Complaints

Posted on 21 Dec 2012 @ 6:03am by Captain Jonathan Holliday & Chief Warrant Officer 4 Cyrus Kiwosk
Edited on on 21 Dec 2012 @ 11:40am

9,062 words; about a 45 minute read

Mission: Episode 02 - Resupply
Location: USS Galileo - Deck 2, Office of Commander Holliday
Timeline: MD 15

[ON]

Jeremy's PADD signaled him. He checked the display and sighed. Though it wasn't his first time in front of a senior officer regarding a complaint filed against him, it was his first as a senior officer - garnered on his first day no less - and that did bother him. Why Kiwoski should be so upset when he was freed to pursue his Marine options, a fact he had argued so passionately for, was beyond him. However, many things were beyond him. Still, it was time to resolve it and move forward. He had a department review coming up, the security threat analysis and other documents Holliday requested to be prepared and submitted. While he may not have time to take for this complaint, getting it resolved would be a great benefit to his productivity. Especially considering how behind he was in both reports for Holliday.

Picking up his PADD he left his office and went through an empty security office. One thing he noticed was that the security office tended to clear out when he entered. Though others might be curious about subordinates not wanting to be around them, Jeremy was pleased. He believed he was having a positive affect on officer's making rounds and being visible and vigilant.

****

Cyrus had woken up early for this. His hand still throbbed painfully but the swelling had gone down thanks to Pola's handy work. He felt horrible that she had seen him like that, but grateful she understood. Nothing had meant more to him in that one moment.

The complaint almost seemed to write itself as he opened the PADD to start the complaint process.


Chief Warrant Officer Cyrus Kiwosk
USS Galileo
Filing complaint to: Commander Jonathan Holliday
Concerning: Lieutenant Junior Grade Jeremy Stone
Regarding: Improper Dismissal/Revoking of Security Clearance, Removal Active Duty Roster and Verbal Misconduct.

Summary:

I, CWO Kiwosk, was called to a meeting with LTJG Stone at 1800. I arrived at the meeting to be asked if I was "a Security officer or a Marine?" I proceeded to explain to LTJG Stone that I had dual certifications in both fields so I was technically qualified in both professions. This answer was insufficient for LTJG Stone as he said that "Impersonating a security officer is a chargeable offense." When I failed to see the connection and that I was a Security Officer, I attempted again to explain that I had dual certifications and that I had been highly recommended by my previous ship's Commanding Officer and Marine Commanding Officer. I also stated that I was more than willing to proof my right to wear the uniform of Security/ Tactical. LTJG Stone proceeded to tell me that I was "not trained for the complexities of being a security officer" and that "Marines are trained for combat, not keeping the peace." And that I must choose between serving with the Marines and serving with Security, and that he would not "accept the liability of a Marine acting outside of the scope of security training and as a security officer." When I stated that Security Personnel were also trained in combat simulation and that there was numerous spots where the Marine field and Security cross over I was told that my "reasoning is flawed." When I stated that I hold the qualifications for two jobs. LTJG Stone stated that I "do not have two jobs aboard this ship."

As a personal side note: He is correct in that I do not have two jobs onboard the ship, I had been stating that I was qualified for two positions and that I felt it was considered unjust for him to force me to choose between two departments if there was only one department on the ship.

LTJG Stone proceeded to explain that my "inability to understand the singular role (that I) must play as a security officer le(d him) to believe (I was) not suited" for the role of Security Officer. I proceeded to explain to him that if he " I would be stupid enough to jeopardize the integrity of the crew or anyone with my actions (That he was) misinformed about the SFMC." I also asked LTJG Stone what gave him the right to "I waltz in here and say I'm not fit to work in a field I spent almost three years in training" LTJG Stone proceeded to explain to me that he "was the Chief of Security on the U.S.S. Galileo," and that I was "removed" and was at risk of facing charges. I attempted to explain that I understood the differences between the two fields and that I was not trying to impersonate anyone. I also asked him why he felt it was "necessary without even giving me a chance to show you what I know" and what he would gain "by being the school yard bully trying to throw his weight around in a department that he has just sat down in." LTJG Stone proceeded to remove my clearance and removed me from the duty roster as intended.

I understand that I have violated the Starfleet Code of Ethics under the article of Speaking to a Superior Officer. I lost control of my anger from the situation and would also state a formal apology in this Complaint report to LTJG Stone for the necessary comments I provided. They were both unprofessional and anger driven, not heartfelt.

In that being said, I feel that it was been an unjust treatment of my abilities as well as my life decisions and career goals. I never stated that I was not willing to give my 100% in my field of Security. There is no Marine unit on board Galileo, so I didn't understand the necessity of being told to choose. The revoking of my Clearance was completely biased on his ideas behind the Marine field and my participation in the Starfleet Marine Corps.

I formally request the reactivation of my Clearance and my return to the Duty Roster. I do not wish to file any charges or any further complaints regarding LTJG Stone, nor do I wish this complaint to reflect negatively upon him in any regard.

