Settling Differences [ Juraan Ren / Deryn Kell ]

[Juraan Ren]

Lt. jg. Juraan Ren
[USS Discovery - Junior commissioned officers quarters]

Her initial comment had Juraan increasing the pressure with which he squeezed Deryn's throat. That however was interrupted when she aimed for a painful hit in his crotch. It came unexpected and there was no way he could ignore the pain. Automatically he drew his arm back as he doubled over and took in a breath, hoping the pain would subside quickly. Before that could happen though Deryn stepped closer and kicked his chest.

Air left his lungs while he was thrown to the floor. Rolling on the side he coughed as he gasped for air, pain radiating from his chest. The blow on the head earlier did the rest to make him feel a litte dazed for a moment.

He waited for a moment when Deryn might have her attention on something else and then would jump to his feet and attack her again, aiming to throw her to the ground, ignoring the pain at his head and chest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the meantime in the quarters next door ...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
==NPC Lt. jg. Julia Dawson==

Julia sat at her desk and was glad she finally found the time to record a message to her family. It's been way too long since her last message so it was about time.

However, not long after she started her message she heard voices coming from the quarters next door. They belonged to the Bajoran doctor, Juraan. She had talked to him quite often when they had met in the corridor.
Soon the voices became louder and more angry, furious even. Julia frowned. That never happened before. He seemed to argue with someone because she heard a female voice too.

She was about to ignore that - everyone had a fight once in a while, right? - and went on recording her message but she became more and more concerned when there were other noises apart from the shouting. Clattering and things crashing about.
At a particularly loud crash Julia decided she had to do something. There was no way she would go over there. Tapping her comm badge she began to speak.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[USS Discovery - XO's office]

==NPC Lt. Cmdr. Martin Felder - Chief of Security==

Martin had just discussed some suggestions about the security roster and advanced training for his people with Ian but they ended up having some small talk. Martin leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, PADD in hand, as he just laughed about a joke Ian had made. He thought the man was great to talk to.

Martin was just about to reply something when the call came through.

"This is Lt. Dawson. Security? There's a turmoil going on in Lt. Juraan's quarters, it ... it sounds quite violent. Could you please check in on this?"

[Ian Galloway]

[USS Discovery - XO's office]

==NPC Lt. Cmdr. Martin Felder - Chief of Security==

Martin had just discussed some suggestions about the security roster and advanced training for his people with Ian but they ended up having some small talk. Martin leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, PADD in hand, as he just laughed about a joke Ian had made. He thought the man was great to talk to.

Martin was just about to reply something when the call came through.

"This is Lt. Dawson. Security? There's a turmoil going on in Lt. Juraan's quarters, it ... it sounds quite violent. Could you please check in on this?"

Ian blinked in surprise at the call. "A turmoil, what the hell?" He thought as he stood and replied.

"If'n you don't mind Martin, I'll tag along. I promise ta hang back so you can do your job."

[Deryn Kell]

Lt. jg. Juraan Ren
[USS Discovery - Junior commissioned officers quarters]

Her initial comment had Juraan increasing the pressure with which he squeezed Deryn's throat. That however was interrupted when she aimed for a painful hit in his crotch. It came unexpected and there was no way he could ignore the pain. Automatically he drew his arm back as he doubled over and took in a breath, hoping the pain would subside quickly. Before that could happen though Deryn stepped closer and kicked his chest.

Air left his lungs while he was thrown to the floor. Rolling on the side he coughed as he gasped for air, pain radiating from his chest. The blow on the head earlier did the rest to make him feel a litte dazed for a moment.

He waited for a moment when Deryn might have her attention on something else and then would jump to his feet and attack her again, aiming to throw her to the ground, ignoring the pain at his head and chest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the meantime in the quarters next door ...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
==NPC Lt. jg. Julia Dawson==

Julia sat at her desk and was glad she finally found the time to record a message to her family. It's been way too long since her last message so it was about time.

However, not long after she started her message she heard voices coming from the quarters next door. They belonged to the Bajoran doctor, Juraan. She had talked to him quite often when they had met in the corridor.
Soon the voices became louder and more angry, furious even. Julia frowned. That never happened before. He seemed to argue with someone because she heard a female voice too.

She was about to ignore that - everyone had a fight once in a while, right? - and went on recording her message but she became more and more concerned when there were other noises apart from the shouting. Clattering and things crashing about.
At a particularly loud crash Julia decided she had to do something. There was no way she would go over there. Tapping her comm badge she began to speak.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[USS Discovery - XO's office]

==NPC Lt. Cmdr. Martin Felder - Chief of Security==

Martin had just discussed some suggestions about the security roster and advanced training for his people with Ian but they ended up having some small talk. Martin leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, PADD in hand, as he just laughed about a joke Ian had made. He thought the man was great to talk to.

