Executive Office

[Lieutenant Collins]

My argument, Major, was never that the ends justified the means, even though in both instances our help resulted in positive outcomes. However, I don't think your example applies here. I was not on the ship. Both times we were within an immediate and close distance to be able to affect those situations for the better.

If we were on the Aryes and a beam collapsed on a fellow crewman and you ordered me not assist... unless I was engaged in a task vital to the safety of the larger ship and crew... I would disobey you. It is not disrespect, and it is not a matter of discipline.

It boils down to why I even started indulging in the ancient mythology of these superheroes. Many people, mistakenly, think its about playing the hero and getting the adulation and the applause. But when you really look into the mythology most of those old heroes are heroes not because they want the attention, but because they have the abilities to help. That means they have an obligation. They can do something to stop suffering and what kind of person would deny that. Its not about the respect of others, but about the respect you can have for yourself. Why am I wearing this uniform if I cannot respect the man inside it.

And maybe my sense of individual duty was heightened by the roles we were playing, but that is still what I believe. With all that said, I understand your anger and disappointment in my actions. And I will accept whatever punishment you assign me.

[LtCol Kiele Christienne]

"I never said you would not be allowed to help, only that there was a correct way to go about doing it, a procedure that we all know and adhere to. Neither location nor distance are relevant. I can't have to constantly think ahead to "order" you to do or not to some something, like a child who needs to be told not to touch something he has already been told is dangerous."

"If you can't follow the established rules, you will have to save the world outside of Starfleet. You can do as expected of you and still respect yourself. I understand how you feel, but in essence you've just told me that if it suits you to do so, you will ignore an order and do as you believe you should."

"I will grant that there are instances when we are all faced with situations where an order restricts us from doing what we want and on occasion, we may also find ourselves needing to act against that order, and accepting the consequences however, this is only in the gravest of situations and after having exhausted all other possibilities. It is NOT something to be taken frivolously and any circumstance that does not fall under the conditions I just mentioned, is in fact, that."

"Unless and until you come to recognize that, my recommendation will be sent to the Captain that unless your specific expertise is required, that you not be allowed to participate on any further away teams. This is not a punishment. This is a safety measure because until you understand, you can not be trusted and others will be placed at risk as a result."

"Dismissed." Kiele cheeks were flushed pink. She never thought it would come to this. She's believed that all he needed was to hear the reasons he should not have done as he did and he would understand. He was as stubborn in his convictions as she was but she could not sanction those actions, no matter how deeply they were felt.

[Lieutenant Collins]

He thought of saying more but decided against it. Instead, Marshal stood and saluted. He turned on his heels and walked out the door.