With word that the Captain is back aboard the ship and possibly injured, Dr. Bhalla orders a med team to the transporter room per protocol.
However, as the Captain's voice sounded strong, she decides to remain on the bridge. Having nearly witnesses the destruction of a world coming about through the use of this station, she wishes to bear witness to its destruction and then end of any future opportunities to utilize it for genocide.
Energy flares along the meridians of the station, jetting into space like solar flares as the super dense structure of the station warps and implodes.
The transporters are unable to lock on to the Ithik on the station. As the Valiant escapes from the danger of the station, the structure finally collapses as it loses integrity and is eventually drawn into the singularity.
Just before the final collapse, the Valiant detects several directed high energy subspace communications bursts...
Reeves steps out of the turbolift, having only heard the description of Abyss Station's destruction and the comm bursts.
"Lance," he says, turning to his Science Officer. "What can you say about those comm bursts? Where were they aimed?"
Relieved to be taking orders rather than giving them, Lance gingerly lowers himself into his seat and starts tracking the comm blast.
Reeves frowns, wondering what other dangers they might face as a result of the final message of the doomed Ithians.
"Very well. Keep an eye on the sensors. I don't like this one bit. How did things go on the planet?"
"And how is T'Karra?"
Sucessful and unsuccessful, respectively. For what it’s worth, she saved your life and went to the brig without trouble. I don’t think it was her trying to wipe out the Klingons.
"That is true Sir, but we don't know why she did what she did. While I bear no love for the Klingons I also don't want to see them wiped out as a species either. As T'Karra would say, it is not logical. Let's hope the Doctor can determine what is wrong with her."
”It wasn’t her. It was that place. She told me it was affecting her mentally. I should have sent her back immediately. Vulcans have powerful mental control, but I think the station suppressed that, bringing out her darkest instincts. I look forward to the doctor releasing her to duty.”
"Perhaps the psionic abilities inherent in the Vulcan race made her more receptive. In time we might also have been affect. It's possibly the Ithians are more receptive than humans as well or growing up in the same system made them more vulnerable to it's influence... we might never know for sure." The young Lieutenant paused for a moment "Perhaps we aren't ready to know, in it's time exploring the Milky Way Star Fleet has uncovered plenty of proof of ancient and powerful alien cultures, for now too enigmatic for us to fully understand."
Dr. Bhalla tries to succeed where her superior failed.
Dr. Bhalla considers the Vulcan's uncharacteristic behavior.
Concluding her examination of T'Karra, Dr. Bhalla makes her report.
"To be honest, Captain, I cannot determine the reason for T'Karra's behavior aboard the station. I am willing to release her for active duty, but I will continue to monitor her." the doctor confesses.
"You should know, however," she continues, now looking the Captain directly in the eye. "that I will not hesitate to invoke Section A of Regulation 121 of the Starfleet Medical Protocols, should I deem it necessary."
"Thank you, Doctor. Understood. My report will show that Commander T'Karra was operating under a psychic attack by the alien technology, to which her Vulcan physiology made her more susceptible. I still repose complete trust in her abilities."
"Captain's Log, Supplemental. I can't help wondering what would have happened if the Klingons had found Abyss Station instead of us. Would Earth and Vulcan and Andoria now be charred cinders? Will future generations thank us for avoiding genocide in their name, or will they curse us for not ridding them of a dangerous and warlike neighbor when we had the chance?"
"As we leave this planet I consider once again the gap between the technical ability to create dangerous technology and the ethical maturity required to use it safely. Every day we become more proficient at the former while our instincts to the latter grow only slowly. Today was an object lesson for those in power in the Federation. I hope we all learn its lessons while we can."
"I am also concerned for my friend T'Karra. Never one to judge herself easily, she may carry the scars of this place with her for life. Her brilliant Vulcan mind makes her excellent at diagnosing the function and ills of practically any piece of machinery, but I fear her stoicism will not serve her well in diagnosing and healing her own wounds, hidden as they likely are in her mind. Vulcan philosophy and restraint have much to recommend them, but I think a human, able to suffer more openly, might more easily cope with the memories of Abyss Station. For the mental health of my friend and Chief Engineer, I will have to rely on the treatments of Doctor Bhalla and that great healer, time. Like the doctor, I too will be watching."
