Some Explaining to do

Posted on Sat Oct 17th, 2009 @ 3:37am by Captain James Montgomery & Ensign Bak'ten J'trey & Lieutenant JG Shinga Thrax & Commander John Sheridan

1,214 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Prelude: Blowing away the Cobwebs
Location: Ready room, USS Orion
Timeline: current

ON

Chief Tactical Officer Nartu made his way to the bridge. He'd need to tell the CO about the altercation with Getal. Montgomery however was already aware something had transpired - a phaser discharge on the ship in dry dock had been picked up by internal sensors and the CO hoped the officer or officers responsible would be coming to explain as soon as possible.

Sheridan entered the ready room, the look on his face showed great displeasure mixed with concern... He nodded to the Captain, "Morning Sir, heard anything?"

Nope, I'll wait a little while, see if anyone shows up to explain then you can go investigate for me. I'm sure it was just an accidental discharge."

"Cardasians are confrontational by nature, I hope your right." John leaned back in the chair...

Nartu had already compiled a written report of the incident, and had brought the PADD with him. He ahd also rehearsed his responses for many an hour the night before. The Cardassian DID regret what h did, however he felt it was necessary.

'After all' he thought to himself, 'I did give him a chance to surrender AND the phaser was on minimum setting'.

The Ensign approached the door to his Captain's ready room and rang the chimes.

"Come in" came the response. "Ah Ensign, I've been expecting you, have a seat and give me your report."

Nartu entered and took a seat across from his superior officer.

"Well, to start, I wrote down my account on this PADD-" Nartu referred to the object contained in his right hand.

"-but if there is any additional information you require that I did not include in my report, I'd be glad to provide it."

Binjole handed the PADD to his CO.

Montgomery scanned it and passed it to the XO for his inspection. "I knew I was taking a risk accepting two cardassian officers on the same ship, never mind the same department" he said with a sigh. "It kicked off a little sooner than I'd bargained for. We'd better pay a visit to the brig"

John nodded in agreement, "I have seen conflict on several ships staff before but none where a weapon was used while a crewman was reporting in."

Nartu was slightly on edge now, but contained it with a neutral facial expression:

"As I indicated in the report, sir, I gave him fair warning to back down. And when I shot him, it was at absolute minimum setting. I felt as though I had no other choice, but you can read all that in my report"

- Brig -

Sheridan passed through the security checkpoint at the brig and was very impressed with the Marine staff, "Where would Ensign Getal be staying?"

"He's surely the only one down here so Cell 1A would be my guess said Montgomery" and sure enough as the group rounded the corner Ensign Getal was sat at the back of the cell.

Tharek looked up, having a smile that could cut through dilithium. "Oh, hello Commander, Lieutenant... Ensign skrÄƒgh." Tharek ended his sentence with a sly and provocative smile.

Nartu stared at his fellow Cardassian for a second, then spoke: "Greetings, Mr. Getal."

John didn't like seeing Starfleet officers behind bars, "Hello Ensign how are you feeling after your nap... Perhaps you could give me a brief explanation of your actions."

"Let me out of here and I'll show you the rest of my actions against that Cardassian mongrel." Tharek said in a troubling tone.

"I don't thing you'll be going anywhere if you don't explain this to me."

Nartu instinctively went for his phaser, secured in a holster at the Cardassian's right hip. However, he stopped.

"Please, Mr. Getal, calm down." said he.

"Calm down! Calm down?! You cont deserve to even be acknowledged as a Cardassian! If I ever get out of here, I'll settle this the true Cardassian way!" He shouted toward Nartu. Tharek knew what he was doing was wrong, but he couldn't stop himself. Something was taking over, and it wasn't Tharek...

It was apparent to Sheridan that there was some history going on here he wasn't aware of, He turned to Ensign Nartu.. " Nartu, Have you ever seen Ensign Getal before?" The question was very direct and John waited for an answer....

Nartu knew the answer immediately, he had never met this Cardassian before two days ago. Why the First Officer was asking him this surprised him.

"No, sir. I'd never met the Ensign before he came on as my Security Investigations Officer. However, the last name sounds familiar. I'm not sure how, though."

"If there is some ancient history here perhaps I should know it Ensign..."

Nartu stopped to think for a moment. He had heard the name before, he just couldn't remember when, where, or by whom.

"I'm sorry sir, I just can't remember. I promise you, I am telling you THE WHOLE AND COMPLETE TRUTH, nothing less. If I remember ANYTHING, you and the Captain will be the first ones to know. Anyway, let's hear what Getal has to say for himself."

"I've heard about enough" said Montgomery, "There aren't many Cardassians in star fleet and I'm pretty sure that the Orion is one of the only ships with more than one on board. Now am I going to be the laughing stock of Starfleet - an inexperienced Commander allowing two to join his crew in the same department and we don't make it two sectors out of dry dock before they're at each others throats?" he paused for effect and to glare at his officers. "Perhaps - but I'd rather that that have an officer in the brig for the rest of this trip so I WILL turn this ship around and dump you both back on Jup. Ensign Nartu I expect you think that would be particularly harsh on you but as the Department Head I expect you to get it sorted. Mr Getal you have just been moved to the top of the physical and psyc exam lists. Once they're complete you will be released, and you are both to submit daily reports to Lieutenant Sheridan and gentlemen you will sort this out or I will do it for you and that's not an option any of us wants."

Lieutenant Sheridan was actually thinking how long it would take to send them on a slow shuttle, "I'm sure this will be your one and last chance to get this resolved." He was looking at his entire Security staff....

John was watching closely, "You people heard the man Ensign Nartu you are dismissed and I expect to see your daily report in ten hours. Ensign Getal, pending your eval you will remain in custody until it's deemed safe to release you."

Commander's left the area walking behind Ensign Nartu, John stopped at the security check point and spoke to the security supervisor. "Double the guard here and keep on your toe's, That cell will not be opened without the Captain or I being notified, Understood?"

OFF

Commander James Montgomery
Commanding Officer
USS Orion

Lt. Cdr. John Sheridan
Executive Officer
USS Orion

Ensign Binjole Nartu
Chief Security Officer
USS Orion

Ensign Tharek Getal
Special Investigations Officer, (SIO)
USS Orion

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