LCDR Aine Sherlock - Bearing Down

[Aine Sherlock]

((First Officers Office, Deck 3, USS Octavia E. Butler))

The tension in the room was thick as Jack left. And when the door swished shut behind him, Aine tried to relieve some of it. But it was clear that Michele had something to say, and it didn't feel like it was going to be something pleasant.

Sherlock: At ease Captain, have a seat.

Winters: I assume Mister Kessler was here requesting permission to be reinstated and no doubt back in Tactical?

The Marine Captain elected to stay standing and get straight to business.

Sherlock: Tactical is where he's most experienced and his last occupational specialty. Is it a problem?

Winters: Yes sir it is.

Promontory: (enunciating his words carefully) We take our acting tactical chief’s opinions on the matter seriously. (beat) This is a professional concern, not a personal one?

Michele locked eyes with Avander and Aine suddenly felt like she was child again, watching her parents argue. She chose not to look back and forth between the two, just staring, trying to break the line drawn between the two.

Winters: Is not the safety of the ship and crew both professional and personal for you sir? (beat) It is for me but if you want a distinguishable difference. This is professional.

Promontory: I see.

Winters: Do you sir? He spent five months as a prisoner of the Zet. How compromised do you think he is? I’m sure you ordered a full medical review and psych review as well but we both know that can be fooled.

The temperature in the room suddenly shot up, or maybe it was the sudden jump in heart rate. Aine was hearing Michele's words just fine, and she understood the argument. But she wanted to calm the waters as well.

Sherlock: Michele, your concerns are valid. But Starfleet has protocols in place and we're going to follow those protocols.

Winters: I strongly protest his reinstatement at any level. He is a danger to this ship and crew.

It felt like she may have gotten across to Michele, that she'd reeled it in a little...

Promontory: (firmly) I said, we’ll take it under advisement. (beat) Now is there anything else you feel we ought to know?

Winters: Only that you are putting the ship at risk by reinstating him.

...or not.

Sherlock: And we will determine that once he's undergone evaluation.

Promontory: Response

Winters: Sir, Jack is compromised whether you want to admit it or not. He convinced you and Commodore V’Airu to allow an unsanctioned mission to rescue supposed Starfleet personnel from Zet forces. A mission that was driven by his desire to find his parents. (beat) What do you think was foremost on his mind?

Promontory: Response

Winters: No sir, that drive is still very much alive in him. Jack does not back off from anything. Especially family. He’ll put more people in danger to go back after them if he found any evidence at all that they are alive.

Promontory: Response

Though what Michele was saying made sense on one level, Aine felt she was going about it the wrong way. And it seemed there was no stopping her. She didn't want to question her, but she was going to have to step up and do just that.

Sherlock: Is it possible that your personal relationship with him is clouding your judgement?

Winters: With all due respect Commander, I am not sure that it is not you who is not thinking clearly on this matter.

Though Michele's words shocked her, Aine tried to remain calm, or at least look calm. The Marine Captain was dangerously close to being out of order. But she did have concerns, and was free to voice those concerns. But she needed to act like an officer in doing so.

Sherlock: ::firmly:: Your concerns are duly noted, ::beat:: Captain.

Promontory: Response

Winters: Out of line…you bet I am. If a Marine is not out of line in defense of their post then they are not doing their job. Or did you forget what Greaves taught you sir? (beat dropping both hands from her back and placing them on Promontories desk) If you want an officer who is going to say ‘yes sir’ and play nice then go ahead and reinstate Jack. I won’t be that officer.

Sherlock: Captain Winters!

Michele had made her point. This decision was going to be all or nothing, there was no compromise. But that decision wasn't going to be made right then and there. Aine was sure Avander would be willing to shut it all down, but it was evident that there was more they had to discuss and they couldn't do that with Michele in the room.

Sherlock: Stand at ease. ::setting her PADD on the desk and standing next to Winters, she spoke in an affirmative manner:: We hear what you're saying, Captain. But you will maintain your bearing, is that understood?

Winters: response

Promontory: response

Aine stayed standing at Michele's side, facing her like a drill instructor.

Sherlock: We will make a decision. That decision will be final and it WILL be respected. And regardless of that decision, we will not allow it to affect other departments negatively and cause systemic issues throughout this ship.

It wasn't just a goal, it was a warning. They couldn't have officers moved around causing discord through the ranks. What started as something simple suddenly grew into something complex.

Winters: response

Sherlock: Now if there's nothing else ::beat:: you're dismissed.

((OOC: Thinking good time for Michele to exit and Avander and Aine can have a chat.))

tags/TBC

LCDR Aine Sherlock

Chief of Security

U.S.S. Octavia E. Butler

R239712AS0