Just the Facts

Posted on Wed Jul 19th, 2023 @ 7:34am by Commander Steven Greco

1,517 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Prologue: Centre Predominate
Location: USS Moore - Ready Room
Timeline: MD 16: 0800 hrs

Greco reviewed the report from the doctor again before he pressed the chime to the captain’s ready room. He was waiting to give the Vulcan his morning report on the ship and was doing his best to control his anger, though he could feel how red and hot his face already was at the tactical officer and helmsman.

Stryvek sat in his Ready Room listening to some ancient Earth music known as madrigals. He rather appreciated the complexities of the music. The sound of the door chime interrupted his enjoyment. "Computer pause music..." The music stopped and Stryvek took a moment to gather himself. "You may enter..."

When the doors hissed open, Steve walked in proudly. “Morning, Sir. This morning’s report…” he commented, handing the Vulcan his PaDD while moving to take a seat across from his commanding officer. He silently watched Stryvek’s reaction the report of Davaris and Stewart’s impromptu interrogation of their traffickers; as well as the doctor’s report of the Ktarian’s injuries.

“I confined Stewart to her quarters until further notice.” He said hotly, still angry at the women despite trying to sleep on it. “Given your….history, with Commander Davaris, I thought it be best to speak to you regarding her reprimand first.”

Stryvek leaned back in his chair as he read the report. The XO was correct something would have to be done to Davaris. Something like this could not be allowed to go without notice. "Have you spoken with both the Commander, and the Lieutenant? If so, what reasoning did they give for their actions?"

Steve nodded. “Commander Davaris seems to be under the impression of while she may have gone too far, she gets results and that the ends justify the means.” His voice barely containing his disgust at such a thought. “She believes she sent a message to everyone, including the Romulans, that we keep to our word.”

Taking a breath, Greco sat back in his seat. He scoffed outright at the thought of Stewart. “And Stewart…I just confined her to quarters before she could say a word. The only reason I didn’t have her in the brig is we need to keep the prisoners safe.” The contempt at the helmsman and her antics more than apparent in his voice. As far as he was concerned, she had no business being an officer and was an embarrassment to Starfleet.

Stryvek sat in long ponderance of the situation. Finally, in due curse when he began to speak it was with a tone of permanence. One that would not be argued with. "First we need to ascertain if the violence was warranted. You see Commander as much as I detest it sometimes people only respond to violence. It is something that has been done since time immemorial. As for Commander Davaris and her infraction I will deal with her." Keishara was an old friend. Yes, it was true that Vulcans actually did have friends. Stryvek would have to decide exactly how far that friendship went and he would have to do that soon.

Greco nodded in agreement. “And what of Stewart? Regardless of this incident, or the one in the corridor between them when we got underway, she is a problem. She is seen drinking in the DMZ late nearly every night. She has arrived late for four of her last nine duty shifts.” Frustration was not a large enough word to describe how Steve felt. “Permission to speak freely?” He asked as he took back his PaDD, pulling up another report.

"As for her drinking so long as she is not arriving to duty inebriated there is nothing to be done. Save for perhaps seeing if Counselor Avestro can have a talk with her. Her lateness should be addressed forthwith and notated in her file." Stryvek paused and sipped his tea. He now believed the matter closed. However, if he did not hear the XO out things would not bode well. Sometimes you had to let emotional beings be emotional. "Permission granted." He added almost as an after thought.

Steve looked at the Captain, crossing his ankle over his knee. “I don’t know what you see in her.” He said regarding the helmsman. “Davaris…she has her personal problems but she is a professional. She is going to make a great captain someday. But Stewart? With all due respect, I can’t believe you made her in command after Davaris. She hasn’t even served on a starship before.” He said incredulously. Stryvek was the captain. It was his call, but it didn’t mean Steve had to agree with him, simply follow orders.

Taking a breath, Greco calmed himself. “Frankly, Sir, she is a drunk and an embarrassment. She has no business in that uniform.” He said critical but respectful. It was his job as XO to be honest with the captain. He pulled Stewart’s history up on his PaDD, handing it back to Stryvek. “Regardless, her behavior is a pattern. She has a number of disciplinary actions on file regarding being late for duty shifts, switching shifts at the last minute with other instructors. All associated with alcohol, Sir. With all due respect, we don’t have the luxury of having our helmsman hung over in a crisis, Sir.” Greco said firmly, his personal feelings aside this was an issue. “Davaris may have an attitude but she gets the job done. Stewart is going to drag her down with her.” He said bluntly. “I don’t need to remind you of the K-7 incident and Gideon Davis.” He added with disgust regarding Stewart’s involvement with the former ambassador.

Stryvek did not look at the PADD that had been placed on his desk. He knew Stewart's record, he looked at it before he approved her transfer to his ship. The Captain again sipped his tea with little visual care to all that the XO had said. "And yet... Commander, if you look further into her record you will find that despite all of those issues she is still in the top five best pilots in the fleet. Clearly her drinking is covering for a larger problem. That would be why I suggested for the Counselor to have a talk with her. Switching shifts and the like, so long as those other officers are ok with the shift switches there is still nothing we can do. Leave the matter alone, that is until her drinking becomes and issue for her duty and her work on the ship." Stryvek knew that Evelyn would not let her problems come that far. She would not allow them to interfere with her duties.

Steve set his jaw. He wasn’t quite ready to let go of this point. “And if you look at those reports from previous counselors, she was less than cooperative in previous sessions and evaluation when ordered. All the reports say she was either manipulative or outright refused to participate in previous sessions.” He said firmly. “With all due respect, Sir. I don’t care if she is the best damned pilot this fleet has seen in fifty years. She is a liability.”

"And I say she is an asset." Stryvek said with a raised eyebrow and tone in his voice that indicated there would be no further discussion on this topic. After a moment he continued. "Now XO, is there anything else that needs to be addressed?"

Greco glanced at his PaDD, dejected. He had no idea what the captain was thinking, but he said his piece on the matter. “The Sarasota is due to rendezvous with us at 1430 tomorrow to pick up the prisoners and take them to Earth for trial.” He informed the Vulcan with a flat tone. “I know you will handle Davaris, but how long should Stewart be confined to quarters?” He asked so he could give the orders. He would make a point in the official log regarding what Davaris did so it didn’t get swept under the rug, just in case. Something this heinous needed to be on record.

"As far as both of them official reprimands will be placed into both of their files. As for Stewart confine her for two days. Then send her back to duty." Stryvek replied. He had to be seen as fair when it came to discipline on this ship. He would have to meditate and explore the reasons why he disagreed with Greco about Stewart. However, that was something for later.

Steve nodded in agreement. “Aye, Sir. Anything else?” He asked as he got to his feet.

Stryvek cocked an eyebrow as he thought that perhaps Steve was waited for something. "Commander thank you for bringing this to my attention." The idea that humans rather liked being recognized for good works came to him.

Steve gave a polite smile and nod. He didn’t like or agree with the latitude Stryvek gave either Stewart or Davaris. He just hoped this wouldn’t become an issue. When he was dismissed he went back to the bridge.

 

RSS Feed