To the victor, the spoils

Posted on Wednesday 16 June 2021 @ 16:01 by Captain Melody Jones & Major David Scarlet

Mission: A Cry from the Darkness
Location: Captain's ready room
Timeline: MD 9 0900
1212 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Melody was sat in her ready room with her morning carrot juice. Now that they were underway, hot on the retail of those who abducted Caroline, she had other business to attend to. She tapped her comm badge. "Lieutenant Scarlett, Can I see you in my ready room, immediately."

Scarlet tapped his comm badge promptly. "On my way Captain." He motioned for the marines to continue their target practice and regular training before heading for the turbolifts.

A short while later he crisply crossed the bridge and stood before the ready room. He stood at attention and pressed the chime before waiting patiently.

Melody picked up her Carrot juice and a small box from behind her desk and went over and sat down on the couch, placing both on the small table next to her. "Come in!"

Scarlet walked in with urgency. "Lieutenant Scarlet reporting sir."

Melody smiled and gestured to the couch next to her. "David. At ease and have a seat. Tell me, how are our 'guests' enjoying the brig?"

He hesitated before finally sitting down with his hands pressed firmly against his lap. While they'd been waiting for the new CTSO he'd gotten some of the marines to help with guard duty in the brig.

Scarlet had even taken it on himself to attempt a debrief of some of them.

"Limited results, unfortunately." He said finally. "Most of the mercenaries worked together in a smaller outfit prior to this and their services were bought by Fox. Most were under the impression this was a simple extortion job and were unaware of anything otherwise."

"However," Scarlet continued. "Some of them were able to give us some information and were happy to turn on each other. It seems she held control over them with an iron fist and kept a lot of things close to her chest, they're still afraid of her."

Melody nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds like Mirror Fox to me. She's smart and cunning. I'm betting she won't make it easy for us to find her. I've had a similar discussion with two of my officers so far over this situation. One of them thought it was acceptable to shoot people from the mirror universe on sight, while another suggested hiring a bounty hunter to track her down." Melody stood and started to pace again as she chose her words carefully. "What we have here... is an opportunity. While I agree she needs to be brought to justice, can we both agree that execution is out of the question? Yes, the woman has committed crimes against the Federation, numerous and heinous. Is she beyond rehabilitation? Is she so unworthy that she can not be redeemed? She had a debt to repay to the Federation" Echoing what she had said to Lieutenant Morgan. "Also, there is the innocent life of her unborn child to consider." Melody sighed "Presently, I see a woman who is deeply troubled and in her present mindset, I don't think she is able to provide care for a child. It is said that we are a product of our upbringing and our environment. What has happened to her in her life to cause her to act like this? Given the correct environment, could she not change her ways? But until that point is reached, I think a more stable and nurturing environment would be suitable for the child." She stopped, realizing she had been monologing.

"What are your thoughts?" She looked at Scarlet.

Scarlet was silent for a long moment as he processed everything he was told. "While we're authorized to use lethal force where needed, she should be taken in alive. Especially considering the circumstances."

"We do need to remember what she is capable of. She didn't seem to have any qualms about poisoning an entire colony and then killing or abandoning everyone in her way when she escaped."

Looking firmly at Captain Jones, Scarlet continued. "Rest assured that whatever your orders on the matter, I'll execute them to the best of my abilities."

Melody regarded him for a moment, before breaking in a warm smile. "I expected you'd say that. David, your service to this ship has been exemplary and the Marine forces under your leadership continue to serve with distinction and valour and are a credit to you, me and this ship. Your actions during the latest away mission demonstrate the highest level of commitment and dedication to your duties." Melody picked up the small box from the table. "David Scarlet, I hereby promote you to the rank of Major with all the rights and privileges of that rank... And may God have mercy on your soul. Congratulations Major."

Scarlet looked at the small box as thoughts raced through his head. To him, the mission had failed. They had only managed a favourable outcome at the very end and by the skin of their teeth.

He frowned as he slowly reached for the box. "Thank you sir. I will do my best to honour the faith you've placed in me." Scarlet also silently swore to do better by those under his command.

Melody smiled as she thought to herself ‘same old David’. “Well Major, it looks like you’ve had a new platoon leader join us. Once we’ve got Commander Miller back with us we can turn our attention to finding MU Fox. The Doctor informs me that she’ll be looking for somewhere to have her baby so we’ll have a window of opportunity. We’ll be transferring her mercenaries over to Starfleet for trial. Did any of the information you got out of them not contradict or indicate if she had a safe location?”

Scarlet was still looking at the box in his hand before looking at Captain Jones. "It could just be her pregnancy, but a few of the mercenaries agreed that she was overly cautious as if she was afraid of something or someone."

"Her safe place may not exist if she's being hunted." Scarlet said finally.

"She'll be looking for one." Melody finished the thought as she sat back down next to him on the sofa. "Considering how she operates, I'm not surprised. She's crossed a lot of people. But, for her to be spooked by something or someone.... That can't be good. I would prefer to find her before whoever is chasing her catches up with her."

"The enemy of my enemy is not always my friend." Scarlet said with a nod. "But they could still be of use. Find out who is after her and we might be able to track them. Then beat them to the punch."

“That's a good idea Major. But they might not be too happy when we nab their prize.” she thought for a moment. “We’ll cross that bridge if and when we get to it.”

Scarlet looked at the box in his hand once more. To him, it was a symbol of the faith the captain had in him. He gripped it tightly. "We'll be prepared either way."

OFF

* Major David Scarlet
Marine Company Commander
USS Merlin


●●●● Captain Melody Jones
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin