Sky Jansen-Carey & Captain Xavier Carey & Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels & Lieutenant Commander Diane Doctrine

Mission: The Lost Brother
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: Current

{ON}

Having received a summons to Xavier’s office Sky made her way to the bridge, she knew exactly what it was she was being summoned for, what she didn’t know was what her punishment might be. With a sigh she pressed the door chime and waited until she heard Xavier’s voice call her to enter.

Stepping inside she wasn’t surprised to see Tony & Soran present as well and an older man in civilian dress, with blond greying hair and grey eyes.

“Reporting as ordered Captain.”

"Lt." Xavier replied... it left a sour note in his mouth. Given their relationship, it was not something he should actually be doing because it would be deemed bias... but as Captain, and as her being chief it did fall upon him. "It has been reported that you have attempted to bypass the standing order of no unauthorized communication, given this missions classified details." He shifted uneasily in his seat. This was going to be his first reprimand as a Captain, and although he wasn't surprised it was someone close to him. It wasn't who he expected it was going to be.

Sky nodded. “Yes, Sir. I had already spoken privately to Nick’s grandfather, during which time he reassured me he had nothing to do with the transfer orders that Nick was coerced into signing. He also reassured me that he wanted only what was best for his grandson. He never lied to me once.” She shifted uncomfortably as she made her report. “As it was I deemed it appropriate for my patient to speak with his grandfather. I had no plans to leave him alone, I would have been there the whole time, but Commander Wagnor intercepted the call first.”

"Before this mission was started there was a strict no outside communication order. Regarding anyone involved in the mission conducted by the marines." He was unsure whether to tell her that members of the federation may have been partly responsible for the events that caused the mission. Looking to the general.

Sky looked towards the general, then back at Xavier. “I’m sorry Captain, I was only trying to help my patient. To do that I needed to speak to his grandfather. I have not divulged any information concerning the mission, we simply talked about Nick.”

Richard cleared his throat. "I don't think we have been properly introduced, miss." He said. "I am Tony's father and I am here in that capacity. My daughter told me what happened and what you are trying to do for my son. That is why I want to ask the captain not to come down too hard on you. And I would like to have a chat with you later to hear how my boy is doing and fill you in on a bit of family history."

“Provided I’m permitted Sir, I’d like that,” Sky nodded and smiled warmly, then looked back at Xavier. “I’m prepared to take whatever punishment you see fit Sir.”

Richard nodded and watched what the captain would do. He had of course read up some on the man when Tony came to serve on his ship but not much. He respected that she wanted to make her career on her own merits. So he did not know the man well and was curious to see his decision.

"I made my report," Wagnor said to Carey. "I've cited that there are mitigating circumstances and leave a decision with you, Sir."

Xavier paused, "Given the fact that I have a personal relationship with the Lt. I am afraid I may be looked at as bias. Given the circumstances, it cannot fall to the Commander here. My suggestion, bring in Commander Doctrine."

"That seems fair." Richard said. "If you trust her."

Sky had little say in it so she simply stood waiting to find out what the punishment would be for her mistake.

"Being chief intelligence officer she has more clearance than i do on certain things. So even though its classified, she would have clearance to know everything about it." Xavier paused. "Shes also the only one not involved in the situation, or involved with her on a personal level. It is the only thing we can do without it being bias, based on facts, and not letting feelings get in the way."

He turned to the computer and tapped the link. "Commander Doctrine to the ready room please."

Moments later Commander Doctrine walked into Captain Carey's ready room, "Reporting as ordered Captain." She stood with her hands folded behind her back wondering what was going on. Since getting back from her away mission she had been busy trying to help organize the resettling of the rescued colonists.

"Yes Commander, have some thing of a predicament here... the Lieutenant here, has decided to defy orders prohibiting contact with anyone outside the ship, regarding said mission. It requires a reprimand, being her CO that would normally fall upon me, but being involved, complicates things. With the Commanders family being involved, she’s too close to the situation as well. The only one that can determine the severity of the reprimand without bias... is yourself."

"We haven't been introduced." Richard said. "I am Tony's father." He was civil but not warm, his lifelong distrust of intelligence playing up.

Diane regarded Richard with a small smile. She recognized the distrustful body language. Intelligence personnel were widely untrusted and this was no surprise. “Pleased to meet you.” She turned her attention to Captain Carey, “I see. Well, give me all the facts, all sides of the story, and I’ll make a recommendation.”

