A Host of Admirals

[Chirakis 1]

A Host of Admirals
Chirakis and Lawliet

Kallah Ramson: I and a host of Admirals have just gone over every detail of your mission. All Aegis operations outside of our local area have been ordered to halt until a representative from Fleet Command arrives.
Lawliet: ::uneasy:: Captain...I need to ask, is the order to halt operations based off my performance while in command of the Adriatic?
Kallah Ramson: No. ::attempts a smile:: Not entirely. There were certain actions however that are being used to further some other agendas.
Lawliet: Agendas?
Kallah Ramson: Nothing for you to worry about at the moment.
    ~Chat Log, Sky Harbor Aegis, 2 March 2018

Few frequented the commerce deck in the waning hours before the station's artificial dawn. Restaurateurs moved slowly through their bars and  bistros, checking supplies, inspecting tables, and conferring with chefs as they prepared for the early onslaught of patrons. Opening time coincided with shift change, to serve both those coming on and those going off.  An unwritten agreement among early morning restaurants was to serve station personnel first.  Long ago they realized that the smooth flow of station personnel ensured the smooth flow of civilians, and that a uniformed presence served as a deterrent to unruly behavior. Most of the time.

Shops such as KelsaViegnor’s Perfumery opened later since browsers and buyers tended to avoid the shift change. High-end dining catered to the more affluent and did not receive guests until late afternoon.  However, the owner of Restaurante Antonio opened the door to Chirakis Kirel whenever she required a private, unofficial meeting.  This was one of those times.  

From her vantage on the mezzanine, Kirel surveyed the activity below while she waited for  Commander Lawliet.  Knowing him, she surmised that he had worked all night on his performance review and would push ahead this morning to plow through mission logs.  Kirel, on the other hand, had spent the remainder of the night into early morning putting out fires, and she most probably would continue in that vein to keep them contained.

After the command meeting with Captain Ramson, Kirel and USS Iowa's commanding officer, Captain Sean “Jon” Kelley, had spent considerable time discussing the Alien Alliance and the captain’s desire to “obliterate the bastards immediately, ” which called for 21 year Redbreast Irish Whisky.  He claimed it calmed his nerves, and it seemed to.  At least it accomplished its goal as far as Kirel was concerned.  She eventually convinced him that a strike force was for rescue and border protection, not for instigating interstellar war. That he didn't “give a rat’s azz" about ending his career was well known.  That he cared deeply for his crew was also well known.  A simple reminder of the danger involved and the threat to his ship and crew—along with his second glass of Redbreast—quelled his anger. 

The smaller fires were just as dangerous, but more easily doused.  Media leaks had prompted well-spun rumors of RSE Ma’ev’s “discovery of the Lore Kings’ path.”  Security’s Communication Surveillance Team intercepted media reports as media tried to circumvent security protocols. Engineering’s reply to media queries was, “We are aware. We're working on it,” which had appeased them so far.  A few times, command had been approached and questioned, leaving the media with, “Thank you for bringing it to our attention. We will look into it and get back to you.”

The most recent media fodder was the appearance of a battle-scarred Strike Force Bravo.  Thankfully, Adriatic was not present. It had limped into the shipyard and its crew had been discreetly transferred to Aegis for medical attention and command review. The only personnel who knew of Adriatic’s mission were those in CnC, so the media could not badger them.  Bravo’s crews were not allowed on station.  Media queries were directed to Bravo’s commanding officer, Captain Kelley, who was “unavailable.”

In short, command is able to spin a story as well as the media.

Kriel’s gaze wandered to the focal point of the commerce deck where a bronze clock stood watch. Surrounded by a small flower garden and several benches, the area gave passing patrons a break from the station's otherwise fairly bland atmosphere.  Behind the clock and garden, a waterfall cascaded smoothly over multi-colored granite harvested from asteroid K 368: a gift from Nero’s mining consortium, in memory of those lost in the Great Fire.

Of course, the presence of plants, clock, and moving water served a practical purpose. The combination had a soothing effect on the population, the plants cleaned the atmosphere, water furnished atmospheric hydration, and the clock not only kept precise time, it housed surveillance equipment.

At 0630 the chime drew Kirel’s thoughts into the hectic pace of the last 24 hours. A deep inhale melted into a weary sigh as she pushed off from the railing and began a slow, measured pace down the stairs to the main deck. Passers by nodded in greeting. She returned the greeting in kind, occasionally forcing a smile.  Tony, owner of Restaurante Antonio, met her at the door. Soon she was at her customary secluded table with her customary dark roast coffee, and waiting for Commander Lawliet.

It was at this time that Commander Lawliet walked down the path leading to the Restaurante Antonio. His expression was one of strain and uncertainty. As he passed those who were already about, he could tell that they were aware of his discomfort and gave him a wide berth. He finally made his way into the restaurant and found Chirakis on the second level.

“Morning Captain.” he said with what little energy he had left.

“Good morning, Commander,” she replied with a casual wave toward a chair as she summoned the server.  Tony served them quickly and efficiently, then disappeared, giving them the privacy Kirel required.  

