USS Eagle Ready Room

When Nick Saunders entered, Captain Kirby could see he was openly nervous and uncomfortable.  Kirby supposed being summoned to see the commanding officer after resigning from Starfleet to go on a rescue mission the CO said he couldn’t do, would cause anyone to feel that way.

“I had a conversation with Lieutenant Iziraa,” said Kirby after a short, awkward silence.  “I’m glad you were able to rescue Miss Conway.  I’m also sorry about Kurtox.  I didn’t know him well, but he was an honorable man.”

“Thank you,” said Saunders.  His hands were clasped behind his back.  He nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

“I have something for you,” said Kirby after a second awkward silence.  He opened his desk drawer, placing a comm badge on its surface.

“Sir?”  Saunders had a surprised expression on his face.

“I was recently reminded that sometimes our duties lie outside of the uniform we wear.  Besides, you’re too good an engineer for me to let you walk away.”

A small, uncertain smile was on Saunders’ face.  “Thank you, sir.”

“There’s more,” said Kirby.  “Because you were openly disrespectful, I can’t have you here anymore.  You were a senior member of this crew and a department head.  You’re held to a higher standard.  You’re being transferred to Starbase 93.”

Saunders looked like he was gut-punched.  “Yes, sir.”  His voice was subdued.

“Since Miss Conway isn’t safe on Delvis anymore, I’ve arranged for her to live on 93, if she chooses.  She can find work there.  We’re leaving orbit within the hour.  You have that long to talk with her about it.”

Still another awkward silence was in the room, but this time, it felt like being wrapped in a wet, heavy blanket.

“I understand, Captain.  I’ll speak with Mara now, if I may.”

The hurt look on Saunders’ face almost made Kirby feel guilty, but there was accountability and consequences each of them had to face for their actions and choices.  Besides, if Saunders and Conway meant something to one another, this was a way for them to be together.

“Yes.  You’re dismissed.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Saunders.  “Sincerely.”  He turned to leave, stopped and faced the captain again.  “When you changed your mind and allowed me to go, you said you hoped it was worth it to me.  It was.”  He turned back to the door and walked out.

“I believe you.”