Sky looked towards Diane. “The short version is that, I felt it was in the interests of my patient to allow him contact, I therefore tried calling his grandfather so that the two of them could speak. I knew it was against the rules, but on this occasion I felt it was worth it. I’m willing to accept any punishment you deem fit.”

"As the captain said my family is involved but I will back Sky up any day. She did what she thought right for my brother." Tony said.

"I have done my due duty in reporting the incident but I've cited mitigating the circumstances." Wagnor reported.

"So what you should be hearing is that nobody here wants to press charges when it comes down to it." Richard added a little amused. He was in civilian dress and had not mentioned his rank on purpose to the newcomer. Ah well if she was worth her salary as intel she would know.

"I have excellent hearing, thank you," Diane replied. She then glanced around at everyone while she made some mental notes. He was not the one doing this investigation. “All right then. What was the outcome of the mission? Did this insubordination affect the outcome? Was anyone adversely affected by injury or killed in action?”

"We were successful, however there is a working theory that those responsible may be high ranking members of Starfleet, as well as the Klingon empire. With what happened to the away team, and them being ambushed requiring our assistance... likely means that it's someone close to the general who could be monitoring communications to any member of said team."

"I see," Diane answered simply. It was interesting, to say the least, but inconsequential to the matter at hand at the moment. "Anyone else have anything to say?" she asked.

It was after the rescue mission." Tony added. "And Sky did not know about that part." She looked at her father. "Because somebody here is a bit anal about sharing information."

Diane was quiet another moment before answering, "Starfleet regulations give a lot of leeway concerning punishment for insubordination. Yes, Lieutenant Jansen disobeyed orders for the mission, but, no real damage was done and the mission was completed successfully. However, it appears our commanding officer doesn't want this to go without reprimand. I recommend she spend twenty-four hours in the brig." Diane knew that confining her to quarters would do no good since she shared a cabin with Talsi and the captain. She figured this was an appropriate reprimand and the captain would most likely agree given the circumstances.

"I have to strongly ask you not do that. Or at least not now. After the mission as chief counsellor Sky is seeing a lot of vulnerable people who may need her during those 24 hours. So maybe with an open door so she can work but just spend her free hours there?" Tony suggested.

"Due to these special circumstances I request that she be confined to the security department I'll give her use of my secure interview room." Wagnor suggested. "If you wish her to spend the night in the Brig, I'd rather setup a cot into the interview room. She will technically be in my custody but we won't have to worry about rumours around the ship. The counselor acted in the best interest of her patience and there's no there's no need for a hit to her reputation."

'Or mine,' he thought. He really didn't want to put a pregnant woman in the cells.

Sky offered Soran a polite nod and a smile. “Thank you Commander, I’m willing to accept my punishment wherever it may require me being.”

Tony just exhaled.

"It is not that I am insistent. Perhaps, I am following protocol, too... strict. I wish not to, but protocol indicates that something is done. However perhaps an amendment be placed in this instance. Any and all communications from here on in regarding this mission be brought to Commander Wagnor, Commander Doctrine, Commander Stoffels, or myself. If it is deemed necessary, we can approve or deny the request."

"In that case I would like permission to call my father in law." Richard said with a straight face.

Turning. "If you deem it necessary."

Sky resisted the temptation to smile. “Captain...” she looked at Xavier. “You asked Commander Doctrine in here to give her decision, now you’re considering changing that decision. I made the error, I will do the 24 hours in security. I’ll do it voluntarily if needs be.” She gave Xavier a look that he’d know only too well, the one that said her mind was set.

"Very well. I did ask the Commander, and her advice is valid, and not too strict. Does not place anything too harsh on file." He turned. "Commander Wagnor, I am directing Sky to remain in security for the next 24 hrs."

"Well," Diane stated, "Technically, the brig is in the security department. That should be no problem." It was a reasonable compromise considering the extenuating circumstances, she thought to herself.

"I think that concludes this meeting guys." He tapped a few buttons on a padd before placing it aside. "Commanders Stoffels and Doctrine, please remain we got to discuss the colonists and how to go ahead with the evacuation."

Sky nodded offering a smile to Xavier, and to everyone else present. She looked towards Soran. “Do you mind if I pick up some things from my quarters enroute Commander?”

"That would be fine," Wagnor said. I trust you to report to Security on your recognizance in half an hour.

“Understood” Sky nodded. “It won’t take me long to get what I need, I’ll be there before then.”

{TBC}