The Promotion of Sanek
RP Scenario played by Sanek and Allahweh (Solida, Allahweh, Jessica), and MJ (Kry'Lot Nahv)
It was now after 0300, and Allahweh was still awake in her...No, THEIR quarters...Aboard the U.S.S. Adama. She had been thinking a lot about the recent changes going on in not only her personal, but her professional, life, and she was still trying to wrap her head around it all. It didn't help, of course, that the movements of her soon-to-be-born children were keeping her up at such late hours, but that was a small price to pay for the joy that would soon be in hers and Davin's life.
As she sat in the dimly-lit chambers, she watched Davin as he slept, most likely tired from all the recent work he had to do in order to keep the Adama and the ACI up and running. He was dedicated to his work, but more importantly, he was dedicated to his wife and family. She smiled to herself, thinking of Rixx, the new family pet that he had brought home on Friday, who now lay curled up at her feet.
Thinking back on some of her recent conversations, she thought of something that Sanek had asked of her now, more than once. He seemed worried about this upcoming Admiralty Review, and desired to push it along. While it was fresh on her mind, she quietly put on her reading glasses and turned to face the terminal, and began to type:
********************
TO: Fleet Admiral Quinn
BCC: Fleet Captain Sanek
FROM: Allahweh Felth
RE: Admiralty Hearing for Fleet Captain Sanek
DATE/TIME: 17 OCT 2410, 03:08:22
Fleet Admiral Quinn:
I am writing to you both as a member of Star Fleet Command and as
a personal friend of Fleet Captain Sanek, formerly of the Alpha
Centauri Institute.
It seems that Mr. Sanek is currently awaiting his hearing for a
matter that occurred this past summer out in the Delta Volanis
Cluster, and he wishes for this matter to be expedited so
that regardless of the decision, he can get back to the research he loves so much.
If there is anything that you can do to push this matter along,
I ask that you please let me know.
Best regards,
~Allahweh
********************
Sanek sat reading over the latest reports in the remains of his ready room aboard the Alan Shepard. The room itself was still in shambles; Sanek had made it clear that this room, aside from it's links to the ship's computer and systems, was to be ignored until most of the rest of the vessel had been repaired as it was non-essential to the ship's function. The debris had been removed, but several wall panels were missing, and cabling still hung in places from the ceiling.
The reports were looking very good thus far. Most of the electrical conduit had been repaired in the engineering bay, and wiring and data cable was already being replaced. The entire shuttle bay had been gutted and repairs were even now in progress to repair the distended internal structure pursuant to replacement of the main bulkheads. A new main viewscreen was being fitted on the bridge, and several of the destroyed consoles had been replaced, with approximately 46.3% functionality across them currently listed.
The door chime sounded then. Without looking up, Sanek responded. "Enter."
The door hissed open, got stuck for a brief moment, and had to be helped by Commander Vaareler as she stepped over the threshold. It closed behind her as she continued into the room, stopping in front of Sanek's desk. Sanek finished the report and acknowledged her with a look.
"Commander," he stated.
"Captain," she responded. "I have the latest reports pursuant to the Admiralty requests." She handed him a PADD. Sanek took it and scanned through the inforamation provided for a brief moment, digesting it quickly and storing it for later examination. He handed it back to her then.
"You will, of course, be required to provide testimony during the hearing," he said.
"I understand sir," she stated emotionlessly. "I have already assumed that such would be the case."
Sanek stood then, and placed his hands behind his back.
"I have heard rumors that some of the crew has made mention of discussions meant to alter testimony," he began. "I assume this is in some way an attempt to allay any fault of my own. While the dedication of the crew to their captain is noteworthy, such discussions are to cease immediately."
Vaareler had raised an eyebrow at Sanek's comment. "Certainly sir, I will see to it."
"I trust that you have not participated in any such discussion, Commander," Sanek continued.
