JAG - Judgment Day

Posted on Thu Jan 6th, 2022 @ 4:09pm by Captain Shran dh'Klar & Lieutenant Ayana Hillis & Lieutenant Commander Shoniara T’ghann-Travis Dr

Mission: Sinister Intentions
Location: Starbase 451

It had been over twelve hours since the hearing of the day before had concluded. Admiral Sitak had dismissed everyone with an appointment to reconvene with the ruling the following morning, and the time for that gathering was nearly upon them. Shran hadn't slept well last night. He hadn't cared for how the proceedings had unfolded and he feared that his less than amicable relations with a pair of the trio might cause undo harm to his subordinates. His only positive thoughts were in regard to Sitak herself, a person who he felt he was on good terms with and he knew would not be persuaded by personal animosities but rather by the cold hard facts.

Shran had gathered the others so that they might arrive a few minutes early. He wanted to ensure they looked as professional as possible. Any little thing might help in his mind. As so they were gathered in the inquisitor room as he thought of it sitting in their seats awaiting for the judges to arrive. The one thing he knew for certain was that he wasn't alone in the fact that sleep hadn't come easy. It was obvious that each of his subordinates had wrestled with things overnight as well.

Dex had yet again put on her dress uniform and, yes the collar had started itching her neck already. They stood waiting for Jon to appear, Dex was less than happy at his medical condition. She had contacted him a few hours earlier after an hour or so sleep to ask him how he felt and would he like any analgesia. He replied in the negative. However an hour after, he arrived at her door asking for some. She obliged and they had sat talking for the rest of the night.

Jon walked stiffly down the corridor helped by his stick. This morning he felt like he was going to his execution. Everything that had led up to this moment was running through his head, but was convinced he would do it all again to rescue his wife.

He turned the corner and entered the room where Dex and the Captain were sat the pair looking grim. He sat down stretching his left leg out in front of him. He nodded at Dex who smiled back. He looked at the Captain “Good morning Sir” he said.

"Good morning Jon" Shran replied. It didn't go any further than that, as just then the doors opened and the trio emerged led by the admiral.

Sitak sat down and rang the bell in the ceremonial fashion. "We are reconvened. The matter before this inquiry has heard testimony and we have had time to deliberate."

Shran looked at the trio. While Sitak wasn't going to tip her hand it was obvious by the look of Gral that whatever the resolution was, it didn't sit well with him. This gave Shran some measure of hope.

"Commander Jonathan Grayson, please stand." Sitak waited for him to get up before continuing. "Commander, the evidence and testimony largely falls in your favor. Additionally, your captain has mad certain things very clear in a manner befitting a Vulcan for its logic. After due consideration, it has been decided that no court martial is warranted. However, while you have not warranted a court martial, your actions were not completely benign. It has been decided that you will have a formal reprimand placed in your record. Additionally, we recommend that you be placed on leave until cleared by medical and psychological staff regarding all elements of this incident."

Sitak paused for a moment. "You may be seated commander." She turned her attention towards Shran. "Captain, it was made clear that you have a loyal crew and that loyalty they show to you is equally returned to them. That said, it would appear that you have become somewhat reckless, preferring to use the cowboy tactics of previous times championed by the likes of Kirk rather than the sound strategies of command that modern regulations focus upon. This incident has not gone unnoticed by StarFleet Command and it should be noted that you and your ship will be under scrutiny for the foreseeable future moving forward."

Shran nodded in understanding. He felt like they had dodged a full torpedo barrage.

"This inquiry is complete and is now so adjourned." Sitak rang the bell once more in ceremonial fashion, stood and walked out. Gral and Vadosia followed, both looking somewhat dejected.

Shran turned to look at Jon, "Well that went better than I thought. Congrats on dodging the bullet." He extended his hand.

Jon took the proffered hand and shook it. He was in a daze “thank you for everything you have done Captain. I..I thought that my career was over, or at least a demotion was on the cards. I know what I did was walk a very fine line but I still feel what I did in order to save my wife was the right thing to do. I hope this has not destroyed your faith in me.” Jon then had to sit down.

Dex came over to him her usual bio scanner out. “I think we need to get you home Commander to rest, “she was now beaming. She turned to Shran. “Thank you for what you have done and the sensitive way you have handled this Sir.”

Shran gave a slight smile. "You are my crew. I protect my own. Now Dex, get Jon back home and make him rest. You have my permission to stun him if necessary" he said with a wry grin.

She grinned also but Jon’s face remained neutral. He nodded again to Shran. “Get me home Dex?” He said limping away Dex supporting him around the waist.

Shran looked at Ayana. "I want you to take a full overview of security matters aboard the ship. While I am happy with the outcome, Sitak made it clear that perhaps I have been a bit too lax on certain things, and we'll be watched closely for a few months at the very least. Best for us to be prepared."

Ayana nodded in agreement. "Yes sir. I'll have a new list of changes ready by morning." She took a moment to consider things and then put forward her personal thoughts, "Would you care for company tonight, perhaps dinner?"

Shran thought about it. He had several offers it seemed over the next few days to consider. "Dinner sounds fine. My quarters, 1900 hours?"

"I'll be there" she replied.

As Ayana walked away Shran thought about what Sitak had said. He wondered if some of her words were meant to be a warning to him, a some what open way of her telling him that somebody was keeping tabs. He'd make sure the Washington was up to snuff if that was the case. He walked out, hoping matters were complete for now.