Ban Over

Posted on 06 Mar 2017 @ 9:31pm by Commander Aren Ban & Rear Admiral Lirha Saalm
Edited on on 24 Mar 2017 @ 9:26pm

3,946 words; about a 20 minute read

Mission: Episode 14 - Statecraft
Location: IKS DuJa'Q - General Saalm's Quarters
Timeline: MD 01 - 2000 hrs

[ON]

It had been a trying day to say the least. Spirits had been high when the crew left the colony, only to have those same emotions be multiplied with the discovery of Admiral Saalm's survival. General Saalm Aren thought as he made his way to her quarters. He had spent the better part of the afternoon helping the crew learn some basic Klingon symbols and file structure. It was like teaching a baby to run before they could walk but some of them were able to grasp the basics easily enough. Now if only I could get then to start understanding the words we would be in business. We still has some time.

Aren arrived a short moment later in front of General Saalm's quarters. He then only then realized that he had forgotten to eat, though he did change out of his old, and now tattered, uniform in favor of the "packaged" uniform that he had been given when he boarded the DuJa'Q. Aren had much to discuss with her but he didn't know how open she would be. He pounded on the hatch loudly as there was no comm panel like on Starfleet vessels.

A long moment of silence passed with no answer, although a small commotion from a mid-sized animal could be heard from behind the door. Finally a call came out and the locking servos in the door disengaged. "Enter!" sounded Lirha's voice.

Aren entered the generals quarters. He looked around for a moment, before spotting her. "Good evening sir, I received your message. You wanted to see me?" He asked, having a good idea as to what needed to be discussed.

Lirha turned from her position at the far end of her quarters. The captain's chamber aboard a K't'inga-class was a two-story affair, with the habitation and recreation level situated above and the administrative area below. The Orion slowly rounded the corner of her desk and walked towards the door where Ban was. "Yes, thank you for coming, commander," she began. "Follow me," she instructed before waling towards her desk and retrieving a small handheld neutrotransmitter sensor from her drawer.

"Remove your shirt and turn around, then bend over," she instructed.

Aren raised an eyebrow. It was an unusual request to be sure. "Very well." Unfortunately he was wearing the old style Federation uniform. He undid the front, and rolled it down, revealing his abdomen. He turned around as instructed. Aren was highly conflicted, she was a Federation Admiral, but at the same time, nearly everything she had done up until this point was highly irregular to say the least. Aren did as instructed and bent over, lightly humiliated at the request.

Lirha walked closed and stepped behind him, making sure to point the device where his back was arched near his lower vertebrae whose bumps could be seen through the skin of his lower back. Slowly, she pressed the device into his skin and activated a magnetic charge with a push of her thumb. A short burst of EM radiation cascaded through his body and short-circuited the invisible sub-dermal implant embedded in his body.

Aren felt a small zap, which resulted in a some numbness in his lower back.

"You may stand now. I have deactivated the tracking device that was implanted in you and the rest of the crew," she explained. "I am not sure if it merely provides locating transmissions or has further capabilities, but we may now speak freely without being eavesdropped."

He stood pulling up uniform his as he did so. "Thank you sir." Aren said as he finished securing and straightening his uniform. He let out a deep breath. "I figured that they had done something like that while we were at the colony." He said, taking a quick glance around the room. "Sir, I first want to express my condolences to what happened to you and your crew, I did my best to keep them all healthy and alive." He said, a pained look on his face. He was sure she had looked over some of the causality reports, a lot of good people perished. "I don't want to sound insensitive by jumping straight to business, but what are your expectations for us? Are you still planning on caring out the mission as prescribed by the colony leadership? Also, if you don't mind me asking, why are they calling you general instead of admiral?" He asked, wondering how and why the change happened.

"I know you have many questions. I would, too, if I were in your shoes," she replied. There was no doubt much on his mind and Lirha would do her best to explain what she could to him. "My plan is simple...to conduct us to the meeting with members of the High Council, as Medara requested," she explained. "During my captivity I spoke with her several times. She explained the situation on Kreanus as well as the political landscape. General Ko'raH's actions in the past have put many of them in danger and I agree with her assessment of the risk it poses to Federation. I have good knowledge of the Beta Quadrant and Klingon affairs from both my youth as a trader and my years working in Starfleet Intelligence. I am confident we can accomplish our goal if the crew remains focused."

