<USS Avalon> Smoke and Mirrors - Ketchum & Roan

Smoke and Mirrors
by Captain Keith Ketchum and Senior Lieutenant Felicity Roan

      Felicity received a confirmation of her meeting request and headed to 
the Captain's office.  She had to get to the bottom of Dr. Cazook and her 
presence on the Avalon.  Taking a deep breath, the doctor rang the chime and 
entered once prompted.  She felt her insides wanting to turn out and her 
resolve 
weakening, but had to hold fast.

      "Good afternoon Captain Ketchum, thank you for agreeing to see me.  I 
understand that you are very busy right now and this meeting was scheduled on 
short notice.  I guess I will get right to the point, please tell me more about 
Dr. Cazook's assignment on the ship. I am very concerned that this lack of 
information could harm the crew."

      The Captain sat at his desk and studied his Chief.  She seemed 
genuinely sincere in her interest, not just curiosity.  Pausing, he responded, 
"I am 
sorry Doctor, but I am not authorized to release that information to you, only 
that she is here attending to some medical issues revolving around Commander 
Skyler and Lieutenant Marksbury.  More than that, I cannot disclose."

      "What do you mean, 'cannot disclose'?  Do you realize that my job is 
the welfare of the ENTIRE crew, not all but these two?  Surely you can entrust 
the information to me?"

      "I am sorry Doctor, but if you are interested in the information, you 
should contact Doctor Brookman at Starfleet Medical.  Perhaps he can provide 
you with what you seek."

      Taking a deep breath, Felicity decided she would just be to the point, 
"Are you planning to replace me with Dr. Cazook?  If so, please let me 
transfer to another vessel.  I don't want to be an imposition on the ship and 
its 
crew."

      "Not at all Doctor Roan.  I am pleased with your performance since you 
have joined us.  What gives you that impression?"

      "Well, withholding information is a good first step, wouldn't you agree 
Captain?"

      "Felicity, you are reading more into this than what there is.  The 
officers in question have some medical problems that Starfleet Medical is 
attending.  They are of a nature that does not require your attention.  It is 
as 
simple as that, nothing more, nothing less."

      "Captain, I will not continue to press the issue, as it is clear you 
will not provide anything to me.  I am deeply concerned about the welfare of 
the 
crew.  Should either officer have a problem while performing their duties, 
the entire ship could be at risk.  I am going on record noting my opinions, but 
ultimately, you are the Captain of this vessel and Starfleet leads the 
Federation.  I am saddened you do not have more faith in me; however."

      "Please contact Dr. Brookman to discuss your concerns, perhaps he can 
share something with you that will put your mind at ease.  It is not a matter 
of faith, it is a matter of these two officer's needs.  That is the paramount 
issue."

      "Well, thank you Captain for taking the time to speak to me.  I have 
nothing further to discuss at this time.  Dr. Idrys will provide me with the 
physical results when he has concluded them and I will transmit them to you in 
turn.  Have a nice afternoon."

      Turning to leave the Captain's office, Felicity didn't feel better but 
rather worse than when she entered.  It was clear the Captain, Dr. Brookman, 
Dr. Cazook, Commander Skyler and Lieutenant Marksbury were hiding something.  
She just prayed that it didn't cost anyone their life.  Such is the way of 
Starfleet, smoke and mirrors, only letting out so much truth, but not enough 
that 
made things clear for people to comprehend.  They always maintained the 
'Greater Good' needed to prevail.  She actually pondered sending a note to Dr. 
Brookman, but imagined his response: 'Felicity, there is nothing to be 
concerned 
about, we are taking care of it.  Given the size of the crew, we hoped you 
would 
be happy about us taking care of them.  Relax, it will all be fine.'  Smoke 
and mirrors, nothing more, nothing less.

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