Star Trek: Theurgy

EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

March 28, 2019, 03:06:26 PM

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EPILOGUE: SUPPLEMENTAL [ DAY 06 | 1330 HRS. ] OLIVE BRANCH

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[ Captain Ives | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] @fiendfall
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After Trent had left, there were more reports to handle and incoming calls that were taken care of, but while he spoke to those who needed his authorisation or decision on things, he was eyeing the reports concerning the Belleophon survivors, and what had befallen them during the battle. It seemed they had appointed a spokesperson for them, namely the highest ranking officer amongst them.

"Ives to Deputy zh'Wann, could you please request that Lieutenant Commander Hathev accompany you here to my Ready Room? Make sure that she has finished reading the tactical logs she was sent earlier, as well as seen the briefing we held for the Resolve and Orcus crewmembers."

[Aye, Captain. She'll be with you shortly. Ida, out.]

[ 5 Minutes Later ]

"Enter," said Jien, having been reading what had befallen the Bellerophon crew when they came aboard, and how there had been a lot more of them before the battle with the Borg. He looked up to see the Andorian Deputy stepping inside with a Vulcan, and Jien rose to his feet.

"Lieutenant Commander Hathev, sir," said Ida, stepping aside with her hand phaser holstered by her hip.

"Thank you, Lieutenant. Dismissed," he said, and walked around the desk. His word made the Deputy clench her teeth together, but she didn't oppose the order.

"Aye, Captain. If you need her to be escorted back, there are officers available in the security checkpoint," she said, and then left from whence she came - leaving Jien alone with the Vulcan from the Bellerophon.

The silence lingered while Jien stepped towards the Replicator. "Can I get you anything?" he asked, turning his back towards her. It might have been a very bold and careless move, what he had just done, but he was fairly confident that if the Vulcan would get the idea to lash out, he would be equal to the task of defending himself. Furthermore, he could see her in the vague reflection of the viewport next to the replicator, and would catch her movements even if he was looking in another direction.

"I hope that your shipmates have been well taken care of, and given all the comforts and information you might have needed. If not, I want to make sure that's taken care of right away."

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #1 – March 28, 2019, 06:12:54 PM

[ Lt Cmdr Hathev | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] attn: @Auctor Lucan

It seemed somewhat disingenuous for Hathev to represent the remaining crew members from the Bellerophon, considering how brief her own service aboard the vessel had been. But the single commander who had survived the destruction of the ship had been assimilated and destroyed in the Theurgy’s battle with the Borg, and so it fell to Hathev to speak for her erstwhile shipmates.

In truth, she was glad of it. Now escape was no longer an option for the foreseeable future, she was determined to make the best of the situation, and she had something of a professional interest in the cult of Captain Jien Ives. For an individual to command such loyalty, to orchestrate such deception, to incite such betrayal… That was enough to engender more than a little curiosity in an enquiring mind.

She had to admit to an additional, more personal motivation, however. One she was confident would not impair her judgement, but could not be ignored either. For what might drive a person to betray all they had ever known, to abandon their home and their family? She had failed to find the answers in a classroom. Perhaps she might find them here.

In all, she had approached her summons with the captain with all the detached curiosity she could muster. She had been somewhat surprised to discover she would be provided with background reading before even being introduced, but it was not entirely unwelcome as it gave her a chance to gather information before meeting Ives.

Whatever she had expected, it had not been this. A conspiracy reaching to the highest levels of Starfleet authority, one that bred paranoia and justified betrayal. Had this delusion been authored by Ives, or was it the result of mass hysteria aboard the ship? Extended missions to deep space could cause untold psychological disturbance, but to her knowledge the Theurgy’s final posting had not been anything that should have caused a mass break with reality on such a scale.

Perhaps she had been wrong to judge so quickly; not that she would ever afford sympathy or understanding to rebels and traitors, but the tactical logs told a story of good officers afflicted with mental and emotional anguish. They had fabricated an enemy that could manifest itself anywhere, as anyone, and chased themselves across the quadrant with their own paranoia.

The crew of the Theurgy had to be judged for their actions, of course, but it seemed they also needed help.

Most disturbing was the recording. The subject was clearly distressed and in a state of mental imbalance, but so too were the officers whose voices could be heard questioning. How unfortunate for this Acreth that her delusions had manifested in a manner so perfectly aligned with the Theurgy’s conspiracies.

The end of the recording was genuinely shocking. The subject’s voice split and fractured; it had been edited for effect, surely, seeming to overflow from the bounds of reality. Hathev had never heard anything like it; it was primordial and cosmic and entirely impossible.Perhaps Ives did have an interest in maintaining this delusion after all.

She rewound the recording and watched the final few moments again, trying to find any sign of tampering. She found nothing. But then, she was no expert in such matters.

It took her a moment to find her composure. She had to admit to feeling more than a little trepidation at the prospect of meeting Ives, now. The recording had been… disturbing.

By the time she was called into the captain’s office, she had suitably quelled her emotional responses. She walked in smoothly and with purpose, to find a man rising from behind his desk. He appeared rather unassuming, but nevertheless had an arresting presence to him.

Hathev waited to be introduced, watching Ives as he approached. He seemed remarkably unconcerned about her potential for harm, dismissing the armed Andorian that had escorted Hathev into the room, and even going so far as to turn his back on her to busy himself with a Replicator. Apparently he considered any threat she posed to be of little regard. He was not entirely incorrect. She was no soldier; her weapons, when required, were rarely physical.

Ives concern was noteworthy, as it signalled more lucidity than she had expected given the recording she had just seen. The Bellerophon had hounded this ship, and as its representative she had expected to be treated with the same paranoia and defensive aggression she had witnessed in the recording. Perhaps the strength of the delusions fluctuated — a form of psychosis, perhaps?

‘My crewmates have been well accommodated,’ she replied. ‘I must ask, however: in what capacity are we to remain on this vessel?’