Aren nodded, sighing as he did so. "I am...glad? No that is not the right word. While I may not agree with the Kreanians methods, I do think we should help them. And ultimately, I agree the assessments that the leadership provided." He smiled weakly. "I was worried that I would have to convince you to go along, though don't tell your CMO. Sir, is there are reason you are forgoing your Federation rank?" Aren asked, rather curious.

She looked down at her armored attire. It felt heavier and more unwieldy on her body than the comparatively thin fabrics of the Starfleet jumpsuit. She guessed that with the boots, belt, wrist gauntlets, sash and shoulder plates, that she was carrying an easy twenty pounds on her body at any given time. She wouldn't openly admit it to anyone, but she rather enjoyed the pretense of her new given rank. "It was an honorary position recommended to me by Medara. Ko'raH reluctantly approved," she started to explain. "It is easier for Klingons to take orders from one who they perceive to be their own instead of their former enemy. I might be an Orion, but my people were once subjugates of the Empire. There is history between our kinds and they would be more accepting of me leading then into 'battle.'"

Aren nodded in understanding. "I can understand that." He returned. Before being captured and held at Kreanus he hadn't really been interested in the nuances in Klingon culture though he had found the language fascinating and had been learning on his own since before Kreanus. However, he had meet several Klingons whom he would almost consider friends and had since begun to take an active interest. "If you don't mind me asking sir, where were you since the Galileo was destroyed?" He asked.

"In custody," she answered somewhat strategically. "I was wounded and kept under guard for several days while I recovered. Eventually, the colony administrator visited me. We...exchanged thoughts."

"Very well." Aren said as he bowed his head in understanding. It seemed like a touchy subject, especially as he was an unknown to her. He could tell that she didn't fully trust him, which was to be expected. "So far this seems rather one sided. Is there anything that you have for me? Any questions sir?" Aren asked, feeling like he was getting very little from her, and at least wanting to build some trust between them.

In the semblance of transparency, Lirha opened her palms and spread her arms. "I wish to know your thoughts. Your...concerns. This is the first time we have met and while I have seen your service record, I do not know you as a person. These are difficult times and we must work together," she looked down at her uniform, "no matter if I am a general or an admiral."

Aren looked at Lirha for a moment. "If this were about any other situation I would crack a smile and make a joke about me or my symbiont." He said, trying to be light hearted, though his boyish good looks took on a more serious tone. "If I may be frank sir?"

She nodded to indicate for him to speak his mind. Her personal belief in affording those under her in the chain of command a chance to express themselves had always been a unique element in her style of authority. Some captains and officers held no interest in indulging their subordinates, but such stand-offish methods weren't in line with her personality.

"This situation is no more difficult than the Kobayashi Maru. It is merely how we approach the situation. You said earlier that taking the honorific of general would help the Klingon's better accept you. To be honest, they aren't the ones that you should be worrying about. The biggest challenge that we are facing is our, your, crew. Since they have been separated from the Federation they lost there foundation, they lost there purpose, they lost you. As a result, many have conducted acts that would otherwise be unbecoming of Starfleet Officers to say the least and would be likely to see a court marshal at the worst. Some even seem to have lost hope." Aren sighed a little frustrated to say the least. "I don't know these people like you do either the Klingon's or the crew of the Galileo, so I might be miss reading the situation." He paused briefly. "They need more from us, from you, than just mission updates or orders. They need hope sir. While I have been with them the last few weeks, you are there commander that came back from the dead." He sighed. "Just so you know, you have my support sir, 100%."

She listened to Ban's words then remained silent for many moments. They were concise and pointed and were spoken in a manner that betrayed the man's duty to the Federation. She'd lauded her crew for the past two years while they were on deployment; not only for their professional duties and accomplishments, but also for their inter-personal camaraderie. The notion that their core values and emotional well-being had all become unhinged -- that the stress and captivity of Kreanus had possibly broken them -- had escaped her. Her eyes gazed downward toward the metallic floor while she remained quiet in thought.

"I know my crew well," she began to reply before pausing to rephrase. "I thought I knew them, at the least." Lirha looked back up at Ban, unsure of what exact details he was referring to. "How badly have they digressed?" she asked with hesitation. She wasn't sure she wanted to know some of the acts which Ban had referred to.

