The Bonds Of Friends And Family
Disclaimers: The characters don't belong to me, the story belongs to me and every else belongs to the movie company and the creator.
Warnings: For this chapter they're going over the way things are going to change in his future regarding his being on Nova. As they rewrite the time he returns to the academy, before they see the added aftermaths to that situation in year 7, both for him and the other member of the team that joined the crew.
Chapter 27: The Gamma Mission And First Duty Part III: Arresting A Nova
"Well we did start after he chose the maneuver that caused the accident, but Josh and I got in touch with Charlie and told him. And he forwarded the message to Robin and Jake, but Nick's decisions, and the girls with him. They're crossing the same lines they did in this episode. And we chose Commander Jackson's ploy and took it to the next level here." he said and they nodded to him.
"Episode, so right on schedule, they decided to take it to the next episode and said episode we just landed on is going by the title 'The First Duty'?" Geordi said and he nodded as he crossed his arms then. "Yeah and your decision to keep me home leading into the episode just sealed their fates. But we took Commander Jackson's idea and then took it further." he said and the sextet all nodded firmly.
"How far into the next level Lieutenant?" Worf asked as he crossed his arms as the sextet surrounded him then. "With the fact we caught Derek now, I'd say pretty damned high right now, Worf. If he's in on this, then he wanted to destroy Wes's bonds with us and destroy our trust. And confidence in him by making sure we found out, before he could tell us." Beverly said and Wesley nodded to her.
"Yes that's it exactly right now, I think he was involved in this and he wanted to make it look like the model student, your JCL, had pulled a manuever. That was illegal and was involved in a cover up of said, regarding Josh being murdered here. So he could destroy my life and destroy the bonds between us, and destroy your faith, trust and confidence in me here at the moment."
"As to why it's because how far the charges go here, go so far as getting them to incriminate themselves by their own words, Sir. But every charge one gets for disobeying direct orders on banned flying maneuvers. But that is the catch, he's acting like the young wizard's rival, trying to make trouble for me. At every possible turn here, until he gets caught in the act by the entire faculty now."
"But breaking orders, murder, attempted murder, and now we just went to an attempted cover up next. But you remember when we were in our apartment viewing this, and we started discussing ways to prevent this at the time. In this episode, and I made a promise that if they tried to talk me into keeping silent, I was turning them into you here?" he asked and they nodded to him gently at that.
"Well instead of normal investigations it's turned into an undercover stint, but I just caught the saboteur when he walked in here. So he can't tell them that the jig is up and I'm working for you and the enquiry, Captain. I have half the evidence needed to dig themselves deeper into the hole. But they dug themselves so deep they need a 12 to 15 foot ladder to get themselves out."
"As to why it's because, and I'm quoting your remark Sirs, the episode and accident we saw on this episode played itself out right now. And at the moment as is the cover up in this situation regarding the trio. But like any helm jockey and athlete, they never study about ancient history to know. Or realize that they just walked right into a trap and said trap is an undercover stint."
"And that's what we're doing, but we took to the next level, but the accident was the unexpected on, and we knew someone was going to be killed. The damn idiots, despite the fact I said we weren't ready for this. And he had the measurements in this off, they still wanted to try it. She got too cocky, and his bravado killed Josh and nearly me with him." He said and Jenson nodded firmly.
As the rest of the group came in. "Your mother was already furious enough here at the moment, kiddo. What with the fact you're just beginning to get over the game and added side effects to those headsets. And then this comes up, it's, in our opinion, you've taken one too many injuries in the last 3 1/2 years and at this rate you don't need another one." Goldberg said and he nodded in agreement.
"Yeah and that's the understatement of the century right now Rick, but as if that's not enough right now, it's switched from breaking rules. And directly to attempted coercion and emotional blackmail at the moment. Fortunately the last 18 months just ensured that I'm more Starfleet then they are and I kept my promise now." he said and the sextet nodded to him as Will repeated the charges.
"Coercion, you mean to tell me he's attempting to use emotional blackmail on you?" Will repeated as he walked in the door then. "Yeah, coercion and emotional blackmail here, and their arrogance is the reason he's gone. Like Charlie said here, Kate and Tony are covering things and tapped into the camera hookup. And they got a lock into my computer program after you arrived here."
"But mission status is its coming along nicely." he said and they nodded as he went further. "As I promised when we discussed this after the game and during the added aftermath to it. My squadron was looking into it, but it's not just the four of us or Josh, what's left of Charlie's original team. They decided to get involved as well, Sir, with you parked right over the academy, they got a lock into Lal."
"As well, so they had her hooked into Kate's computer right now, as for the trio though. Their fear of being figured out is eventually going to cause them to cross a line they can't take back right now. But I already told them that I'm not lying to you to save the team, to stay it's by coming forward. And telling you the truth, they told the truth, up to a point, me, in my case, I gave you a clue."
"And it's so you could reach the conclusion, but that's why I reported in now, because Sito is the second to make a mistake right now. And none of them realize that the trio, or the rest of Gamma, were tape recording the entire conversation. Yesterday or today, and their lying to you right now to cover up the fact they broke the restrictions." Wesley said and Picard nodded to him gently.