Thank you for you time Commander.
Sincerely,
CWO Kiwosk

Cyrus reread the entire document one last time before pressing the send button on the PADD. Hopefully things would be cleared up soon. He leaned back and sighed. He had returned most of his security items as he had not needed them, the only thing formal he had left was his old Marine uniform and his dress uniform. He sighed.

He hated dressing up.

****

Sighing as the report disappeared off of his desk screen and back into the cyber-oblivion that was Galileo's database, John rubbed the bridge of his nose as he tried to get his head around the situation. It seemed to have been twice in the short period of time that Stone had been on board that the XO had needed to step in to resolve something that should never have been a problem. He made a mental note to look up the Lieutenant's service record to see whether or not there was something in there that was the explanation for his somewhat erratic behaviour.

Tapping his combadge, the Commander signalled that he was ready to deal with this latest debate.

=^=Holliday to Stone and Kiwosk - report to my office on the double.=^=

****

=^= This is Kiwosk. I'm on my way now, Commander. =^= Cyrus did everything in his power to not over jolt his hand as he jogged/walked his way to the Commanders' office.

His mind was racing and his heart pounding loudly in his chest. He was both nervous, angry and excited all at the same time. All he could think about was how this was possibly the end of his Security career before it even really began. He was dressed in his formal dress uniform and looked like he was quite out of place. He could only imagine how worse it would have been had he been in Marine Green. He beared the embarrassment with little complaint as he knew that this was an all or nothing type of conversation. He could only hope that Holliday understood his reasoning.

It wasn't long before Cyrus was in front of the office door. His mind was racing throughout the entire ride up and the way down the hall. He took a deep breathe to calm himself and pressed the chime. "Chief Warrant Officer Kiwosk here to see you Commander." He stated into the intercom.

Without even responding, John leant on the door release panel built into his desk and watched as the two halves slid apart in front of him to reveal the Chief in a very unusual choice of uniform. This wasn't a formal hearing, nor was it being debated by Admirals who would require the formality of dress uniform. If anything, the XO felt a little underdressed wearing nothing but his standard duty uniform.

"Chief - I wasn't aware that there was a dress uniform requirement for this meeting?"

Struggling not to flush red Cyrus took a step into the room. "Well seeing that I had to return my uniforms in fear of an impersonation charge, it was either the dress uniform or my Marine Greens...and I think you understand why I'm in Dress uniform Commander." He extended his now newly healed hand for a handshake. "How was your time off world, Commander?" Deciding that small talk would help take the edge off the already tense situation.

John had been deliberately vague about where exactly it was he had gone during his time away from the ship. As far as he was concerned, the activities that he undertook once off the Galileo and more importantly off duty were for him to know, and nobody else.

"Very....productive thank you Mr Kiwosk."

"I won't bother asking about your time back on board...from what I've heard you've been busy, sir."

"More than a little busy. There had been a substantial amount of repair work completed in the few days I was away. Very satisfactory progress on all fronts, and of course a new Bridge to get used to."

It took Jeremy a little more time to arrive at Holliday's office as he first stopped by the bridge to check on the tactical station and then mistakenly went to the Ready Room. Though it was a small ship, he still had to stop and have the computer guide him to the commander's office. Jeremy had to admit he was less than pleased by this summoning.

Nothing Chief Kiwoski wrote denied that he wanted to be a Marine and to work with the Marine detachment. His complaint only restated his arguments to be allowed to be a Marine and conduct that Jeremy had learned of Chief Kiwoski further indicated his preference for a Marine lifestyle. Though he apparently had some Starfleet Security training, everything about Chief Kiwoski stated he wanted to remain a Marine. Jeremy was honestly confused as to why he would have to take time out of his schedule to continue dealing with this matter when he had given Chief Kiwoski what he wanted - time to be a Marine.

He also was unhappy to be having another personnel dispute in front of Commander Holliday. Though Holliday had - he frowned as he searched for the phrase - 'thrown him a bone' and refused to accept putting Jeremy on report and associated discipline for the incident in the brig, Jeremy still found the entire Athlen incident galling. The Commander showed no respect for the rule of law, the process of Starfleet legal proceedings and...Jeremy wished it weren't so, but it was...Holliday showed absolutely no trust and faith in his judgment and abilities. An attitude he determined based only on listening to the accused party and considering none of the facts and circumstances Jeremy had obtained through an investigation into the actions of Crewman Athlen. Holliday grasped upon the thinnest straw to allow Athlen to state he followed regulations allowing him to challenge Lieutenant Liyar, however Holliday also disregarded the actual regulation that provided the format and guidelines for how that challenge was to be laid out. In essence, he allowed Crewman Athlen to be absolved of responsibility for his actions and Holliday didn't seem to care about the ramifications it would have on this ship and crew and future needs to maintain peace and order.

Jeremy hit the chime to the Commander's office already irritated by the turn of events and Holliday's previously shown display of bias.

The second chime could only have meant one thing; the other party for the argument that John was about to mediate had arrived. Although it would have been easy for him to simply dismiss this as a minor scuffle, the XO knew from the light reading he had managed to do on Stone before his arrival on Galileo was more than enough to serve as a warning to flouting protocol more often than was actually necessary. Tapping the door controls again, Holliday tried to greet him with as much warmth and neutrality as he could.