Vaareler was quiet for a moment. "Sir, I am insulted that you would suggest any complicity on my part to such discussion," she said. "The hearing is to determine cause, as well as possible failure of adherence to Starfleet protocols. Any such discussions would be illogical, and subversive to the situation at hand. As a projection; were you at fault for ignorance of protocol, it is only logical you be removed from commanding a vessel as other officers may come to harm as a result in the future."
"Correct, Commander," Sanek stated. "My comment was merely to set a precedent."
"I understand sir," she said.
"Very well," Sanek said as he picked up his own PADD from the desk. "See to the matter at hand; furthermore, forward all data pursuant to the hearing to my console in my stateroom on Sol Station."
"Sir," Vaareler responded. She turned on her heel and left the room, again having to assist the doors when they did not open correctly.
Sanek perused more data on his own PADD for a few moments before placing it on his belt. He stood for a moment, reflecting on the possibilities of the hearing and how it could change his future.
As Allahweh rolled over in bed, she noticed that the spot next to her was empty. Davin must have awoken earlier and gone to attend to some of his duties. After all, he was still the Adama's captain, so that was only to be expected. She yawned and threw back the covers, stood up, and then pulled on her silk crimson robe around her figure. The robe didn't fit quite as well as it would have a few months ago, but there was an obvious reason for that, which made her smile to herself.
She quietly walked across the bedroom and then sat down at the desk, activating the console. She peered over the messages there, and saw that a reply had been sent from Quinn. 'Already?' She thought to herself. That was rather fast, considering it was Sunday presently. The message read:
********************
TO: Fleet Admiral Felth
FROM: Fleet Admiral Quinn
RE: Admiralty Hearing for Fleet Captain Sanek
DATE/TIME: 17 OCT 2410, 08:23:44
Fleet Admiral Felth:
I appreciate you coming to me with this request, but there
is only so much that I can do. I am sure you understand.
Therefore, your request has been forwarded to the JAG Office,
so I am sure they will reply to you as soon as possible.
~Quinn
********************
Short, but to the point. She forwarded this reply onward to Sanek, so that he would be aware of the discussion that was going on.
He was about to leave his ready room when a beep announced an incoming communication. Turning, he sat back down and enabled his console to view the message. He saw immediately it was from Admiral Allahweh Felth.
After reading it, he sat for a moment. He understood the requirements that needed to be in place for a hearing of this type; however, even as a Vulcan it was beginning to go overlong. His work was being affected, and he needed to be re-assigned to a new vessel if he was going to be continuing that work. This hearing was holding up that process as well - currently he had no vessel assignment that was operational.
However, there was little he could do until the summons came.
Sanek stood and walked through the ready room and out onto the bridge, where repair crews were busy replacing and repairing the consoles and other essential bridge components. As he wasn't needed here, he decided to head to his stateroom and conduct some further study on the results from the anomaly that had so caused the damage to the vessel in the first place. Turning, he made his way to the turbolift, threading his way around workers and other objects laying on the floor.
As the lift doors opened to the main Bridge deck, Solida saw that she was staring right at Sanek. She allowed herself a private smile.
"Is everything okay, Sanek?" She asked, looking at him. "I was just coming to find you, in fact."
Sanek stopped, his eyebrow raised. Her presence aboard the ship was something he did not expect.
"Indeed," he responded. "Your presence aboard is somewhat of a surprise. I was just on my way to the my stateroom for some further study of the Delta Volanis anomaly."
"Oh? Then would you mind if I joined you?" Her voice was rather pleasant, as if perhaps there was more to her desire to speak with him then she would initially indicate in a public setting.
She stepped aside in the lift to allow him to join her.
As Sanek stepped into the lift with Solida, he faced the panel. "Deck six," he stated. The hull and internal distention damage had made repairing the forward turbolift impossible to fix until the distention was taken care of first. As such, it required them to take the lift to deck six, and then walk the remaining distance to the main airlock on deck eight through the jeffries tubes.
Turning, he looked at Solida. "Certainly," he said in response to her query. "I have little in the way of direct interaction required of me this morning. Perhaps some refreshment?"
