Fact Finding Mission

Posted on Tue Aug 31st, 2010 @ 5:03pm by Commander Fala Awen & Commander Christopher McNeil

Mission: Episode 1.3 - "The Time of Trial"
Location: CIO Office
Timeline: Day 1, 1200

[[CIO Office, Day 1, 1200]]

Having spent the morning on the bridge, in command, Awen finally had a chance to try to find out what was going on. Leaving another officer temporarily in charge, she made her way to the Chief Intelligence Officer's Office to see if Christopher knew anything about the situation. The Bajoran paused outside the door and rang the door chime to announce her presence.

"Come in," McNeil called out as he set down his fork and pushed the plate of cashew chicken to one side. He wasn't expecting visitors, but also wasn't surprised to be getting one. He assumed it would be Kiral or Velia... perhaps even Iluvar. He wasn't expecting Commander Fala to walk in the door.

Entering his office, she stopped in front of his desk. At the moment, she was too on edge to sit. "I apologize if I'm disturbing you," Awen began, "But of those left on the ship, I thought you'd be the best person to ask."

McNeil quirked an eyebrow. "Alright. What can I do for you, Commander?"

"This morning, the Admiral told me that the ship was mine and to lay in a course for Deep Space Four...after which he left the bridge and I've not heard anything since," she explained. "Do you know what is going on?" Awen wasn't sure if Christopher was aware of the situation with Earlond and the Doctor, but for now left that part out.

"I have no idea," McNeil answered immediately, "But it sounds like there's something rotten in Denmark." He wasn't sure what had brought on this turn of events, but it sounded like trouble... and it was a bit too soon for waves from the issue with Earlond's streak of stupidity.

Awen nodded, "Any chance you could try to find out? It must be something serious since the Admiral seems to have removed himself from duty. I'd prefer to not be in the dark, especially while sitting in the command chair on that bridge. The others know something's going on.."

"I'll find out," McNeil assured her. "Something's going on here and it's not good. I have a few contacts who should know at least a little bit about this... and if that doesn't work, I have a few other ideas for places to look."

"Whatever you can find out would be most appreciated," Awen replied. The whole situation gave her a bad feeling and put her ill at ease. The timing was unfortunate as well...they had crewmembers 'missing', after all. But nothing could be done about that for the moment.

"Have a seat, Commander," McNeil said, motioning to one of the chairs on the other side of his desk as he pulled up a listing of comm channels and relay stations on his screen. "Now let's see... who's most likely to tell me what I want to know today? Tavez, Meyer, Hawkins, Manley, Livian...."

Awen nodded and took the seat on the left. She didn't know the Admirals, really, so instead she waited for him to decide who would be best to contact.

"May as well go straight to the top," McNeil muttered to himself after a moment. He tapped in a quick command sequence to open a communications channel to Admiral Tavez' office on Starbase 386. Then he just had to wait for the proper subspace connections to be made.

"This is Admiral Tavez....what can I do for you, Commander?" Olivia asked. She was a bit surprised to be hearing from Christopher, but considering the ship he was on... Part of her had been expecting to hear from someone on the Pandora.

McNeil put on his most charming smiled before answering. "A pleasure, as always Admiral. I'll cut straight to the chase, as I'm sure you're quite busy. I'd like to know what's going on with my commanding officer, one Rear Admiral Iluvar. According to what I've been told, he turned over command to Lieutenant Commander Fala this morning and seems to have removed himself from duty."

Nodding slowly, Olivia replied, "To be honest, Commander, you're not the only one who wants to know exactly what is going on. At this point, all I can tell you is that Rear Admiral Iluvar has been ordered to appear before a Board of Inquiry at Deep Space 4 as soon as the Pandora arrives."

McNeil raised an eyebrow at that. He wasn't aware of any reason why Iluvar would be under suspicion on wrong-doing, but there COULD have been something he'd missed. "Any idea why, Admiral?"

"I'm afraid not, Commander. I only have basic information, no details as to the exact charges," she said, frowning slightly. Olivia found the entire situation disconcerting, but it was in the hands of the Board of Inquiry at this point.

McNeil frowned. A board of inquiry proceeding without the subject's superior officer not being informed of the charges was... irregular, to say the least. He was going to have to do some digging. "Thank you, Admiral. Do you know who the prosecutor is, or who's sitting on the panel?"

Olivia paused and looked down at a PADD in front of her, "From the information I got this morning, it seems that the prosecutor is Captain Arnold Mercer and the panel will be composed of Admiral Bullock, Vice Admiral Saunders, and Vice Admiral Richards. Captain Joseph Wells is heading the defense team. I'm afraid that's all I can tell you at this point. Most likely any other information you'll end up finding out when I do, based on how this has played out thus far... Is there anything else I can do for you, Commander?"

"No, I think that covers everything," McNeil replied thoughtfully. He was definitely going to have to do some digging. "Thank you, Admiral."

"Of course," Olivia said. "Good luck, Commander. Tavez out."

McNeil nodded, then closed the comm line. "Well," he said, looking at Fala, "Not exactly good news. I'll have to do some digging into Starfleet's personnel files to find out about Mercer."

Awen nodded, "When you find something out, let me know. I'll feel better when we have more information...assuming we can get it anyway." The Bajoran sincerely hoped it would all be over soon... Standing, she said, "Thank you Commander."

McNeil nodded. "I'll make sure you're the first to know anything I find out... And I'll take the evening bridge watch tonight... with Earlond in his own trouble and Evans off the ship we're a bit short of senior officers at the moment, and I am Bridge certified."

"Yes, good idea. Hopefully we won't run into anything else too exciting..." Shaking her head slightly, Awen gave him a brief nod before heading out the door.

McNeil sighed as the doors closed. Re-activating his terminal, he started what would likely be the very long process of accessing Starfleet Personnel files.

OFF: This has been a joint post by

Lieutenant Commander Fala Awen
Chief Security/Tactical Officer & Acting-XO
USS Pandora

&

Commander Christopher McNeil
Mission Advisor
USS Pandora