Article 89

Posted on Sun Feb 10th, 2019 @ 12:31am by Commander Rita Paris & Captain Enalia Telvan

Mission: Earthly Visitation
Location: USS Hera, Deck 12, Sickbay radiation ward
Timeline: 2396

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“Any person subject to this chapter who behaves with disrespect toward his superior commissioned officer shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”

The crisis had passed, and life on the Hera was back to what passed for normal. The Baroness had been rescued, separated from her toxic relationship with Death. Who was also aboard now as well, with Rita assigning them guest quarters on Deck 8. Everyone seemed to be none the worse for wear, save the three problematic corpses. But, rampaging accidental entity was something that showed up on starship reports. It was a thing in her time and it still was, clearly.

All was well, given how the events worked out, and there was a small but markedly significant detail to tend to. Entering Sickbay, Commander Paris nodded to the personnel as she passed through, making her way to the radiation ward where currently her captain lay, recovering from chroniton burns she had sustained saving Rita, Sonak and the planet earth from the catastrophe that seemed to perennially follow in the wake of the ancient astronaut.

Confirming from the nurse that the Captain was awake, Paris entered her room, nodding. Her demeanor was stiff and formal, and when she spoke, she did so with her chin held high and her military bearing at it’s finest.

“Captain,” she said as she held up the PaDD for the spotted starship commander to read.

On the PaDD was a write-up for one Commander Rita Paris with a recommendation for disciplinary action under Article 89 of the Starfleet Code of Military Justice: Disrespect Toward a Superior Officer.

“I owe you an apology, Captain. The recent events on the Hera were influenced by the toxic bonding of Baroness von Alcott and the extraplanar entity known as Death, which incited heightened aggression levels in some members of the crew. That includes Miss Dox and yourself. Instead of rationally seeking all of the facts then proceeding from logical conclusion, I immediately leapt to an incorrect conclusion, and in this very room, I verbally assaulted and disrespected my superior officer. I believed the worst of you, when I should have looked for deeper motivations. They were my own prejudices and fears that were given voice, and I am well and truly regretful for my words and actions. I submit my report, as well as my disciplinary report for your approval.”

Still strapped into the radiation treatment pod, Enalia could only move her eyes to look at Rita and talk to her. "So you're saying that since the worldship incident we've all been affected by this? Just like how Hera was inadvertently putting crewmembers into a family way? That I should dismiss everything just like that? As I understand it, this sort of thing heightens emotions and feelings we already have within us that we would otherwise normally easily control."

"Though it's not that easy, in reality..." Enalia closed her eyes as the healing beam arc slowly passed over her face again. "So... Are we agreed that no one needs to be demoted? Has the situation been resolved? Is... Everyone ok?"

"Yes, ma'am," Paris seemed to be studying the floor. "No demotions, situation resolved, everyone okay. Death is aboard, under restriction and guard just like Hera, but that's a precaution for now and may change. Apparently it was the combination of the two of them that made it toxic, and now separated, it appears the Baroness is back to her old self, and Death has much less sting."

"As for dismissing it ma'am, as far as the crew are concerned- Dox and the Baroness were influenced by that combination entity, as were, I believe, you. I... should have noticed sooner, been more cautious, made the Baroness get checked more thoroughly. I should have seen it, and I didn't. I don't even have the excuse of that influence when I assaulted you, because the entity was not onboard at the time. I'm sorry Captain- genuinely, truly. I leaped to negative conclusions because that's what I wanted to believe. I didn't analyze the facts."

"What's that Earth saying again? You're only human?" The spotted woman grinned slightly as she tried to wiggle in the clamps and force fields holding her tightly. "I think it applies in this case, especially dealing with all these deity class aliens. So what sort of punishment are you proposing for yourself?"

"I hadn't, ma'am. Didn't seem right. You are literally the wronged party in this case, so it seemed just to let you make that decision," Paris was humbled- she'd been in the wrong, she admitted it, and she'd accept whatever punishment came her way.

"Unfortunately, you're in charge of the ship right now. Freaking EMH revoked my computer access and relieved me of duty so I couldn't get out again. I can't even listen to any freaking music. Nurse says I have another forty five freaking hours left. My spots itch so freaking bad..." Enalia moaned piteously. "So if you want punishment, I'm not in the right mindset to dish it out because right now I'll tell you to flog yourself in the lounge with a bunch of wet noodles while singing a Vulcan ballad."

Looking up from the floor, Rita was relieved by the Captain's leniency, then a though occurred to her. "I could scratch your spots?"

Enalia's eyes opened wide, seriously considering the offer. "They go down my sides head to toe and cover about a third of my body... And if you interfere with the treatment the EMH will yell at both of us... Are you still up for it?"

"Call it extra duty, ma'am. I got you burnt then yelled at you in bed. The least I can do is take getting yelled at by the Doctor. And, I maintain my manicure," Rite held up her hand, showing the captain the neatly manicured but still almond-shaped claws on the ends of her fingertips.

"Besides, you'd do the same for me." Tapping her comm badge, Rita spoke to the overhead. "Commander Paris to Master At Arms Riley. I need a thorough Security sweep of Sickbay, but skip the radiation ward. I need you to keep the EMH busy for at least 20 minutes. Can you do that for me Chief?"

=^= Roger wilco, Commander. I'll have a team in there in 40 seconds. =^= came the reply, and a smile settled onto the face of the fulsome first officer.

"There. Now he can yell at us later and we won't be disturbed. As extra duty goes, this is definitely a unique one," Rita explained as she cracked her knuckles. "Just don't let your wife kill me over it," she added.

"I think she'd approve." The spotted woman was grinning in anticipation at the relief she was going to experience at the hands of her first officer. "Besides, she's not the killing type."

"Lucky for me..."