*** Deck 2 * USS Chimea *** Rangi looked at her name. It was printed in white on a black background, a slim oblong plate attached to the wall. It said simply 'Cmdr Summers.R.'and beneath in smaller lettering 'Executive Officer.' Stepping forward, she tapped her code into the padd, heard the 'bleep' of acceptance and a moment later the door slid open. The room was not overly large, but large enough to give the impression of empty space. Opposite the door and slightly to one side was a wooden desk of reddish coloured wood.Behind it a leather chair stood waiting. It was deep green and complimented the very pale hue of the same colour on the walls. In one corner was a large leafy plant set in a green and beige stone pot. It was tall and slim and quite pleasing to look at. On one wall was a silver mounted chrono..on another an absract painting in greens, greys white and black that Rangi did not like. A second chair , smaller than the first, was set opposite its larger self. To her left was a small sofa, hardly large enough to deserve the name but bigger than a chair, with soft, velvet look covering and cushions, also in muted green. A low table with glass top and curved silver legs stood before it and an empty shelf unit, also in the reddish wood, was set against the wall. A tall cabinet completed the furnishings. Rangi walked forward across her office to take her seat behind the desk. She pulled forward the topmost padd of a stack, activated it and began to read. Before long, her concentration was broken by the computers soft 'trill' that indicated an incoming message.She switched the padd off, laid it aside and opened the link on her desk. Her presence was required, it said, in Commodore Stevensons office Deck 38 section B12 Starbase Bragg..Immediately. A frown clouded her expression and wondering what initiated the summons, she hastily acknowledged the message, standing as she did so, turned off the link and headed for the door. ** Colonel Stevensons Office * Starbase Bragg ** "Come in Commander. I'm Commodore Stevenson...this is General Hadfield...and Commander Taege. Be seated." The Commodore dropped his eyes to a padd he held and proceeded to read it. Rangi did as she was bid, seating herself on an upright chair facing the trio who sat behind a highly polished, black, slightly curved table that was a little raised from her position. She glanced at them in turn, waiting for someone to speak. Stevenson raised his head and looked at her steadily.He was a man of middle age with silvering hair and a not unkindly face though with an undoubted air of command. "We need to ask you a few questions Commander." he said. Rangi replied "Sir."and looked at him expectantly. "You've been recently appointed as Executive Officer on board Chimera -A...a promotion given to you by the new captain...Commander Guzman...correct?" "Yes Sir." "And you're happy with this appointment are you?" Stevenson asked. Rangi, a little surprised by the question, took a second to answer. "Yes Sir. I am." "Had you discussed this appointment with Commander Guzman prior to its appointment?" "No Sir." "Had he ever 'promised' you such a position?" "No Sir." Rangi sounded slightly surprised in her tone, for she didnt understand where the questions were leading. "I see." Stevenson looked down at the padd. Rangi switched her attention to General Hadfield who sat forward and leaned his arms on the table top, linking his fingers together. He was a large balding man whose collar cut into his neck as though it were a size too small. His face was ruddy and his skin slightly damp. "You and Commander Guzman enjoy frequent...'liasons' do you not." he said and his expression made her feel uncomfortable. " Lets call them...a 'romantic' relationship shall we?" he added and smiled somewhat slyly as though he was doing a favour that demanded one in return. Rangi didnt reply. She couldnt think of a suitable answer and glancing to Hadfields left, met an impenetrable gaze from Commander Taege. The woman slowly looked down and made a note on a padd in from of her. "Its been suggested that this..relationship could bring possibly fatal consequences to the Chimera and her crew. What do you say to that suggestion Commander." Stevenson asked mildly. "I....dont think that would happen Sir." Rangi replied. "You dont see a conflict of interest? You dont agree that your relationship with Commander Guzman could lead to choices that would endanger some or all of the crew?....in a worst case scenario." He held her gaze steadily with a non commital expression. Rangi glanced at Hadfield and back to Stevenson wondering why this question was being raised and whether someone really had suggested it or if this was some kind of 'mind game' that the SSF occasionally dropped onto unsuspecting subjects. Hadfields