Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662
Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on May 28, 2021 2:59:53 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Front Ear - Private Quarters]After finally being released from Sickbay, with the promise that she would get lots of rest, Syl was in her quarters, staring at the blank console in front of her on the desk. She'd already showered, shaved her head to free herself of the grimy, dirty, bloody mats she'd been living with for a month and a half, and replicated a wig that matched her natural hair as closely as she could make it. It felt weird against her sore scalp, but at least it looked alright, and now she was dressed in clean clothes, just... waiting. Once she felt presentable, she had sent a message to Admiral Ellis to let her know she was ready to file her first report, but she didn't really expect the Admiral to drop everything and call her. No, she'd make her wait. People in positions of power such as her always made people wait on them, regardless of whether or not they were actually available. With a soft sigh, she leaned back in the chair, staring up at the dark ceiling above her. Part of her wondered if she should find something else to do while waiting, but she didn't particularly feel like doing anything. It seemed she had gotten accustomed to the boredom while in The Pit. Crossing one arm in front of her, she rested her other elbow against it, her fingertips trailing absently over the scarred skin on her neck. Only a few hours ago it had been raw, crusted and flaky. She'd also chosen to keep the scar on her waist from Solin's shiv, but just like the one on her leg no one else would ever be seeing it. It was just a reminder to herself of what she survived. Proof that she wasn't as weak as people thought she was. As long as she remembered her strength, she'd be able to keep fighting. Lost in her thoughts, she had no idea how much time passed while she stared up at the ceiling. Suddenly the silence was shattered by the chirping of her console, and she jumped. Quickly composing herself, she reached forward to press the button to receive the call.
Tag Felicity Ellis (Antoinette)
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Felicity Ellis
Command
Cap'n Mum
[TI11]
Posts: 719 Likes: 59 
Rank: Commander
Position: XO
Species: Human
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Post by Felicity Ellis on May 28, 2021 23:10:50 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Offices, Starfleet Command - San Francisco, Earth]O'Connell had been such a simple play, really. Straightforward and limited effort, barely worth getting out of bed for. Another string to Antoinette's busy bow. How unfortunate that the young woman had gone and done something as interesting as get captured, imprisoned and then used as a diplomatic pawn. The Admiral sighed and turned from the stunning vista beyond the tinted, smart glass that wrapped around her personal office, her long legs slipping beneath the desk once more with the movement. She could not blame O'Connell, she knew that the ensign hadn't meant to become a problem, or in any way extraordinary. That had just been circumstance, or close proximity to others whose stars burned a little brighter. If the young woman's parents were to be believed, this would be the most distinctive feat that their daughter would achieve. She made a mental note to check in with the O'Connells; a courtesy call. Perhaps some manner of gift basket. It was time. Antoinette put her game face on: regal, but brows furrowed just ever-so-slightly, suggesting she was feeling concern. "Ensign O'Connell," she greeted, eyes taking in the emaciated appearance, gaunt cheeks and... the wig. She'd have to go through some motions before they could get down to business. "This is past due, but for obvious reasons. I was pleased and relieved to hear that you were headed back to that Station." She avoided speaking the name Front Ear at all costs. "And you have reached out to me so quickly. Your commitment is to be commended."
Tag: Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662
Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on May 29, 2021 2:58:26 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Front Ear - Private Quarters]While the young Ensign hadn't been sure what kind of greeting to expect from the Admiral, the gentleness expressed when the call connected had certainly not been it. She blinked and swallowed, pausing for just a moment before replying. "Thank you, ma'am. I didn't see a reason to delay this any longer than necessary." It wasn't like she had anything else to do. Well... she probably should be sleeping, but there would be more than enough time for that after she had held up her end of the bargain that brought her to this station in the first place. Had that really only been a couple months ago? Everything felt so different now. "I won't waste your time with pleasantries," she continued, though Syl really didn't feel like talking. The sooner she got this over with, the better. "While I obviously wasn't in a position to observe as much I would have hoped to in this time, I can already tell you that Captain Eastman is too close to her officers and crew. She doesn't maintain a professional barrier." It felt strange to her, speaking so matter-of-factly about a woman she had only had two conversations with. However, the one that had happened just a few hours earlier had been far more telling than the extended one on Caldonia. Syl paused then, waiting to know if that was something the Admiral was already aware of, or if she'd need to go into more detail about it.
Tag Felicity Ellis
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Felicity Ellis
Command
Cap'n Mum
[TI11]
Posts: 719 Likes: 59
Rank: Commander
Position: XO
Species: Human
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Post by Felicity Ellis on May 29, 2021 21:25:07 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Offices, Starfleet Command - San Francisco, Earth]"Good," Antoinette said with approval, though whether it was in response to O'Connell's need for expedience, or her need to dispense with pleasantries, was unclear. Very probably both. The Admiral interlaced her fingers together and rested her hands on the table, leaning forward, giving the reporting ensign her full attention. She nodded thoughtfully at the note regarding Eastman, but did not look surprised. "An keen observation, perhaps. Tell me what it was exactly that led you to this opinion on the Captain?"
