A Change of Plans

Posted on Mon Aug 30th, 2010 @ 10:01am by Vice Admiral Iluvar & Commander Michael Evans M.D.

Mission: Episode 1.3 - "The Time of Trial"
Location: Ready Room, USS Intrepid
Timeline: Mission Day 01, 0945 hours

ON: [[Ready Room, USS Intrepid, MD01, 0945]]

Doctor Evans nervously adjusted his tunic as he approached the door. He steeled himself for whatever might come, then pressed the door chime.

The sound of the door chime caused Ben (NPC) to look up from the message that had appeared on his display only moments before. "Enter," he called, deactivating the screen with the touch of a button. As the image was replaced by the blackness of an empty screen, he watched the door slide open, revealing the Pandora's chief medical officer.

Evans entered and stood at a relaxed "attention". Best make an impression of conformity to regulation now, having so recently disregarded it; Michael was careful, however, to not overdo it. "Lieutenant Commander Michael Evans reporting, sir," he said in an even tone.

"Have a seat, doctor," Ben said, motioning to one of the chairs opposite his desk.

Michael paused for half a breath, then sat in the proffered chair. He fidgeted with the hem of his tunic. There was a moment of silence that seemed to need filling. "Er... before we begin, sir, I wanted to say 'thank you' for chasing those Romulans off our tail. They didn't seem too interested in the assistance I offered them," he said deadpan.

"I might question the rationale for assigning a Flyer-class runabout to a mission of medical relief in a region as turbulent as this," Ben said curtly, "I'm sure you are aware of the tensions between the Romulan Empire and the Imperial Romulan State." He paused a moment, seeing that the man seated across from him already understood the position he was in all too well. Ben let out a brief sigh and leaned back in his chair. This was not a matter he needed to be dealing with at the moment, particularly in light of recent events.

"Quite aware," Evans said with a slight smirk as he picked absently at a slight pilling at the hem of his tunic. "Sir, my crew are anxious to return to our ship. Do you know when that's being arranged for?"

"I'm afraid that we will not be able to rendezvous with your vessel as we originally planned," Ben said, folding his hands on the desk before him, "The Pandora has been ordered to report to Deep Space Four and we're headed in the opposite direction."

Evans frowned. Something serious must have happened for the Pandora to have been ordered to DS-4. "I see," he said. "What's the plan for us, then, sir?" He stopped picking at his tunic and steepled his fingers inconspicuously in his lap.

Ben had considered a number of possibilities. The closest ship was the Gage, but it would take them just as long to get to Deep Space Four as it would for the Intrepid to make the journey. Besides, the Gage was needed on patrol more than it was for ferrying one runabout. "My deck officer has seen to it that the Carnauba has been given fresh supplies and provisions," Ben explained, "It may take you a little longer, but I am confident that you can make the journey easily enough."

Michael swallowed. That was a lot of time to think about things while they were enroute. "Sounds reasonable, sir," he said. And it was reasonable. There was no sense in being shuttled about, inconveniencing other ships.

Michael took a breath and tried to say casually, though the question was burning at him, "Out of curiosity, sir, do we know why the Pandora has been ordered to DS-4?"

Frowning slightly, Ben thought about the question for a moment. There really was no easy way to answer the man, but he tried to find how he could say it best. "Rear Admiral Iluvar has been summoned to appear before a board of inquiry," he replied slowly, "The proceedings are to be held at Deep Space Four."

"Ah, so he's on the board, then? Must be something pretty serious," Michael said, half to himself.

Ben shook his head slowly. He could see how easily it would be for someone, especially someone who had served with the man, to make such an assumption. Iluvar was, afterall, a task force commanding officer within the Eighth Fleet. "No," Ben corrected, "Rear Admiral Iluvar has been called to appear before the board of inquiry."

Michael froze in his seat, astounded. "Oh," was all he could say. "Well, um, all the more reason to get back in a timely manner then," he managed and shifted his weight more to the edge of his seat.

"I suppose it would be," Ben replied, nodding his head once, "I am sorry to have to be the bearer of ill news, but I thought you should at least be aware of the situation."

"Yes. Thank you, sir," Michael said, appearing a little distracted. "I'll be sure my crew knows as well." He made as if to stand. "If there's nothing else, sir?" He looked at Captain Edwards for permission to dismiss.

Ben nodded. He could understand the doctor's desire to get 'on the road', so to speak, as soon as possible. "Thank you for your time, doctor," he said, rising at the same time Evans did, "Best of luck to you and your team." Ben extended his hand, offering it in a parting handshake.

Michael took the offered hand automatically, but looked Captain Edwards in the eye and gave a "thank you" nod before departing. He knew that Iluvar would be disappointed in Michael's actions; still, Mike wanted to get back to his captain as soon as possible.

OFF

A JP by:

Captain Benjamin Edwards (NPC)
Commanding Officer
USS Intrepid
Played by: RAdm Iluvar

and

Lieutenant Commander Michael Evans
Chief Medical Officer & Second Officer
USS Pandora