"That would be wonderful," she said. "I've just been looking over a few things this morning, and haven't really had a chance to eat much in the way of breakfast."
As the lift proceeded to its destination, she let out a quiet sigh to herself. A lot had been on her mind lately, and obviously it was somewhat taking its toll on her. She wondered if Sanek would notice.
As they rode the turbolift down, Sanek noticed Solida's demeanor. Normally a very outgoing individual, whenever she was reflective it was fairly apparent that something was bothering her. The recent weeks had also allowed him some further insight into her personality as well due to their relationship.
"You are troubled," he said. It was not a question.
She nodded. Troubled. Was that really an accurate descriptor?
Before she could answer, or offer any sort of reply, the doors to the lift opened up to Deck Six, and they both stepped out.
"I know you have said I had nothing to worry about, but...It's just...I'm worried about this hearing."
She looked at him as they walked, noticing no immediate change in his demeanor.
He turned to look at Solida for a moment as they continued.
"We must have faith that the Universe will unfold as it should," he said. "While I do not necessarily wish for the prospect of a negative outcome, it would provide the security from danger that you have hoped for."
As he spoke they rounded the corridor, stepping around panels and workers as they worked, and reached the jeffries tube.
As they stood there right outside the jeffries tube, she turned and looked at him. She then adjusted his rank pips for a moment, which obviously wasn't necessary, but perhaps symbolic.
"I hope it's not a negative result... I know that I said that it was important to me that we get a nice, safe job for our future, yet I realize how selfish that was of me. I also wanted you to seek the advancement you wished for... that you deserve."
Sanek paused for a moment as she adjusted his pips.
"That desire is immaterial to the situation at hand," he responded. "I can only present my case, and the relevant data, and trust in the objectivity of the court."
He gestured to the tube.
"If you please, Doctor," he continued. "I will follow."
As they entered the tube, she reflected on his words. Was it really immaterial? She understood that hers and Sanek's ultimate desires were, as they should be, minor in comparison to whatever was for the greater good of the Federation, yet...Should this prevent her from having her own aspirations?
"Immaterial? I am not sure that I would say that." She turned for a moment, "I agree that we must do whatever is for the best interest of all involved, but...Should this prevent me from having my own desires and endings in mind?"
Sanek could see she was now disturbed.
"Certainly not, Doctor," he said. "I merely stated the reality of the current situation. Logically it stands in the way of any plans you or I have for the future; as such, until the hearing is concluded, any such plans are merely conjecture."
He considered his comment for a moment, and then decided to continue.
"I do not intend to suggest that your own aspirations are irrelevant or immaterial, Solida," he continued. "I must apologize if such was your interpretation of my comment."
Solida had to admit that she disliked such cramped areas as this, but she realized that due to the ship's current condition, it was necessary for them to move about thusly. She shook her head as they reached the vertical shaft, and prepared to get onto the ladder.
"I know, and I'm sorry...I guess having a bit of time to myself had lead me to think about things a bit more, you know?" As she began to descend the ladder, she looked back down at Sanek. "Then, if I may ask, what outcome do you wish for regarding this hearing?"
As Sanek followed Solida on the ladder he listened to her comments, taking a brief moment to consider her question.
"As one would surmise," he began, "were I to desire a specific outcome I would, of course, prefer a positive result." He took a couple more rungs of the ladder. "However; offtimes even negative immediate results can have a long term positive effect."
'One more deck to go,' she thought to herself as they continued down the ladder.
"Naturally," she said, in a teasing voice, sticking out her tongue at him from above.
"But really, I was wondering more...Specifically. What is the outcome you wish for? What do you want in your future?"
Sanek raised his right eyebrow at her gesture, but listened as she completed her question.
"Certainly logic would dictate that one would prefer a positive outcome," Sanek responded. "A negative outcome may deter the capability of continuing my research for an indefinite period of time."
They continued down the ladder, nearing Deck eight. Sanek was quiet for a moment before he continued.
"As for your last query," he said, "that is a rather broad request; however, if I am correct in my assumption, your query is more personal in nature. As such, I believe that I have answered you previously; you are aware of my... desires, for the future."
