A detailed inquiry was to be expected. But not this charge: dereliction of duty.
Dereliction...
Too late, I control my expression; repress the sudden emotion…the anger. The panel's sharp observation reminds me of my VSA admission board.
"Sirs. Fleet protocol demands rescue of any distressed planet's highest governing body."
Admiral Komack stands. "You abandoned your command to save your parents."
"I was uniquely suited to attempt a rescue of the Vulcan High Command."
"And if that body had not included them—"
"Conjecture is illogical."
"You would have let them die."
I stare into space, controlling. I swallow, and nod.