"If you're saying it like that, you guys are running an undercover operation son?" Jenson said and he nodded. "Yeah that's it exactly, so far the mission is coming along nicely. And I decided to report in to bring you the first half of the results, but the clock is ticking. And they're running out of time and now, they did, because you just came to the conclusion of what caused the explosion."
"But like I promised, I'm coming to you to get you the truth, because I've had enough of this. But that's what Robin meant, coercion and emotional blackmail are the next charges added to the list. But we're coming up on six charges and they're all serious, but three are regarding being squad leader. And their all guilty of the others Sir." he said and they all nodded as Geordi answered him then.
"Mission status..., oh for god sakes I completely forgot about that, but we had this conversation already. Alright, where are we exactly, if you decided to report in right now, to tell us the truth. Because I'm guessing the accident was the unexpected add on here Wes?" Geordi asked and he sighed. "It was, but we just hit stage two, and they're digging themselves deeper into the hole here."
"That's what Charlie meant actually, but you remember your words captain, 'a lie of ommission is still a lie.'." he asked and Picard nodded. "Well that's what this is, they told the truth up to a point right now. But I was waiting for you to come to the conclusion as I confirmed that thought and theory and with it. As to why exactly, I made a promise, if I was in trouble I was going to tell you the truth."
"And I'm keeping that promise, our bonds just got saved by my adding Lal to the system she's hardwired herself into internal security in my dorm room. Into the surveillance camera and into Kate and Robin's computers. Kate Higgins was the other member that joined the team when you kept me home. After we told her our plan for this, she told Charlie's team mates and they're involved too."
"So this conspiracy and attempted cover up is now being covered by the ship and academy version of Gamma squadron. And yes I did tell the truth, but the part I didn't get to, yet, is what caused it. To put this bluntly it's they're trying to make it sound like he panicked at the controls, but he didn't. I said it three times, I can't do this, I'm not going to lie to you about what happened here."
"But here's the added thing to why I reported in now, before you came to that conclusion why exactly. And why Charlie said that, but it's not going to be me turning them in, it's Gamma squadron. Both versions to it, as it's the line of duty to the truth. Their remark, and Derek's, is of what about your duty to your friends, but there is no duty when they're trying to get you to be dishonest."
"But Jaxa, after I said I couldn't lie to you, her exact words were, 'I don't have to lie, just don't volunteer any new information.' But we both know that the facts here on that, I made a promise to you. If I was in trouble I'd tell you immediately, and I even told them that. And with it, I never lied to you before, so why start now." he said and Picard nodded to him as he answered him gently.
"I take it that you decided to use the wording your double used just to set a trap for them. And they all answered in the exact same way their double's did, Wesley?" he asked and Wesley nodded. "Aye Sir, but like Marks, Derek and their clique, they never studied ancient history. And in the way we did, to realize their committing the same mistakes that their double's did at the moment."
"But word for word so far of our double's, and I'm leading them directly into your trap right now. They don't realize I'm your plant, and your trap, yours and the admiral's. But things are coming along nicely, but chance after chance to come forward. And Sito and Nick just made the same mistake their doubles did, and with the camera on and Gamma was listening to the conversations."
"You're lucky you kept me home, or this would have done the same damage, but not now, mom, Captain. Because that decision just sealed their fates right now, but your me just took total control, but whether or not I know yet. Here's the thing, but Josh mentioned he was getting concerned about Robin. And Charlie said she was suffering from nausea the last few weeks at the moment."
"But six weeks in a case of a stomach bug, until I contacted her myself and told her to get herself checked out with Allysa to confirm my thoughts here. We already decided after I graduated from the academy and returned to the ship we were getting married. But if I was correct, it meant it's getting our family started three years sooner then normal in your eyes at the moment, mom."
"Because if I'm right, then they just barely destroyed what's left of our family, mom, with the Lefler's stationed on the Hood. And she's got you and the rest of the team, but as you're an M.D., it's only made it more necessary in my eyes. And they're not getting away with it right now, but that sums it up. It's too late for the trio now in my case, because if I'm right, I'm an expecting father now."
"But if that's true, Nick is screwed right now with the three of you and Josh's parents. But that sums it up right now, but breaking orders, lying, coercion and attempted emotional blackmail. At the moment I think they're trying to pull the 'one for all, and all for one' catch here, just so they're delaying. And by the time you catch them in the act now, I never got to you in time here, Sir, mom."
"And I'm busted with them, so I'm stuck and you can't trust me anymore, well the jokes on them. And it's because I had that program and Lal on standby, I'm still your model JCL, Sir, so they're stuck." he said and Picard nodded in agreement. "Like any good young officer, you did your duty and I'm very proud of you, Wesley, this was part of the rules at the academy, that if something like this."
"If it ever came up you reported it to us and you did it before we figured it out and are following the first rule I taught you at the time. So you're my plant, you're pulling the sheep lead in trick here, just so they expose themselves here. Or come forward and we're giving them a chance here to repeatedly just to save themselves, and it's by coming forward together as well here."
