"Sanctuary"
Previous Post: "I Thought Returning Home Was A Good Thing"
/\/\/\
Stardate: 60326.1430
Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA: Section A, Level 6, Commodore Simmons' Office
=/\= Commodore, the ANUBIS is on final approach to the base. =/\=
"Thank you, Mary," Commodore James Simmons replied to his personal receptionist. "Please wait fifteen minutes and then inform Admiral Konecki, I and Captain Rikar will be unreachable for the next few hours."
=/\= Understood, Commodore, =/\= answered the administration officer.
"Time to welcome back the crew," James said to a now disconnected comm line. He stood and stretched his back and arms. The tedium of 'flying a desk' had started to impact the former CO. For the fifth time in 2 days, James made a mental note to reserve some time in the holodeck for a work-out. So far four times he had forgotten. He then walked out of his comfortable office and headed for the observation deck so he could see what used to be 'his ship' one more time.
/\/\/\/\/\
Stardate: 60326.1445
Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA: Section B, Level 7, Observation Deck
By the time James reached the large row of transparent aluminium windows, the base lighting had changed to a yellow hue indicating the ANUBIS was 'in the channel' and manoeuvring toward the base. A faint smile grew on his face as he remembered the first time the ANUBIS had performed this manoeuvre with him as the CO. Purposely crashing into an asteroid the size of a small planet was not James' idea of a docking manoeuvre. The nature of the base and missions, dictated extraordinary precautions. The fact that the 'controlled crash' was an illusion created by a holographic projection hiding the base doors did not comfort James at the time.
"I never got comfortable with running into a planetoid either, my love," James heard from behind him. He turned and found his new bride, Lt. Clora Sul, standing right behind him. They stepped toward each other and embraced. James gave her a quick peck on the cheek and squeezed her tight.
"I had a running nightmare that someone changed the nav beacons and we ran into an actual rock and not the holo-illusion," James confessed.
"Not a career advancing event," Sul teased.
James' smile broadened as he turned and looked out into the docking area this time arm-in-arm with his bride. "How did you know I would be here?"
"Wife's intuition ... and the fact that the base went on Yellow Alert were a couple of good clues," Sul said tapping her temple. "Besides, a good Captain never really leaves the 'big chair'."
"I'm that predictable?" James asked in mock horror.
Sul's answer was a wry smile and quick kiss. "I wouldn't have you any other way, my love."
"Sorry to spoil the moment, but you do remember me telling you that I'm going to be away for a few hours?"
"I remember," the counsellor answered. "Can't say I'm happy about it, but I remember."
"Part of the price of marrying a former CO," James answered. "I have one last duty toward Sabrina and based on the mission reports, she will need it."
"Has Konicki asked you to be on the court martial panel yet?" Sul asked.
"Yes, and I have accepted," James answered. "This is going to be rough. The entire history of David's service on the AVALON and ANUBIS is going to be questioned. Every command decision, every medical opinion, and every counselling session could be part of both the prosecution and defence case."
"Including both of our interactions with David," Sul said resigned to the fact that both of them would likely be on trial as much as the CEO of the ANUBIS.
"Yea, both of us," James said under his breath. He turned and looked at the slowly moving ship that had just entered the base.
"That is going to take some work," Sul said as she noticed the battle damage.
"Probably a couple of weeks," James said. "I have to go," James added as he turned to go toward the docking umbilical that would connect the ANUBIS to the base. He leaned down and kissed his bride.
"Not so fast, Commodore," Sul answered. "Koneki asked me to coordinate counselling for the crew. They had a rough mission and I'm in charge of the psyche evaluations for the entire crew." The husband and wife officers headed for the umbilical entrance side by side.
"I don't envy your job, Counsellor," James said.
"I don't want your job either, Commodore," Sul answered. "Are you OK with me inviting Talia over for dinner?"
"Sure, I just don't know when Sabrina and I are going to show," James answered. "This could go many ways, most of them bad."
"Use your eyes and ears and not your mouth and you will be fine and so will Sabrina, eventually," the counsellor answered.
/\/\/\/\/\
Stardate: 60326.1500
Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA: Section D-2, Level 5, Primary docking port
With nothing else to say, James and Sul made their way to the ANUBIS umbilical. When the newlyweds arrived at the base side of the air-lock they were met by James' personal bodyguard, Lt. Krung. The Klingon was carrying a base security personnel standard issue Type III phasor rifle.