"Lieutenant Stone - excellent timing. I appreciate your attention to detail."

"Sir?" Jeremy said as he walked in and saw Kiwoski in dress uniform. He sighed as he shook his head and stared at the edge of the desk. Not even in the door and getting rebuked. "I wasn't informed this was to be a formal hearing, sir," he said knowing how shabby and underdressed he looked. Though, uncharitably, he wondered if perhaps the Commander hadn't messaged only Kiwoski regarding the formality of the hearing.

"It's not, I had to return my uniforms remember?" Cyrus pointed out. "This is the only one I had, and civilians I assumed would be a little too informal." Cyrus forced himself not to grit his teeth, or flex his hands. The best way to get through this hearing was to accept what he did wrong and call it there. Stone wasn't even in the room for three minutes before rubbing Kiwosk the wrong way.

"I hardly believe I can be faulted for your Marine commanders not allowing you to wear their uniform," Jeremy said while calling up various things on his PADD. His tone remained even as he spoke, maybe a little too tightly controlled. "Perhaps if you gave them your impassioned pleas of how much of a Marine you are they would relent?"

Cyrus knew better than to give into the Lieutenant's bait a second time. Fool me once Stone...shame on you....fool me twice... He repressed a chuckle when he heard the obvious baiting. " I'm sorry sir, but there are no Marine Commanders on board the Galileo . And giving the circumstance, I don't believe that there are Marines at all. I still don't see what the problem was with me saying that I was trained as both a Marine and a Security Officer considering that we aren't a combat ship."

Jeremy continued working on the security threat analysis that he was nowhere near finishing and the deadline for it was closer than he'd like. "I believe we have already had that conversation, Chief Kiwoski, and your complaint outlines that you were able to clearly understand my reasonings." He frowned as he realized that he failed to obtain data from the manual ramp while he was there checking on returning crew and their contraband. It was something he would have to make sure to get done as soon as possible. "However, you have chosen to file a complaint with spurious charges and it is now in front of Commander Holliday. In Starfleet, proper protocol would be to address him with your arguments."

John had, at least for the last few seconds, remained silent; preferring to get a grip on exactly the problem was with someone having dual training abilities. He himself had served in Security during his younger days, having only moved into Tactical and later Commander once a little further into his career.

"So gentlemen....what exactly is the problem here? I wasn't aware that Starfleet had set up a policy forbidding crosstrained staff from serving in other departments?"

Stone shook his head while he compiled data, pulling it together to help him get the report done. It sounded as if Holliday was already moving to find some flimsy excuse to give Cyrus exactly what he wanted. "If there is a policy regarding that, Commander, I am unaware of it." He said it as just a flat statement and an acknowledgment. However, he flipped his PADD and set up a search of all Starfleet policies, regulations and procedure manuals, to include the new guideline manual given to him by Coleman.

"So..what exactly is the issue with a Marine holding Security certifications serving within the Security detachment of the Galileo?"

John replied inquisitively. He was still struggling to find exactly what the problem was. If anything, an officer with multiple departments worth of training would be an asset to whichever department they served in, rather than a hindrance as they had so far been described.

"Sir, the issue isn't a security officer with some previous Marine training. The issue is with a Marine serving as a security officer. Chief Kiwoski has made it very clear that he wishes to be a Marine," Jeremy said, still absorbed in his PADD and reports. "I now gather that he's upset over there not being a Marine detachment aboard the Galileo and is seeking to obtain the best of both worlds until he can find a Marine detachment." Jeremy sighed. He forgot to count the number of knives in the galley. And he had left a note to do so! He sighed as he continued. "Perhaps the solution would be to allow Chief Kiwoski to be a detachment of one. Marines seem to possess an attitude they are individually better than a crew."

"And your response Chief? Is a Marine posting something that you would prefer?"

The XO decided to pass the floor over to the lower ranking of the two men in front of him. There had been an argument for several years within the upper echelons of Starfleet regarding the deployment of a strictly military body such as the Marines onto vessels like Galileo which were designed for missions of science or diplomacy. The general feeling had always been that a peaceful vessel should not necessarily carry such an offensive-orientated detachment.

Cyrus paused before answering the Commander, looking at Stone in confusion. Where had he gotten the idea that Kiwosk wanted a marine detachment? He had transferred out of the SFMC to pursue a career in Security due to a life threatening injury...it was all in his record. He was trained as a marine, and he did have tendencies to act more marine-ish, but he never tried to transfer to a marine detachement or anything of the sort.

"I was asked at the meeting if I was a marine or if I was a Security Officer. I replied that I was both, and that's true. I've been trained in both fields." He looked back to Jon before continuing. "But I never said that I wanted to be part of a Marine detachment. I transferred out of a Detachment to come here. My history says so." He looked back to Stone, a confused look on his face. "If I wanted to stay in the Marines I never would have left the Fitzgerald Lieutenant, but I didn't want to lie to you because I have a history there and at some point, I will transfer back." He paused to cough slightly before continuing. "But until that time I don't plan on acting like anything but a Security Officer, it was never my idea to bring the Marine Corps into a Security Detachment, I mean there are similarities in both fields, but..." He left off, deciding that the tangent had ran off the course.

