Elleen Get's Promoted

(against her will)

A Republic of Earth Story

By David R. Dorrycott

Lt. Commander Richardson worked through his mind the events that had led up to his meeting this evening with Captain Mathersit. She had been going over the Command Roster on her annual review, selecting those that should be promoted, demoted or reassigned, when she came to Damage Control. She’d belatedly realized that Lt. Whikersham been filling two positions, Chief Engineer and Chief of Damage Control for over a year. "How did that slip my notice" she had asked him.

"Quite simply Captain" he'd answered. "We we're still working to establish a homebase in this galaxy. Several records had simply missed their standard updates due to losses in battle and the heavy workload. Here you can see where Lieutenant Mardel's death slipped through. He had been listed as dead everywhere but his duty section. I believe the correction occurred not long after your last review. Just before the trade Alliance with the Varen I believe."

"I see, lets make certain it won't happen again. Who have we got we can promote to the job."

"Chief Ka is next in line for promotion." Richardson answered.

Mathersit gave him a questioning look. "Chief Ka has indicated she has no desire for such rank. Come to think of it, she's even dodged two commendations that I can remember. That's very strange. If something is wrong we better find out now before some time bomb explodes and we find ourselves in trouble."

"I believe we are already in trouble Mam” Richardson reminded his Captain. “Being as we are in a completely different galaxy than out own with no possibility of returning or contacting home. However I do understand what you are referring to. I'll begin an investigation immediately. However Captain, unless Chief Ka moves to another area or retires, there's no one in her section we could possible promote above her. She outranks everyone else by at least two steps, having six years three months and two days more seniority."

"No one retires Richardson” Captain Mathersit noted, her constant exhaustion showing in her voice. “Not unless they find a friendly willing to take there place, and in this galaxy friendly aliens seem darned few and far between. We could always transfer someone else in. Assign her to the base and.. Forget her" she noted. "If the Chief has a valid reason not to accept a commission I'm not about to force one on her. No matter how much I think she deserves it, or how badly I need her in that position. I want you to make this a priority. Talk to Doctor White. She see's him enough. And her friends. I want a report and a decision by 0900 tomorrow."

"Yes Captain, will there be anything else?"

Mathersit returned to her display, "Yes. We still have three other transfer possibilities to look at in the Computer Sciences labs" she replied.

Half an hour later Richardson found himself reading a surprisingly empty personal record. Suspiciously empty he realized. "No one could be in the Republic’s Fleet twenty-two years and not have more than a half dozen bar fights on their record" he reminded himself. "Not even an alien like her. Something is very odd about this record. Very odd." His next discovery was even more disquieting. Other than Doctor White, Lt. Whikersham, Mr. Andrews, the two men she worked with daily and a couple of Security Officers, almost no one even knew she was aboard. It was like she was a ghost. There, doing her job, staying out of the way. There simply was no indication of a social life. "Interesting" he decided. "Why would a Fleet Non-Com of her rank and position be so unknown."

His third, and most disquieting discovery was her near absolute lack of friends. Only Lt. Whikersham, Lt. Mikelss and Mr. Andrews considered themselves close friends of the eH dHar mouseling. Andrews he automatically discounted as the moral ‘officer’ considered himself everyone's close friend. "Very strange” he’d admitted. “Perhaps Doctor White can shed some light on this problem." He certainly didn’t want to bother Special Ops with this. There was never any way of knowing how that man would react. Not with aliens involved.

"Of course Lt. Comander” Dr. White explained when asked. He assumed a pose of one teaching a child how to think. “Chief Ka expresses the classic symptoms of a badly bruised psych. Why shouldn't she? She's an eH dHar female. If Chief Ka behaved any other way then I'd be worried. For her race this is a normal, healthy psych."

Richardson looked at the doctor in disbelief. "The fleet would not have accepted a cadet who hid from social interaction. Not to mention possibly making changes to their personal history."

