You've been Jellico'd

Posted on Tue Jan 31st, 2023 @ 6:43pm by Commander N'Garzi Zora & Commodore Jacob Kane & Commander Amaya Lance

Mission: Wrath of the People
Location: USS Athena
Timeline: MD-05
749 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

The mood on the bridge of the USS Athena had been somewhat tense for almost 48 hours. The news from Earth, and specifically those mentioning the Captain, had sent shockwaves throughout the crew. Their Captain - the man they'd served with through challenge and tribulation - had been accused of an unspeakable act of terror.

Did he have accomplices? Are we all going to be put on trial, too?

The rumours didn't help.

That was why there was an odd silence on the bridge when two new officers arrived somewhat abruptly. Some expected them to be bringing terrible news. Whether that was the case or not, however, would be open to interpretation.

"Crew of the USS Athena. I am Commander Cowan, representing the Admiralty's office. I'm sure you've all been through a very trying few days. As I'm sure you're aware, Captain Jacob Kane has been relieved of his command, pending charges of first degree murder and acts of treason against the United Federation of Planets." The man in Commander's pips didn't sugar-coat it. In fact, he didn't seem at all concerned with empathising with their situation.

"Starfleet Command would like to thank you for your patience at this time. A review board will be gathering to assess any other potential...threats...to security." Again, he chose the words particularly. "However, as this is a working ship, with an able crew, Starfleet has new orders."

He motioned to the woman standing next to him, who barely reached his shoulder and had a look about her that suggested she was as anxious about this whole situation as the rest of them were.

"Commander Amaya Lance has been assigned to replace Captain Kane, effective immediately. Your orders are to proceed to the Achird system and deal with reports of light smuggling activity." Cowan glanced around. If someone were to study him closely, they might have said he was enjoying the moment. But he concealed it well. "Starfleet would like to be clear: you have your mission. Any attempt to involve yourself in the ongoing court martial against Captain Kane will be seen as being complicit in his actions, and will subject anyone involved to similar disciplinary action."

Snapping his boots slightly, Cowan glanced over at Commander Lance.

"The ship is yours, Commander. Good hunting."

With that, the brusque Starfleet man strode nonchalantly off the bridge. Leaving behind a stunned crew, staring at their new commanding officer; one who looked just as stunned as they were.

"A-as you w-were..." Amaya stammered, doing her best to push out the bubbling fear in her chest.

Zora looked between the two of them, not quite sure she was believing what she was hearing. She was sure in her heart that this had all been a mistake and the Captain's name would be cleared swiftly; but for Starfleet command to replace him, so quickly? This was the ultimate slap in the face. She watched as the man left and stared at the closed door. Was this really all they were getting? Didn't they deserve more?

Zora rose out of her chair, staring at Commander Lance as she did so. However, Zora wasn't interested in her right now, it was the representative she had questions for. "Commander Cowan!" She called as she followed him down the corridor, "I need a word. What is going on?"

The Commander glanced back over his shoulder at her.

"You should be discussing that with your new Commanding Officer, Commander Zora," he replied simply. "Orders are orders, after all."

"Oh you can bet I will," Zora said, a bit of bite in her tone as she crossed her arms over her chest. "But right now I'm asking you, Sir," she added, not wanting to sound too insubordinate. "Why wasn't I offered command?" She asked bluntly.

Cowan smirked just slightly. "Evidently you haven't done enough to convince Command that you deserved a shot," he said. His eyes narrowed a fraction. "Or perhaps there was some concern that you never noticed your Captain was a terrorist..." He let the thread dangle. Without waiting for an answer from her, Cowan just continued on his way.

Zora glared at the man as he walked away, letting out a huge breath when he was finally out of sight. If she had thought things were bad before maybe she was as clueless as Cowan had implied. She sighed defeatedly, turned on her heel and made her way back to the bridge, to officially meet her new CO.