"Metal Head-Ache"
[Previous post: "Making a Breakthrough Discovery Is Not Always a Good Thing"]
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Setting: USS HATHOR, Bridge
The moment the main view screen had returned to normal, Uxtar let out a growl of discontent. From the HATHOR's helm Ens. Stormwind turned to look at the Hirogen. "Down boy!" The Vulcan hybrid chuckled, the comment having originated from his Human side.
"I may not agree with the way Uxtar *said* it, but I do agree with his sentiment. This is not good," Dawson said, glancing over to the CO who had not moved from her chair.
"For who? The Cardassians or us?" Doctor Summers huffed, thinking that the ExO's comment had been rather understated.
"For everyone," Uxtar growled. "With an enemy like the Imperians, we are *all* in grace danger. In conflict what makes the difference between an ally and an enemy is the point of commonality. People who look similar, share the same values, or just believe in the same things tend to stick together when faced against someone different. The point of commonality against these Imperians is that we are all *biological*. The number of ridges on your faces or the gods we pray to for our salvation no longer matter," the Hirogen said holding back his last thought which he know would be looked upon as a prelude to insubordination.
"In other words he doesn't agree with Captain Rikar's decision to not render assistance to the Cardassians," the ship's Cns said looking directly at the CO. Susan understood the needs for the Sec/Tac Officer to remain *loyal* to the chain of command, but as the ship's Counselor Ens. Mei enjoyed a leeway in her ability to voice opinions.
"It is the responsibility of a CO to insure to both the success of a mission and the safety of their crew," Serenna said. "Therefore, Captain Rikar is perfectly right in her decision."
"With all due respect, Sir," the Hirogen said through clenched teeth, "a single ship, one as powerful as the HATHOR, could here and now do more than an entire fleet could later down the road. If these Imperians are allowed to entrench the war which would follow could last for decades and be far more costly to everyone."
"He does have a point," Derek followed up with. "Logically speaking, helping the Cardassians now while the Imperians are still trying to get a foothold in this part of the galaxy could end a war involving the Federation before it actually begins."
Everyone waited to see who their CO would react, but the woman showed no emotions either way. As she looked at Dawson, the CEO immediately understood the unspoken command and addressed the rest of the senior staff. "Alright people, this discussion is over for the time being. We have received our orders, so let's get to them. Everyone is to get at least 6 hours of rest, and don't try to pull a fast one on me because I'll be checking."
That they liked it or not everyone left the bridge, leaving their stations on automated systems for the time being. With the Cardassian occupied with these Imperians it was a pretty safe bet that their trip to SURIAL III would be a quite on.
###
Uxtar, Derek, Susan and Lea went to their quarters as ordered, each officer remaining quiet until they reached their doors and look onto the others.
"I think Serenna agrees with you," Susan said looking at the Hirogen. "She just can't go against what Captain Rikar has said, and in turn we cannot go against either one of them regardless if we think they are wrong."
"Well if we run into one of them along the way she will have to change her mind," the FCO said, evidently supporting the more proactive ways suggested by the Hirogen hunter.
"Once Lt. Cmdr. Enaii is back, *if* we get her back, maybe Captain Rikar will see things differently," Doctor Summers said in an uncertain sort of way before vanishing into her room leading the others to do the same.
Uxtar walked into his quarters and stopped for a moment letting all
that had been said sink in and wishing for a brief moment that Nico had been
here with them instead of stuck on NEW ALEXANDRIA. With the Nausicaan
by their side the Hirogen had been certain that the battle would end in
their favor, but instead of they would have to wait and see making
Uxtar almost wish for one of the Imperians to find their way to the HATHOR.
### 2006 post #039
Stardate: 60341.0530
Setting: USS HATHOR, Corridor
Stardate: 60341.0540
Mark Hutchings {h172mark16@fastmail.us}
Ensign Uxtar
Chief Security Officer
USS HATHOR