“Lt. Commander Richardson" the doctor explained softly, "Fleet had no idea what they would be getting when fourteen women from a race that valued its privacy arrived. Nor did the Republic. Other than your colony world of Bridell, where the only eH dHar embassy stands, no eH dHar females had ever been seen. They just never left their homeworlds. Ever. It wasn't until I'd been treating her almost three years that the pieces fell into place. Chief Rhy's race must be... No... Is a male dominated civilization where females have little, if any value above having babies. In that kind of society a battered psych is normal. I have reason to suspect that a strong woman would simply be killed. Since Andrew’s arrival he has somehow managed to get the Chief into a monthly 'Mad Movie Meeting' with Lt. Whikersham and Lt. Mikelss. I've noticed that since the Chief began attending these her personality has changed somewhat. She is a little more outgoing, less apt to run away at the sight of any officer while off duty. Still I do wish I had a reason to force her to attend a weekly counseling session. It would do her a world of good.”

Doctor White tapped a finger on his chin as he thought. “You know, now that I think of it. I'm afraid that from comments I overheard while treating the away teams from their last mission Chief Ka behaved wildly out of character. Both facing off an attacking animal with a strong show of violence, to what I suspect was an attempted suicide. Neither are actions I'd expect of her and both are probably directly related to the DIF she’s currently experiencing. But like everything else, the Chief's behavior is just above the levels that would allow me to call her in or relieve her of duty. Now if, like you suggest, she became an officer..." Dr. White smiled, turning away to access his aging terminal, bringing up Ka's record. "Yes. That would do nicely." He cleared the screen, turning back to face Richardson. "In answer to your unasked question. As long as Ka is never placed in a life or death Command position she should function quite well as an officer."

"This DIF. As I understand it, isn't it like going into season for most animals" Richardson asked, setting himself for another long winded ‘I know more than you do’ answer.

"Like and unlike. DIF like ‘heat’ in animals occurs only in females. Unlike ‘heat’ it occurs only once in their life, and only if they are unattached. It is a mental rather than physical event. Right now Chief Ka is feeling an enhanced interest in members of her sexual choice. In her case women. A few women have noted her sudden interest, followed by an almost instant disinterest. As if one part of her mind was trying to make her choose while the other was fighting it. This isn't like what I had been lead to expect. She should be making advances on every female around her. Not turning cold a moment after expressing interest."

"Perhaps her experiences on Bridell had something to do with it. I understand she took Buddhistic training there."

"Yes!" the doctor fairly exploded. "Of course. She's had to have had training in Bridell Buddhism meditation techniques. I've probably watched her use them when in pain and never realized. Of course. How foolish of me. Why it must be tearing her apart inside. No wonder she had a breakdown."

"Breakdown? When and how." Richardson asked, suddenly very concerned.

"One of the scientists, um Maxwell it was, had a personal meeting with me last week about it. It seems Chief Ka was having a terrible day. At least several attacks of DIF, then Maxwell accidently treated her like a first year cadet. Let me show you." He called up a record, selecting a point and starting playback. Lia Maxwell was talking.

"I was so wound up in my own ideas, I was discarding everyone else's, and some of Chief Ka’s were very good. Then I hit her with a project she was not equipped to handle. I should have known a career Damage Control Officer couldn't possibly be up to date with nanotechnology. It was the straw that broke the camels back. She just ran out crying..."

Stopping the playback the doctor turned back to Richardson. "Basically her emotions were totally overwhelmed. Her fragile control was completely shattered by several well placed, if not meant hits to her self worth. Lia Maxwell also mention she'd noticed Ka 'Giving Whikersham and her the eye', and for quite some time. Chief Ka had a crying episode. Perfectly healthy for most races, if you get it all out at one time. Lia wisely left the Chief to herself and immediately reported the incident to me. I had the computer monitor Ka until she regained control. Quite admirable I might say. There was no self depreciation or attacks at others. Just a short conversation with herself about her position and responsibilities, then she returned to her quarters and went bed."

"And your certain this wouldn't make her unfit for duty. Much less the demands of an officers position?"

"Lt. Richardson, sir. I seem to remember that under certain religious observances Bridells have extreme emotional outbreaks. After it's over, does that make them less suitable for duty? The DIF, tho much different in concept and target is basically the same. If Chief Ka finds a partner the problem will vanish,

unbelievable rapidly. If not, she'll be about as emotional as a log for some time. I think full recovery

was stated to be two to ten years? Those eH dHar records were quite candid about their medical data. They gave Fleet everything they had on females in order that the 'experiment' be as fair as possible. Once her current problem is over, no more than a month I'd ascertain from the readings I have already taken, it will be over. One way or another, and... Unlike ‘heat’ it will never return."

