JP: LtCmdr. Teller and Dr. Rahman: No Win Scenario (Part 2)
Geoffrey Teller
((The next day, Teller's quarters, USS Juneau))
Having gotten a few hours of sleep after updating the ships repair log, Teller found himself idly tossing a water polo ball against the adjacent bulkhead, catching it on the rebound, and then tossing it once again. His internal count was up to two hundred and ninety three, a new personal best, when he heard the locks on his quarters releasing a moment before the doors themselves slid open to admit his CO and friend, Captain Roshanara Rahman.
Rahman: On your feet, Commander.
Putting the ball aside and coming to his feet, Teller stood at attention, unsure of what this conversation entailed.
Rahman: I’ve read the report. ::shaking head:: And frankly, I don’t know what you were thinking.
Teller: Ma'am. Respectfully, this officer would like to know if he should request representation from the JAG core before speaking.
Rahman: All right then, let’s talk. It’s just you and me now. The prisoner was already secured from what I understand. I’ve prosecuted an officer before for the abuse of a prisoner in custody—successfully, I might add. That ended with the officer being demoted and I’d pushed for him to be dismissed from the service.
She didn’t tell him that due to circumstances, that fortunately didn’t happen. Nor that the guilty officer was in fact their own mutual former shipmate, Commander Evan Delano.
Still, her voice was sharp as a bat'leth.
Rahman: So I’m asking you. What the hell happened?
Teller: Do I have permission to speak freely, ma’am?
The Captain nodded, and Geoff deflated slightly, the knot in his shoulders relaxing a fraction.
Teller: Ma’am, I saw a course of action that removed two major threats to the ship and crew with a tactical use of force. It wasn’t something I did lightly, and it wasn’t something I did flippantly. From where I stood, with the resources I had available and the time we had, I felt, and still feel, it was the best course of action for all involved.
Roshanara took a step closer to the young man, her eyes locked on his as she let the moment linger.
Rahman: Well, fortunately for you, the Starfleet JAG--and Command for that matter--agrees. They’ve made it clear that they are not intended to press this matter further and want it resolved immediately. This incident will not be recorded in your file as a judicial action.
Teller: That’s a relief. I’ve had a bit of time to think since this all started. Captain, I’ve learned a lot from you in my time aboard the Veritas, and I’ve learned some other lessons in my time aboard the Juneau. It was an imperfect situation, and I won’t make excuses for an imperfect solution. I made a call that protected the most people, at the lowest cost of life, and I stand by it. No excuses.
Rahman: You’re right about that, commander. There are no excuses. I would have hoped that I’ve set a better example for you. We may hunt pirates in the Shoals, but this is still the Federation Starfleet, and you are a Starfleet officer. And while the Admirals back in San Francisco may not have a problem with what you did, you’re *damn* lucky this isn’t the Veritas.
Teller: Ma’am, I couldn’t agree with you more.
She gave him a final cold stare, eyes like daggers before she turned around and headed out the door. When the doors parted, she looked back in the open doorway.
Rahman: Effective immediately your confinement is lifted, and you’re to resume your duties as chief engineer. There’s a ceremony in the Main Shuttlebay at 1400 hours. Be there on time.
She turned back and exited, the doors sliding shut behind her.
Teller released a breath in a puff and rubbed his temples, starting at the impassive bulkhead. At Starfleet Academy, cadets are often placed in ‘no win scenarios’ meant to provoke creative thinking and introspection. Some part of his mind wondered how the cadets of the future would tackle this particular situation when their time came, and if their solution would leave them feeling as low as he felt now.
Teller: Yes ma’am.
[End]
Lieutenant Commander Geoffrey Teller
Chief Engineer
USS Juneau - NX-99801
Captain Oddas A., Commanding
V239509GT0
&
Dr. Roshanara Rahman
Mission Specialist
USS Juneau
I238705TZ0