"The Job Isn't Done Until You've Been De-briefed"
Previous Post: "Things Are Looking Up"
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Stardate: 60299.1152
Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA, Section A, Level 6, Admiral Koneki's Office
For the past four hours, Captain James Simmons had undergone the longest and most detailed mission debriefing in his career. The mood in the room had maintained an impersonal and professional attitude. There was no "blame game" or "gross assumptions" made by the five senior officers that had grilled James. In the end, James was relieved the ordeal was over and proud of the performance of his senior staff with one major exception.
After the interrogators, except Admiral Koneki, left the office, James slumped in his chair. He was mentally exhausted and it was beginning to show. For the past four plus days he had pulled double and continuous shifts along with the ANUBIS crew during the mission. The stress of the debriefing was the tipping point. James was now officially useless as a Starfleet officer.
"You handled that well, James," Koneki said bringing out a bottle of brown liquid and two glasses he filled with ice.
"Thanks, Admiral," James weakly answered. He was operating on automatic. "I will share a drink with you, but I need to get to sick bay for a post-mission physical and then I plan on sleeping until next week."
A grin flashed on Koneki's face. "I'll grant you that sleep as long as it allows you to report to a larger Q&A session at 1300 hrs tomorrow."
"Another de-briefing?" James asked painfully.
"On the contrary, a briefing," Koneki said. "The senior staff of the other 2 ships and some staff officers will be your pupil's for about 6 hours. Your senior staff will be on hand, but you will be expected to explain your decisions to teach the tactics employed. The atmosphere will be kept friendly and you will be the expert of the day."
James thought for a couple of seconds and then answered. "I would like some of my senior staff to make some of the presentations."
"I anticipated that," Koneki said with a smile. He was quickly learning that James was not a pri-madona. The CO was more than happy to share credit and to give credit where it was due. "Our operations department will present you with an outline. I'll let you fill in speakers where appropriate."
James picked up the glass that was about one-third full of the deep brown liquid and gently clicked his glass with the Admiral. "To the ANUBIS and her safe return and to those that did not return. May their loss not be in vain."
Admiral Koneki nodded and shared the drink with the ANUBIS' CO. They both put the drained glasses back on the Admiral's desk. "I see you have requested promotions and awards for almost all of your Senior Staff."
"They deserve them, Admiral," James said.
"I'll approve them quickly in addition to your new staff roster," Koneki added.
"New staff?" James asked.
"You will be getting orders, but I'll tell you now. Ensign Summers is going to be your new CMO. Lt. Onison is going to be added as SOO. Also 1st Lt. Cleo Tal will be added as a Marine platoon commander and personal bodyguard to your ILO," the Admiral said.
"You are assuming the ANUBIS will have an ILO," James said dropping his guard a bit. He was not happy with the current situation concerning Enaii and his fatigue allowed his displeasure to slip out.
"Careful, James," Koneki gently warned. "Her de-briefing is a necessary evil of our mission and no decision has been made concerning her status."
"At least you acknowledge the evil part," James muttered. "I would like to observe her and take part in the deliberations concerning her status."
"I will consider your request for observation, but taking part in the analysis of the Intel and deliberations is out of the question," Koneki said roughly.
"Can you at least tell me the nature of the process?" James asked. He caught the change in tone and knew not to press too hard.
"I'll consider that part of your request for observation and give you and answer after your briefing tomorrow," Koneki said. "That is the best I can do. There is a well established protocol for the process. I will let you know."
"Best I could have hoped for," James said standing. "With your permission?"
"Dismissed. Spend time with your beloved and get reconnected with your humanity. That is the only thing that will keep you sane in this business," Koneki advised.
"Thank you, Admiral." James did his best attempted at standing at attention, failed badly and then left the office headed for his "home". Clora and their shared quarters on the ANUBIS would have to be his refuge.
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Michael Reed {doriengard@aol.com}
Captain James T. Simmons
Commanding Officer
USS ANUBIS
2005 post #046