Tag: Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662
Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on May 29, 2021 23:06:35 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Front Ear - Private Quarters]Syl paused for a moment, trying to put her thoughts into words. So much of it was beneath the surface, pieces of a puzzle she was still putting together, but the most telling occurrence was the first words out of the older woman's mouth when she walked into Sickbay a few hours before. "I was sitting right across from her when Ma - Commander Harmon," That was going to take some getting used to. "came over and told her he'd found a guide, and was taking a team away from the summit to release the shrews that had infested the station earlier in the year. He told me he needed a pilot, and sent me to meet the others. Captain Eastman didn't question the timing. Didn't question why he'd need to take the team away from the diplomatic summit before it had even truly started, didn't question why we couldn't wait until morning to release the shrews." It had seemed slightly odd to her at the time, but she'd assumed it was just because she trusted her Senior Officer, or perhaps they had already discussed prior to arriving that he would take the team into the mountains as soon as he was able to find a guide. She realized now the former was far more likely. "No one knew what was really going on, until we'd released the shrews and he gave me coordinates to a third location, in the desert. He explained his plan, gave us the option to remain behind. Made it clear we were acting on our own accord, no one would order any of us to continue. She paused there, making sure she wasn't missing anything, at least from this particular encounter. "When we arrived back at the station... Captain Eastman came to meet us in Sickbay. She was crying, and the first words out of her mouth were an apology. She handled it as if she had been the one who ordered us to go the prison. There were no questions, no reports to file, no... accountability. It feels like anyone on her crew could go out and become a vigilante for galactic justice, behind her back and without her knowledge, and there won't be any formal consequences regardless of how it turns out." She leaned back slightly in the chair, folding her hands in her lap as she waited for a response to her description.
Tag Felicity Ellis
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Felicity Ellis
Command
Cap'n Mum
[TI11]
Posts: 719 Likes: 59
Rank: Commander
Position: XO
Species: Human
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Post by Felicity Ellis on Jun 1, 2021 22:01:47 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Offices, Starfleet Command - San Francisco, Earth]"Plausible deniability," Antoinette mused aloud, nodding in agreement with O'Connell's observations. The Admiral could not decide if it was laziness on the part of Eastman, or an inability to say 'no' to certain officers. Or perhaps she believed in their cause herself. Antoinette didn't believe that the rest of the group weren't aware before getting on that shuttle of what they were there for. O'Connell was green; wide-eyed and innocent, perhaps she was kept in the dark on purpose. Or it was possible she was lying about their collective ignorance to protect them. That mattered not at that moment to Antoinette; her job was to fry bigger fish. "It seems that you are correct in your assessment, Ensign, based on this account. But often, motives aren't quite as clear as they seem to be. In the absence of experience, we often project our own feelings or rationales onto others in an effort to make them make sense. It is possible that Captain Eastman isn't aware of her senior officers' comings and goings, but I believe that to be unlikely. Conveniently ignoring them when they act certain ways is just as bad as having issued the orders herself."This was what Antoinette was good at, it was one of the reasons why she stood at the top of the pyramid. Her daughter would assign feelings and apply useless, airy-fairy methodology to the organisational psychology of it all, but that only detracted from the achievements to be gained. "Such a quality in a leader can be very dangerous." She leaned forward, her eyes earnest. "Ensign, more and more faces are turning toward the Station. The area has become one of great interest, and not just to us. It is imperative that we retain a strong front out there."Once she was sure her point was made, she leaned back a little, her expression returning to normal. "None of you have received any kind of reprimand? What about official debriefings?" She tapped a couple of notes into the PADD to her right.
Tag: Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662
Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on Jun 2, 2021 10:45:35 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Front Ear - Private Quarters]The Ensign listened as the Admiral spoke, digesting what she was told. The explanation made sense, and she was glad that regardless of how she interpreted the behavior, the information was still useful. When the other woman leaned towards the screen, speaking earnestly, Syl stiffened slightly, but managed to keep herself from leaning back. What she said next was rather cryptic about eyes turning towards that region of space, and those on the station needing to appear unified. What the hell had she come back to? Before she could ask for any details on the matter, the conversation shifted back to their arrival, and lack of discipline. Syl shook her head in confirmation. "Nothing. We were transported straight to Sickbay, the Captain met us there. She walked in, apologized, told us we were not being charged with anything, and walked out." Granted, they had only been back for less than twelve hours... They were in pretty poor shape when they arrived... And the others seemed about ready to tear someone apart if they didn't like what they heard. But none of that seemed like anything the Admiral needed to know right now.
