Public Prostration

Posted on Fri May 3, 2019 @ 7:31am by Commander Caleb Ryan

269 words; about a 1 minute read

Mission: Doors of Perception
Location: Briefing Room
Timeline: MD 04 1300

Caleb glanced down at the padd in his hands again. He’d lost track of how many times he’d looked. He had the speech memorized by heart by now. He tapped it against his leg as he waited for Commander Soren to finish her remarks to the members of the press corps gathered in the briefing room. Her remarks were brief, and then Caleb stood up and went to the podium.

“Ladies and gentleman,” Caleb said, his Texas accent nearly gone. He could speak perfectly when he wished to, if he tried. “Thank you for coming this afternoon.” He stood stiffly, unnaturally for him. He just needed to get through this, even if he didn’t believe the bastard deserved one.

“Two days ago I let the questioning of a member of the press, Mr. Daniel Reyes, get under my skin, and I publicly assaulted him. This was conduct unbecoming of a Starfleet officer, and today I am offering my sincerest public apology for the harm I did Mr. Reyes. As a result of my actions, it has been decided that I will be placed on suspension for the next four days. Commander Soran will be taking over my duties as Executive Officer in the meantime. Thank you. That is all. There will be no questions.”

With that, Caleb walked out of the room. He returned to his office, tossed down the padd, poured himself a generous glass of whiskey, and sank down into his chair and leaned back in the dark, staring out at the curve of Pangea below the station.

FIN

Commander Caleb Ryan
Executive Officer

 

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