Fireworks at dawn

Posted on Wed Jan 21st, 2026 @ 9:19am by Captain Shran dh'Klar & Commander Jonathan Grayson & Lieutenant Imik S'Niohun

1,692 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Not All Orders Are Easy
Location: Captains ready room
Timeline: Current

ON

As she approached the Captains ready room, Imik looked back at Jon. She could see he still wasn't overjoyed at the Ojnas High Command orders, how would Shran react? Being Andorian he may understand Imik's dilemma a little better than Jon, but he was also a Starfleet Captain and they didn't like or approve of anything which might upset the running of their vessel.

"Commander, do you wish to enter first or shall we enter together?" Another simple question, one which before now she wouldn't have asked. This again visibly irked Jon, Imik awaited his response.

"We're in this together, we will enter together." Jon answered simply and directly. His tone even and professional. He wasn't one bit happy with the Onjas High Command and what they were doing with Imik.

Imik turned and pressed the chime on Shran's door, this was something she wasn't looking forward to. Just as Sachzny had done, Imik also had great respect for her Captain and this problem created by the High Command wasn't needed or wanted. She had a vague idea why it had arisen as a certain group now controlled public opinion, this group wanted the Federation out of Ojnas territory and Ojnas politics. But here was the person who had brought peace to the Ojnas and returned that very territory, would he see this as an insult to him and the Federation?

Jon stood silently beside Imik as she pressed the door chime to
Shran's ready room. He wanted Shran involved in this. The captain carried great weight and respect both in the Federation as well as its allies.

As the pair entered Imik simply dipped her head, no blessing to the captain his family or his ship. She stopped in front of his desk and waited for either Shran or Jon to speak, Imik herself had decided to let one or other of the Federation Officers set the tone. That way at least she could say it was their choice, as they had tackled it in this or that way.

Jon sighed mentally as Imik remained silent as the pair entered the ready room leaving it to him to inform the captain of why they were here. "Sorry to bother you sir but we, that is Imik has a problem and we're hoping you can help us with it. It involves the Onjas High Command and restrictions they have put on her."

Shran thought back to his dealings with the Ojnas High Command in regard to Sachzny. While he respected them, he had no love of them. He found them to be as arrogant and shortsighted as Vulcans, and that rubbed him the wrong way. Hearing something about restrictions sent his antennae to a straight point. "I have a feeling I'm not going to like this." He closed his computer terminal and leaned back in his chair, "Alright, I'm guessing this is why you have been neglecting your duties as of late lieutenant. Go ahead and spit it out, all of it. We can't deal with things until the truth is laid bare."

"I am sorry you feel I have neglected my duties Sinkahue, but due to new orders being given I no longer can carry out everything I once did." Imik stood in front of Shran straight and faced him head on, not the usual stance of an Ojnas female. Male dominance was normal in both Andorian and Ojnas society, but Imik had been exposed to combat where it didn't count so her attitude differed somewhat. "The Ojnas High Command and High Council have issued new orders and guidelines which I am duty bound to obey."

Her voice was strong but within it a knowledge that things were not as they should be, "Duties I once could carry out are now forbidden, interaction with Starfleet personnel is limited to learning, instruction on Ojnas policies or observing. I cannot engage in away teams or small talk; food and celebrations are also restricted." As Imik listed everything she could no longer do the more it sounded stupid even to her, "There has been a rise in anti-Federation sentiment within our Republic, many want the Federation to leave Ekotsy Prime and return our base within the Agephia system so contact with the Founders can occur." She halted and waited for some reaction from either Shran or Jon.

Divided loyalties. Shran knew all about that. It was something one dealt with in intelligence, and something he had seen many times in his life and career. Worf had divided loyalties, Kira had divided loyalties, Nog had divided loyalties, even his own people were showing signs of divided loyalties. Hearing now that Imik was in such a situation didn't bode well. "So, you are telling me you have divided loyalties lieutenant. I have to ask, as you are wearing that uniform, do you remember the oath you took before graduating the Academy? You know, the one that you had to swear allegiance to the Federation and StarFleet and that you would uphold the laws and regulations and all of that, you remember taking that oath, do you not?"