Martin was just about to reply something when the call came through.

"This is Lt. Dawson. Security? There's a turmoil going on in Lt. Juraan's quarters, it ... it sounds quite violent. Could you please check in on this?"

[ USS Discovery - Juraan Ren's Quarters ]

Deryn was pleased to feel the grip on her throat release . She heard the Doc groan as her hit landed , and then she was free of his hold . She didn't bother to look back and simply put a little space between them to make room for a kick , which also landed with precision .

Juraan rolled and crashed , and wound up winded on the floor . He would be foolish to pursue the fight .

She returned to her battle stance and stayed where she was , a few paces away from the Bajoran on the floor . Her eyes were on him , waiting for the twitch of a muscle or a slight motion of a limb that would betray his next move .

[Juraan Ren]

[ USS Discovery - Juraan Ren's Quarters ]

Deryn was pleased to feel the grip on her throat release . She heard the Doc groan as her hit landed , and then she was free of his hold . She didn't bother to look back and simply put a little space between them to make room for a kick , which also landed with precision .

Juraan rolled and crashed , and wound up winded on the floor . He would be foolish to pursue the fight .

She returned to her battle stance and stayed where she was , a few paces away from the Bajoran on the floor . Her eyes were on him , waiting for the twitch of a muscle or a slight motion of a limb that would betray his next move .

Lt. jg. Juraan Ren
[USS Discovery - Junior Commissioned Officers Quarters]

Juraan hated how she looked down on him so despite the pain he felt he slowly got up on his feet, glaring at Deryn.

He approached her, observing her fighting stance. He stopped in front of her, then swiftly raised his arm to indicate a punch and hopefully make her go to cover that attack but stopped shortly and twisted as he kicked her with all the force he could muster, aiming for her mid section, intending for the kick to throw her off her feet.

Ian blinked in surprise at the call. "A turmoil, what the hell?" He thought as he stood and replied.

"If'n you don't mind Martin, I'll tag along. I promise ta hang back so you can do your job."

NPC Lt. Cmdr. Martin Felder
[USS Discovery - XO's office --> Junior Commissioned officers quarters]

Martin acknowledged Julia's call before turning to Ian. "Of course, by all means, tag along", he said as he already headed towards the exit. "I'm not sure yet what's going on but can't hurt to have the XO with me."

Together with Ian he headed to the deck where Juraan's quarters were and stopped in front of them. Martin chimed the door bell before knocking at the door with his fist twice. "Lieutenant, Felder here. Commander Galloway is with me, open the door."

They heard growling and dull thuds from inside and since Lt. Dawson had mentioned it sounded violent Felder didn't wait for a response but started to override the lock of the door with his authorization which only took a few seconds and the doors slid open.

[Ian Galloway]

NPC Lt. Cmdr. Martin Felder
[USS Discovery - XO's office --> Junior Commissioned officers quarters]

Martin acknowledged Julia's call before turning to Ian. "Of course, by all means, tag along", he said as he already headed towards the exit. "I'm not sure yet what's going on but can't hurt to have the XO with me."

Together with Ian he headed to the deck where Juraan's quarters were and stopped in front of them. Martin chimed the door bell before knocking at the door with his fist twice. "Lieutenant, Felder here. Commander Galloway is with me, open the door."

They heard growling and dull thuds from inside and since Lt. Dawson had mentioned it sounded violent Felder didn't wait for a response but started to override the lock of the door with his authorization which only took a few seconds and the doors slid open.

[XO's office --> Junior Commissioned Officers Quarters - USS Discovery]

Ian trotted along with the security chief and as soon as the doors opened to reveal to combatants, he growled in a dangerously low tone before barking thunderously in his best command voice

"STAND FAST YOU BLOODY IDIOTS!! THAT IS ENOUGH!!"

Ian liked to believe he had a fairly even temper and demeanor, but there were things that got under his skin and someone bringing dishonor to the Starfleet uniform was one of those things.

"Stand at the position of attention you buggerin' numpties, both of you! We discussed this after the last mission and I had hoped I'd gotten through ta you, but it looks like I failed in my responsibilities and it's time ta take things ta rage levels."

Ian stared at both combatants with a basilisk like gaze that he rarely used, but now that he was angry, he used 'the look' freely and then dropped his tone to an icy formality.

"Since it seems you two cannae work together as civilized members of the crew, you will now be enjoyin' an excitin' new trainin' opportunity. Mister Felder, you will draw three suits and as many manual toothbrushes as you deem necessary fer an extended EVA. You are ta escort these two piles of Caochan ta the nearest airlock and supervise their scrubbin' of the hull. Stem ta stern and you best nae be missin' any spots as I'll be checkin' your work. Further more, you are both on report and will be receivin' formal reprimands fer your behavior."

