Reporting In
Posted on Fri Sep 11th, 2026 @ 1:38pm by Lieutenant Junior Grade Stefan Zamfir & Vice Admiral Koratt Th'keliss
Edited on on Mon Sep 14th, 2026 @ 8:06am
1,536 words; about a 8 minute read
Mission:
Episode 18 - The Edge of Darkness
Location: The Quarters of Stefan Zamfir - Deck 3 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD003 2230 hrs
The actions of Rowena where the General O'Rourke was concerned had bothered Stefan. Her seemingly lack of respect, even not getting into dress uniform when it was stated several days ago.
That being said, there were other things that he had picked up. And it didn't set well with him. Her lack of leadership for the department of Intelligence. She just seemed so disconnected. She also had kept herself isolated as well.
The other thing that bothered him, was--she didn't care. and wasn't it too soon to have had her back in the saddle where she could gain access to delicate information?
Stefan found a place to where he could contact the Admiral to give his report. And his findings so far.
He keyed in his code, gave an eye scan as well as his fingerprints. then his voice.
"Zamfir vanadium," he also said. Stefan's identity code. "reporting in."
Then he waited.
It took time for the link to establish. After a few minutes, the image of the Andorian Admiral appeared and he said, "Admiral Th'keliss. What do you have for me, Lieutenant?"
"As what was assigned to me when being transferred to the Pioneer."
Stefan leaned back in his chair, running his hands through his hair as he collected his thoughts.
"I have made observations and discreetly asked questions where Commodore Tyler Malbrooke and Lieutenant Commander Rowena McGowen, are concerned. "
"From the investigation, so far, Commodore Malbrooke hasn't exhibited any residual ill effects from his possession. The ship is running rather well under his guidance. I did talk to his yeoman, Petty Officer 2nd Class Sofia Cipriani. She wasn't too happy with my questioning but she did cooperate. I feel that she is a good at knowing the difference as to whether Malbrooke is himself or not. She is a rather observant woman, and also protective of Malbrooke. She is also a very honest woman. "
Crossing one arm over his chest, and rubbing his chin, Stefan continued.
"Sofia wasn't able to provide any information where Rowena is concerned, as she'd not really had too many encounters with Rowena. Rowena seemed to be someone who kept to herself quite a bit not truly meeting other members of the crew."
The Admiral's antennae bobbed slightly as he nodded, thinking and said, "The evaluation I saw from Fleet medical was borderline on returning her to duty, so I'm not surprised that Malbrooke brought her back and let her run. He's sentimental like that. Keep tabs on McGowen and if she goes stranger, let me know. I don't like someone being unhinged in a SCIF, much less being in command of Intel on a Sector flag ship. What else on the Pioneer. The marines eating crayons and causing any problems? This experiment of Rice's should be running it's course."
Stefan mused for a moment or two before answering.
"From my observations and speaking with various crew members, it seems to be working fairly well. Though there is a little bit of what seems to be enmity between the Chief Counselor and Colonel Tremble."
"Mind you, sir even though there is professionalism, shown to the Executive Officer, there is the body language of the Chief Counselor not particularly fond of him."
Stefan leaned forward, "I've not met with the Chief Counselor though intend on doing such at a later time."
He paused then brought himself back to the question that was asked.
"Back to your question as per the marines and Starfleet. Where the SCIF is concerned, I find that I like having Marines there to keep watch over the entrance, which to me, makes things a bit more secure. The previous post I was on, we had both Marines and Starfleet Security work in tandem, which I found worked rather well. Strangely enough, Rice had been on SB50."
Kor glanced at his nails and said, "Marines are supposed to guard SCIF's and other limited access or No-Lone-Zone areas. It was part of what sold the Fleet on putting them aboard some vessels and stations." He thought for a few beats and said, "Besides Rowena, others among the crew were affected. How is the Commodore after being corrupted by her?"
Stefan gave a slight smile as he thought of Tyler.
"The Commodore from what I have been observing and hearing from the crew. he's been warm, congenial and there doesn't seem to be anyone feeling any unease from him. Granted there had been some at first but, life goes on and the way his command style is an open door policy. He generates a good feeling."
"With Commander Maren being made second officer, I feel that the USS Pioneer has a very strong command team."
Rowena having been second officer and having that sort of access as to things of a secure nature, he was glad she was no longer in that position. Now just for her to not be department head of Intelligence.
"I would like to bring up a concern, rather an observation as to McGowan. We had a visit from Brigadier General Seamus O'Rourke in the SCIF and, Commander McGowen was a bit-- unprofessional, when he arrived."
"I am not quite certain if she was deliberately doing what she was doing. We all had been notified as to the incoming arrival of the General, and yet she had mentioned she'd not gotten the message. And there had been a suggestion as to she'd be able to get a dress uniform in her office before he arrived. She declined. Granted it was her choice still though it wasn't generating any true confidence in her, capability of staying as a department head."
Kor sighed. "McGowen is being monitored. I'd be rather surprised if she keeps her posting. Work with her. Work around her if need be. Continue to monitor and report. We know she's a few degrees off bubble. Concentrate on the Command team and their dynamic. Especially Tremble. There are still those in the fleet that don't think marines have a place in potential command of a starship." That made him think for a moment. "Also, I am somewhat concerned of the relationship between Tremble and Lieutenant Mira. They're married now and there could be a tendency toward the over-exchange of material."
Giving a solemn nod as to what Kor had said, Stefan had his own thoughts as to the situation. He will keep watch, he will also form his own mental files, his own viewpoint. One thing he also has already observed, Jayna is rather careful and watchful as to what she knows and gives out.
He had already noticed that she was someone who is slow to trust, unless they prove themselves to her. He noticed how she carried herself, and has seen the look in her eyes, of one that is very cautious.
Keeping his own thoughts hidden, Stefan leaned back in his chair, crossing one arm over his chest, with a contemplative expression in his eyes. rubbing his chin with his other hand. "I'll keep vigilance, and gather more."
"I have heard the whispers of some unrest when it comes to mixing of marines and fleet, on a ship. I have heard of those against it but I've also heard of those who are not, and have spoken to those who have been on a ship who had marines and fleet, but the ship didn't have a marine XO." Stefan lowering his hand.
"The station I was on before being assigned to the Pioneer, had as part of the command team, two XO's of equal status, one was Starfleet, and the other was a Marine. That arrangement served rather well."
"Yes, there is a difference, as this is a ship, and Tremble isn't Patton. XO's and different postings, are not the same."
Stefan wasn't going to bring up the fact that Patton was married to the Chief of Intelligence, Aer Feshau, Kor would already be well aware of that. Especially when the two got married it was a huge matter, on Poseidon Station. And something like that would not have been hidden. It was quite the event there, combined with the Marine Ball.
"Well sir, that is all I have to report on. Is there anything else you'd like to know or for me to keep watch over?" Stefan meeting Kor's eyes.
Kor shook his head, antennae bouncing slightly. "No. There's plenty on your plate aboard Pioneer. Good work. Keep it up."
"Thank you sir, I will make certain to keep you apprised as to what else goes on." Stefan replied. "Until then, you have a good evening."
Kor nodded and said, "Yes yes. You as well." Then the screen blanked.
A few moments of silence as Stefan regarded the now darkened viewscreen. He dried rubbed his face, he had his work cut out for him. Stefan pushed back from the desk, and rose, it was time to get back to work.
A joint post by:
Vice Admiral Koratt Th'keliss
Commanding Officer, Bureau of Federation Intelligence
Lieutenant Stefan Zamfir
Assistant Chief Intelligence Officer, USS Pioneer
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