A Difficult But Necessary Choice.

Posted on Sun Oct 27th, 2024 @ 8:20pm by Admiral S'iraa & Captain Ethan De Havilland

1,259 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Let That Be Your Last
Location: Ready Room.
Timeline: Current

The last assignment left many questions but little in the way of answers, interviews and interrogations of the rescued colonists, civilian captives and also the raiders that were taken all shed light on one aspect or another. Already Starfleet command was holding enquiries of all key participants on the matter to get to the bottom of what happens and piece the events together as best they could. From the two vessels that accompanied Admiral S'iraa to the damaged Dreadnought they each took on passengers, one the civilians while the other took on those hostiles to the situation...the raiders.

S'iraa however had an unpleasant issue to attend to, one that he was not looking forward to but had to be done. Armed with all the information he needed he made his way to the Captain's Ready Room where the computer had told him the man was located.

*** Ready Room ***

Ethan was sat behind his desk reviewing reports that were being submitted by his department heads especially given the number of repairs that had been completed but also those that were still underway. He was hoping that he'd have a somewhat better report to submit to the Admiral before he was asked. Unaware that would happen sooner rather than later. Looking up from the report he was mid way through at the sound of the door chime he wondered whom might be coming to see him, initially he suspected his First Officer Commander Aventnova. "Come."

The doors opened and to his surprise stood the Admiral and not the Commander. "Admiral." Ethan spoke standing up from his chair. "Is everything alright? Something I can do for you?"

S'iraa walked in, slightly raising a hand to at ease the Captain. "No, nothing." S'iraa replied as he readied himself to deliver the news. "I have been touring the ship, much has changed."

"If you'd like a full tour Admiral I'm happy to arrange it for you." Ethan spoke.

"That's not why I am here." S'iraa replied, the gloomy cloud starting to invisibly fill the room. "Take a seat Captain." S'iraa added trying to do something to ease the blow he was about to deal to the man. "Captain, Command are holding public enquiries about what happened during the Dreadnought's last assignment."

"To be expected, given the circumstances." Ethan remarked at the news.

"Captain...." S'iraa took a few steps to stand in front of the desk more centrally. "Command have requested your presence at the enquiry."

"But Admiral, I have my duties here, the ship is still damaged it can't make the trip to Earth in a timely manner yet." Ethan spoke half surprised and half puzzled at this turn of events.

"Captain, your ship fired on the colony. A military vessel engaging from orbit a civilian facility is bound to raise questions with the Admiralty especially considering the ship involved. While all your officers support the account of events by lowering the facility shield, that needs to be explained and not just to Command." S'iraa spoke.

"Admiral, sensors will confirm that no lives were lost during that action. I targeted areas of the shield grid away from the colony, even had I penetrated the shield I would have impacted bare ground away from buildings or civilian used areas." Ethan answered.

"And sensors do confirm that, I have checked such. But Captain it still remains that a Starfleet vessel was seen to be firing on a civilian colony. The action alone necessitates investigation, that questions be asked and answers obtained. You as Master of the vessel in question will need to attend in person and answer questions, you will have access to all records, reports as well as any evidence provided." S'iraa continued his unpleasant business.

"Evidence..." Ethan rose. "Am I on trial Admiral?"

"At this time no." S'iraa answered.

"At this time...." Ethan scoffed not liking where this was going.

"Captain, you command the largest, most powerful vessel in Starfleet. Its mere presence anywhere draws the attention of friend, foe and neutral alike. It is not a Defiant that can hide behind an asteriod, the Dreadnought is bigger than most orbital platforms and stations. Every action is scrutinized not just by our foes, but everyone including Command. It can make the difference in deescalating a situation but handled poorly could easily escalate one. While your intentions may have been noble, and your actions precise its that reasoning you will have to explain. Surely you didn't think you could fire on a colony and not be questioned over it?" S'iraa continued.

Ethan walked to the side to stand next to the window that looked down the spine of the large vessel, even seeing one or two of the stealth projectiles still embedded in the armour plating. "Am I losing Command of the Dreadnought?"

There was a brief pause before S'iraa spoke. "Yes. Given the situation and circumstances involved Command feels its best that you be removed from command. It's hoped the act by Command will be seen as Starfleet taking the matter seriously and acting promptly before the media can spin it's own take on the situation given the number of civilians involved." S'iraa answered.

As much as it pained Ethan he knew the Admiral was right. It was far better to preempt the situation instead of reacting to it too late. He expected questions but losing his command was something he was unprepared for and it was that which blindsided him the most. "When do I leave?"

"My shuttle remains on board, you will take it from here to one of the support vessels I brought with me and they will take the prisoners, rescued civilians and yourself to Earth." S'iraa took no pleasure from this but sometimes duty was not always a pleasure to perform.

Ethan couldn't help but take a deeper breath than usual but his shoulders dropping more in turn. "I see." It was hard for him to accept that his fate was already before him with only the outcome yet to be decided. Clearing his throat he turned to face the Caitian. "I understand Admiral. Computer, transfer all command codes to Admiral S'iraa. Voice authorization De Havilland Zeta 92."

*Transfer complete. U.S.S Dreadnought now under command of Admiral S'iraa.*

Ethan walked upto the Admiral knowing he was just doing what duty demanded, he couldn't hate the feline for that no matter how he felt.

S'iraa lifted a hand to shake Ethan's. "I relieve you sir."

Ethan shook the hand even if his felt small by comparison. "I am relieved." Once the shake broke Ethan started to make his way to the door.

"Captain." S'iraa spoke. "As dire the situation may appear to you, you may yet return to command be it this ship or another. Hope is worth holding onto, answer the questions as best you can, back up what you say with facts, details and reports. Go to win at what you do, the confidence will be seen and remembered."

Ethan nodded knowing the Admiral spoke truth, if his career was on the line he had to fight, be confident in his approach and strive to come out on top. He left the Ready Room for the last time and headed to his quarters to pack the few things that he had.

Mean while S'iraa got to work, there was much to do and waiting was not something he was known for. =^= Commander Aventova, report to the Ready Room. =^= S'iraa would need to brief the First Officer on events and make sure things continued to operate smoothly.

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