Posted by Captain Iphigenia Henao (Commanding Officer) in Let the Exploration Begin - XOs Office (FAO Admiral Dacascos)

Posted by Commander Oliver Loughty (Executive Officer) in Let the Exploration Begin - XOs Office (FAO Admiral Dacascos)

Posted by Mika Jackson in Let the Exploration Begin - XOs Office (FAO Admiral Dacascos)
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Oliver entered his office, the atmosphere mirroring the gravity of the situation. Tension lingered in the air as news of the lost communications during the away mission reverberated through the ship. Closing the door behind him, Oliver settled into his chair, the weight of uncertainty etched across his face. “Computer Priority one message to Admiral Eugene Dacascos, secure channel hades-threes” Oliver pinched the bridge of his nose, this was not going to be an easy conversation.

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

Admiral Dacascos’ stern aged face appeared on the viewscreen, his dark eyes showing a mix of concern and authority. “Commander Loughty, report,” he said, his deep voice cutting through the tension in the room. He leaned closer to the screen and continued, “What in the boundless cosmos is happening over there on the Leviathan?”

Admiral Dacascos

“We’re in the process of determining that, sir,” Oliver said, his tone hinting at a touch of defeat but swiftly returning to his composed reporting demeanor. “Upon reaching the planet, the away team, led by the Captain, disembarked without any complications. However, both the team and the Leviathan’s sensors detected seismic activity initiated by the local inhabitants. Initially appearing non-intelligent, a sudden deployment of a natural defense mechanism forced the Leviathan out of orbit, making an immediate rescue impossible. Contact with the away team has been lost, and we’re currently exploring our available options, sir.”

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

Admiral Dacascos raised a single eyebrow, his gaze piercing through the viewscreen. “Commander Loughty, Starfleet Regulation 14, Section 12, Paragraph C, which clearly states that the captain should not lead an away team unless absolutely necessary. Care to explain why Captain Henao defied this regulation? This regulation exist for a reason. Also, tell me, how did the crew of the Leviathan miss the signs of danger on that planet? Starfleet teaches us to be vigilant and observant. With the current situation I have to assume that you and Iphigenia were overlooking potential threats and therefore have put your crew in great danger, which is inexcusable. Starfleet expects its officers to be thorough in their assessments. Your crew must improve their observational skills and now your focus, Commander, is on retrieving the away team.” Dacascos was being hard on Loughty and he seem to realize it.

“Look Oliver, you are one of the best offcers we have in Starfleet. I have every inkling none of this is your fault. I know how Iphigenia can be and I know there was probably nothing you could do to stop her from leading that away team. However, this whole situation will come down on you and I don’t want that to happen. Do what you must to bring that away team back and I will have a word with Captain Henao when she returns.”

“I have every faith we will return the away team to the ship and see out the mission sir, you have my word admiral.” Was all Oliver could muster.

He nodded then said, “Dacascos out.”
The viewscreen went dark, leaving the tense atmosphere lingering in the XOs office.

Admiral Dacascos

Reprimanded for permitting the Captain to lead the away mission, Oliver grappled with a sense of responsibility, haunted by the idea that he hadn’t pressed the regulations on her more firmly. The weight of his position felt more pronounced than ever, and as he exhaled a long breath, the gravity of the situation settled on him. He lingered in his office, reflecting on the choices that had led to this point. With twenty minutes to spare, he decided to take action, recognizing the one recourse available to him. In a moment of introspection and need, seeking solace or perhaps a perspective to navigate the challenges that loomed ahead.

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan