"Uncertainty"
(Previous: Serena's 'Friendly Visit')
======================
Stardate: 60304.1000
Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA, Section C-2, Level 1, Infirmary
After Admiral Koneki dismissed Ensign Summers, the flag officer walked over to the sleeping form of Lieutenant David Dawson
"How is he Doctor?"
"He's going to recover fully Admiral" the Cairn CMO replied, "exactlly how much he recovers..."
The Admiral raised his hand. "Fully. I don't want *any* more snooping or suspisions from his crewmates. Now... what did you do with his file?"
"Locked safely away in my quarters. But Admiral... I have a question. It said in the file that you knew about David's duality. Did you expect it *not* to surface from the pressure he's been under?"
Koneki looked at David. His eyes were rapidly moving under the lids. So much was trapped in that 'genius' mind of the ANUBIS' CEO, but the key was that David's *other* persona held it. How to control the monster from inside was one of Koneki's greatest challenges.
"The pressure isn't the factor Doctor. But we'll deal with that at a later date. Right now, I need you to reassure me that *no* one will ever see that file. The only eyes that'll see it are yours and mine. Understood?"
The Doctor nodded as David stirred. Koneki put on his game face and smiled.
"Welcome back to the land of the living Lieutenant. How do you feel?"
David's eyes darted back and forth. "Like hell sir... where am I?"
"Infirmary. You had a heart attack but the staff'll have you back on your feet in no time."
David tried to move, but was held down by restraints ordered on him by Commander Rikar. Koneki started to removed the bands on David's massive arms when Ensign Brady stepped forward.
"Excuse me Admiral, I was ordered to notify Commander Rikar before anyone removed Lieutenant Dawson's restraints."
"Then inform her Ensign. You're doing your job." the flag officer replied as he looked back to David.
"After you're released I want to see you in my office Lieutenant. I have something to discuss with you."
David nodded and layed his head back on the pillow. Wallin approached as he walked away.
"Sir... are you sure that's wise?"
"Don't worry Doctor" Koneki said with a smile, "everything's under control" as Lieutenants Serrena and Fairborn entered.
"Lieutenants" Koneki said as he exited as the COO arced an eyebrow as to why the base CO was in the infirmary. They approached David's bed.
Excerpt's from Serena's post
"Relax Serenna, I won't bite. Why are you so cautious?"
Thinking back to all that the Romulan/Terran hybrid had gone through with her Academy classmate, a man whom she had early on grown to consider as a friend, the COO saw no immediate reason to doubt that David had not been himself. Unaware of what had transpired in this room over the last few days, which included a visit by the base's CO, the Ops officer hoped that the CEO's pleasant disposition meant that everything had returned to normal. Having taken a few steps towards the still sitting engineer, and still grateful for the Oltharian's presence by her side, Serenna asked, "You don't remember?"
David's eyes danced back and forth in his head. "Depends on what you are referring to. If you are talking about that time at the Academy, I remember it very well. I also remember the headaches we had on MEGILA, MAFTEACH, BABEL, and with those glowing bugs from the ARALON System. There was also that time we were stuck in that void and the time that…"
Serrena huffed, "That was not what I meant, and I suspect that you know that."
David shrugged. "I don't remember much... but I do remember the way that I was so brutally assaulted? I remember it all too well, being knocked unconscious with such force and cruelty that it felt as if my brain had been turned into mush, passed through a plasma blender and forced through a sieve before being poured back into my dented skull."
Elan's head sank and as Serrena took a step closer, the COO was ready to defend the actions of the Robotics Engineer when David continued, the grin on his lips not having diminished in the slightest. "Relax Elan, it was a joke. I remember what happened but you have nothing to worry about, I feel fine and am in no way mad at you for what you did. Actually, I guess I should be grateful since you stopped me from making a complete ass of myself."
Turning back to look at David who had not moved from the biobed where he had been sitting on, the COO wondered as to what could have caused the CEO to act as he had and what, if anything, had happened to see him return to normal. "At least it looks like your sense of humor is intact, although a little more twisted than usual."
Stretching his arms over his head, David gave the impression that he had just woken up from a very long nap, one that he seemed more than eager to end. "You know how much I hate being in any Sickbay for any period of time. I'm just waiting for someone to show up and give me my 'get out of jail' ticket so that I can get back to my work."
Serrena frowned slightly, thinking back to the conversation she had earlier with the captain and ExO during their morning meeting...
End of excerpt
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Stardate: 60304.0800
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Captain Simmons' ready room
James was seated at his desk when Sabrina and Serrena arrived. As they took a seat, James rose and paced behind his desk. Sabrina and Serrena exchanged glances as it looked like James was searching for words.
"Ladies. I'm going to pose a question to you both. Let's say that you're the commanding officer of a ultra secret ship that *doesn't* exist... with a staff and crew of the finest officers Starfleet has to offer... under the guise that what you do you don't..."
James paused, and continued.
"Let's also say that you have a particular officer... bright, energetic... loves his job and is over protective of his crewmates... but one day that changes. This officer becomes irrational, violent... and you have a sworn duty to protect and defend your ship and crew. How do you handle returning this officer back to active duty?"
Sabrina sighed and leaned forward on James' desk.
"Not beating around the bush here, but we *are* talking about David aren't we?"
James held up a cautionary finger, "I never mentioned any names Number One."
"Well" the ExO said, "falling back on my counseling skills your options are limited and few Captain."
"How so?" the CO asked as he brought a coffee and two teas.
"Right now you're facing a dilemma... whether to get this officer back to active duty... or send him to the brig."
"*That* would be my two cents Captain" Serrena replied.
"But this officer is known for... outbursts before..."
"An attack on a field officer warrents that officer's arrest and possible court martial" Serrena countered, "those are the rules sir and no one said that they'd be pretty."
"But if that came to pass, how would it effect the rest of the crew who *looks* up to this officer. Look at his record. Whenever this officer is needed, he's there. Whether he liked it or not, he was there."
"I'm thinking you're letting your personal relationship affect your command judgement James." Sabrina said.
"Et tu Brute?" the ANUBIS' CO said with a grin.
"Let's skip this, 'said' officer business... as your first officer, its my duty to tell you that the second officer is right. David *should* be arrest the minute he steps foot outside the infirmary. What he did was callus, cold, and malitious."
"Ouch" James said, "all he did was choke me..."
"And *that* again was too much" Serrena said, "Captain" she said as she steepled her fingers, "I have known David longer than anyone on this ship. I too agree about his professionalism and his duty to this ship and crew. But his outburts... his uncontrolled temper *has* to be put in check. Blatant attack on officers is one thing, but I for one am *tired* of his attitude. It has grown old... really fast."
James looked at Sabrina. "Number one?"
Sabrina was now in that same dilemma James is in. How can she basically condemn the man she once loved... and still does? David's always been there for her... for Serrena... Maya... James... Clora... even little Talia and Enaii...but now? Could she live with herself *if* she agreed with Serrena'a assessment of David's behavior. She shook her head.
"Personal relationship aside, it tells me to give him another chance. *Make* him attend counseling sessions..."
"That has never worked in the past" Serrena said, "he always found a way to weasel out of it."
"Go on Commander" James said.
"I mean, really lay it on him." and she sighed, "but alas I have to agree with Serrena. But... I do have another option."
"And that is?" both James and Serrena said in unison.
"If I were you Captain, I'd tell David to take some time off and request that a new CEO be assigned to the ship... and since T'Reni is now the acting CEO, it would be nothing but an order from you to make it official."
James shook his head. "Do you think that it'll lull him back to where he is? I mean, you know David's work ethic."
"And I also know that *I* have a duty to this ship as well... and that's making sure that *everyone* on board feels safe. As much as I hate to admit it... and it hurts to say this... but I don't feel safe around him anymore."
James' jaw almost hit the deckplating under his carpeted office. "That's a lot coming from you Sabrina."
"You wanted a honest answer... there it is."
"Serenna?"
"As second officer, I second that option sir. David's my friend and I'd like to keep him that way, but not if its going to bring about discord to the ship."
James sighed. And glanced at the model of the ANUBIS on his low end table. James and David shared a commonality... engineers. But when your CEO has such a disdain for the ship he serves on, how would that make the CO feel?"
"Thank you ladies... well... I guess we better get this over with. Serrena... released from the infirmary or not, I want David in the obs lounge by 1200. Dismissed."
======================
Stardate: 60304.1145
Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA, Section C-2, Level 1, Infirmary
Excerpt's from Serena's post (again) Not surprised by the CEO's desire to return to his one true passion, the Romulan/Terran hybrid glanced around the room once again confirming that no medical staff had been present. "Which brings up a good question; where is Ens. Summers? She was by your side during all this time, so I find it odd that she is not here now."
Grinning David made himself as comfortable as he could on the biobed. "I have no idea, I just hope that she gets back quickly and gets me out of here. In the meantime though, it is nice to see you again Elan. Tell me about those upgrades you have been working on."
End of excerpt
Lea walked in and was surprised to see David awake. She rushed to his side and hugged the massive CEO.
"David... you're awake!" she exclaimed.
"Easy Lea... less coffee" the CEO said as Doctor Wallin entered with a smile.
"Well... looks like everything is in order here" the Carin doctor said, "Lieutenant... you're free to go."
"About damn time... I'm starving" David said as he rose to his feet.
