Chapter IIa: Absolute Disaster

This is the thread for the crew members who have stayed on board of the USS Potential: Cass, RC and Dr. Zlam

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A few hours have passed since the Potential’s retreat from the X system where they were forced to leave their away team behind in the hands of pirates. Morale on the ship is low. Their trusted Captain Darcy is in a coma in sickbay, there are damages to the ship in different places, although thanks to the fast retreat, none of them are particularly dangerous, and four of their crewmates are missing in action.

All senior staff and acting department heads have been called into ops for an urgent communication from Spacefleet Command.
Cass, Dr. Zlam, RC, you arrive there and see that Lt. Orlik Mokk, acting head of the science department in absence of Zephyr, as well as Lt. Comm. Cassandra Darcy, the captain’s daughter and acting head of security, temporarily replacing M1-K3, are already there. They’re sitting next to each other to the left of the captain’s chair, which is empty.

The screen on the end of the table opposite to the captain’s chair is displaying a standby signal, ready to connect the Admiral’s call any moment.

Moira, you can almost feel Lt. Comm. Darcy's death stare. The two of you don't get along at all - you think she's got a stick up her butt about regulations and rules and she thinks you're an idiot who can't follow protocol. She doesn't say anything but you know she very much disapproves of your drinking.

"Commander Cassano", she says with a cold, professional voice, as she's turning towards Cass. "Admiral DeLeary is on standby, ready to give us our new orders. He has been informed of what has occured - and of your violation of regulations, with all due respect. We should not let the admiral wait any longer."

Marbo arrives a few moments late, all four of his arms carrying various tools and equipment. He sets them down beside his chair and reclines slightly to allow a better view of the transmission.
Commander. It is ready. Marbo believes to be 93% effective vs organic targets. Tested on rats found in maintenance. Good results.
He says, holding up a data pad and pointing at a series of flashing forumlae and equations, as well as a bunch of spreadsheet data.

The view screen lights up with the tired looking face of Admiral Adrian DeLeary. He looks at you all silently for a few seconds before his attention hones in on Cass.
"Commander we have received both your and Lieutenant Commander Darcy's report. This is a serious situation. You have violated protocol and endangered the lives of your crew." He pauses. "However, Spacefleet's first priority is to retrieve your lost officers and stop this epidemic of pirate attacks. To do this we will have to work together."

Before he can continue, Darcy speaks up: " Admiral, may I say something?" The admiral turns towards her and nods, his expression still serious.
"Commander Cassano' actions have endangered the entire crew and were in blatant violation of her direct orders. I request that she be removed from command immediately. As one of the highest ranking remaining officers on this ship, I ask for permission to take over command of the USS Potential until we can rendezvous with another ship to take a more suitable replacement on board."

[Post removed at this point and moved to later position to fit better]

"Marbo also disagrees. Tactical retreat. Necessary to preserve the Potential. No Potential. No Rescue. Away team would surely perish." Marbo interjects, still looking down at his datapad and working on it trying to finalize some formula required for the gas, which he has labeled Euphor-o-sleep.

"Marbo already has plan. Sleep gas. Pump through maintenance ports. Fast acting. Reclaim vessels, capture pirates."

The Admiral turns towards you, RC. "Well spoken, um, Lieutenant Commander Bruce, is it?" He then listens to Dr. Zlam and to Cass as they both give their statement. He does not interrupt but instead he listens and nods here and there. He maintains a professional appearance but after she finishes speaking, just for a second he gives Cass a friendly smile. "While Commander Cassano's actions were not in line with protocol, at this point, I do not see it necessary to remove her from command. Although her actions have proven unwise, they were reasonable, given the situation. And you are right, Commander, despite the loss of your crew members, your actions have revealed a plot that might have done much more damage to the Consortium in the long run. Commander Cassano, you will stay in command for now. Your objection to this decision is noted, Lieutenant Commander Darcy."

He folds his hands and stays silent for a second. "You will rendezvous with the USS Antarctica in the Temran system. Captain Tulak has been informed of the situation. Her crew has encountered these pirates before as well. You will work together with the Antarctica and devise a plan to rescue your missing crewmates. Although Captain Tulak outranks you, as commanding officer of the Potential, you will work on equal ground with her. Take this information about the genetic experiments to her." His eyes dart over to Darcy again and he adds: "If either of you thinks it neccessary, Lieutenant Commander Darcy can transfer to the Antarctica for the duration of this mission."