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #2 – March 29, 2019, 08:32:30 PM

[ Captain Ives | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] @fiendfall
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The question was quite pointed, indeed, and perhaps it might have been expected. Commander Hathev didn't want anything from the replicator, so Jien followed her example, foregoing to order anything for himself. An old hand at diplomacy before he had entered the Command Division, he knew how arrogant it might look if he sat there sipping coffee while the Vulcan's ship had just been destroyed and she represented prisoners on the ship. For that was, essentially, what the Bellerophon survivors had become, which made the question posed not just the core issue at hand... but well merited to be addressed right away.

"As long as your crew doesn't pose a security risk, and you can convince them to abide by that, I mean to release you all to the public areas of the ship within the hour," he said, and walked to the desk, offering for Hathev to sit with a gesture. If she would, he'd also seat himself, but would otherwise remain standing, hands folded behind his back. "I merely request the hour so that I can inform my crew, and to give them orders accordingly. I will have our Quartermaster assign quarters and accommodations as befitting your ranks, the Security Clearance level they might need to use the turbolifts and the recreation facilities, and the reading access to our tactical logs and the database aboard. I regret that you were sequestered to cargo bays, but I think the prudence to that initial arrangement came from the fact that since almost five months back, our ships have been trading phaser fire and torpedoes rather than pleasantries."

Gesturing with one hand, Ives continued. "Of course, should the Bellerophon crew prove to remain a security risk, privileges may have to be rescinded for the secure operations of this ship, but it is my hope that if I can make my crew respect the guests from the Bellerophon, so can you make them behave as guests as well." Having said this, Jien hadn't smiled, because smiling to a Vulcan - nevermind victims of Trent's folly - was a wasted gesture. This was a serious matter, and should be treated as such. "As for your freedom to leave this ship entirely, it must wait longer than an hour, since the risk of your fellow ships in Sankolov's task force learning our position is a risk I cannot afford at this given time. For this I apologize."

Gesturing with his other hand, Jien continued. "Then again, it remains my hope that your crew continue to maintain an open mind towards the legitimacy of our mission, and the claims we are making about Starfleet Command. There is much more to show all of you, and despite the skepticism you may harbor, I think your logic will reach the conclusion that when you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

Jien dropped his hand. "It is my hope that this truth - the state of the fleet and the prevention of a new galactic war  - will make you all join in trying to restore it to what it were... before the power of Starfleet Command was usurped by this enemy that seek our annihilation."

A bold claim, but he would not make it unless he was confident about the chances... and she would likely deduct that as well. Hopefully, it would pique her interest enough to not reject the olive branch offered.

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #3 – March 29, 2019, 11:12:01 PM

[ Lt Cmdr Hathev | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] attn: @Auctor Lucan

Captain Jien Ives was a peculiar specimen. He exhibited a composure that belied the circumstances of this meeting; furthermore, he displayed an understanding of diplomacy and a willingness to extend courtesy that Hathev found curious.

To her mind, there were two possible explanations for the actions of the Theurgy’s crew. Either Ives had manipulated them through his charm and charisma, or the entire crew had fallen victim to what seemed to be a contagion of delusional psychoses. The former could not much explain the level of mental instability she had witnessed in the recording, but the latter was contradicted by Ives’ current demeanour. It was a puzzle, to be sure. One she intended to solve, and to that effect she regarded Ives carefully, cataloguing everything for later study.

Ives offered her a seat with a gesture, and Hathev waited the briefest of moments before acquiescing. There was little to be gained from antagonising the captain, but neither did she want to capitulate unquestioningly. There was an ebb and flow in all forms of diplomacy, and it was a balance she had dedicated her career to navigating. She trusted it would serve her well in the current circumstances.

She remained quiet as Ives spoke, watching and listening carefully. He exhibited signs of being entirely genuine when he spoke of allowing the crew of the Bellerophon to move freely through the ship, and even when he admitted regret at their previous accommodation. Accommodation that had resulted in the deaths of more than a few of her shipmates, she noted. And yet the captain’s reasoning was sound; she could not fault his logic, no matter what delusions it may have stemmed from. The fact remained that the crews of the Theurgy and the Bellerophon had been enemies for some time, and no matter the context for that enmity it would be remiss of her to ignore that fact.

The caveats to this offer of more freedoms were also expected, although again demonstrated a remarkable degree of ludicity and circumspection on Ives’ part. These were not the words of a man riddled with psychological imbalance, but rather a captain who, despite all appearances to the contrary, had maintained a sound grasp of reason -- in some areas, at least.

It could be, of course, that Ives only extended this olive branch in the hopes of converting the crew of the Bellerophon to his cause, as he had countless others. It was a threat Hathev would have to be alert to, no matter the result of this meeting.

She allowed a small quirk of the lips at the captain’s reference to her own logic. ‘I am quite familiar with the relationship between impossibility and improbability,’ she replied, almost amused. ‘You may rest assured that I am only interested in the truth.’

Ives was brazen, seeming perfectly confident in the fact that they would come to join the rebel ‘cause’, as though their assimilation, to borrow a crude term, was a foregone conclusion. This would certainly seem to lend credence to the growing hypothesis that Ives had orchestrated the conspiracy. However, while delusional cults often formed around an individual, it was only rarely that those individuals shared in the delusions they disseminated; more often, they sought to poison the minds around them in pursuit of their own power. Perhaps Ives was simply an exceptional liar — Hathev could not be sure without further study — but his belief appeared entirely genuine. And yet he seemed to be entirely in control of his faculties. It was puzzling.

When he finished speaking, Hathev took a moment to formulate her reply, acutely aware of the weight currently resting on her shoulders and on the outcome of this meeting.

‘I believe I understand your position, Captain,’ she said, ‘and I hope in turn you can understand mine. Our ships have long been at odds, both physically and ideologically; I am confident I can bring my crew to heel on one of those fronts, but you must realise that you ask much if you expect us to join your cause without question.’ She paused, treading lightly. ‘I accept that the crew of this ship believes in your mission, as they perceive it. I wonder, what consequences would there be if any from the Bellerophon decided they did not share in that perception?’

