Unpleasant Reminder

Posted on Wed Dec 22nd, 2010 @ 8:43am by Commander Fala Awen & Vice Admiral Iluvar

Mission: Episode 1.4 - "Confusion in the Cluster"
Location: Awen's Quarters, USS Pandora
Timeline: Day 2, 1215

ON: [[Awen's Quarters, USS Pandora, Day 2, 1215]]

After spending some time on the bridge while they were en route to the Cluster, Awen had returned to her quarters to get something to eat and glance over the information she'd gathered on the Black Cluster. She could've done it in her office, but she preferred the comforts of her own quarters. They'd be arriving at their destination soon, so she didn't have a whole lot of time.

There was a chirp as the communications terminal on her desk came to life with the familiar emblem of Starfleet Command, indicating an incoming transmission. The emblem was replaced a moment later by the stern visage of Vice-Admiral Thomas Dekker (NPC) of Starfleet Operations. “Commander Fala Awen,” the admiral said, addressing her by name.

Awen raised an eyebrow as her eyes moved to her terminal. Though she hadn't heard from the admiralty since she had been forced to take the Executive officer position, she knew that this wasn't a simple social call. The Bajoran had no idea who the man was and the fact that he was contacting her only confirmed her suspicions. "Admiral...."

"You and I both know what this conversation is going to be about, commander, so I won't waste any time beating around the bush," Dekker said brusquely, "What is your status?"

The Bajoran frowned; up until now, she'd partly been hoping they'd just forget about her. "You know as much as I do right now. The Pandora has been assigned to investigate the attacks that have been occurring near the Black Cluster. We're on our way now, sir." Awen did her best to keep her tone even, though she despised the intrusion.

If Dekker noticed the commander's annoyance, he didn't show any sign of it. "Reports have confirmed that the Pandora has arrived in the region of the Black Cluster," he said, "how do you propose to approach the situation?"

"All due respect, sir, but this is Captain Iluvar's ship. It's his decision how to approach the mission." Awen watched the Admiral. She contemplated bringing up some of her other concerns as well. Finally she decided she might as well just say what was on her mind, "It would have helped though, if StarFleet had shared all the information they had regarding the situation."

"I beg your pardon," Dekker said a little indignantly, narrowing his eyes.

Awen paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts, then continued, "All we were told was that there had been attacks. No mention of any races or factions that had been ruled out or a narrowed down list of who it might be, nothing. With the number of attacks there have been, there should be plenty of evidence to determine, for instance, if the Romulans had been involved. StarFleet should be able to tell - or at least eliminate - what kind of weapons were used in the attacks. So, either every race we know has been involved in the attacks which is why we weren't given narrowed down information, or StarFleet is holding back information."

"Careful commander," Dekker warned, his tone clearly indicating that she was toeing the line, "If I didn't know better, I'd almost think you were accusing Starfleet Command of withholding information. We have given the Pandora all the information we feel is necessary for her to complete this mission. It is your job to make sure that information is put to good use."

Apparently the Admiral was fairly perceptive. Awen resisted the urge to roll her eyes and replied, "So there is more information, then... You just said you gave us all the information you felt was necessary - not all the information. Regardless, it is not my job to ensure what you gave us is put to good use. That is Captain Iluvar's job."

"From what I understand, things have been pretty quiet for Captain Iluvar and the Pandora," Dekker said, though it wasn't clear if he was changing the subject or just trying a new approach, "and we both know that isn't about to change anytime soon...not after what happened on Deep Space Four."

Awen likely would have argued her point more or defended Iluvar if it were an Admiral she knew or felt she could possibly get somewhere with, but she saw little point in it with this one. "Well, sir, we get our assignments from StarFleet Command, so I'm sure you're aware of what missions we've been given. If there's nothing else, I need to get back to work." Hopefully he would let her be...he obviously had nothing important to tell her, other than admitting that they had withheld information.

"Just remember, commander...you're our eyes and ears out there," Dekker told her in a firm tone, "Captain Iluvar has demonstrated a tendency to, shall we say, deviate from mission assignments in the past. It's your job to make sure that doesn't happen. Now, more than ever. Dekker out." His visage vanished from the screen as the terminal went blank. The conversation was over as abruptly as it began.

Sitting quietly at her desk, Awen took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself. She hadn't asked for this. StarFleet Command was continuing the witch hunt that that prosecutor had started back on Deep Space 4 and she wanted no part of it. Regardless, the Bajoran was stuck in the situation for now. Rather than dwell on it, Awen needed to prepare for their mission, so she slowly turned her attention back to the information on the black cluster.

OFF: JP brought to you by:

Commander Fala Awen
Executive Officer
USS Pandora

and

Vice Admiral Thomas Decker
Division of Starfleet Operations
Starfleet Command
played by: Capt Iluvar