Debriefing the Angry Andorian

Posted on Sat Jan 21st, 2023 @ 8:02pm by Lieutenant Tholan ch'Fairia

1,165 words; about a 6 minute read

Joint Log:
Commodore Natalie Richards
Lieutenant Tholan ch'Fairia

Commodore Natalie Richards looked over her assignment and nodded. It was logical she got this one. She beamed site to site to the Aldrin’s sickbay. “I need Doctor Tholan ch’Fairia now, it is time for his debriefing.” She watched as the Andorian stepped forward and nodded to him. Taking his hand, they beamed back to her office and she pointed to a comfortable arrangement of chairs and tables and the tables had Andorian snacks and drinks ready. “Please take a seat and we can get started.”

“Thank you! Commodore Richards’ Said the Doctor looking at the assortment of goodies in front of him, taking a plate he took a little of this and that. Before taking a seat opposite the Commodore.

“Please, call me Natalie. Do you mind if I call you, Tholan?” She asked, smiling at him easily and taking a cup and tea and some of the bridge mix to snack on.

Smiles, “no not at all Ma’am.” taking a bite of the sponge cake. He took a long sip of water.

“Please Natalie, Tholan.” She repeated. “Now then, this debriefing isn’t like a normal debriefing. We know what happened and we don’t want to discuss that. We need to discuss what will happen next. The reason for this is because the Fury are classified and no one but Starfleet Command and those who accidentally stumble across one knows about them and we want to keep it that way. If the populace of the Federation learned of it, well, you can imagine the sheer panic and chaos it would cause. We need to avoid that at all costs. Can you understand that?”

“Yes Ma’am. I understand though I don't totally agree, but then again I'm just a Doctor not a Commodore that gets paid the big bucks to make those decisions.” he said, eating a few carrots and cucumbers.

“I can appreciate that you might not agree, however it is an order that you not speak of the Fury to anyone for any reason. We do want you to speak about the mission you just finished, but instead of facing the Fury, you were facing the borg. And the entire plot was a covert attempt by the Borg to assimilate the Federation from a remote location. But thanks to the Aldrin and crew, this plot was exposed and now we can defend against it. It is far better an enemy we know than the enemy we don’t. And the populace can deal with the Borg as we have already beaten them several times. Can you do this?”

Raised an eyebrow, “I think that cover story is weak, but would help explain why a good portion of the crew are infected with inert borg nanites.” Rubbing his chin. “As for commenting about the fury’s, are you saying i can’t discuss it with my partner in confidence? As they were also directly involved in the situation?”

“Yes, that is what I am saying. You are not to speak of the Fury to anyone who is not Starfleet Command Personnel, and the counselors are part of that personnel. Everyone else is being told this exact same thing, Tholan. I know it seems harsh but we are trying to avoid a mass panic and chaos that would ensue should anything about the Fury get out, especially as we have no way to counter them yet or to defend against them. Do you understand this?” Natalie asked.

“Again I don't agree with it but orders are orders..” he frowned and bit into another spongy cake thing.

Natalie nodded. “I can accept that you don’t agree. But I do need you to understand why and agree to follow the orders.” She said again.

“Yes yes i agree to the orders, I want to go on record saying that they are stupid ass orders but as a Starfleet officer i will follow them.” he said with a bit of defiance in his tone. Putting the half finished plate down and folded his arms.

Natalie nodded. “That is acceptable. Now then, you are required to go to at least 10 days of counseling, your assigned counselor will determine if you need the full 10 days or if you need more or less. Do you understand this?”

“Fine…” he said stubbornly. Arms still folded. “Is there anything else?” he looked at her. “Might as well lay it all out on the table now.”

“With that stubborn attitude, Tholan, I can probably predict you will need more than ten days. But that is up to your counselor. The last thing, you are still on a communication blackout, so no contact with anyone who is not part of the Aldrin crew or Starfleet Command Personnel. Your counselor will determine when that blackout ends for you. After you are released from counseling, you will have three weeks of shore leave here on Earth. It might be more as some are trying to get the Aldrin crew a full month and some think that the three weeks, you will be told how much time you have when you are released from counseling. Do you understand this and accept it?” Natalie said, her own voice losing its friendly tone and going more professional. “Do you have any questions for me?”
“No ma’am I look forward to the shore leave….and *Mandatory* head shrinking sessions.” he detected the slight change in tone. He may be blinded by his hatred for these procedures, but he still respected the orders from the Superior officer.

“Very good, Tholan. I can tell you dislike these procedures, but they are necessary to make the Federation and Starfleet run smoothly. Yes, we have rough spots, yes we have bumps, but we do the best we can, we are all only human, you know. I wish we did have all the answers and could see what was happening beforehand so we could make better choices in some cases. We just have to deal with things as they come. If you ever want or need to talk, my door is always opened to you.” She reached over and took a padd and handed it to him. “This is where your quarters are located, as well as the recreational facilities at your disposal here in the headquarters compound. We do have the best of such facilities.” She also held out her hand for him to shake.

“You maybe just be human but I am Andorian. We don't always see the way you do..” Standing and taking the PADD from her and firmly shook her hand. “I'm hoping not to need to see you again Ma’am. The food was good.”

Natalie waved to the door. “You are free to go, Tholan. I hope that you are able to find your peace.” She said and watched him leave and sighed sadly, he would have to be watched, carefully, for a time.

RSS Feed