Point - Counterpoint

[Atragon9 0]

Atragon is sitting in his Ready Room, looking over the repair logs for the fourth time that day, when his door chimes. Margaux Roget calls from outside the door, "You can't hide in there forever."

 

A9 looks up, "Come in, Counselor, don't stand on ceremony or procedure, hmm?" Roget enters, "Relax, I'm on your side here, remember?" Sighing, he puts down his PADDs.

 

"Let me get right to the point, Admiral... Atragon. There is a split in this crew and it's growing more distinct every day."

 

A9 nods vigorously, "Tell me something I don't know!! It's been three years and we're no closer to 'home' than when we got here. I can't exactly force them all to stick with the process, the program. I can't make them all do what I want, especially if I'm not sure it's what we SHOULD be doing myself."

 

Roget takes a seat across from him, "So maybe you should just give it all up, hmmm??," she says in a taunting tone that he doesn't get. He looks at her with surprise, "so, what are you suggesting? Do I stay here and become Governor Atragon of the Colony Earth?? or what are they calling it? Croatoan?!"

 

Roget sighs and nods her head, "I'm not suggesting anything, and that's a little presumptuous, don't you think? Assuming that just because you are the ranking Starfleet officer that you'll remain in charge of those that choose to remain on Earth?" Taken aback by her bluntness, he tries to respond in kind, "So, maybe I'm just worried about losing my powerbase?" He bounces out of his chair, angrily and starts pacing.

 

Roget answers, "It's more than that and you know it. We have over half our original crew ready to toss their communicators aside and embrace this holistic existence. Before it was just an idea to remain here. Now with families being created, with people forming unions and wanting families." Atragon stops pacing, "Yes, including my... ::mutters into silence:: Roget pauses, knowing full well how Jami feels about remaining on the planet, "Now it's not simply thought, there is an animosity growing. Those that want to remain are growing resentful of the time they have to commit to the ship, to the mining. The colonist want to devote time to creating their space, their homes, not mining fuel for those that choose to leave."

 

Atragon is staring out the window at Earth now, "The returnees hate the "colonists" and the colonists are just marking time until we try to leave... "we" - I guess I know where my heart is." Margaux nods with understanding. "Yes. We... So I guess it's my *job* to ask you what you plan to do about this growing animosity, and somehow, help you with your decision. Though God knows, helping you make up your mind is like herding cats."

 

Atragon turns to her, his eyes rimmed with tears, "Oh, Megan! I'm sorry - Margaux..." He leans back against the window, looking exhausted.

 

She looks up at him sharply, "It's okay, you know, to slip. For a very long time that is how you knew me, but really my life as Megas was only a facade, but right now we need to focus on the issue at hand." Atragon looks back at her like he was just slapped, "Well, doesn't THAT make me feel even better!!" Roget leans forward with a heavy sigh, "Why I was at the outpost was one thing ... what transpired between you and I another. I didn't come here to fight or bring up old memories. YOU made me this ship's counselor and part of my job is to help you make the tough decisions. It's my *job* to ask you what you plan to do about the growing animosity and somehow help you with your decision."

 

Almost sneering, he turns back to the window, "Well, three years marooned does funny stuff to you, hmmm? Okay, so what do I do from here?? Order everyone back on the ship?" Sighing slightly, she responds, "You can do that, however, I believe in doing so you will force a mutiny." He nods, "Agreed. So, I split the crew and, assuming I have anyone left who wants to return, we make do with a reduced crew?" Roget shakes her head, "To abandon all hope of getting home will alienate those wanting to return their own place in time and space. You don't split the crew, you offer the choice and make do with what you have. As Chief of Security, I would have used the force card, but now I have to be nice and understanding about everything to everyone."

 

Atragon seems to deflate, "And IF we get back and IF we make it to our own time and space, I have to face the consequences of a Starfleet wondering how I could leave half of my crew marooned in the future, so, I either make it back and spend the rest of my life in the brig... or die trying?"

 

"Atragon, as far as Starfleet is concerned we are missing, declared dead. Every one of us. Our families have already grieved and placed flowers on our tombstones." Atragon focuses and shakes his head, "No Me... Margaux, think temporally. If we get back, it will be as close to instantaneously as possible. We will never be missed. If we succeed, it will seem that we left on a mission to monitor that black hole - that DAMNED black hole - and come back to base with half the crew gone. They'll just hang me out to dry, once and for all." Roget replies, "No matter how Starfleet deals with us, in the event we get back, you cannot force the hands of those wishing to stay. Would this be easier, Atragon if Jami didn't want to stay on the planet?"

 

Atragon pauses as if she slapped him. Roget stares back, "You think you're the only one going through this?? Atragon tries to get his thoughts together, "No... Jami... Jami has changed. She is finally in a place and time where her truer nature can come out - she is happier than I remember seeing her. I won't take that away from her." Roget nods slowly, "And you feel as though you're being torn in two - You have your duty, your orders - But she's ... your wife." Atragon just closes his eyes. Roget gets up and sits on the corner of his desk, "You are not the only struggling with this decision. I know. I know exactly what you are going through." He opens his eyes, hearing a tone in her voice, "Kyle?" She shrugs, "He wants to stay on Earth. He wants a family." Atragon narrows his eyes, "and you?" She tries to laugh it off, "Can you see me with kids?! Come on. You, more than anyone, know me." She straightens up and returns to her *offical* role, "My recommendation, Admiral is this - State officially that no one will be forced to leave Earth, but that you need those that remain to submit a resignation to Starfleet for personnel records. Ask them ... do not order anyone, except those that chose to leave, to assist in the repairs of the ship. Finally, come to terms with the fact that your marriage may be over... ::adds very quietly:: Just as I'm having to." He looks at her intently for a moment and then looks down. She looks away, "You're not the only one having to make hard personal decisions, Atragon. I can't stay here. This is not where I belong. I don't know how else to explain it, but if I were to stay here I would surely die."

 

An edge can be seen to set around his eyes and he sits up straighter, "Right, I know what I have to do. Thank you, Counselor - You have been of great benefit." She sighs and reaches out taking his hand, I'm not your enemy, Atragon. Nor do I want to be some unpleasant memory you have to deal with on a daily basis." She lets go and walks to the door, "Get some rest." He nods curtly, "As much as I can..." She pauses and glances back over her shoulder, "Better yet, go see your wife." She lets the doors close behind her and returns to her tasks so they can get home.