Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:02 PM
The scene is a chamber in Starfleet HQ. The CO/XO have already sat through a debriefing, ie, grilling from the brass. Now the rest of you have been summoned for your testimony.
———
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:07 PM
:::the room is empty aside from the Merc crew at the fine mahogany table. They’ve been seated for 35 minutes.:::
Patricia Crow
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:08 PM
They’re doing this on purpose, head games.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/05/2023 9:08 PM
AA
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 09/05/2023 9:08 PM
sitting in her seat looking around*
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:08 PM
::has been slowly chipping the varnish off the edge of the table for the last 35 minutes with her thumbnail::
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:09 PM
:::A side door opens and the four Admirals walk into the room, taking their seat:::
Adm Featherstone> ::taps the gavel:: We are now in order. For the record, state your names and ranks.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/05/2023 9:11 PM
Lieutenant Aemilia Stepanova.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:11 PM
Lieutenant Commander Anastatzia Liski
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 09/05/2023 9:11 PM
stands up Lt Commander Constance Elane Stewart sirs”
Patricia Crow
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:12 PM
Patricia Crow….uh…that’s it.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/05/2023 9:13 PM
Lieutenant K’Naut, Clan G’kar
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/05/2023 9:14 PM
::nods at each introduction::
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:14 PM
Adm Featherstone> We’ve spoken with your Commanding and Executive Officers about what happened on this last survey mission you were on. Specifically, the encounter with an unknown aggressor who was following you for several weeks. Which of you were on the away mission where this AI program was first encountered?
Patricia Crow
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:15 PM
::raises hand:::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/05/2023 9:15 PM
((Haha, crap, was Millie? I know Statzia was))
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 09/05/2023 9:15 PM
::rasies hand::
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:15 PM
::likewise raises her hand::
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:16 PM
(I dont think she was)
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/05/2023 9:16 PM
(I think Millie was on the Bridge with Edra for that one)
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:17 PM
Adm Featherstone> And who gave the order to bring this unknown weapon of mass destruction program onto the Mercutio?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 09/05/2023 9:17 PM
( I dont remember0
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/05/2023 9:19 PM
Anyone?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 09/05/2023 9:19 PM
( was it the Captain)
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:19 PM
Adm Featherstone> Perhaps this can jog your memories. ::the screen shows footage of Firste after the attack, the entire planet is a smoldering crater::::
Adm Featherstone> This was done by the aggressor who reportedly was following you because you took the AI.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:19 PM
::sighs quietly:: I was the one that informed the Artificial Intelligence that— ::pauses as the screen lights up::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 09/05/2023 9:21 PM
looks as the screne lights up swollowing hard she couldnt remember who gave the order*
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/05/2023 9:22 PM
::looks to Liski:: go on…
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:24 PM
::places her palms on the table, standing and sliding the chair back with a screech on the floor:: The Artificial Intelligence made inquiries as to how we were able to arrive at the planet, and I was the one to inform the being of how we arrived on the planet. We negotiated an exchange–intelligence on the location of similar munitions on other worlds, in exchange for removing their sentience from that planet.
And, as the ranking Intelligence officer on the ship, I would be the one to bear the full weight of that responsibility.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/05/2023 9:26 PM
::softly::Oh, Z…
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/05/2023 9:26 PM
::looks at Featherstone at the admission::
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:26 PM
Adm Featherstone> ::slight nod:: Who was the ranking officer on the away team?
Adm Featherstone> Because it wasn’t just Firste.
Patricia Crow
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:27 PM
:::biting her tongue:::
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:28 PM
::takes a deep breath:: I am…well aware of the devastation that our pursuers created in their search for the sentient being. I have read the reports.
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:29 PM
Adm Featherstone> :::scenes from the large market world which lay in ruins, then the world with the ‘giants’, which still burns::: Reports are one thing, pictures are worth a thousand words, aren’t they?
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:30 PM
And I am also aware of the destruction of numerous other worlds that were avoided with the intelligence that we gathered through our interactions with this being. The weapons capability of their creators would have been catastrophic for numerous systems, as I am sure you are aware. ::swallows hard, switching her hands to clasp them behind her back::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/05/2023 9:30 PM
There’s no way we could have known what would happen. The AI was inactive and stored securely.
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:30 PM
Adm Featherstone> According to your Captain, the AI was stored in his desk.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:31 PM
::places a hand on K’Naut’s shoulder, squeezing–more to hide the tremble in her fingers:: This is my responsibility, Lieutenant. The being would have fallen under my purview.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/05/2023 9:31 PM
Yes. Not connected to any power source or ship’s system.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 09/05/2023 9:32 PM
The Captains desk was the safest place for it
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:32 PM
:::An older Admiral leans, in, whispering something to Featherstone who nods:::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/05/2023 9:32 PM
We’re not even sure that the AI was what the aggressor wanted.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 09/05/2023 9:33 PM
” we didnt really know what he wanted”
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:33 PM
Adm Featherstone> You’re very quiet Mrs. Crow. Normally you’re a little more lively. Now, you were taken out of Intelligence and named a….mission advisor to your father in….Captain.
Adm Featherstone> So what was your advice on the mission in which a lethal weapon was brought aboard?
