JDL | "Out on Parole" | CO, MCO, CNS | Capt Landon Neyes, M.Capt Ellis King, Lt Cody Larel

Posted on Thu Oct 31st, 2013 @ 3:53am by Captain Landon Neyes & 2nd Lieutenant Jasmine Garza

1,091 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: In the Dark
Location: Conference Room, Deck One
Timeline: En Route to Noturi

=/\= Conference Room, USS VINDICATOR =/\=

Neyes touched his finger to the edge of the conference room table as he sat before the two other men. His time with the counselor had been short thus far, but he was going to test the young man's skills with this latest endeavor. Across from him, sat the bold and brawny figure of Marine Captain Ellis King. Neither of them looked particularly invested in the impromptu meeting, but Larel always seemed ready to please. If only King shared that quality...

"Thank you for coming," Neyes started, still seated at the head of the large table. Under normal circumstances the massive meeting table would seat the entirety of the senior staff. On the Vindicator that could include every department head, assistant head, and ranking officer on the ship. Thankfully, having just the three of them provoked the 'intimate' atmosphere he was trying to manifest.

Ellis wasn't one for not answering the call of superior officers. Even with Marines outside of the usual chain of command but with their set-up he had to follow the day to day orders unless orders from Marine command. "What's this all about captain?" Ellis asked gruffly and very forwardly.

Landon nodded, "I wanted to discuss Lt. Black. How is she doing with her new duties? Is she keeping up her end of the bargain?" Neyes had agreed to allow her to stay on the ship, in exchange for some favors with Intelligence. It was more than he would have done for someone in her position, but there was more to worry about than a would-be savior/sabotuer. Landon understood to a certain degree, but his understanding came with a price.

"So far no issues and with us without mission her duties are limited. But from what Marine Captain Lione has reported she's smart, willing to take the initiative and quick with the wit." Ellis said looking at the captain confused of why the counselor was here.

Neyes turned to Cody, "What type of behavior would you typically think to expect from someone in Tea's position, Lieutenant?"

Slightly confused, Cody thought about his answer and said "Typically someone who was .... not welcomed properly to the ship would perhaps try to smooth things over with her crew mates. She may be doing so not out of true camaraderie with them, but more to prevent herself from becoming a victim of abuse from them again."

The Captain turned to Ellis again. "Is she meeting that description in any way, marine captain?"

Ellis chuckled, "Lieutenant and Captain do you know what SERE training is?"

Landon's eyes closed, his patience already tested.

"Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape. This is what makes a Marine a Marine the ability to sustain torture, abuse and un-thinkable things without giving up any info. And trust me when I say this that this women knew exactly what she signed up for when she joined the Marines and than agreed to work for StarFleet intelligence in whatever capacity it is. So trust me again when I say this she is no victim." Ellis said looking at the young counselor.

Shaking his head, Cody replied "I have to disagree Captain. From what Captain Neyes told me about how Lieutenant Black was beaten by your men, I can't agree that she allowed that to happen willingly. Regardless of whatever agreement she made when she enlisted, I don't believe for a moment she agreed to being assaulted the way she was." Before King could reply, he added "I admit I don't know what its like to be a Marine, but I know that, pardon my language, beating the crap out of someone isn't part of the oath someone swears."

"At the time she was considered a threat and a enemy of the Federation. My men did what they had to do with the intel we had. I'll admit that they went in hard but again that's how Marines are trained. Have you read her file if you haven't you should it's a good read and explains why my men where so rough with her." Ellis said looking at the counselor and completely ignoring the captain. "As far as my men are concerned and even me we see her as a spook who had Marine training not the other way around."

"So you admit you turned a blind eye when she was attacked. I can't understand that. Perhaps its a failing I have as a Starfleet Officer and not a Marine." Cody replied, his frustration rising. "I've never bought in to the 'rough and tumble' mindset of Marines. Is the answer always shoot first, ask questions later?"

"No but when it comes to protecting the crew of the ship or installation we're serving on you damn right it is." Was Ellis's simple and blunt answer, "we're trained to of our finger on the trigger and willing to pull it and end someones life in a second."

Landon spoke up, throwing his words between the two men. "This is not a debate over marines and their conscience. We're here to talk about Lt. Black and her status. Like it or not, you two, she has joined this crew for the time being."

Neyes turned to Ellis, "And she has been your responsibility. This is me asking you for a report, Marine Captain. If you can't participate in a conversation without feeling the need to validate your men's inability to control themselves, then you can sit in a room with Mr. Larel until you find a common ground."

He leaned back with a pointed exasperation, "Now. Marine Captain, moral implications of her situation aside... does Ms. Black have the potential to be a productive member of this crew?"

"Yes." Was all Ellis said looking at Neyes.

"Alright then," Neyes turned to the Lieutenant, "Make sure Lieutenant Black is cleared for the away mission if King wants to take her in his company.

"Which you are free to do, Mr. King.

Neyes continued, "She is not to be left alone under any circumstances. The last thing I need is another surprise out of that woman, and given the Commander's dislike of her I think Tea could do well to keep herself out of trouble. Remind her she's on thin ice, Ellis... despite her behavior the last couple weeks.

"If that's all you're dismissed, gentlemen." Landon said tersely.

"Try not to kill each other on the way out."

=/\= END LOG =/\=

Captain Landon Neyes
Commanding Officer

Marine Captain Ellis King
Marine Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Cody Larel
Chief Counselor
USS VINDICATOR

 

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