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #4 – March 30, 2019, 04:38:21 PM

[ Captain Ives | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] @fiendfall
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So far, Jien was pleased with how the Vulcan conducted herself. She wasn't exactly predictable - that was no factor of his contentment - it was the fact that she poised herself in a rational way, and did not actively seek to antagonise him over the way the Bellerophon had been destroyed, or any personal losses suffered among the crew. He had read her personnel file, and one explanation for it was that the Commander had only joined the Bellerophon crew after the battle at Starbase 84. Still, she represented shipmates that relied on her to be their advocate, and there was no denying the fact that the tactical circumstances had to be addressed soon.

The current question, however, was far more poignant. "Never without question," he said in reply to how he must realise what he asked for, with one arm on the armrest where he sat across from her. "I would not impose a mission such as ours upon those unwilling, much less those who follow orders blindly. I expect all my crew to conduct themselves as the officers they were trained to be, and not mindless drones that can't think for themselves. The mission, as both they and I perceive it, has no hidden tiers of upper knowledge. You may ask anyone aboard about these trans-dimensional parasites that have infested the fleet and an unknown number of factions in the galaxy. I practise full disclosure, for I would never lead this crew into battle without them knowing why we fight. Ask, and you will learn how this ship is run entirely according to Starfleet regulations and protocol. We do not identify ourselves as renegades, much less traitors. We fight to restore Starfleet, and cast the enemy into light. Our mission is to protect the Federation, not just from the aforementioned enemy, but in any capacity we might as a single ship without allies - carrying this truth that Command seek to suppress."

He had not answered her question, but he did then, folding his hands on top of the desk. "Should anyone still not believe the authenticity of our mission, despite all we can show them, the answer to your question depends on where we may find port. This ship is in dire need of repairs after we stopped the Borg invasion in the Azure Nebula, and I have a scoutship dispatched to ascertain what our options are. Once I know where we will set course, we can discuss and make specific arrangements for these individuals that may still - despite the evidence we can provide - not be interested in upholding Starfleet ideals or protecting the Federation. The singular priority I have in those arrangements will be to keep them from being able to divulge our location and endanger our mission. No harm will come to them, of course."

Hoping that would satisfy her immediate concerns, all depending on his own credibility in her eyes, Jien moved on. "You have already taken part in the tactical logs about the engagement in which the Bellerophon was destroyed. You already knew from first-hand experience that you were saved by the bridge crews of this ships' separated vectors, beamed aboard this ship instead of suffering the cold embrace of space. Few were able to reach your escape pods, but we managed to beam aboard eighty two officers. The Bellerophon was split in half by the torpedoes that Commander Leon Marquez fired at the orders of Commander Carrigan Trent - both of whom you would have seen in the recording from the fighter bay." Jien couldn't help the frown of concern that had come to him, bitter as he still was about the fallout.

"As the tactical logs suggest, Vector 01 should not even have tried to remain in the area this morning. Trent ordered the ship to stay, despite how his First Officer - Commander Dewitt - insisted that they would vacate the area immediately. Trent doubled down on his intent, and it led to the lethal confrontation between Vector 01 and the Bellerophon. It is my clear understanding that the engagement - unlike others before it - could have been completely avoided. We had the Azure Nebula's sensor-dampening nature to help us, we had alternative means to make the Vectors reunite elsewhere, and yet he chose to fight. Dewitt - boldly so - deposed Carrigan Trent from command after your ship was destroyed, and together with the remaining bridge crew, they set out to save as many of you as they possibly could, even though the USS Dauntless was firing against them, and Sankolov was inbound with more ships."

Bitterness wasn't quite enough to describe how Jien felt. He was quite angry with those responsible, even if only one of them remained. "Leon Marquez was assimilated by the Borg, and then killed out of mercy by another officer... but I met with Carrigan Trent before this meeting, and while he was my First Officer until today, I have now demoted him to Lieutenant and relieved him from all duties. This, pending my decision on what he might do aboard this ship henceforth."

He paused there, to let her digest this, before he added. "I know that one pip does not make up for the losses of the Bellerophon or her surviving families, yet Trent will never command this ship again in any way or capacity. The only reason why he remains outside a holding cell is that I don't have the luxury to forsake a capable officer in other fields. Such that will not endanger our principles and integrity in this mission. The fault is ultimately mine, of course, for making him my First Officer, and I will have to live with that decision, and hope that the efforts towards the mission may - eventually - compensate for this day."

How they had stopped the Borg invasion and saved billions of lives was not worth bringing up.

Not to the Bellerophon crew.

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #5 – March 30, 2019, 08:27:17 PM

[ Lt Cmdr Hathev | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] attn: @Auctor Lucan

It seemed the captain placed a lot of faith in his crew’s unwavering loyalty to their cause. Of course, the recording had already demonstrated something of that ‘loyalty’. But the suggestion was that this dedication was present at all levels of personnel, the implication being that none of the crew were simply following orders, swept along with the tide. Rather, he seemed to be saying that every single one of his crew had a personal and professional loyalty to and belief in their mission. Ives could simply be lying, or exaggerating, but it would have been foolish to lie about something that could so easily be corroborated if necessary. And whatever else he may have been, the captain did not strike her as a fool.

The most obvious explanation was that he could exhibit such confidence because any dissenters had been either persuaded or removed. Considering the trail of destruction this ship had left in its wake, it would not be inconsistent for the crew to have turned on itself, whether at their captain’s orders or at their own discretion. Ives’ assurances that no harm would come to dissenters among the crew of the Bellerophon might suggest the latter; but then, Ives was under no obligation to tell the truth, far from it if the truth was as unpleasant as Hathev might surmise. This could merely be part of a longstanding pretence at civility to keep her placated.

His high-minded references to Starfleet ideals were laughable, as was his mention of the crew of the Bellerophon’s rescue. Did he truly expect her gratitude? He would be sorely disappointed.

‘Although I am glad to hear you do not consider yourself to be a traitor, unfortunately I suspect those Federation officers that have perished at your hands may disagree with your assessment of your loyalties, Captain,’ she said, her voice even as if she were simply making an observation. She folded her hands in her lap, held his gaze. ’Similarly, many might consider it distasteful to attempt to take credit for solving a problem of one’s own making.’