"Hello, Lieutenant. Right on time," James said.
"I received your orders, Commodore. Are you expecting trouble on the bridge?" asked the very large Klingon officer.
"No, I just need you to give Commander Serenna this PADD at the appropriate time," James said as he handed the information device to Krung.
"Yes, Commodore. Anything else?"
"Just escort me to the docking bridge. After delivering the message, you are free to return to the base to start your debriefing of the security staff of the ANUBIS," James said.
"Understood. The air-lock appears to be engaged," the Klingon noted.
"Carry on Lieutenant," James said allowing Krung to open the door."
"Where are you headed first?" James asked his bride.
"Sickbay to talk with the medical and counselling staffs," Sul answered.
"OK," James answered. "Good luck, beloved."
"You too, my love," Sul answered. They paused as the air lock was made secure and exchanged a quick kiss.
James had arranged with the docking master to allow him to enter the ANUBIS before allowing any of the ANUBIS main personnel to leave. The three officers walked across the umbilical connector without any resistance from disembarking personnel.
After the ANUBIS' side air-lock door opened, they were greeted by the broad smile of the ANUBIS CSciO, Maya.
"Request permission for three to come aboard," James said.
"Permission granted Commodore, Lieutenants. It is good to see all of you," Maya answered.
"Are both Captain Rikar and Commander Serenna on the bridge?" James asked.
"Lt. Cmdr. Serenna should still be on the bridge," the CSciO replied, "but I am afraid that Capt. Rikar has already left the ship along with Lt. Dawson and an entire security detail," the Shillian explained keeping to herself the details of how she had come to know this information and how she had arrived to be behind the closed air-lock door when the Commodore and his wife had arrived.
"This may make things a little more difficult. Please escort my wife to Sickbay," James ordered. "We will be headed to the Bridge. Welcome home, Maya. I will be debriefing the senior officers over the next 12 hours."
/\/\/\/\/\
Stardate: 60326.1515
Setting: USS ANUBIS: Bridge
"Admiral on the Bridge!" Commander Serenna shouted when she saw James enter. The activity stopped as all eyes turned to their former CO who was followed by his Klingon bodyguard.
"Thank you Commander," James answered. He did not release the crew to their duties for a very specific reason. He wanted to keep their attention for the next conversation. "Are you capable of completing the docking and stand down procedures without the oversight of your commanding officer?" James asked. The question was for the benefit of the crew and not for the Commodore’s knowledge. Every First Officer had to be able to function in the absence of the CO.
"I am and I can, Commodore," Serenna answered still at attention having already well expected that her CO would not be returning to the ship within any short period of time.
"Then you shall," James answered. "Captain Rikar, I would see you in your Ready Room?" James asked as he tapped his comm badge. The question was not a matter of if they would meet, but where. Sabrina got the message.
=/\= I will be right there Commodore. =/\= The young woman replied sounding less than happy that she had been forced to return to her ship before she had been able to complete all of what she had set out to do upon her arrival to their base of operations
/\/\/\/\/\
Stardate: 60326.1525
Setting: USS ANUBIS: Bridge
When the redheaded woman stepped back onto the bridge, the CO shot an unhappy glare in the direction of her ExO as she made her way to the NEW ALEXANDRIA's COO who not so long ago held the rank of Captain and position of CO for the ANUBIS..
"Commander, you have the bridge," the CO of the ANUBIS ordered. "My Ready Room will be acceptable, Commodore. I believe you know the way?"
James nodded and gestured toward the appropriate door. It was customary for the CO to enter their Ready Room first regardless of the station of the visitor. "As you were," James ordered formally releasing the bridge crew to continue their work.
/\/\/\/\/\
Stardate: 60326.1526
Setting: USS ANUBIS, CO's Ready Room
Sabrina turned and watched James enter the room and the door close behind him. She was about to ask her former CO why he had come aboard, but she stopped when James raised his hand.
"Do you trust me?" James asked dropping his command air and assuming the posture of a fellow officer and friend.
"What?" asked the slightly stunned CO. "Of course I trust you."
"Good, because I'm going to ask you to blindly trust me for the next three minutes. No questions, no hesitation. Understood?" James asked still maintaining his slightly softer tone and body language.
"What is going on?" the ANUBIS' CO asked.