chair creaked as he leaned forward further. "Its quite an intense relationship Miss Summers. " he stated. " ...and well known on your ship, despite the half hearted attempts at secrecy that you and the Commander sometimes employ." His little pig like eyes squinted in amusement. "The staying over in one quarters or another...the shared apartments on various Starbases....even a shuttle at one time I believe. Oh we know alot about you Miss Summers....where you two go..the restaurants...the holodeck simulations...how long you spend in your quarters....what time you go in...and when you go out. " A cruel smile played across his mouth as he saw a blush tinge her cheeks at his insinuation. "Commander." Stevenson said, " A situation where two people share such a relationship can very well lead to problems.Its not beyond belief to say that the occasion could well arise when you, as XO have to give an order that could seriously endanger Commander Guzmans life or even end it. Are you telling me that you would do that...unreservably?" Rangis blush receded. She stared at Stevenson, realizing that this was no 'game'. Hadfield leaned back in the creaking chair, his fingers now linked across his chest. Taege too watched and waited for her answer but before it came added something to her padd.. "Another question ...why chose you as XO." Stevensons tone was even as he asked his question but Hadfields was not. "Could it be that certain 'favours' were repaid Miss Summers?" "No Sir!" Rangi replied, lifting her chin and staring him straight in the eye. She switched her attention to Stevenson. "It was Commander Guzmans prerogative to choose whom he thought most fitting as executive officer. He did not mention his decision to me. It wasnt discussed at any point.The first I knew of it was at the promotion and memorial service." Her eyes flicked to Hadfield and back. Taege added to her padd. "And yes Sir...I would give such an order. If the safety of the ship and her crew were at risk I would put them first..and I know Commander Guzman would not hesitate to do the same." She could not tell if Stevenson believed her or not. He sat unmoving in his place. "Its something I hope I never have to face. " she said when a second or two had passed." ...but if I had to make that decision then I would and live with it for the rest of my life....and no doubt I would regret it and wish it undone...but it would have been the right decision..and one I will make if the circumstances arise." Stevenson looked down at his padd, Hadfields expression was cynical and Taege regarded her with the same deadpan expression as before. "Thankyou Commander... thats all." Stevenson switched his padd off and got to his feet. Rangi stood up. "Sir" she acknowleded and with a quick glance at the others, turned and walked swiftly to the door. It slide closed behind her and Rangi closed her eyes as she exhaled a long breath.Looking along the corridor she wondered: {Who has questioned it?} and knew in an instant, for in her minds eye she saw Walshs figure pushing his way angrily through the crowd only moments after her position had been announced. "Walsh" she whispered. ** Inside his office, Stevenson was pouring drinks for himself and his companions. "Well?" he asked handing a whisky glass to Hadfield and looking at Taege who raised her eyebrows and gave a slight shrug. "She believes she can do it." came the reply. "She was surprised at the questions...wondered if it was a mind game. " Hadfield gave a snort of laughter and downed his drink in one go. "She didnt think much to you Charles." Taege said with amusement. "...but sympathy prevents me from telling you what she 'did' think." Hadfield winked at the Betazoid woman. "And does she know where the suggestion originated?" Stevenson asked, activating the inset terminal in front of him. "She does now." Taege replied. ** Rangi made her way back to Chimera, walking swiftly along the corridors of the Starbase and barely acknowledging the security guard on duty at the docking port. She agitated inwardly that the turbo lift seemed so slow on its way to the Bridge. Once there she came to a momentary stop, seeing the empty CO chair and looked around the pristine command level where most stations were manned. The new CTAC sat engrossed at her console and only Lieutenant Foster looked up at her arrival. "Is Commander Guzman here?" Rangi asked heading towards the Ready Room and Fosters reply went unheeded. She sounded the chime. Shanes voice urged her to 'Enter' and she hurried inside. He was standing at his desk reading a recent communication from Commodore Stevenson, his expression troubled. "What's going on?" she asked. *** End Log *** Commander Rangi Summers XO USS Chimera Commodore Stevenson General Hadfield Commander Taege (npc)s Rangi