It was interesting that Ives seemed so eager to shift the entire blame for the destruction of the Bellerophon onto one or two men under his command. It could perhaps show a lack of loyalty to his people, but he displayed distress and anger when he spoke of their actions, and of the fate that had befallen them both. And what purpose would Ives have had to demote one of his own men, if he was not genuinely displeased with their actions?

Hathev had to assume that Ives was telling the truth, at least some version of it, when he described the events that had led to the demise of the Bellerophon. That fact alone did not mean she owed him or his crew any understanding of their behaviour, or any sympathy for their perceived plight, and she did not intend to offer them either. She may only have served aboard that vessel for a matter of days, but every person aboard the ship had been a member of Starfleet, with all the brilliance and dedication that designation implied. The deaths caused by the Theurgy would have been unforgivable even if she had never met any of those who perished. As captain of the ship that had killed them, the responsibility fell to Ives, no matter who had issued the orders that day.

A responsibility that he seemed to be acutely aware of. No amount of one man’s regret could undo the past, but Hathev had made it her business to help people make steps towards their own self-amelioration, and so she recognised Ives’ attempts to make reparations for what they were. She would not be applauding him for them, but to ignore them would be to do both Ives and her own judgment a disservice.

Still, she did not know what to make of this information. It struck her as odd that Ives might go so far out of his way to impress on her the fact that the destruction of the Bellerophon had not been at his order, and to remind her that she and the other survivors had been saved by the very ship that had sought their deaths. If Ives really were the orchestrator of this delusion, perhaps it could be explained in that he wanted to convert as many people to his cause as possible.

But that too was flawed. The Theurgy, from what she had seen, was still surprisingly well-staffed considering its tribulations; more so because it had taken on the remainder of several other crews. More men aboard would surely be a hindrance rather than a help, especially considering the crew of the Bellerophon would be difficult to win over and could pose a serious threat to security and the mission Ives so clearly held dear.

The more logical solution would have been to allow the crew to die in space, as had been mentioned. With that opportunity squandered, Ives could have had the survivors killed or allowed them to die during the engagement with the Borg. But instead here he was, meeting with Hathev and displaying a desire to make things right, a desire that could have been feigned but of which Hathev was hard-pressed to find any signs of insincerity. Was he really so self-obsessed he would risk jeopardising the mission he seemed to care so deeply about, just to evangelise a few more followers? She doubted it.

‘There will be no compensating for that day, but your regret for its outcome is noted,’ she said, somewhat briskly. ‘There is little to be gained from dwelling on it, other than to ensure it does not happen again. I am sure you have already put measures in place to prevent the unnecessary loss of life on a similar scale.’ She was in no position to make demands, but that did not have to mean she was unable to make her expectations known. ’As for the present, I take it you did not summon me here solely to discuss the circumstances of my crewmates’ deaths?’

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #6 – March 31, 2019, 05:37:44 PM

[ Captain Ives | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] @fiendfall
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The comment the Vulcan had made, before Jien spoke of Trent and Marquez, had not passed unnoticed - the remark to not take credit for saving their lives. It was perhaps, the first sign of contention made. Jien noted it, but had made no comment towards it beyond continuing the explanation... but he kept it in mind.

"I did not," he said, and as brisk as Hathev had become when speaking of the fate of the Bellerophon, it was Jien's turn to ask the questions. "Could you please explain to me how thousands of Starfleet officers that serve in the task force that Admiral Sankolov lead cannot cast any doubt over the nature of their orders, better yet question them?"

Having said this, Jien stare was not hostile, but completely unreadable - oaken eyes unblinking as he looked at the Vulcan. "I ask... for it is not just the task force that has suffered grievous losses during the past five months, in which we have been persecuted with no chance to explain our actions. Not a single incentive made to hear us out, denying communications and every hail we have tired to make. The Starfleet that I fought for in the Dominion War would not block communications if the Klingons hailed us, not even if the Dominion reached out to us. I am sorry if I seem blunt, but as a Commander, surely you must see the error in never opening up for dialogue. Starfleet was founded on seeking the truth, and yet those under Sankolov's command reject it on his mere word?"

Jien stood up then, but his eyes lingered on Hathev when he stepped away towards the viewport. "Better yet, Commander, can you explain what you have all been told? For I have great difficulty of seeing how officers of your rank don't even see how we won't fight you unless in self-defence. Should that not be an indicator... that something is not right in killing all the crew aboard this ship?"

Glancing out through the viewport, Jien's shoulders were relaxed, his hands loose at his sides. He'd released the Vulcan with his stare, to let her think freely without having to meet the incredulity of his gaze.

"If your orders have been to destroy this ship, and forbidding you to hear us out, what does your logic tell you?"

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #7 – April 01, 2019, 12:38:30 AM

[ Lt Cmdr Hathev | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] @Auctor Lucan

Hathev arched an eyebrow at the captain's change of course. It was not exactly surprising: it was only logical for the captain to defend the actions of his ship, and though he did not seem antagonistic per se, that her previous comment had been received with some contention was to be expected. Rather, her interest lay in the way the captain chose to respond: with questions of his own, and a gaze as flinty and unwavering as hers.

'I believe that is what one would call a false equivalency, Captain,' she said, her tone almost amused. 'The burden of proof must surely fall upon those choosing to turn their back on the Federation, rather than those remaining within it. What reason would any officer in the task force have had to doubt an admiral acting on the orders of Starfleet Command, or to suspect those orders might have malicious intent?

'It is common knowledge that this vessel is equipped with a uniquely powerful AI of unknown capabilities. Considering the laws of reason dictate that the explanation requiring the least amount of speculation must be the more likely, what appears more logical to you: to trust Command's judgement, or to assume their word to be false on the further assumption that there is another, unknown motive for the Theurgy's actions?'

She had not been party to the Bellerophon's inner command, and was unable to verify one way or another whether the Theurgy's communications had indeed been blocked as Ives said. It would have been an odd choice of a lie, however, for it was more circumstantial than particularly persuasive. But if it were true, even if Sankolov had not wished to engage in discourse with the rebel ship, to block incoming transmissions outright seemed like a tactical and diplomatic oversight. Perhaps it had been caused by concerns over possible contamination from the Theurgy's rogue AI? At this juncture, it was the only explanation Hathev could fathom; but it would need corroboration, if there were any survivors from Operations who had served on the bridge. In the absence of certainty on this matter, she would have to settle for another tactic.

