Soothing Ruffled Feathers

Posted on Sun Apr 13th, 2025 @ 8:25am by Lieutenant Imik S'Niohun & Commander Jonathan Grayson

1,847 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Genetic Purity
Location: XO's Ready Room
Timeline: After "Getting Assessments"

Jon knew he needed to talk to Imik and to do it quickly as to not to let her anger grow. "Grayson to Imik. Come by my ready room please." He said simply, knowing she would know what he wanted.

In her cabin, Imik hung her head knowing just what Jon wanted. "Imik here, on my way Commander." She used Jon's rank and not his name, she still wasn't happy about the result or about getting her ears bent by the Grand Council because Shran used an unknown Security squad. Arriving some minuets later she pressed the chime, waiting for Jon to allow her entry.

Jon was seated behind his desk when his door chime sounded. "Enter" He called out, knowing it must be Imik. Now the true work began to help her get over her anger.

"Blessings on your house and the ship you serve." Imik bowed as she spoke, then stood waiting for Jon to respond. Her normal demeanour was suppressed, as her mind was in turmoil.

"Blessings on your house and the ship you serve." Jon returned than said, "Have a seat Imik. Can i interest you a double chocolate milkshake?"

Moving to a seat, Imik stopped and looked at Jon. "Double chocolate?" Her question hung in the air as she sat down, a small nod confirmed her acceptance. "Is there a problem Commander? I am wondering why you would wish to see me?" Imik knew why, but hearing it would allow her to talk about it and finally have her say.

Coming from the replicator, Jon had two milkshakes. Imik's double chocolate and his vanilla. He handed the glass to Imik. "See what you think of that." He said as he moved behind his desk and sat down. he took a sip through the straw and savored the coolness of the drink as it slid down his throat.

"I think you know why Imik and I know you want me to ask you so you can discuss it. So, I shall." He said with a smile. He put his drink to the side and spoke. What's wrong Imik you seemed to be angry. Do you wish to discuss it?

Taking the drink from Jon, Imik listened as he quietly spoke to her. When he finished she looked at him and nodded, then taking her time to collect her thoughts Imik began.

"When I suggested the duel training mission, the Grand Council stated and I thought I ensured the understanding that only Cadets were to be used in offensive roles. Normal crew members could only assist in a passive role, and no undisclosed units could participate." Imik now took a sip of her milkshake, and the double hit of chocolate made her flinch.

Placing the glass down she now continued, "All possible scenario's were explored and the one we used had the greatest chance of success. Only two things prevented its desired result, one was Lead Cadet Mistrono not following his orders. The second was the unofficial use of an undisclosed unit by Captain Shran dh'Klar, a unit of seasoned and well trained special security squad." Imik took another sip of her milkshake, this time she was ready for the chocolate hit.

She now looked directly at Jon, "I have been chastised and berated by the council, the assault squad lead by Mistrono has been held back and will not graduate with the rest of their intake. I have to endure a misconduct strike against me, so the Grand council will not take their complaint to the Federation council." She now took another sip and waited for Jon to formulate his response.

Jon listened intently as Imik spoke of what had befallen her from the failed Onjas part of the joint exercise. "They gave you a strike for misconduct. Did you punch someone? Jon asked half joking. No, you didn't you had an exercise not go the Onjas plans. it happens that is why you have them so you can learn from them. Same for Mistrono and the assault squad. This punishment seems unduly harsh Imik. Who on the council did this Imik? I will set them straight and if they won't listen to me , they will listen to the captain. Ask Sachzny, I mean this Imik. This is wrong totally wrong."

A small shake of the head and then Imik looked straight at Jon with fire in her eye's, "You know this person, you served with him on this vessel. His name is Zolmepro K'ramun, he was a Lieutenant and a diplomatic Officer. There is one more item of information, he is of the same house as Enomblo.

Now Jon's eyes were ablaze with a fire few had seen. Saachzny had seen it and now Imik. "Zolmepro! Of course. Imik, I'm afraid you've been caught in the middle of his personal grudge against me. He's getting back at me because of my relationship with Sachzny and my role in the Enomblo affair. I am sincerely sorry you are caught up in this."

"Sachzny has never fully explained about Enomblo, we are aware of her banishment and some of what happened after the event, but she has kept much of the details confidential. Why would Zolmebro hold such a grudge against you? Against this vessel?"

