Sanek Story 9

Delta Volanis Incident Admiralty Hearing

Background Information:
     This hearing was a direct result of the situation that occurred in the Delta Volanis Incident RP scenario. For a better understanding of the reason for the hearing, please read that first.
     Additionally, please also read the following notes related to the case in question that detail the specifics that the hearing was overseeing: Delta Volanis Hearing Notes.
     The Admiralty Hearing RP Event was set up to be conducted as a true hearing. Evidence was perused and investigated by the Admiralty, and the testimonies along with the evidence was levied against Sanek to determine the outcome - which was not scripted.

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As Sanek materialized onto the transporter pad of the USS Fairbanks, he glanced around quickly, noting that the room was similar in almost all respects to just about every other ship's transporter room he'd seen. Around him, the other members of his crew that had been summoned stood as well; Commanders Vaareler, Gyphid, Thryiss, and Solida... as well as Ensign Lyradis. Before anyone could say anything, a tall human woman with a militaristic prose stepped forward from the transporter console. She was a Commander herself, Sanek saw.

"Captain Sanek and members of your crew, welcome aboard the USS Fairbanks," she said in a clipped tone.

Without moving, Sanek nodded. "Permission to come aboard, Commander?"

"Granted," she responded quickly, and then turned to the transporter technician. "Inform Vice Admiral Nahv that Fleet Captain Sanek and his crew have arrived. I will be escorting them to the lounge."

"Aye, sir," the man responded.

Sanek and the rest of his crew stepped off the transporter pads, and walked over in a group to stand before the Commander. Sanek saluted her, as was proper. Returning the salute, she held out her hand.

"I am Commander Ryandris," she stated.

Sanek looked at her hand, and taking it, shook it once. He had never understood the necessity of such greetings amongst some races, and despite being amongst many of them for many years now, still hesitated when confronted with handshakes and the like. Vulcans didn't touch... in fact, it was considered rude to make physical contact with another, so it was somewhat uncomfortable to shake one's hand in this manner.

"I will be escorting you to the Lounge," Commander Ryandris said. Turning, she walked to the door and out into the corridor, obviously expecting the group to follow her. Sanek moved to do so, followed closely by Solida and Vaareler, and then the rest of the group. All but Sanek looked about them as they followed Ryandris down the curved corridor... the vessel's standard trim and lighting was exquisite for a Starfleet vessel, however it was only natural that someone of the Vice Admiral's stature would be assigned a vessel such as this.

Solida continued to stay close to Sanek and, as she'd been doing for the last day or so, continued to try to sense how he was feeling. Despite her belief that he must be feeling something, apprehension, or nervousness, she couldn't pick up anything at all. He was his typical, placid, logical self. There were times, like right now, when his obvious Vulcan tendancy to simply accept whatever outcome a situation had in store for him was extremely frustrating to her.

As they continued, Ryandris was quiet other than to usher them as they followed her. This indifference grated on Thryiss' nerves, and she turned to Lyradis.

"I wonder what her damned problem is," she said harshly, but quietly.

Lyradis merely shook her head and shrugged.

They reached a turbolift a few moments later, and all of them crowded into it. Solida stood close to Sanek and hooked her arms around his as she stood, glancing up at him with a small smile when he looked down at her.

"Deck eight," Commander Ryandris said blandly after the doors close. The turbolift began to move, the small imperceptible movements being transferred to them all through the floor. It took only a moment for the lift to reach it's destination, and the doors hissed open. Ryandris stepped out and ushered them all into the corridor before continuing. After a journey of only a few meters, she turned and stepped through the double doors to her left. As the group filed in behind her, they saw a plush Lounge with decorative tables and a panoramic view of Earth through the immense viewing windows. There was a bar, with several replicator stations scattered about. The place was devoid of any other people.

She turned to look at them all. "The actual hearing will be conducted in the Vice Admiral's quarters," she said. "The Vice Admiral, and rest of the Admiralty presiding, will meet you shortly here for a pre-hearing briefing."

Sanek nodded. "My thanks, Commander."

"If you require any further assistance, please use the intercom system to contact me," she stated, and with a nod, she turned and left them alone in the Lounge, the doors hissing shut behind her.

"Well," Thryiss said heatedly, "that woman was as warm as my home planet."

Most of them laughed, while Sanek simply turned to face her with his eyebrow raised, and Vaareler glanced at her completely emotionlessly.

"Likely she had her duties to consider," Vaareler said, "and escorting us was merely a distraction."

"So?" Thryiss demanded. "She could have at least been somewhat more welcoming."

"That sentiment is irrelevant to the current situation at hand, and why we are all aboard her vessel," Sanek said.

"I guess." Thryiss moved to one of the tables near the window, and the rest of them followed, a conversation about the hearing beginning as they all sat. Sanek himself stepped to the window and gazed out at the orb of Earth in the near distance. How unlike Vulcan it was... blue and green, with white clouds streaked across it like the haphazard strokes of a painter's brush. It was only a moment before he felt a familiar presence next to him.

"Aren't you just slightly apprehensive, Sanek?" Solida asked gently.

"Negative," he answered. "My actions will determine the outcome; I have examined my actions in detail and cannot find any negligent fault within them. However, that does not suggest that some action I may be unaware of as a requirement was not met." He paused for a moment and then looked down at her. "The Universe will unfold as it should."

She shook her head. Had she expected anything less?

At the table, the conversation began to get heated. Sanek and Solida both turned and stepped to the table to see what was going on. Thryiss, in her usual mode of irritability when she was angered, was thrusting her head forward as she glared at Vaareler.

"I don't care what the protocols are," she said heatedly. "This whole damned charade is just plain stupid."

"On the contrary," Vaareler said emotionlessly, "it is quite prudent. The severity of the damage, and subsequent injuries, require an inquiry to ensure compliance to safety regulations."

Thryiss waved her hand angrily. "I know all that," she said angrily. "The point here is that the captain saved all our lives. That doesn't seem to count for anything!"

"Surely, that reality is an important consideration-" Vaareler began.

Thryiss cut her off. "It should be the ONLY consideration!" she exploded. "Instead he's being brought to trial for it!"

Giphyd sat next to Thryiss, and while he was quiet, it was apparent in his demeanor that he agreed with the sentiments of Thryiss based on the nodding of his head when she made her points. Lyradis, on the other hand, seemed to almost cringe at every response by Thryiss, looking like she wished she were anywhere else.

"Technically, this is not a trial-" Vaareler began again.

"Whatever!" Thryiss threw up her hands, leaned back in her chair and exhaled exhaustively. "If he's found 'negligent' - whatever the hell that means where he's concerned - he WILL be brought to trial. And then what?"

"Likely he'll be prosecuted for damage to Starfleet property and determined as the root cause of eighty-nine casualties-"

"And be probably busted to a desk for the rest of his career," Thryiss grated, interrupting Vaareler yet again. "All for DARING to damage a ship to save the lives of it's crew! It's ridiculous!"

Sanek simply watched the discussion, listening intently. Solida looked back and forth between them and Sanek as the conversation progressed, wondering if he'd interject anything.

At that moment the doors hissed open, and four Admirals and Chief Jessica Richards, followed by two security officers, stepped into the room. One was a tall, rather imposing Andorian male, while another was an equally tall Human male in his older years. The other two were Admiral Allahweh Felth, and Admiral Jacen Caedus. Immediately everyone at the table stood and snapped to attention; Sanek and Solida turned and followed suit. As the Admirals continued into the room, and the door hissed shut behind them, the Andorian waved their salutes away and motioned for them to continue as they were.

"Ladies and gentlemen... Welcome aboard the USS Fairbanks." He looked at each of them in turn. "This will be our 'courtroom' for the hearing of case 984-J2-L7. I am Vice Admiral Kry'Lot Nahv. Hearing proceedings will take place in my quarters. Presiding officers are myself, Admiral Felth and Admiral Laul." He motioned to each Admiral as he spoke their name, indicating the human as Admiral Laul Finn.

"Those of you being called to testify will be escorted to comfortable accomodations until such time as you're needed." He glanced around at them a few moments more. "Admiral Caedus will be joining the presiding officers as an ongoing character witness to these proceedings. Admiral Caedus, is this agreeable to you?"

Jacen nodded.

Admiral Nahv nodded himself. "Very well," he acknowledged. "Mr. Laul, Ms. Felth, if you'll accompany me. Mr. Caedus, I'll send for you and the first witness when we are in position." He acknowledged Sanek with a quick nod, and then he, Admiral Laul, and Admiral Allahweh left the room. The two security officers stepped forward, and one of them started to speak.

"If all of you, except for Admiral Caedus and Fleet Captain Sanek, could please follow me," he began. "There are rooms just down the hall prepared for each of you. I will escort you to them."

Thryiss and the rest got up from the table, and began to follow the man out of the Lounge behind Chief Richards. Thryiss was obviously still extremely angry, and it showed in her bearing. Solida turned and gave Sanek a grave look that spoke volumes, and then followed the rest out of the Lounge, the doors closing behind her.

The remaining security officer cleared his throat. "I will be informed when you are to present yourselves, sirs," he said somewhat haltingly.

Sanek nodded to the man, glanced at Admiral Caedus for a moment, and then turned to gaze back at Earth once again. Several minutes passed as he gazed at the orb, contemplating how the events of this afternoon may affect his future.

Jacen stepped up to Sanek and looked at him for a moment. "I'd ask if you were nervous," he began, "but then I already know the answer to that. For the record, I am nervous though."

Sanek turned to Jacen, and raised his eyebrow. "If I may ask, why would you be... nervous, as you say?" he queried.

"Sanek, they are going to ask me to describe your character," Jacen replied, "and if I mess that up it could help lead to a decision that is not in your favor." He paused for a moment, still looking at him. "That is a pretty good reason to be nervous."

"I trust that you will be objective, Admiral," Sanek responded. "As such, I would state that a feeling of nervousness would not be logical."

Jacen nodded. "Of course."

His communicator beeped then, and he responded, finding that the Admirals were now ready for him. He looked at Sanek again.

"They are calling me," he said, and turning, left the room.

Sanek watched him leave, and then returned to his contemplation of Earth.

Vice Admiral Kry'Lot Nahv's Quarters

As the doors hissed open, the Admiral stepped over to the long table near the wall and seated himself with his back to the wall at the far end.

"Admiral Laul, please take the seat to my left," he said as he gestured. "Ms. Felth, my right." Both Admirals seated themselves and took the time to make themselves comfortable. Admiral Nahv looked at them both and smiled.

"May I address you as Finn and Allahweh?" he asked.