'As I am sure you are aware, no representative of the Federation is required to enter into negotiations with traitors and terrorists.' She lent back in the chair slightly, regarding Ives standing by the viewport. 'Or would you have us capitulate to the Maquis' every demand?'

This was not the first time Starfleet officers had gone rogue -- she knew that all too well, knew the devastation this ship had left in its wake was not limited only to those they had killed, but also to those they had left behind. The Maquis was the most pertinent comparison at present, although perhaps another false equivalency considering, as far as she was aware, Command's current theory for the behaviour of the Theurgy was that the ship had been taken over by its AI, as opposed to the entire crew turning traitor.

She had assumed that this theory had been borne out in the task force's approach to the rebel ship, with no doubt numerous attempts to bring the ship and its crew home safely and disable the AI without any casualties, especially considering it had been uncertain what part that crew had played in events. By the time Hathev had embarked on the Bellerophon, of course, the tactics must have changed to become more hostile; but surely before then there had been attempts at a diplomatic resolution. To hear Ives speak, however, it would sound as though Sankolov -- and the officers at Command whose orders he acted under -- had been actively uninterested in a peaceful solution.

If only Hathev had been involved from the beginning; as it was, she was unable to discern the truth one way or another. It was Ives' word against Sankolov's, though it certainly seemed more probable that there had indeed been an attempt to reconcile the Theurgy without bloodshed than that Command immediately escalated to violence. Ives' beliefs to the contrary were the result of his own paranoia, fed by a conspiracy that cast his enemies into every corner of the Federation and beyond.

Perhaps this could be answered indirectly, by engaging with Ives' assertions that the ship acted only in self-defence.

'And who were you defending, Captain, when you initiated the battle at Starbase 84?' she inquired.

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #8 – April 02, 2019, 04:08:42 PM

[ Captain Ives | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] @fiendfall
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The Vulcan was showing a bit more emotion than Ives had expected, and this could likely have different reasons. If Ives were right in his suspicion, however, then the thin line of argumentation she held could be easily explained. Of course, Jien would answer her question first, before he'd move on to what she'd said about Starfleet Command.

"As those specific tactical logs will tell you when you reach those, we had the Theurgy drift into transporter range via inertia after passing through the base's detection grid - the Theurgy in grey mode and profile distorted for sensors. The intent was for the base to think us a drifting piece of rock. Once within transporter range, three boarding parties would secure the successful simulcast of a message about the Infested. It was a Code 1 message, that Starbase 84 would be able to distribute far and wide across the Federation. A communication system meant to warn Starfleet in the event of a Romulan invasion. Our Code 1 simulcast would alert everyone about the invasion. Our boarding teams were armed with TR-120 stealth rifles to decapitate any opposition, but cause no harm. One team would breach the communication tower, one would secure the reactor area, and the last would approach the base's Commanding Officer - trying to convince him him in person about the threat."

Jien took a deep breath. "Unfortunately, Starbase 84 ordered Red Alert and raised shields after our teams were aboard. Not because of us, but because of the development with the Resolve. Yet with the base powering weapons, my bridge crew and I thought out position had been compromised. So, in the interest of protecting ourselves, we raised the Red Alert as well and revealed their position even if we had not been spotted. In the battle that followed, Captain Ian Hawthorne - the base's commander - set the whole Air Group of the base on the Resolve. Why? Because Hawthone was revealed to be an Infested, and the Resolve was about to be destroyed for it. Before the Resolve's warp core detonated, we used our ship's saucer section's docking feature to evacuate the surviving Resolve crew. When the warp core did detonate, I ordered the Theurgy to use the detonation against the USS Orcus, since that ship was about to destroy another vector of ours. We had to save that third of our crew. The Orcus had arrived ahead of Admiral Sankolov's task force, and it was as critically damaged by the tactic of using the evacuated Resolve as a weapon."

Sighing, the regret about the development very real, Jien continued. "The dying Captain Kendrick of the Resolve had made it onto the Resolve´s aerowing shuttle before then, and in determination of ending the threat that Ian Hawthorne presented to the Federation, he flew inside Starbase 84 and attacked the Executive Office Complex's top floor in the Recreation Dome, which held the Command Center. His shuttle was attacked, loosing altitude, but in order to contain the M/ARA detonation, he crashed the shuttle into the Command Center, and killed Ian Hawthorne, but he did manage to spare all civilian lives with his final charge."

Jien ran a hand over his face before he continued. "Outside the starbase, Task Force Archeron had arrived in full force, and I gave the order to call for aid from an ally of ours. The Asurians." Jien chose to not go into detail about them at that point. "The Asurian fleet, which had been cloaked yet present during the battle, gave us the time to send the Simulcast, collect our boarding teams, and to have all fighters dock with the Theurgy. Unfortunately... a Starfleet Intelligence operative aboard our ship betrayed us, having tampered with the message. He sent out a false recording of me, threatening the Federation about the use of the Prime Directive rather than warning them of the parasitic threat in Starfleet's ranks. The mission failed... but we managed to escape the sector."

Raising his eyes, he looked at Hathev again. "So, the recording you saw that day was false, and the real Code 1 message is available in the database." Having finished telling the truth about what had happened at Starbase 84, Jien slowly leaned forward with his hands on the table. "You say the Federation is not required to enter into negotiations with traitors and terrorists, and that no officer in Sankolov's task force should have reason to doubt an Admiral acting on the orders of Starfleet Command? That they should never suspect those orders in any way? I beg your pardon, Commander, but I think you may be a bit complacent in your reasoning, and avoid the truth beneath all the implications you hear because it is too much to absorb at once. I asked you to use your logic, and logic has nothing to do with institutionalised power. If your standpoint truly is that Starfleet stands above scrutiny regardless what methods they use against a perceived threat, you may have been away from the fleet a bit too long, or your son may have governed your thoughts."

