Speaking Openly
Posted on Tuesday, 1 December 2020 - 12:30pm by Commander Soral & Lieutenant JG Maximus Mackenzie
Mission:
Operation: Ouroboros
Location: XO's office | Deck 01 | USS Standing Bear
Timeline: 2393
ON:
Mac woke to some disturbing news. Soral had called him into the office and explained about what had happened to the Captain and Admiral. He now sat in Soral's office stunned. "I don't understand how.."
"We must find that answer. You were one of the top investigations officers. While Talarn is a good man he's too close to this. I need you to speak with Grol, I have spoken with him and have a theory but I need to see if you agree first. "
"And the captain?"
"Should be fine."
"The Admiral?"
"I did not ask."
Mac looked up in surprise. Was that hostility that he'd heard in Soral's voice? "You didn't ask?"
"No. I try to focus on the relevant and she is not. Especially because she is hiding things from the Vulcans. Her own home planet."
It was Mac's turn to raise an eyebrow as if he were Vulcan. "Now you're thinking with your Romulan half. Soral she has her reasons. And if I can be honest not everyone is jumping to ensure that Vulcan separates from the Federation. Have you thought of your wife? What would she to? If she stayed in Starfleet well...then she'd be banished from Vulcan."
"I would go where my wife goes. If banishment is to be the outcome then so be it at least Vulcan would not be subject to the whim of Starfleet and this thing that they deem the Federation. Have you not seen how they caved to the petitions of the Andorians? How many Romulans died when their world went Nova. How many? Was Starfleet justified when they let that happen?"
Mac sighed, "No they were not. But the Romulans did cause the Synth issue."
"Indeed and they are fully to blame but those who had part in that were lensed out. Innocents died on Romulus. They could have all gotten out."
Mac studied him and then it dawned on him. "You fee guilty. You feel guilty for not going back, for staying in Starfleet."
Soral said nothing. He stood and walked to the replicator ordering a coffee. He walked back to his chair and sat holding the cup in both hands. He still said nothing.
Mac rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Look we're not going to solve this now. Let's focus on Grol and the investigation and what happened."
"Indeed. I will leave it in your hands."
Mac stood. "Alright."
Soral looked up. "There is one more thing."
Sighing he sat back down. He hated that phrase because there was rarely one thing. "What is it?"
"How is Haru?"
Mac closed his eyes. "He's going to spend time with some Vulcan doctors. He woke up, so that's good but...he can't walk, or talk, and he doesn't have coordination and can't see properly. I... it's like it's him and his fighting to be him but he can't. I can sense...feel... I don't even know but I know he's frustrated."
"And afraid." Soral said. "Trust Doctor Toprin he is one of the best."
Mac raised an eyebrow and then it fell into place. "You called the Vulcan doctors."
"Indeed. When we first arrived on the station. They owed me a favour. They are the best the V'Shar has to offer."
"I..."
Soral waved his hand. "You are family, Haru is family, and I want the best for my family."
"Is that why Severine and Soval are being escorted home by a V'Shar ship?"
"Indeed." He sat back. "You must be patient with Haru. Take some time, re-group. When he is ready to be moved he will be moved here and doctor Rose and Alexander will assist."
Mac gave a nod. "Thank you for the quarters."
He inclined his head. "You will need bigger quarter's for the both of you. This is not a family ship but I believe that both Commander Stillwater and I understand. He is...not like I expected."
"Stillwater?"
"Indeed."
Mac smiled, "Yeah. I'm starting to see that." There was a pause and then Mac stood again. "I should go talk to Grol. I'll come back and tell you what I think."
Soral gave a nod and watched as Mac left. He sat back in his chair. "Computer, open a secure channel to Earth, Vulcan Ambassadorial compound."
OFF:
