Ready Room Conversations

Posted on Wed May 8th, 2019 @ 4:05am by Lieutenant Commander Jaeih t'Noramei-McKinley & Avalon [ADMIN NPC] & Miran Lalor [Lalor] HRH & Commodore Evelyn Mountbatten [ADMIN NPC] & Commander Arrianna Salannis an Vantar & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor]

Mission: Episode 1: Hell is a four letter word
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: MD 3 - 10h30 APROX
3865 words - 7.7 OF Standard Post Measure

IC

"Lieutenant Commander an Vantar to the Captain's Ready Room" Came the announcement over the comm to Arrianna. "Lieutenant Commander an Vantar to the Captain's Ready Room"

Arrianna raised her eyebrows and closed one of her books in her office. She then made her way to the turbolift.

=== Ready Room ===

Evelyn, with her niece and Commander Brett in tow entered the Ready Room. She paused and looked around.

The room was starfleet issue basically, but for the two very low couches in the corner around, an antique table. On it was a small sphere with swirls of blue and gold. And it was flanked by two fat white candles. Captain Lalor's personal touches.

She sighed and moved and stood behind the desk to await the arrival of those she had summoned.

Jaeih moved into the ready room and did a mental headcount and looked at the two chairs before the desk. With Ken, Miran and Arrianna coming plus the two aides, they were 5 chairs short. But she figured most would stand.

Anje posted herself to the Commodore's left, awaiting the other arrivals and trying not to panic about the fact that Liselle, who had just shared her bed two nights before, was out there and in the hands of the Romulans.

The doors hissed open and Lovejoy with Miran in front of him entered the room. He directed her to a nearby chair while he moved to the front of the room. His eyes settling on Jaeih but he made no comment nor did his face betray any emotion.

Percy Albright entered the room, Master Chief Ken Waters following not far behind. It was clear from the looks on their faces that if they had shared any conversation on the way here, it had not been pleasant.

If it were possible, Percy's features darkened even further upon seeing Jaeih. He fetched his PaDD from beneath his arm and began working. It was important to him to get everything down 'on paper' before he had a chance to forget any of the details of their previous encounter.

Arrianna entered and looked around. The tension was so thick in the room, she could cut it with a knife.

Jaeih rolled her eyes when Percy glared at her. Did he not see that his anger just made her laugh? She knew where she stood. And she had no qualms about it. Her aunt had brought these two nitwits on board because of the poles up their arses. And it was making everyone either pissed or snarky, it made her both but she knew the game at least. She wasn't senior staff, she was an instructor on the on board academy. All she was going to end up with was a note on her file, if that.

She looked at Ken. "Master Chief." She said softly.

Ken gave her a friendly nod. "How are you, Jaeih?"

Percy twisted back and forth between the two of them, tapping away at his PaDD as he did so.

Ken's brow furrowed at the aide. "Exactly what are you doing?"

"I'm drafting a letter to the Admiralty in this sector," he explained tersely. "The Lieutenant Commander has displayed an unacceptable degree of insubordination, and we will not stand for it."

Jaeih rolled her eyes at that. "Oh grow up Lieutenant Commander." She said sarcastically. "I am already on Report. What more can you do? Aside from being a stuck up p.."

"MCKINLEY!" Commodore Mountbatten snapped. "ENOUGH!"

Jaeih gave a shrug and leaned against the wall.

Ken, for his part, barely concealed a smile at the exchange. He'd have to remember to give Jaeih a firm pat on the back once they were out of here.

Percy, on the other hand, scoffed at the younger woman's behavior. He shook his head in disbelief even as his fingers began tapping away again at his PaDD.

Arrianna spoke. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are starfleet officers, and I suggest we conduct ourselves accordingly." She directed the word 'accordingly' to Albright, but mostly it was in a tone of voice to get the room settled down before the Commodore began lining people up to be court martialed. In her mind, the sooner the Commodore left, the better.

Lovejoy looked to the Commodore to give the assembled officers, he shuddered at the term *misfits* was a more apt description for this bunch a briefing.

Ignoring the commentary around her, Miran turned her dark gaze to the Commodore. "Commodore Mountbatten is there a reason why you have requested my presence?"

Evelyn inclined her head. "Ms Lalor."

"Actually, my proper title is still Princess, thus you should address me as Your Royal Highness," Miran interjected politely. "Unlike my sister, I have not renounced my title."

"Miran" Jaieh muttered softly shaking her head at the teenager

But the Commodore just continued speaking. "We have been informed by the ships AI that the shuttle your sister and the command team of the USS Elysium is transmitting a distress signal."

Miran stood "Avalon!"

The AI appeared. "Yes Your Highness?" The AI said.

"Is what the Commodore said true?" The nearly 16 year old asked.

"Yes." A hologram appeared before them. "The shuttles tracking" a thin blue line appeared. It stopped well short of its destination.