Having said this, Jien did not pause to let her object. "Why would our communications - at every point - be blocked? Our A.I. cannot hurt anyone using a standard subspace hail, Commander, much less a low band FM frequency. Why would this ship always be on the defensive? Surely if I was the man Starfleet Command claims me to be I would utilise the arsenal of the largest ship in the entire fleet to eradicate any resistance, then enter Romulan space as soon as possible. I ask you, where did the Bellerophon find the Theurgy? Why did I not make for the border? Why am I not enjoying the spoils of Romulus together with the Praetor, when I could have been there months ago? You don't find this in any way strange? No cause for doubt? Why? Because you follow orders like a puppet, you hate the Maquis and what they did to you personally, or can't you think for yourself?"

Rising to his feet, one hand still resting on the desk, Ives's jaw was clenched. "Think, Commander, and stop avoiding the truth because it's hard to swallow the implications. Think! Where is the logic in what you've seen with your own eyes? What is it that you shy away from? What is the truth beneath the veil put over your eyes by an institution you thought you could trust? Where is logic leading you, if you cut away the fat of lies I've bared around your wits?"

He let that linger with her, while he slowly walked to the viewport, leaving her to her thoughts.

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #9 – April 02, 2019, 07:11:24 PM

[ Lt Cmdr Hathev | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] @Auctor Lucan

To hear Ives tell it, the initiation of hostilities at Starbase 84 had not been the planned infiltration and ambush Hathev had heard, but the result of an already-muddied situation further complicated by their presence. Perhaps they had been paranoid, or overly-defensive — or perhaps their nerves had merely been frayed thin after months on the run. Months chased by a task force that had been assembled with the single purpose of pursuing them, tasked with this duty before the ship or its crew had acted against the Federation in any way, and which had been forbidden from communicating with them.

It could have been a lie. Ives could be twisting the truth to suit his purposes, to manipulate and indoctrinate, to pass off blame. But this argument sounded weak even to her ears. For when he spoke of saving refugees from the Resolve, it ran too close to Hathev’s own experiences to ignore.

And what of those experiences? It was becoming increasingly clear she could not rely on Command’s word alone; Ives’ barbed comments about obeying unquestioningly were unwelcome, although perhaps not unwarranted. She had not seen cause to question the reports she had been provided. That had been wrong. With little else to trust, own experiences were all she could rely on now.

What had she seen of the Theurgy? They had fought the Federation at Starbase 84, destroyed the Orcus and the Bellerophon, and left a trail of destruction in their wake. But so too had they saved countless souls from the Resolve — and, yes, even the Bellerophon. Survivors to whom they were now offering the hand of friendship.

She did not owe either Ives or his crew anything. But she did owe it to herself to find the truth, and if nothing else this had shown her that she knew far less than she thought, and that she had uncritically accepted far more than she should. She would not make that mistake again; with little else to trust, her own judgement was all she could rely on now.

Ives’ next accusation was unexpected. Your son may have governed your thoughts. If he wished to rile her, he would have to do better than that. Kireil had no power over her but what she gave to him, and she chose to give him none.

Still. Her fingernails left crescents where they had bitten into her skin.

The captain continued without pause, not even to acknowledge the blow he had struck. He pelted questions at her like stones, offering her no recourse. It was a poor tactic, born of frustration and perhaps even desperation — but it was honest. This was no skilled manipulator weaving his web of lies; this was a man doing his very best to make her understand.

This ship had risked everything, she realised, to send a message at Starbase 84. They had been hounded across the quadrant by the largest task force ever sent after one of the Federation’s own, and their first action had not been to run, as Ives had said, to join the Romulans, or even to strike the Federation. Rather, they had sought to say their piece, to defend themselves with words rather than weapons, to explain the situation and their actions.

Whatever they believed, whether they were right or wrong, they should have been given a chance to speak. But instead their communications had been blocked at every turn, as if the most dangerous thing they could do was talk.

What did her logic tell her, indeed? It told her Kireil had been wielding more power from across the galaxy than her own reason could wield within her. She had come so far from home, been thrown into a situation so far removed from anything she could ever have imagined, and yet she had brought her old biases with her. She had been so suspicious of Ives and his potential to manipulate information, she had never considered her own ability to do the same.

‘You have done your research, Captain,’ she said, without heat. ‘To my shame, it would seem I have not. You must forgive me my reticence; you ask much, as I am sure you are aware. You should also be aware that the version of events you have relayed to me here vastly differs from that which I received in my briefing aboard the Bellerophon. As one who has only become involved in this situation recently, I have little way to confirm the veracity of many of the statements made to me, either by yourself or by Command. However I believe I must agree with you in that, at the very least, this matter warrants further investigation.

‘I cannot speak as to the situation at Command, this conspiracy you have come to believe. Nor can I speak for my crew. But as for myself, well. You have my attention, Captain, and my co-operation. I am interested only in the truth; a truth which, until today, I believed I possessed. You have done me the courtesy of showing me otherwise. I cannot say at this time whether the truth I find will align with your own, either in whole or in part, but you have my word I will no longer discount that possibility.

‘Please, let me be clear: I intend to judge you, Captain Ives, your crew, and your message with reason alone. I will not allow any… extraneous factors to colour that judgement. You may rest assured of that.’

She would not be beholden to bias on this or anything. Her judgement was her own; her son would play no more part in it.

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #10 – April 03, 2019, 10:51:32 AM

[ Captain Ives | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] @fiendfall
[Show/Hide]

Finally, it seemed like Commander Hathev opened up her mind to possibilities beyond the mire of false media correspondence and Sankolov's feigned reports. It might not have been kind to bring up the fate of her son, but it had appeared her logic had been compromised. He hadn't wished to rattle her too much, but at least she'd shaken off the chains.

"I would expect no less," he said with a faint smile, and he turned around to face her. "And I have two suggestions that may help you build your own understanding of the situation."