Solida merely laughed at Sanek's initial response, as it was something that she had come to accept and expect over the years. Yet, it was part of what made him the wonderful individual that he was. They had now reached their destination deck, so she carefully side-stepped away from the ladder and into the tube in order to head to the main part of the floor, waiting for Sanek to do so.
Once the two were in the tight-space once more, she led them through it and within a moment, they found themselves standing in the main corridor, which was almost devoid of any crew at present.
Sanek ducked through the confined tube opening and stepped next to Solida into the corridor. Turning, hey closed the door to the tube, and then proceeded to ensure it was latched appropriately for safety reasons. He then straightened and faced Solida.
"Shall we proceed?" he stated.
Solida nodded as they walked down the corridor on the way to their destination. It was somewhat odd to her to see the ship as deserted as it presently was, but this was, of course, to be expected.
As no one was around at the moment, she turned quietly towards Sanek and hugged him gently. She knew he would be uncomfortable with such an act in public, but this wasn't quite public at the moment. She hoped that this gesture would show her feelings in the absence of words.
Sanek was rather surprised at her embrace in the corridor. Despite the absence of others in view, it was still a public area, and his Vulcan sensibilities caused him to stiffen slightly as she put her arms around him. Sill, no one was visible at present... and he knew such displays of affection were important to Solida in regards to her rather spontaneous nature, so he carefully returned her embrace for a moment.
"I'm sorry... I just... I wanted you to know that it was going to be okay."
Of course, she realized that perhaps such a gesture, and even the sentiment behind it, did not hold such a meaning to Sanek, or at least not the same meaning, but it DID mean a great deal to her.
As they broke the embrace, she smiled at him, stating simply, "Lead on, 'captain.'"
He was uncertain for a moment how to respond to such a statement, so Sanek nodded once.
"My thanks, Solida," he said.
As she completed her comment, Sanek stepped forward towards the cargo bay area enroute to the airlock.
"Certainly," he responded, and waiting for Solida to follow, continued into the bay. There was debris, boxes, conduit and wiring laying everywhere. A few technicians were working on various objects in the far reaches of the area. Sanek had to step carefully around some of the debris and boxes as they continued.
Solida looked around them as they traversed the cargo area, watching the crewmen and technicians tend to the work at hand. It was still somewhat saddening to her to see the ship in the shape it was currently in, and she did look forward to the day when things would be returned to normal again. She still could not help but wonder if anything these days was truly 'normal.'
She stole occasional glances in Sanek's direction, still trying to get a feel for what was on his mind. She knew that this whole ordeal was unsettling to him, even if he did not show it much. And for her, too, it was problematic, and she could not wait for the day when it was all over.
As he continued towards the corridor, still stepping around debris and boxes, he briefly again considered the data he needed to overview for the impending hearing. The data was clear and concise, and as such contained no ambiguity that should be confusing to the Admiralty as they reviewed the information.
For his part, he had meticulously analyzed his actions several times since their return, as well as meditated upon them. His actions, in his judgment, were sound; and furthermore he would repeat the same actions if placed back in the situation again.
He turned slightly as he reached the main corridor to the airlock to ensure that Solida was not in need of any assistance around the debris and supplies.
She laughed as they passed all the debris in the cargo hold, jokingly stating that it looked like a tornado had passed through the area. She, of course, expected Sanek's look of inquisition as she said it, and stuck out her tongue at him for a moment.
As they reached the airlock, she said, "I really need to work out more." Obviously another joke.
As they reached the airlock, Sanek was about to respond when the realization came to him that she was attempting a humorous comment. He simply raised his right eyebrow for a moment, and then turned to the Officer of the Deck, who was opening the airlock hatch. Sanek assisted the young man for a moment, as the airlock hatch was quite heavy. When it was fully open, the access tube walkway could be seen... with the Sol Station pressure door beyond.
"Thanks, Captain," the Ensign said in a husky voice.