"David... before you eat, the captain wishes to speak with you." Serrena looked at Lea, "you better come as well Lea... being David's physician and all."
"Let's go... before my stomach caves in." the CEO replied as they headed for the ship.
======================
Stardate: 60304.1201
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Observation Lounge
James and Sabrina was seated when Serrena escorted David and Lea in. James smiled at them both.
"Weclome back Lieutenant. Good to see that you're on your feet."
"Thank you Captain" David replied, "but I have to thank my doctor here" he said with a nod to Ensign Summers.
"Lea, why don't you wait outside... this will take but a moment" James said as Serrena went to sit at her captain's left. David looked around and notice something strange... as long as he'd been standing there, Sabrina never made eye contact with him.
"What's this all about?" David asked.
"David..." James said removing the four gold pips on his collar, "as your friend I'm here to say that you need some *serious* help..."
"Um... OK" David said, "but..."
"And with Sabrina and Serrena here, as your friends, they to oagree that you need help." and James put the pips back on, "now... as your captain, I hate to say this but until further notice, I'm removing you from active duty."
David's brows knitted together. "What for?"
"You don't remember? No wait... you're being funny again aren't you?" Serrena asked.
"All jokes aside, I haven't the foggiest idea what you're talking about."
Sabrina never looked at the CEO, but spoke. "You don't remember attacking James and Serrena 3 days ago?"
"Attack?" David said as he searched his memory, "no... I don't remember attacking anyone. I do remember Elan sending me back to la la land..."
"What do you remember before that?" James asked.
"Arguing with Mimi... then waking up in the infirmary with Admiral Koneki standing over me."
James looked at David, then Serrena interjected.
"He was there when Elan and I arrived."
"I mean... Doctor Wallin gave me a clean bill of health... so why are you removing..."
"Because of your actions as of late David" Sabrina said looking at him for the first time, "your irritability... and your temper and outbursts... one day David... I feel that you're going to hurt someone other than yourself... maybe even fatally."
David's eyes almost jumped out his head. "Sabrina... you know I'd never hurt anyone intentionally..."
"I'm sorry David... but I'm having a hard time believing that."
David looked as if Sabrina had just ripped his heart out of his chest, stomped on it, and stuck it back in.
"James picked up a padd and read it outloud, "Lieutenant David Dawson, CEO USS ANUBIS, you are hearby placed on limited duty pending a *full* physhological exam. You will have limited access to key areas of the ship outside of main engineering where another engineer will be assigned as the CEO. You are so ordered to attanding counseling sessions 3 times a week and must still attend senior staff meetings with your replacement. Failure to comply will end up with a reprimand and time spent in the brig. Continued defiance will bring about your arrest and general court martial in from of the Judge Advocate General. Effective immediately. Signed James T. Simmons, Captain USS ANUBIS" and he placed the padd on the table, "now... fomality aside... promise me that you'll toe the line on this one David... because my hands are tied."
David didn't say anything. He looked to both Serrena and Sabrina. "You two agree with this?"
"I do... and as your friend..." the COO started to say as David waved her off waiting to hear it from Sabrina.
"You heard the captain Lieutenant. My advice to you is to follow this order to the *letter*. Because I will have no choice but to carry out the captain's orders if you violate *any* part of these orders." She tried not to do it... but her emerald green eyes met those big hazel eyes... and she saw her worst fear...
...Abandonment.
"You have free roam of the ship David, and..."
"May I be excused Captain" David said as if it was his last breath.
"Dismissed Lieutenant"
David made eye contact with Sabrina again... "Act three, scene II" and he exited looking a lot less taller than he actually was.
"Act three?" James said, "what did that mean?"
Sabrina fought back a tear. "David's favorite play... Hamlet."
"I don't get it." Serrena said.
"After Hamelt found out it was his uncle that had his father the King excuted, he uttered a quote... 'Who guards the guardians'."
"OK... I'm at a lost myself." James said.
Sabrina sighed, "It means when someone you love and trust turns their back on you, who'll protect you and the kingdom then."
"What does your counseling instincts tell you Commander?" James said.
"Basically... we could have just simply killed him and gotten it over with" the ExO sighed and thumped her fist on the table, "dammit!"
Serrena leaned forward. "I know it hurts Commander, but it had to be done. For everyone's sake."
Sabrina rose from her seat, "Yes... I know... but it sitll doesn't make it easy." "Pains of command Number One." James said, "dismissed."
====================================
Julian Knight {d_dawson_1@yahoo.com}
as
Lieutenant David Dawson
Chief Engineer
USS ANUBIS NCC 18501
"A Starfleet officer...that's all I am and that's all I'll ever be." 2005 post #090
- Avery Brooks as Captain Benjamin Sisko,
Commanding Officer of the Federation Spacestation Deep Space 9