Ian then stepped close to both Ren and Kell to make sure he was heard and understood.

"And if'n there is another incident between you two. You will have the opportunity ta get acquainted ta the brig in between  your shifts scrubbin' the hull. I swear before all that's ever been holy in this space time continuum, this is goin' ta stop or you will find yourselves in irons on a Type-9 shuttle on your wait ta the nearest starbase for courts martial and a new occupation outside of Starfleet. I bloody hope I'm understood, but this is your last chance ta change the trajectory of your rapidly failin' careers.

"Mister Felder, they are all yours!"

Ian then waited, no dared, one of them to have the audacity to try and explain what happened.

[Juraan Ren]

Lg. jg. Juraan Ren
[USS Discovery - Junior Commissioned Officers Quarters]

It indeed took Ian's thundering command voice to make Juraan snap out of it. He turned around, holding his balance with some effort, and saw not only the First Officer but also the Security Chief.

Before he had time to think about what had made them come here they were ordered by an obviously very pissed off First Officer to stand at attention, so Juraan did. He was breathing hard from the fight with Deryn while he listened to Ian's sharp rebuke.

Great. He was on the best way to destroy his career. No. She destroyed his career. Juraan glanced over at the Cardassian angrily while Ian went on with his reprimant. Juraan started to feel edgy at the XO's lack of interest about how this had started. And he seriously wanted them to scrub the hull with toothbrushes?
His face stern he held Ian's gaze even as he stepped closer giving them a glare. Felder didn't look too pleased either that their incident made him having to supervise their punishment. Clearly he blamed them.

Ian's warning was blunt and his look was clearly daring them to say a single word. But it killed Juraan not to have the chance to explain the situation. As he saw Felder approaching Juraan looked to Ian. "Before we go, permission to speak, sir?" Despite the still choking rage he felt inside he tried to make his voice sound even, though there was a tremble at the end of it that gave away how much he was trying to hold himself back.

[Ian Galloway]

Lg. jg. Juraan Ren
[USS Discovery - Junior Commissioned Officers Quarters]

It indeed took Ian's thundering command voice to make Juraan snap out of it. He turned around, holding his balance with some effort, and saw not only the First Officer but also the Security Chief.

Before he had time to think about what had made them come here they were ordered by an obviously very pissed off First Officer to stand at attention, so Juraan did. He was breathing hard from the fight with Deryn while he listened to Ian's sharp rebuke.

Great. He was on the best way to destroy his career. No. She destroyed his career. Juraan glanced over at the Cardassian angrily while Ian went on with his reprimant. Juraan started to feel edgy at the XO's lack of interest about how this had started. And he seriously wanted them to scrub the hull with toothbrushes?
His face stern he held Ian's gaze even as he stepped closer giving them a glare. Felder didn't look too pleased either that their incident made him having to supervise their punishment. Clearly he blamed them.

Ian's warning was blunt and his look was clearly daring them to say a single word. But it killed Juraan not to have the chance to explain the situation. As he saw Felder approaching Juraan looked to Ian. "Before we go, permission to speak, sir?" Despite the still choking rage he felt inside he tried to make his voice sound even, though there was a tremble at the end of it that gave away how much he was trying to hold himself back.

[Junior Commissioned Officers Quarters - USS Discovery]

Ian's eyes narrowed and somehow became even harder as he stared at Juraan for a long moment before replying coldly.

"Oh, by all means, do tell, but if'n the words 'she started it' come out of your gob, they will be the last you utter as a Starfleet officer. I don't care who's at fault for the start, all I care about is the infantile behavior I'm seein'."

[Deryn Kell]

Lt. jg. Juraan Ren
[USS Discovery - Junior Commissioned Officers Quarters]

Juraan hated how she looked down on him so despite the pain he felt he slowly got up on his feet, glaring at Deryn.

He approached her, observing her fighting stance. He stopped in front of her, then swiftly raised his arm to indicate a punch and hopefully make her go to cover that attack but stopped shortly and twisted as he kicked her with all the force he could muster, aiming for her mid section, intending for the kick to throw her off her feet.

NPC Lt. Cmdr. Martin Felder
[USS Discovery - XO's office --> Junior Commissioned officers quarters]

Martin acknowledged Julia's call before turning to Ian. "Of course, by all means, tag along", he said as he already headed towards the exit. "I'm not sure yet what's going on but can't hurt to have the XO with me."

Together with Ian he headed to the deck where Juraan's quarters were and stopped in front of them. Martin chimed the door bell before knocking at the door with his fist twice. "Lieutenant, Felder here. Commander Galloway is with me, open the door."

They heard growling and dull thuds from inside and since Lt. Dawson had mentioned it sounded violent Felder didn't wait for a response but started to override the lock of the door with his authorization which only took a few seconds and the doors slid open.