"Certainly," Sanek responded. Turning to Solida, he gestured to the hatch. "Please proceed, Doctor. I will follow."
Solida stepped in front of Sanek and made her way out into the access tube, with Sanek close behind. It did not take long, in fact, to cross the tube and make it to the pressure door, at which point she stepped aside for a moment as Sanek opened it. Stepping through, they now found themselves in the main docking yard, in which other ships, for various reasons, could be found. Some were being loaded with large amounts of cargo, while others were undergoing various repairs, as their ship was.
They carefully made their way through the area, nodding at various crew and staff as they did so, and within a couple moments were at the main turbolift. Stepping in, she said "Promenade," and the lift headed towards the main deck of Sol.
Sanek thought carefully about the hearing for a moment, and then turned to Solida.
"As you are being called as a witness," he began, "I must state, for the record, that you can not allow your emotions or our attachment to one another influence your testimony. It is imperative that the facts are presented as objectively as is plausible. As it stands, I have little doubt the knowledge of our status will be met with questions. It is altogether likely that your testimony, however objective, may be called into doubt as a result."
He watched her for a moment. Knowing her as he did, he waited for the response he expected.
As the lift continued towards its destination, she thought about what Sanek had just said. She knew, in her heart, that he was right.
"If they doubt my objectivity, then I would doubt they would have called me in as a witness." She looked at him, a more serious look about her for the moment. "Yes, they did call me as a witness, and although I have deep feelings for you, to the point where...Well...Where I would lie if it was necessary to protect you. I know, however, how much this all means to you, and your career, so I plan to be as objective as possible. I just hope the admiralty can see this."
As she finished what she was saying, the lift stopped and the doors opened, the hum of activity of the main deck of the station now filling their ears.
Jessica was in the main entry hall of the Promenade Deck of Sol, a personal note from Fleet Admiral Felth in-hand which she planned to deliver to Sanek. She knew that his ship was still docked at the station for repairs, and she had intended to go down there to deliver the orders herself.
Yet, just as she was about to summon the turbolift, it arrived, and as the doors opened she saw Sanek and Commander T'yra within. She nodded politely at them.
"Mr. Sanek! It is good to see you again."
Sanek was about to respond when the doors opened to reveal Master Chief Richards standing before the lift doors. He nodded once to her greeting.
"Master Chief Richards," he stated, as he exited the lift. "It is agreeable to see you once again."
As Sanek and Solida exited the lift, Richards turned towards him and handed him a document.
"As Admiral Felth is away on maternity leave until after the first of the year, she has instructed me to deliver these papers to your hand personally. I believe you will find the contents therein to your liking, Captain."
She watched as he proceeded to open the letter and read.
"She has instructed me to ascertain whether the date of the fourteenth is to your liking, for if not, we would need to attempt to reschedule it as soon as possible."
He scanned the document quickly.
"Certainly," he responded to the Master Chief's query. "I have nothing scheduled for that date; and, in any event, this transcends any other duty. I shall present myself before the board at the required time on that date. In addition, if you would please forward my and my crew's regards to the Admiral on the birth of her child. Circumstances dictated our unfortunate absence to her shower."
"Of course, it would be my pleasure to pass that message along to the Admiral."
She looked back and forth between Solida and Sanek.
"Well...I suppose I should be on my way," she said, "But please look me up sometime, Mr. Sanek. I'd love to catch up with you."
And with that, the chief turned and walked away, taking out the green rose she had been given by Dr. Race and admiring it as she did so.
Sanek nodded to the Chief as she left, and then handed the document to Solida. He waited for a moment while she read it.
"So," he said. "It appears as if the hearing will be the 22nd. Three days from now."
"Hmmmmmmm," she began, "That seems so soon now. Are we really ready for that?"
She looked at him, unsure of what he was thinking at the moment.
"Well, perhaps we can discuss this over our meal?"