"I can't be the judge of events, but I can appraise the performance of my ship and her crew. The officers and crew of Valiant performed their duties in a manner exemplary of the best traditions of the Federation and of Star Fleet. They made me proud to be their captain. I wish to call out specifically the efforts of Commander Kreskin in dealing with the difficult and xenophobic natives with confidence and skill. And I note with pleasure the growing capabilities of Lieutenant Junior Grade Kerensky without whose bravery and skill I might not now be among the living. He has a promising career before him."
"If we do have a future as a starfaring species, if we are to create a future free of hatred and war, with a place for peaceful advancement and cooperation, it is people like those onboard Valiant who will show us the way into that future. I am grateful to be here to see it happening."
"End Log."
Kreskin steels himself and presses the chime for the captain’s ready room. This was going to be a difficult conversation.
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TKarra continues to wait in the brig fully considering a complete court martial and arrest and to be returned to the Federation by shuttlecraft and security detail at the earliest convenience. She reflects upon what happened in the space station and knows that the forces there had some profound effect upon her mind and most especially her ability to function logically, however, there was no excuse.
The horror of destroying the entire Klingon race struck her for a moment and then horror passes as she considers that there may have been logic as well as emotion linked to those choices. She had enjoyed the preverse thought of their destruction, however, that destruction would have saved countless lives and created a condition in which the Klingon empire would have been forced to surrender to the Federation.
T'Karra uses the time in the brig to consider what has occured and she continues to come back to the same logic and the fact that within such logic there is no place for regret nor for apology nor sorrow.
The emotional overwhelming of her being had been in conjunction with her very logic. Consideration of what to do moving forward would have to now occur.
T'Karra meditated in the brig deep into her Vulcan mind.
"Come in," says Reeves, looking up from the pile of reports from various departments across the ship and acknowledges his friend and First Officer. "What is it, Lance?"
After getting permission to speak freely, Lance sits across from the Captain.
Captain Reeves, I want to preface this by saying that I’m proud to serve as your second command on this ship and whenever the situation calls for it I am ready and able to take command...
He sighs. I’m a highly decorated, long serving Starfleet Officer...if I wanted to command a starship I’d be commanding a starship. If I hadn’t suggested you for the Bastion... he trails off.
The point is...we’ve had two major crisises this tour and you’ve left me in charge for both. We missed intercepting that signal because I had to context shift from doing your job to doing mine.
A breath, then Are you sure that YOU want to be a Captain? Because if you’re not into this you need to step down. You’re young, you’ll get another shot. But if you want this, you need to step UP. Sit in the big chair when lives are on the line, stop Kirking around on away missions. This ship needs a Captain, not just a stand-in.
He finishes speaking and waits for his commander’s response, whatever it may be.
"Sometimes captains go in harm's way," says Reeves, not upset.
"We had two jobs to do and I thought I might be more use at the alien station. I don't think it's the captain's job to remain glued to his bridge. It's the captain's job to make sure that the mission gets done. And to decide how it gets done."
"I'm hand-on, Lance. It's who I am. I like to think it's why Star Fleet put me where they did."
Lance looks like he’s about to speak, hesitates and starts again. Of course, sir. I trust your judgment. You can consider this matter closed.
Once dismissed, he returns to his position on the bridge. Adam wasn’t necessarily wrong, but there’d come a time soon where his absence might catch up to him.
:-)
Captain Reeves is on his usual jog around the primary hull an hour before going on watch on the day Valiant is scheduled to arrive at Coriolanus IV. He wears a well-worn Starfleet Academy Rowing Team T-Shirt. As he catches up to Doctor Bhalla going about her rounds, he falls into step beside her.
"Good morning, Doctor," he says, bright and energetic.
"Have you had a chance to inventory those emergency medical supplies we picked up from the Kelvin? I'd like to know how we're provisioned if there is a problem at Coriolanus IV."
"Also, I wonder if you have an update on Commander T'Karra? I need to know if I can place her back on the regular duty roster today."
