Star Trek - Fanfic - Harsh Reality of Command - Part 5
“Captain Kisad, after reviewing the facts of the case presented before me. The charges of the destruction of five Cardassian vessels, from the Cardassian Government and the loss of lives from those vessels, were not of your doing. I pronounce you not guilty.” The prosecutor was about to say something.
“Hold on Counselor. Captain Kisad did do everything by Starfleet Code to try and alleviate the situation in a peaceful manner, but he was forced to defend himself and his vessel, that I commend him on. The other matter of entering a restricted area without permission of Starfleet Command, namely the Cardassian Demilitarized Zone. Loss of Starfleet property, namely the USS Agincourt. Destruction of Starfleet property, namely the before mentioned starship. Loss of Starfleet Research and Design property, namely the HAWK Prototype Pod. Destruction of Starfleet Research and Design property, namely the before mentioned item. I find you not guilty on the entering a restricted area, but the other charges will stay.”
I held my head high and stood straighter.
“Starfleet Command can not afford to lose vessels on a daily basis, especially one that is carrying an experimental weapon. So the judgement of this court is guilty on those four charges. Sentence to be carried out immediately will be as followed; A. Removal of rank and timed earned in Starfleet. B. Loss of all privileges of a Starfleet Officer. C. Six months confinement time on a planet of your choosing and finally D. Dishonorable discharge from Starfleet Command.
I then looked down.
“Is this satisfactory Counselor?” The Judge asked.
“I concur, your honor.” The prosecutor stated.
“Then this court is over. Good luck to you Mr. Kisad.” The Judge then got up and left the courtroom, the bailiff followed behind him. The prosecutor left also. Sarah then look at me.
“Well, I guess that is that. My whole career is gone.” I said.
“Maybe Admiral Thompson could help?” She said.
“No, remember how all this began and what we agreed to. This is what happens afterwards.”
“But that is not fair, we followed your orders, we faced the hard reality of out there.” She waved with her left arm. “You shouldn’t have to face this alone.”
“Sarah, I have lived over 400 years, I have seen many things pass, but something you must remember that with the rank, only one person has the final say and responsibility of what goes on and have to stand up to the consequences when the situation doesn’t go the way they want. That is the harsh reality of command. I hope that someday you use this trial as an example and become a better Commander because of it.” I then turned and walked away from her.
The rest of the crew formed a line alongside of me as I walked down the aisle, they each snapped to attention and waited for me to pass before they relaxed. As I passed through the doors, I looked back and saw Sarah watching me, but I could tell that some tears were starting to fall, then the door shut behind me.
“Computer, end personal log.” I said
I heard the familiar beep and got up to stretch my legs. I can’t believe it took me 2 hours to record this personal log. I walked around my apartment and looked out the window. I was able to get a nice place overlooking the bay. The Symbiosis Commission was kind enough to allow me to teach in the initiate program. The incoming mail section on my PADD beeped. I picked up the PADD and looked at it. The message read that I needed to report to the Superintendent’s office, I had an important visitor. I acknowledged receiving the message and went to my closet and got dressed. Once I was done, I left my apartment and caught the nearest transport. The ride just took a few minutes and I arrived at the Symbiosis Commission’s building. As I entered the main doors of the building; I noticed a Starfleet shuttlecraft parked near the building, this didn’t look good.
The Superintendent’s office was near the back of the building. As I approached his office, his personal assistant noticed me and waved me to go into his office. I walked in and saw him talking to someone in a chair before his desk. That person then stood up and faced me. I couldn’t believe that it was Lieutenant Larson, except now his collar rank says Lieutenant Commander. I snapped to attention. He looked at me for a moment and smiled.
“At ease, Captain, or should I say Mr. Kisad.” He chuckled.
I relaxed and held out my right hand to shake his. He grasped it and gave a firm shake.
“It’s good to see you again, Captain.”
“The feeling is mutual, but no need for ranks, I guess we can call each other by our first names, Jason.”
“Ok, Cap..I mean Trell.”
“What brings you to my little world?” I inquired.
“Starfleet Command has requested that I escort you back to Earth.”
“Really? What for?”
“The USS Houston recovered an item from the Cardassian Demilitarized Zone, it’s from the Agincourt.”
“Oh, wow. Umm, when do we leave?”
“Right now, there is a shuttle parked out front.”
“No beaming?”
“Nope, high ion storms in the area. It’s just as quick to fly up.”
“Ok, what about my classes here? I’m suppose to teach one in thirty minutes.”
“No, need I already have someone to take over.” The Superintendent stated.
“Thank you, sir.” I looked at Jason. “Lead the way.”
Lt. Commander Larson thanked the Superintendent one more time and then I followed him outside of the office and then outside to the open air. The Shuttlecraft was a newer model; the name on the side was the Ressik. Lt. Commander Larson opened the side door and we climbed in. The shuttle was definitely more comfortable then the older ones on the Agincourt. He sat down in the pilot’s seat and I sat next to him. He did his pre-flight check and asked for ground clearance. Once he got approved, he tapped a couple of commands and the shuttle lifted off. He shot into the atmosphere and we entered outer space. I could see through the windows that a Starfleet Intrepid Class vessel was waiting for us.