He turned back to Holliday. "So to answer your question, my answer is no. I didn't want a Marine Detachement Posting. In fact, I requested this ship because of the lack of Marine Staff. As I said, if I wanted a Detachement posting I wouldn't have left the Fitzgerald, I wanted a change and my other certification allowed that until this..." He couldn't help but glance at Stone. "problem arised.

"When I gave him my answer, I was trying to explain that I am qualified in both fields, not that my loyalties were divided..." He finished.

"Your loyalties are not under question Chief...neither myself nor the Captain have any reason to doubt your service to the Galileo."

John replied, he certainly didn't want anyone thinking that Galileo was not a ship of opportunities. At the very least it should not serve as an example of a ship where people could not follow their own career paths.

"At the Academy, I minored in psychology and, it is no secret, that I have clocked probably as many therapy hours as any counselor during an internship and first year of residency," Jeremy said, frowning at his PADD while flipping from one report to the other, "during much of the last few years, I have studied various psychology and counseling texts and have taken in-service credit hours regarding psychology in view of security personnel, especially personnel working in Starfleet medical facilities, as well as practical application of psychological principles during the course of my duties. I can state that I have some qualifications as a counselor, but I believe no one would dare to allow me to work part time as a counselor. I am simply unsuited. As are Marines for day to day security operations."

Jeremy looked up from his PADD and kept his eyes focused on the edge of Holliday's desk. "Commander, this complaint is spurious. Kiwoski admits his love for the Marines, he mentions his recommendations from a Marine commander, he writes with fondness of his training as a Marine and sidesteps that Security is not a combat oriented field but one that has, to be properly trained and exercised, much more latitude and complexities than mere combat simulations and orientation. A security officer has an awesome responsibility regarding their duties and times at which they may, lawfully, act outside the necessary chain of command. A security officer must be more than just a 'soldier' but encompass many aspects and draw from many departments and disciplines. We are not soldiers. Chief Kiwoski simply fails to understand, and actions I have been informed of show indicate that Chief Kiwoski fails to understand that security officers are not thugs aboard a ship, but part of a necessary and delicate balance designed for peace and order rather than martial law.

"I commend the Chief's recall of events and statements, it is certainly better than I am capable of doing without review of the security feed." Jeremy frowned as he returned focus back to his PADD. "Which I did. While Chief Kiwoski may have accurately written statements made, a review shows that he has crafted an illusionary situation to better serve his complaint through editing of statements and the context in which they were made. I regret that I was unaware there was no Marine detachment when I severed Chief Kiwoski's part time commitment to the security department to allow him to pursue his Marine career. However, the security department on this ship is woefully understaffed in order to accommodate more room for science professionals. If you view that as a complaint, Commander, then I will make it so. Along with the caveat that I understand this is a ship for scientific exploration and discovery.

"As such, I cannot accept a part time commitment to my department from someone 'slumming' their way between Marine assignments. Chief Kiwoski freely admitted, just now, that he came from a Marine detachment, where he was highly recommended by a Marine Commander and is waiting for a time to transfer back to a Marine detachment. Nothing he has said has disproven his already stated intentions that he wants to be a Marine. He even testifies to you that he is here only due to injuries sustained which currently prevent his work as a Marine and then he will return after he is 'healed'. Chief Kiwoski's argues that security and Marines share many similar conditions yet belies a lack of understanding as he now relates security to convalescence from Marine injuries.

"His record does hold certifications and on record, one might presume that he would, with training and guidance, make a good, if not excellent, security officer. Much as I, given guidance and training, could make a good counselor. However, I must also consider other facts brought to light after my initial conversation with Chief Kiwoski, which not only affect his suitability for security and tactical operations but reflect poorly upon his conduct and would then reflect poorly on the department as a whole. What I have learned of his conduct, on duty and off, could very well cause a loss of respect and faith in the security department by members of this crew. It further reflects that Chief Kiwoski fails to understand that, given the responsibility of a security officer, his conduct is under greater scrutiny and therefore must be considered to be held much more fiercely to a set standard. The conduct of which I learned further indicates that Chief Kiwoski fails to understand the role and responsibility he would play as the senior non-commissioned officer in the department."

Cyrus stood flabbergasted at the utter stupidity of Stone. "You took a minor in Psych...Stone, but I finished two complete courses and spent the extra year at the academy to complete two FULL courses. Cyrus gestured to Stone while looking at Jon. "Commander, the man hasn't even given me a chance to prove what I'm capable of." Turning back to Stone he sighed. "I pity whatever happened to you to make you this way Lieutenant, I really really do. " He noticed that Stone hardly looked anyone in the face, something forced Stone to be this way. Maybe it's something to look into . Kiwosk thought absently in between rising anger and frustration.