Kirel regarded the El-Aurian as he settled in.  He was visibly worn—understandable under the circumstances—young by El-Aurian standards, and Adriatic was his first command.  Moreover, Adriatic’s mission was one of exploration. What happened should not have, but such are the risks one takes on any mission. In Kirel’s estimation, he should be awarded for the lives he saved. Instead, he was under the gun, and he knew it.

“Commander,” she began after giving him time to relax, “you have questions that need answers. This is not a formal meeting. Whatever is said here will remain here. I will give you the answers that I can. There are many questions I cannot answer for various reasons, but I will certainly try. Whenever you are ready, ask any question, and feel free to… vent?” She raised a brow. “I believe that is the Terran word.  Best get it out now, before you face the jury.”

Lawliet took a moment to consider what was said. She wanted to tell him everything, but couldn’t. He clearly performed above and beyond what was expected of him, but yet something was happening. Something beyond his control. He knew this of course… it came with wearing the uniform, but this time it was different.

“Captain,” he began slowly, “how long have we served together? Two years, maybe?”

“Possibly.  I don't keep count, but I would say that is close.”

“Well in that time, despite the times I decided to speak out, I never once questioned or second guessed the orders given by the chain of command. This time, however, I think we can agree it’s different.” The Commander paused to gauge his superior’s reaction. “There is more going on here than a simple debrief. Either Captain Ramson or yourself could handle that, but this time...what is going on?”

“What is going on,” she repeated solemnly, her gaze wandering for a moment before she continued.  “Allow me to preface that with a simple but poignant bit of knowledge a wise man gave me decades ago.  ‘No one ever knows the truth,’ he said.  ‘No one. Not even the person who instigates the problem.’

“So… what is going on? Many things. More things than we can possibly fathom.  Captain Ramson admitted that even she does not know the full breadth of what the fleet representatives’ goals are, so can anyone know?”

Lawliet sat there for a moment, considering her words. “No.”

“What you do know, Commander,” she began in a more positive vein, “is what you, personally, know from your own experience, and what you believe.” 

“What I believe,” he began, leaning forward, “is both you and Captain Ramson have a good idea what’s happening or what’s about to happen. Now I believe you don’t know exactly what’s going on, but you can read between the lines. I saw how you kept looking at the Captain during the meeting, and even she said ‘nothing you have to worry about at the moment.’ So you can at least tell me what you’re thinking.” He realized what he just said might have come off a bit aggressive, although that wasn’t his intent. 

“Very well,” she replied, then paused to think.  Was he frustrated? Definitely.  Confused? Possibly.  Tired? Absolutely.  Frightened?  Her lips pursed, and her forearms dropped to the table as she began quietly and directly.

“What am I thinking, Commander?  I think that if you do not rein yourself in and focus on what is happening right now… you will fail in whatever is thrown at you, and you will fail miserably.  What is happening at the moment is what counts, Commander… not what will happen in the future.  I know that El-Aurians have some competence in transcending time, but from what you are saying and how you are saying it, you are more focused on the future than you are on the immediate situation.  And that will be your downfall.

“That said, yes, I do know quite a few things that might happen, and sometimes I can read between the lines.  Do I know what will happen?  Definitely not.  

“What I do know is that a jury of Fleet representatives will arrive soon.  Who they are or where they are from has yet to be revealed. However, whether they are admirals or junior JAG Corps has nothing to do with the situation.  What really matters is your response to them.”

This wasn’t what he was expecting. He knew something was going on, but nothing on this scale. “A jury?” He looked off to the side for a moment and back at Chirakis. “I don’t understand. During the meeting, the Captain said something about, ‘certain actions being used to further agendas.”

He took a minute to reflect on everything that was said in the meeting and everything that Chirakis had just told him. “Captain, am I under investigation?”

“We are all under investigation, Commander.”

“What?” He sank back into his chair. “Now I’m really lost. As far as I can tell, nothing that has been done was out of the ordinary. Sure, strange things have happened, but…” It was at this moment something occurred to him. He looked back at Chirakis. “Captain, is there someone onboard Aegis that’s acting against Starfleet’s interests?”

“Possibly.  Why do you ask?”

“Well it fits the supportive facts. Instead of Aegis Command conducting the debrief, JAG is brought in. Then, Captain Ramson mentions about agendas. She didn’t say whose agendas and now you’re telling me that we all are under investigation.” He took a moment and put up a hand. “I know, nothing is certain and even you told me that this is an unofficial meeting, but Command wouldn’t go this far if they didn’t suspect something.”

Kirel leaned back in her chair, one finger tapping gently on the table as she closed her eyes to settle her thoughts.  The conversation was spinning in circles.  He was listening, but not hearing.

“Eat, Commander,” she said without looking up.  “You are tired, physically and mentally worn, exhausted from what is possibly one of the most harrowing experiences a Starfleet commanding officer could have, and it was your first command.  You are trying to make sense of too many things.  Sit still for a moment. Force yourself to relax. That is an order, Commander, not a suggestion.  When you have rested at least five minutes, we will continue the discussion.”  

Lawliet sat back and took a deep breath. He thought about saying something else, but choose instead to quietly eat his meal.

