Communications Breakdown
Posted on Wed Sep 16th, 2009 @ 12:50pm by Captain Elsie Halliwell & Lieutenant Commander Kaylis Kirana
2,085 words; about a 10 minute read
Mission:
The Shining Truth
Location: Deck 6
Timeline: Current
ON:
Daisy Andrews strode down the corridor on deck six confidently, a tool kit in one hand, and a tricorder in her other. This day just seemed to be getting worse and worse for her, she thought. Her hair, usually tied back in a band, was loosely pulled from its bindings and strands of her blonde locks delicately hung about her face. Every now and again, instead of remedying the issue, she merely blew them out of her eyes in frustration for them to fall back limply.
Daisy turned the corner, passing by Lieutenant Larkin as she did so, nodded and continued to stride forth to the communications room. With the systems now purged of any contaminant, the Archimedes should now be operating at peak efficiency. So why would the power distribution systems be funneling power away from the communications array and how had this gone unchecked? It was only earlier that day after running routine diagnostics that she discovered this, and, with sitting in orbit and little else to do, felt that she should hobble on down and check it out first hand.
As she approached the doors, the tight seal that fastened so abruptly before her failed to part. She stopped momentarily and looked about the door frame for any obstruction or indication as to why the sensors had failed to recognise her or act upon her presence.
“Computer, open the doors to the communications room,� she said with a subtle sigh.
Her request went unanswered. “Computer, respond.� And still nothing.
Opening up her tricorder, Daisy began to scan the bulkhead but to no avail. No unusual readings, power surges or anything. Tapping at the panel, the negative beep only frustrated her further.
“Computer, open this door! Authorisation: Andrews-Omega-6-5-9.�
After a series of beeps, the computer, in its familiar and yet monotonous tones, finally replied. “Unable to comply. Insufficient security clearance to access section.�
A confused look fell upon the Assistant Chief Operations officer, as she angrily slapped at her combadge.
“Andrews to Montgomery. Sir, can you meet me down on deck 6? I’m having trouble gaining access to the communications array.�
Shit... Shalie thought as the call came across the comm. She had only recently spoken with the Captain and knew the communication array had been locked out from everyone...with the exception of her and the rest of command. Her mind raced as her hand slowly made its way towards her badge. Taping the com she replied. "On my way."
With a heavy sigh Shalie rose from her chair and started the short journey to the lift. As the lift moved her though the ship she weighed her options. She didn't know much about her Assistant Chief but she knew that for her department to work she was going to have to trust her. She preferred to keep things of this nature on a need to know basis. If no one life was in danger then the knowledge would end with her, insuring that no unnecessary blame fall on those around her.
As the doors opened to the lift Shalie quickly made her way to the communications array. She did her best to gauge Ensign Andrews as she approached. At least she isn’t a Ferengi She had come to rely on what little information she was able to ascertain from her empathic abilities and the new Ferengi was going to be a challenge. As she approached the Ensign she didn’t say anything just merely called to the computer. “Computer open door to communication array authorization Montgomery- epilsion-9-2-6�
As the door hissed opened she motioned for Andrews to follow her inside. Once they were both standing with the confines of the small room she instructed the computer to lock the door. Although she wasn’t as paranoid as O’Connell she wanted to keep this as quiet as possible. Turning to the young Ensign “Not to get us off on the wrong foot, but why exactly did you need in here?�
Andrews was dumb-struck. She looked upon her chief with a curious and shocked stare that she couldn’t quite control. “Exactly?� she found herself questioning out aloud. “Sir,� she continued in that all due respect tone that always seemed to be cut with a dose of venom, “not to get us off on the wrong foot here, but why won’t my access codes allow me entry?� I understand that the communications array is a restricted system... but I’ve always had access to it before. Am I under suspicion for what the crew have been whispering about? That nonsense with the saboteur? Because if that is the case, I’d certainly appreciate my direct superior coming to me with it, instead of safeguarding themselves behind my back. Now, I understand that my attitude may come off as a little hostile, and I’m sorry about that, but I can’t do my job if I’m not trusted. In fact, I don’t want to do my job if I’m not trusted!�
Shalie could sense her frustration with a hint of anger. She was justified. This situation wasn't ideal for either of them and it certainly wasn't the best way to start off a first impression. With a slight smile of approval of the Ensign’s reaction she spoke. "Do not take your denial of access to this room as anything more then what it is...the only two officers on this ship that have access to this room currently are Captain Lane and myself....now to make something perfectly clear....I understand how you could take my actions as a mistrust of you and that was not my intention...it is a reflection of my mistrust of everyone on this ship....I was given instructions by my commanding officer and how I choose to carry them out is my call." She paused to let it sink in. She could tell that he answer was not sitting well with the Ensign.
"Now if you would like to explain to me what your intentions were in regards to this room...I would be happy to fill you in on the details on a need to know basis..." Shalie knew that this was not going to be the best solution in Andrews eyes, and it wouldn't have been in her own were she in opposite shoes, but it would have to do. "Keep in mind this is simply my way of protecting the ship and her crew from those who mean to do harm...and I know you are not one of them." She tagged on the end for good measure.
Andrews sighed. Bitter and a little angry maybe, but never one to openly defy procedure and the respect the chain of command required. She looked away from her superior, flushed a little with fury, and then relaxed.
“The diagnostic I performed earlier indicated a power drainage away from the array. I simply came down here to check it out and see why.� Her phrasing was clipped and short, but it was the truth. Then, like a bolt of lightening, something hit her as she narrowed her eyes on Shalie. Flipping open her tricorder, she scanned the room quickly and then shot her eyes back to her chief. “Why is there a dampening field around here also? And there isn’t a power drainage, is there? The power has been purposefully ciphered away from the array. Lieutenant?�
Shalie couldn't help but enjoy the reaction of her assistant. She had a fire in her for sure. "I am assuming that the answer of it is a need to know isn't going to fly....am I right?" The look on Andrews’ face was answer enough to answer that question.
"Ensign...I will not add further insult to injury by demeaning your position on this ship. I meant no disrespect only to protect you and this crew," Shalie stated sternly. With a small sigh she continued. "The power has been diverted to keep the communication array offline....It was a direct order from Captain Lane in an attempt to protect Lieutenant Carter....you and everyone else in this department have been locked out of this room to ensure that if my actions were discovered you all had a degree of plausible deniability...Worst case...the people that are behind this find a way of bringing the crew in on it and there is no need for an entire department to suffer from my decision....is that a sufficient answer?"
Andrews face softened. She gazed upon Shalie before she dramatically rolled her eyes and subtly shook her head in disbelief. “Lieutenant. I can’t, and will not, work in a department where secrets are kept from me. I understand your reasoning, but if you can’t depend on your assistant, then who can you? This whole ship is turning into a melting pot of mistrust and that is not the Starfleet I signed up for.�
She relaxed slightly and took in a breath to calm herself. “I’m not blaming you, Montgomery. I’m just trying to get you to see that we can’t work as a team on this ship if you can’t rely on me from the off.�
Shalie's eyebrow raised at Andrews little speech. The ensign was obviously disappointed in this situation, but in the end Shalie had done what she thought was right. "Andrews, you are right, I should have known that I can trust you...I come on to a ship where there are rumors of sabotage, suspicious activity, and pending mutiny...so you are right I should have just trusted everyone off the bat." She said her voice even but sarcastic.
Daisy’s eyes squared at Montgomery’s.
"I will keep you in the loop from here on out, and whether or not you choose to stay in my department is your call. From your service record I can tell that you and I are a lot a like...now that can be a good thing or that can be a bad thing...but keep in mind that when we bump heads I am still your Chief...and while your opinion has weight in the end what I decide is it...unless ordered by someone higher on the chain of command...If you can handle that then I think we are making progress." She knew that neither women were going to back down and that just made her even more amused. She liked the fire in her assistant and although she would never admit it, she hoped she would choose to stay.
Andrews burned with equal respect and fury. Following the chain of command and being told what to do was excessively hard for her to accept. A career in something as hierarchical as the Fleet was perhaps not the greatest of life-choices Daisy had made but, attitude aside, she was great at her job. However, these head-butts that her superior spoke of now seemed to be coming with more vigour and frequency of late, and they were beginning to cause her more and more concern as Andrews attempted to advance through the ranks.
“Understood,� was all that she could manage. Flushed with embarrassment, the woman continued to fix her eyes on Montgomery, never faltering, and bore it out. She quickly glanced another time around the room finishing back at Shalie.
“Why is the captain protecting Lieutenant Carter? It doesn’t make sense…� She paused a little before deciding to proceed. “Is it true about Lieutenant Larkin? That that shudder we felt earlier today was him? And that he’s gone?�
Shalie only nodded her answer. She hadn't been on the bridge when it happened but she had delt with the aftermath. "Yes...he is gone." She swallowed slightly, she had never met him but that didn't change the thoughts of regret. "As far as Lieutenant Carter, it is not my place to question the Captain....if he wants to protect her then I will do what I am asked." Desperate to change the subject she motioned for Andrews to follow her towards the door. "Since we have met..despite being on the wrong foot...you and I have a lot to talk about....if you have time time that is."
OFF:
Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Shalie Montgomery
Chief Operations Officer
AND
Ensign Daisy Andrews (NPC)
Assistant Operations Officer
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