"So it's either they come forward themselves, or you're exposing them in the fact that they're drawing on multiple charges every second?" he asked, with a gentle smile to him and he nodded to him. "Smart move, and I agree with you, so if Robin is, then that just destroyed his career now. And it's because that baby is all she has left of you, if you had been killed and us with her right now."
"I don't give a damn what they say, you did the right thing right now at the moment, Lieutenant. But this not only just saved your career, it's cementing your future placement. And because the Committee, Brand and I are making sure your family is not separated right now." he said firmly is Will answered him then firmly, before Beverly looked between the quartet firmly as she added on to that.
"Was that from this morning, after I told you we were getting closer, or just before today's portion of the hearing Wes?" Beverly asked and he crossed his arms. "No it was yesterday I told them this, but her counter remark, in this was, 'You don't have to lie, just don't volunteer any new information.'. But we both know what that really is here, but the 18 months sealed their fates right now."
"Because I never lied to you before and I'm not going to start now, but my report this morning was to give you the clue you needed to crack it. And I reported in now to fill you in, because they're running out of time. And you gave them chance, after chance, after chance to come forward and they still won't do it, so times up." he said and she nodded as Will said it for the four of them firmly.
"You don't have to lie, just don't volunteer any new information.', but that's still lying, to save your career's you have to tell the truth. And come forward together and out of four only you are doing that and doing it this soon. Well if they think they're going to get away with this, then they better think again. You never lied to us before and you're not about to start now anyway, Wes."
"And this just prevented your career from being destroyed, so let me guess, first us and then you tell the enquiry what took place." he said and Wesley nodded. "Aye Sir, and it's too late for them now, I never lied to you before and I'm not about to start now, but I wasn't kidding. When I said to them I couldn't lie to you and I won't, I can't lie, and I won't, not for them, and with that."
"They think I'm not as close to you as they figured, if Derek told them his rumor, then it's about to become their undoing. As they don't understand the true bonds I have with you, any of you. That they think it's just a normal officer/subordinate bond, and they're scared. To look at it deeper, but I made it clear, though they think I'm bluffing." he said and Picard nodded to him firmly.
"Like you once said, it's they don't understand that there are things on the job they can't stomach. But then they're the ones that are cadets, I'm a seasoned officer and they don't get that, but I'm your man through and through. But if they expected me to cover for them, then it's not going to happen. Even when they add coercion and emotional blackmail to the list, I'm your officer, Captain."
"But the crimes for the leader of a squadron and the added crimes of which come from trying to pull a cover up. When said honest student is the child of another Starfleet officer and we lost another prior to the soul surviving one. All in all, I'm doing my duty and they're being turned in for the crimes they committed, Sir." he said and Picard nodded to him as he hid a smile at his dedication.
"They expect to get away with attempted coercion or emotional blackmail they better think again. Right now, because peer pressure is illegal at the academy here. So let me take a guess, but: for incompetence of command, for failure to abide by safety regulations during a live flight exercise. For negligence that contributed to the death of a team mate, and the near murder of a second one."
"For lying to a superior officer and falsifying a report, for peer pressure of the surviving team mate. All of those on their own are enough to get hit with a flight revocation status, loss of this year's credits and repeating the year. But pack them all in together for the leader of the team and they're being expelled. While for the rest of the team to be ganging on up the one honest student."
"Because that's illegal in this case, so you said Katherine and the rest of your old squadron also know about this. You had to tell me this, before I figured out, if you said you're doing an undercover operation?" Picard asked and the duo nodded. "Aye Sir, I managed to get to Kate, Tony and Jake after the duo said this and they're ticked right now at the fact they're trying to use coercion."
"But his idea, regarding chosen maneuvers just dug them into a hole they can't get out of. Fortunately for me the added rope happened to be the computer program I created. With you parked directly over the academy, Lal interfaced with the academy surveillance cameras and internal security. So straight shot up here and I can report in and tell you the truth, but that's their undoing now."
"As I said, I never lied to you before and I'm not about to start now, but I'm telling you and the admiral ahead of time and we finish the mission. In the next two parts, but I gathered enough for you. That it's they're digging themselves into expulsion pretty quickly right now. But he does the next one in the exact way I'm about to say it now, and he's through." he said and Picard nodded to him.
"You don't have to lie, just don't volunteer any new information, but a lie of ommission is still a lie. So despite the fact you said you can't do what they ask, they still pressure you into keeping silent, so coercion and emotional blackmail. Well if they want to go down that path, then it's digging them into expulsion very quickly right now, and we already had this conversation to, Lieutenant."
"So the added act of this is it's not you specifically that's turning them in, but Gamma squadron, the academy based version. And your junior crew, so it's not one student or another, but Nova's arch rivals at the academy that are turning them into us superior officers and the enquiry. Nice thinking boys, young lady, keep him from being turned into a traitor, because it's a team effort now."