The admiral scratched at the base of his left antennae and threw a wink at a fellow Andorian across the room. The woman, a young officer no doubt impressed at catching the eye of an admiral, waved back but continued whispering with her human friends. Not that the Vice Admiral was intent upon meeting women during his visit. He was an old man after all and only had two interests: the next case and the next cup of cold coffee.
Kry'lot leaned back in his chair at Club 47 on Sol base and sipped his coffee. He lifted the PADD he had been studying and continued to review the case.
At the top of the display: CASE NUMBER 984-J2-L7, SANEK, CAPTAIN - COMMAND REVIEW PENDING - 1800 - 11/22/10
Sanek's right eyebrow rose.
"Prepared or not, that is the date that has been set by the Admiralty," he stated. "I have already sent the relevant data to all the required parties, so, in as far as the data itself is concerned, the preparations have been made."
He began to move into the promenade, headed for the Lounge, waiting on Solida as he did so. He made a mental note to inform the rest of his crew, and in particular those who had been called as witnesses, once they reached the Lounge and could sit for a time.
As they proceeded into the area of Club 47, Solida noticed an older Andorian sitting in a chair reviewing some files. Based on his choice of dress, it was obvious to her that he was a high-ranking officer, and she wondered if perhaps he was here on official business of some kind. It wasn't too often to see admirals walking around the main deck or hanging out in the club, so part of her wished to know what he was up to, yet deep down, she knew it was not any of her business.
"Hmmmmmmm..." She simply said, and then she tilted her head at the Andorian.
"Do you know of him, Sanek?"
Allie sat on the couch in her and Davin's quarters on the Adama, gently petting Rixx and watching the twins as they slept peacefully. It was nice to have some quiet in the air for a change, as lately things had been all BUT quiet. Sunday was going to give her a bit of a change-of-pace for a change, as that was the day scheduled for Sanek's hearing before the Admiralty Board. She had spoken with him briefly about the matter in the past, and had expressed her own desire to see him come aboard as Chief of Staff for the Sixteenth when this was all settled, but she had to admit to herself that she did not know all the finer details. Ms. Richards, on the other hand, was there during the incident, and it seemed that she, along with several others, would be called in as a character witness, or perhaps someone to witness to what really happened that day.
'So much drama,' she thought to herself, 'But at least things seem to be looking up for a change.'
Sanek looked in the direction Solida pointed, and noticed the Andorian.
"Negative," Sanek stated. "I do not recall having seen this officer before."
He looked back at Solida.
"Do you wish to dine here, or shall we retire to the Lounge?"
"I would think the lounge might be a bit better. Probably a bit more quiet and relaxing," she said, as they walked over to the lift.
The admiral motioned for a waiter and asked for another cold coffee.
Two hours later he had given the Alan Shepard's black box data a deep - but cursory - glance and sent a request for information to a contact of his at Utopia Planetia.
********************
TO: CAPT. ANGELA R. DALTRY, UTOPIA PLANETIA
FR: ADM. KRY'LOT NAHV, SBR
RE: REQUEST FOR DATA
Angie, I hope you can help me out on this one. I have a case tomorrow
and need this information quickly. I'd like whatever data you have
on the effects of gravimetric pressure on the various classes of
deep space research vessels. Beyond that, I'd like the construction
records for registry NCC-551961. If you can do this for me, I'll
send you another box of those cigars you like from Galos IV.
My best to your husband and children,
Kry
********************
An hour after sending the message, Capt. Daltry sent the reply with all the information he'd requested -- and more. Smiling, Admiral Nahv filed the information in a compartmentalized folder within his PADD, locked the device and tucked it under his arm as he stood up.
He had all the technical and mechanical information he needed, but none of it mattered to Admiral Nahv. In the more than 62 cases of ship loss he had presided over, 38 of them resulted in the captain losing his commission over wrongful negligence. And in every single case it was the testimony of the crew that buried the captain more than the numbers.
Of course in the 38 cases where negligence was found, only one of them was of a Vulcan captain. And that was later overturned by an appeal to the JAG.
Nahv had all the hope in the galaxy that this would be a simple, open and shut case.
Of course he'd been wrong before.