More Entanglements
Posted on Mon Aug 11th, 2025 @ 7:48am by Rear Admiral Timothy Rice & Captain Edmund Merrick & Brigadier General Francis 'Judge' Sobel
Edited on on Fri Aug 15th, 2025 @ 5:06am
2,925 words; about a 15 minute read
Mission:
The Amalgamation Interrogation
Location: Wardroom 1 - Habitat Ring Deck 11 - Empok Nor
Timeline: MD002 1300 hrs
When Edmund received the summons to report into Admiral Rice and Brigadier General, he felt his heart hammering in his chest. Neil had warned him about the possibility of this happening. If only he had held his temper where Vura was concerned. Just-- he sadly let her get to him with her needling and holier than thou attitude. Even if she turned everything into something sexual. The one thing that truly got to Edmund above all else, was Vura besmirching a fond memory of his older sister, Rosa and something she had taught him dance wise. Vura made it tawdry. Edmund shook his head, at that time he was starting to open up, sharing some of his personal life with Vura, as a friend.
Edmund once more checked his image, his dress uniform, crisp and clean. His boots had been shined to where he could see himself in there. His hair straightened to where it looked neat and tidy. Drawing in a breath he let it out slowly. Time to face the music.
When he arrived at the Wardroom, Edmund stepped inside, shoulders back, upon stopping in front of both Admiral Rice and Brigadier General Sobel, he saluted standing at attention.
"Captain Edmund Merrick reporting in as ordered, Sirs."
Rice smiled broadly if what he read about Merrick was half right he knew that he would like the Marine. "At ease Captain. Have a seat, help yourself to some refreshment. You have been summoned here by myself and the General to discuss our great experiment. As you know the Pioneer is a test bed for integrating Marines into Fleet assets. As the number two Marine aboard the Pioneer your input would be greatly valued. So, tell us how is the Colonel fairing? What of the crew taking orders from a Marine?"
Edmund sat down, not partaking of any of the offered refreshment. He didn't wish to spill anything upon his uniform.
Edmund thought over the last time that Neil had called in the department heads to talk to them, to check on their well being. Which was what an XO should do.
"From what I have observed, most of them do not have any trouble with having a Marine as an XO. Though, yes they are not used to it but I feel that he is doing well. I had observed one who doesn't like Colonel Tremble, it is in her demeanor, the way she has spoken to him, her ill feelings permeated the air during the last department head meeting. Colonel Tremble handled the situation with decorum not choosing to rise to Counselor Vura's baited statements. He kept the department meeting moving forward despite interruptions."
"Would you please give us an example of the Counselor's baited statement?" Tim was curious about why Vura had an issue with Tremble. This did seem personal. He now wondered if there was something in either of their records, or if this was something deeper. Perhaps Vura was a woman scorned.
Edmund thought back to the meeting that Neil had called for the department heads. He remembered that Vura had a rather displeased expression towards Neil. Her feelings where Neil was concerned, wasn't hidden.
"Counselor Vura, hasn't hidden her dislike for the Colonel. She had stated, "I think it is a mistake for you, Commander to go in and force a species hand. We're a humanitarian organization and while I do not like that word itself, as it is ethnocentric, the reality is, we help species because that is our mission. Our mission is not to force a species to reveal itself. Our good gesture may want them to make themselves known to us in the future, but demanding it makes us no more than a bully.
Then the colonel answered, "I'll take it under advisement, counselor, but they asked us back. There's going to have to be some give and take. And this is not a first contact or diplomatic meeting. From the sounds of it, we're going into a fight and that has all sorts of implications beyond the Pioneer."
The counselor shook her head replying, "I disagree. We have a Samaritan purpose above all."
"You're entitled to your opinion of course," The Colonel answering Counselor Vura. "However, this is not the place for spirited debate on what is and what is not the purview. We're already beyond that by going off book. So, let's move along and I promise. you we can debate this later. At length if you like."
Edmund ended his recounting of what went on during the department head meeting.
"What I am not certain about is, was Counselor Vura being insulting towards Colonel Tremble referring to him as Commander, instead of Colonel, or was that a slip up, caused by the stress that everyone was operating under."
Chin on hand, Sobel listened and did overlays of the other information they'd gotten on Pioneer dynamics: the XO and Chief counselor in particular for this discussion. "She doesn't like Neil and he doesn't care that she dislikes him. I wonder if that's part of it," Sobel mused. "Captain, do you think she's miffed that Neil doesn't understand she's a legend in her own mind?"
Edmund was quiet for a moment as he thought over the question. When he answered, his voice was calm.