"But that's the you I know and I see you needed to get this off your chest, but they're crossing lines at the moment. That are digging them into expulsion pretty quickly right now, I take it our you just took total control with you just telling us this right now. Because that 18 months just sealed their fate, with you reporting into us to tell us the truth to what happened up there now."
"Well it's too late for Miss Jaxa and the duo now, if you're telling me that, as Will and I drilled this into you for years. You chose in advance and chose me and the crew, and I see that easily as well right now. So to you there's no going back and they're digging themselves into a hole they can't get out of. Damn it, these children got you into this and now I have to get you out of it right now."
"You had to report to me and tell me now, so I could get you out of this, if you're just telling me this now. And before I figured it out in this forensics report, it's more then just you're doing something. And something you'd normally never do, alright tell me the truth Wesley. But did he convince you and Joshua to learn and try one of the banned maneuvers my age group restricted."
"From use, and you decided to tell us now, just to get it off your chest, with the fact you just lost another friend?" he said to him gently and he nodded with a sigh. "Aye Sir, but it was too soon for this, we weren't ready, but they thought we could do it, they thought we could do anything. But we're not and we can't and as a result Josh was killed, but their arrogance is the reason why exactly now."
"But the accident was a result of measurements gone wrong, ill conceived timing. And then to top it off is their arrogance cost Josh his life and nearly me with him, the stupid idiots are trying to sneak this past your age group. And that includes the admirals as well, but I made it very clear. That you guys were seasoned pilots and veterans, and I know you were going to figure it out."
"I even told him, there's only one maneuver that would result in this crash and explosion once you heard the words 'coolant hatch' and 'ignite the plasma'. You're a skilled pilot yourself, I told him what you were to me, and then said I've never lied to you, my mother or the others before and why start now, Sir." he said and they nodded as Picard answered him, his eyes narrowing as he said it.
"My age group is the current captains and admirals in the committee and academy leaders now, they're trying to sneak this passed us. Should I just call in Vance, J.P., Morrison and Quinn as well, so they're at the hearing when you drop this news to them. If this maneuver, whatever it was, is illegal Lieutenant, because if it is, Locarno is getting charged?" he asked and Wesley nodded to him.
"Aye Sir, yes you should and believe me, his charges are so high if this crosses the next line. That he's going to be arrested for murder and every charge in the books. That you have, regarding breaking restrictions after you had to be the one to arrest Maxwell. But the evaluation landed on a single thing, it's a teenage psychosis and of the one you did on Maxwell 2 years ago here."
"But same exact fight, just to stay in the lime light, he disregarded direct orders in regarding the maneuver that resulted in killing Josh. But word for word, in a teenage, cadet, version to your argument and counter argument with Maxwell. But I'm not lying to you in something this serious, not when I made a promise, if I was in trouble, I'd tell you, immediately." he said and Picard nodded to him.
"Great wait till everyone on the ship hears that it wasn't you specifically that turned them into the committee or the enquiry. It was both the ship and academy based versions of their biggest rivals at the academy here. Let me take a guess, but you took Nick's idea and then shoved it three steps further. In this by being a double agent, to everyone who didn't know that truth."
"They think you're involved in a cover up, and for them you're turning them in out of your guilt that Josh is gone. Until he screws up finally and says the words that end his career, whatever he's says and the girls. Whoever ends up on the ship, is left under scrutiny until we as the senior staff. And the veteran crew, as well as the committee and enquiry lift it." Will said and he nodded as he said it.
"You may not be a psychiatrist, but then your conclusions, regarding both of them hit the nail on the head at the time. But if you worded your debate with Maxwell after you went to arrest him. And turned it into an academy argument with a teenager on the edge of graduating from the academy. You have Nick, because he's worried about where he's getting placed and crossed the line."
"He's hoping that we're all getting the same placement, but I chose in advance and chose you and the ship. Because 1) this is my home and 2) I've been working under you so long I don't have to hear the orders. Because I can anticipate your thoughts right now, but I have friends here. I'm back to be under your command and everything I know is right here on the Enterprise."
"But he's a 1st year cadet and his graduation is less then three months away, and he's getting worried that they're going to overlook him. But that's the psychosis, he did it and made this decision out of desperation. Just to get your attention, chose a daredevil move, and Josh pays the price. And nearly me with him, but that sums it up, but like when we had Sarek here it started again."
"Crew evaluations, athletic scholarships, and the trio are trying to get the best duty station but you both said it how many times now. It's not by wits or fast thinking, it's following orders, grades and behavior. So to get you as his duty station, he chose a daredevil move and it winds up killing Josh. And nearly me with him and he's trying to cover it up." Wesley said and the two nodded firmly.
"Great, case setting of a teenage officer psychosis and the second the desperation hits. When in getting the best duty station they start getting more desperate to get chosen for it. With you, you never had to do that, because you know everything about us. And you know us better then he does, but how many times do we got to say this exactly?!" Geordi said in aggravated annoyance to that.
"Yes, you never lied to us before and you'd never do something you'd normally never do. And you're right, a lie of ommission is still a lie and as Starfleet officers we have a duty to the truth. A Starfleet officer's first duty is to the truth, be it scientifical, ethical or responsible. It is the founding principle on which Starfleet was born, I see you took my words to heart here as well."
