Questioning Protocol

Posted on Mon May 15th, 2023 @ 10:28pm by Captain Allison DeBries & Lt Commander Andrei Persky

Mission: Mission 0: Introduction

ON

The paperwork never seemed to diminish. No matter how much she completed, more always came in. Status reports, crew updates, all manner of things.

The doors to her office opened without warning. DeBries didn't bother to look up as her peripheral vision took in an individual sitting - uninvited - across from her.

"What can I do for you, Andrei?" She asked, still reading the armoury inventory report. Only one person on the ship could just walk in, in such a manner.

"Why was Hill reassigned?" The matter-of-fact tone brook no evading the subject. "They were a good Officer. A man of standing with the State."

Finally, with a silent sigh, DeBries looked up. "Honestly, someone better came along, and a situation needed resolving."

"Yes." The word was drawn out, dripping with condescension. "I spoke to the Lieutenant. Something about security cracks in the system? You did away with a fine man, yet kept Swan? Command is going to have some serious questions for you."

DeBries stared at the man for ten seconds, the silence in the room becoming almost suffocating. While he would never admit it to anyone, Persky could feel the unease growing within him. The stare was uncomfortable to see.

"Swan, despite what the Agency thinks about her family, is a capable, and damned productive officer. If you had the willingness to look past whatever prejudice you have against her, you'd see that."

Persky's eyes narryslightly. "I won't bother asking how you know what the Agency thinks about her." He said, trying to get back to his point. "Could you have simply brought Ms. Summers as an assistant chief?'

DeBries was entirely straight forward, and matter-of-fact with her answer. "Her price for helping to fix the security holes was to head the department. Under the circumstances, as I said to her… she is either so good we want her, or our security is so bad we need her."

Persky sighed in resignation. "I see the reasoning. Doesn't mean I approve. You're playing a dangerous game, Captain."

"The game never stops, Commander. Rule 1."

"You and your damned rules." Persky had an almost note of amusement in his voice. "I heard about them. Thirty?"

"Forty-two." DeBries didn't smile. "Will that be all?"

Persky rose to his feet. "We'll see how Lieutenant Summers works out. This is on your head, Captain."

She watched the man leave, letting the doors close behind him. "When isn't it?" She asked the empty room.

OFF