Jeremy shook his head slightly as he frowned. He'd switched to the security analysis and that was giving him much more of a headache. He flicked to the time and did a mental countdown to how much was left before the reports were due. Fortunately he was able to get a 72 hour commitment from Holliday for the reports being due otherwise Lt. Coleman's guidelines Chapter Five, Section Three, Paragraph Four would have had him buried in discipline by now. "While your commitment to enlistment is admirable," Stone said, oblivious to any natural inclination that others may take his dry tone as sarcasm, "your record indicates that one of those 'full courses' was Marine enlistment, while my minor in psychology and major in criminal justice was a four year enhanced security division program where I had to equal and excel in my minor field of study as well as the major. If you wish to state that time spent in training equates to better qualifications, then I would suggest that four years makes me doubly qualified than your two years. However, I believe we all know that does not qualify me to be a counselor, because there are subtleties to the position which I do not understand. Just as there are complexities and standards of security that a Marine does not understand."

"There is so much more to being a Security Officer. I know that Lieutenant. My three years of training proves that. They are combat oriented, but they aren't as combat involved as the Marines. I know that too. I know that there is more scrutiny, and much more on the plate of the every day Officer. I was given the Master At Arms comission by Lieutenant Parker before you even joined!" He forced himself to keep seated for fear of losing his cool. "But he's right Commander, I enjoyed my times in the SFMC, and I would do it again because of personal reasons that I don't think should need to be brought into this discussion, but that doesn't change that I am capable and willing to do whatever is necessary to be a Security Officer. I followed retraining procedures laid out by Parker and that I have a good synergy with the rest of the Security team. I lead the entire weapons and self defense course just the other day that Lieutenant Cho asked us to do!" He was looking at Jon almost pleadingly. "Commander, Lieutenant. I want to be a Security Officer. I want to be able to do what is necessary and I know that I can!" He looked at Stone.

"A recommendation from Lieutenant Parker does not endear your cause to me. I've been trying to sort through his files and cannot figure out what system he used or what he actually spent his time doing. I would recommend, Chief Kiwoski, that perhaps you might find a better recommendation if you wish for this completely spurious complaint to be sustained?"

"But how can I even start to show you what I can do, if you don't give me a chance." He sighed and ran a hand against the side of his face. He knew that his words were falling short with the Lieutenant because the Lieutenant was so inside himself he was so wrapped up in regulations that he couldn't see the forest through the trees. He turned back to the Commander.

"On top of that Commander, yes I have been recommended by my Marine CO, but also the Fitzgerald's Commanding Officer. If the Commodore didn't think I wasn't fit for the position he wouldn't have allowed the transfer to take place. As for the conduct that Stone has 'heard' about. It's been during a shore leave where I have gone out for drinks with colleagues. Once with the Doctor, once at the party, and once at the beach. Only once was I not in any condition to fulfill my duties of a Security Officer and I was off-duty at the time."

Jeremy looked up from his PADD at that point and frowned at Chief Kiwoski. "Commander Holliday, I would hope that you are aware that in a security department, especially one that needs to be understaffed due to the ship's primary function, there is not such thing as 'off duty' for security officers. Chief Kiwoski continues to undermine his actions. He was not merely imbibing intoxicants, he was reported to be-" Jeremy glanced at his PADD "'shit-faced'." he read the term and frowned. "I am told that is a colorful euphemism for someone that is intoxicated. Further, it has been stated that he was seen 'staggering' through the ship's corridors the next morning. Further, Chief Kiwoski's conduct does not just end with these nights of intoxicated debauchery. He has, reportedly, used his position to 'womanize' and harass female members of the crew; he reportedly bullies junior crewman; he has been seen on several occasions at this point to be harassing a superior officer and department head, Lieutenant Maenad Panne, who is apparently a former instructor of his. Though I do not wish to pursue the matter because I do not recall the incident in question, his admission of insubordination and unethical conduct towards me due to a lose of anger and control combines with other incidents where it was reported that he harmed himself by beating up a tree due to an incontrollable rage. In short, he is a drunk, he has no respect for the chain of command or superior officers and has used his position to bully and harass members of the crew. While these may be 'admirable' qualities in a Marine, they are a detriment to not only a security officer but to the senior non-commissioned officer in the department, whose conduct is what the department will look to for guidance. I am their chief, they follow my orders because it's expected. He is their "Chief" and they follow him out of admiration and respect. I cannot allow my department to be insular bullies only there part time."

Gesturing once more to Stone he continued. "This man, who was my boss, until he stripped me of everything he could he basing everything off of half truths and misunderstandings. If I really need to get into the full reason to my transfer, and that my injuries are not entirely physical...that maybe I'm not looking to be in a full combat situation any time soon. Than I will bring up my medical and psychological profiles and we can discuss them at length." His eyes were glossy, but his voice strong as he pushed. He hated Stone, hated that he was stealing everything that he had worked so hard to get just because he didn't like that Cyrus had Marine capabilities. "As for not knowing my job's position and what it entails. I'm a Chief Warrant Officer. I am to be the role model to the Non Commissioned Officers, I make sure they know what they are to be doing, what they are told and I pass down any information I am passed to whoever needs knowing. I make sure that have organized tasks, mention concerns to the XO or CO as required, I deal with immediate tasks that do not require the CO or XO's attention, then I inform them on everything via reports and meetings." He stated, ranting off the full list of duties of the CWO. "On top of that, as a CWO of Security, my job is to make sure that we are perceived as organized and behaved. I admit, I have overstepped my bounds during my outing with Pola, but that was once on a Shore Leave Commander, before Stone was even on board. Had there been a problem and he had asked me about it before revoking everything I had to offer, I would have gladly spoken to him at length about my actions and whether I was justified or not. If Lieutenant Stone had an issue with anything I have done, past, present or future I would have gladly spoken with him about it. Instead, I was given the 'you don't fit here. Get out.'"