"Alright Wesley, nicely done now, you just passed this particular test, alright report. What happened exactly, if you chose now to drop the truth to us, and before we hit the conclusion here." Picard said and he sighed in relief as he said it. "Well despite the fact I said he had it off, he still wanted to try it at that angle, but the fight followed the same pattern after the dear john letter showed up."
"And he was too focused on his break up, before his decision killed a team mate now. To put this bluntly now, Sirs, it's the scene on the movie, Josh is the team mate that was killed, because the narrator disregarded safety protocols. And asked him to remove his helmet during a live fire exercise, the team mate. The one that quit out of her guilt, was telling him off before she got hit in the back."
"By the drones, her finger hit the trigger and she shot and killed their team mate. So he was relieved of his command and dragged forth before the academy commanding officer. Everything that Charlie told you would happen, happened in the exact same sequence that you talked about when you decided to keep me home." he told him and he crossed his arms as she answered him then.
"So you decided to tell us prior, before we hit the why, if he chose the one I'm thinking of and he's screwed. You're lucky to be alive right now and, from what Ensign Fields told me. Is there still some fragments of the programming left over in the fight and flight response." Beverly said and he nodded. "Yeah I kind of figured that mom, but it's serious right now." he said and Robin said it then softly.
"Wes, it gets better, I just got the news from Allysa, it's confirmed, we're due in seven months honey." she said and he smiled in delight. "God I knew I was right, but that was too close, you're my entire life, baby, I'm not losing you. Or my baby, Nick is finished when this gets to Commander Alberts and the enquiry. As well as your parents, Charlie's and Kate's, and with those words in mind now."
"Then I need to be put on probation it's my only chance now." he said and Beverly said for the quartet in shock. "Due, oh my god, the tests came back positive Robin, Charlie?" Will said sharply for her and they nodded as she said it quickly as she looked at them. "Robin, you mean to tell me that not only did this kid's decision nearly cost me my son, but he nearly left you a widow and you're pregnant."
"With my grandchildren?" she said to her quickly and they nodded. "Yeah mom, that's exactly what she's saying, it happened the night before I returned to the academy. But exactly two months later and the time frame is exact, the baby she's carrying is mine, but that's why I had her get herself checked out. I had to make sure, but seven weeks stomach bug is not normal for us humans."
"But it is, when she's possibly seven weeks to eight pregnant, but this was before I returned to the academy, Josh risked his life to save me. And it's because he knew that she was pregnant, and he wasn't having our family. Both generations being destroyed and the stupid idiots at the moment now in this. It's that they nearly left my wife a widow, and I mean that literally too."
"She's my fiancé, and the other part is where you're really going to roast them here at the moment. But not only did they newly leave her a widow, but they nearly left my child, or children, fatherless, so with that, there's only one option left now to make." he said as he looked between the senior staff crew to the engineering and other members standing around hiim and his squadron at that gently.
"Once we follow through with this, it's putting me on probation to everyone not involved in our little investigation and undercover operation. But to everyone's thoughts I'm on probation here on the ship just to make up everything I lost. But for everyone involved, it's so I can take care of Robin, as she's pregnant with my children and I need to be with what's left of my squadron."
"But that sums it up, Sir, our decision to investigate the possible cover up if the Starburst ever was chosen. It activated the week you were enroute back to earth for the commencement demonstration. I got on the line with the trio, and it's been confirmed he chose the starburst. But I'm working undercover, double agent, that's why I reported in now." he said and they nodded to him gently then.
"And these little fools killed one cadet and nearly killed you in the process, and if my guess is correct like it always is. Then during that probation, you two are getting married, correct honey?" Beverly asked and he nodded. "Yeah mom, I'm not turning my back, she's pregnant with my baby, Charlie is godfather. And what's left of the team are the four of us and Kate, so with that, it's simple."
"But here it is, regarding things at the moment, did the captain tell you I relieved him of duty at the time?" he asked and they nodded. "Yes he did, but he also said you were going to tell us when we arrived. Is that why Locarno barged into your dorm room when I asked what happened?" Picard asked and he nodded. "Aye Sir, that's it exactly, and he broke the restrictions you put on this one."
"But after the first half of the hearing, I told you enough so you could come to the conclusion guys. But his was told in a half truth and after we agreed we'd tell you the truth, I gave you my truth. And I was waiting for you to realize it now, Sir, guys, but the truth is Josh never panicked. Or pulled away that fast, in fact they did it too close together and the explosion was do to faulty timing."
"Un-exact parameters in getting it exactly correct in measurements and breaking orders on this. But the charges in this are: for incompetence of command, for failure to abide by safety regulations during a live flight exercise. For negligence that contributed to the death of a team mate and the near murder of a second, for peer pressure of the surviving team mate."
"And for falsifying a report, for lying to a superior officer of said falsifying report, if he gets the next one after you figure it out and he's toast, Captain. So far the mission is coming along nicely, they decided that they're telling the truth. In half truths, did you see the shocked look on my face when he told her that?" he asked and they both nodded as he explained that part to them as he said it.
