Time Alone

Posted on Monday 8 April 2019 @ 14:04 by Commander Cale Llewellyn DSci

Mission: The New Collective
Location: Reay Room; Bridge
Timeline: After Over The Horizon
579 words - 1.2 OF Standard Post Measure

After Captain Barstow and Commander Melody Jones had left on their 'away mission', Cale retired to the ready room to hammer out his feelings and his decision to not openly protest the captain's decision to go on this journey of his. "Computer, open a channel to Starfleet Command," he finally said. And the computer beeped its response to his request. He was under severe stress and extremely anxious over what he was about to do. So when Rear Admiral Janice Boyer's image came into view, his sighed deeply.

"Admiral, I have something very disturbing to tell you," Cale began. "Captain Barstow has left the ship on an extremely dubious mission to tag a Borg cube so we can track it back to its source. And I didn't object to his decision to go on this mission. I upheld his decision to go above Commanders Jones' and Miller's objections. I publicily decried their objections saying it was his decision and if he wanted to go then it was his right.

"Commander Jones went with him leaving me alone on the ship with no support other than Counselor Miller. Captain Barstow left me in command of the ship and apparently the counselor is acting XO and since she objected, I am left with no backup other than Commander Tillatix but she is busy keeping an eye on the outside situation. Thus, I'm left with two rather difficult options. One being to keep up with being acting captain and letting my crew see me as the stalwart figure I'm already not showing them that I am. Secondly, I could resign my commission thereby leaving the Counselor in command.

"But, when/if Captain Barstow comes back and finds me having resigned yet still on the ship, he would not be pleased with me. But, I would feel better about myself having followed Starfleet Regulations after the fact. What do you think, Admiral Boyer?"

"Well, this is quite the predicament you have here, Commander. While I don't agree with John's decision to leave his ship on this 'dubious mission', I do agree with your backing him up. Though, your duty as First Officer is to keep your captain from harm, you acted properly in your decision to have his back. No, I will not accept your resignation. I want you to go back on the bridge and be the 'stalwart figure' your crew needs you to be. Don't let them see the man who is unsure of himself I'm seeing here. Your crew needs a man who is in control of himself and in control of the situation.

"Cale, you need to be larger than life for your crew right now. I know you're aware that your crew will look to you for guidance. Your crew will be looking for you to set the tone of the ship right now and that tone should be one that will prove to be one of courage in this time of uncertainty. So, I assume you know what you should be and need to do for your crew, yes?" the elder woman asked.

Cale thought about the admiral's words and finally realized that she was right. He should go back to the bridge and keep apprised of the situation. "You're right, Admiral and thank you for the advice. Merlin out." So, with that being said, he headed out of the ready room and out onto the bridge.

Commander Cale Llewellyn, DSci
Executive/Strategic Operations Officers
USS Merlin