Evelyn looked at the gathered officer's. "Lieutenant Commander an Vantar, you are next in line for command, hence your presence here. But you will not be taking command at this time."

Arrianna raised her eyebrow pondering what the Commodore was doing. She then walked to a console and pushed a button. "Avalon, display sensor logs and tracking data since the launch of the shuttle."

Avalon did so.

"Master chief Waters you are here because of your relationship with Captain Lalor and you are a member of the flight control team under Commander Qwyyn."

Miran moved to stand beside Ken in silence.

Evelyn took a breath. The next part would be the kicker she knew. "As Princess Miran is a minor and her guardian is off ship, she cannot remain on the Elysium while search and rescue operations are underway."

Miran drew herself up, ready to unleash the Lalor temper on the Commodore without her sisters restraint.

Lovejoy swung his head to look at Miran. The younger Lalor looked like she was going to explode. "Miss Lalor. You are here because the Commodore extended you the courtesy to be here. However should you abuse that privilege you will be removed from this meeting. Don't do anything rash." He urged her.

"ITS YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS" Miran hissed out. "You want to be addressed by your rank, kindly show me the same courtesy."

"Commodore Mountbatten." Arrianna noted. "Ma'am, With all due respect, the most important thing we should be doing right now is locating Captain Lalor, and any survivors from the shuttlecraft. I am amicable with you assuming command, you are the ranking officer. However, I must advise against disruptions of the chain of command. I also must request to assume the role of Acting XO, as this is a situation that could compromise the ship and crew." Arri noted calmly. "Miran. Calm yourself. Anger will not help Phoenix right now."

Lovejoy stiffened as Arrianna made her plea to be acting XO. A position that should be his as he out ranked her as was also the Commodore's most senior aide. However he held his tongue as he silently shook his head. Arrianna spoke of not disrupting the chain of command yet she wanted to be acting XO. She needed to stay in her place as Science Chief.

Jaeih calmly reached out and placed a hand on Miran's shoulder and squeezed. Most of the senior staff knew the young woman pretty well, and those who had been with the ship a long time, also knew Miran, they also knew her temper could and would explode if not controlled.

"If I may," Percy cut in over the growing chatter breaking out in the room. His eyes didn't leave his PaDD as he consulted his findings. "We can easily dismiss one of our pressing concerns and move onto other matters. Princess Lalor is not of age to represent herself aboard the Elysium without a duly appointed guardian. The regulations in this regard are quite clear. Starfleet will contact the Erisian government and notify next of kin to come collect her. Now then. On to the matter of command."

Ken's eyes widened. "Hold on. You can't just do that."

Percy scoffed. "Begging your pardon, Master Chief," he said hotly. "But it has already been done."

"Commander Albright, Phoenix Lalor is still Mirian Lalor's immediate guardian and until we confirm her death. Has Captain Lalor been confirmed dead? Federation Law does not permit the removal of a minor from her guardian unless proof of the deceased has been confirmed by a Medical Doctor, or disappearance of which has occurred within one standard week. Neither of which has taken place." Arri glared at Albright. "Or is the laws of the Federation meaningless to you Commander? Or did you take it upon yourself to become a Federation Advocate without the Federation's knowledge?"

Percy shook his head, hardly managing to avoid rolling his eyes. "Commander, I am not 'removing Miran Lalor' from anyone. I am merely notifying her next of kin of the situation. Any disputes in the change of custody will be a matter decided between the JAG and the appropriate Erisian authorities."

"Her family is the Royal Family of Hiran, Commander. There is a reason Phoenix Lalor fled Hiran, as women are about one level up from slavery, and one level below property there. And you're sending her back to that." Arrianna kept her composure and bit her tongue on what she wanted to say to Albright.

"More than that," Anje interjected, "with current relations between the Federation and the Erisian 'government'..." Anje paused, the word hanging in her throat like rising bile; she couldn't stand the thought of giving that bunch anything resembling legitimacy, "the very real possibility exists that you'll be sending Princess Miran to torture and possible execution. This clearly can not be done just on your say so, Lt. Cdr. Albright. And, it would be unwise for you to give that permission, Commodore. I'd not want to see you take the blame for an international incident. This requires intervention from the diplomatic corps. It'll cover all of our asses, as it were." She finished with a respectful Vulcan head bow to the Commodore, showing herself as an obedient servant and a team player, though she hoped Percy would dare to try something, ~Jaeih's not the only one with an aunt, jackass. They call mine Madam Ambassador. Try me...~

Jaeih coughed. "Ah if I may...Miran does have guardian on board." Jaeih it should be noted had her hand over Mirans mouth and had divested the girl of several sharp weapons.

Miran was glaring daggers at Percy and if looks could kill, he would be a pile of ash..