"While Counselor Vura can be rather opinionated as to her own views and can be outspoken for a counselor. I don't think that she is upset with the Colonel for that reason. Plus I don't think she thinks she is a legend either. I've observed though, that Deltans, have their own views. Anyone who isn't a Deltan are just children and do not know much about anything, as to life, relationships, intimacies."
Edmund paused, thinking about what he just said. "I can see how that would be considered being a legend in her own mind. From how she reacts to things, I don't think she knows much about dealing with other humanoids, and how they feel and would react. It seems that she may not be able to be empathetic to the others she counsels, and I feel that she is blind to her own troubles."
Merrick shifted his position. "These are just my observations, sir."
At the moment Tim wondered if everything would simply be better if he arranged for Vura to be transferred. Although he knew that if he did that Tyler would never let him hear the end of it. So, he decided a change in subject was needed. There were after all a few reports about Merrick himself that should be discussed. "And what of your dealings Captain? How do you find the Starfleet personnel reacting to your presence? To you being in command of Away Team when it is warranted?"
"I believe it depends sir, on who I am in contact with. Where Starfleet personnel is concerned. I maybe wrong but it seemed mostly favorable."
With the hot water he'd gotten himself into, Merrick wasn't certain where he stood.
"As for away teams, the two I have been lead on. There didn't seem much of an issue." Edmund mused. "None that has come to my attention at any rate."
"So, Sobel said, "When it comes to missions, the crew seems, from your view, to work well under the command team. We shouldn't purely focus on Neil, since Lachlan is part of that team as well. And of course McGowen." Pursing his lips, Francis continued, "It's more of the social interaction, living day to day intercourse and and interactions where problems arise?"
From what Neil had spoken about, the rumors and wild tales running around about him, and reaching Sobel, Edmund wasn't surprised with the mention of Rowena.
"Some problems arise when cooler heads do not prevail. I am not above reproach, and I freely admit I lost my temper with a crew member or two. Hindsight is 20/20. Mistakes are made, best to learn from them and not make that same mistake again. Or work on more self-control where others are concerned, and not allow a person to find the chink in my armor."
"Where Lachlan is concerned, he does keep a cool head in all circumstances. Tremble does too. Commodore Malbrooke does as well."
Malbrooke normally did, except when it came to that possession event. That was something Edmund wasn't going to mention. And Tyler normally kept a cool head.
Squinting slightly as Merrick rambled, Sobel waited for the captain to take a breath and asked, "Ok Captain. Since you find yourself working with and occasionally commanding members of the Fleet. Working danger close as they say, how have you found their response to you? Any confusion or miscommunications that are glaring?"
Edmund thought over the question, there were three he could think of. He thought of the engineer Ensign Connor Turner, then there was Emiko and then Vura. The other one he had some miscommunication with was Lieutenant Michaels, but the man was now dead due to the possession of Malificus.
"There have been some miscommunications, my being nice to someone and instead I feel that the person has decided they wished to have me date them. And I won't. Tremble noticed that I was having trouble focusing on some matters and rightfully called me to task. He helped to clear my head."
He thought for the moment "I am in good contact with Lieutenant Jayna. She's been a good asset to the marines. It was with her help that I was able to figure out what was happening as to the disappearance of the department heads due to Malificus. I do get along with Lieutenant Lieutenant Ja'sol H'ros." he hmmned.
"All in all for the most part I do get along with those that are in Starfleet. Not everyone is going to get along. There will be clashes." Edmund realizing that, there were more than what he thought of Starfleet who he didn't have much trouble with.
Rice leaned back in his chair. There was an old Shakespearean quote that spoke of someone who protested too much. Right now Merrick reminded the Admiral of that quote. "If reports are accurate you don't have any trouble with anyone. In fact it is quite the opposite. Which brings me to my next question. I know in the Corps fraternization is extremely frowned upon. In the Fleet it is a little more accepted given the close quarters and long time in space et cetera. Do you think that the fraternization has caused The Cure to go soft, for want of a better term."
A double edged statement that Rice had made. Edmund recalled the places he had served, where there had been a mix of both Federation and Marines serving and they had interacted with each other.
"Respectfully Sir, I do not feel that the interaction between Federation and the Cure has made them soft. It instead has given another facet to them."
Edmund's posture relaxed slightly. "Both Starfleet and Marines are living on the same ship, each of us have our own skills, our own assignments. And yet, when the time comes we work together, to solve the matter that has come up."
His mind went to where Vura, Neil and himself were concerned.
"Granted there are hiccups, not everyone is going to get along and sing Kumbaya. This though is a work in progress, the intermixing of the Corps and Starfleet. I will reiterate, I do not feel that the Cure is becoming soft." Edmund meeting Rice's gaze.