“I guess you were able to get a new assignment, since I last saw you.”
“Yes, sir. I got the Chief of Security position aboard the USS Harrington, Admiral Thompson wrote me a glowing recommendation.”
“I’m glad she looked after my crew after I left Starfleet.”
“Yes she did, everyone got choice assignments.”
“Do you all keep in touch?”
“Every now and again I get a message from someone.”
I nodded and he turned to face the USS Harrington in the window, he tapped some more commands and I heard that familiar beep.
“Harrington, this is the Ressik. Permission to board?”
“Permission granted, welcome home Chief. The Captain expects you to bring our honored guest up to the bridge, once he gets settled in.”
“Agreed, we’ll be there shortly.”
I watched as the main shuttle bay doors on the Harrington opened up and the Chief landed the shuttlecraft. As we came to a stop, he powered down the systems and I opened the side door. Lt. Commander Larson stepped out first and I proceeded behind him. The shuttle bay was busy with activity and there was an Ensign already putting the Ressik in a parking spot.
“Quite efficient ship, you have here Jason.”
“Isn’t it? The crew does what they can for the Captain.”
I nodded and smiled; sweet memories filled my mind. Chief Larson then walked out to the hallway. We went for a few meters, then he stopped at a door. I looked at him, and he smiled.
“Your room awaits you.” He said.
“Wow, aren’t you afraid I’ll make a break for it?” I said jokingly.
“Nah, all shuttles are locked down.” He smiled.
The door opened up and I walked in, the lights in the room came on and I could see that it was quite spacious. I always thought Intrepid class ships were small. I walked a little bit further in and Chief Larson walked in behind me.
“The replicator is right here, if you’re hungry.” He said pointing to a wall on my left side. “But, I think the Captain had reserved a time to have dinner with you tonight.”
“Now, I really feel important.”
“Well, you are.” He smiled again. “Your bedroom is around the corner and we replicated some clothing for you, it’s hanging in the closet.”
I nodded.
“Do you need time to freshen up?” He inquired.
“No, let’s go meet your Captain. I’m pretty sure he’s anxious to meet me.”
“She been talking about it since we got reassigned to pick you up.”
“She? Have I met her before?”
“You’ll see. Let’s go.”
He then turned and walked out the door. I quickly caught up to him and we both entered the turbolift. The trip took a few seconds and the doors opened up. He walked out and I followed, an Ensign saw us and spoke.
“Hold on Counselor. Captain Kisad did do everything by Starfleet Code to try and alleviate the situation in a peaceful manner, but he was forced to defend himself and his vessel, that I commend him on. The other matter of entering a restricted area without permission of Starfleet Command, namely the Cardassian Demilitarized Zone. Loss of Starfleet property, namely the USS Agincourt. Destruction of Starfleet property, namely the before mentioned starship. Loss of Starfleet Research and Design property, namely the HAWK Prototype Pod. Destruction of Starfleet Research and Design property, namely the before mentioned item. I find you not guilty on the entering a restricted area, but the other charges will stay.”
I held my head high and stood straighter.
“Starfleet Command can not afford to lose vessels on a daily basis, especially one that is carrying an experimental weapon. So the judgement of this court is guilty on those four charges. Sentence to be carried out immediately will be as followed; A. Removal of rank and timed earned in Starfleet. B. Loss of all privileges of a Starfleet Officer. C. Six months confinement time on a planet of your choosing and finally D. Dishonorable discharge from Starfleet Command.
I then looked down.
“Is this satisfactory Counselor?” The Judge asked.
“I concur, your honor.” The prosecutor stated.
“Then this court is over. Good luck to you Mr. Kisad.” The Judge then got up and left the courtroom, the bailiff followed behind him. The prosecutor left also. Sarah then look at me.
“Well, I guess that is that. My whole career is gone.” I said.
“Maybe Admiral Thompson could help?” She said.
“No, remember how all this began and what we agreed to. This is what happens afterwards.”
“But that is not fair, we followed your orders, we faced the hard reality of out there.” She waved with her left arm. “You shouldn’t have to face this alone.”
“Sarah, I have lived over 400 years, I have seen many things pass, but something you must remember that with the rank, only one person has the final say and responsibility of what goes on and have to stand up to the consequences when the situation doesn’t go the way they want. That is the harsh reality of command. I hope that someday you use this trial as an example and become a better Commander because of it.” I then turned and walked away from her.
The rest of the crew formed a line alongside of me as I walked down the aisle, they each snapped to attention and waited for me to pass before they relaxed. As I passed through the doors, I looked back and saw Sarah watching me, but I could tell that some tears were starting to fall, then the door shut behind me.