Admiral Laul nodded. "Yes, of course," he said.

Admiral Felth followed suit. "Certainly, no need for extreme formalities here."

"Very good," Admiral Nahv said. "Please call me Kry'lot... Or Kry."

"As you wish," Allahweh responded.

Taking a deep breath, Nahv looked at them both. "Anything from the replicator for anyone?"

Allahweh thought for a moment. "Coffee, please, with a bit of cream and sugar," she said a moment later.

Having politely waited for Allahweh to respond first, Laul shook his head. "I'm good for the moment, Kry, thank you."

Nahv got up from the table. "Very well. I'll get the captain to send down an aid to handle these pleasantries as we go." He headed to replicator to get Allahweh's resfreshment request, and while waiting for it to replicate, made the request of the Captain to send down an orderly. Admiral Laul looked at Allahweh.

"Admiral Felth, how are things coming along with the 16th?" he asked.

"Well enough," she acknowledged, "though I have been on leave and will be through year's end."

Nahv returned then with her coffee and carefully handed it to her, along with the cream and sugar cubes. He then seated himself in his original chair, while she proceeded to pour in a fair amount of cream and then dropped in two cubes of sugar.

"Thank you, Kry," she said.

Laul continued. "On leave. I do hope everything is alright."

Allahweh nodded to Laul. "Maternity leave...So yes, everything is just fine."

Nahv sighed heavily and pulled out a PADD. He began to run through several data folders when he heard Allahweh's response to Laul. Looking up, he raised an eyebrow. "Maternity? Congratulations, madam."

Laul smiled himself. "Congratulations," he responded.

"Thank you." Allahweh sipped her coffee, satisfied with the taste.

Having finished looking up what he needed, Nahv set the PADD on the table and tapped his combadge. While the other two busied themselves with their own PADD's, and familiarization with the case at hand, he requested the presence of Admiral Caedus. He then looked over at Allahweh for a moment, then at Laul.

"Allahweh, Finn," he began, "I don't know how many of these you've presided over. It's always been my aim to make them as quick and painless as possible."

They both looked up, and then nodded as he finished. Allahweh cleared her throat. "A few, but only as required. As long as the evidence is fairly evaluated and the defendent gets his chance, that's fine."

Nahv turned his attention to Allahweh as she spoke, and then nodded. "Now, Admiral Felth, you are acquianted with Mr. Sanek, yes?"

"Yes, an association that began many months ago."

"In what capacity?" Nahv asked.

"Mostly professional," she stated, "though I feel we have become fairly good friends as time has marched forward."

At that moment, the door chime sounded.

Nahv glanced up at the door. "Please enter, Admiral."

Admiral Jacen Caedus appeared behind the door as it hissed open, and behind him was the orderly Nahv had requested. They both stepped into the room, the orderly moving to stand near the replicator expectantly. Jacen glanced about for a moment before he continued, and stopped in front of Nahv.

"Admiral Jacen Caedus, reporting as ordered," he said.

"Admiral, may I call you Jacen?" Nahv said by way of response.

Jacen nodded. "Certainly."

"Very well, Jacen." Nahv shifted his weight for a moment. "I would like you to be our extra eyes and ears at these proceedings. When they have concluded I would like to call you as the final witness."

Jacen nodded again. "Certainly, what ever I can do to assist."

"Can you begin by telling me of your association with Mr. Sanek before we begin?" Nahv picked up his PADD.

Jacen thought for a moment. "Fleet Captain Sanek has been slated to become the XO of the 16th Mobile Fleet," he began. "He is one of my direct superior officers. I have spoken with him on brief occassions, and we are familiar with each other from our last assignment when we both served in the ACI. He was part of the team that handled my initial evaluation when I was assigned to them."

Allahweh nodded at Jacen while he spoke, and made notations of her own on her PADD. Laul nodded at Jacen as well, scrutinizing him for a moment.

"Very good, Jacen, thank you." Nahv finished notating on his PADD. "Please make yourself comfortable, but leave the chair opposite me, next to Allahweh, for our witnesses."

Jacen nodded again. "As you wish, sir." He turned at stepped over to a comfortable chair away from the table where he could observe the proceedings but not be in the way. Sitting down, he made himself comfortable.

Admiral Nahv cleared his throat, and spoke on behalf of the recording device in his PADD. "Case #984-J2-L7 Hearing of Negligence on behalf of Sanek, Captain, USS Alan Shepard, NCC-951961," he began. "Following an encounter with gravitic anomaly DC-8538-AA in the Delta Volanis Sector which caused the near-destruction of the Alan Shephard. Admiral Kry'Lot Nahv, presiding."

Laul reviewed the information related to the specifics of the case, following along with Nahv as he spoke.

"Admiral Laul Finn acting on this board," Nahv continued, "with Admiral Allahweh Felth as witness on this board as well. We will begin by hearing the testimony of-" He consulted his PADD for a moment, sliding his finger down the screen, and then stopped. "... Vaareler? Finn, is that correct?" he asked.

"That is correct, sir," Laul responded. Allahweh also nodded as well, confirming the name.

"First Officer - Chief Science Officer Commander Vaareler," Nahv continued. "Note that for the records, everyone." He turned to Laul for a moment. "Thank you, Finn." He then tapped his combadge, and requested the presence of Commander Vaareler.

Commander Vaareler's waiting room

After being escorted to the small waiting room, Vaareler stood and observed it, standing just inside the door. It was really little more than a cubicle. There was a small loveseat against the far bulkhead, above which was a porthole that showed the stark bleakness of space, with a low coffee table in front of it. A plush chair was placed in the corner near the loveseat, a round table next to it with a lamp softly illuminating the room. A replicator was installed into the opposite wall from the chair. Next to it was a small door that led to a restroom.

She briefly considered the present situation, noting the importance of it on the behalf of her captain, and her friend, Sanek. She had known Sanek since his first cadet days during his assignment on the U.S.S. Nautilus, and had always respected him as a gifted scientist, and a supremely logical mind. Their friendship was very close, and had become that way due to both of them being the only Vulcans on the vessels in which they'd both served.

Moving to the chair, she positioned herself upon it with her legs crossed. She then placed her elbows on her knees and positioned her hands so they were fingertip to fingertip, touching her nose with the index fingers. Closing her eyes, she began to meditate.

As the swirl of thoughts began, she focused specifically on the moments of the incident just prior to the anomaly collapsing. She analyzed every aspect of her actions, and that of her captain and crew members, completely objectively. She saw once again the change in the anomaly, and how it transformed from a grayish sphere with a light center to a pitch black orb that began to grow exponentially as she watched. The data had been incredible. She'd captured as much of the data as she could before the impact of the asteroid. She noted the comments of the officers, Sanek's orders, everything up until she'd been swept off her feet and struck the rear bulkhead, knocking her unconscious.

There came a sudden chime that interrupted her meditation. Drawing herself from it, she opened her eyes, and heard it once again. The door chime. Disentangling herself from her meditative position, she stood and answered the door. Outside the door was the security office that had escorted her here.

"Commander," he began, "your presence is requested by Admiral Nahv."

"Very well," she responded emotionlessly.

"If you will simply walk down this corridor," the man continued, "his quarters are at the end to your left."

"My thanks." She turned and walked down the corridor.

Vice Admiral Kry'Lot Nahv's Quarters

The door chime sounded, and after being commanded to enter, Vaareler stood in front of Admiral Nahv and saluted. Returning the salute, Nahv indicated the chair opposite him.

"Please," he said, "be seated."

Vaareler seated herself in the chair, sitting somewhat rigidly, which was rather common for Vulcans and their unconscious formality.

"For the board will you please state your full name and rank?" Nahv picked up his PADD.

"Commander Vaareler," she responded, "Executive Officer and Chief Science Officer aboard the USS Alan Shepard."

Thank you, Commander." Nahv raised his eyebrows. "And your position aboard the Shepard was as XO and Science Chief at the time of the incident in question?"

"That is correct, Admiral." Her tone was completely emotionless.

Making a note on his PADD, Nahv looked up quickly at her. "Current assignment?"

As she listened to Nahv's question, and then waited for Vaareler's response, Allahweh sipped her coffee and typed in several brief notes into her PADD.

"My status has remained unchanged since the incident," Vaareler stated.

"Well, we thank you for your time, commander," Nahv offered, "and Starfleet apologizes for keeping you cold for so long. With your cooperation, however, I hope to have you in service soon."

"I offer my thanks, Admiral." She sat almost completely still, only her head moving slightly. Laul consuled his PADD for a moment before Nahv continued.

"The Shepard encountered a gravitic anamoly (DC-8538-AA) in the Delta Volanis cluster on the Stardate noted here," he said, and paused for a moment. "Can you tell us please where you were and what your observations were at that time?"

Laul looked up from his PADD, and watched Vaareler as she responded carefully.

"I was at my station on the bridge," she answered, "collating available data on Anomaly DC-8538-AA. I had conducted short range, high intensity scans of the anomaly to determine it's cosmic components."

Nahv plugged a few keys on his PADD. "And what did you find?" he asked.

"Initial scans indicated the anomaly had a composition concurrent with white hole theory." Even more than Sanek, she spoke with almost no inflection. "It was projected at that time the anomaly may, in fact, be one end of an unstable wormhole."

Allahweh listened with interest.

"Has such a phenomenon been documented in Delta Volanis prior to this?" Nahv queried.

"Negative, Admiral."

"What was Captain Sanek's first order, to the best of your memory, concerning your findings?" Nahv looked down quickly and consulted his PADD.

"Captain Sanek's first order after the data scan was to instruct Chief Jessica Richards to deploy a Class 9 probe into the anomaly for further study." She glanced for a moment only at Nahv's PADD, and then back at him.

Laul interrupted. "If I may Admiral..."

Looking up at Laul, Nahv acknowledge his request. "Finn, please."

Laul cleared his throat. "What was the alert level of the Alan Shepard and distance to the anamoly at this time?" he asked. Nahv raised his eyebrow at the question.

"That was my next question, Admiral. Well spotted," Nahv smiled. Laul nodded.

Vaareler looked at them both for a moment before responding. "The vessel had been placed in Yellow Alert status prior to our arrival on site," she said, "and remained while on station. Our distance to the anomaly was precisely one billion kilometers."

"Thank you, Commander," Laul said, and nodded back to Nahv to continue. Before Nahv could, however, Allahweh shifted in her seat and set her coffee down.

"I have a question, Commander," she said.

"Admiral," Nahv nodded to Allahweh in acknowledgement.