A button on the table brought fresh drinks.  The minutes passed in what seemed an eternity of silence, but in that silence the soothing sound of cascading water drifted toward them.  The clock chimed 0700.  Kirel ignored it and waited.

Lawliet continued to sit in silence. He was tired and frustrated. After everything he’d seen and been through, he still wasn’t in control. Perhaps that was is greatest failing. Maybe that’s the real reason he joined Starfleet, to regain what control he’d lost earlier in life. Even though he was old enough at the time, he was helpless to prevent the destruction of his homeworld when the Borg attacked. Now, all these years later, his fear of what might happen endures. Maybe Chirakis is right….maybe this will ultimately lead to his downfall.

“I know that I tend to look forward too often and never focus on the present, but when I see trouble on the horizon I can’t stand by and do nothing.” He looked back up at his superior officer. “I need to see this through...wherever it takes me. Or us. Captain if there is a problem, please, let me help.”

“Of course,” she continued, casually putting her coffee aside, “but will you allow me to help you?”

He merely gave her a slight nod. He knew enough had been said.

“Very well.  I will ask you a question, and the only answer you may give is a yes or a no.  Understood?”

“Yes.”

“Commander Lawliet, were you in command of Adriatic during this mission?”

“Yes.”

“Did you experience any problems during the mission?”

“Yes.”

“Did you experience anything that was unexpected during the mission?”

“Yes.”

“Did the mission go as planned?”

“No.”

“When things did not go as planned, did  you consult with your crew before making a decision?”

He was about to say ‘Yes’, but he knew what wasn’t true. There were times when he had to make a command decision without consulting his crew. This is to be expected during any crisis situation, but having to be honest there was only one acceptable answer.

“No.”

“And when you did not consult with your crew—some more experienced than you—was there good reason to not consult them?”

“Yes.”

“This time, answer more than yes or no and explain the situation as you remember it, Commander.”

“During the engagement with the Alien Alliance, I had to give orders to keep the Adriatic one step ahead of our attackers. I knew that SubCommander Jorahl had greater knowledge of our pursuers than I did and even though there were times I did consult with my XO, there were other times I had to act. There was no time to consult him.”

“So you consulted with your more experienced XO when there was time, and when a quick command decision was required, you did not?  Yes or no.”

“Yes.”

“During your mission, did Adriatic come under attack?”

“Yes.”

“Do you blame yourself for the attack?”

“No.”

“Do you blame yourself for the consequences of the attack?”

“No.”

“Were crew personnel injured during the attack?”

“Yes.”

“Do you blame yourself for their injuries?”

“No.”

“Did you return Adriatic to Federation space completely intact?”

Lawliet took a moment to consider his response. “There was slight damage, so I’d have to answer No.”

Her smile passed quickly. “That was a little more than a yes or no, Commander, but let us continue.  Do you blame yourself for the damage to Adriatic?”

“No.”

“Did you bring your crew home safely?”

“Yes.”

“Knowing that, do you consider your first command successful?”

He nods. “Yes.”

Kirel studied him a moment, concerned that he would become the scapegoat Fleet might be looking for. 

“Commander, what I see before me is a young, dynamic, and capable Starfleet officer.  The questions I asked are straight forward. The questions you will be asked by whomever arrives to question us all...  will not be so straightforward. In fact, if they are looking for something, the questions will sound like an attack.  Address only the question and not the manner in which it is delivered.

“I am sure that you are familiar with the phrase, ‘We have nothing to fear but fear itself.’  If you listen to the questions carefully and answer truthfully to the best of your ability—as you did just now—you have nothing to fear.  Do you understand?”

Lawliet gave a sigh of relief. “I understand.”

“Good. A few hours ago, Captain Ramson said that you could review your own performance, but that you should be prepared to answer questions on every single action you took.  That is essentially what you have just done, though the questions you will be asked will not be in the same format.  Have faith in yourself, Commander. Give yourself credit where credit is due and be truthful in your faults, but do not manufacture your faults.  Do not wander into the world of perhaps if I had..., and do not allow those who question you to lead you there. If you follow those simple rules, you will do well.

“Now, do you have any pertinent questions for me?”  

He shook his head softly. “No, but there is something I’d like to say.”

“Of course.”

“I know there’s still much for me to learn, but if there is ever a time when you need help,” he paused to let his words sink in, “all you have to do is ask.”

Kirel nodded, allowing a congenial expression to emerge.  “Thank you, Commander. I will remember that.  Before you go, I have one more order.”

Lawliet, returning to a look of confusion. “Captain?”

“It is now 0730.  Captain Ramson will be expecting your performance review. As I recall, she was not specific regarding the time frame. Therefore, when you leave here you will first give your team the ship’s logs for review, then you will immediately return to your quarters, bathe, and relax until such time as you are refreshed and thinking clearly. Only then will you be admitted to CnC to present your review to Captain Ramson.  Understood?”

He gave Chirakis a faint smile. “Yes Ma’am.”

“And now….”  She stood and placed her napkin on the table. “I have a report to present to Captain Ramson.  Stay here as long as you like.  Antonio will accommodate your needs.  Otherwise, carry on, Commander.”

And she was gone.