Lt Commander Serala: Did you just fire me and then offer me a better job?
Jim Davis
(( Captain’s Ready Room, Deck 1, USS Atlantis ))
(( Time Index: Day Sixteen of Shore Leave ))
Serala approached the doors to the Captain’s Ready Room with some trepidation. She had no doubt this was about the investigation. Most likely, the Captain was about to render his decision.
(( Flashback 11 days, same location ))
Thoran: I have to say, I am disappointed in you, Serala.
Serala: :: softly :: Aue, Eriov.
(( Present ))
She pressed the door chime and waited to be admitted. She steeled herself and entered, standing at full attention in front of the Captain’s desk.
Thoran: Thank you for coming Commander. Please have a seat.
Serala: Yes, sir.
She took a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk placing her hands together in her lap to keep them from trembling.
(( Flashback ))
Thoran: I have to say, I am disappointed in you Serala.
(( Present ))
Thoran: I want to apologise for how long the investigation has taken. I can confirm that the matter is concluded.
Serala: And what is your finding, sir?
She felt the gorge rising in her throat. She thought she was going to be sick. The look on his face combined with the heaviness of his sigh told her all she needed to know.
Thoran: Lieutenant Commander Serala, as per article fifteen of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, you have been found guilty of misconduct for assaulting a fellow officer. You are to be relieved of your position as Chief Tactical Officer and are required to seek counseling to address your anger management.
oO Guilty. My dishonor is complete. Oo
She couldn’t speak, so she nodded her understanding. She felt as if her world was crumbling around her. An Honor suicide was out of the question considering she was with child. But if she didn’t do so soon, the time for such an act would pass and it would mean nothing. At least she wasn’t in the Empire. Her name would be stripped from her, as had happened to her mother.
Thoran: You have the right to appeal the judgement, which will then be taken up with the Judge Advocate General Corps. You also have the option of refusing the punishment in favour of a court martial. ::He handed her the PADD which she took with a trembling hand:: On here you will find the full details, along with your rights under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
There was a long silence as Serala struggled to speak, to try and express her feelings. How could she make him understand what had just happened.
Serala: S...Sir. I understand. And I respect your decision. It … couldn’t have been easy. I have dishonored myself and this is the consequence. Your duty was clear.
Thoran: I can understand your feelings. But, there is a silver lining Commander. The situation in the region has become… complicated. More complicated. Things are changing and I feel it is not for the better. To that Commander, I would like to offer you the position of Strategic Operations Officer.
oO Uhm, fvah? Oo (( What? ))
Serala: What exactly would my new duties entail?
Thoran: Duties would include reviewing strategic and tactical data, man the Tactical station during combat conditions, oversee first line offensive and defensive capabilities on board the ship. You will also be expected to coordinate and liaise closely with various departments, including Flight Control, Operations, Science, Security and the Marines to ensure the safety of the ship.
Serala: :: incredulous :: I don’t know what to say? Did you just fire me and then offer me a better job?
Thoran: Response
Serala: Well, I accept, sir. You know. Sometimes, I’m glad I serve in Starfleet and not the Imperial Military. There I would be having my name stripped from me right about now. The ultimate form of punishment. Worse than execution. A name is everything to a Romulan. But instead, I get offered a better job.
She was fighting back tears now. She wasn’t sure whether to be upset about her guilty finding, or ecstatic about her new position.
Thoran: Response
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