"We have officers that threatened the usage of dangerous biological contagions, officers that openly planned sabotage of key systems within the colony that ended up injuring civilians to name a few of the issues." Aren sighed. "Ultimately the shock coupled with the loss of the Galileo, the death of close friends as well as your death, and there subsequent 'imprisonment' at the colony was a strain on them. They lost hope, and with your apparent revival they are both overjoyed and dismayed at your return. View it from there perspective. You are and were their admiral, their captain. To them, you died trying to save them. Then you come back wearing what many think of as, the enemies colors. I still think it is the crew that you know, or they are in there somewhere. But we need to get them home. I know this mission is important and we have to do it. Not just for us, but for the Federation."

Lirha fiddled her green thumbs together while listening to the report. It upset her to think that her officers and NCOs had lost their grip -- had resorted to unethical means. But she knew as well as any that the stress from traumatic experiences affected each person differently. She, herself, had lost her father during her early adolescent years and it'd taken much for her to recover her spirits.

"I am not their enemy," Lirha retorted somewhat defensively. Then she let out a soft sigh and relaxed her shoulders. "I do understand your analysis...and I fear it might be correct. I have noticed a change in them, not for the better." Her gaze fell to her armored and spiked boots, then to her black and crimson leather pants which adorned her toned legs. "I suppose I do not resemble the captain they once knew anymore."

Aren nodded. "I know that, and I am sure that they know that as well, at least consciously. But sub-consciously, your uniform isn't helping." He said as he gestured her outfit. "I remember Commander Worf, wearing both Federation and Klingon attire, so its unheard of." Aren offered trying to help.

"And the rest of the crew? The Klingons who are the majority?" she asked. "They will not take orders from Starfleet, especially a Starfleet Orion. There is history behind my people and theirs. I fear...it is the lesser of two evils," she tried to explain. "Do you have any suggestions? An alternative?"

"But is it the lesser of two evils? Yes the Klingon crew is the majority, but many know that you were a Federation Admiral anyways. Those who don't are not really in a position to affect the operation of the vessel. And I am certain if they don't know already, then they will soon enough. With the state of the Galileo crew, word and gossip will spread soon enough, if it hasn't already. Rumors and gossip is the only information that can truly travel at transwarp speeds." He sighed. "Regardless, you probably will have to assert your authority at some point. The Klingon matter of honor will require it." He said furrowing his brow in thought.

"I still think it would be better for the Federation crew to see their admiral representing them. The uniform is a symbol of solidarity, of unity. Which is why I suggested a joining of the two uniforms like Commander Worf's. But if you feel that that isn't an option, then so be it." He paused thinking. "To be honest, I am not as familiar with Klingon traditions and rituals as you probably are."

The Orion appreciated the candor from her new first officer but nevertheless recognized the one-sided viewpoint he promoted. "My uniform is both Klingon and Orion," she countered, gesturing to her bare chest and the gold accents lining the edges of her upper-arm cuffs. "I created this design as a symbol of my heritage...not only to appease Klingons, but to express my sovereignty." She thought over his veiled request to switch uniforms to one of Starfleets but still struggled to find any benefit from it. "It hurts me to acknowledge this, but the support of the Klingon crew is required for this mission. Commander Medara was very calculating in this decision. Without them, we will lose the vessel. They are Klingon warriors afterall, trained from a young age to know nothing but the art of war. We are aboard one of their vessels." She shook her head with finality to dismiss the notion once and for all. "If they decide to usurp the chain of command...how many of our crew are you willing to sacrifice in the ensuing struggle? Ten? Twenty? Fifty? Our duty is to ensure the well-being of our people and to return to Earth. We cannot sacrifice that for some false sense of honor or pride. If I can keep the rest of my crew alive until we have accomplished this mission by wearing this uniform...then so be it."

Aren merely shrugged. "As I said earlier, if it isn't an option then there is nothing more to discuss about the topic." He wanted to say more. He wanted to tell her that he had his doubts about her state of mind, about her ability to command. Not only had the crew been through a traumatic event, so had she. She had lost her children, her ship, and many dear friends in addition to trying to keep the crew of the both the Galileo and the DuJa'Q from going at each other. Instead he only nodded.

"Commander," Lirha said sternly, her voice taking up a hard edge which was echoed in her darkening green irises. "You will help me see this crew through our mission. No matter our instructions or the circumstance. I need to know you will obey my orders unconditionally and without hesitation, despite any objections you might have."

"General," Aren said with as much respect and sincerity that he could, "You have my support, and I will follow your orders unconditionally and without hesitation, despite any objections that I might have. It is my goal to make sure that your crew makes it back to the Federation, alive." He said, feeling more than a little irritated that she would call into question loyalty to duty. "It is my duty as a Federation officer to carry out your orders to the greatest extent that I can and offer suggestions when asked. If at anytime you doubt my sincerity or my ability in doing so, then I will be the first to hand you my pips.

