What were you thinking!

Posted on Wed Nov 27th, 2019 @ 9:05pm by Commodore Jane Saulitis

Mission: For Whom The Bell Tolls
Location: Ante Room
Timeline: MD 13 10:00 Hours
840 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

After delivering Emnath to her quarters, and posting two guards outside, Lhaes returned to the grand hall's ante-room. "You wanted to speak with me?" he asked, somewhat unnecessarily.

"Yes, have a seat Commander." Jane was rubbing her forehead. People were not supposed to get headaches in this century, their causes had been eradicated. She was pretty sure it was just tension. Dealing with the delegates was taking it's toll. Jane took a deep breath and began. "I know that you are planning on marrying my mother and that this makes our situation a little awkward. But, I'd really like to continue as if you are my security chief, which is indeed what you are."

"I wouldn't have it any other way ma'am," Lhaes reassured her, "I thought we had already decided on such? I'm your security chief, not your stepfather once we are married, I would prefer our relation to be strictly captain and officer." Though of course he wouldn't keep her from the children if she did desire to spend time with them.

"Just making myself clear before I ask what you were thinking by interrupting the negotiations like that?" She wasn't really mad just incredibly surprised and rather disappointed that he hadn't had more tact to have done it before or during a break.

"People trust their leaders," Lhaes answered thoughtfully, "or at least are meant to. My staff observed her suspect behaviour and on my orders investigated what she was doing. I don't have the full details just yet but I felt it necessary to show that she can't be trusted. I do have proof of her altering records." He offered a PADD to her.

"Oh I assumed you did, I'm just reminding you that starting an international incident is a bad thing." Her point seemed to be lost on him. "When did you become aware of this situation?" She asked, going about it another way.

"When Crewman Crow observed her sneaking around security," Lhaes answered. "The girl likes to snoop, and I swear it'll get her in trouble at some point but she saw the minister get into one of the offices without alerting anyone. She seemed agitted and jittery, constantly glancing about herself as if trying not to be discovered. Miss Crow, for all the inexperienced she is, is quite the gossip ma'am.. and perhaps too curious for her own good but without her we probably never would've noticed."

For some inexplicable reason Jane was trying not to smile. He most likely had the implant still in his head, perhaps that was why he seemed so amusing. "Sounds like you're the perfect person to educate Miss Crow. But the point I'm making is that you should have come to me directly, you should have pulled me out of the room, or said something before the negotiations started. We could have an international incident on our hands if one of the other delegates takes offense to how Minister Emnath was detained."

"Yes I am going to make a point of training the security staff on etiquette and gossip... I won't tolerate gossip." He sighed. "Perhaps, but I didn't know for sure until my guard handed me the information I've just given you. I wouldn't be a very good chief if I made accusations without proof. The others are safe, we have not observed untoward actions from them, and the Minister will be treated according to her station ma'am. She is in her quarters, under guard."

Jane felt like banging her head on the desk. "You know what nevermind. Just keep an eye on Minister Emnath, send me all your evidence and I will forward it to the other ministers as needed. Hopefully Ms. Reed can find a suitable replacement in time to finish the negotiations."

He could sense her frustration but he couldn't quite understand it. Perhaps he was still thinking too much as an intelligence officer? "Yes we will keep an eye on her...do you wish for her to remain under house arrest or simply accompanied at all times?"

"Let's call it house detainment. I don't want her roaming around on my ship, who knows what her real purpose was." After having a saboteur her first mission, Jane wasn't going to take any chances. "Let me know if you find anything else. In the meantime . . . you're dismissed."

"Yes ma'am," the security answered, pushing himself up from his seat. "Do you want me to return to the reception?"

"I think it's probably a good idea if you don't, given the interruption this morning. I will have T'Par keep an eye on things in your absence so you can focus on the evidence for Minister Emnath, or whoever she is."

"As you wish." He gave a final nod before walking out of the room. Parties weren't his thing anyway so he felt a little relieved at not having to return.

Jane, relieved that he was finally gone, could now mumble in peace.

---

Captain Jane Saulitis
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Commander Lhaes Sommers
Chief Security/Tactical Officer