Slowly, Jien returned to the desk in order to seat himself. He began to lay out his propositions on the way there. "When I learned that it was a Vulcan Commander that represented the survivors, I asked my Yeoman to send a message, asking for volunteers. The idea I had was for you to use a mind-meld in order to see our voyage through the experience of my crew. No only will you be able to ascertain if I am lying, you will also be able to verify the experience of another that has served aboard this ship since we fled Earth. In order to make sure there are no distractions, I have specifically asked for a Vulcan volunteer, thinking that it would be more apt for the purpose. I would offer myself as well, but since I am a Chameloid... I do not know how easy it will be for you to learn what you need. Telepaths have described me as difficult to gauge, and I reckon that would be the same with a mind-meld. In any case, would you be willing to meld with another Vulcan aboard?"

Having the reply, Jien opened his computer console, and sure enough, there were volunteers.

"Thea, could you ask Ensign Cir'Cie to come to my Ready Room?" he said, glancing towards the deckhead.

[Aye, Captain,] said the A.I., and Jien knew that it wouldn't take long for the woman to step through the door.

"My second suggestion," he said, and closed the console with a faint click, "is one that won't just help convince the Bellerophon crew that we mean well, but would also allow you to judge this crew and the truth we carry. You will be able to speak with my crew at length. Get all the time you need to let reason guide you where-ever it may. If my word, or the mind of Ensign Cir'Cie aren't enough for you, you would be in a position to get any further answers you may seek."

Jien leaned back in his chair a bit, eyes resting on Hathev across the desk. "I am talking about the position of Chief Counselor aboard this ship, and a place in my Senior Staff," he said without further preamble. "That is, of course, if you think you'll be able to shoulder the responsibility... for I would expect nothing less than what I expect of other officers of mine, and nothing more."

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #11 – April 03, 2019, 06:00:09 PM

[ Lt Cmdr Hathev | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ]

Hathev had set aside her preconceptions, her ill-informed theories, and resolved to judge the situation based purely on what was in front of her, what could be corroborated and verified by her own reason and experience; and so she found herself regarding the captain with fresh eyes, unhindered by her previous assumptions. He was a leader who commanded respect and loyalty, who had received her with courtesy and borne her accusations with grace, who had both defended his crew and his actions, and also acknowledged where those actions had been wrong. And all the while, he had encouraged her to use her own intellect and judgement. Everything she had seen in his demeanour suggested he was genuine. It would be foolish to ignore external data, of course, but from her experience of Ives personally, Hathev was inclined to conclude this was a man defined by his honour and dedication.

After all she had seen of him, Ives’ suggestions should not have surprised her. And yet his willingness to give her chance to judge the situation for herself, the way he was not only encouraging her to seek out the truth but giving her the resources to do so was so markedly removed from the attitude aboard the Bellerophon that she found herself, yet again, guilty of underestimating Captain Ives.

Still, she had to admit to more than a little reticence towards the offer of a mind meld. To undergo such an intimate procedure and allow herself to be rendered so vulnerable with a complete stranger, especially one of unknown psychological state, was daunting. Under normal circumstances, she would refuse. There were too many unknowns, too many possible risks she had not had the chance to properly calculate and prepare for. Yet Ives was right to make the offer; there was nothing that could reveal the truth as clearly and unequivocally as this. A truth coloured by experience and perspective, certainly; but she was more than familiar with the traversal of such rugged emotional landscapes.

She inclined her head. ‘I accept your offer, Captain.’ Perhaps it was hubris, but she had confidence in her own abilities. The risks would be outweighed.

Ives’ second offer was even more unexpected; this, certainly, she could not have predicted.

‘You would give me opportunity to study your crew?’ she asked, a note of incredulity creeping into her voice. ‘Would your officers not have objections considering my previous allegiance?’

Even a mind meld would be no substitute for the chance to meet and judge a subsection of the crew personally. She could form her own opinion of their mental stability, of their intentions and motivations, of their responses to their actions. And if she came to the conclusion that Ives was correct and Command had indeed been infiltrated as he claimed — not such a wild theory, anymore — then she would be fulfilling her hippocratic duty in aiding a crew persecuted by the very people it had sworn to protect.

For certainly, the crew of the Theurgy had undergone several months of extreme stress and prolonged trauma. What she had witnessed on the recording had been more than enough demonstration of the effects of such trauma. Her primary interest must be in ascertaining the truth, of course, but did the souls aboard this vessel not deserve what respite she could provide?

‘I must admit, I am surprised you would extend this offer to me considering the circumstances. If it is one you find you must rescind I would not hold it against you.’

If she accepted this position, she would be aligning herself with a ship considered to be rebels by the Federation. She would no longer be able to plead ignorance or uninvolvement, no longer be able to use her position as, essentially, a prisoner aboard the ship as a form of defence from repercussions. She would be an exile from her home, possibly for the rest of her life. She should not even be considering it.

But she had sworn to protect the Federation, and she had sworn to find the truth. The more she learned, the more it seemed that duty lay on the decks of the Theurgy more surely than it had lain anywhere else she had served in her career.

She met Ives’ gaze levelly. ’If you are in earnest, however, I would be glad to accept. I will endeavour to meet your expectations in this matter.’

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #12 – April 04, 2019, 10:40:10 AM

[ Captain Ives | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] @fiendfall
[Show/Hide]

Having thought that the Vulcan commander would see the many merits of the arrangement, not just in terms of her personal collection of data and understanding of the situation, but also in how it would sway the Bellerophon crew to be more open-minded to what both she and Ives would tell them, Ives nodded and smiled faintly. "Very well then. As a Lieutenant Commander, you're also the highest ranking Counselor aboard, your predecessor having been Acting Chief Counselor because of her junior rank. Moreove-"

There was a chirp from the door, announcing that Ensign Cir'Cie had arrived.

"Let's discuss details and how the Bellerophon survivors might best be approached with these news later. Enter!"

Through the sliding doors stepped a short-haired Vulcan with green eyes, her uniform clean and impeccable in its cut. She had her arms folded behind her back, and gave Commander Hathev a passing glance before turning her attention to Ives. "Ensign Cir'Cie reporting as requested, sir."