"One starship captain to another, I need you to trust me," James repeated.
"OK, James, no questions." Sabrina said with a heavy sigh.
"Good. Computer, acknowledge Simmons, James T., Commodore, Security code Alpha-one-four-nine-gamma-omega," James said to the ship's computer.
=/\= Commodore James T. Simmons, Strategic Operations Officer, NEW ALEXANDRIA acknowledged =/\= answered the computer.
"Initiate a level 1 secure link to NEW ALEXANDRIA and begin program SANCTUARY for two," James ordered.
Captain Rikar was now very confused and was about to ask a question when the computer voice stopped her.
=/\= Secure link established. SANCTUARY for two initiated. Second commanding officer code please. =/\=
"That is your queue," James said. "Don't ask, just trust me."
"OK, James. Computer acknowledge Rikar, Sabrina, Captain, Security code Beta-two-seven-one-gamma-omega," the CO said playing along.
=/\= Captain Sabrina Rikar, Commanding Officer USS ANUBIS, acknowledged. Initiating transport. =/\=
/\/\/\/\/\
Stardate: 60326.1528
Setting: USS ANUBIS: Bridge
The Romulan/Human hybrid First Officer of the ANUBIS had just restarted the docking and shut-down procedures when an alarm lit on her command panel. Serenna tapped a couple of controls and read the message that explained the silent alarm. After digesting the message, she turned and looked at Lt. Krung.
"Lieutenant, do you have something for me?" she asked.
The Klingon remained silent and handed her the PADD from James.
Serenna read the brief message and then returned the PADD to Lt. Krung. "Did you read the message?" the First Officer asked.
"No, Commander."
"Then you are free to go, Lieutenant. Your work here is complete," Serenna said.
"Thank you, sir. With your permission I will return to the base via the air-lock."
"Permission granted, Lieutenant," Serenna answered. "Next time you see the Commodore, tell him he owes me one sparing session of my design. Dismissed."
"I will give him the message, Commander." Krung turned and left the bridge the way he and James and entered.
"Commander, what was that about?" Elan asked.
"Commanding officer privilege, Elan," Serenna answered. "The Captain and Commodore have left the ANUBIS and are out of communications range. That is all I know."
The gentle giant smiled at the answer as he returned to his work.
"Care to share Mr. Fairborn?" Serenna asked.
"I'm afraid I could only speculate, Commander and that speculation would violate a CHI level security protocol," Elan answered.
"So you can't say anything?" Serenna asked letting a little frustration show.
"I believe we will have to trust the Commodore and the Captain in this matter," Elan answered.
/\/\/\/\/\/\
Stardate: 60326.1530
Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA: Section A, Level 9 (RESTRICTED AREA) aka SANTUARY
James and Sabrina rematerialized in the middle of a dimly lit room. The red-headed CO was a little disoriented. James reached over and caught her by the back and shoulders to prevent her from falling.
"Welcome to SANCTUARY," James said. "Please remove your comm-badge and place it on this table." He removed his badge as a queue to Sabrina. When both badges were on the table a blue transporter effect engulfed the badges, causing them to disappear.
"OK, James, what is going on and what is SANCTUARY?" Sabrina asked.
"Two minutes to allow me to explain, but you must trust me. OK?" James asked.
"You have 1 minute, James. I have a duty to the crew of my ship," Sabrina said allowing her frustration to show.
"You also have a duty to yourself and that is why I have brought you here," James said switching his tone from friend to that of a senior officer. "Please let me explain while we sit in that booth."
"OK, James. What is this about?" Sabrina asked meekly. She was very tired and stressed out from all that had occurred in the latest mission… but most important she had wanted to get back to the task that she had been forced to leave behind unfinished… that of turning David over to the base security and officially bringing the numerous charges she had prepared against him.
After they sat down, James began his explanation again using the softer, slower tone of a friend. "As I said before, this is SANCTUARY. Only former or present ship commanding officers know these exist. Every base in the Federation has one and it is accessed the same way we came here. Level 1 secure link to program SANCTUARY. Of course there are some rules that must be abided to." James began before pausing for a brief moment to make sure he had the young woman's complete and undivided attention.
"First, cannot enter alone, but you must leave alone. Second, rank doesn't matter. Everyone is equal. Third, what happens here, stays here. It is a court martial offence to acknowledge the existence of SANCTUARY let alone repeat a conversation held here."