He took a deep breathe. "There is no 'part-time' commitment here. I am fully committed to Security, I have no reason not to be. I have never done anything half-assed in my life, and I certainly didn't decide to start now. " Cyrus crossed his arms.

John was flabbergasted by the debate that had opened up on the floor of his office. Both men were energetically arguing their point using every weapon in their arsenal, and if anything, the XO wanted to commend them both for having such well structured and calculated arguments to make their points. The Commander certainly wouldn't have objected to having a few more people onboard skilled in rhetoric such as these two.

"Commander, I do not understand and I really wish it would be explained. Chief Kiwoski has been arguing this entire time that he wishes to be a Marine, but is now willing to forsake that and commit to security?" Jeremy dared to glance momentarily at Holliday before going back to his PADD. "I would also need a commitment from him that his conduct will be above reproach and reflect the professionalism and dedication that must be given to a security officer - one that inspires the crew to believe my department will be run with professionalism, objectivity and without fear of reprisals."

Cyrus sat forward and pondered the allegations Stone was putting forward. Womanzing...the only woman he had flirted with was Pola, and they were dating. He had never used his position to attract women, he found it distasteful and petty. during the Marines he actually knocked a fellow Sergeant for doing the same thing...

His eyes widened and suppressed a slight smile.
Tiffany...

"Lieutenant Stone where who made these complaints about womanizing?" He asked quietly. "How many people filed these complaints?"

Jeremy flipped from the report to another screen. "The allegations were raised to me and, though they are not complaints that I need address as you have been removed from my department, I will nevertheless respect the further allegations of your behavior and the fear of some crew have of reprisals. If the Commander wishes a formal investigation into the complaints however, it will be part of any record turned over to him."

"Make all data available to me for review Mr Stone." John retorted, before bringing up the security database in preparation for the data transfer that would bring up these supposed allegations for him to review.

"Chief whilst I do not openly agree or disagree with any complaints - I have to review them personally before I give a verdict. Please do not think I take this lightly."

Cyrus leaned back.

"And who filed these what about this bullying behavior? Because the only people I have snapped at in any way were a pair of Security personnel that placed a working welder on top of an ammunition's crate while another crate was about to be placed on top . " He rolled his shoulder slightly. "Had I not have acted 'you' would be down more than just one Chief Warrant Officer in 'your' Security team, not to mention the two crates of Torpedoes. You can ask Lieutenant Rhodes for a witness statement if you wanted. Those two security members had done the exact same thing previous to my actions against them, which were completely justified in regards to their safety."And the other member was a man making comments about you calling you a 'Cardassian sympathizer.'" He let the words sink in as he continued.

Jeremy froze for a moment, his face going blank as the one hand curled into a fist and began beating a rhthym against his thigh. His other put the PADD away while he stared over Holliday's shoulder to the back wall. His breathing deepened as he trembled to keep himself in control.

Looking up at the Lieutenant, John saw his eyes glaze over, as if something had just hit him so hard that he was no longer in the room with himself and the Chief.

"Lieutenant...are you alright?"

John however, would not get his answer before the Chief decided to speak up once again.

"I told him that if he continued to speak out of turn, or if I heard that again I would have him written up...you're welcome."

"Thank you, Chief Kiwoski, I do appreciate your efforts, however I do not need the 'protection' of a man who cannot make it as a security officer nor even complete an enlistment as a Marine. Perhaps your time would be better spent talking less about me and more on finding a career more suitable for your apparent lack of skills." His tone of voice had changed and was no longer even, flat and controlled but clipped and full of a subvocalized growl. He kept his hands behind his back, tightly clasped together.

Feeling more confident he turned to face Stone completely. "And these drunk complaints, sir... did you investigate any of these allegations? "

"Once again, Mr. Kiwoski, I did not need to investigate complaints as you are not a member of my department and, unfortunately, public intoxication is not a criminal action where I would need to take action ex post facto. I am, however, of a mind to be more than willing to begin investigating your conduct as it relates to your activities regarding other members of the crew. I will certainly be taking those complaints into advisement for the future however, and will take whatever appropriate action may be necessary. Perhaps then you will discover just how well I 'sympathize' with Cardassian methods."

"Cardassian methodology? Gentlemen can we please keep this civil? Otherwise I'll have you both relieved of duty and the Captain will be involved."

John was unsure as to exactly what was going on here, and if anything he felt that it would need another visit to the ship's personnel database to get a definitive answer. Sighing, the Commander rubbed the bridge of his nose to try and relieve some of the pain building up in his head from having to process such detailed arguments in such a short space of time.

"Lieutenant Stone, Chief Kiwosk, you have both demonstrated excellent argumentative skills, and your devotion to your department is admirable, in fact if this were not a complaint hearing, I would be leaning towards putting a note in your files to reflect this compliment."

