Family Affairs

Posted on Mon Oct 16th, 2017 @ 10:54pm by Captain Michelle Bartlett

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/3
Location: CDO's Office
Timeline: June 16, 2399 @ 1430

Now that watch was finally over, Michelle went about to carrying out Jason's request. She was uncomfortable with the conversation that happened between her and Bowman. For reasons passing her understanding, Bowman was she was far too combative, but she knew that her old CO was right. Something was up here. And as dreadfully outlandish as Commander Mo'Bri's theory had been only a day ago, 9 officers were now dead and there was reason to suspect the Klingons.

What would one say to the Commanding Officer's siblings? 'Hey, how are ya? Has Olivia wanted to blow the Federation up lately?'. She chuckled at the thought of opening with that but quickly found other words to make her point.

"Computer, open secure channel to USS Granger. Lieutenant James Bowman." Michelle said, waiting for the channel to be opened and for Bowman's brother to pick up.

"Commander. Is there something I can do for you, ma'am?" Bowman asked.

"I'm hoping so." Michelle said. "I'm Commander Bartlett, Acting First Officer of the USS Wellington."

"First Officer..." James said with some concern. "Is my sister okay? There's been rumours that some officers were killed on that ship."

"Your sister is fine, but I'm afraid the rumours are true. Our Captain and most of the bridge crew were killed. Commander Bowman is now in charge until the end of the current assignment."

James was relieved. The life his family led took a lot out of him. "I see. Was this just a courtesy to inform me?"

Michelle shook her head. "I'm afraid not. Lieutenant, the last few months Commander Bowman has behaved very... strangely. Aggressively, almost hostile to Federation values. You saw her last when your father died, did you not?"

"Commander, is my sister under investigation? Because with all due respect, I'd rather not comment on anything--" James was about to say before Michelle put up her hand to cut him off.

"She's not." Michelle said, thinking quickly on her feet. "But she is to be reassigned and I've been ordered by Commodore Myers to question family about this behaviour in hopes we can address it and assign her a proper command."

"I see." James said. "There were a few things that worried us. I mean... Ma'am, it was the strangest thing. She seemed ready to throw in the towel and resign from Starfleet. She felt it wasn't the life she wanted anymore. She wanted to be her own person and not live her father's dream anymore. He was pretty demanding of us all and harder on her. He wanted her to make Captain before 45. She kind of felt trapped."

"Would it be enough for her to consider... Would she act in a way contrary to Federation values as a result of this?" Michelle asked.

"I don't think she has a treasonous bone in her body, ma'am." James said. "And I'm not just saying that because she's my sister. Are you sure she's not under investigation?"

"Obviously, Lieutenant if she was I would not be able to tell you." Michelle said. "But if you must know, there was an incident in which she seemed to express some negative sentiments towards the Federation and its allies, and the Commodore is worried that knowledge of this may preclude her from a command role."

"She wouldn't betray the Federation. She thinks the Maquis got what they deserved at the hands of the Cardassians. She views them as traitors and petty thugs. So... I'm afraid it sounds like someone is just stirring the pot."

"She never said anything when she was away a couple weeks on extended leave, visiting you and your mother?" Michelle asked.

At that point, James looked up in confusion. "You've lost me again, ma'am."

"Commander Bowman commed Captain Ross 4 months ago and informed she was going to be taking extended leave." Michelle said. "I reviewed it in his log."

"Ma'am, it's possible she might have done that but I don't know what you're talking about. She left the morning after the funeral. We were actually disappointed by that." James said. "Far be it from me to challenge a flag officer but does this Commodore know what he's even talking about? Wherever he's getting his information is obviously quite wrong. She didn't stay with us."

"I do suspect you're right, Mr. Bowman. I will address this with Commodore Myers. Thank you for your time."

"Any time, ma'am. And tell Livvy to call some time. I miss hearing from her." James said. "Bowman out."

Michelle sat back in her chair as her aide came in. "Everything all right, Commander?"

"No." Michelle said. "Something is definitely not right."


Commander Michelle Bartlett
Acting Executive Officer/Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Wellington

Lieutenant James Bowman
Security Officer
USS Granger