What We Leave Behind...

Posted on Mon Jan 22nd, 2018 @ 8:16am by

790 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: The Emerald Road
Location: Starfleet Command. Earth.

William sat in the lobby of the Admiralty wing of Starfleet Command, ever since he got the 'invitation' which hardly felt like one, he knew his fate would be decided. After all the interviews, cross examinations, explanations and even medical reviews there still lingered questions and for him especially.

What now?

Vash had been as supportive as she possibly could, she understood that the Dreadnought meant a lot to William and having to leave it behind was difficult. Every Captain grew attached to the ships they were assigned to command, it was only natural but for William this would be the first and he was not handling it well.

"They will see you now." The Aide spoke peeking through the door to the office.

William stood up and gave his tunic a straightening tug before he walked into the room. Admiral Conklan and Vice Admiral Matthews the SFJAG. Straight away William couldn't help but feel things were about to come crashing down around him.

"Take a seat Commodore." Will sat but the tension in the air was thick and he was in the centre of it. "I believe you already know Admiral Matthews."

"Admiral." William greeted.

"We have conducted a lengthy and detailed investigation surrounding the events leading up to what happened on the U.S.S. Dreadnought, during and its subsequent conclusion resulting in the wilful destruction and loss of the warp nacelle of the aforementioned U.S.S. Dreadnought." Matthews spoke first.

"Yes Admiral." William could only sit there, hoping for the best but inside at least part of him was prepared for the worst.

"After considerable deliberation with the Starfleet Corps of Engineering, Starfleet Medical and ranking members of Starfleet Command it has been decided that no charges of misconduct will be made." That made William let go of the breath he'd been holding but there was more to come.

"While your actions did knowingly damage the vessel, one which Im sure you can appreciate is the largest in service and perhaps the most technologically advanced, you decided to take appropriate action by heading to the Remmler Array to use its sweep to eradicate any trace of the hostile organism that had taken root on board thus preventing further loss to the lives of those on board."

"Yes Admiral." William offered in reply.

"That aside however, the repairs to the ship will take time. The Engineers have given considerable estimates on man hours and materials. While they will be actioned you have to understand that until repairs are completed you will be unable to retain your command."

It was like a dagger had been slowly, centimetre by centimetre pushed into his heart.

"I know that look William." Admiral Conklan spoke. "The Dreadnought will be retained by Command until repairs are done, at which time you will be informed and you will relieve me personally on the Bridge of the ship."

Relief came in a wave and he couldn't help the slight shoulder drop. "Understood Admiral, thank you."

"You should be aware that the CAG, a Lt Luthar has requested a Court Marshal, it seems General Age has been pushing rather hard in her own investigation. I have brought an end to that, there will be no Court Marshal. He has been reinstated and flight cleared."

"Understood." That little tibbet of information was new to William. It did make him wonder who else of his staff had troubles.

"Obviously we do not have another Ascension to give you, however we do have a Prometheus class on stand by, the U.S.S. Indefatigable. Obviously given the size of the ships not all of the crew from the Dreadnought will fit on board, those left behind will be temporally assigned elsewhere but returned once repairs are completed."

"I understand." William had always liked the sleek graceful lines of the Prometheus, will be interesting to step aboard one.

"You will relieve Commander Lyn Abrams when you get on board, she oversaw the latest refit to the ship."

"Yes Admiral."

"While I am happy to say that concludes this meeting I am sure you have matters to deal with, this brings an end to the proceedings both for the crew of the vessel and yourself. I suggest you assemble your officers and head to the Indefatigable when you are able." Conklan spoke then closed the session.

Will rose from his chair, nodded to both Admiral and then left where he was greeted by a young Ensign assigned to assist him get things going. "Inform my staff to head to yard 17 as soon as possible."

OO: Ok guys lets get this mission going, everyone should get a message from my young Ensign assistant, Ensign Renee informing them to meet at the yard.

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