Military Terms:
Captain's Mass – Navy's court of law where the Commanding Officer acts as Judge and Jury.
UCMJ – Uniform Code of Military Justice
Article 15 – non–judicial punishment
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Data Log Entry: # 21830711
1645 hours
Right now I am so angry. Why is it so hard to follow my instructions? Today, Lieutenant Alenko questioned me during a heated fire fight. No, not questioned… Flat out disobeyed an order! This is not the first time he has done this. He is going to get someone killed, like ME! As soon as I am done writing this I am going to put a formal letter of reprimand under UCMJ – Article 15 in his personnel data file.
Today we were in a shipping warehouse when Lieutenant Alenko left his position next to me insisting he could get a better angle at the vorcha. He was taking jabs at them with his biotics trying to get a clearer shot.
My weapon overheated and jammed when all the sudden there was an asari eclipse standing a few meters in front of me. I was left completely vulnerable. The wicked asari smirked and used her biotics to lift a massive crate on my left. Watching it slowly rise, it dawned on me, "That's gonna hurt." She was about to release it when I heard Professor T'Soni scream at me, "Shepard!" Suddenly, faster than I could comprehend, the crate went flying in the opposite direction and T'Soni was at my side. She was panting hard from the sudden dash and the use of such powerful biotics. She reached out and grabbed my arm, "Shepard, Are you ok?" I never realized how blue her eyes actually were.
It took a moment for it all to register; I had never seen the Professor use her biotics to move much more than a data pad. Her timing was perfect and she had just saved my life. I just stared at her for a bit. I couldn't believe it. I'm still not sure what I am most bewildered by, the fact that she saved my life or that she is an extremely powerful Asari.
After a couple deep breathes, the Professor angelically bowed her head and closed her eyes focusing all of her concentration. Her entire body began to glow brilliantly as her biotics fired up. She slowly raised her head and with one fluent movement sent one hell of a biotic attack towards the asari eclipse, knocking that blue bitch right on her ass. I was amazed by the amount of kinetic energy that flowed off T'Soni's body. I was awe struck. I had never seen anything like that from Alenko. Hell! I've never seen any biotic, including Asari Commandos, produce such a force.
I think it even surprised T'Soni how deadly her strike was. She had an astonished look on her face as she leaned against a crate trying to catch her breath. I unjammed my weapon and when the Professor was ready, we made quick work of the remaining hostiles. It was nice seeing her smile for once. It becomes her.
Tali was decrypting the wall safe in the small room upstairs when Alenko strolled in. Usually I'm not one to chastise in public but this time I flipped out. I turned around and laid into him. "Damn it Alenko, what were you thinking? I told you to hold your fucking position! You do know what "hold your position" means, right?" I started pacing trying to reel in my temper. I glanced at Professor T'Soni, "You know I'd probably be dead if it weren't for her and she's not even a soldier. She's a scientist for Christ sakes!" Rubbing my forehead, "How am I supposed to trust you Alenko? How can the team trust you…?" This isn't brain camp. It's not every man for him self." He seemed paralyzed as I vented. "Get out of my face! I don't want to see you right now!"
I won't be able to forget the blank expressions on Tali and T'Soni's face when Alenko finally left the room. I felt like an ass. It wasn't a very good "human" impression to leave them with.
I was surprised when Tali placed her hand on my shoulder and said. "Sometimes you have to be tough to protect the rest of the crew." The tone of her voice told me that she was perhaps speaking from experience on the flortilla. Hopefully not first hand experience.
I don't know what to do about LT. Alenko. If he wasn't such a seasoned soldier I'd have his ass at Captain's Mast in a heartbeat. Given that I'm the Commanding Officer, I don't think it would go very well for him. I'm also tired of walking on egg shells with him about the Professor. It seems like every time we are have a conversation he finds a way to sarcastically mention her. If he was uneasy about her before, he will certainly resent her now. I will have to be careful around him. He is after all a L2 biotic.
I'd better go talk to T'Soni and warn her to stay away from Alenko. Plus I need to make sure she's ok after today's explosive events. I bet she's still surprised she threw that crate. Maybe I will ask her to have chow with me this evening.
I'll write up Alenko's DA Form 4856 later tonight.
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2215 hours
I just finished having the most remarkable conversation with Liara. We talked all night. She is so bright and innocent. It was like a breath of fresh air from the military ambiance that constantly surrounds me. I wish I could repeat how perfectly she described her home planet; Thessia. It was breath taking. I had no idea how interesting the Protheans were. The knowledge Liara has learned from ancient dig sites; amazing! There are so many things I could learn from her. It's getting late. I'm going to get some shut eye now and try to remember the way Liara described her home planet. Aw it was so blue!
I am way too tired to fill out Alenko's reprimand, so I will do it tomorrow.