Lt. J. G. Silveira: The noose.

[Bruno Abreu]

((DS224, Command Suites))

Vitor walked along the station’s Command Suites with a straight pace. He knew were Commander MacKenzie’s temporary office was,and he wanted this over quickly.

He felt like he was walking with a hangman’s noose, making his mind think back to that foundational portuguese myth about Egas Moniz.

Legend has it that when the first king of Portugal, Afonso, was besieged by the king of Leon, Alfonso VI, Egas Monis managed to find a diplomatic solution, and committed the portuguese king’s word to recognize Alfonso’s sovereignty. At first he did, but when he declared war again Egas Moniz, with his word broken, took off to the Leonese capital.

With his wife and children, barefoot, with a simple cloth covering them and with a hangman's noose on each other's neck. He was offering their lives for his broken word.

Vitor wasn’t barefoot, or with a simple cloth. He had shaved again, had his most straight uniform and polished boots. But the invisible hangman’s noose was there.

He hit the chime of the office and to his surprise the doors opened.

MacKenzie: Mr. Silveira. Come in.

Vitor nodded and walked inside. 

Silveira: With your permission Commander.

He stopped in front of her, standing in attention. It was predictable that the meeting would be with the First Officer. It looked like Zie took the short straw, and she certainly didn’t look happy with it.

MacKenzie: Do you know why you’re here?

Vitor only allowed his eyes to move. He stood perfectly still, being certain that Zie wouldn’t let him stand at ease. 

Silveira: I am certain this is in regard with the Wyke incident.

Wyke incident. Such a cold way to call it. He couldn’t forget the moment Wyke revealed himself to them. He couldn’t forget the whole thing. He felt the noose hanging on his neck.

Zie would certainly pull the cord. And perhaps take some pleasure in doing so.

Vitor’s eyes darted to her as he considered that thought. In a way it was… Entertaining…

Zie was the hottest officer on the ship, Sher excluded of course. And there was a certain aura to her that…

oO For frack sake... Oo 

He put away those thoughts as she nodded slowly.

MacKenzie: I don’t have the luxury of knowing you personally the way that Captain Nicholotti does. What I do know is your service record - ::picking up the PADD and waving it at him:: and the reports I’ve seen from the inquiry. It’s not a pretty picture, is it, Lieutenant?

There she was tightening the rope. And that was to be expected. If she was as good as any of Kali’s XO’s Vitor knew, and she looked like it, she was going to make sure Kali, the crew and the ship would be protected. That could mean taking out the rotten apple. 

 

Silveira: No it isn’t Commander.

It was a dry and short reply. What else would he say. His action spoke for him, and like the saying went, he made his own bed, he would sleep on it.

MacKenzie: response

Silveira: There isn’t much else I can say beyond what I said in the inquiry. But if you feel you need me to answer any questions I will.

MacKenzie: response

The noose tightened. As it should. He kept his stance and braced for the impact. 

Silveira: I am well aware my actions were uncalled for. I am here to face the consequences of them.

And there, with some luck Zie would give the noose one final pull.

MacKenzie: response

TAGs/TBC

Lt. J. G. Vitor S.Silveira

Tactical Officer

USS Resolution, NCC-78145

O238907VS0