The XO leaned back in his chair and placed his hands together in front of him, fingertips touching one another, as he looked off into the distance in thought, trying to come up with a solution that would give the greatest amount of satisfaction to all parties, without making the Commander appear soft or overly leniant to one party.

"Mr Stone - a hypothetical question if you don't mind? These supposed shortcomings in the Chief's training - could they, or could they not be rectified?"

Taking a moment to breathe, the XO looked towards the Chief and spoke, before Stone could begin.

"Not that I in any way doubt your abilities Mr Kiwosk. I am simply trying to ascertain for myself how big an issue lies at the heart of this discussion."

Here it goes, Jeremy thought, extremely unkindly and with his hands beating a staccato rhythm against his back, another place where the Commander's heart bleeds against another 'poor poor' victim of Security rather than their own poor choices. "Commander," he snapped, trying to contain himself but Cardassian sympathizer? He knew people were accessing his records but to so blatantly use such terminology only proved his recommendations. "This isn't about Kiwoski's 'training'. He has, apparently, passed the lowest level required by Starfleet for a security officer. I have not conducted an extensive review of his abilities, but he has received the training required, except apparently where it comes to ethics and personal conduct. He has just decried the information I've received from him regarding his conduct, and then continues it here in this meeting by making light of my five years of torture. Womanizing, intoxication...these are behaviors that I would be loathe to disqualify someone for without a chance to modify that behavior. Bullying is a charge that is subjective and I would not disqualify someone based on the receipt of allegations toward it without doing a full investigation. I have not even initiated that investigation because Kiwoski is not my problem. However, his conduct here and now, this very moment, to engage in any conversation with his founding of the 'We Hate Lt. Stone Club' and then to make light of experiences that have literally made me have to rebuild my life from the ground up is beyond tolerable. Commander," he glared directly at Holliday at this point, "you have made your lack of..." consideration, affirmation, RESPECT, "...faith for my abilities and judgments abundantly clear to me. However, to allow this type of person, who wants to work in a department where he engages in conversations equating his superior officer to the very same people who tortured him is beyond intolerable.

"Until that point, I could consider, if committed, Kiwoski's return. I would be the last person to think that minor personal foibles could not be overcome to great success. If indeed this was conduct that Kiwoski engaged in, it could be corrected with guidance and discipline as warranted. But there is a line not to be crossed, Commander, and even you, with your..." bleeding heart bleeding heart bleeding heart HATRED of security, regulation and order! "...personal views must understand that line and how it has not just been crossed, but obliterated."

And three years ago, Kowoski would lucky to be alive right now. he wanted to add, but felt the presence of Chief Alexander holding him back, urging him to calm, to focus on him and the situation, not the feelings raging through him. Still, blood dripped from his palms.

Torture... Cyrus understood completely the sensitivity, yet apparently Stone thought that Kiwosk thought he was playing around with that. Kiwosk did many things, but messing around with a person's past was not one of them. He wisely kept his mouth shut.

It was exactly as Holliday had suspected. From the moment that he had overridden the imprisonment of Crewman Athlen only a few days ago, Stone had placed Holliday on some list that meant his decisions were less than accepted. The kind of conduct that usually John would have bounced someone straight off the Galileo for displaying. Yet he was still a department head, and had the freedom to control who exactly served in his department.

On the other hand, John was faced with a marine with combat training in excess of Starfleet standard with a yearning to remain on the Galileo. Someone whose transfer, the Captain had personally approved. This wasn't going to be a situation the Commander could resolve on his own - however much he didn't want to admit it.

"Gentlemen, I'm not going to be able to come to a decision straight off the bat like this....I'm ruling that this complaint requires further investigation."

Holliday paused yet again for a moment as he tried to get past the lump in his throat that was actively trying to stop him uttering the next sentence in his head. He hated asking for help, but it seemed this time he was truly between a rock and a hard place.

"I will take the matter up with the Captain...and you will have our decision within 24 hours. Whilst I respect the Chief's wish to remain a security officer on the Galileo, and his transfer to this vessel was approved by Captain Saalm herself, there are accusations against his character and the opinion of his department head to weigh up."

Tapping his fingers on the desk, John decided to take the next step, and find out exactly where this so-called evidence was being generated from.

"Lieutenant Stone - who exactly has made an allegation against the Chief? Needless to say this information does not leave this room."

He was focused now, completely, on the moment and that caught him. "Commander, why would the captain bring Kiwoski aboard the Galileo if she knew there was no Marine detachment aboard her ship?"

"The captain views the Galileo as a ship of opportunity - Starfleet is a diverse culture in itself, and this vessel is intended to be a shining example of that - afterall how often do you find a Federation ship with an Orion captain serving with Humans, Vulcans, Rigellians, and however many other species are represented here. It doesn't matter what department or planet you're from. We needed to replace our lost security officers, and Mr Kiwosk fit the bill to wear that uniform."

John felt like he was reiterating the party line a little bit more than he usually would. When the Commander had first been assigned as Lirha's First Officer, he had been a little less than impressed that he would be serving under an Orion, but after this last mission, he was far less unhappy than at the start.