"Thank you doctor. You have been most helpful." Richardson picked up his notepad. "I'll have to speak to Andrews next. Thank you for your time."

"Anytime Lt. Commander. Anytime."

Richardson was certain that neither the Republic or Fleet had ever suspected that all fourteen eH dHar women that had been sent by their government. That they apparently had little choice in the matter. Feet, or possibly having their heads removed. That Chief Ka had forged a friendship based on a mutual love of bad movies had been interesting. It showed a strong mind, quick to grasp subdulties, difficult to anger. Rhy's rapid advancement to her current position could only be explained by her education on Bridell. And who was this mysterious female on Bridell in Ka’s records that she had taken as a lover. A Bridell woman interested in females only was not unheard of, nor was it disquieting. But, like almost all males, Richardson found the coupling... interesting. In any case her avoidance of being noticed, of actively dodging taking a position of higher responsablity was now crystal clear. Deep down she still was frightened of losing her head for being 'too strong.' Well the doctors consoling sessions would ease that problem nicely.

His interview with Andrews, as he'd suspected, had garnered little new. The man simply hd seen a problem and addressed it. Once they was taken care of he’d move to another problem. Although it was obvious that Anderson loved his job, he was simply overworked by their current situation. Unable to make detailed records like he was used to.

His interviews with Whikersham and Mikelss had yielded a goldmine however. Apparently once she'd gotten used to being around specific officers the mouse had opened up. Her admission to Marie recently of her feelings of love for a human female, one Lt. Osbourne, was good news. If the Lt. felt the same attraction.. He'd have to broach that subject gently, still... If the Lt. was also attracted then there were no more barriers to Chief Ka’s advancement. After a little matchmaking but the command crew that is. Then finding a way to get her to accept the advancement. He'd come to realize the mouse had brought being a 'Ghost' in the fleet to a high art. It would prove difficult at best. But not impossible. If he could only find a hook. It was the most interesting challenge he’d had since they had entered that thrice-damned alien ring.

Later, sitting at his desk, going over his notes with the Captain and Commander Van Dam, Richardson

could find only two reasons not to commend Ka for advancement. Her strangely vacant record and

her avoidance of social interaction. The first he'd have to confront the mouse with personally. The second could be cured simply by forcing her to reduce her work hours except in emergencies. He shook his head lightly at the work record. Even he rarely put that many hours in a week. As he remembered, doing so required a massive release of stress. Stress he usually released by working on his paintings. Obviously the mouse had the same problem, her monthly movie nights might just be that release. "However I believe she requires more time than she's getting. I will arrange those four to have two nights together a month, rather than one" he informed Captain Mathersit. "It will advance her growing character, give her strength and allow her further release of pressure."

Standing he made to take his leave. "I must interview Lt. Osbourne, then Chief Ka. The Lt's interview shouldn't take more than half an hour. You'll be ready to listen in to my interview with Ka?"

Both nodded agreement. "Her voice and words will tell more than a simple report" Van Dam agreed. "They will bare her soul. If she has been hiding crimes, or is too weak then it is best we know now."

"I agree" the Captain added. "But I'll bet you a weeks tomato rations its not crimes against Fleet she's hiding. I think the reason she's been avoiding notice by Fleet is culture based. I want to know why anyone who made a career of Fleet would do that, and how. It's unheard of to my knowledge."

“I concur” Richardson bowed ever so slightly as he left.

Chief Elleen Ka dragged herself into her quarters as usual, totally exhausted. Six days of almost non-

stop working on the secondary medical program while listening to Lt. Pags was mentally draining. 'Thank grandfather she's about bug free' Elleen thought. Tossing her notepad on the bed table she pealed off her tunic, carefully removing the comm and rank badges before tossing it to the cycler. A flash of light and the sweat stained clothing was returned to the combiners basic storage, her pants soon followed. Wanting sleep more than anything else she stared hungrily at the bed a moment before her basic habits took over. Picking up her comm bracelet and badge she dropped them in a bowl next to her bed before forcing herself into the shower.

Half an hour later she emerged, her fur nor fluffed after drying to hear her door chime calling. More awake now after her traditional ice cold shower (warm water required energy, the less she used the more others had available) she walked over to her tiny closet. 'I'd kill for a warm bath if I could' she thought as she answered the door from beside her bed.

