Duty authorization

Posted on Sun Oct 20th, 2024 @ 7:57pm by Captain Dr. Nairut Noxi & Commander Damian Morgan & Lieutenant JG Rose Andrake

0 words; about a 1 minute read

Mission: To Boldly Go...
Location: Meeting room
Timeline: T+1 hour after docking

Rose stood before the collected command staff, watching the board carefully as she stood at rapt attention. Sure, she thought her court marshall had been unfair, and it still rang in her mind, but she couldn't focus on that, now. The terms had been clear,and she needed to be cleared for duty by the command staff after the incident. As far as she knew, her career was over, and with that on her record, she would never get a freighter crew slot again. She had been born and raised in space. Planetary gravity made her feel disjointed and heavy. She couldn't go to an Earth she had never been to. "So. You've all seen my record. My career is dead in the water. But space is my home. If you'll accept my shortcomings, I'll do everything I can for you. What questions do you have for me?"

Commander Morgan began the preliminary questioning.

“Lieutenant, your service record demonstrates extraordinary potential. Your performance evaluations from your previous postings have been exemplary, with the demotion being the exception. I see talent here, Ms. Andrake…. and quite a lack of self-confidence. I don’t presume to speak for the Captain, but I believe in forgiveness and second chances. You’re rehabilitating from your addictions and I hope that will be something you will continue to work on. Based on what I’ve learned, read, and heard so far, I recommend that you be returned to duty as FULL Lieutenant. In six months or so, the medical staff, Captain, and I will revisit your performance. I’d also like you to participate in the ship’s mentorship program and begin weekly sessions with Ship’s Counselor, Dr. Peck. We’re not giving up on you, Rose. Don’t give up on yourself. Captain, what would you like to add?”

Noxi listened to Damon's speech. She was glad that the Fleet had paired her with someone like him. Noxi was much more relaxed-of course, she took her job seriously, but she hadn't ever planned on a full Command, so she'd never truly cultivated a command style. "I also believe in those things," she started. "When I was a young officer, I was sent on an Away Mission as the medical officer on duty," she said. "We were ambushed. No one could've known," she said. She sighed. "Uh...a crew mate, a friend of mine, an engineer who worked with my ex-husband, tried to cover me when an explosive landed near us. I wouldn't listen, and instead of running behind a rock, I chose to stay...probably because at the time, I was still in the throes of PTSD from the Occupation," she said, pausing in her story. "Anyway. He still tried to save me by kicking it away, and...it exploded, killing him, and seriously injuring ME," she said. "I was called to Captain's Mast, and blamed, for acting rashly and putting other crew in unnecessary danger. I was sent back down to LtJG for a full year, and was basically confined only to quarters and the Gym for that time, too. It was hard because our son was a toddler, but it...anyway. The point is, we've all had major mistakes. We learn from them, and then move on. IF you can keep your nose clean, and do your work and stay in line, I am sure that we can arrange something. I AM the Captain of this ship, and I have the Fleet's permission to assign ranks and ratings at my discretion. And the Fleet knows I would anyway," she said. It was true; the Bajoran had a bit of a "do what I want if it made sense" attitude. "So. That is why I chose to put you in as a full Lieutenant." She stopped to let the others speak again.


"All due respect, Commander, Captain. The terms of the demotion are clear. The blame for the incident fell squarely on me. A psychic madwoman repelled boarders whilst under the psychosis effects of illegal stimulants. Said crewman was demoted and barred from promotion for one year. I was not allowed much defense. But that incident did not happen to me consensually. I did not and never would consent to administration of any stimulant aside coffee. While I appreciate your attempt to promote me to full lieutenant, that will have to wait. Frankly, I should have lost my commission. I will consult with the counselor, though." Rose didn't move, keeping her eyes forward. But something crossed her face, hearing the Captain's story. Perhaps understanding or compassion? Worse, familiarity?

"It is promising that you recognize your role in it," Nairut said. "I think you've learned a lot. Counseling will help. Trust me. I still carry a lot of emotional scars from the Occupation, and the incident I relayed earlier. It will show the Fleet that you're serious about righting wrongs," she said, encouragingly. "I am overdue for a session myself, actually. After this meeting, we can walk over together, if you'd like," she offered. She sipped at some Jumja tea as she turned the conversation over. "As well as, I understand that the Science people want to build an Arboretum. I am sure they can use a hand," she said. "I'm guessing that the Fleet will consider some "community service" in your record favorably," she said.

“I’ll consult privately with the Captain, but, you know…… demotion be damned! File a protest with Starfleet JAG if you like, but I prefer to not hold you back. Community service is agreeable, and your permanent record will reflect your rank of Lieutenant. As long as the Captain signs off. Any other discussion on this matter can be conducted behind closed doors,” Morgan said.

Noxi simply nodded. "If the Fleet was fully aware of the things I've done in the Militia, I would not be Captain today," she said, "So I am in zero position to judge."

"Permission to speak freely about that arboretum, ma'am?"

Noxi nodded.

"Where in the fuck does the science team think they're going to fit it? Are we gonna hotbunk and roommate up and rip out a section of crew quarters? Or we just gonna repurpose Cargo 1? Cause I don't know if the science team has realized that this ship is half the tonnage of the Wayward Son and has twenty five more crew. There's no way we can fit a full sized hydroponics bay in this hull."

Noxi chuckled. "Indeed, we're requisitioning one of the Cargo holds. We've been recomissioned as a science/exploration vehicle. We'll only need one Cargo bay, and two shuttle holds," she said. "I think it'll be fine, and besides, we have a few children aboard. It'll keep them busy," she explained.

“Don’t you worry about hydroponics, Lieutenant. We’ll make do. If we have to convert visitor quarters, we can. In the meantime, you can be assured there will be a plenty for you to do and to contribute to this crew. Also, you should probably be aware that your crew mates have not been made aware of your past. It will be up to you to tell them. We will not advertise it, but it will be up to you to fit in,” Morgan stressed to Deliverance’s new cartographer.

Noxi nodded again. Anything extra from her would just be repeating Morgan's words.

"So..." Rose looked confused for a moment, considering. She couldn't read faces, that much was clear. Not when she'd grown up reading minds. Didn't know how to hide her emotions, either. "So gonna have to be honest, I can't tell if this means I'm cleared for duty?"

Damian looked to Noxi and then offered, “I’ve made my position clear. Captain?”

Noxi smiled. "Lieutenant Junior Grade Rose Andrake, welcome to the USS Deliverance. You will report for duty at 0900 tomorrow morning."

Damian stuck out his hand. “Congratulations, Lieutenant. I’m your superior officer, but I’m also here for you. If you need anything. I mean it. I usually don’t make that offer to anyone else under my command, but, nevertheless, the offer stands.”

"Aye, cap'n. I'll take you up on that offer of walking with to meet the counselor. But afterwards, you know where I can get some real fresh food? Or synthehol free drinks to celebrate?" Rose offered a small grin before slipping back into a professional attention.

“Stop by the galley. They know you’re coming and you can find what you need there,” Morgan assured Rose.


A Mission Post by:
Capt. Dr. Nairut Noxi
Commanding Officer
USS Deliverance

Commander Damian Morgan
Executive Officer
USS Deliverance

Lt. JG Andrake
Astrocartography
USS Deliverance

 

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