"Well it's because we already decided to tell you the truth, before hand, but this is a case of lying by an ommission here, Sir. You remember what you used to tell me, a lie of ommission is still a lie. And as Starfleet officer the first duty of every Starfleet officer is a duty to the truth. Be it scientifical, ethical or responsible, and we do not lie?" he said and Picard nodded to him gently at that.
"So though I told the truth, I didn't get to how and what caused it, but that's stage two in our undercover operation now. But I'm telling you the truth now, but I'm your undercover agent on the team: the trio, Kate and I. We are doing your evidence gathering for you and with that. You have your own spies on the team right now, but after I let him have it in stage three after you bust them."
"I'm reporting in again as the fight is going to go into the areas he can't take back and I know his next decision is he's going to suggest calling you a liar. Because he thinks you have nothing on the evidence and it's just a theory. And I'm quoting this in how he says it, so you tell them your theory. They ask us, is it true, and they tell them, no it's not true, Sir, unfortunately for him right now."
"I'm not about to turn on you like that it's wrong and I'm not doing it now, or ever, it's too late, I made my choice early, it's you, Sir. But get ready, he asks me to do that, but the fight over this turns into I'm telling you the truth. And he says you got to me with the remark you just told me now. But that's no speech you been telling me that for five years, before I let him have it for that now."
"But you don't mind about my just taking your latest reprimand and turning it into a teenager version of you're dressing down, vocally. Of an adult officer here, Sir, and I don't mean this debate. But your debate with Maxwell, the stupid idiot, he idols O'neill and his grandfather. But you know me, I took after you and Commanders Jackson and Riker?" he asked and Picard hid a smile at that.
"I see that, but then your touch in the no winner test was really good, but this in the way you're quoting me and the duo right now. I know we spent 8 1/2 years training you, and you took the job seriously. And weren't letting it do damage, but doing it in the way we normally do that. And he doesn't realize you're a lieutenant on board the enterprise is going a little too far, Wesley."
"Then again I'd hate to be him right now, because he's on the edge of graduation and you're rising through the ranks so quickly. That by the time you're 25 you'll be a junior commmander after that. But yes that's fine, if you want to use my words during cross evaluation in this. You have permission to do so, so keep going, what's this ultimatum you're forwarding for me now."
"Because you're going to have to take the tone Will and I do with an adult officer, case in point is Commander Shelby and Captain Maxwell. If you're doing a junior officer version to these dressing downs, before the final ultimatum. That you're sending them for both myself and the enquiry, you're going to have to pretend you're me and he's one of the duo." he said and Wesley nodded to him.
"It's the same speech we heard your double use on me, just altered slightly, with his still being at the academy. Followed by what you used to tell me about the first duty. Before I say it that if he doesn't have the will to stand up and tell her what took place. Then he, or the girls, do not deserve to wear that uniform, so either he tells her the truth, or we will, the we being you and me, now Sir."
"As I turned into you, since you kept me home, and I tell him we have to come forward together, regarding the truth here as well. But it's turned into us and them. So get ready when you see my memories, but he's speaking for the three of them here, it's now 'we' don't want to come forward. 'We' don't have a problem with this, but if you do, then resign your application to the academy.'."
"And walk away, but don't make 'us' pay for your guilty conscious.', if he says both of those in the way I phrased it now, he's finished. But there's no going back, me, I made my choice, it's the crew and the enquiry. The eighteen months sealed their fates now, I'm more Starfleet officer then they ever will be now as a result and with those words in mind now his next remark regarding this."
"Is after I make it clear, blackmail in this as, 'You'd let me throw away my career just to save your neck.'. To which the next remark is going to be, 'to save the team that's more important then you, and more important then me. And if I was in your place I would do so, and without hesitation, but that's just me.'. He says all of those, in the way I just quoted them now, he's finished."
" But I'm just forwarding your warning to him, now he either tells her the truth, or 'we' will. Because I'm not letting them get between 'us', so they tell the truth, or 'we' will." he said, putting emphasis on the word and he nodded, hearing the emphasis and knew he meant them, himself and Wesley. "And by we and us, you mean you and me, yes and you're very correct right now as well, Lieutenant."
"He either tells her the truth, or you and I are doing it, but either way, if he doesn't have the forthright to stand up. And come forward, then he doesn't deserve that uniform, and neither do the girls. And yes, that's exactly the right tone to take, but inject as much of an officer tone into your voice. You're the leader of the junior crew and they don't know that, so just use that now."
"You always were my prize pupil as a result, but our bond is at stake right now, so they want to screw with our relationship, then they better think again. So you better do whatever it takes, you're a Starfleet born, you know the risks. You know what goes on out there and you know everything about me. So to you, and me, it's best to put that to use at the moment, you know I did it once."
"To answer your other remark, they don't deserve to wear that uniform, but you do, Lieutenant. In fact, the fact we chose to keep you home leading into your return two months ago, just sealed their fates now. You're more starfleet officer then they ever will be now and this was the leadership test. And the honesty test they're undergoing and with that in mind, in your case right now."