Commodore Mountbatten took a breath. "Everyone stop." She said calmly. She had been studying the tracking data while the chaos roiled around her. "Jaeih. Explain."

Jaeih deftly passed Miran to Ken with a hiss of "BEHAVE" at the fuming teenager. Then she straightened. "Commodore. In my capacity as the acting chief of Operations, before Commander Brett joined us, I was asked by Captain Lalor to file a document regarding custody of Her Royal Highness, the Princess Miran Topaz Lalor." She took a breath. "It was after a mission where we faced a possible future. She was, concerned for the safety of her sister, should she perish in the line of duty or other such occurrences. And, she was concerned that despite her sister and herself having Federation Citizenship conferred on them as Refugees, someone might, do as the Lieutenant Commander did. Avalon, please play Video File 123TPL"

Avalon inclined her head. A holographic image of the Captain appeared. [["I am recording this, for the event that I am not able to discharge the duties of guardian of my sister while she is under the age of 18. Miran, I am sorry. Please understand that life happens. So, I need to make sure you are protected. Thus, I have a list of potential guardians. In the event of my death or inability to discharge my duty as guardian, I request that the following people care for my sister either together or singularly as the case maybe. Liselle Qwyyn - my best friend and the one who will make sure my sister continues to grow as a person. Ken Waters - I know he will protect my sister with his life and I know he would do that not just because of our personal relationship, but because he loves my sister as I do. Admiral Jebadiah Solomon and his wife Mira, who, took care of me when I joined the Federation. If none of these can look after Miran, I would then request that you contact Harmony Grayson in Colorado Springs. She will be the guardian of my sister in the case that no one else can take care of her. End recording."]]

Miran relaxed beside Ken. Safe, she was safe. Her gaze watched Percy warily.

Jaeih looked at Percy. "By contacting the Erisian people, you have caused a diplomatic incident. One that could have extreme ramifications for the Federation and those Erisian's who have fled to the safety of the Federation. Like Commander Brett said we now need to call on the Federation Diplomatic Corps. Which will hinder our ability to search for the Captain and Commanders Taylor, Qwyyn and Holmes. You may consider me rash, and insubordinate. But I know this ship, this crew, and I believe you owe, her Royal Highness an apology for putting her life at risk."

Arrianna kept her composure once again. "That is a legal and binding will, Commander Albright, made in clear frame of mind. If I must, I can take that recording to a Federation Judge and ask for an injunction."

Lovejoy looked at Arrianna as she spoke. On occasion his gaze would drift to Percy who had over reacted in his duties. "That isn't necessary Lieutenant Commander. No one wants that. We all want what is best for Miss er Princess Lalor." He corrected.

Miran sniffed at that. She crossed her arms and eyed her daggers which Jaeih was skillfully blocking from her.

"We find that hard to believe now, Commander. You come aboard this ship. Hurl accusations, innuendo, and lies about our Commanding Officer. Then this man has the gall to meddle in our Captain's personal life. You have more than exceeded the scope of your authority and orders, and the sole reason I do not challenge the Commodores authority Is that we are Starfleet officers. And this is a Federation starship. We do not run witch hunts on this ship, we do not arbatarily decide Federation policy, and we do not hand people over to certain torture and death. Name one reason why we should indulge you further?" Arri was on the emotional edge of her calmness.

"EXCUSE ME?!" Lovejoy exploded. "You hold on right now Lieutenant Commander! This is an investigation into how the command team runs this this as well as the departments aboard this ship. No accusations have been made. Questions asked and I really don't care if you like them or not. You are free to leave this ship anytime you like. You claim to be Starfleet officers, well to me you look like spoiled children who are throwing a temper tantrum because Mommy won't buy them ice cream."

"A'kak Borg koloa," Arri stated. (Translation: Souless Borg Wretch.)

"Okay, everybody, this isn't getting us anywhere. So let's can the name calling and the bickering, please, and focus on getting our command team back." Anje interjected, "As for the diplomatic ramifications, I might be able to help in that aspect, Commodore." ~Here it comes, the moment when I'll never again know if the people here like me or want something from my connections.~

"My aunt is Ambassador Zhukov." Anje said nervously, "And I'm sure she can help smooth things over with the Erisians. I served as her aide the last two years before coming to Elysium. Quite frankly, I think we can use all the help we can get, Commodore." ~And now I go from Anje to the Ambassador's niece. Shit.~

"There would be no diplomatic ramifications if these three desk jockeys did not decide they were 'holier-than-thou' and meddle in the Captain's affairs." She then stopped. "Stop...." She closed her eyes trying to re-establish her mental discipline. "A calm mind can overcome any obstacle."

"But there are." Anje said, her voice soothing, "And finger pointing won't take them away. Right now, with respect to everyone here, we need help so we can focus on what's important, recovering our people. I'm sure we can all agree on that point."

