chain of command?

[sans_thought]

So, I was wondering about the chain of command. I'm writing a fic wherein Kirk does something naughty, and the higher ups at Starfleet are none to happy with him. I want him to plead his case to Pike, because of the prior relationship. Is that accurate? I've read fics that mentioned Pike dealing with Kirk because he was the only one that knew how.

Comments

[mijan]

It depends on what he did, and in what context. Is he still a cadet? Is he now "Captain" Kirk? How severe of a naughty? It is a minor offense or something major? Is this a reprimand situation, or a courts martial, or a discharge-worthy offense? You'll have to give me a lot more information before I can give you a reasonably accurate idea of the person to whom he would have to report. It REALLY depends on the situation. And oh yeah - it depends on Pike's position at the time, too. So, tell me what Kirk did, what Kirk's rank is, and what Pike's position is, and I can give you a better idea. Otherwise, there's no way to tell you. (Just for reference, I used to be a military officer.)

Also, in Starfleet, here's the rank order, from lowest to highest:
Ensign
Lieutenant Junior Grade
Lieutenant
Lieutenant Commander
Commander
Captain
Commodore
Admiral

[sans_thought]

I'm looking at post-movie, so Kirk is Captain and Pike is Admiral. My fic plan involves trafficking. Kirk and the crew accidentally come across a child someone "bought." He threatens a member of the new species they're meeting until he brings them to the child, and then he orders a planetwide search for more children, just in case.

I'll admit I have absolutely no idea what the realistic outcome would be, if there would be one at all. In my head, I see Pike calling him up (so to speak) and basically saying he understands why he did it, but he overstepped his bounds a bit. More of a slap on the wrist than anything?

Thanks so much for your help! I totally lucked out with this comm.

[mijan]

Oh damn, this is stuff that would deal with the Prime Directive. I think Kirk would CONTACT Admiral Pike first, but it would end up going to a full hearing with other Starfleet leadership and Admirals. Dang, that's heavy stuff. Because while morally, what Kirk does makes sense to a human, it's still messing with another planet's culture, and that's a HUGE no-no in Starfleet.

Yeah, I'd say Kirk would TALK to Pike, try to explain himself, and Pike would TRY to intervene for Kirk, but it would go to a full hearing. Serious shit there.

[sans_thought]

Damn! lol. That certainly complicates things. I had thought since the kid was human it would be defendable, but I guess I was way off, lol.
Hope you don't mind the continuous questions, but I got one more for you. I had planned on using the accidental discovery to lead to taking down a ring of traffickers across all species. If this situation leads to that, is it realistic to think they might go easy on him?

[mijan]

Oh gosh, I missed that part. A human kid taken by an alien race?

Okay, that's a different matter. Trying to get that one child would be easily defensible, but... he'd have to talk to Starfleet before a planetwide search. And... it would get touchy, especially depending on the diplomatic situation. But no, something of this magnitude would have to involve more of the admiralty than just Pike. Even if Starfleet supports what Kirk did (which they might), there would need to be an investigation. The accidental discovery... yeah, I don't think Kirk would get in much trouble... but it would get VERY tense, and there would be a big investigation. But Kirk would be in the right.

Wow, you've set up a very intense plot device! I'll want to read it!

[sans_thought]

Hmmm...that actually makes things more interesting. lol There are more things going on with Kirk re:his past, so adding the stress of an investigation into his actions will definitely complicate things, but I think it provides a reason for an intense scene in the back of my mind.

This is so awesome. You've been such a great help!

[mijan]

Glad to oblige! Of you have any more specific questions, I'll try to offer suggestions. I mean, a lot of what Starfleet does will be situational. Just... try to think in terms of protocols, regulations, and the Prime Directive. :D

[sans_thought]

You've been so amazing. This thing is beginning to turn out much more complicated than I ever thought, lol, but hopefully it'll give it more depth. And I'm quite excited about the possibility of writing a trial, too!
May I friend you in case I write myself into a corner? (which is very likely to happen) I have no skills when it comes to rules and protocol.:)

[mijan]

The more complicated, the better the fic, usually. Just make sure you keep the plot cohesive and the logic/rationale behind the plot points solid, and the rest will fall into place. I'm more than happy to give you pointers on military rules and protocols, as well as Star Trek canon. Feel free to friend me, and buzz me if you need help. :)

[sans_thought]

Doneski!!

And I apologize in advance for the influx of questions you will no dount get at some point in the future. :)