Debrief

Posted on Monday 28 September 2020 @ 19:41 by Captain Melody Jones

Mission: Race against the machine - Joint Mission with USS Andromeda
Location: Observation room, USS Andromeda
Timeline: After Planet killer is neutralised
1515 words - 3 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

The planet killer had just shut down again, its internal "whatever" seemingly fried like the one encountered by the orginal enterprise years ago. He should be ecstatic apart from they had lost a starship and one Captain had gone off on his own, not following the plan.

"Number one with me," Jon said as others were sensing relieved and almost giddy. "Lieutenant Datari, you have the bridge. Have the other two captains and their XOs brought up to the observation room."

"Aye sir," the Trill replied.

Amelia fell in step with Reynolds as they left the bridge, sensing the Captain was not best pleased with how things had gone down. She attempted some pre-emptive damage control "Well, the planet killer and those rogue Ferengi have been taken care of."

Nat stepped in the observation lounge and was quiet, feeling like she was in the principal's office. She looked out towards the stars feeling some pangs, at the loss of the Europa, then turned her attention to what was going on. She gave Vern a nod, not saying a word just yet.

Having beamed over from the Merlin, Melody and Rajel entered the observation lounge. "Well, not exactly what we were expecting but it got the job done. She looked over at Captain Keeding "You've got some serious stones there Captain. Well played. I'm not sure what Starfleet command is going to say about the loss of a Luna Class Starship but if you need a character witness at your court marshal, call me."

"Don't call me Captain, I could punch you right now. That was not the plan," Jon stated.

"You're right," Vern replied pretty calmly. "It wasn't. But I made a decision and honestly I don't think we'd all be standing here if I hadn't. There was enough force in that thing to take all of us out."

“You made a decision with no consultation with the rest of us and now there’s nothing we can do to stop you getting court-martialed,” Jon told him.

“You wanted your big moment of glory too, all you have been alluding too since we met. I want to be useful, I’m not going to stand aside and miss out on any action .... oh and not to mention worrying your sister ragged not that she will admit that she’s as stubborn as you are when she chooses.”

Natasha felt a spark of anger, with the accusations Captain Reynolds was venting towards Vern. She reined that in, tossing it into her mental airlock. Captain Reynolds was expressing his fright, and from what Vern had told her, the captain of the Andromeda was in a relationship with Vern's sister.

Cooler heads needing to prevail, Natasha spoke up, her voice soothing. "Captain Reynolds, Captain Keading will not be the only one who will be facing a court-martial. I will be facing one as well. In the rank of first officer, it was my duty to try to convince him that there was another course of action to take." looking Jon directly in the eyes.

"In all honesty, Captain Reynolds, there was no other choice. It seemed the most logical course of action, and we trusted you and your crew to come through, to bring us refugees onto your ship.

Captain Keading didn't do what he did for glory or fame, it was out of love for his sister, for the ships involved, for the people of Baku. The needs of the many outweighed the needs of the few or the one. The choice was made, without any thought of consequences, or any thought of glory, both he and I are responsible for our actions."

"I'm empathic Commander so believe me when I tell you there was an element of that man wanting to go out guns blazing and I get you're angry at me speaking my piece against your Captain. I appreciate the effort you just made to calm yourself recognising things and I can commend you on your loyalty to your CO but this is serious. I mean it when I say I can see no way around you both getting court martialed.

It was still a long way till it would have reached Trill and the starbase. We know it would have needed to refuel once more and had anticipated where it was going to do so. We could have planned this properly. All that was needed was the Cetea and Ferengi be neutralized at that point," Jon said.

"While my colleague here," he indicated Melody, "And I applaud your bravery. Something could have gone horribly wrong and we could have lost a hell of a lot of people. As it is, we are still trying to sort the headcount to see if we managed to get all of your crew."

"We only picked up Verns life signs when we scanned the ship Jonathan," Melody Jones offered trying to smooth the waters and bring things back to a more friendly level. "Look yes at the end of the day he made a command decision regarding his ship and his crew."

Jon looked at Melody and Amelia. "Well that's something Melody at least but I would feel better my ops people confirming it officially." He followed suit on her deciding to make things slightly more informal.

"Number one. You know Starfleet regs backwards, forwards and any which way. Is there anything we can find that we can argue may save these two from having that black mark on their career."

Amelia thought for a moment. "The only one I can think of at the moment is Regulation 3, Paragraph 12: In the event of imminent destruction, a Starfleet captain was authorized to preserve the lives of his crew by any justifiable means. This seemed to be the only way we were going to destroy the Planet Killer." she added.

Amelia continued "Also Regulation 191, Article 14 states that in a combat situation involving more than one ship, command fell to the vessel with tactical superiority, should there not be a higher ranking officer present. The Merlin clearly falls into that role, however," she cast an uneasy glance at Melody "Since Jon outranks you he would have been within his command prerogative to transfer his flag to the Merlin and assume command.... No offence Melody."

Melody shrugged it off. "It's ok Amelia. Non taken, but I'll admit it wouldn't have been my first choice of action." She said, casting a glance at Jon.

Vern sighed slightly. He didn't feel the need to answer for what he'd done again, not to Jon. Starfleet would be of a different opinion but honestly, he was willing to face the consequences of those actions. Perhaps his career in Starfleet was done? It had only brought him misery, maybe it was a good thing.

“Don’t worry Melody. I haven’t any intentions of snaking another captains boat. I’m happy with my girl Andromeda,” he said firmly.

“I guess we are just going to have to see what the brass say about all this. Meanwhile, we need to figure out space and provisions for all the Europa crew. We can set course back to 308 and drop you all off there. If we could coordinate some maybe using rooms on your ship as well. I think it’s nicer than some ending up squashed into cargo bays.”

"We're happy to help out," Melody said and tapped her comm badge. "Jones to Merlin, We'll be picking up some guests from the Europa. Make sure the relevant quarters are made available. Once they're all tucked away, lay in a course to accompany the Andromeda to Starbase 308."

"Aye Captain."

Natasha had moved to where she was standing next to Vern, in support of him, lending him her strength as it were. With the planning on where to put the rest of the crew of the USS Europa, there was still the question of where she and Vern will be placed.

"Just out of curiosity, Captain Reynolds, where will you be wanting us." gesturing between herself and Vern. "not that it really matters due to the situation, however I'd like to check in on the crew of the Europa, to let them know that Captain Keading is all right and to give them some words of assurance."

"Well, I figured you might want to be on the Andromeda Vern? Take the opportunity to spend some time with your sister?" he said.

"Your welcome to stay too. We can sort you both out some guest quarters."

"Yes please, I'm sure True would like that. And I would as well," he replied softly.

Natasha felt immensely relieved to hear the offer, part of her had been prepared to endure time in the brig.

"Thank you, I would like that very much." Natasha answered, feeling respect for Captain Reynolds. She looked at Vern, a little smile teasing at the corner of her mouth. At the very least, Vern will be able to visit with his sister. And maybe... he could see the lady whom he had met here on the USS Andromeda.

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