"Who is it" she asked.

"Lt. Comander Richardson. May I come in please."

That woke the mouse fully. "A moment Sir. I just came out of the shower" she called, casting about for something to wear. The closest thing was her nightgown, 'You gotta be kidding' she laughed to herself, jerking open her closet and pulling out an old peasants dress. A gift from one of her closer friends now lifetimes away. It was a recreation of the classical, ancient Earth 'Hippie' dress and very comfortable to wear. Minutes later, having locked her bed against the wall for space and still buttoning her blouse, her tail sticking out below the hem instead of its special opening she stepped into the center of her quarters. "Enter" she called. The door unlocked, sliding open to allow the Bridell Officer in. "I am honored sir" she told him, bowing slightly as she stepped aside, thus missing his action as he touched his comm-bracelet in some strange pattern.

"There is no need to be Chief Ka. I am simply a superior officer. Nothing else. May I sit?"

Elleen nodded, searching the room with her eyes. Not set up in the traditional Bridell style, there simply wasn’t space with her bed down, so there was no obvious 'point of honor.' Doing the best she could Elleen pointed to the nearest equivalent position, taking the least Honored position herself, moving to sit cross legged on the floor. "How may I help you Sir" she asked after her visitor had settled down. Even after twenty-two years in Fleet she still felt odd looking directly at a superior. "Is there something about the medical program that you need clarified?"

"No. Nothing of that matter. The Captain asked me to look into your records. There are certain oddities I require clarified."

Elleen swallowed, her mind racing. As far as she knew none of her manipulations through the years could possible be proved. Noticed of course, she wasn't that good with computers, but she'd bet her head only one document still existed with the whole truth in it. Looking at Richardson she swallowed. She was betting her head she realized. Richardson was a Bridell. Sixteen years of living on Bridell had taught her many things. One was when asked a direct question by a Bridell the truth was your only option. They knew when you were lying and apparently eH dHar transmitted mentally on a frequency Bridells found easy to hear, when they were trying. "Sir" she almost whispered, her mouth suddenly dry. "I do not know what oddities you refer too." 'Truth' she thought to herself as scores of favors, gentle nudges and outright changes slid through her memory. With an effort she stilled her mind using tricks Tunia had taught her. Among other things. Her mind calmed the a moment Tunia's image came up.

"I have cross referenced your service record with that of the ships you served on, along with actions and awards. As far as my research has ascertained you should have been awarded twenty-three times. Seven for battles. Two for rescue operations. One science service. Ten commendations and four awards since Moonstar arrived in our current situation. Including that artifact a month ago. These are awards I am certain of and can prove. To date your record reflects only a single award. Longetivity. It appears you have managed to miss any good conduct award each cycle by becoming involved in a bar fight just weeks prior to the award date. A strange event, since you apparently never enter a bar at any other time. Do not lie eH dHar, I will see it. Tell me why you have been doing this."

Elleen nodded, she'd kept up with the list as he spoke. Her own, private diary proved thirty-nine awards. She had hoped she wouldn't have to let anyone know that, now she couldn't hide it anyway, not anymore. There was nothing for her but the truth and hope they used a sharp blade on her neck. "My last conversation with Harem Leader. She bade me promise never to make a NAME for myself. That an eH dHar woman would have a NAME would bring dishonor to her blood sire, her harem leader and her co-breeders. It would also stain the clan for a full generation. I have kept that promise sir and I intend to continue doing so."

Richardson actually blinked in surprise before he responded to her words. "I must inform you Chief that you have already failed, by your own actions. First you are the highest ranking eH dHar female in Fleet, one of the first fourteen of your race to enter Fleet training and one of the few to complete such training. These things alone will leave your taken name in Republic History books. You are the highest ranking enlisted person in the fleet ever, going back to its beginnings, to have only one award after so long a career. This marks you. You are also an official member of Moonstar, meaning any memorial service Fleet gave when Moonstar was lost, your name would have been called prominently. As would be your race and planet of origin. Chief Ka. It is not possible to serve in the Republic’s Fleet for twenty-two years and not make some sort of impact."