"Once it was determined what this anomaly was," she began, "surely Mr. Sanek would have figured out the acceptable event horizon and stayed outside this distance." Nahv nodded, grinning, to Allahweh as she completed her question.

"I can not speak for the mindset of Captain Sanek, Admiral," Vaareler responded. "His orders were to warp to a distance of one billion kilometers - a distince which we kept while on station."

Admiral Nahv interjected. "The operating distance of a Class 9 probe is 7.6x10^2 lightyears. What was distance of the Alan Shepard at the time the probe was fired?"

Vaareler turned to face Nahv. "The probe was launched by Chief Richards a the distance of one billion kilometers," she answered.

Allahweh turned back to her cup of coffee. "Apparently that was not a sufficient distance then..." she said quietly.

Nahv looked at her for a moment, and then turned his attention back to Commander Vaareler. "So the distance of a billion kilometers was maintained throughout the operation?" he asked.

"That is correct, Admiral," Vaareler responded.

It appeared as if both Allahweh and Laul had something further, but Nahv had a couple more questions he wished answers to first. He held up his hand for a moment as he looked at Vaareler.

"Commander Vaareler," he began, "what is your area of expertise?"

"My area of expertise lay in Astrophysics, Cosmology, Quantum Physics, and Quantum Mechanics," she answered immediately.

Laul tapped his PADD, and began to research a regulation that had suddenly occurred to him.

Nahv shifted his position slightly. "Did Captain Sanek at any time order the Alan Shephard closer to the anomaly?" he asked.

"Negative, Admiral," Vaareler responded.

"In your professional opinion, commander," Nahv continued, "was this in fact a disturbance consistent-" Laul suddenly looked up from his PADD, interrupting Admiral Nahv. "Yes, Finn?"

"If I may mention regulation 184 Admiral..." Laul questioned.

Nahv nodded.

"Upon approaching an unknown cosmic, spatial, or subspace anomaly, a minimum safe distance is required for vessel and crew safety," Laul quoted, his voice taking on the cadence of someone reciting. "Said distance is to be a minimum of no less than half a billion kilometers, and is to remain outside the anomaly's sphere of influence until intensive study can provide further information." He looked up at Nahv, and then Allahweh. "Seems the Shepard was twice the required distance."

Nahv nodded. "Thank you, Finn... which now begs the question... How did the Shepard-" He was interrupted, perhaps unintentionally, by Allahweh.

"Ah," she said quietly, "but who said the anomaly was stationary?"

Nahv and Laul looked sharply at her as she finished. Vaareler turned to look at her, eyebrow raised questioningly. Nahv cleared his throat.

"Proceed with your question, Admiral Felth," he said.

"Oh, my apologies. It was more a statement, or observation, than a question," she said. "I merely wondered if the anomaly was fixed in its location, or if it was in transit?"

Still looking at Allahweh, Vaareler lowered her eybrow. "Throughout my scans of the object, up to and continuing until the incident in question, the anomaly remained in a fixed position in space," she answered.

Allahweh nodded, and made a few notes on her PADD. The room was quiet for a few moments as all three Admirals made notes and consulted the data they had concerning the anomaly and the events surrounding the incident that corrolated with Commander Vaareler's testimony. After a few moments, Nahv looked up.

"Commander Vaareler, you are dismissed for now," he said.

She stood almost immediately, and saluted Admiral Nahv, who returned the salute. She then turned on her heel and left the Admiral's quarters. Nahv himself leaned back in his chair and looked at Allahweh for a moment.

"Allahweh," he said, "I wonder if you'd be kind enough to get Richards in here for me."

Looking up, she nodded. "Certainly, as you wish," she said, and tapped her combadge. While she requested Chief Richard's presence, Nahv went through the notes he'd made so far. He glanced up at Allahweh as she completed her request, and then turned to Laul.

"Finn, what was Richard's involvement according to your notes?" he asked.

Laul quickly thumbed through a couple screens on his PADD before answering. "Observations of crew professionalism, captain Sanek's command abilities prior to and during the incident, and opinions of safety procedures followed prior to the incident," he responded after several moments.

Vice Admiral Kry'Lot Nahv's Quarters

The door chimed then. Looking up, Nahv raised his voice. "Enter," he said.

The door hissed open, and Master Chief Jessica Richards entered the room. She took a moment to nod at everyone in the room, and took the offered seat Vaareler had recently vacated at Nahv's indication as Laul nodded politely to her. Jacen caught the orderly's eye, and when the man reached him, he ordered coffee.

Nahv looked at Richards. "Please state your full name and rank for the board," he begain, "and your position at the time of the incident in question."

"Master Chief Warrant Officer Jessica V. Richards, G-3 of the 16th Mobile Fleet," she responded. "At the time of this incident, I was a Chief Warrant Officer 3, serving with Star Fleet Intelligence and the Alpha Centauri Institute."

The orderly returned to Jacen with his coffee. Jacen thanked him and sipped his beverage, listening intently to Richard's testimony.

Nahv nodded. "Were you assigned to the USS Alan Shepard, Chief?" he asked.

Shaking her head, Richards responded. ""No, sir. At the time I had merely volunteered for the trip, purely out of interest and to get to know the operations of the fleet to which I had been assigned."

Nahv paused for a moment as he tapped his PADD. "Did you fire a Class 9 Probe into the anomaly described in the transcript?" he asked a moment later. Taking another PADD from the table, he activated it, turned it, and slid it to her. She looked at it closely for a moment.

"Yes, that sounds right," she said. "I had asked for a task to perform during the investigation, and that was the task assigned by Captain Sanek."

Laul made several notes on his own PADD as she spoke.

"Why did the captain not order his operations, tactical or communications officers the task?" he asked. "Why you, Master Chief?"

"Because I had expressed interest in understanding the functions of a research vessel and the operations of its crew," she responded. "Mr. Sanek was willing to oblige, and had me work with Commander Vaareler during that operation."

"Did you preceive any danger to the ship or its crew from this anomaly?" Nahv continued to ask. "Prior to firing the probe?"

Richards hesitated for a moment. "My honest opinion?" she asked. Her comment made Laul glance up to look at her.

Nahv nodded. "Naturally."

"I was not sure what to think," she responded. "I believed that Mr. Sanek had chosen an appropriate distance from the anomaly, based on protocol. However, having never seen a 'white hole,' I'm not certain that he could have actually predicted a safe distance, and I myself was somewhat alarmed."

"In your tenure in Starfleet, master chief, how many anomalies have you encountered?" Nahv looked down at his PADD for a moment, then back at Richards.

"A few, when assigned to vessels doing deep-space research prior to taking an assignment with command."

"How many Class 9 probes have you fired in your career, master chief?" Nahv almost smirked as he asked the question, and waited for Richard's response.

"Now? Only those fired that day," she said. "My skills are more fit for diplomacy and war-room tactics."

"Diplomacy and war room tactics?"

Richards nodded. "My direct training is in applied military tactics and intel gathering."

Before Nahv could continue, Laul interjected. "If I may Admiral ... Were you qualified to man the station you were assigned during this mission?"

Nahv nodded for a moment. "I see. Please answer Admiral Laul's question now."

"I am unsure as to the qualifications," Richards answered, "but as I have no training other than that day's crash-course, I would imagine no."

Nahv was quiet for a moment as he looked through his notes, then he looked up at Richards. "Thank you, master chief. You are dismissed for now. We'll call you if we need you back."

Nodding, Richards rose from her seat. "Thank you," she said. She saluted the Admirals, and then turned and left the room.

Nahv breathed in deeply, and then blew the air out with a loud puff from his flared nostrils. He made several notes on his PADD as Laul looked on, an eyebrow raised. Nahv looked at the data on his PADD for a moment, and then looked up at Allahweh, then Laul.

"Finn," he said, grinding his jaw. "Please have... Giphyd? sent down next."

"Of course, Admiral," Laul intoned. Tapping his combadge, he waited till the chirp was done. "Chief Engineering Officer Commander Giphyd is next up," he ordered.

Across the room, Jacen sipped his coffee, thinking hard. He carefully concealed the frown that had begun to form on his face.

Commander Giphyd's waiting room

Command Gyphid had moved to the chair over in the corner and sat after he'd been escorted to his waiting room. He admitted to himself that he was fairly nervous. It wasn't the situation itself, as his confidence in Sanek was absolute, nor was it that any sort of fault would be found and Sanek be found negligent... it was simply that he disliked being around so many Admirals. They made him nervous. For some reason he always seemed to get into some kind of trouble whenever there were a lot of flag officers around, and he was afraid he'd do something that might incriminate Sanek.

He did, however, believe the same thing that Thryiss did... just not quite so openly. He felt this entire hearing process was completely unecessary, and that his captain was being unfairly treated. He had brought up his thoughts to Sanek several days ago when they were working on some power conduit in Engineering together. Sanek had, of course, explained the necessity of the hearing in his usual way. Despite his regard for his captain, there were times when his Vulcan nature and his logic could be so damned annoying. He couldn't argue with Sanek's logic, as ridiculous as he felt the hearing to be, so he had simply shut about it.

Tapping his fingers on the chair, he heaved a sigh and leaned his head back, being careful of his antennae. The waiting was making him go crazy. He'd been sitting there for more than thirty minutes so far. He kept considering getting a beverage from the replicator, but decided against it every time because he felt that the moment he did, his presence would be requested. However, as the time continued to flow by, he eventually threw his hands up and decided to get a coffee... an Earth beverage he'd become fond of.

Jumping up exasperatingly, he stepped to the replicator.

"Coffee, dark roast, hot," he stated. A moment later the beverage materialized before him. The aroma of the coffee permeated the room as he reached in and picked up the mug. Bringing it to his nose, he sniffed the aroma for a moment, savoring the smell, and then took a sip.

At that moment the door chimed.

"Sure," he muttered disgustedly to himself. Setting the mug into the replicator aperture, he pressed the dematerialize key, and watched as the drink faded away. He then turned and opened the door. The security officer who'd escorted him was there.

"Your presence is required in the Admiral's quarters," he stated. "Just follow the corridor and take the first door on your left."

"Right," Giphyd said. He looked at the man for a moment, and then turned and walked down the corridor.

Vice Admiral Kry'Lot Nahv's Quarters

As the conversation proceeded at the table across the room, Jacen reviewed his notes, and then proceeded to add some more into his PADD. He took a few moments to review the testimony's so far, and then entered more notes. He finished just as the door chimed and Nahv ordered whoever was at the door to enter. Commander Giphyd was there. He was a rather imposing Andorian with extremely broad shoulders. He entered and saluted the Admirals. Laul nodded to him as Nahv returned the salute.