Jon sat a bit straighter to look at Imik, "Zolmepro, hates Sachzny for her actions against Enomblo and me for defending, standing beside her against Enomblo. I wish I was a federation diplomat. I'd lodge a formal complaint against Zomepro. Take him down a few pegs."

Imik shook her head, "That is a course of action I would advise against, he holds a place of power within the council and they allow him to weld it unopposed." She finished her milkshake and then looked back at Jon, "Since leaving this vessel, he has lobbied more than once that the Ojnas break all ties with the Federation. His stance is the Federation is with-holding technology and keeping the Ojnas dependant on Federation assistance."

Jon shook his head. "He's a power-hungry fool Imik with a personal vendetta against Sachzny and myself. I'm not afraid of him. I'm just sorry that you have been caught up in this. I'm going to lobby that I be made Federation Ambassador to the Onjas Republic as well as continue in this position." Jon replied defiantly. His friends were being hurt, and he wasn't going to stand by and let it happen."

"I do not think that will be possible, duty aboard this vessel and the duties of an Ambassador will clash making you unable to do both correctly. I humbly suggest you forget Zolmepro, this crew and more importantly your present Captain need you here." She dropped her head slightly and continued, "Sachzny would not wish you to ruin your life, she has moved beyond this person and I suggest perhaps we do likewise."

Jon was seething. here was trying to help Imik and she was throwing up obstacles. He silently counted to ten and then replied. "Don't know about that Deanna could fill in quite well." He replied. "Sachzny has always looked out for me. I am trying to return the favor to her and to you." He answered firmly. "I am not going to forget Zolmerpro and what he has done here. However i will not obsess over him."

Standing up, Imik now looked at Jon in a way she hadn't before. Suddenly instead of the quiet diplomate, here stood a proud and confident Ojnas. "I once told you that you had an open mind Commander, it would appear that you have forgotten that fact. I am not placing obstacles in your way, I am attempting to protect you from a dangerous devious individual. As a politician and diplomate, Zolmerpro outranks you and has knowledge you will never possess, as a person that is trustworthy you outstrip him completely."

"Sachzny continues to protect you from people like Zolmerpro why make her life more difficult? No one has asked you to forget nor should you, it is what makes you who you are. I am not Sachzny I am Imik, but as she would so now do I proceed. I will not allow you to confront Zolmerpro, I will use my rank as a Sinkahue to prevent you entering the Grand Council Chamber." As she spoke, her skin flashed different colours as her emotions heightened. Once finished she sat down and waited to see how Jon would react, never had she allowed her emotions to emerge like this. Sachzny's Human was indeed a puzzle within an enigma.

Jon looked at her HARD "Zolmerpro needs to be stopped. He will lead the Onjas to ruin and your Grand Council better wise up to that fact before it is to late. Zolmerpro is slime. I don't know how he could ever get to where he is unless he blackmailed someone."

"There are those who think like you within the council, but they are small in number and so are not listened to. But the numbers are growing slowly, as with most things in life unless it affects you people do nothing nor care about it." Imik now glanced at Jon and then looked down at the floor, "No doubt after this disagreement your opinion of me has changed, I will understand if you no longer wish me to teach you about the link. But we have expressed what was on our minds, and I thank you for that opportunity."

Jon was silent for several seconds as he just looked across his desk at Imik. Finally, he spoke. "You must have a pretty low opinion of me if you think that Imik. Contrary to what you think, my opinion of you as only been strengthen by your resolve, restraint and upstanding moral character. You are very much like Sachzny. I consider you to be a good friend and I still want you to teach this impulsive and emotional human about the link."

"My opinion of you has not changed since I first met you, and found out that you were the Human who stole the heart of an Ojnas." Imik once more faced Jon, "But conflict can breed hatred, and that hatred can lead to complications when learning to use the link." Standing she moved slowly towards Jon, "You must be sure of both yourself and your teacher, doubt either one and the link could shrink and separate."

"I trust you just as I would trust Sachzny. Which means completely and totally. As for me, I've always been sure of myself, confident."

Nodding slowly Imik smiled, "Then we are as one, and I must return to my duties." Bowing she made her way to the door, "I thank you for this time to express myself, it is as Sachzny once told me. You have the heart of an Ojnas and the courage of a Human, something to be feared by enemies and encouraged by your friends." The doors opened and facing Jon, Imik once again bowed. "Blessings upon your house, may life be abundant within it."

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