New Ojnas, Old Starfleet

Posted on Fri Jan 2nd, 2026 @ 4:36pm by Commander Jonathan Grayson & Lieutenant Imik S'Niohun

2,355 words; about a 12 minute read

Mission: Shore Leave on Risa
Location: XO's Ready Room
Timeline: Current

ON

Imik had picked up Grayson, she could feel his frustration over something. Making her way to his ready room she approached the door, how would she address him? Could she address him as her old self or her new self? Only one way to find out, she pressed the chime.

Hearing the chime, Jon placed the PaDD he had been reading to one side and took a steadying breath as he had a very good idea who was on the other side of the door and being angry wouldn't solve the problem. He straightened his tunic and called out "Enter!"

The voice held feelings in check, this much Imik could already sense. Could Jon know of her new orders? Imik entered and bowed, but as per her new orders she did not give blessings to either Jon or the ship. "I come as an Envoy of the Ojnas people, here are my new orders from my High Command." She then gave a PaDD to Jon, upon which was all the things she could now NOT do and the few things she COULD do.

1) The Envoy can not interact with Star Fleet personnel unless learning or instruction is being given.

2) The Envoy will not engage in celebration or other Federation festivities as these are not within her remit.

3) The Envoy is only to observe Federation policy and actions, the Envoy is NOT to participate in those actions.

The list continued for a few more do's and don'ts before ending.

'The Envoy will be replaced if the High Command believe the Envoy has been polluted by Federation or Star Fleet habits, this is by order of the Ojnas High Council.'

Having read the orders Imik knew neither Jon or Shran would be best pleased, but she was duty bound to obey these new orders even if she herself thought them extreme. Imik wanted to say something but couldn't because it was now forbidden.

Jon took the PaDD and placed it on his desk. "Have a seat Imik would you care for a chocolate milkshake?" His voice even, open, friendly hiding his frustrations at these new idiotic orders Imik had been given.

Imik remained standing, "I am unable to accept any Federation food or drink as this contradicts Ojnas law and orders from the High Command, I must also remain standing as this to is orders." This was uncomfortable to both say and do, and Imik felt extremely upset at having to say it. This person before her was a friend, yet here she was insulting him and refusing to acknowledge that very friendship.

She waited for Jon to react, she could feel his rising frustration and his anger at how she was behaving. But for an Ojnas, orders are orders and must be obeyed. "I must inform you that my duties have been altered by the High Command, and therefore I must now distance myself from both this vessels Command structure and its crew."

Jon just stared at her for several long seconds before he finally gave a nod to what she had just said. he walked back to his desk and picked up the PaDD he had been reading before Imik had arrived at his door. "You mean these idiotic orders?" He asked slamming the PaDD on the desk. How do you feel Imik and don't give me some by the book answer."

The sound of the PaDD being slammed on the desk confirmed what Imik had been thinking, this could be difficult she thought. "I am unable to voice my opinion about the High Command and my new orders, but if I were Star Fleet I would probably say that these new orders were stupid and unreasonable. If I were Star Fleet, which I am not. I am Ojnas and loyal to my people, and therefore must obey these new orders."

She knew that the answer would upset Jon even more, her evasive response wasn't what he wanted to hear. It wasn't what she wanted to say, but the High Command had its ears
everywhere and Imik couldn't risk being heard being unloyal.

Jon's eyes burned into her. "You are perfectly capable of voicing your opinion to me. I'm not a stranger to you. I'm family." Jon stated and he knew he might be overstating it a bit but the sentiment was true. "Your aunt to my children for goodness sake!" he stopped and looked at her. "You know, Sachzny is stubborn and proud but she wouldn't do this. I thought you were cut from the same cloth, Proud, stubborn, speak your mind. Not some weak puppet. These orders are wrong and you know it."

Suddenly inside her something snapped and Imik stepped forward and looked hard at Jon, "What I know and what I must do are two different things, Sachzny was condemned and cast out she could not speak. I have not been cast out yet, but should I speak out of turn be reported or in any other way deviate from what has been demanded. I will be cast out but unlike Sachzny I have no one who will defend me. Are we family? I am my mothers daughter, that is a fact. But what are we? I have seen you and Sachzny together, we do not have that closeness nor that level of trust!"

Imik now caught herself mid-flow, "I apologise for my outburst, but you are Human I am Ojnas and therefore subject to different moral codes." She stepped back and took a deep breath, "If my being here is causing problems then a simple message to the High Command will remove that problem, which have no doubt will make someone very happy that Ojnas and Federation no longer walk the same path."

Jon shook his head, :I disagree. You know these orders are wrong. You need to speak up." His voice grew cold, "How dare you say no one will defend you. I will defend you! Shran will defend you! Callie and Sam will defend you. You are not alone Imik. This whole crew will defend you." he took a breath, "What is causing problems is not you being here and you know that, It's these ridiculous orders. I trust you as I would trust Sachzny. That means totally and completely. Our moral code is the same. I hate to see an injustice being done and this is an injustice in every sense of the word and." He paused, "Never again question whether we are family in the truest sense of the word.. Family is about people who care, who love and are concerned about your well being. I care far more than you realize."