Elleen nodded, stunned. Her thoughts fairly screamed at Richardson. The Bridell Master couldn't miss picking them up. 'I tried so hard Leader’ she was telling herself. ‘So very hard. I do not deserve you smile. I failed you....' However, when she looked up again her face was serene, to any observer but a Bridell Master. "I see, what action against me do you intend?"

Richardson ignored her question, instead touched his notepad's surface, bringing up a list of questions. "When you served aboard the frigate PARTHON there was combat with a Kaskane 'trader'. According to the report Damage Control was instrumental in not only saving the ship, but winning the fight. It states, "Two of damage controls members worked unprotected outside the hull as we turned to face the attacking raider, patch-welding the forward ECCM grid before it could fire on us again. Their actions, at the endangerment of their own lives, not only saved this ship and crew but allowed us the precious time to reload our weapons and win the battle. I hereby commend both Officer Tander and his...." Richardson looked up, "Apparently the log became corrupted here. In any case, Lt. Tander and this 'unknown person' were awarded the Republic Award of Honor. It happens to be the Republic’s highest award, no one else aboard Moonstar has such. While Lt. Tander received his award this enlisted person was somehow... Overlooked? Can you explain this?"

Trapped Elleen realized. Well they were far away from home. An impossible distance from home and once it was all out Captain Mathersit would probably drop her out an airlock, wipe the records and list her as 'missing.' She took a deep breath. Knowing it was over. Her hiding, her career, everything. Especially her life. "Very well Lt. Comander Richardson. Lt. Commander Barens had a 'thing' for me. He wasn't aware of my races background and took my silence at his advances as a sign to continue. After the battle there was quite a bit of celebration... I... I woke to find him in my bed. The next morning he apologized, informed me he would tell the Captain immediately. Commander Barens was a good officer sir. He died fighting in Faraguts Cleft commanding his own ship, helping hold the line until Fleet reinforcements arrived. We... we made a deal. He'd make sure my name was never mentioned in any further official reports, remove my name from the awards list and arrange any inquires to 'fade away'. I'd keep my mouth shut about his actions." She hung her head, "eH dHar are not cross compatible with humans sir. At least not to my knowledge. There wasn't any chance of me... well... And my blood is based on aluminum so I couldn't catch anything from him. Or he from me. It wasn't like I was a virgin. No eH dHar female over ten is. It was an accident, no one to blame. And... It helped me hide my involvement....."

Richardson nodded, "Understood Chief. Now, as too...." The interrogation went on until long after Alpha shift came on duty. Elleen explaining what really happened and how she'd covered it. Changing records, calling in favors, denying involvement... Whatever it took. Even to admitting to her diary, the one record she'd kept of her day-to-day life since escaping certain execution for being 'genetically abnormal'.

By the time Richardson stood to leave Ka was drained. "I'm afraid I will have to confine you to quarters Ellen Na Ka. At least until this investigation is over" he told her. "Would you please get your diary? I would rather not have to search for it."

Nodding, she stood, walking to her closet to retrieve the tome. One of the three she always had with her. "It's all in there sir" she said quietly. "Tho it's in eH dHarian, you'll have to translate."

"This will not pose a problem. I have access to programs already well versed in your language. It will be returned to you after your case is decided. I also need your comm-bracelet... and your rank insignia."

Returning to her closet the mouse gathered the requested items. She almost cried as she placed the two objects into Richardson's open palm.

"When this investigation is complete you will be informed as to the outcome. Until then you are confined to your quarters. You may not have any visitors or communicate with anyone unless cleared by me, Commander Van Dam or the Captain. Is this understood?"

"Yes Sir" she responded faintly, watching as the Bridell turned and left. Moments later a harsh thump informed her the door had been security locked. At least one security officer was now standing outside

her door. Sitting down on her floor she just stared at the door. Her world was now in shatters. "I worked so hard to hide these things Harem Leader" she whispered to no one, unaware her every word was being recorded. "So hard, and I had to go and catch the Captains curiosity. Damn it, I shouldn't have let that woman save me down there. It was the perfect chance to end it. But no, I was to damn stupid to see it. Too damn proud to die so stupidly." She leaned back, looking at the ceiling. "Oh well, a brig cell's almost as big as this room. Maybe they'll let me keep my books and flute. It won't be so bad a life I think. At least until they remove my head." Like a truck exhaustion suddenly hit her, sending her collapsing on her floor in a deep, dreamless sleep she wouldn't wake up from for almost a full day.

