Formal Request

Posted on Thu Jul 8th, 2021 @ 6:25am by Captain David Tonelly [Reece] & Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Master Sergeant Kieran Fredericks & Chief Warrant Officer Man'darr [Naxea]

Mission: Season 5: Episode 2: Operation Save Humanity
Location: USS Elysium, Marine County, CO's Office
Timeline: MD 9, 1015 hours
908 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

After speaking with Fredericks, David knew that he still needed to inform his commanding officer. He had requested a meeting with all three senior members of the unit. The request had been granted shortly after he was released from sickbay.

Now, standing outside the closed door to Colonel Azhul's office, he suddenly felt...nervous. It wasn't that he had done anything wrong, because he hadn't. No, he was nervous that these three individuals might think less of him for doing what he was about to do.

Finally getting his courage up, he made sure his uniform was crisp and spotless, then he reached up and pressed the door chime.

"PFC Jenkins is currently on cleaning detail after he was caught streaking though the corridor butt naked and covered head to toe in camo paint. "Apparently Romulan Ale will make you do stupid things," Man'darr reported from his position next to Naxea's desk.

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Naxea wasn't sure whether to kill Jenkins or laugh at his stupidity. "Understood. And how did he acquire Romulan Ale?"

Man'darr shrugged. "He says he got it during our recent layover at the starbase."

"Great..." The chime rung, causing Naxea to look towards her office door. "Must be Corporal Tonelly. Enter."

Upon hearing the command to enter, the doors slid open and David marched in smartly. He moved to a position three paces in front of, and centered on, where Naxea was currently sitting. Once there, he snapped to ridged attention and gave Naxea a crisp salute. He held the salute until both Naxea and Man'darr returned it with salutes of their own. "Ma'am, Sir. I am here to officially request a temporary leave of absence."

"Why do you need a leave of absence, Corporal?" Naxea asked, clasping her hands together on her desk.

Kieran, as senior NCO, stood behind the Colonel's desk, silent. He was there in his official capacity as First Sergeant, but he'd answer any questions if asked.

Standing at attention, David replied to Naxea's question. "Ma'am, in regards to my recent brain surgery to fix a procedure that was preformed over four hundred years ago, in which my original memories were altered and artificial ones were put in their place....I now need time...to rediscover who I really am, Colonel." He took a ragged breath before continuing.

"With these memories changing by the day, I am forced to ask myself, is this who I am? Would I have done something differently, had my mind not been altered? In my current state, I would be no good to Starfleet, no good to the Corps, no good to the Elysium. I'd be no good to you and the unit, Ma'am. That is why I am officially requesting this leave of absence. To have the time to fully understand and figure out who I really am, and where I truly belong." He took a breath and then added, "Thank you for allowing me this time to speak with you, Ma'am."

He then remained silent, awaiting Naxea's reply.

Naxea nodded slowly. She understood the need to get away. She was still having trouble sleeping, recalling her account with the Prophet Laan--if it really had been a prophet. "I understand, Corporal. Your request is approved. Just stay out of trouble during your leave of absence."

David straightened up even straighter than he was, "Yes, Ma'am." He paused briefly before asking, "Permission to speak freely, Ma'am."

"Of course, Corporal." she replied.

David relaxed slightly, changing from attention, to parade rest. "Ma'am, I have a been a warrior for nearly three hundred years. While I don't discount my service, there is a part of me, that now wonders, was it me that enlisted in the United States Army? Was it me that joined Starfleet, later transferred to the Corps? Or was it the me that was created, following the surgery to block the memories of my dead twin brother?" He took a breath and continued.

"Honestly, Ma'am, right now, I have no idea. That is what I need to work through. I don't know how long it will take me to figure these things out. But, I hope that, when the time comes, and I have decided that I still wish to serve, you will allow me to return, Ma'am."

"While I do understand your need, I cannot predict what the future holds. Your position may well be taken, but, as long as I am in command, you will have a place in this detachment, Corporal," Naxea stated. She hated losing Tonelly as he was one of her best Marines in the detachment. "Do you have anything to add Top?"

Kieran stepped forward. "No ma'am. Corporal Tonelly requested his leave while he was in sickbay and did so properly. Since I have been aboard he's shown me he is a solid professional. He's a good Marine. I am in agreement that he deserves this leave of absence. " he said.

David stayed silent as he heard the words that Top spoke about him. He couldn't help but feel some pride blossom in his chest, at the high words of praise that Fredericks used to describe him.

"Very well, Corporal. You are granted leave. You're dismissed," Naxea stated from her desk.

David snapped to attention and gave Naxea and Man'darr a crisp salute. Then, he did an about face and marched smartly out of the compartment.

His hardest work was about to begin...

***OFF***