"Please state your full name and rank," began Nahv, "and your position at the time of the Alan Shepard incident."

Giphyd cleared his throat, and looked slightly nervous. "Commander Giphyd, Chief Engineering Officer, U.S.S. Alan Shepard."

Nahv motioned to the seat across from him. "Have a seat, Commander," he said.

Giphyd seated himself on the chair, sitting somewhat stiffly, and looked around the room for a moment. Nahv turned to look at Laul.

"Finn, why don't you throw out the first question," he said. He took a moment to enter some notes on his PADD. Allahweh sipped her coffee, and glanced at Giphyd, noting his obvious nervousness.

"Of course, Admiral," Laul said. "And relax Chief we're not here to grill anyone, just looking for facts."

While Laul spoke, Nahv picked up another PADD and entered some commands into it. He then compared the resultant data with his own PADD.

"Chief," began Laul, "at the initial contact of the anomaly, please tell us your location and orders at the time."

Giphyd cleared his throat again. "I was at my bridge engineering station, on the bridge. I had no orders, I was simply monitoring power levels and engineering data at the time."

Nahv interjected. "Commander Giphyd, please give me your professional run-down of the destruction of your ship," he began. "What caused it? How might it have been prevented?" He paused for a moment. "And at any time were you ordered by Captain Sanek down to Engineering?"

"Um, no sir," Giphyd answered. "I was never ordered by captain Sanek to Engineering. As for my ship, it was destroyed by gravitational occilation, which caused massive structural distention all across the vessel. This was caused by the ship being caught between two forces. As to how it could have been prevented, I can only say that would only have been possible were we not caught by the anomaly's gravitational envelope."

At the mention of the vessel being caught between two forces, Allahweh looked up with an inquisitive look.

"What would cause such distention, Commander," Nahv asked.

Giphyd looked at him for a moment. "The occilations." He swallowed thickly. "See, the ship was being pulled toward the anomaly, and when the impulse engines were engaged opposite to that gravitational pull, it caused the vessel to begin to occilate. The stronger the pull between the engines and the gravitational pull, the worse the occilations."

Nahv nodded. "All engineers are close to their vessel," he smiled, and leaning back he stroked his chin. "What would you have done the moment the ship started to take damage?"

Laul looked up from his PADD. "If I may Admiral..."

Nahv held up his hand, wanting Giphyd to answer his question first. Laul nodded.

Giphyd looked at Laul for a moment, then back to Nahv. "Ahh... well sir," he began, "I would have done the same thing Captain Sanek did. Sir. We had no other choices." His response had a slight edge to it, and Nahv raised an eyebrow and glared at him for a moment before turning to Laul.

"Admiral Laul, your question? With my apologies," he stated.

"What was the status of the impulse and warp engines prior to the incident?" Laul asked. "Any outstanding or current maintenance work being performed?"

"No sir," Giphyd said, a look of pride on his face. "The vessel was operating at peak efficiency prior to the incident. There was no work on the engines or the power grid."

"Excellent, Cheif," Laul responded, and then looked at Nahv. "Admiral..."

Nahv looked at Giphyd for a moment. "Hmm," he muttered, and then looked to Allahweh. "Questions, Admiral Felth?"

She looked up for a moment, and then looked at Giphyd. "Was there any reason you were not down in main engineering, in case something went awry?" she asked.

Giphyd turned to look at her. "It is Captain Sanek's standing order that I remain on the bridge at my Engineering station unless warranted otherwise," he answered. "I can monitor the same data there as I can in Engineering, and if I require something, my staff is at immediate intercom contact."

Nahv interjected. "What is your opinion of Captain Sanek, Commander Giphyd?" he asked.

Giphyd looked at Nahv. "I have served with Captain Sanek for almost six years, Admiral," he said. "He is an outstanding officer, and the best captain I have ever had the pleasure to work with."

Nahv picked up his PADD and glanced at the data on it for a moment. "According to this," he began, "a massive port warp drive failure hit at 87459.88641. Please elaborate."

Giphyd looked at him for a moment, his expression somewhat confused. "I, uh, can't really sir," he said haltingly. "I was informed, and later reviewed the data myself, that what appeared to be an asteroid struck the port warp nacelle. The damage caused by panel to explode, as well as Commander Thryiss'. I was injured at that time as a result, and unable to continue my duties."

"Asteroid?" Nahv asked. "From the anomaly? Or was it being pulled along with your ship, Commander?"

"Well," Giphyd stated, "it was being pulled into the anomaly at that time. That was the information I was told, and later reviewed."

Nahv looked down at his PADD. "No further questions at this time, unless either of my colleagues have anything...?" He looked at both Allahweh and Laul.

"Not at this time," Laul said, and Allahweh shook her head.

"Thank you, Commander," Nahv finished. "Well done. Dismissed for now."

Giphyd stood and saluted. Nahv returned the salute, and Allahweh nodded in response. He turned and left the room.

Laul looked at Nahv for a moment. "We may need to recall Commander Vaareler concerning the asteroid," he said.

Nahv nodded to Laul. "Of course." He turned to Jacen. "Admiral Caedus?"

Jacen looked up from entering notes on his PADD. "Yes, Admiral?"

"What is that delicious-smelling beverage?"

Jacen chuckled for a moment. "You've never heard of coffee?" he asked.

Nahv smiled wryly. "Four hundred twenty-seven varieties," he said, "but not that one." Amused, Allahweh sipped her own coffee as she listened to the exchange.

"Columbian blend," Jacen said. "I've tried nearly three hundred variations over the years, but I always come back to this blend."

Nahv turned to Laul for a moment. "Let's call the CMO next, Admiral," he said.

"Of course, sir," Laul said. "That would be Chief Medical Officer Commander Solida."

Nahv nodded. "Excellent," he said. "Admiral Felth, could you call Doctor Solida, please?"

Setting down her coffee, Allahweh looked at Nahv. "As you wish." She tapped her combadge, and ordered Commander Solida to present herself.

Nahv turned back to Jacen. "Is it good on ice as well?" he asked?

"Yes, sir," Jacen said. "It is quite good chilled."

"I would like to try that some time, Jacen," Nahv said. "It smells divine." Admiral Laul chuckled. Nahv's antennae wiggled for a moment.

"I think you've been sitting behind a desk to long there, Kry," Laul said.

Nahv chuckled himself. "Best ship in the fleet, my mahogany desk," he said. Laul chuckled again.

Jacen smiled to himself. "I can program it into the replicator database if you'd like before I leave the hearing."

"Thank you, Jacen," Nahv stated. "That would be wonderful."

Commander Solida's waiting room

The room that Solida sat in the small waiting room that had been assigned to her in order for her to wait for her chance to speak at Sanek's hearing was rather bleak and basic. It was a small office-sized room, very lovelessly decorated, with a rather cold, impersonal feel to it. There was a small coffee table in the center of the room, flanked by a loveseat and a small plush armchair. An artificial plant was in the corner, next to the armchair, though Solida was uncertain what the plant was a model of.

Solida was alone in the room, of course, because all of the witnesses were given separate assignments so as to not have them speak to each other and influence their testimonies to the Admiralty. On her way to this room, of course, she had seen several familiar faces, including Vaareler and even Jessica Richards. However, they were discouraged from interacting until after the board had reached its decision, and even then, the topics discussed here this evening were to remain solely between those involved.

Taking a seat in the small, plush armchair, Solida reflected on the events that led them here to this situation tonight. In truth, most of those who were there that day believed that Sanek had done everything in his power to keep all of them safe, and, more importantly, alive. Sanek, Richards, and a few others had suffered minor or moderate injuries, but everyone was no worse for the wear today. Despite not knowing the entire situation, from everything that Sanek had told her about what happened, she believed that there was no way any of them could have predicted what was going to occur. It's very possible that with a less experienced captain, none of them would be here today to even have this meeting.

Certainly, there were likely a few minor precautions that were not followed to the letter during the event, mainly because of the chaotic nature of it all and the lack of time to react, such as to hail a Red Alert. Solida would not have put it past the board to pick on Sanek for something such as this, but if that was the case, then she felt they were missing the point.

She did not know what the outcome would be, and Sanek wasn't even going to venture a guess at it (not that she expected him to, of course). Yet, he already had some plans in mind should he not lose his commission altogether, and she knew that he...That they...Would be alright.

Just then, the door to her room...Her holding cell (she thought to herself, jokingly)...Opened, and one of the ship's security officers stood there waiting.

"Doctor T'yra, the Board is ready for you. Would you please come with me, ma'am?"

"Of course," she replied. And, just like that, she was off to perhaps the most important meeting in her life.

(Solida narrative written by Allahweh)

Vice Admiral Kry'Lot Nahv's Quarters

At that moment, the door chimed. Nahv turned to the door.

"Enter!" he shouted.

Commander Solida entered the room. She walked immediately to the table and saluted the Admirals. Nahv returned the salute, while Jacen and Laul nodded politely. Allahweh put her coffee down and acknowledged her with a nod as well.

"Doctor," Nahv said, "have a seat across from me, please."

Solida turned and seated herself in the chair, taking a moment to make herself comfortable.

Nahv consulted his PADD for a moment, and then looked back up at Solida. "Full name and rank, please, and your position at the time of the Shepard incident," he said.

"Commander Solida T'yra, Chief Medical Officer of the Alan Shepard," she answered.

Nahv looked at her closely for a moment. "You are Betazoid, are you not, Doctor?"

Solida nodded. "Yes, Admiral, that is correct."

"Did you sense anything unusual from Captain Sanek at the time of the anomaly encounter?" Nahv began.

Solida considered the question, thinking back to the moment in question, before she answered. "I sensed a level of interest... of genuine yearning to understand... but at the same time, there was a sense of apprehension."

Laul reads over his PADD and tapped a few keys.

"At what point did this... apprehension... come into play?" Nahv asked.

"It was there throughout much of the journey, when we were investigating these anomalies," she responded. "However, it was more prevalent when we entered proximity of this last anomaly, what was deemed to be a possible 'white hole'."

"When was it 'deemed' as you say... to be a white hole?" Nahv queried.

"I believe after the initial probes were sent out and the first set of data returned, Admiral," she answered. "However, I was not on the bridge at the time, so that may be supposition."

Nahv's demeanor then changed somewhat. "Doctor," he began, "I want to take a moment... to thank you."

Somewhat surprised, Solida looked at Nahv. "Thank me?"

"I understand there were eighty-nine injuries," he elaborated. "It must have been a traumatic time. I salute the capabilities of Starfleet medical personel who can handle that kind of stress."