"Oh, good morning, Captain." the doctor responds, somewhat taken aback by the informalities if we superior officer. Not one for small talk herself, she treats the Captain's inquiry as a formal request.
"I am still in the process of preparing a full report on the current stocks of medical supplies. I had planned to forward it to Commander Kreskin this afternoon. However, if you'd prefer the report be completed earlier and forwarded directly to you... I can make arrangements to do so.". Doctor Bhalla maintains a professional tone, but she is unable to fully mask her annoyance. Though whether it is due simply to the thought if her having to advance her inirally planned timetable or due to the Captain's perceived desire to circumvent standard procedures, it is hard to tell.
"As for Commander T'Kaara." the doctor notes with caution. "Physically, I could find no indicators that she is currently suffering from any outside influence or that she poses a threat to either herself or anyone else. I possess no evidence to oppose the theory that her uncharacteristic behavior was the result of something on that station or that it's source ended with the station's destruction. Medically, the commander is fit for return to full duty."
Dr. Bhalla hesitates for a moment, then adds, "But, personally, Captain, I still have concerns."
"Oh, good morning, Captain." the doctor responds, somewhat taken aback by the informalities if we superior officer. Not one for small talk herself, she treats the Captain's inquiry as a formal request.
"I am still in the process of preparing a full report on the current stocks of medical supplies. I had planned to forward it to Commander Kreskin this afternoon. However, if you'd prefer the report be completed earlier and forwarded directly to you... I can make arrangements to do so.". Doctor Bhalla maintains a professional tone, but she is unable to fully mask her annoyance. Though whether it is due simply to the thought if her having to advance her inirally planned timetable or due to the Captain's perceived desire to circumvent standard procedures, it is hard to tell.
If Reeves is aware of the doctor's consternation, he doesn't show it. After all, the condition of the ship is ultimately his responsibility.
"That's not necessary if everything is going well, Doctor. I'm just interested."
That's one of the dichotomies that define Reeves. Easily able to delegate and trust his crew, he is nonetheless curious about seemingly everything happening onboard his ship.
"As for Commander T'Kaara." the doctor notes with caution. "Physically, I could find no indicators that she is currently suffering from any outside influence or that she poses a threat to either herself or anyone else. I possess no evidence to oppose the theory that her uncharacteristic behavior was the result of something on that station or that it's source ended with the station's destruction. Medically, the commander is fit for return to full duty."
Dr. Bhalla hesitates for a moment, then adds, "But, personally, Captain, I still have concerns."
You're not alone, Reeves thinks, but doesn't say.
"Understood, Malati. I'm glad you're remaining vigilant. Keep me posted."
Reeves jogs off towards his quarters for a shower before heading to the bridge.
The signal at T'Karra's door chimes. When she permits entry, Captain Reeves is standing at her door in uniform.
"Mind if I come in?"
"How are you feeling?" Reeves asks.
"Doctor Bhalla tells me you are fit to stand duty. Do you agree with her?"
"That's not what I'm asking you," returns Reeves. "Your competence as an engineer has never been in doubt. It is your fitness to stand watch as a Starfleet officer that I have to judge."
"T'Karra, I've known you since we were junior officers on the Typhoon. I'm your friend and I care about you but I am also the captain of this ship. I have a duty to the crew and to Starfleet. I'm asking you for a self-assessment. I trust your judgment."
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Captain, I cannot answer the question of how I feel, for I feel nothing at this time. I cannot judge why I had such feelings in the station, however, I have considered those feelings and concluded that they come from a logical thought process within my mind. The Klingons are a threat to the entire Federation and all of the officers of Starfleet. Their immediate surrender would save countless lives. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. I do not regret what I attempted to do. Given the choice of doing such under my normal operating procedures and mind I am sure I would chose to do so again. I understand how you as a human might fix emotions to what I have done and what I am saying. I know as a Starfleet officer I have a duty and obligation and I will fulfill those duties and obligations. Know that I will act in the logical manner that will save the most lives and preserve Starfleet in the best manner and also serve Valiant best.
Reeves looks shocked.