Shuffling his files to keep his hands busy, Francis asked, "What about Neil? He and Lieutenant Mira are well and truly fraternizing. They spend their leaves together. Rumor is they're cohabitating more than not, despite having separate quarters. Even with her shifting about Intel and the Cure, is there....problems with him playing favorites. Or being perceived as playing favorites?"
Edmund directed his gaze to Sobel. "I haven't seen any indication of Colonel Tremble giving Lieutenant Mira any preferential treatment, nor anyone else for that matter."
Edmund rested his hands upon his lap, "Be it a love interest, a friend or even a crewmember. His demeanor when on duty doesn't change. There is no favoritism. When a person is needing to be called on the carpet, he will do so. Even when off duty, the man is professional, unless in a more, private setting with a friend he will relax, ever so slightly."
Edmund holding up his finger and thumb, with barely any space between.
"As for the--relationship between Tremble and Mira. That is their private business. I don't pry. Though I have noticed a good change in both of them." Edmund lowering his hand back to his lap.
"And yourself?" Rice began as he questioned the fraternization and leadership of Merrick. This questioning was not just about Tyler and Neil. It was about the whole crew of the Pioneer and the entirety of the Cure. "We have read the reports of your own fraternization. While it is none of our business, as I said it happens. The question remains as you are now the Company Commanding Officer. So, do you find yourself wanting to play favorites, or lessening requirements on certain people? Even if you have not done so. My question is if the desire is there."
The statement and questions were valid. Edmund thought over his past, had he ever showed any favoritism for someone over others. To his recollection he didn't favor anyone over any other person.
"I do not expect favoritism for me, and I do not have the desire to show favoritism to others. We are here to do our jobs, and everyone does need to pull their own weight." Edmund straightening his posture once more .
Right to the point Rice thought. It was good to hear that he expected no favoritism. "If a program like this was instituted on most if not all starships. Would it be beneficial? Or is what happened on the Pioneer a fluke?"
Edmund had been on Poseidon station and had observed the workings of the Marines and Security there. Plus the fact that there had been one of the XO's Colonel Patton and to him it worked rather well. "I don't think it a fluke as to what is happening upon the Pioneer. Poseidon Station, their command staff had a Marine XO. Colonel Patton. We were there at his wedding."
Edmund gave a brief smile, it broke his otherwise not so expressive demeanor, the smile faded. "I do feel that it depends on who is in command of what ship that decides to accept or reject the idea of having an intermix of Marines and Star Fleet in the command staff. Granted, there will be pushback upon the idea, as there is still firm belief that Marines and Star Fleet shouldn't intermix. I don't share that feeling though. It works and makes a good balance," There was the fire of belief in Edmund's eyes, that having the mix worked.
Sobel's lips tightened and said, "The theory is there. And Marines can make anything work. In practice, the Corp is always stretched tight for personnel. Especially among the officer cadre, given our numbers are limited by the Security Council. But it is good to see them making the program successful." Glancing at the chrono, he said "I believe that is what we wanted to know, Captain. Unless you have any questions for us?" Looking toward Tim he said, "And of course if you have any more questions Admiral?"
Edmund didn't have any questions, to him this was a rather upfront fact finding meeting with both Rice and Sobel. He regarded the two men, one who is Star Fleet the other, Marine. The two of them sitting in the same place working together was a prime example of what this experiment was all about.
"I don't have any questions, just an observation, Sirs. The two of you working side by side not at odds is a good example that can be followed by others. And the same for Commodore Malbrooke and Colonel Tremble this proves to me that this does work." Edmund fell silent to allow his words to sink in.
Rice had the same thought as Merrick. Although things were a tad different when you reached the ranks the he and Francis had attained. At that level you were expected to play nice in the sandbox no matter what department you were with. "Your point is taken Captain. I want to thank you for your time. Enjoy the amenities of the station. I am sure you have earned it."
Edmund rose from the chair, adjusted his uniform top to straighten it. The Picard tug as some refer the movement as.
"Thank you sirs and thank you for the enlightening meeting." Giving a slight bow of respect. It was as what he stated, Edmund learned a bit about both men. Edmund took his leave, the door closing behind him, both Sobel and Rice made a fine team.
A Joint Post By
Rear Admiral Timothy Rice
Sector Commanding Officer, Trivas Sector
Empok Nor
Captain Edmund Merrick
Company Commanding Officer Officer, The Cure
USS Pioneer
Brigadier General Francis Sobel
Commanding Officer, 258th Starfleet Marine Expeditionary Brigade
Empok Nor
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