Solida nodded. "Indeed... I was told to man Sickbay at the time of these investigations, just in case something like this were to happen... protocol of course. It was stressful, though, as you noted." She paused for a brief moment. "Even the Captain and our guest, Ms. Richards, received minor injuries."

Jacen frowned. "Uh-oh," he thought to himself.

"I imagine such stress might even effect someone of the Vulcan persuation," Nahv stated.

Solida nodded again. "It might affect them, but they would not allow it to alter their decision making, and certainly not have it be apparent to the crew."

Nahv looked back at his PADD for a moment before looking back at Solida. "What were the nature of the Captain's injuries, Doctor?" he inquired.

"His shoulder was injured with the gravitational changes on the bridge that threw many of the crew back against the walls," she responded.

"Where they severe enough that he would be unable to perform his duties?" Nahv asked.

Solida shook her head. "No, I do not believe so," she said. "He came to Sickbay after the fact."

"So..." Nahv began, "when the Alan Shepard was limping back to space dock, that's when he finaly reported to Sickbay?"

"Yes, Admiral," she nodded. "He only reported to Sickbay once the vessel was out of danger and making its way back to dock."

"He remained at his post the entire time?" Nahv asked.

"To my knowledge, he did," she responded.

"Did you sense anything... from the anomaly, Doctor?" Nahv queried.

"The anomaly is not living," she began, "therefore... I would say no. What I sensed had more to do with the thoughts and feelings of the crew at the time."

Nahv turned to Laul. "Admiral Laul? Anything further?"

"Yes, Admiral," Laul responded.

Nahv gestured. "Please."

"At the onset of yellow alert prior to the incident," Laul began, "were there any crew members unable to man their post due to any medical conditions, especially those of the bridge, senior staff or other key positions?"

Nahv paused with his finger over his PADD, his eyebrow raised, listening intently.

"If they were unable to man their consoles," Solida answered, "they could have been relieved from duty. We could not put the entire crew at risk in such a situation, Admiral."

"I understand," Laul responded, "I just wish to know if any of those key personnel were missing at the time of the incident and perhaps manned by lesser experienced personnel."

Nahv looked at Laul curiously.

Understanding, Solida nodded. "Ah, I see, Admiral. No, to my recollection no one of importance was incapacitated. The only untrained member on the bridge was the chief."

"And you said she was injured as well?" Nahv asked. "What were the nature of her injuries? The chief, I mean?"

"Yes," Solida answered, "she received similar injuries with the gravitational shift. She received a minor concussion and her shoulder was dislocated."

Nahv taps on his PADD, entering notes as he listened. Laul frowned when he heard what Richard's injuries were, and looked up at Jacen, who was tapping another series of notes on his PADD. As he watched, Jacen drank the rest of his coffee.

"Thank you Commander," Laul intoned, "that is all I have."

Solida nodded.

"Did she remain in Sickbay following her injuries?" Nahv asked.

"Like the Captain," Solida began, "once the ship was stable and moving away from the anomaly, she, too, stayed in Sickbay to recover."

"So she was on duty with her injuries... until the ship was stable?" Nahv pressed.

Solida looked at him for a moment. "Mainly because she, and the rest, were unable to get to the Sickbay safely."

"Understood," Nahv said. "I have nothing further. Admiral?"

"I do not believe she did anything," Solida said, "however, as she was unconscious at the time."

"Nothing further," Laul said.

"Thank you, Doctor" Nahv stated. "Dismissed."

Solida nodded, and stood. "Thank you," she said, and saluted the Admirals. They all returned the salute, and watched her as they left the room. Once she was gone, Nahv looked through his PADDs.

"Who is Thryiss?" he asked.

"Tactical Officer Commander Thryiss," Laul intoned. "Actually, he should have information on the asteroid or anything else in the area at the time." He tapped his combadge and ordered Thryiss to the room.

"Very good," Nahv said.

"She, actually," Laul said a moment later, after checking his PADD.

"She, ahh," Nahv responded.

Commander Thryiss' waiting room

Thryiss paced her small room, angry, and frustrated that she could do nothing about it. This entire charade just angered her. Countless stories of other ship captains who had lost their vessels entirely in battle or in spacial incidents... losing all or many of their crew... went through her head, and the fact that most of them had been exonerated, even praised. And here she paced, with her captain facing a possible court martial after not only saving his damn ship, but everybody on board as well!

She turned and kicked the chair as hard as she could, barely moving it due to it's bulk, and stinging her feet.

"Dammit!" she shouted, and crossing her arms stood in the center of the room and glared out of the porthole at the stars. So based on everything she'd seen so far, the only way Sanek would have had throngs of people praising his name for his 'good deeds' would have been to actually screw up... lose his ship, let a lot of his crew die.

He was being punished for actually doing not only the right thing, but adhering to actual Starfleet protocol too!

Since her brother had been found guilty before a board just like this, she had always felt a disdain for any officer in charge of some board. They didn't understand. They weren't the ones actually out there, actually doing something. They stuck their noses in their books, and lived their lives based on rules, regulations, protocols... bah! Why couldn't they understand that sometimes, things just happen? Sanek was the most careful, calculating captain she'd ever worked with... but even someone like he can be taken by surprise when dealing with the awesome power of the Universe.

And despite that power, he'd still managed to save his ship and his crew!

Her door chime sounded suddenly. Turning, she opened the door to see the security officer who'd escorted her standing there.

"Commander," he began, "I am to inform you-"

"Where's the Admiral's Quarters?" she growled harshly, cutting him off.

Somewhat taken aback, he pointed down the hall. "Last door on your left," he said.

She turned and walked briskly up the corrider, completely ignoring him... hoping that she wouldn't get court martialed herself... but not really caring if she did.

Vice Admiral Kry'Lot Nahv's Quarters

There was silence in the Admiral's quarters for a few moments as everyone spent some time collating the data they had heard through the testimonies so far. Then, the door chime chirped, and Nahv invited Commander Thryiss through the door. She entered, and walked rather briskly to stand in front of Nahv and salute him, receiving nods from the rest of the officers present. Nahv then nodded to the empty seat across from him.

"Have a seat there, Commander," he said.

Thryiss hesitated for a moment, and remained standing.

"Something wrong?" Nahv asked.

Thryiss thrust out her chin. "Sir, I think I would prefer to stand, if I may."

Nahv's expression darkened. He raised his arm and pointed at the chair. "Sit. Commander." His tone made it clear no argument was going to be tolerated. Allahweh, sitting next to the chair Thryiss was now seating herself in, looked at her curiously, while Laul grinned and carefully looked down at his PADD in an attempt to conceal it.

Still glaring at Thryiss, Nahv motioned to her. "Full name and rank, and position at the time of the Alan Shepard disaster?" he said coldly.

Looking slightly belligerent, Thryiss complied. "Commander Thryiss Zanatharas, Tactical Officer, USS Alan Shepard."

Tapping some data on his PADD, Nahv continued. "What is your tactical analysis of the events leading up to the damage to the Shepard and injuries to more than eighty of her crew?" he asked.

"Once the vessel was in position to begin study?" Thryiss asked bluntly.

"Start there, yes."

Thryiss eyed the Admiral for a moment. "The vessel was within safety limits," she answered. "Regulations state it must be no less than five hundred kilometers from any known objects - it was parked within those limits."

Allahweh sipped her coffee, watching Thryiss. She was a bit put off by the Commander's attitude.

"Five hundred kilometers?" Nahv asked. "Any known objects... like asteroids?"

"Yes sir," Thryiss responded again. "Five hundred kilometers from known spacial objects."

Laul looked up. "Regulation 175 sir."

Thryiss looked at Laul for a moment. "Correct," she intoned.

"According to this," Nahv continued, "an asteroid impacted with the port nacelle. Describe what happened... tactically, Commander."

Thryiss looked at the Admiral for a moment, and then sighed, visibly attempting to calm herself. "Very well sir. I am no scientist, but apparently the anomaly collapsed. This caused a gravity well, which grew. All the objects nearby began to be pulled into it. Including us." She shuddered for a moment as she recalled the events. "One of those objects, an asteroid, increased with enough momentum to impact our port warp nacelle."

"Collapsed?" Nahv asked. "Was this near time index 88532? The time the captain ordered a yaw axis maneuver in order to break free of the gravity?"

"Captain Sanek ordered the yaw axis maneuver prior to the impact. Sir." She looked hard at the Admiral. "The anomaly had begun to collapse prior to that order."

Nahv looked back at her for a moment, then changed pace. "Aboard the Alan Shepard, Commander.... Could probes be fired from your station? Assuming, of course, you were at your station at the time the Class 9 probe was fired."

Thryiss looked even more sharply at the Admiral. "Yes, I was at my station." She almost seemed insulted. "And yes, I could fire probes from my station should the need arise. That, however, is the science officer's job."

"Why didn't the science officer fire the Class 9 probe then?"

Laul looked up from his PADD, his expression turning a bit grim, and eyed Thryiss as she responded.

"Because Captain Sanek," she began bluntly, "as a gesture of good will, had decided to allow Chief Jessica Richards to be included in the study, and allowed her to fire them. Which was overseen by Commander Vaareler."

"What do you know of the experience of Chief Jessica Richards, Commander?" Nahv asked then. "I understand she's quite the tactician."

Leaning back slightly, Thryiss shook her head. "I know little of the Chief. My first, and only, introduction to her was during the voyage in question."

Nahv consulted his PADD for a moment, and then looked up once again. "At any point in time were the weapons systems of the Alan Shepard engaged?" he asked.

Thryiss creased her eyebrows, and looked at Nahv perplexed. "Why would they be? We were conducting a science research study." She paused for a moment. "No, they were not."

"At what point did Captain Sanek order Red Alert?" Nahv asked directly.

"Captain Sanek did not order a Red Alert at any time during the incident," she answered. "The vessel remained in Yellow Alert status." She paused again for a moment. "Or, at least, that's what I understand."

Jacen visibly frowned at the mention of there being no Red Alert being sounded. The moment a vessel has imminent possibility of being damaged, Red Alert generaly sounds automatically, he thought.

Nahv looked at her sharply for a moment. "What do you mean... what you understand?"

"I was knocked unconscious when the asteroid impacted the port warp nacelle," she responded.

Nahv entered some more data, and then looked up at Allaheweh and Laul. "Anything from either of you for this witness?" he asked them.

Laul raised his head. "Yes Admiral I do."

Nahv nodded to Laul. "Finn."

Laul leaned a bit forward, and looked at Thryiss. "Commander, state the classification of the nearest object to your vessel and its distance prior to the collapse of the anomaly."