Imik looked at Jon and closed her eye's, her mind went to his mind and she could see her words had hurt him and made him angry. But he had told the truth as he saw it, as he understood being a Federation citizen. "Where would I go if I spoke out against these orders? Do you think I could ever return to my home and my Ojnas family? And would not the High Command brand me traitor and condemn me unto death?" She stood proud in her Ojnas uniform thinking of her passed service defending her people, "If you were faced with this choice, how would you decide? Truth not falsehood, forget not that I can read your mind and your emotions." Imik waited to see if Jon would truthfully answer her, give her that guidance he had promised once before.

Jon didn't rush an answer. He thought on what Imik had asked and said. "Where would you go? Here to the Washington where you would start a new chapter in your life. The High Command could condemn you, brand you as a traitor but their words and action are without honor or substance. For anyone who knows you that such a claim is a lie and they High Command would lose face and any trust it had with the people." He kept his eyes on her as he spoke, If I was faced with this choice, I would be true to myself above all else you must be true to yourself. I would also seek out those I could trust to advise me honestly. Those I could trust, who had no hidden agenda other than my own well being. If it meant I had to take the road less taken and forge a new path, a new identity."

Imik listened and dissected everything Jon said, then taking her time she slowly formulated an answer. "To remain on this vessel, I would have to be a Federation citizen and an Officer that had passed through Starfleet Academy, both of which I am not. Are you suggesting that I a combat trained Officer simply give that all up and start again?" She stopped and thought again, then continued. "So already that new path and new identity requires me to surrender what I am, a soldier a fighter and one who serves. I may not agree with these orders, but as an Officer I must obey them."

Imik now took more time to think, then spoke quietly. "As a civilian anyone could find me and once condemned anyone could kill me to claim all that is mine. Do you not see, there is no way to resist what the High Command has ordered. Family or not, trusted confident or not. I have no option but to do as I have been told."

"What I am suggesting is you fight not surrender. You ask for political asylum. You can still stay and serve aboard the Washington and you do not have to go through Starfleet Academy nor give up all you have earned in your loyal service to the Onjas Republic. A republic that is turning its back on you." Jon shook his head as a civilian you are still protected by Federation law and no one is going to waltz in here and kill you or claim all you have earned." He looked at her "Imik, sweet Imik, there are always options."

"To fight one must have a plan, a goal a final victory. A mountain might stand against a flood, but a hill will drown and disappear. My voice against those who hate the Federation, is the same as the hill in a flood. I am who I am through my service and my species, as an Ojnas who fights for the Ojnas way of life. This would be turning my back and running away, something I can not and will not do." Imik had tears in her eye's not because she was weak, but because she was willing to fight but her enemy would be her own people.

Jon shook his head, "Imik, You can't see the forest for the trees. I don't want you to turn your back and run away. I'm asking that you stand up and face these ridiculous orders and the Onjas High Command. You also forget you aren't alone in this. I will help you every way I can and I'm sure the captain will help if you desire his input and help."

As she stood in the ready room, her mind went back to Sachzny and their long talks about her condemnation and the Federation vessel that helped and defended her. Now that very vessel was again, or so this Federation Officer was stating, prepared to defend her. Could she take the same chance as Sachzny had done? Could she follow the same path as Sachzny had travelled? There was but one difference, Imik had no relationship with anyone on the Washington unlike Sachzny who had made several including the Sinkahue.

"Perhaps we should allow the Sinkahue to decide what action is to be taken, he is in Command and this is his vessel." The statement was simple and direct, if this vessel was to defend her then the one in Command needed to decide in which direction they should travel. Imik looked back at the outside stars, "My home is out there, my life is defending it against all those who would take it or damage it. I have fought for my people and lost those close to me, now I am conflicted and adrift." She waited to see how Jon would now react to her suggestion, how Shran would react once the facts came into sharp focus. Would he want to go through another trial with an Ojnas? Or would he simply cut her adrift and move on?

Jon listened as Imik spoke and revealed her innermost thoughts. He heard the pain in her voice, saw it in her eyes . "Imik, dear Imik, you may be conflicted but your conflict is not here. here you are welcomed and loved one of the family and you are never adrift despite what you feel. You have an anchor. this ship, this crew and finally me. I will never abandon you or let you face any danger alone." Jon replied with quiet conviction.

Imik returned her gaze to Jon, "The sister of my mother once told of the offer her Sinkahue made to her, I know I am not worthy of such an offer but if you are making a similar gesture of support. I thank you for it, and now if you do not object I believe we should go to our Sinkahue."

"You are more than worthy and more than deserving of the offer and you must realize and accept the fact that you are not alone. Your stuck with me an us." Jon said with a smile, "Now let's go see the captain."

Imik turned towards the door then stopped, "Sachzny has always asserted that this vessel will do the unexpected, I think I now know what she means." Exiting the ready room she waited for Jon, together they would talk to Shran.

Jon smiled at the mention of Sachzny's name. "Indeed. Sachzny always was quick on the uptake. I'm glad you are showing the same traits." He answered as he moved to stand next to her as they went to see Shran.

 

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