Official Report

Posted on Tue Feb 15th, 2022 @ 1:39pm by Commodore Mardel Shayron-Connor

1,334 words; about a 7 minute read

Captain's Log

Mardel left the lounge and rather than go to her quarters first to clean up, she had other cleaning up to do first. She went to her ready room and opened a channel to Star Fleet Command. Admiral Sylver answered the call, paused a moment when she saw Mardel and sat down. "I see you have something to tell me." Killian said simply. "I'm listening."

Taking a deep breath, Mardel nodded. "Yes, it is blood on my dress uniform. We were at the formal reception for the delegates. I still don't know why you put Orions on my ship, knowing my history. But the leader, Tarni, issued a challenge. I tried to get her off of my ship, but my executive wanted to try to work it out instead. I do not place any blame on him, he just didn't understand how things work with Orion females. I commend him for his attempts. She offered the challenge and while others may not have seen it, she was fingering her dagger and no matter what anyone did, blood would have been shed before she left the ship. Although it wasn't my first thought, I knew I had to finish the challenge issued. I also had to let the other delegates who, quite frankly, have been testing boundaries since they came on board, that I and my crew were not to be messed with. When we said something, we meant it."

Killian nodded as Mardel took a drink of water, not looking at her blood covered hands, but noticing that she had extra beads now on the Orion ceremonial necklace and bracelets. She was waiting to hear where she obtained the extra set of beads.

"To most, it appeared that I drew my dagger first, and I did openly show I was holding a dagger first, but as you know, she was already holding it, just hidden in her furs. I did let her take the first swipe at me, it was feeble at best. Her escorts backed away, knowing that they would suffer if they tried to interfere with what was going to happen. Then I took my move and I finished her quickly, in a single stroke, so to not prolong the fight and possibly traumatize some of the delegates who were forced to watch as they were there. Security made sure that none left to use it as a diversion to get into restricted areas of the ship. I then had security clean up the mess and came here to report this to you. I accept all responsibility for what happened. I place myself in your hands as to what is to happen next." Mardel said and sat down, knowing that no matter how provoking someone was, a Star Fleet officer should never be the one to start a fight and then they should try to find a peaceful way to resolve it. "Oh, I see you looking at the beads. I took hers, to let other Orions know I have defeated her, as a warning that I am not to be toyed with."

Killian nodded again. She took a few deep breaths before saying anything. "I see. You accept all responsibility? I accept that as well. The others here agree with me." Killian pushed a button and a room full of admiralty was there, watching and listening. "We all understand the issues in dealing with Orions and they requested your ship for transport. We wondered at the time why, and now we know. This is not the first time the Syndicate has tried this tack to gain what they want. What did you do with the other Orions on your ship?"

"I gave them a shuttle and they left. They were all males and knew that without Tarni to protect them, they would be vulnerable. They were grateful for the option to leave rather than suffer the same fate that they would have if it had gone differently." Mardel said, a little surprised they would ask, but then realizing it was necessary to them being able to make a full decision.

"Very well, Commdore. How did the other delegates respond?" Killian continued.

"Those who were trying to stir up trouble showed extreme chagrin and a reluctance to follow through on whatever mischief they had planned. Those who understood about Orions, looked they expected nothing less and were pleased with the out come. Those who didn't know what was going were, frankly, stunned and possibly demoralize. My counseling staff is helping those who need it." She said without making excuses.

The Admiralty all nodded at this. Killian pushed another button and all sound from their end muted and Mardel could see them all in discussion. Some pointed to where Mardel stood in the middle of her ready room, sipping on water, but otherwise at attention, the blood shown clearly on her uniform and skin as she awaited her fate at their hands. Then they all nodded at something, a few more things were said, and the sound returned.

"Commodore Connor, we have discussed the situation, as you saw. It is decided that you acted on behalf of the Federation, the trade conference, and your ship and crew in dealing with this threat. We are aware of the threat the Syndicate holds and agree that you did try all diplomatic solutions at your disposal in this matter, and acted decisively and in good conscious. This is not based solely on your word alone, but from the reports we have received from other of the delegates who have reported in on what happened, as well as the actual footage one of the Vulcan delegates had the forethought to take from the moment you walked into the room until you walked out. There will be no actions taken against you. But it recommended that you take a few days off to deal with this and to speak with your counselor so you don't suffer personal repercussions. Thank you for your promptness in reporting this and in not trying to make excuses to get out of it. Others in your position would not have done either. Now go, take a shower, take some time to calm down and let the anxiety go. We will be in contact in a few days. Star Fleet Command, out."

The screen went black and Mardel wasn't sure what to do next. She expected something else, a reprimand at the very least for killing a delegate at a formal reception. But orders were orders, so she left to return to her quarters and take that shower and do what it took to get rid of the feeling of disgust she was directing at herself. Back on Orion, she wouldn't have felt anything for killing a hunter, such predators were always dealt with in such final ways and before she left to join Star Fleet, she had killed her fair share of hunters, well, okay, maybe more than her fair share, but it was part of life when she was growing up.

She stopped before leaving her ready room as another thought crossed her mind. She moved to sit down at her desk and opened up a secured channel to several different ships in the fleet, so it couldn't be traced to just one ship, but all were known to have Orions on them, and some that didn't, again, laying down the smoke trail. Then she warned all the CO's of those ships of the move by the Syndicate against Star Fleet officers of Orion descent, and to put extra security measures into play to protect their ships and crews from the Syndicate. The Excelsior was one of those ships, so Larie would be warned and protected. Mardel was truly terrified of what the Syndicate could do if they had Larie under their control.

Finally, she could think about herself, and she hoped that Daniel would understand. She left and went to her quarters and a scalding hot shower.

End Log

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