"So what do I do here?" Sabrina inquired obviously not at all thrilled by having been brought into the confidence of this special location.
"Whatever you need to do to stay sane. Laugh, cry, talk, yell, get fall on the floor drunk, whatever you need," James answered.
"I could use a drink," Sabrina suggested.
"SANCTUARY, lights 75% and activate Simmons Bartender," James ordered.
The lights became brighter and the 20m by 20m room became more visible to the two officers. They stood and James led Sabrina to the bar that was available near the booth. A Ferengi dressed in civilian clothes greeted the officers.
"Hello, James. How large of a Simmons special this time?"
"Medium for now," James answered.
"And for you Sabrina?" the bartender asked.
The young woman hesitated for a moment, glancing back at her former CO as if wanting him to explain why exactly he had brought her here and when would this end so that she could return to her work. Eventually Rikar accepted that she would have to indulge James if she wanted to expedite matters so she ordered a glass of Andorian ale.
"Fine choice, coming right up," answered the bartender.
"You will design a bartender and a waiter for the restaurant before you leave," James said. "Each commanding officer assigned to the base is required to add their own avatars," James said.
"A bartender and a waiter?"
"For starters," James answered.
"Your drinks," the Ferengi interrupted.
"You will need to add a set of music selections and overall theme as well," James said. "I suggest you start simple." James picked up his glass of super sour Earl grey tea and took a small sip.
"May I see one of your themes?" Sabrina reluctantly asked as she picked up her drink. Having been a Cns at one point in her career the young woman had long ago learned that she would only delay the outcome if she pressured James into forgetting about the unnecessary to instead focus on the reason why he had brought her here.
"Sure. SANCTUARY, theme Simmons Saxophone Jazz."
The lights dimmed and then returned to 50% to work within the 20th century jazz club James had requested. The seats were still empty, but a stage appeared containing a full jazz band complete with an alto saxophone playing featured leader. The music was light and friendly with the appropriate improv and off-beat rhythms of the period.
"Not bad," Sabrina said sounding half genuinely impressed and half simply humouring the Commodore.
"Took me about fifteen minutes. The interface is very advanced," James answered.
"Even for a klutz like me?" Rikar dryly chuckled before draining her mug of half of its content in a single gulp, an action that actually took the young woman by surprise never having expected herself to being capable of doing this with such ease. Maybe the death of her life-mate had dulled her nerves more than the redheaded woman could have ever expected.
"This is programming, not engineering," James answered.
Sabrina's mood turned sour as her mind flashed to a particular engineer and all the events of the past mission came back to her in a flood.
"Damm you James, I was beginning to forget why I wanted to leave!" Sabrina shouted. She balled up her fists and swung wildly at James' chest. James quickly stepped back and dodged the initial flurry. He didn't say anything but let her release her anger.
"Why are you doing this?!!!" Sabrina shouted.
James stepped in and grabbed both of Sabrina's wrists and held her hands against his chest. The move caught her by surprise causing the two officers to lock in to each other eyes.
"Because there are only three other people who have a clue what you are going through. Koniki and the other two SCARAB commanding officers. I figured you would want me to be your sounding board for the release of all your pain concerning the death of crewmembers, the destruction of the enemy vessels, the raid, the chaos, the fear, the responsibility, and the uncertainty you have about yourself and your future."
Sabrina continued the stare but visibly relaxed. James gently released his grip and stepped back not knowing what would happen next.
"I'm just trying to keep you sane, Sabrina. I wasn't with you on the mission, but I have been where you are right now. I've been in the big chair. I've lost crew, I've fought battles, I've struggled with controlling my anger, I've battle with myself considering vengeance instead of a more prudent course, I've been there and done that and fought the same battles you are now fighting. I'm here as your friend and fellow CO. Mourn your losses, take appropriate responsibility, but above all understand that a starship captain is not a deity. You did what you thought was right and now you must go forward with the consequences, good and bad," James said revealing the true purpose of this place and why they were here.
"You can talk to me about going forward *after* you have lost Sul at the hands of someone you thought you could trust with your own life." The young woman unleashed with all of the hatred that resided within her soul.
/\/\/\
Michael Reed {doriengard@ma.rr.com}
Rear Admiral James T. Simmons 2005 post #414
Strategic Operations Officer
NEW ALEXANDRIA
