Straightening Out

Posted on Tue Dec 19th, 2023 @ 9:57am by Commander Kyle Reece & Lieutenant JG Nerinath zh'Rhilror [Lalor]

Mission: Season 6: Episode 4: Memory Lane
Location: USS Elysium, Security Chief's Office
Timeline: MD 3 / 1000 hours (the day after "Another Piece of the Puzzle??"
1259 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure

After both reading the report and speaking with Carol, Kyle was feeling annoyed, among other things. He sent a notice to the officer in question that had put him in this current mood.

To: Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Nerinath zh'Rhilor
From: Commander Kyle Reece (CT/SO)
Subject: Questioning

Lieutenant, you are to report to my office immediately. If you fail to arrive, you will be escorted to the brig, the charges being, failure to obey the lawful orders if a superior officer.

Once the message was completed, he hit send. He then pulled the Lieutenant's bio up from the ship's memory and started to read.

Neri was half wedged under a console in one of the Elysiums shuttles when the communication came through. She read it, rolled her eyes and pushed herself up from the deck. Taking only two minutes to put away the tools she straightened her uniform and made her way to the Security Chief's office.

The Andorian female hit the chime and waited. She really didn't care what was going to happen. She had been through so much on this ship, if he kicked her off it, well, at least she was in a different Galaxy.

Hearing the chime ring, Kyle looked up and said aloud, "Come!"

The door opened and the Andorian Flight Controller entered and stopped before his desk at attention. "You summoned me, Commander?" She said her tone neutral. Nerinath did not often deal with those of higher rank, though she was known to be the main pilot the Commodore relied upon to do the Commodore's flight tests.

Kyle studied the Andorian's face for a few beats, then spoke, his voice giving away nothing. "Have a seat, Lieutenant."

Without a flicker of emotion on her face, she sat. Her antennae barely moved as well. She didn't speak. She knew better than to speak first.

"Perhaps you'd care to explain your behaviour and lack of cooperation that you displayed to one of my investigators? Chief Dolton is highly trained and when she asks you a question, you will answer her, as you would me. Do I make myself clear?"

"Why?" came the reply. "No one was interested in truth or information months ago. No, they just wanted to hurt people who were innocent. I don't trust your security department and anyone who says they do? They are lying. It's been months since our Chief was beaten to a pulp. And all Taylor could do was accuse people and ignore basic rights."

Kyle let Nerinath say her piece without interruption. He would be lying if he said she didn't have valid points. When she was finished, he let the silence sit for a few beats, before responding.

"First of all, I can't speak on the actions that were taken before I was asked to assume this position. It would be unprofessional of me to do so. Secondly, I and Captain Taylor are interested in the truth. It is why we are proceeding as we are. There are many things that take place in a successful investigation, Lieutenant. I have conducted more investigations than I can remember, during my career thus far. The Captain and I are ensuring that each piece of evidence we come across checks out, before proceeding further. As you said, your Chief was beaten to a pulp. If we were back home, things would more than likely be handled differently. However, we aren't home. We are our here, all alone, with a severely reduced crew on a heavily damaged ship. I know the animal that did this is still around. I can smell them, Lieutenant. I will not be leveling accusations of guilt at innocent individuals. What I will do, and I give you my word of honor on this, is capture this individual and ensure that they face the judgment that they so richly deserve."

He took a breath, then continued. "Now. How about we start again, Lieutenant? We will start with an easy one. You say that you were one of the people who found Lieutenant Darani. Where were you right before you found her, during the attack?"

"I was with Jason Danvers. We were heading to the shuttles to start our duty shift of night transports." Neri replied.

Kyle nodded, noting her short reply. "And now, in your own opinion, please explain to me what had been happening in the Flight Department, leading up to the attack. You have my word that anything you divulge will be kept in confidence."

Neri sighed. "okay what you need to understand is that when Commander Qwyyn left, no one was expecting Miraj to be selected by BUPERS to take over. She was an ensign with very little in the way of experience but as she was listed as assistant chief she got the role. She does not know how to do a roster, there has been little in the way of upwards movement for officers or enlisted a she never puts anyone up for promotion. BUPERS did us and her a total disservice when they put her in the role but Jason and I worked around it. We do reports when needed and stay out of the way when required. We do not engage in gossip and we support her where and when we can. But it caused a lot of unrest and discord."

Kyle nodded again. He was starting to understand the situation. "I see. Thank you for that insight, Lieutenant. It helps me greatly." He sighed and sat back in his chair, quietly drumming the fingertips of his left hand on the desk as he considered his next step.

Coming to a decision, he focused back on her. "In your opinion, and only your opinion...I don't want you to just name someone you simply dislike...who do you think would be the most motivated, and physically able, to attack Lieutenant Derani as viciously as she was?"

Nerinath considered it. "To be honest, I am not sure of anyone in our department who would hate her that much. Oh don't get me wrong, there is a tone of dislike there, loathing as well but I have not heard anything from any of them, not even Eric, who is a good enough scapegoat really, that would lead me to believe they are capable. There are other people on the ship who were upset about the chaos."

Kyle made a note of her thoughts, then nodded to her. Standing, he extended his right hand to her over the desk. "Thank you for everything. If you think or hear of anything else, please let me know."

"I would suggest you speak with Morrison. She oversees a number of junior officers, she would be able to give you more. " Neri shook his hand, human style, and her antenae flicked.

Kyle noticed the twitch. "What else can you tell me about Morrison?" He didn't recognize the name off the top of his head.

"Not much. By the book. Good Officer." Neri replied. "Never had any issues with her at all."

Kyle nodded as he thought again. Then, "Well, thank you again, Lieutenant. If you think of anything pertinent to this case, or you notice anything out of character within your department, please let me know immediately."

Neri saluted and left the office.

Kyle watched her leave, then sat back in his chair. So much had occurred in the months since the attack. However, he was starting to feel that ground was finally being made in the case. Only time would tell.

~OFF~