Last But Not Least
Posted on Mon Dec 16th, 2019 @ 12:55pm by Major Cornelius Tremble
Edited on on Tue Dec 17th, 2019 @ 5:16am
1,318 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Episode 8 - The Silence
Location: Marine CO's Office - Deck 9 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD006 1100 hrs
Neil was nearly finished with the JAGMAN investigation and he really needed to wrap it up. It, like many things, were a thorn in his side.
Work that he really didn't need that had absolutely nothing to do with running his Detachment. On the flip side, he needed distraction. His fight with Talli weighed had weighed heavily on his mind the past few days and they hadn't spoken.
So, he'd turned to work. There was always something to do.
As the annunciator went off, he looked up and saw the corporal of the guard ushering Lieutenant O'Flannagain in.
"Thank you for coming, "Lieutenant," Neil stated, gesturing toward the desk chair across from him. "Please have a seat."
Ameri took a seat, wondering what Captain Tremble wanted with her. had someone in her ranks done something? She tried to think of what it could be and then just waited for him to continue.
Neil looked at the Ops officer momentarily, then said. "The reason I asked you to stop round is a Fleet ordered JAGMAN assessment and investigation including the Wakefield trial. They decided this could be done in-house and I have been tagged for the job."
He let her process that information then stated, "Your confrontation with now Ensign Wakefield is on the record. Your testimony is as well, of course. What I'm looking for is a general overview from your eyes now that things have settled out. I understand Wakefield showed signs of ... strange behavior prior to the fight. Tell me about when you first noticed that behavior and an overview of events until the fight. I think that's a good place for this to start. Do you have any questions before we start?"
“No,” Ameri shook her head. “I first met Ensign Wakefield on the bridge during the graveyard shift. She came off the turbolift. She immediately started in on the Operations Officer on duty, Ensign Robertson. I knew right away there was something odd about her, she was rude and insulting to both him and me. It was like she was on a mission to find fault this is.”
Neil listened, keeping his eyes on Ameri. After she spoke he asked, "And your next steps? Did you approach Wakefield about it? I know this is in the record, but we're going through it again. What happened next?"
“I tried to let it go on advice from Commander Quinn,” Ameri said after a moment. It had been a while. “Only to find out she was spreading ugly stories and had once more humiliated Ensign Robertson so I went to try and reason with her. “ Ameri knew in hindsight she should have not done that.
Neil cocked his head to the side and asked, "What sort of rumors was she spreading?" The Marine made a note with his stylus and glanced at her.
“That I was getting favors because the first officer is my husband,” Ameri replied. “She said I was an inferior science officer and questioned my training as well as ordering Ensign Robertson to work extra shifts and spreading stories about him and his girl friend.”
"Were all of those occurrences all wrapped together or was there some separation? There's nothing new in pushing on subordinates, especially Ensigns or 2nd Lieutenants to see their reactions. The same can be said for questioning others to see how they handle criticism." He held his hands up as he said the last, "I'm not excusing what she did, but there are distinctions."
“The bridge incident wasn’t in any way a test for us,” Ameri shook her head. “I have been tested before to see what I can handle, this came across as punishment and her comments were meant to degrade and humiliate both of us.” She took a deep breath. “I have had no problems with Wakefield since that two day period. She has handled herself as I would expect her to. But that night and the following day, in my opinion, she was out to make someone pay and it was Officer Robertson and myself l.”
Nodding, Neil finished making notes and met Ameri's eyes, "Your opinions are noted, Lieutenant. Nothing seems to have changed since the trial and depositions, but I am hoping this will put the whole business to bed. Did you have any questions before we wrap this up?"
“No,” Ameri replied. “I am hoping the same as you are.”
The marine sat back in his chair and massaged the back of his neck, then asked "I likely should have asked before, but duty and all that...How's Enya? Are you both keeping up with your kata's and training?"
“Yes,” Ameri said with a smile. “I originally did it for Enya and I to have something in common but I really like it. It may sound strange but I look forward to it and feel relaxed afterwords.”
"Not strange at all," Neil responded, "It allows you to stay active and give yourself a bit of time to think while concentrating on the forms. And people will generally leave you alone because you're working out." He chuckled then, have you practiced any of those moves on the Commander yet?"
Ameri laughed. “I haven’t. I don’t think Quinn is even aware that I am still keeping up with them. I should surprise him!” She smiled thinking wouldn’t Her husband be shocked. “I would recommend everyone learning, there is something about knowing you can defend yourself.”
Neil nodded and smiled, "Very true. Having the knowledge you can defend yourself gives you confidence and keeps down panic. Fear's another thing, but you use that. The better part of knowing how to defend yourself is knowing when to run. That's where the Escape and Evasion training comes in."
“Have you?” Ameri asked him, curious. “Turned and ran instead of engaging?” It might be a stupid question but she was curious. Tremble reminded her of the old war captains who went down with their boat.
Neil regarded the operations officer and nodded, "It's called a tactical retreat, during combat." "As far as E&E goes, I've had the occasion to practice those skills a couple of times. Both on reconnaissance missions." Then he smiled wryly, "Other times, I didn't escape and became a pincushion and had my brain shampoo'd."
“Better to run,” Ameri replied with a smile. “Though even as a pincushion you ended up on top. Enya and I both are grateful you were willing to help us out.
"Not run, Evade," he corrected absently, then caught a shifting in Ameri's eyes and chuckled. "Some words simply won't do. And it was and is my pleasure to do what I can."
“Evade,” Ameri corrected herself. She liked Captain Tremble. He listened and understood things a lot of people didn’t. “I hope I was able to help you with this interview.”
"Absolutely," Neil confirmed, standing. "And I likely have taken enough of your time, Ameri. I appreciate you chasing down here but that's all I had for this." Then he paused, "I assume Op's has calmed down now. No issues in any way shape or form?"
“Everything is running smoothly,” Ameri replied. “I am glad I could help.” She stood as well. “I am fortunate to have good people to work with.”
"That's always the way," Neil nodded, pushing himself to his feet, "Up until it's not. Then, well all I have to say is Fate save me from Cadet's and First Johns." he said with a grin.
“True words,” Ameri grinned. “Have a good day, Captain.” She said and headed on her way.
A Joint Post By
Captain Cornelius Tremble
Marine Commanding Officer/Second Officer, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Ameri Ó Flannagáin
Chief Operations Officer, USS Pioneer
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