Chapter 25

Bridger, Sabra, Rolet, and Silverton stood in the Holo-deck watching the recorded scene of the exchange with Clarin play out before them. As the events concluded, Silverton called for the program to end and the room reverted back to its black walls and gold grid pattern. Silverton stepped forward and looked to the three officers who were casually standing nearly shoulder to shoulder.

"Counselor, would you care to add anything from your perspective?" Silverton asked in a business oriented tone.

Sabra nodded, "I can only say that Clarin emanated a strong sense of confidence, bordering arrogance. He felt he had control over the situation, prior to the exchange. To Clarin, by my best assessment, it was a battle of wills over who had control and influence over the situation. It appeared that he felt that he had bested the Cpt. Bridger. This has been his apparent motive from the beginning."

"So you are saying was a conflict of 'alpha male' mentalities?"

"That would be a suitable analogy of the circumstances, Admiral." Sabra replied.

Silverton shifted her intents to Rolet, "Commander, anything you would like to add on your assessment of the situation?"

"Yes, Admiral. The information provided by Clarin is without merit, accountability, and can only be justified as 'here-say'. Clarin is only indirectly connected to the events that have occurred. Any and all actions are only able to be executed through threats and misdirection. There are no sanctions that can be executed on an official level unless warranted by the chain of command."

"And yet, you too have involved yourself." Silverton added bluntly.

"That is correct, Admiral. The engagement executed under the order that I assigned was justified under the mandate to provide aide and assistance to any being or ships in immediate danger, regardless of affiliation."

Silverton sighed begrudgingly as she shifted her eyes to Bridger. "Captain, anything you wish to state on your behalf?"

Bridger cleared his throat mildly, "Admiral, I sought a viable resolution to the situation at hand and it has been executed. I have fulfilled my requirements."

"Is that so... Tell me, why did you not inquire more thoroughly about the fighters that were being constructed or how they managed to come up with the weaponry to outfit said craft?" Silverton pressed her point firmly as her eyes narrowed, "It is an opportunity lost."

"With all due respect. Admiral. It was not a matter that I felt necessary to address nor contributed to the proceedings. I asked how you wish for me to proceed, to which you informed me to proceed as I saw fit. So I did." Bridger replied flatly.

Silverton stepped towards Bridger with angst as she stared down Bridger. She opened her mouth to speak then aborted as Bridger saw a slight break in her expression as if something intruded her train of thought. Silverton spun on her heel and walked off a few steps from the group snorting in a vain attempt to release her frustration. "Commander; Counselor; I need a moment in private with Capt. Bridger." Silverton fumed.

Rolet and Sabra took a step back and turned towards the door. Bridger felt a hand brush his back as he stood there in silence assuming the gesture was a sign of sympathetic encouragement from Sabra. As the doors closed, the dull hum of the deck resonated between the Captain and the Admiral. Silverton sighed heavily with her back still to Bridger, "Captain, let us speak candidly. You have a problem with authority, don't you?"

"No, Ma'am. I do not."

"So, you have a problem with me then?"

"Not entirely, Ma'am."

"Not entirely?" Silverton questioned shocked as she turned towards Bridger, "I suggest you explain that statement to me."

Bridger took in a deep breath to gather his thoughts, "Admiral, I respect you and anyone in your position. You told me a while back that you could not stand maverick captains under your command. From your vantage point, maybe I am. In any event, I am just doing my job, nothing more. That is the problem... people make conclusions without seeing the whole picture. Again, with all due respect, even you are guilty of it. This situation is the prime example. "

Silverton folded her arms and eyed Bridger skeptically, "You are going to stand there and tell me that your reputation preceded you and you are just misunderstood, is that it?"

Bridger smirked, "No, but I doubt you would believe me, no matter how I answered that."

Silverton stared at Bridger harshly, closed her eyes, and shook your head. "You are probably right, Captain. Just speak your mind." she remarked very matter of fact.

"Admiral, I was simply honoring a request to aid in an apprehension of a criminal. As facts came to light, I had to change my intents and direction." Bridger paused for moment and eased down to a relaxed state. "I will admit pushed the issue, but my hand was also forced. I had to act either way. I made my fair share of good and bad calls, but if you say I messed up, I messed up. I am still human and make mistakes, but as a Captain, I have to assume responsibility for those mistakes. So, whatever you decide, I can accept it."

Silverton stroked her forehead and began to pace from side to side. "Captain... you have given me a lot to think on and deal with, not to mention one hell of a headache. It would appear your counselor and first officer stand behind you. If I were to ask any of you other officers, I would more than likely end up with the same result." Silverton stopped abruptly and half turned to Bridger. "I am going ask you this one last question. If you were in my position and the roles were reversed, what would you do?"

