Clouds and Mirrors, Pt II

Posted on Sunday, 28 June 2020 - 3:20pm by Zelon Bakar & Captain Barret Stillwater & Commander Soral & Lieutenant Ryan Rose MD & Lieutenant JG Maximus Mackenzie
Edited on on Sunday, 28 June 2020 - 3:22pm

Mission: Operation: Iktomi
Location: USS Standing Bear
Timeline: MD +06

Back propped up against the wall as she leaned a weary head to the metal, Crewman Woji released another quieted sigh. It had been one hour and thirteen minutes since the Tellarite had been asked to wait outside of Stillwater’s office. She understood. Mostly. She was strongly opinionated, and it had become an officer’s-only discussion, to which she was not privy to. Or shouldn’t have been. At least several times she could have sworn the door vibrated as echoes of raised voices bounced off of it. Or maybe she dreamed that part.

At this point it was becoming difficult to tell, half bored to tears, and the other half exhausted from working consistently for a torch. Something to shine light onto the wandering path which had long splintered off into darkness. Maybe it wasn’t an excellent idea for the other two to bring the executive officer along. Three people barging into the commander’s office late at night didn’t rest well with her, but she knew why it had been opted for. Part of her agreed with it, much as she didn’t want to compromise the mission.

There were valid facts. The Federation had taken a prejudice against the Orions. She of all people had learned that viciously and was still battling with her internal ego to let it go. A losing battle, given her upbringing, taught her the green skins were nothing but trouble. Greenie had been trouble, definitely, but not the sort she had expected. If anything, he seemed harmless.

Futilely attempting to relax, she looked at the chronometer from the nearest wall station. Fifteen minutes after the hour. How much longer the group would be at it she didn’t know, but there was one thing certain — while she had an opinion, being in that room was something she wanted to be far away from.

This whole thing from the beginning onward had not gone how it was etched out to be, but that to be expected when dealing with what the crew of the Standing Bear had to deal with orders from top down and some mishaps and blunders that had lead to an Orion having been brought aboard. That was definitely not part of the plan.

The Tellarite Admiral was certainly thrilled about that. Stillwater was avoiding any further contact with the man because of Stillwater’s tendency to disagree with how the Admiral wanted to deal with matters. Nonetheless, there was no rest nor sleep to be had. Members of his crew had practically barged in on his schedule Stillwater of course allowed them in, prepared for hell and high water.

“Gentleman, take your seats and tell me what brings you to my office,” said Stillwater. He had been nursing a mug of Rooibos tea for the past twenty minutes. He brought the red liquid to his mouth and sipped. He could tell by body language, Soral not withstanding, that this was no ordinary pow wow. “I would like to know what is going on.”

Soral had taken the chair closest to the Captain. Mac had tried to fill him in but he refused. He’d wanted to hear about it along with Stillwater. “Indeed.” He added.

Mackenzie started, “We’ve come to talk with you about the Orion on the ship and how he’s being treated and the trauma he’s suffered both off this ship and on it.”

Soral raised an eyebrow. ‘Well that was blunt,’ he thought.

“Continue,” said Stillwater. “I have made the Admiral aware of what happened and that we have an Orion aboard as a result,” added the Commanding Officer. “I have opted not to provide the Admiral with further updates at this time.”

Mac continued. “He’s scared. He is not eating right or hydrating. He’s locked up like an animal and I understand security.” He motioned to his uniform. “But perhaps if we treated him with some dignity, got him clothing to wear, and showed him how to replicate it. Let him walk. He’s traumatised, and he maybe needs to speak with Vali. He may just cooperate and help us.” He then let the doctor chime in.

“I’d like a chance to work with him, without the guards breathing down our throats as well.” Ryan added. “I might be able to help him, at least in caring for his own needs. We need to make that a priority over whatever he may or may not be able to tell us.”

Soral thought a moment. He could see the logic in that.

Mac stepped up again. “Sir Starfleet is about service and sacrifice, but also about compassion and love. Yes, he is an unknown, but he deserves to be treated with some dignity otherwise we’re not better than the Klingons, Romulans, or Borg, or any hostile species.”

Soral gave Mac a look that said, ‘Shut up.’

“Gentleman, with all due respect, get off your high horses” Stillwater said placing his mug of tea down upon his desk. “You come to my office and suggest I’ve been treating our unplanned guest as a common animal or criminal. I have not,” the Commanding Officer said swiftly.

He shook his head and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Our Orion guest has been provided quarters with a replicator, a bed, a sofa, hell, he has better quarters than enlisted personnel aboard” stated Stillwater. “It is a protocol for there to be an armed guard outside of his quarters. That is not simply to protect us from him nor fear mongering, but rather to protect him from anyone trying to cause him harm” added Commander Stillwater.

He took a deep breath. “From what I understand, he was a slave. I am not in the business of becoming anyone’s master. So, do not come into my office and paint my ass as a tyrant. You want that sort of abuse of authority and mistreatment? Then, go serve Fourth Fleet” chastised Stillwater. “He was a slave. Similar to taking in a feral cat; he needs time to get used to his new surroundings and this luxury. Until then, all we can do is provide amenities and wait for him to use it; However, Doctor, you are more than welcome to work with Lieutenant Vali and try to teach our guest to be able to tend to himself. I have no intention on letting him starve or go without necessities.”

Stillwater knew it was not his place to inform them on how the Admiral wanted the Orion kept not treated. He did, however, make a note to emphasise his own stance. “There are others who would have tossed him in a holding cell. Let’s not forget that next time you come into my office. I am a benevolent person, but trifle with me, gentleman, and their will be repercussions.”

Soral spoke up “I am sure that they mean no disrespect, sir.” He again pinned them with the stare. “In future such matters as this can be brought to me and I will discuss them with the CO if there is need to. I do agree that he does, perhaps, need to be shown how to use things and Commander Stillwater has agreed.” He paused. “However,” he turned to Stillwater. “Perhaps we can compromise. I may have an idea.” He looked at Stillwater. “If you permit sir I may have an idea to attempt to catch the information with honey.”

“You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar,” replied Stillwater. “So, what do you have in mind?” asked Stillwater.

“Being cooped up alone might be unavoidable, but...” He brought up a view of the questers and highlighted two objects. “These are inactive holo emitters. With some tweaking we might let him have a few hours on Orion. If he feels anxiety, I suggest sending in Chief Eyelaya. If anyone can get a response from him, it might be her. She can show him how to get some...what do you call it fresh air when he feels anxious it will put him at ease. It might show him we mean no harm but also leave him feeling less trapped.”

Stillwater withheld his amusement. “You do not get out very much yourself, I take it,” replied Stillwater. “I wouldn’t advise to go to Orion and taking in ‘the fresh air’,” added Stillwater. “I do not know how I feel about Chief Eyelaya being involved. Frankly, I say a little prayer if she’s at the transporter controls; however, I am not opposed to allowing the Orion time on the holodeck.”

“In retrospect, the Chief might have him tossing himself out of an airlock. Holodeck might work.”
Mac’s eyes narrowed. “Hey she’s not so bad.” He noted the looks. “Sorry. I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

Ryan was glad to hear about the holodeck approval. “I may know just the program.” That was if the man wasn’t afraid of horses. It was worth a try, anyway.

Stillwater looked at Mac. “Best decision you’ve probably made in a while.”