"Interesting" Mathersit said as she listened to Richardson's report. "Doctor White told us her upbringing would force her to try anything to remain unnoticed. Still the lengths she went. My God she must have passed up half a dozen field promotions."

"Five" Richardson corrected. "I have studied in depth the eH dHar social structure, as known officially to the Republic. I then studied Whites reports and spoke with several of her co-workers. Lt. Whikersham was most helpful. As a woman and so close to Chief Ka her insights were invaluable."

"And your findings?" Van Damy asked.

"The Republic has been lied to. Lied to with the intent of hiding from us the true position of women in the eH dHar society. It is, in fact fascinating that of the fourteen women sent to us, nine not only finished the Academy but became quite effective in their chosen fields."

"All repair of some sort or another" Mathersit noted. "And the other five?"

"All but one absorbed into Republic Civil Service, also in low grade positions. None showed any desire to return home. Nor would I expect them to. Not with certain death awaiting them the moment they stepped foot on their own soil. The fifth..." He checked his notes. “One Muxii Ruce, is apparently AWOL from her last ship. It appears her Captain gave her a leave of absence, then forgot to tell her when to return.”

"What decision did you come to regarding our plans for Chief Ka" Sandra asked, turning the Chief's rank insignia in her hands as she listened.

"Chief Ka has admitted guilt to blackmail, helping cover up a felony - her own rape, illegal modification of official documents and several dozen other crimes. Yet every bit of evidence shows her to be a loyal, hard working member of Fleet. Chief Ka has also apparently fallen in love with Ensign Osbourne. I have spoken with Osbourne already of course, who informed me she held some interest as well but had been unable to express it, seeing as the two’s paths crossed infrequently since our arrival here. Still, Osbourne is an officer while Ka is not. Ka would, of course, never be able to hold a Bridge Command position. Her upbringing broke her emotional foundation too badly. It is quite to her credit she was raised on Bridell and attended Bridell schools. In fact had a Bridell lover. I understand her eldest sister married a Bridell teacher. Something I find interesting. eH dHar live longer than even Bridell’s so the pairing is for life. Not a contract short term pairing. These experiences gave her the training and maturity to repair most, but not all of the eH dHar social damage."

"Not all?" Mathersit asked. "You mean the vaunted Bridell education systems finally found something they couldn't fix?"

"Captain. When a child is rased from birth given no love, given no self worth, broken down at every point. There are things nothing short of a mind-wipe can cure. In your case from comments dropped by the Chief, though she feels your personal decisions are sometimes faulty and self-centered she defends completely your right to order these actions. I can find no record or rumor that she has ever complained or refused an order from you. She may have reservations about you Captain Your position and authority however are sancrosent."

“Sort of like being Royalty" Mathersit commented.

“No Captain. I would hazard to say she looks at her Captain as she would a God."

"Interesting. Is there any reason we should not go through with this action Mr Richardson?"

Richardson had stopped talking, letting his mind weigh all the options. "Under the condition that Chief Ka spends less time hidden away working, thus more time among people. No Captain I have no real reservations. The Doctor would prefer she receive at least a weekly counseling session for the next six months. At which time he will re-evaluate her mental situation. Considering she is currently undergoing DIF, a condition not unlike induced madness as I understand it. Tho not long term dehabillitating it must be taken into consideration regarding her actions these past few weeks. In the final analysis I must agree with this action. In any condition, we are now aware of Chief Ka actions. She is aware of our knowledge. The status quo is ended. Chief Ka has no further reason to refuse advancement. She has long ago earned such advancement. Had she accepted her first commission, I would expect her to have reached Lt. Commander by now."

"What about you Paul" she asked. "What do you think."

Looking up from his place Paul Van Dam nodded. "Like you Captain, I was caught totally unaware of Chief Ka’s situation. She has simply been too effective hiding her problems, herself and anything else about her. The fact she not only lives in quarters meant for a cadet but declined to complain or request new quarters. Even after they have obviously become uninhabitable to the average human, this proves she's quite capable of withstanding difficulties. She'd make an excellent Officer otherwise. But about this." He shook his head. "I'm not sure Captain. I'd rather wait a few months to see how she settles down. I agree we do need her in this position immediately, it's been vacant much too long. But can we really afford to place her there? What if she can't do the job or more importantly. Taking into note her proven ability to avoid such positions in the past how can we make her accept now?"