Thryiss hesitated for a moment, appearing to be in thought.

"Carry on, Commander," Nahv stated coldly.

Looking slightly dark at Nahv, she began. "The nearest object was an asteroid. It was seven hundred thirty two thousand kilometers from our position, opposite the anomaly."

"Would that be the asteroid that eventually impacted with the port nacelle?" Nahv asked.

"I don't know. Maybe," she said, clearly uncomfortable. "I don't have that information, but I would assume that would be possible. There were many other asteroids in the area. That was just the closest."

"When the anomaly collapsed, what was the time of impact of the asteroid?" Laul asked quietly.

Thryiss shook her head. "After reviewing the data, it was only about thirty seconds at most," she responded. "At the time, I couldn't have said, as the moment it struck my console exploded in my face."

"Thirty seconds is a long time Commander," Laul stated, "plenty of time to see it coming, were you watching your console?"

Thryiss glared at Laul for a moment. "I said thirty seconds... at most," she said slowly. "I am not certain of the time. When we began to swing out of position because of the gravity well, I saw an asteroid inbound. I indicated this to Captain Sanek, but the speed was such it struck before anything could be done to avoid it."

Nahv looked at her again for a moment, then looked at the other two Admirals. "Allahweh? Any questions? Finn, anything more?"

Laul nodded at her answer, and looked at Nahv. "Nothing further."

Nahv raised an eyebrow, and glanced at Allahweh. She stirred for a moment, and then turned to Thryiss.

"The shields were not engaged at the time?" she asked.

Thryiss looked sharply at Allahweh. "Of course. Captain Sanek has a standing order that shields are to be raised any time a Yellow Alert is sounded. The object was large enough that it circumvented our shield."

Nahv interjected. "But the shields were up?"

Thryiss turned to look back at Nahv. "Yes. Sir."

Allahweh nodded. "I see... hmmm. Very well then."

Still looking at Thryiss, Nahv set his PADD down on the table. "Anything further, Allahweh? Finn?"

Laul shook his head. "Nothing from me sir." he said.

Alahweh glanced a last time at Thryiss and then turned back to Nahv. "Nothing from me."

"Dismissed, Commander," Nahv said immediately.

Thryiss stood quickly, saluted the Admiral, who returned the salute cursorily, and then left the room at a brisk walk. The Admirals looked around the table at each other for a few moments before Nahv picked up his PADD once again and glanced over his notes. He took a deep breath.

"Well, I'm ready for our captain... after a five minute recess?" he asked.

Laul nodded. "Sounds good, sir."

"That's fine," Allahweh said.

Nahv nodded, and then turned to Jacen as he rose from his seat. "Mr. Caedus, will you accompany me to the replicator?" As he joined Jacen enroute to the replicator, Allahweh motioned to the orderly and ordered some more coffee. He returned a few moments later with a new cup, which she once again poured cream and sugar to taste.

As they reached the replicator, Nahv turned to Jacen. ""I would love some of that Columbian blend, Jacen, chilled." His smiled dissipated somewhat. "And I would like your opinions thusfar when we return to the room."

Jacen keyed in a few commands, and set the program as Columbian. He created an option for the beverage to be chilled as well, and then ordered another hot cup for himself, and a chilled one for Admiral Nahv.

Nahv smelled the blend as it replicated. "Ahhh, even replicated it smells delightful, Jacen. Thank you."

Jacen nodded. "Of course," he said. "but I will hold on my final opinion and testimony until after I hear Mr. Sanek's if that is fine with you?"

Nahv took his cup and sipped. "Mmm. As good as it smells." He nodded carefully to Jacen's statement then, after taking another sip. "Very well, Jacen."

Jacen took his own cup out of the replicator. "I'm pleased you find it acceptable."

Nahv turned to Laul, across the room. "Something for you, Finn? You a coffee man?"

Laul nodded. "Sir," he said. "Deka tea for me."

Nahv nodded to the orderly, and indicated that he should do the honors of serving the tea to Laul. The orderly picked it up after replication, and brought it to Laul, who took it.

"Thank you," he said, and blew on it lightly.

Nahv seated himself. "Shall we? I'd like to go over a few things," he said.

After seating himself as well, Jacen sips his coffee and glanced down at his PADD, frowning slightly.

"Of course," Laul said.

After getting himself comfortable again, Nahv looked about. "All right, room. So... what do we have? Thoughts on information yet to fill? Cracks left unattended? Impressions?"

Allahweh spoke first. "Hmmmmmm...I find it odd that Red Alert was never signalled, or at least no one indicated such. But perhaps in the moment, there was no time to do so."

Nahv nodded. "Ah, but the tactical officer pointed out that Sanek has a standing order to add shields any time he calls a Yellow Alert," he said. "That would suffice in this instance, I think. Above and beyond defensive screens and deflectors."

"Perhaps, but that does not prepare the crew who are not on the bridge for the impending situation, does it?" she responded.

Sipping his coffee, Nahv lifted his mug in a toast to Jacen.

"I believe in this case," Laul suggested, "there was little difference to be had between yellow and red alert."

"It certainly wouldn't prepare any.... visitors... such as our chief," Nahv stated.

"Key personnel were in position and shields were up," Laul added.

"And agreed, Finn," said Nahv. "There was no way of knowing what would happen and all safety protocols were in place."

"Well, those on the bridge would know what was going on, except her, however," she continued, "those down below would be under the impression that they were still under caution alone."

Laul looked at Allahweh. "The Chief was being overseen by the XO and Chief Science officer."

There was a pause, during which Nahv thought carefully about the data he'd been presented so far. He then cleared his throat.

"Hmm. What else?" he asked.

Allahweh spoke again. "The exact distance of the anomaly would be hard to ascertain, I would think. With probes going that large of a distance, the data would already be outdated upon its return."

My only concern is tactical," Laul interjected. "If it was indeed 30 seconds, even 20, there should have been time."

Jacen listened for a few moments, and then spoke. "I find that the situation was being handled in accordance with the regulations," he stated, "and he was actually well outside the regulations in his preparations."

"Well," Nahv said, "in either of those instances, does that make the captain negligent? Or his tactical and operations officers?"

"Tactical perhaps if it can be shown there was time," Laul suggested. "Granted, with the stresses on that ship, it may not have helped."

"Define negligent?" Jacen spoke up. "I still see that the captain saved the ship."

Nahv looked over at Jacen for a moment. "Jacen, I thought you wanted to reserve comment until after we heard from Captain Sanek?" He raised an eyebrow.... then smiled.

"This would be entirely different if the ship had been lost," Jacen suggested, "but what I am concerned with is did the captain ever consider the ship in critical danger? I have heard nothing of any mention of abandoning the ship."

Nahv nodded to Jacen. "Good point."

"Abandoing in those conditions would have resulted in all hands lost," Laul calculated, "escape pods and shuttles would not break that gravity well. The ship was their only hope."

Jacen raised his eyebrow. "Then by that statement alone you almost sound as if you have already exhonerated the Captain?" he asked. "How can he be negligent if he saved the crew and the ship?"

"That's enough for now, Admiral Caedus," Nahv stated.

There was a pause, which was broken by Allahweh. ""He can be negligent for putting them into the situation in the first place. If he relied on the data produced by the probe to decide the safe distance," she added, "then he should have known better."

Nahv snapped his fingers. "Allahweh!" he said loudly. "This whole thing surrounds a gravimetric disturbance.... black - or white - hole..."

"Such disturbances, over massive distances, produce temporal anomalies," she stated bluntly.

Nahv turned to Laul. "Finn, what was the data on the probe?" he asked. "Would there not have been time deliniation that would have thrown all of this into the rubbish bin?"

Allahweh shook her head and laughed at the idea.

"We have yet to hear from the Captain," Laul said seriously, "and to answer your question Kry, I dont believe we ascertained that the probe's data was returned in time."

"He should have taken into account such temporal disturbances," Allahweh suggested, "and not relied on the data."

"A white hole? The first one encountered?" Laul countered. "How could he know, how could anyone know what would happen?"

"It's not that, Admiral," Allahweh responded. "He should have known that temporal disturbances occur with gravitational forces." She paused for a moment. "He is a science officer, after all."

Nahv pursed his lips. "Hm. Good point. Any other points we need to cover?"

Allahweh shook her head. "I don't think so."

"Let's hold those thoughts. I'd like to hear from the captain. Anyone disagree with that?"

"No, sir," Laul responded.

"He deserves to state his case, before anything further," Allahweh added.

Nahv consulted his PADD for a moment, and then looked up at Laul and Allahweh. "Who is..." he snapped his fingers, "Lyradis?"

"Lyradis? Sir?" asked Laul.

"Lyradis is on the list here..." Nahv said as he perused the witnesses.

Allahweh thought for a moment. "Lyradis...I believe she may have been the navigational officer."

Nahv pursed his lips again. "Hm. Let's hold Lyradis. I'm going to call Sanek," he stated.

Laul checked his PADD for a moment. "I don't have her on my list," he said. "Hmm."

Nahv tapped his combadge, and ordered Sanek to remit to his quarters immediately.

Fleet Captain Sanek, ship's lounge

The past hour had left Sanek with much to think about and consider. He spent time analyzing all of his career choices, and meticulously analyzing each critical situation he had been involved in, and his decisions therein.

His thoughts, however, continued to circle back to the situation in the Delta Volanis Cluster. He had meticulously analyzed and meditated over the scenario repeatedly. He had remained as objective as a Vulcan can be, and he did not see how any decision he had made would be considered negligent in any form. The only possibility he forsaw that may bring him grief was not ordering Red Alert once the vessel was captured by the gravity well... however, seconds were precious, and it was more important to get the vessel out of the increasing gravity than it was to order Red Alert.

In any event, Red Alert instantly sounded once the vessel took damage anyway. And furthermore, once the gravity well enveloped the vessel, there was nothing any of the rest of the crew on the ship could do. Everyone's lives were almost soley in the hands of the bridge crew.

Additionally, there had been no way anyone could have known that the other side of the wormhole would collapse at the exact moment the Alan Shepard was nearby. The odds of such an occurrance, based on the known data of singularity anomalies, was in the neighborhood of six million, three hundred forty-two thousand, eight hundred ninety-seven point three two to one. And in any event, it was impossible to fall inside a white hole, based on all the quantum mathematical theorems. White holes rejected matter... they didn't draw it in.

As such, his station keeping was sound - and far outside standard Starfleet safety regulations to boot.

The security officer's communicator beeped then, and he stepped forward.