"And said test you passed, again, so he wants to go down that road and try and call me that right to my face, he's not going to like the results as to why that is. Well if he thinks Andrea, Vance or J.P. is going to believe that lie he says he'd better think again, because they won't. And I know you, you'd never turn on me anyway, I know you." he said gently and Wesley nodded in agreement to his thoughts.
"Yes Sir, exactly not after everything you ever done for me, I'd never lied to you before and I'm not about to start now. But they're digging themselves into a hole so deep they need a ladder. Or just someone to throw them a rope just to get out of it right now and as to why exactly. They're trying to alleviate themselves of the guilt by making it sound like the accident was Josh's fault."
"But Josh never lost control of the ship, the collision wasn't because he panicked, it's because he got knocked unconscious. Your age group put a restriction on this one that was broken twice, both in the commander's age group and in mine now. I made it very clear that if said maneuver backfired and someone was killed at the time, it was on his head at the time here as well."
"And after the ignition in your forensics boys, it's the last one, the coolant hatch was open, ignite the plasma. That's what happened and he got the measurements wrong. Because Nick decided on the one that cost seven cadets their lives now." he said and Geordi looked at him in shock. "Oh my god, you're not serious, Wes, he didn't choose that one?!" Barnfield said in shock at that news.
"I am Jenny, that's what he's been trying to keep hidden and I decided on the added back door to get back up here. Lal commed the admirals, and told Brand I'm coming up here to let you know. So I'm just saying it now, it's because I'm a double agent I needed to make you think I was involved. And until you figured it out, when you did, the trio and I dropped the act and told you now."
"But that's the other piece right now, I had the trio taping the entire conversation from the second you arrived up to now. Lal tapped into the camera in my dorm room, and the trio were on the other end of it and the connection was connected back to Robin's computer. They heard both conversations leading into my testimony this morning, before you spoke to Boothby, captain."
"But before you came to the exact conclusion and told me you were getting closer mom, I'm dropping the act. But we're gathering inside evidence to incriminate the trio by their own words, spoken in his voice. But as I didn't tell you till now, I'm suggesting probation up here, as, to them. It's they're thinking I got the same penalty as they did, but in reality, it's advanced training now."
"And I'm earning my flight status of the shuttles back, but for now it's making sure nothing gets between us now. And it's getting whoever ends up on the ship, in the girls, the added scrutiny till you lift it, Sir." he said and Picard and Beverly both nodded to him. "You had to tell us this now, before I figured it out?" Picard said and he nodded as he answered him as he relaxed then as he said it.
"Aye Sir, I was doing your undercover work of having a plant or two on the team, so you could have a spy on the team. But as you given them chance, after chance, after chance to come forward and they still won't do it, and now they're running out of time. And have with the fact you came to the conclusion of what caused it, it's the coolant hatch." Wesley said and Picard nodded firmly to him.
"The coolant hatch and doing it when you were getting ready for an after burn, but trying it that way, and when the ship was already in flight, would be extremely hazardous." Data said and he nodded as Geordi finished that. "Yeah he's right, that would probably ignite the..., ignite the plasma." he started to say and his eyes widened at that as he turned to Wesley as he gripped his shoulder then.
"You're not serious, he chose the starburst, that's what killed Josh?!" he said to him in shock and he nodded to him. "Yeah, ignite the plasma, that's exactly what they were trying to do, but he got the measurements in the second half of it off. But we got the first half of the move correct, but as you kept saying. It's the second half that, if you don't get it exactly correct, it can and will kill someone."
"And it did, but the accident was the unexpected add on, we decided if it worked we were telling you and the enquiry he broke the restrictions. If not and someone was killed and we were still turning him and the girls in. And for disobeying direct orders on a banned maneuver your age group. And McCoy's age group, set on this one, but the charges are every single one in the book."
"That the major named off on the movie version of the story, but the accident, was no accident at all, Josh is dead, because he chose a banned maneuver. His arrogance and their bravado is what killed him, we told him, it was too close together. And we weren't ready for this, they pushed me and Josh into it when we weren't ready for it, but they thought we could do it and pull it off."
"They thought we could do anything, but we can't, and as a result he was killed, but that sums it up, his arrogance. And their bravado, overconfidence and ill conceived timing was the bullet that killed Josh and nearly me with him." he said and Picard nodded slowly to the news. "Ignite the plasma, that's exactly what they were trying to do here, that's what happened, as I said, last time."
"When doing it without a helmet once the blast hits and you're likely to be knocked unconscious in the blast. But that's what happened isn't it, you warned them if they got it wrong and one of you is killed it's on his head. But what doesn't make sense is how you got hurt in the first place." Picard said and he nodded as he explained that, knowing the 7 of them were going to be furious at this.
"Aye Sir, and the reason in how is he got the measurements off by five meters, but the blast knocked us 20 yards apart from each other, knocking him unconscious. And lit up the fuel tank, I was about to put it out when the plasma ignited a second time. Threw me 20 yards away from the explosion and directly into the wall of my fighter, and fried my controls." he said and they nodded to him.