Jon pivoted slightly to better look at Imik as he waited to hear her reply to Shran's question. He hoped she realized they were there to help her and that she was not alone in this situation.

"I never took that oath Sinkahue, and this Starfleet uniform was granted to me so as to quote 'Fit In' unquote. My true rank is the same as the Commander, my Ojnas uniform sits in my quarters as does my Ojnas weapons." She looked at both Shran and Jon, "I decided to accept this deployment even though it demoted me, I respected Starfleet and its principles to allow that act to happen." Imik now turned her gaze back to Shran, she knew her statement now placed him in a difficult place and herself in possible internment.

Taking a steadying breath, she now continued. "If I had taken that oath this situation would not be happening, there would be no doubt or conflict on my course of action." Her head dipped slightly, "I am a loyal Ojnas Officer, but I am also a loyal Federation ally who now finds themselves in a difficult position. I do not wish to disobey my orders, but I know to carry them out I will insult and alienate my Federation allies." Imik's head now returned upward to face Shran direct, "You assisted the sister of my mother, Sachzny. This Officer," she pointed to Jon, "Has stated that this vessel and its crew will also assist me, just how this assistance will be granted I am waiting to see."

"How such a situation happened regarding you not taking the oath that every member that serves in StarFleet takes is beyond me. It is also not important for me to figure out at this moment. Jon is correct, we helped Sachzny. Jon was quite close with Sachzny, and when it became necessary, I made her a part of my own family. This ship came to the rescue of Sachzny and the Ojnas, and while it seems your High Command is actively working against the best interests of themselves and the Federation, it doesn't mean we will act with the same dishonorable conduct. But the first thing that needs to be done is determining what the best option for you would be. I assume you wish to stay aboard and continue your duties lieutenant?"

Imik glanced at Jon then back to Shran, she felt trapped by both duty and longing. "I am a loyal Officer, but to which Command that loyalty is pledged to is in question. As I explained to the Commander, this life is all that I have known it is all that I am. But this situation has clouded that principle, I cannot serve this vessel under the present orders of the Ojnas High Command, but if I return to Ekotsy Prime this life will end one way or another." She stopped to think as she framed her next part of her answer, "If I relinquish my Ojnas military oath will Starfleet allow and permit me to continue that military career within its ranks? If the answer is positive, then I will remain here as a Federation citizen. If it is negative, then other pathways will have to be explored." Imik now waited to see if Shran understood her difficulty and her desire, the answer may have been long, but she hoped it had been clear.

Shran stood and walked around his desk, standing behind Imik and Jon. "You are my tactical and security chief. That's all there is to it."

Jon turned slightly to look at Imik, "Told you, the captain, this crew and I were here for you. You are family Imik. I wish you would accept that."

"Life is never simple, and surely there is more to becoming a Federation citizen and a Starfleet officer than simply a Starfleet Captain stating so. Also how will this vessel react if a Ojnas vessel should demand my return?" Imik looked between both officers, she knew something else had to happen before she would be totally safe.

Jon fixed her with a look, "If you don't like how the Onjas High Command is treating you, ask for asylum Imik." He stated plainly.

"Jon is correct, you can always ask for asylum. But you are already an officer aboard this ship and becoming a Federation citizen based on that requires you taking an oath, nothing more. No matter what, if the Ojnas come looking for a fight, they'll learn a thing or two about the Federation, especially this Andorian" Shran added.

"And this Human." Jon stated firmly.

Yes Imik could see why the sister of her mother adored this alien vessel, it was so different from Ojnas culture and norms but could it become her home from home? "Then Sinkahue I will request asylum from the Federation, but will Starfleet allow me to continue onboard this vessel?"

Shran smirked. "I believe you are on duty lieutenant. Your station awaits. We have a group of scientists to rescue."

 

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