"Fleet Captain," he said, "your presence is requested by the Vice Admiral. Walk down this corridor and enter the last door on your left."

Sanek turned and nodded to the officer by way of acknowledgement, then exited the room and walked down the hallway.

Vice Admiral Kry'Lot Nahv's Quarters

Nahv looked at Laul and Allahweh. "It's all very interesting. I wonder if that anomaly has recurred since this event," he mused.

The door chime sang out then. Nahv called loudly to enter, and Sanek stepped into the room. He walked over before the chair facing Nahv, and saluted briskly. Nahv returned the salute, and Laul and Allahweh both nodded politely. Nahv gestured to the empty chair in front of Sanek.

"Please have a seat, Captain," he said.

"My thanks, Admiral," Sanek stated, and sat down.

"Kindly state your name, full rank, position at the time of the disaster," Nahv stated.

"Fleet Captain Sanek, Captain of the USS Alan Shepard," Sanek responded.

"What was your fleet status at the time of the incident, sir," Nahv asked. "To which fleet command did you report?" He sipped his coffee.

"I was assigned to the Alpha Centauri Institute at the time of the incident, Admiral," Sanek responded. "Science Division, Deep Space Research."

"Also Recruitment Director, yes?" Allahweh asked.

"Correct," Sanek acknowledged.

"Was this your first venture into the Delta Volanis cluster?" Nahv asked then.

"Negative sir," Sanek answered. "I have conducted deep space reserach into the Delta Volanis Cluster a total of nine times in my career."

"Ever encounter anything like 8538?"

"Negative," Sanek said. "Anomaly DC-8538-AA was the first time I have encountered such a phenomenon."

Nahv paused for a moment. "What... was that thing, exactly?" His eyes widened and narrowed as if trying to imagine it for himself. "Did you ever really find out?"

"Collated data indicated that Anomaly 8535-AA was consistent with the exit of an unstable wormhole from an unknown location," Sanek instructed. "Typical of the naturally occuring wormhole theorem, white holes - of which this anomaly was concurrent with - suggest energy being drawn from the opposite side. This is the first time such a white hole has been encountered to my knowledge."

Allahweh sipped her coffee, listening with interest.

"Do you believe you exercised proper precautions faced with such an unknown, Captain?" Nahv asked bluntly.

"Yes, Admiral," answered Sanek. "I acted in accordance with established regulations and safety procedures."

"The data you mentioned," Nahve asked. "Was that from preliminary scans or from the probe that was launched?"

"It was a collation of the two."

"What was Master Chief Jessica Richards doing on your ship, Captain?" Nahv asked. "What, exactly, was her role, and why did she fire the Class 9 probe instead of your science officer?"

Laul nodded at the question, while Allahweh sipped her coffee, awaiting Sanek's response.

"Master Chief Jessica Richards was aboard my vessel as a courtesy," Sanek said. "I invited her aboard for the duration of the voyage so she could review the deep space research study process in action. It was my decision to allow Chief Richards to participate in the research by launching the Class 9 probe on my order."

Nahve's anntenae twitched slightly. "And she took an active role upon the approach of an anomaly..." he raised an eyebrow. "Was that a logical decision, Captain?"

Allahweh laughed quietly at the question's wording, though still wondering what Sanek's response would be.

"I felt it a logical decision to include her in the study process," he answered, "as she had indicated a desire to participate. The launch of the probe, in and of itself, plays a minor role in the research of any phenomena."

Nahv looked to Finn. "Questions, Admiral Lual?" He twitched an antenna toward Allahweh. "Admiral Felth?"

Allahweh Felth leaned back in her chair, considering a question to ask, while Laul nodded.

"Yes Admiral," he said.

"Proceed."

"Captain, at the time of the collapse of the anomaly," Laul began, "how long was it that you were notified there was an incoming asteroid that would impact the ship?"

"Moments, Admiral," Sanek responded. "Commander Thryiss was still in the midst of her warning when the impact occurred, cutting her off when her console blew outwards."

Allahweh took another sip of her coffee, listening intently.

"So, just a few seconds then?" Laul pressed.

"That is correct."

Laul commented further. "Commander Thryiss said perhaps 30 seconds at the most."

Raising an eyebrow, Sanek looked at Laul.

"As you know, that's a very long time," Laul continued.

"Certainly, Admiral," Sanek responded, eyebrow still raised.

Allahweh Felth took minor notes, listening as Sanek responded.

"However," Laul continued, "with only a few seconds of notification, you hardly had time to do anything..."

"She sustained injuries," Sanek responded, "however, I can not suggest a plausible reason for the discrepancy."

"When the collapse occured, you maintained yellow alert? Is that correct?" Laul asked.

"That is correct, Admiral," Sanek answered.

"Did you once think to call Red?"

"At that time, no," Sanek stated. "I had ample time to order the vessel to swing 180 degrees yaw attitude and execute an escape order. However, the impact and resultant damage to the port warp nacelle negated the time allotment."

"Red alert is of course to be called in a dangerous situation," Laul said. "Did the collapse not warrant a dangerious situation in your opinion?"

Sanek lightly shook his head. "Negative sir. Until the damage to the warp core, I had ample time to exit the area prior to any possible risk to the vessel."

"To Admiral Laul's line of questioning," Nahv interjected, "Captain, do you maintain a higher than required standard on Yellow Alert? We were lead to believe you have a standing order that Yellow Alert includes raising shields."

"That is correct, Admiral," Sanek responded. "I have this order in place as a failsafe for added safety to vessel and crew."

Nahv entered data into his Tricorder. Allahweh continued to take notes as she listened to Sanek.

"If you had 20 seconds notification of the incoming asteroid," Laul said suddenly, "in your opnion, do you think you could have avoided the asetroid?"

"Yes, Admiral." Sanek shifted in his seat slightly. "Had I ample time to vector the vessel, I could have avoided the impact. However, gravitational forces at the time were exponentially increasing. We did not have 20 seconds."

Nahv looked to Laul. "I understand that, Captain," Laul responded. "However, I do wonder if Red aleart had been called, if your tactical officer would have been more on their toes so to say." He leaned back in his chair. "Nothing more from me."

Navh nodded. "Time index 88653," he stated quickly. "'Captain Sanek orders the shut down of the artificial gravity compensators.' ...Explain the order."

"After the impact of the asteroid," Sanek began, "main power was shut down due to warp core damage. We were on auxiliary power. Auxiliary power has not the magnitude required to maintain shields as well as other ship functions for any length of time. Furthermore, due to the exponentially increasing gravitational pull of the singularity, the articifial gravity compensators were drawing more and more energy at an exponential rate to compensate for the gravitational forces. As such, had I not shut them down, the vessel would not have had enough power to execute a vector order and escape the singularity. This same reason also necessitated shutting down the shields."

Allahweh siped her coffee and noded at the answer provided by Sanek. Nahv himself listened as Sanek explained, and then turned to Allahweh. "Allahweh? Anything from you to the Captain?"

She nodded. "Mr. Sanek...Did this anomaly cause any odd temporal issues?" she asked. "I wonder, because if probes were sent out to the anomaly to bring back information, would this not be distorted by temporal issues?"

"That is correct," Sanek answered. "Time displacement phenomena was cataloged during the probes descent into the anomaly."

"Do you suspect that such displacement caused any erroneous choices, due to reliance on the data yielded?" She sipped her coffee as she finished the query.

Sanek raised his eyebrow. "Negative. Choices during the incident were made based on the expansion of the singularity, and it's exponential growth after the probe data collation."

"Hmmmmmmmm..." she intoned, somewhat doubtfully. "I see...But this would seem to render such data void, in many ways."

"I must apologize," Sanek said. "I do not understand the context of your comment."

Nahv sipped his coffee, and tapped his fingers on the table.

"I suppose I wonder about the probe data's relevancy in such a situation," Allahweh continued, "as a distortion would possibly make the data yielded no longer applicable to the present situation. However, as you said you did not take the data into consideration for your choices at the time of the collapse, it is perhaps less of an issue."

Nahv then held up his hand. "Anything futher from my colleagues before my final question?"

Laul shook his head. "Nothing from me, sir."

Allahweh still mused. "I only wonder if perhaps the collapse could have been predicted, in some ways." She then lightly shook her head and sipped her coffee, alluding to Nahv that she was finished.

Nahv directed his gaze at Sanek. "Captain Sanek, listen closely to my wording of this question and answer directly.... During the incidents of Stardate 87459.88, in what ways were you negligent?"

"I am not aware in any way of how my actions on Stardate 87459.88 would be considered negligent," Sanek responded. "I understand that disabling the artificial gravity compensators is against safety regulations; however had I not done so, destruction of the vessel, and loss of the crew, would have been certain. That decision was made in adherence to Regulation 3, paragraph 12."

Nahv leaned forward slightly. "Were you negligent?" he pressed.

"Negative, Admiral."

Nahv looked to his colleagues, and Laul nodded. Jacen turned his PADD off while Allahweh sipped her coffee, and considered the testimony of Sanek.

"Nothing further, Captain," Nahv said. "Thank you for your time. We'll call you shortly."

Sanek stood. "Thank you , Admiral." He saluted, and received a nod in response. Turning, he left the Admirals to themselves.

Admiral Nahv leaned back in his chair. "Thoughts? Jacen, you too."

Laul spoke first. "I believe there are lessons to be learned here," he said, "but nothing major to put down a good Captain that is admired by his crew."

Nahv nodded. "Allahweh?"

Allahweh Felth nodded. "I do not think he should be sent to the courts martial," she responded, "however, I think some poor decisions were made in this matter."

"Is Captain Sanek under your fleet command, Admiral?" Nahv asked.

"Not until all proceedings here are completed."

Nahv nodded, and smiling, turned to Jacen. "Jacen? Thoughts?"

Jacen cleared his throat. "A Vulcan thinks and commands using logic, therefore he followed the letter of the regs as they are currently written."

Allahweh spoke up. "But even thus, some of this could have been avoided, whether he sees that or not," she challenged.

Nahv thought for a moment. "Hmm. I don't know."

Jacen pressed on. "Are the regs going to need to be rewritten following this?" he asked. "Probably. Is he negligent in his duties for not being able to feel instinct? No."

"Sometimes the strict adherence to established regulations cause errors in new situations," Allahweh mused. "Situations to which established protocols bound it under a limited system."

"But a Vulcan cannot lie, and lacks instinct," Jacen said. "They don't feel so they don't get 'vibes' like emotional species do."

"That may be, but he needs to learn to examine the new situations he encounters and act according to the situation." Allahweh sipped her coffee as she finished.