Garrett continued to glare at Arrianna, surprised she hadn't already fallen over. His gaze shifted to Anje. "Yes. well said Lieutenant Commander Brett."

Anje placed a hand on Arrianna's shoulder comfortingly, "Now, how would you like us to proceed, Commodore?" She asked, hoping she hadn't just exposed herself for no good reason, ~Everything is going to change now...~

Evelyn wondered in the depths of her soul if she had, indeed brought the wrong aides with her. She had spoken with Jaeih months ago and Jaeih had been very defensive about questions around the captain. More so than around questions around her relationship with the Chief of intelligence.

She had listened as her aides had verbally combatted against the crew they would need to work with. And Percy.. god dammit had just contacted the Erisian embassy to come and collect a political refugee.

"Commander Brett, please contact your Aunt after the senior staff briefing and inform her of what has happened. Lieutenant Commander Albright will be with you when you do, to explain his part in this.

Percy swallowed, the gravity of what he had set in motion now weighing heavily in the pit of his stomach. "Aye, sir," he said meekly.

"As you wish, Commodore." Anje replied, knowing her aunt would move the galaxy to recover Taylor and, with him, Liselle, ~I just hope she's okay.~

"Commander An Vantar, you are correct that this has not been the best start. But we have a new goal right now. We are going to go to the briefing room, and inform the senior staff of what has happened. Then I will be having this ship heading after the shuttle. We will commence the investigation into the distress call." She paused. "That said, I am not sure, due to your show of temper, that you are suited to acting XO. I believe you wish to do the best by your crew. And I will grant you, commander Brett and anyone else a seat at any table in the search. But, Commander Lovejoy, does out rank you, and thus will be acting Executive Officer. I am taking command under Starfleet Order 104: Section B, Paragraph 1-A. And Regulation 19, Section C. Comp.. Avalon. Please log that in the ships log."

The AI who had remained silent recording everything, inclined her head. "Of Course Commodore."

Then Evelyn looked at Miran as she stood beside the Master chief. "Your Royal highness, given the events in this room and the very real prospect of our interaction with your people, I am concerned for your safety on this ship and that your presence may cause further issues. I understand that Master Chief Waters is the current guardian of you, and that he has a job to do here. I believe you understand the risks?"

"Yes Commodore." the Teen replied. "My sister has made sure I am aware. I have been on this ship since the previous captain and survived, as did a number of people, the accident. I also understand that now my presence has been announced to my people there will be those who will seek to return me to my father, dead or alive." Her gaze swept to Percy. "And believe me, I will be killed due to the fact that no one will trust me. After they torture me for information on my sister and the heirs ring." She looked back at the Commodore. "I respectfully request Commodore, permission to remain on board, in my current quarters, with the Master chief as my guardian."

Percy said nothing, holding Miran with a stern look. He seemed at once confident in his actions, but then his eyes darted away, unable to hold the young woman's gaze any longer.

Ken put a gentle hand on the Erisian's shoulder, sharing in her look of anger, directing it straight at Albright.

Arrianna continued to glare at Lovejoy and Albright. "Miran, we will not let one of them take you. And if Starfleet requires my life in your protection, and the service of the Federation, I will give it gladly." She continued staring at the aides letting them know what a real Starfleet Officer looked like.

Lovejoy stared at Arrianna, her glare having no effect on him. She spoke of being a real Starfleet Officer yet she continued to argue and gripe. When she just needed to be quiet. He glanced at the Commodore as she spoke. Unlike Percy who had the tendency to act hastily in regards to his duties he knew the value of restraint. He knew that the Commodore would want the CO quarters which were currently being used by the Royal Highness and throwing her out wouldn't be an endearing move with the crew which he considered to be made up of mostly cry babies and complainers.

Arrianna looked around. The crew was beginning to factionalize, and the trust in the room was very thin. This staring was serving no purpose, she went back to the console she was working on, "Avalon. I need you to send the sensor logs down to my team. Including Subspace, EM, and Multi-spectal analysis. Tell my team the Qortic project is on hold and all science personnel are to focus on this." She mentioned. "We need a full long-range sensor sweep looking for any life-signs within the last known location of the shuttle."

Evelyn Mountbatten stood. "Granted Your Royal Highness. Master chief, she is your responsibility."

"I have never had reason to doubt that she is fully capable of taking care of herself. Miran was forced to grow up much earlier than any child should be asked to," he said, his words mixed with both insult on Miran's behalf, and the pride he felt for her. The words spoken, he felt himself relax somewhat. "I'll keep her safe."

"Senior staff to the briefing room. Commander an Vantar while your team works I need you in the briefing."

Arri nodded silently, and she was unusually quiet. The threads of trust on the ship had been completely frayed, and it was only going to get worse.

Anje walked by Arri and took her hand for a mere second, whispering, "We'll get through this." before moving out smartly to the briefing room.

OFF