“Computer, end personal log.” I said
I heard the familiar beep and got up to stretch my legs. I can’t believe it took me 2 hours to record this personal log. I walked around my apartment and looked out the window. I was able to get a nice place overlooking the bay. The Symbiosis Commission was kind enough to allow me to teach in the initiate program. The incoming mail section on my PADD beeped. I picked up the PADD and looked at it. The message read that I needed to report to the Superintendent’s office, I had an important visitor. I acknowledged receiving the message and went to my closet and got dressed. Once I was done, I left my apartment and caught the nearest transport. The ride just took a few minutes and I arrived at the Symbiosis Commission’s building. As I entered the main doors of the building; I noticed a Starfleet shuttlecraft parked near the building, this didn’t look good.
The Superintendent’s office was near the back of the building. As I approached his office, his personal assistant noticed me and waved me to go into his office. I walked in and saw him talking to someone in a chair before his desk. That person then stood up and faced me. I couldn’t believe that it was Lieutenant Larson, except now his collar rank says Lieutenant Commander. I snapped to attention. He looked at me for a moment and smiled.
“At ease, Captain, or should I say Mr. Kisad.” He chuckled.
I relaxed and held out my right hand to shake his. He grasped it and gave a firm shake.
“It’s good to see you again, Captain.”
“The feeling is mutual, but no need for ranks, I guess we can call each other by our first names, Jason.”
“Ok, Cap..I mean Trell.”
“What brings you to my little world?” I inquired.
“Starfleet Command has requested that I escort you back to Earth.”
“Really? What for?”
“The USS Houston recovered an item from the Cardassian Demilitarized Zone, it’s from the Agincourt.”
“Oh, wow. Umm, when do we leave?”
“Right now, there is a shuttle parked out front.”
“No beaming?”
“Nope, high ion storms in the area. It’s just as quick to fly up.”
“Ok, what about my classes here? I’m suppose to teach one in thirty minutes.”
“No, need I already have someone to take over.” The Superintendent stated.
“Thank you, sir.” I looked at Jason. “Lead the way.”
Lt. Commander Larson thanked the Superintendent one more time and then I followed him outside of the office and then outside to the open air. The Shuttlecraft was a newer model; the name on the side was the Ressik. Lt. Commander Larson opened the side door and we climbed in. The shuttle was definitely more comfortable then the older ones on the Agincourt. He sat down in the pilot’s seat and I sat next to him. He did his pre-flight check and asked for ground clearance. Once he got approved, he tapped a couple of commands and the shuttle lifted off. He shot into the atmosphere and we entered outer space. I could see through the windows that a Starfleet Intrepid Class vessel was waiting for us.
“I guess you were able to get a new assignment, since I last saw you.”
“Yes, sir. I got the Chief of Security position aboard the USS Harrington, Admiral Thompson wrote me a glowing recommendation.”
“I’m glad she looked after my crew after I left Starfleet.”
“Yes she did, everyone got choice assignments.”
“Do you all keep in touch?”
“Every now and again I get a message from someone.”
I nodded and he turned to face the USS Harrington in the window, he tapped some more commands and I heard that familiar beep.
“Harrington, this is the Ressik. Permission to board?”
“Permission granted, welcome home Chief. The Captain expects you to bring our honored guest up to the bridge, once he gets settled in.”
“Agreed, we’ll be there shortly.”
I watched as the main shuttle bay doors on the Harrington opened up and the Chief landed the shuttlecraft. As we came to a stop, he powered down the systems and I opened the side door. Lt. Commander Larson stepped out first and I proceeded behind him. The shuttle bay was busy with activity and there was an Ensign already putting the Ressik in a parking spot.
“Quite efficient ship, you have here Jason.”
“Isn’t it? The crew does what they can for the Captain.”
I nodded and smiled; sweet memories filled my mind. Chief Larson then walked out to the hallway. We went for a few meters, then he stopped at a door. I looked at him, and he smiled.
“Your room awaits you.” He said.
“Wow, aren’t you afraid I’ll make a break for it?” I said jokingly.
“Nah, all shuttles are locked down.” He smiled.
The door opened up and I walked in, the lights in the room came on and I could see that it was quite spacious. I always thought Intrepid class ships were small. I walked a little bit further in and Chief Larson walked in behind me.
“The replicator is right here, if you’re hungry.” He said pointing to a wall on my left side. “But, I think the Captain had reserved a time to have dinner with you tonight.”
“Now, I really feel important.”
“Well, you are.” He smiled again. “Your bedroom is around the corner and we replicated some clothing for you, it’s hanging in the closet.”
I nodded.
“Do you need time to freshen up?” He inquired.
“No, let’s go meet your Captain. I’m pretty sure he’s anxious to meet me.”
“She been talking about it since we got reassigned to pick you up.”
“She? Have I met her before?”
“You’ll see. Let’s go.”
He then turned and walked out the door. I quickly caught up to him and we both entered the turbolift. The trip took a few seconds and the doors opened up. He walked out and I followed, an Ensign saw us and spoke.