"We'll use her weakness against her" Mathersit answered. "You have no concrete reason to disagree with this action?"

"No Captain. Only as long as Lt. Commander Richardson's suggestions are part of the package."

Mathersit nodded, "It's agreed then. Lt. Commander Richardson, would you please have Chief Ka escorted here tomorrow at thirteen hundred hours, and have Marie here too. We’ll probably need her, or Ka will. A known, friendly face. Also, when we are through Lt. Commander Richardson, please update her records to reflect the truth. The real truth. Not her fabrications and editing. And get her out of those quarters, their unlivable."

"Chief Ka?" a security officer called through her doors intercom the next afternoon, waking Ka from her sleep. "The Captain wants you, now. Class A's."

Elleen nodded as he shut off the intercom, hardly noting he was one of the two Security Officers she'd sometimes played chess with. Lifting herself from the floor she walked slowly to her closet she dug out one of the few uniforms she always carried with her. It would have been just as easy to have one issued when needed, but she'd bought this with her own money at Stronghold Two. For some reason she'd never felt like getting rid of it even tho she'd only worn it once. Donning the ornate uniform Ka walked to the door, tapping softly. It opened quickly and as she stepped out the two burley security guards moved into position. One in front, one behind her. "It's not like I'm going to beat one of you up and escape" she complained gently, following the lead officer toward a nearby lift. In truth she’d have no chance against most humans. Not without a knife in her hand.

"No Chief" the man behind her agreed. "We’re pretty sure you can’t. But just in case doing things this way, we know you can't get both of us before one of us can scream for help."  

In spite of herself and her serious position Elleen giggled. "You guys work to hard" she sighed, stepping into the waiting lift platform.

"From what I hear, you make us look like layabouts" the other commented. "That makes us look bad you know. People snicker. Its embarrassing. Its tough to arrest someone when their laughing at you. We have to do something about that you know."

She nodded in agreement. "After this I'll probably be a lifetime guest of Security at the base. You can laugh at me when you have the duty, I really don't mind.. Not as long as you don’t toss peanuts." Just then they arrived at their deck, the lift slowing smoothly to Elleen’s secret pride. She followed the two security officers onto deck two. They were now just below the Bridge. A place Elleen had never been off duty, and rarely this side of the access ways she normally worked in. All three fell silent as they walked to conference room one.

"Inside Chief, we wait outside" the first man explained before he opened the door for her. Elleen walked in, seeing Mathersit, Van Dam, Richardson and Lt. Whikersham. All looked grim and several papers were on the table in front of the Captain. Along with the papers was a single stylus.

"Chief Ka" the Captain started as the mouseling snapped to attention, saluting. Mathersit pointedly ignored the salute, leaving Ka in a painfully difficult position. "You have admitted guilt in falsifying records, possible blackmail and dereliction of duty. These are exceptionally serious charges Elleen Ka. This court has found you guilty on all counts. Have you anything to say before sentence is passed?"

Elleen sighed softly, maintaining her position until the Captain nodded, barely returning her salute. It was over and she knew it. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes, blinding her. "No mam" she answered as her arm dropped sharply. "I accept fully the decision of this court and any punishment chosen by it without further comment or complaint." Blinded by tears she couldn't see Whikersham's grin or the Captains knowing smile.

"Very well. If you will sign this document your punishment will be read to you by Lt. Commander Richardson. It will go into effect immediately upon your signature."

Nodding again, she took the stylus. Whikersham had to point where to sign, her sight was so blurry. Finished she pushed paper and stylus back towards the Captain, returning to a position of stiff military attention.

"Very well" Richardson announced. "It is the finding of this court that Chief Elleen Na Ka is no longer fit for duty on RSS Moonstar in her current rank. It is the decision of this court that Elleen Na Ka be restricted to no more than sixty hours of work each week, except in emergencies. That she be assigned one counseling session by the Ships Doctor, or his designated representative each week, and that she be assigned the rank of Lt. That she be given charge of the Damage Control section, under the direct command of Lt. Whikersham. Since Lt. Ka is currently assigned quarters on deck seven, this will entail an immediete change of quarters for this officer."