She regarded him and his youthful features silently. Judging. Evaluating. Eventually she exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was withholding. "I have lost my children, my freedom, my starship, and many of my crew less than a month ago. We will complete this mission and return to Earth...that is my promise to you and the rest of the crew."

Aren nodded in agreement. "I can only imagine what you are going through sir. Before we knew that you were still alive, I made the same promise to the crew, and I will make that same promise to you.." He said a look of understanding in his eyes. "I will give you my utmost best, and give you no less. I am here to help you with burden of command." Aren said, wishing he had that re pore with her. He knew that it would take awhile for her to trust him as she had her previous XO, Captain Holliday, though she might never trust him as she did the captain.

For the first time, she gave him a small yet genuine smile. She'd had severe trust issues over the past few weeks but the Trill XO seemed like someone who she could rely upon when the time came. "Thank you," she said sincerely.

Aren nodded appreciatively, returning her smile, the first one he had worn in while. "No need to thank me, but if you feel you must, having Snuffles not eat another of my trousers would be thanks enough." He said trying to lighten the mood, and bring her spirits up. He could tell that they had a long road to travel together, but he felt that they had taken good step in the right direction and were on the way to have a good working relationship and hopefully a good friendship.

"Snuffles has free reign of this vessel...he goes where he likes and most of the crew seem to enjoy him. Perhaps you would like to take him for a walk and earn his trust?" she suggested. "Maybe then he will stop jousting with you." The young targ was still an adolescent but not quite a pup anymore. He'd grown over the past month into a sizeable force who was now beginning to explore the world around him and figure out his place in the hierarchy. He was loyal to Lirha and those she accepted, but unknown strangers seemed to be his preferred object of entertainment.

Aren nodded the corners of his mouth turning. "Very well. I will have to take you up on that." He looked at the little targ for a moment. Aren wondered how the general had saved the little guy. While he still was a bit hesitant at her state of mind, he had to have faith in her. "Is there anything else you would like to discuss sir?"

She reviewed the entirety of their brief chat in her head while remembering those important notes she'd made a mental mark of. One subject in particular unnerved her each time her thoughts traced back to it. "The digressions of certain members of our crew that you mentioned," she started, "I would like their names on my desk by tomorrow morning. Along with their offenses." It wasn't desirable to bring discipline against her own crew, especially given current situation. But ethical violations such as sabotage of a sovereign colony and planned biological weapon use warranted further investigation -- no matter the circumstances.

Aren nodded. He handed her the PADD he can brought with him. "This was something that I had already thought about though to be honest it was troubling me to say the least. Enclosed is my report with names, transgressions, temporary disciplinary actions taken were appropriate, and recommend courses of actions." He finished. He had had time to work on that report, and hadn't been sure as to exactly what he wanted to do with it, but he felt it was his duty to create it.

Lirha was impressed with Ban's initiative and took the offered data pad when he handed it to her. That he had already prepared the report and had anticipated her desire to see it was a sign that at least some of their thoughts ran parallel. "Thank you. That will be all, I believe," she said, before suddenly remembering one last critical element. "Oh, and commander? I should inform you that I have restricted all long-range and short-range transmissions aboard the vessel. Level 9 clearance and above, and only for mission-critical circumstances. I'm sure you can understand the need for discretion during this operation..."

Aren nodded in understanding, not surprised. "After speaking with Commander Medara I had expected that all long range and even short range transmissions would have been restricted anyways. I know we spoke about it at the meeting when we briefed the crew, though to be honest, it might help if I sent out another reminder to the rest of the crew." He offered.

"See to it then," the Orion replied. "We can't risk any incidents that would compromise our location or intentions. I know it will be difficult for the crew to not be able to contact their families, but they must continue to hold on for a bit longer."

Again, Aren nodded. "Yes Sir." Aren stood, knowing when one was dismissed. "Have a good evening." He said before turning and departing.

She watched him leave while thoughts of his suggestions and concern for the crew still played through her mind. He would make a good first officer, she hoped, one who would hopefully counter Chorag's ambition and recklessness with reason and caution. Or so she hoped.

"Good night, commander," she whispered to herself once he'd departed.

[OFF]

--

Commander Aren Ban
Executive Officer
IKS DuJa'Q

GEN Lirha Saalm
Commanding Officer
IKS DuJa'q

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