Bridger shrugged and eyed Silverton. "I am far from cut out for dealing with all the situations that get put before you, Admiral. That is why I am happy with my current station."

"You did not answer my question, Captain." Silverton's voice turned more direct as she stepped in closer to Bridger. "You are ship captain. Though our venues may be different, our decision process remains the same. Just answer the question."

Bridger again took in a deep breath as gathered his thoughts. "I honestly don't know what I would do, Admiral. I could be stripped of my rank and commission and drummed back out of service to Starfleet. That, or ground me to a desk or posting where I could do little to collateral damage."

Silverton raised a questioning eyebrow to his response. "Is that what you want, Captain?"

Bridger shook his head, "No, Ma'am. I have reserved myself to fact that this is where my life has taken me and this is where I need to be."

Silverton's eyes looked to the floor as she nodded in contemplation and paced around Bridger. "You know, Captain. I have had several good men and women under my command. Some were overconfident; some were rebels; some were cocky and free spirited; and some were just, plain stubborn. All in all, some lost their lives and cost the lives of others foolishly. I pegged you as one of those types. However, Admiral McGinty assured me that you were not one of them and that you could be an inspiration. Given your extensive service record and noted character, I took a chance and now, here we are." Silverton came around to Bridger's line of sight and stroked her chin in deep reflection.

Bridger groaned quietly, "That is the problem with having a rep. It is a curse you can never escape. I certainly cannot escape mine."

"That is true, Captain. Despite this fact, there have been several situations that have presented themselves, as of late, and things that you have said currently that have made me take a second look on my perceptions." Silverton raised and objecting finger while focusing her intents back towards Bridger. "You were right in saying I was a bit short sighted. I was looking for your faults when I should have been looking for inspiration qualities. You displayed confidence and inspired such in those around you. That... has given you some... redeeming aspects to your credit."

Bridger looked to Silverton confused and shifted in his stance slightly. "Forgive my ignorance, Ma'am, but I don't follow."

"It is simple, Captain..." Silverton sighed with a heavy heart. "I am not in the habit of freely giving out second chances, but I feel you have earned one. This issue with Clarin is no longer your concern. The Expedition will remain to oversee the matter and the Roosevelt is to return to Starbase 315 for repairs. I will remain on board to return with the ship and I will inform Cmdr. Rolet that I am also reinstating your command authority as commanding officer of the Roosevelt."

"Understood, Admiral." Bridger nodded.

Silverton clasped her hands behind her and reverted back to her firm and stoic demeanor. "Well, we are done here." With that, she turned headed out of the Holo-deck. Bridger sighed and eased back as he ran his fingers through his hair and paced. He absentmindedly stretched out his arms and popped his neck trying to relieve the tension.

"I take it you were cleared?" Sabra called out melodiously from behind him as he turned in a mildly startled state.

"Something like that, I guess. I, more or less, admitted I screwed up and that is what she wanted to hear. That and she said some situations had come up, as well as, things I said made her give me a second chance because I inspire others."

Sabra smiled sympathetically as she walked up to Bridger. "Did I not tell you this before?"

"Yes, yes you did I just-"

"Just thought I was saying it to make you feel better?" Sabra cocked her head sarcastically with slight smirk.

Bridger smirked. "Something like that."

Sabra closed her eyes and shook her head in disbelief. "Augustus..."

Bridger took Sabra's hand gently as she looked up curiously. "Sabra... I owe you an apology. I did not mean use you as a lure."

"A lure?" Sabra cocked her head coyishly. "Augustus, it was not as if this as the first time I have used my inherent natural affinities to accomplish a means to an end. I was not offended nor is there need for you to apologize. I was merely helping a friend in need. " Sabra smiled warmly at him, "Though, if you are in need of closure, then I understand and accept your apology."

"Well, it still was not right of me to ask it of you. However, that is not the only thing I need to apologize for. " Bridger hung his head slightly as he sighed heavily. "When we last spoke in my quarters... I-"

Sabra stepped in close to him, placing her fingers over his lips. "Shh-shh-shh... Speak no more of it. It is I who should ask for your forgiveness. It was wrong of me to be so forward as it infringed upon my oath. I am the one in the wrong, for I forgot my place in an act of weakness..." she trailed off faintly, "and self indulgence."

Bridger eyed her in shock and was rendered speechless as she looked away and slipped her hand away from his mouth. Bridger raised her chin softly as she looked into his eyes deeply. Bridger nodded and displayed a modest smile. "Fair enough."