"Lt..." Elleen squeaked, wiping her eyes. "You can't. I won't. Its against the law" she wailed.

Whikersham laughed. "You signed the papers yourself mouse" she laughed. "They gotcha fair and square."

Elleen grabbed the paper, now somewhat clear eyed she read what Richardson had just said. "No no no, it's not right. I don't wanna be an officer. I'll resign..."

"Elleen" Whikersham snapped, fighting to control her desire to laugh, "Your after Osbourne right? Well, she's an officer. Officers can't be involved with enlisted. If she's really interested in you, and I'm not saying one way or another, would you rather she resigned HER commission?"

Elleen coughed, jerked her head around as if to find some escape. The trap was too tight. Every door she could see was nailed shut. Her mind raced as she hunted escape, finally coming to the realization she had but one hope. "I demand a recount" she yelled, "It's not fair and you know it....." She shut up suddenly, remembering who was in the room. Turning to face Sandra she saluted. "Sir, respectfully. My crimes make me unfit to be an officer. You should reconsider mam, please?"

Fighting not to smile Sandra Mathersit looked at the shattered mouse. "Lt. Half this crew is on the ragged edge, including Van Dam’s wife. There’s simply too few good things happening to us since our arrival here to let one person refuse a damn well deserved promotion. Now if I let a little thing like felony records tampering, potential blackmail and dereliction of duty influence my decisions, why I'd have to put a third of the crew in irons.” She leaned forward. “Including me come to think of it. I won’t have that. It'd get awful crowded don't you think? This isn’t Republic Space Ka. We haven’t the pleasure of toeing the line day in and day out. We have to bend, give more than a little and by the Nine Gods of Terra I’m not about to let a competent officer layabout as enlisted, simply because she doesn’t think she’s good enough. Capish?”

"In any case" Richardson added, "All your 'crimes' were against yourself. Therefore they cannot, under fleet regulations, by considered in any courts-martial. With the exception of Captain Barens possible blackmail. Considering the crime that was covered up, and by two consenting adults, and the truthful records of both, it would be against Fleets better judgement to even notice your small action. No holder of the Republics Award of Honor has ever been court-martialed, I for one have no intention of breaking that tradition. Looking over all the evidence including that in your own handwriting, the only person that's been harmed is you yourself. I will be changing your record to reflect the truth Lieutenant. Besides" he admitted. “Its not like we are ever going to have contact with home ever again anyway. Now I suggest you begin making changes to your uniform”

"For one thing, replacing it" Van Dam commented. "It's fifteen years out of date and smells of storage. Now, isn't it traditional for the new officers rank pips to be pinned by his or her immediate superior?"

"Ohhh yess" Marie hissed, standing with a small box in one hand. She walked around the table slowly, like a cat stalking its prey, a huge smile on her face. "I've wanted to do this for years Lt. And after all those cracks about lay-about officers Ka, I'm really going to enjoy this."

Apparently the Security Officers were in on the plan as both saluted her the moment she exited the room. Looking up into both's faces Elleen growled, advancing slowly on the closer. "You ever salute me again and I'm gonna kick your collective asses" she threatened them both.

Both men faked fear, one slapping at his chest just below his rank-badge.. "Send the star marines, we can't hold her any longer..... ahhh I'm gonna dieee..." Both smiled as they fought for control. "It's about time Chie... Lt. Congratulations" the taller man said.

“Don't you bet on it. I'll find some way to get busted, you'll see." she promised.

"If you need any ideas ask Bill Mikelss. I hear he's a wiz at getting busted" Whikersham commented from behind her as she grabbed the mouses hands, pinning them behind her gently. "Now, isn't today your day off? And aren't new officers supposed to buy everyone at her pinning a drink? Aren’t I off duty and don’t I have a very deep thirst? Start marching girl. Your in this up to the tips of those big ears of yours."

“I’ll get you for this” Elleen cursed softly. “You and your little dog Yo-Yo.”

“That’s Toh-toh” one of the security men corrected.

“Toh-Toh, Yo-Yo. I’ll still make hot dogs out of it.”

“You don’t eat meat” Whikersham reminded the mouse.

“No” Elleen agreed lightly. “But you do.”