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Emergency Briefing (part 3)

Posted on Tue Apr 11th, 2017 @ 10:01am by Commodore Samantha York & Kalikana (Kali) & Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe & Lieutenant Arnon Barak MD, PsyD & Commander Alexandra Vance & Orvack

1,282 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Shadow Dance
Location: Conference Room

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

"And on this subject, you Commodore must prepare for a scenario no amount of years in Command could prepare you for. As some may know, Keelan has swiftly manipulated the mind of Commander Tate and I am confident in my assessment that she is currently suffering from the symptoms of Stockholm Syndrome. By trade, Commander Tate is an analyst with no field experience beyond this mission, which coupled along with her recent encounter with Gul Morat and other mitigating factors compromised her mental fortitude allowing him to warp her mind. Should Keelan become aware of this, there is a possibility he will use Tate to attempt to discredit the evidence. Keep in mind as we consider this scenario that the Jenefran and Qunari people are unfamiliar with our technology. Should Tate come up with a narrative convincing enough to sway the people, we may be forced to discredit her. It is also that in this scenario, Commander Tate would be considered an accomplice to Keelan should he be found guilty under Jenefran law. There is also the possibility that should she escape Jenefran law, Starfleet itself may find her guilty under violation of the Prime Directive. It's a stretch, but if I have learned anything in my career, a motivated JAG officer is a dangerous opponent. Jennifer will have likely weighed this amongst her thoughts and likely feels returning to the Federation is not in her best interests. We must prepare for the possibility that Commander Tate might not willfully return to us."

‘NEW]

Alexandra paused letting this settle in amongst the staff, she would seek rebuttal before continuing any more on her train of thought.

"What you need to take into account, commander, is that the Jenefran people not only loved King Mrowen, they adored Princess Kalikana and her mother. The former Queen and her daughter spent a great deal of time helping the poor and visiting the sick. They got to know the people and their needs. When the Queen died, Kali went into a period of mourning. Keelan does not hold the same level of respect that she does. When confronted with the facts, I believe the Jenefran people will side with Kali." Sam folded her arms across her chest. Alexandra was continually underestimating Sam’s knowledge and capability. But this time, Sam had more information than Alexandra did. “I believe Kali’s influence on her people is sufficient to overcome Keelan’s lies. Especially with the evidence the crew compiled to prove not only Tate’s, but Kali’s innocence.. As for Commander Tate, she now knows that she was wrong. SHe is no longer under Keelan's control. Our problem is not convincing her that he is a despot but convincing her that she doesn't have to run away in shame. However, since she fell under Keelan’s spell in the space of a day, it is entirely possible that once he gets her alone, he can again persuade her that he is the victim"

Kali stood and turned to Alexandra. "Samantha york is correct. These are not Keelan's people, they are mine. Keelan the Usurper murdered my father and tried to murder me. The only Jenefrans who might stand by his side are the members of the Council. The people themselves will not. If Samantha York's evidence does not convince them, I will."

"The princess also fled when he father was killed, some may see this as cowardice. We must ensure that it is seen only as a means of self-preservation from Keelan's death squad. That being said I do not underestimate you nor do I believe you are incapable of performing the task. It is however my job as an intelligence officer to prepare you for all scenarios. However it is you whom underestimate Keelan's grip on Tate. If anyone has hope of getting through to her, it's Batiste." Alexandra responded.

"I am no coward," Kali insisted.

Orvack took offense to Kali being called a coward clenched his fist, causing a slight growl to form in his throat. He did his best to contain his anger and allowed the growl to slowly fade away as he looked at Alexandra with a fierce look.

"The Princess fled rather than be forced into an arranged marriage with a man she despised," Sam corrected. "You misjudged Keelan's effect on tate. You may also be misjudging her acceptance of the data she saw and verified. She's an analyst, she deals in facts and I gave her facts." But Sam had to concede one point. Well, two. The fact that Tate was so easily swayed only showed that she had some serious issues that needed treatment. "I will grant that Tate could change her opinion again, even with the evidence. Batiste tried to talk to her, and was not successful. But if we can get her back onto the ship, perhaps he can do better."

"Until Lieutenant Barack takes it upon himself to visit Batiste, its hard to say what his current state of mind is. The Counselor is the only one here capable enough to decide whether speaking to Tate will, in fact, help her or not." Damion paused for a moment and cleared his throat before continuing. "Look. I don't particularly like the little troll, but he hasn't exactly breezed through this mission like most of us. His relationship with Tate is clearly effected and his closest friend is lying in our sickbay. He may need time."

"I welcome Lieutenant Barak's analysis," Sam replied.

"I'll visit Remy directly, Commodore," Arnon said. "I agree with Commander Vance's assertion that Commander Tate may be suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, but I am reserving final judgement until I've had an opportunity to evaluate her myself."

"Thank you," Sam said, nodding to Arnon.

Orvack slammed his fist on the table and shouted telepathically. His mental voice was strong and firm. "Your Officer is not the only person who has suffered here. My people have been hunted, slaughtered, like animals. Our villages burned. Their skinned carcass' left to rot in the sun."

Damion quickly held up his hand, speaking allowed. "I understand your people have suffered dearly. I am not saying our man's problems are bigger than yours. I am only saying that, this is out of character for him, something none of us anticipated. According to one of my superiors, this man is emotional closed off to everyone outside his small circle, and those in that circle, he keeps very close. Logan, the Caitian in sickbay, is like a family member to him and Tate is the first woman he has every emotionally opened up to. Which, from what I am told, is a very big step for him. Imagine opening up to someone for the first time, in a very long time, and suddenly having it taken away from you without warning. For someone like Batiste, its not only emotional draining but, it may have even broken his spirit."

Orvack looked at the Security Chief and remained silent. He turned slightly over to Kali, than back again, only to give the man a nod. He understood. Orvack only just connected with Kali and had already fought protect her. Had she ever been taken away, he wouldn't be able to control himself, lashing out at everyone and everything. If he had to, he would find a way to move the planet itself just to bring her back and ensure her safe return to him.

(To be continued...)

Commander Alexandra Vance
Intelligence Officer

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Kalikana
Princess of Jenefra

Orvack
Ruler of the Qunari

Lieutenant Damion Wolfe
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Lieutenant Arnon Barak
Chief Counselor

 

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