Jeremy frowned, clearly puzzled by what the Commander was saying. "But, I asked and he stated he was a Marine." He held up a hand, unaware of the thin lines of blood dripping from the four crescent gouges in the palm. "Wait...Commander...if..." he still considered and thought. "My understanding was that Kiwoski operated as both a part time security officer and as a Marine aboard this ship. If...you're saying...that his assigned role was security and only security?"

Cyrus forced himself to bite his tongue. THAT'S WHAT i WAS TRYING TO TELL HIM IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!! He screamed to himself.

He took a deep breath, still raging inside him - and hating himself for what he was about to say because it would just further the Commander's arguments and justifications for continously overruling him. "If Chief Kiwoski was indeed here, solely, as a security officer than my rationale is flawed." He put his hands behind his back once again and dropped his gaze to the edge of the desk. "Commander, in light of these circumstances, I wish for you to..." he closed his eyes as he spoke, "...found the complaint against me and rule my actions were unjustified and restore Chief Kiwoski to a singular role as a security officer aboard the Galileo."

He opened his eyes as he lowered his head and stared at the floor. It wasn't that he was wrong because that he justified, it was because he had just declared himself ineffective and now Holliday would constantly overrule him. But...if he was wrong about Kiwoski's arguments then Kiwoski should not suffer for his errors. No matter the personal cost to him.

The sudden change of tact from Stone wasn't what John had anticipated. Not that he wasn't extremely relieved to hear that he wouldn't have to drag his captain into this matter unnecessarily. Whilst it meant that one complaint would collapse, there were indeed more than just one party involved here.

"Lieutenant - your change of opinion is...unexpected. Mr Kiwosk, would you be open to returning to duty under Mr Stone?"

Cyrus was staring in bewilderment at Lieutenant Stone with a stupefied expression when the Commander's question came forward. What caused the man's change in idea...

"I have no problems coming back to work." He looked back to Holliday.

"I'll keep an eye-on my actions in the future. There have been times I should have conducted myself more responsibly. I can make a more certified attempt to keep myself in check. " He glanced at Stone, having a sudden feeling to meet him halfway in a compromise.

"Very well. In which case I hearby find the complaint against Chief Kiwosk null and void, and reinstate his security commission effective immediately."

John replied, tapping a few commands into the desk in front of him to undo the decommissioning work that Lieutenant Stone would have done as a matter of protocol.

"Thank you, Commander," Jeremy said still looking at the floor. "Chief Kiwoski, I know this is short notice, but I'm sure Beta shift will appreciate your return today. I'll have the revised extended schedule out within a few days." He shook his head. "And please submit the report on the formation of the response team within the week."

Cyrus withheld the massive sigh of relief he could feel building. "Yes sir, I'll will head to the offices immediately, thank you." As he went to stand up, he paused. "Response team...for me? " Was all he could manage to get out. He couldn't believe his ears. Was Stone offering him his own team after this entire event? The reinstated Security Officer wondered. "Are you assigning me my own team?"

Jeremy frowned and rubbed his head. "Wasn't that a conversation we had? It was on my list of discussion topics with you. We didn't talk about it?" He sighed. "We're understaffed so we need a trained, specialized quick response team. Your background and training makes you ideal to train the team, so at the very least you should be in charge of it. Report directly to me regarding it and..." he frowned again, holding his hands tightly behind his back, "...we'll discuss adding members from other departments after you get the security component squared away. We didn't discuss that? We can have a longer discussion regarding details later."

Cyrus stood a little straighter as the ideas began turning in his head. A team of specialized responders..." Yes sir. I'll have the report ready in a week's time."

Finally glancing up, Jeremy frowned. "Unless there was anything else, Commander? I have duties to which I need to return." He held himself still but was ready to flee from the Commander's office and take some personal time to go to his quarters and find some way to quell the rage that still burned in him over Kiwoski's use of 'Cardassian sympathizer'. He wasn't sure how much longer he could control himself before the need to explode would take over.

"Nothing further Mr Stone. You are both dismissed."

John replied with a satisfied smirk on his face. After a brief, albeit rather heated debate, there was a solution in sight that was not only acceptable to all parties, but it avoided him having to call in the Captain to deal with something that really wasn't her problem.

"I look forward to seeing the results of this...response team."

"Thank you, Commander," Jeremy muttered as he turned to leave the office. But he caught that smirk on the Commander's face. He knew that that smirk meant. It wasn't the first time people looked at him like that and thought the same thing. Once the corridor he allowed himself to unravel, just a little. That smirk which solidified Holliday's lack of respect for him because Jeremy felt compelled to do the right thing.

As Kiwosk watched the Lieutenant leave, he turned to the Commander. "Well, if that wasn't a free handing out of a second chance, I'm not sure what is. Thank you for your help Commander." Cyrus gave him a quick salute before making his way out of the office, still keeping a noticeable distance from his boss.

[OFF]

Cmdr Jonathan Holliday
Executive Officer
USS Galileo

LTjg Jeremy Stone
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo

CWO Cyrus Kiwosk
Reinstated Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo

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