Laul spoke up again. "There are only two clear cut violations I believe-"

"I'm not saying his logic wasn't flawed in this case," Jacen continued, cutting Laul off, "it was. But it wasn't flawed based on the knowledge at the time. Hindsight is twenty twenty, not foresight."

Allahweh shrugged. "Distance regulations in regards to known anomalies may not apply to an unknown one."

Admiral Nahv held up his hand. "Please..... Finn?"

Laul continued. "One, allowing Chief Richards, an unqualified person main the Science station, granted she had some training and was supervised. Two, not calling Red alert when the situation turned dangerous when the white hole collapsed."

"Negligence, Finn?" Nahv asked. "Or oversight?"

Laul continued. "I do believe the vessel was well enough on alert to handle the situation. I would say oversight, Sir."

Allahweh shook her head, still not convinced.

"Bottom line, does this man deserve to lose his command?" Nahv asked. "Allahweh? Yes or no."

"Lose his command?" she said. "I would say no, but I think he needs to be put on probation for a period of perhaps 6 months."

"Jacen?" Nahv queried, turning to face him.

"No, but I agree with Admiral Felth," Jacen stated. "The oversights today are tomorrow's negligence."

"Which is why I recommended probation," Allahweh said.

"Finn?" Nahv asked.

"In my opinion, No," Laul answered. "We need good Captains and I believe Mr Sanek is one of those. A reprimind perhaps."

Allahweh nodded. "He keeps his command, but he goes, on watch."

Nahv nodded, and then smiled broadly. "And what do I think...?"

Tapping his combadge, he gave the order to have Fleet Captain Sanek once more remit to his quarters.

Fleet Captain Sanek, ship's lounge

Sanek stood alone, away from the security officer, calmly gazing out past the orb of Earth at the planet's moon far off in the distance. He had made a study of the early Earth space mission program; it had interested him as it was such a different path to space than his own race had followed. His own race had taken much longer in the span of years to reach their neighboring celestial body. However, once that had been reached, the expansion into space itself had progressed rapidly. With humans, that cycle had been reversed.

He reflected on how much space had become a part of his own existence, which had ultimately brought him to where he was right now. He admitted to himself that should the board find him guilty of negligence, he was uncertain where that path would lead, as being away from space exploration was currently something he had never considered. He mused on this thought for some time.

After several minutes, he heard the security officer behind him. Turning, he raised his eyebrow.

"Admiral Nahv is ready for you, sir," he said.

Sanek nodded, and walked past without responding. As the doors to the loung hissed open, he calmly strode down the corridor to meet his fate.

Vice Admiral Kry'Lot Nahv's Quarters

A few moments later, the door to Admiral Nahv's quarters rang. The Admiral called Sanek inside. As he entered, he looked around to see all of the Admiralty standing, Laul and Allahweh on either side of the long table with Nahv at the far end. Jacen stood where he'd been sitting throughout the hearing.

"Mr. Sanek," Nahv said, "please stand at attention at the end of the conference table."

Sanek moved to take position as ordered, and brought himself to attention. Nahv fixed him with his eyes, and began to speak.

"Captain Sanek," he began, "it is the finding of the board that you are... NOT negligent in the incidents of Stardate 87459.88. As you will hereby fall under the fleet command of Admiral Allahweh Felth, I will leave it to her good graces to see to it that certain matters and questions in this incident are cleared up and addressed to her liking. On a personal note," he continued, "I'd like to see that you maintain your crew. Their loyalty was evident throughout."

He paused for a moment, and then began again. "I hereby call this hearing... adjourned. At ease, captain. And congratulations," Nahv said, and smiled.

Sanek relaxed slightly, and nodded. "My thanks, Admiral," he said simply.

Admiral Laul approached him and stuck out his hand. "Congratulations Captain and well done getting your ship out of there," he said. Sanek glanced briefly at the offered hand, and shook it once quickly.

"Thank you sir."

Allahweh turned to him and nodded. "Congratulations, Captain," she said. "You and I will have to speak, then, about your coming to the 16th."

"Certainly, Admiral Felth," Sanek replied.

Turning to Nahv, Laul stepped over to him and nodded. Nahv himself smiled at him. "Well spoken, admiral. I would like to serve with you at future hearings."

"I would welcome the honor, sir," Laul responded.

Allahweh turned to them both. "Likewise, if my services are needed in the future, let me know," she said.

"It was a pleasure Admiral Felth." Nahve paused for a moment. "I'm too old to remember a lot of what I see on those PADDs," he shook his head. "I appreciated your input."

Laul smiled at Nahv's comment.

"It was nice to serve with you as well, Ms. Felth," Nahv added. "My best wishes to you and your young ones."

"It was enjoyable," she responded. "I will look forward to getting out of this uniform again soon."

Jacen had moved forward until he stood near Sanek as the exchange continued. "Mr. Sanek," he begain, "I am glad that this worked out in your favor."

Sanek nodded to Jacen in acknowledgement. "My thanks, Admiral Caedus."

Nahv stepped around the table and walked to where Jacen stood with Sanek. He looked to Jacen. "Jacen... Thank you as well for your insight... and coffee."

Jacen smiled and nodded. "Of course, sir."

Nodding, Laul grinned at Jacen. "Yes, a pleasure meeting you Admiral Caedus and your input," he stated.

Offering his hand to Sanek, Nahv waited until Sanek took it with his typical hesitant Vulcan mannerism. When the shake was completed, he looked back up at him.

"If I were in such a position," he said, "I would have you serve in my fleet any day, Captain..." he paused "... though I would recommend care at who you let launch probes." He winked.

Sanek raised his eyebrow in response. "I will take it under advisement, Admiral," he intoned.

Allahweh, overhearing the Admiral's comment, turned and grinned... amused.

Nahv turned to them, and looked at them all as a group. "Thank you all," he began. "I imagine there are parties and what not... there usually are... But I need to get back to command."

"As do I," Laul responded.

"If you will excuse me, sirs," Jacen stated himself.

"Thank you all for your time." Nahv turned to being ushering them out of his quarters, as politely as possible. "Mr. Sanek, please extend my gratitude to your crew."

"Certainly, Admiral," Sanek said.

"Admiral Felth," Laul interjected, "we'll let you see to your Captain."

"As you wish," she responded. "Thank you all for this today. I am glad it worked out to Sanek's favor."

Allahweh, Sanek, and Jacen all stepped to the door and exited the Admiral's quarters, enroute to their own commands, and Sanek to inform his crew of his status. His first stop was at Lyradis' waiting room.

Ensign Lyradis' waiting room

Sanek tapped the chime, and a moment later the door opened. She stood there, her white dress uniform making her small, slim stature look even smaller.

"Ensign Lyradis," Sanek stated. "May I enter?"

"Oh... certainly, Captain!" She moved aside, and Sanek entered the small room, the door hissing closed behind him. As he gazed at her for a moment, it was evident to him that she had been weeping at some point. Her face held an expression of extreme concern, and of fear as well.

"The hearing is completed," Sanek said.

"It is??" Lyradis said, surprised. "But... I wasn't ever called to testify!"

Sanek raised his eyebrow. "Indeed?" he asked. "Intriguing. They must have decided they did not need your testimony."

"Well," she said, quivering slightly, her eyes welling, "how did it go, sir?"

"I have been exonerated of any negligence," he told her emotionlessly.

Lyradis slowly put her hand over her mouth, and tears rolled down her cheeks. It was partly, of course, due to the extreme pressure she was under... after all, she had only been out of the Academy for six months when the incident occurred. It was also partly due to the fact that Lyradis did not handle long term stress well, and the last few months of waiting for this hearing had been extremely telling on her. The release of all the stress overwhelmed her completely... and the fact that her Captain had been exonerated and not prosecuted made her extremely happy, as she had continuously felt somewhat responsible for the events.

"Your emotional response is noted, Ensign," Sanek replied, raising his eyebrow, "but unnecessary."

She laughed suddenly through her tears. Like many on board Sanek's ship, his emotionless logical prose had become somewhat of an amusement to her.

"Oh, Captain," she said, "that's wonderful news!" She wiped the tears away.

Sanek regarded her for a moment. "I am aware that you believe yourself to hold some responsibility in regards to the incident itself," he stated.

She looked at him guiltily for a moment, and then nodded. "I do, sir."

"That is not necessary, nor is it correct," he stated. "The decisions to bring the vessel to it's location where the incident occurred were mine alone. You followed your orders appropriately with distinction despite extraordinary circumstances. It is therefore my decision to submit you for the Federation Medal of Honor."

Her eyes grew wide, and she covered her mouth again as it hung open. "But..."

Sanek held up his hand. "Regardless of whether or not you are aware, your actions alone saved the vessel and the lives of the crew. I merely gave you an order. You, however, acted upon that order, and saved the ship."

She was speechless for several moments, after which she dropped her arms to her sides, her eyes welling again. "I... I don't know what to say, Captain," she said finally. "Thank you."

"Nothing need be said," Sanek stated. He turned slightly, and indicated the door. "Let us join the rest of the crew; our presence aboard this vessel is no longer required."

"Certainly sir," she said, and wiping her face, she walked to the doors, which hissed open for her. Sanek followed her out into the corridor, and the doors hissed shut behind them, leaving the room empty.

Admiral Kry'Lot Nahv's waiting room

As the USS Fairbanks left Sol for Starbase 113 and Nahv's next case, he gazed out the portal of his ready room and thought about the people he'd met this time around.

He really couldn't decide if his job was getting easier, or more difficult, with the number of officers who created their own protocols, "repaired" Starfleet's outdated protocols, or simply abandoned protocols in favor of common sense... or logic.

The Sanek case was a prime example of an officer who lived by the rules, who commanded with distinction and attention to his ship and crew. From the data and logs themselves, Nahv was confident going in that this would be an open-and-shut.

He wasn't as bothered, really, by the fact that an untrained noncom had fired a probe. After all, during his first time out as captain aboard the USS Asara, Nahv allowed his thirteen year-old son to tap the button that launched a torpedo at a test target. "My pips, my ship," Nahv muttered to himself. Besides, it was incidental. It's not like the probe created a black hole. Sanek and his crew - and even the master chief - performed at the level of Starfleet's finest.

Sanek is a good captain and a good officer. Admiral Nahv used those exact words in his report to Starfleet Command.

As the Fairbanks engaged warp, he said, "Computer, mark case number 984-J2-L7 as closed and file."

The computer acknowledged the request.

With a tired sigh, Kry'lot Nahv settled in at his desk and said, "Open files and documentation for case file 985-R7-L7."