"Greetings Ensign. Please, step inside and meet Lieutenant Commander Hathev, formerly of the USS Bellerophon," said Ives and got to his feet, slowly stepping around the desk. He came to stand with his back against the viewport. "Commander Hathev, this is Ensign Cir'Cie of the Science Division. She's a Botanist working in hour Hydroponics Bay, and she's been on the Theurgy since we fled Earth in November last year. Cir'Cie, as I wrote in my request, I asked for crewmembers willing to undergo a mind-meld with the intention of showcasing the veracity of our claims. Even though I am not Vulcan, I am aware what the risks could be, so I just want to make sure you are prepared to do this?"

The Ensign raised an eyebrow for a moment. "Of course, Captain. Otherwise I would not have volunteered. I am confident that I can preserve my mental faculties, especially after how much practise I've had during our voyage."

"Very well then," said Ives and folded his hands behind his back, nodding for the two Vulcan's to proceed at their leisure.

Cir'Cie turned towards Hathev, her face serene as she stood there - young but hardened by her experiences.

"I stand ready," she said quietly, chin raised, and looking at the other Vulcan.

Observing the procedure, Jien wondered what Hathev would see, knowing only what he'd read in reports about the Ensign's experiences. Hopefully, the mind-meld would shed any vestigial doubts from Hathev, so that she could fully focus on customising herself to the ship, her new role, and her tasks ahead. Her service record was impressive, but it remained to see how she would re-adapt to service on a starship once more. Especially one such as the Theurgy.

Re: EPIL: S [D06|1330] Olive Branch

Reply #13 – April 04, 2019, 11:08:45 PM

[ Lt Cmdr Hathev | Captain's Ready Room | Deck 01 | USS Theurgy ] @Auctor Lucan

The Vulcan officer Ives had called into the room was straight-backed and stoic; a source of some relief for Hathev’s concerns. It did not invalidate the risks, of course, but if she was to undergo taroon-ifla with a stranger it was preferable that it be a Vulcan of a more traditional disposition. From what she had seen, and what Ives had said, it seemed the crew of the Theurgy conducted themselves according to Starfleet protocol; had they not, no matter her curiosity, Hathev would never have agreed to the procedure. Even so, she would have to prepare her defences in case this was an attempt to override her senses.

The ensign was composed and proud, exhibiting a quiet determination that Hathev could respect. She stepped forward, moving into the officer’s orbit.

‘You have my thanks,’ she said, reverent, and brought her hands up to cradle her fellow Vulcan’s head, fingers finding the qui’lari with ease. She locked eyes with Cir’Cie, reaching out to the other’s mind, allowing their consciousness to meet in the tips of her fingers, in the rushing of electromagnetic stimuli, synapses rewiring to allow the confluence.

For a brief moment, Hathev saw her own face through Cir’Cie’s eyes, and then they were one.

Cir’Cie opened to her like a flower to the sun, a beautiful Vulcan mind spiralling outwards with fractal data, constellations of catalogued experience. She led Hathev through those hallowed halls, showing her everything: the Theurgy before it went rogue, and the mystery, the horror, the disbelief of their discovery; their breathless flight from Earth, pursued by colleagues, friends, branded outlaws by their home; how her mind and body had been invaded time and again as they had fled, with nowhere safe to turn to and no one they could trust; the betrayal, the death, the fear, but also the determination, the hope, the strength; how hard they had fought to warn the Federation, how many lives had been lost and how many they had saved, the allies they had made and lost; the rifts that had emerged even within their own crew, how they had been divided and thrown out into the galaxy, alone and leaderless; and finally, the battle with the Borg, and the sacrifice made to stop them. It was a shifting kaleidoscope of information and experience, coalescing into meaning.

Hathev’s breath caught, and she was herself again. Her hands fell away from Cir’Cie’s face almost by themselves, and she stepped back, lightheaded.

‘Thank you, Ensign,’ she said again, her voice distant to her own ears.

Her mind worked at lightspeed, her brain reworking its biochemistry to return to normal; though her thoughts never would. Careful, she had to be careful before she allowed herself to properly catalogue all she had seen. She took a moment to probe around the edges of her own consciousness, feeling for any lingering vestiges of Cir’Cie. She must be certain her mind was her own.

She found nothing to alarm her. A certain degree of transference was expected — she still felt the ensign’s steely determination as though it were her own. But the creeping certainty that grew in her mind had not been implanted there, she was sure of that. It had been cultivated, but not created. Her judgement came from her mind alone.

Captain Ives was telling the truth. His crew’s intentions, though not always their actions, were pure; the task force sent after them was the result of corruption and villainy at the very heart of Starfleet Command. There was no delusion, no cult; Cir’Cie’s mind may have been troubled by trauma and endless suffering, but there was no sign of instability or psychological imbalance, no sign of indoctrination, no exultation of Ives or their mission.

As for the parasite threat… Cir’Cie’s experience had little to divulge on that topic that Hathev had not already been made aware of. But this new knowledge and certainty of the Theurgy’s motivations cast the evidence presented earlier into a new light. If the crew indeed retained their faculties, the recording she had borne witness to told a very different tale. No longer was it the sad record of two equally-disturbed sides casting each other into their own paranoid delusions. Rather, it showed an attempt to gather evidence and knowledge from an unknowable enemy, an enemy that promised destruction and chaos and offered little in the way of answers.

Ives had invoked her reason, before. Cir’Cie, though a Vulcan herself, invoked much more.

She remained standing until the ensign was dismissed, only taking a seat once she and the captain were again alone.

‘Your crew has endured much,’ she observed. ‘It is a wonder they yet retain their sanity.'

A wonder indeed. She would have work to do here; work that would be difficult, considering both the crew's history and current position, and her own lack of recent experience in the matter. But it was a prospect that invigorated her more than her research ever had.

'You may consider me convinced of your plight, Captain, and of your mission. Inconceivable as it may seem, I believe you were correct: once the impossible has been eliminated, the truth must remain, however improbable it may be.' She leant back in her chair slightly, casting an eye over Ives. 'My evaluation is not complete, but in any case despite the circumstances of our meeting, you have my respect. May you continue to inspire it.’

 - FIN