"Ignite the plasma, that's exactly what they were trying to do, but the blast knocked Josh unconscious, threw you 20 yards away from each other and it lit up his engine. You tried to put out the fire and it went off a second time and caused all three injuries at once." Geordi repeated quickly to him and he nodded. "Yeah that's it exactly, Sir this was not my idea, I warned him if it didn't work."
"And someone else was killed, and it's on his head, Hajar was sounding like the team mate that was berating the lost team mate. Just before she accidentally killed him, but all in all, their arrogance. And his bravado is what killed Josh and barely missed killing me in the process." he said and they nodded firmly. "Good thing you told us this now, before we hit the conclusion of the explosion."
"And it's because it's enough to shake things up right now, as you're the only one to come forward. And tell us exactly what took place that saves you from expulsion, and yes, we can make that decision, on the probation. But let me guess you want to do it up here, with Robin pregnant, you need to be with her." Will said and he nodded to him and he nodded as he answered him gently then.
"Aye Sir, I made a promise, to you and I'm keeping that promise right now, and I know I told the truth up to a point here. But it was to get you to complete your forensics, and I reported in to tell you the added reason for why. But it either works or it doesn't, but we risked our careers just to make sure. That this was never attempted again by any generation of Nova Squadron, Captain."
"But he chose the Kolvoord Starburst, and at the exact same measurements O'neill tried it at. But he chose the measurements that killed Reynolds, it's a repeat of your generation dad. I was playing along, and Josh and I knew we were taking a big risk in this. But he died just to make sure this never happened again." he said and they nodded to him gently as Beverly said for the four of them.
"Wait mom, to finish that explanation is that the exact measurements used in this were ten meters apart in the plasma ignition, but he used O'neill's measurements. Despite the fact I said he had it too close, and told him he needed to pull it back five more, but he kept insisting that he had it right. And that did it for me as I warned him, if one of us was killed and it's on his head."
"And Hajar gave me the same spiel that the team mate that quit out of her guilt did and my response was pretty close to the lost team mate as well. But not only did their arrogance kill Josh, they nearly killed me as well as a result. Because the fire lit up his engine, set the tank on fire and before I could put it out, it went a second time." he said and she nodded as she answered him gently.
"So this is what you meant, don't protect you, because you were gathering the evidence necessary to have him expelled. Like I said you didn't do anything wrong, neither of you did, but whatever reason he sacrificed himself for. That is the next question, but there's always a glitch in undercover operations. Getting us the truth now is enough to save your career, as you were the only one."
"Of the four that decided to come forward, so to the outside of our circle, it's probation. To us and the enquiry, you're entering advanced training after that, but it's we're dealing with making sure that probationary is only six months. So another year in training and and we get you back, and just months. Before Sito joins the crew and we deal with the Cardassians and that federation planet."
"But as you did this on Jean Luc's orders, that's enough to help save your career, so what's the next idea now, regarding this." she said and he sighed softly. "You risked your career and life, just to make sure. That any future generations of Nova never tried this again. And Josh risked death just to make sure this was never attempted again?" Picard said and he nodded to him and he nodded to him.
"Aye Sir, either it worked or it didn't, but either way the goal to us Gammas was it's making sure. That it's never attempted again, and to answer you question mom, it's stage acting parts three and four. So pretend I never told you any of this, and I'm still involved in a cover up. But wait till the end of this episode. and the aftermath begins, said aftermath is I'm telling you the entire truth. "
"I show you and the enquiry my memories, we do a secondary hearing and then we drop the act. As I reveal that we had this planned from the get go as the term 'actions speak louder then words' comes out. And he's stripped of all self control as he reveals his true colors and the sentence. For the four of us, gets redone, he's being expelled and his application is permanently deactivated."
"The girls get twice the sentence, as their year credits for this year and half of last get revoked along with their flight status. And they can't advance with our class, as for me, it's probation and I'm doing it up here. So to their thinking, I get the same consequences, but to ours, it's so I can take care of Robin and we just make our bonds even tighter." he said and they nodded as she answered him.
"So that's the rest of this episode now, we finish it and do every part of till the end of the episode, before the aftermath begins. You show us the added evidence in your memories, the hearing gets redone and then we reveal this was actually an undercover operation. As we let him lose it completely, he gets expelled and marginalized, the girls twice the sentence here in consequences."
"In your case, but to us, we just make our bonds even tighter, as you're working over time right now. As for the duo, the girls are placed on academic probation and their flight status revoked. And until such time as when Eric and Brand decided to reactivate it, honey?" Beverly asked and he nodded to her. "Yeah mom it is, I knew if I tried to tell you when you were in my room with me."
"He was going to come deflect it, so I decided on having Lal, put a sound proof shield on my dorm room. And reported in so I could tell you all to confirm what the guys were going to tell you and we were revealing we've gathered enough. That he just added coercion and attempted emotional blackmail to his list of crimes in addition to what I told you." he said and the group nodded to him then.