"This isn't about logic or emotion, T'Karra. What you attempted was mass murder. Genocide. However convenient it might have been it would very definitely have been a crime. That's not what the Federation stands for. It's certainly not what Starfleet stands for."
"Are you telling me that as you stand there now you would commit an act of genocide if you thought it advanced the cause of the Federation?"
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she arches her brow at the captain and his shocked look and says Captain, I am telling you that although I would most definately and still may suffer consequences for my actions that the Klingon empire and the Starfleet Federation are at war. This cannot be argued against. Nor can it be argued against that this war will cost countless lives. A decisive strike could have ended such loss immediately and logically.
Reeves stares at T'Karra, sadness and surprise warring on his face for a long instant.
"I'm sorry, old friend. I didn't know. I truly thought you were alright. I..." he reaches out a hand to touch her, thinks better of it and puts his hands down.
He composes himself and faces her, all Starfleet now. "Commander T'Karra, you are relieved of all duties and confined to quarters until such time as you can be examined by a board of medical inquiry to determine your fitness to serve as a Starfleet officer."
"I'm well aware of your capabilities. I know you could circumvent my orders if you chose. Do I need to confine you to the brig?"
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Captain, that will not be necessary. I understand your choice. I will remain in my room. Prior to going to the mining facility you could increase warp and bring me to the nearest starbase in range in order to pick up a new chief engineer. Your next choice is to place a security personnel in a shuttle so that I can be transported to a starbase inquiry and promote one of my staff so that you can continue your mission. T'Karra says showing Vulcan stocism in the face of what has been said.
Now that the hard part is over, Reeves visibly softens.
"T'Karra. I'm truly sorry. You're a good officer and a good friend. I'll do everything I can for you."
He gazes at her a moment longer, then turns and leaves, heading to the bridge.
"Security. Post a guard outside Commander T'Karra's quarters. Computer, restrict Commander T'Karra to quarters and lock out her access to all non-basic functions. Code Reeves Alpha Kappa Nine."
"Lieutenant Garrett, report to the bridge."
On arriving at the bridge, Reeves acknowledges the officer of the deck and Kreskin, if he is there, but moves towards his ready room. "Commander, assemble the senior officers in my ready room," he says with far more formality than usual.
_____________________________________________________________________
When the senior staff plus Lieutenant Garrett are assembled, Reeves lays out his decision to relieve T'Karra.
"In my seventeen years with Starfleet, I have faced no harder decision nor more bitterly regretted the necessity to relieve an officer than I have today. Commmander T'Karra is not only one of the finest officers in Starfleet, she has personally saved the lives of every person in this room on multiple occasions. And most of all, she is my friend." Here, he cannot help but reveal a certain amount of the emotional turmoil he is feeling. He pauses to collect himself.
"Every member of this crew will continue to extend her the full courtesies of her rank and regard her as on the sick list. Our friend is a casualty of that damned station. She was wounded in action and we will treat her as such."
"Lieutenant Garrett, as of this moment I am naming you as Valiant's acting chief engineer and granting you the brevet rank of Lieutenant Commmander. I wish that this promotion could have come under happier circumstances but it is nonetheless well deserved. I'll see that Starfleet accepts the promotion as permanent when we arrive at Starbase 112."
He looks around the room. "Are there any questions?"
Thoss listens to the briefing in silence though his antenna kept swiveling back and forth nervously.
Yes, and what would I have done in her situation? To strike a crippling blow against our most hated foe?
"Sir, I do believe you took the appropriate actions in regards to Commander T'Karra. With all due respect to her race, Vulcans do not understand the principle here to never start a war you do not intend to finish. Destroying the Klingon's home world would only plunge us into a war I truly believe we could not win. They have many more ships than we do and events would play out as they did during the Four Years War."
Lance looks pained. He’d served with her for many years and he’d miss her company. Plus their work on the T’karra-Kreskin Inertial Arresters was nearly done. That technology would save lives one day.
He doesn’t so much as nod. This was Adam’s moment. He needed to be as invisible as possible, so that the crew knew that the captain is the final voice. He didn’t need Lance’s approval or his support.