Saving Careers

Posted on Sat Sep 19th, 2020 @ 2:56am by Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Vice-Consul Josephine Carlyle-Cragen

Mission: Season 3: Episode 5: Shoreleave
Location: Starfleet Headquarters, Courtroom
Timeline: Shore Leave
773 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

The JAG spoke. "Does, anyone want to make any statements before we adjourn for deliberations?" The Court-Martial had been going back and forth over reports and evidence for the last two days. It had to be determined if Lt. Carlyle did indeed violate the Prime Directive.

Josephine, sat in silence, her family arrayed behind her as the man spoke. She had made no excuses. Simply explained what had happened and how she had survived. She was waiting for the shoe to drop.

Arrianna finally stood. "Your Honor, Sir. Permission to make a Statement?"

"Granted, Commander." Arrianna walked forward. "General Order One; No Starfleet Officer may interfear with the natural development of a Primitive Civilization and Society. This is the cardinal standing order that every Starfleet Officer us bound under. The facts of this case need to be examined. Yes, indeed. Lt. Carlyle had contact with a primitive society during the incident in question. And yes she did live with them trying to survive in the time in question. But you will find in my report when I meet Lt. Carlyle that she kept her interactions with the humans of this timeline strictly limited. I have given testimony of what I found when I met Ms. Carlyle. And it can be verified by other testimonies from the Captain and the Executive Officer."

"None of us expect to be in the situation Lt. Carlyle found herself in, and when it happens, sometimes we are barely prepared for it. I do not ask for a matter of the Prime Directive to be excused, but for an understanding of a situation any starfleet officer may find themselves in. While we are Starfleet Officers, ready to give our lives for the Federation, we are still very much flesh and blood. I ask that that be considered when you make your decision."

"Thank you commander an Vantar, we will take that under consideration." the JAG officer replied as the council stood to deliberate. "We are in recess." The group left the room, leaving the accused and her supporters and Arri alone.

Arrianna walked to Josephine. "I think you have a good chance of salvaging your career, Lieutenant. It may cost you a rank though. I do have a proposition for Josephine. I happen to have need of capable officers for my department. Interested?" She looked at Josephine.

The Lieutenant looked up. "Yes Ma'am. If I still have a career after this."

"You will have a career, Lieutenant. Commander Westin will not. Unfortunately, I don't know if they have enough evidence to convict Westin." Arri noted. "We're having trouble finding historical recrods of James' activities. Much of the minutes of Parliament in that period, and the King's correspondence, was burned by german incendiaries during the blitz."

"So he gets away with it?" Josephine sighed "I knew he would."

"It's not James Westin, you should focus your energies on Lieutenant. It's Josephine Carlyle you should focus on. However, when I was interviewing Westin, I noticed something in his eyes. We're both familiar with our darker natures, as we live with them constantly, and what I saw in Westin's eyes.... A pure longing for power. James Westin will be his own undoing, Lt. Carlyle. It's no longer our place to judge him."

"yes ma'am"

Arrianna stood at attention when the JAG entered after their deliberations.

The JAG officer stood as the rest sat. "Lieutenant Carlyle, Stand."

Josephine stood and took a breath. "Sir."

"We have reached a verdict in this matter. You did violate General order 1. By your own admissions, you strove to keep your own affect on the timeline to a minimum. Thus, you are hereby demoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and will be ineligible for promotion for 3 years."

Josephine refused to let her shoulders slump.

"A notation of violation of the Prime Directive will go on your file." The man continued. "BUPERS will notify you of your next assignment, should any captain want you on board. Dismissed."

Arrianna stood at ease and shook Josephine's hand as they left. "Don't worry Josephine. Your career in Starfleet is not over by a long shot. Now, you'll receive orders in a few days. For the time being, I believe you should relish your showers and holodecks. Come... I have something for you that might raise your spirits.." Arrianna smiled and lead her outside. She then looked around and gave a sharp whistle that attracted the attention, and the barking, of two dogs that came running.

Josephine smiled. Her dogs had been her life. She knelt as the two raced up to her. The others would be at her family home. "Thank you commander."