Tag Felicity Ellis
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Felicity Ellis
Command
Cap'n Mum
[TI11]
Posts: 719 Likes: 59
Rank: Commander
Position: XO
Species: Human
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Post by Felicity Ellis on Jun 3, 2021 21:35:52 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Offices, Starfleet Command - San Francisco, Earth]Antoinette tutted loudly, several times, and shook her head. She was most displeased. "I believe that is rather irresponsible. Negligent. There are many reasons to have debriefs, not least of all to check in on the emotional wellbeing of the returning officers."Personally, she didn't care about their emotional wellbeing, but most humans required at least a token display of support in order to be functioning members of a crew. Other species were easier in that regard, but everyone needed something. Recognition, a shoulder to cry on, a boot to lodge in their behind to get them moving again. It was surprising that none of these things were offered to the returning three officers. "And what of Lieutenant Commander Harmon? I have not yet seen any reports from him or about him."The other function of a debriefing was to collect information. Each of them had priceless intel on the Caldonians and Kurjarians. First-hand experience and accounts of many aspects of their society, and nobody on that Station had yet thought it prudent to collect it. It was this that irritated Antoinette the most.
Tag: Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662
Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on Jun 3, 2021 23:52:06 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Front Ear - Private Quarters]Syl nodded again, relaxing slightly as it seemed more obvious that the information she'd provided was at least useful to the Admiral. "I agree, ma'am." She replied in regard to the reasons for debriefing. At the very least, the Captain could have told them she'd schedule a debriefing, if their medical treatment took precedence for her, or if she wanted to wait for a time the civilians would not be around to voice their displeasure. When the conversation turned to Matt, Syl hesitated only slightly. She hadn't been expecting to discuss the details of the others, but she knew better than to avoid answering. "Commander Harmon was injured the worst. He was still being treating when I was released from Sickbay." Hopefully that would be satisfactory enough...
Tag Felicity Ellis
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Felicity Ellis
Command
Cap'n Mum
[TI11]
Posts: 719 Likes: 59
Rank: Commander
Position: XO
Species: Human
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Post by Felicity Ellis on Jun 4, 2021 21:15:46 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Offices, Starfleet Command - San Francisco, Earth]"I see."Injuries aside, this was a fundamental part of the job that Eastman was completely ignoring, and she would have to answer for it - one way or another. "And Baker? If Captain Eastman is unwilling to do the work, perhaps someone else can do it for her."It was Antoinette's roundabout way of asking was anyone on that team doing the necessary work. Perhaps they'd been left for too long without any oversight. That would have to change. Once the opportunity presented itself, the Admiral relayed a tidbit of information of her own. "You will be receiving a new XO very soon. I will expect reports on this officer just the same as any other."
Tag: Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662
Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on Jun 4, 2021 21:37:14 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Front Ear - Private Quarters]Her jaw flexed slightly, as she wasn't entirely sure what the Admiral was hinting at. "Commander Baker was focused on providing the care we needed." As she was still the Chief Medical Officer, Syl didn't see that as being negligent of her duties in the slightest. "Though she did answer the questions we had that Captain Eastman didn't." When the mention came of a new XO arriving on the station, Syl tilted her head slightly. Why would they need a new XO? Unless someone was getting transferred. Or demoted. The Ensign swallowed, a hand reaching up to scratch at her head, only to stop and lower to her lap once more at the feel of the wig. Hopefully her hair would grow back soon... "Yes ma'am, of course." She replied simply, knowing better than to ask too many questions. It wasn't her intention to get Captain Eastman in trouble... While she may not like how the Caldonia situation had been handled, she didn't believe it was cause for demotion. But that certainly wasn't her call to make.
Tag Felicity Ellis
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Felicity Ellis
Command
Cap'n Mum
[TI11]
Posts: 719 Likes: 59
Rank: Commander
Position: XO
Species: Human
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Post by Felicity Ellis on Jun 4, 2021 22:21:49 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Offices, Starfleet Command - San Francisco, Earth]It would seem that nobody with decent clearance on that Station was ready to assume responsibility for the Caldonia mess. Perhaps they were each waiting to see what the other did, what HQ would do. Some would call it cowardice, others, cautious, looking after the one and not the many. "That'll be all for today, thank you, Ensign. I will expect more information during our next call, as you'll be exposed more now that you're back."She leaned back, mind already on her next task of the evening. But before she signed off, she had a little piece of advice to impart. "Have Medical replicate a hair follicle stimulator, for crying out loud, it's a Federation facility you're on, not some backwood Maquis outpost."The viewscreen blinked and she was gone.
Tag: Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662
Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on Jun 5, 2021 2:40:15 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Front Ear - Private Quarters]"Yes, ma'am." was her only reply when told more information would be expected in her next report. She certainly hoped she'd be able to get more than she had in the four days she'd currently spent on the station. Though she wasn't sure just how much she'd be able to get until she was cleared for duty again. She would just have to keep her ear to the ground in the meantime. At the final parting comment before the call was disconnected, Syl grit her teeth and rolled her eyes at the now-black screen. "You must get along well with my mom, too," she muttered under her breath. Standing up, she left her desk and sprawled across the too-comfortable couch. With that job done, she could finally follow the doctor's orders and rest.
Exit tag Felicity Ellis
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