Patricia Crow
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:35 PM
The bargain we struck with the program saved countless worlds from being destroyed. I know one is too many and you’ve shown us three that you’re blaming us for but it could have been dozens.
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:35 PM
Adm Featherstone> ::looks to Cambridge with a nod to take over:::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 09/05/2023 9:37 PM
” how was we supposed to know this agressor was following us “
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/05/2023 9:39 PM
Commander Liski, was Starfleet Intelligence supposed to take possession of the Artificial life form at some point in our journey? ::turns to Statzia, then back to the Admirals::
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:40 PM
Adm Featherstone> ::bangs gavel which echoes:: The questions come from one direction in here Miss.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:41 PM
::glances to Millie, and then raises an eyebrow of inquiry at the panel:: It was my understanding that– ::pauses at the gavel bang::
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:41 PM
Adm Featherstone> Your ship computer was invaded by this enemy and who knows what data they stole. Who is repsonsible for the security of the computer system?
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:42 PM
Once again, as the ranking Intelligence officer, I would be responsible for the use of such an asset on the ship.
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:43 PM
Adm Featherstone> And why was the Mercutio not preparted to resist such an invasion?
Adm Featherstone> Was it a failure of leadership?
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:45 PM
::scoffs:: You willing to plug an untested life form into a ship with children and civilians? That’s certainly not the system I would recommend testing it on.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/05/2023 9:45 PM
It was an act of desperation to save our ship so that we could come talk to you fine folk.
Patricia Crow
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:46 PM
::covers a smirk at the engineer’s backhanded compliment:::
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:47 PM
I personally supervised the construction of the closed system that allowed us to make an inquiry as to the being’s ability to assist in saving the lives of the crew.
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/05/2023 9:48 PM
::turns to Featherstone, unamused:: it wouldn’t be the first time this ship’s leadership failed. The records are rather colourful.
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:48 PM
Adm Featherstone> To say the least.
Patricia Crow
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:49 PM
Hey!
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/05/2023 9:49 PM
I seem to remember a certain Admiral that you installed that was quite the epic failure. ::folds her arms across her chest::
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:49 PM
Adm Featherstone> You want to add something?
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/05/2023 9:49 PM
I spent months undoing the psychological damage that he inflicted on the crew.
Patricia Crow
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:50 PM
I think this hearing is a sham. You’ve got your minds made up. So what’s the purpose?
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/05/2023 9:50 PM
::raises a brow at the blonde and the counselor:: did you? Actually undo the damage?
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 09/05/2023 9:50 PM
” I remeber that Admiral”
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/05/2023 9:51 PM
Look, I haven’t been on this crew for very long, but I wouldn’t call them incompetent at all. A little unconventional, sure, but so are all the best crews in Starfleet.
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:51 PM
Older Admiral> ::watching all of this back and forth, catching the eye of the 4th who has also remained silent:::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/05/2023 9:51 PM
And if there are any concerns regarding the fitness of the senior staff of this vessel, I’m responsible for relaying those concerns in their personnel reviews.
Commander Liski, when was the exchange of the Artificial Intelligence to have taken place?
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:52 PM
Adm Featherstone> ::about to bang the gavel when he’s tapped on the arm by the older one:::
Adm Minno> Let her answer.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:55 PM
::clasps her hands behind her back:: I made multiple inquiries, as my communication logs will reflect. I was told that I would be “informed” as to a date and location of the asset transfer. I never was.
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/05/2023 9:55 PM
Adm Cholt>> ::answers Minno’s look with a disappointed shake of his head::
Patricia Crow
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:56 PM
Did you inquire before we went on the survey mission?
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:56 PM
And, as a transfer date was never relayed, from either Intelligence or Command, Starfleet allowed us to travel into an unknown territory with a potentially dangerous sentient being on board. ::quirks her eyebrows to the Admirals::
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:57 PM
Adm Featherstone> I don’t see what that has…to do…uh, ::looking at a PADD::
Patricia Crow
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:58 PM
You’re blaming us for all of it. Maybe Firste is our fault but those last two got smashed because you guys didn’t return a call.
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/05/2023 9:58 PM
::looks askance at Featherstone::
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:58 PM
Which therefore allowed the destruction of numerous worlds in the wake of our travels.
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:58 PM
Adm Featherstone> This hearing is adjourned, you’re dismissed. ::bangs gavel and stands, heading out::
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:59 PM
::opens her mouth to say something else, but replaces it with a smile::
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/05/2023 9:59 PM
::follows, without a word::
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 9:59 PM
Minno> :::stands with a little effort, exits as well:::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/05/2023 9:59 PM
::lets out the breath she’d been holding::
Patricia Crow
BOT
— 09/05/2023 9:59 PM
Well, looks like we’re not going to prison….for this anyways.
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 09/05/2023 9:59 PM
thinking *”same shit different day”
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/05/2023 10:00 PM
Cholt>> ::brings up the rear of the board::
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 10:00 PM
::lets herself slump back into her chair, sighing::
Lt Commander Constance Stewart — 09/05/2023 10:00 PM
shakes her head sighing
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/05/2023 10:00 PM
That was fun. I could use a drink.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/05/2023 10:01 PM
I need to get off this prophet-forsaken piece of dirt.
Cpt H Crow — 09/05/2023 10:01 PM
END