[ USS Discovery - Juraan Ren's Quarters ]

The Doc approached slowly , and unsteadily . He feigned a high hit than had Deryn raise her arms to parry , but the real attack came sideways in the form of a kick . It was too late to dodge . Juraan's shin hit her square in her midsection , but despite all the momentum the strike hadn't been powerful enough to knock her off her feet . She groaned softly when she took the hit and made a single step to the side to brace herself . Perhaps the Bajoran had underestimated how the hits he had received were affecting him and draining his strengths .

Deryn had also caught his foot and was holding it firmly against her side under her arm , forcing the Doc to stand on one leg . She was about to swipe his other leg from under him when someone knocked on the door insistently . A few seconds later , the door opened , revealing Commander Galloway and the Chief of Security .

Well , shit ...

[XO's office --> Junior Commissioned Officers Quarters - USS Discovery]

Ian trotted along with the security chief and as soon as the doors opened to reveal to combatants, he growled in a dangerously low tone before barking thunderously in his best command voice

"STAND FAST YOU BLOODY IDIOTS!! THAT IS ENOUGH!!"

Ian liked to believe he had a fairly even temper and demeanor, but there were things that got under his skin and someone bringing dishonor to the Starfleet uniform was one of those things.

"Stand at the position of attention you buggerin' numpties, both of you! We discussed this after the last mission and I had hoped I'd gotten through ta you, but it looks like I failed in my responsibilities and it's time ta take things ta rage levels."

Ian stared at both combatants with a basilisk like gaze that he rarely used, but now that he was angry, he used 'the look' freely and then dropped his tone to an icy formality.

"Since it seems you two cannae work together as civilized members of the crew, you will now be enjoyin' an excitin' new trainin' opportunity. Mister Felder, you will draw three suits and as many manual toothbrushes as you deem necessary fer an extended EVA. You are ta escort these two piles of Caochan ta the nearest airlock and supervise their scrubbin' of the hull. Stem ta stern and you best nae be missin' any spots as I'll be checkin' your work. Further more, you are both on report and will be receivin' formal reprimands fer your behavior."

Ian then stepped close to both Ren and Kell to make sure he was heard and understood.

"And if'n there is another incident between you two. You will have the opportunity ta get acquainted ta the brig in between  your shifts scrubbin' the hull. I swear before all that's ever been holy in this space time continuum, this is goin' ta stop or you will find yourselves in irons on a Type-9 shuttle on your wait ta the nearest starbase for courts martial and a new occupation outside of Starfleet. I bloody hope I'm understood, but this is your last chance ta change the trajectory of your rapidly failin' careers.

"Mister Felder, they are all yours!"

Ian then waited, no dared, one of them to have the audacity to try and explain what happened.

Deryn threw aside the Doctor's leg like a bag of dirty laundry and snapped at attention when the First Officer started barking . She had expected someone to inquire about the noises at some point , but not Commander Galloway himself . Things were going to go south fast , and she had the Doc to thank for it , again . Years of spotless records ruined twice in a week because of a small-minded Bajoran , that was just great . Her jaw was clenched .

In the meanwhile , there was no point in arguing or anything , it would only serve to worsen the situation , if it even was possible . Oh she felt outraged all right , after all she had only come to get back her property and had no intention of starting a fight . She was mostly upset about that formal reprimand she was going to get . " Cardassian Ensign picked up a fight with Bajoran Doctor " . Surely every Officer in Starfleet was going to regard that event with understanding and an open-mind , and no prejudice at all ...

From the corner of her eye , she saw the way Juraan looked at her . She could've stared at him furiously too , but she decided to ignore him entirely . There was no point in aggravating things right now , it was bad enough she was going to scrub the hull with a toothbrush for the next few hours . But by the stars , if that's what she was going to do , she would do it right and have the hull scrubbed spotless !

They were about the leave and follow Lieutenant Command Felder to the airlock when the Doc begged to explain himself . Right , surely to say how it was all her fault and that he wasn't to blame , and how it wouldn't happen again , he promised ... As soon as the First Officer gave him the authorisation to speak , Deryn intervened before Juraan could open his mouth .

" Sir , if i may . " It wasn't really a question . " I came to the Doctor's quarters . Surely you remember the altercation we had on the Meridian when i handed Lieutenant Juraan a Phaser , my Phaser . It happens the Doctor " forgot " to hand it back to me after the Away Mission , so i came to get back my property .

The Doctor denied being in possession of said Phaser , and ordered me out . I refused to leave until i was restituted my belonging . The Doctor then became physical and attempted to remove me by force . I warned him my training meant i was more than able to overcome him , but he didn't listen . So i replied , physically , and things escalated . "

There , this would do . Both were to blame , although one more than the other . Trying to deflect the blame on Juraan entirely would be counter-productive , and would probably further exasperate Commander Galloway .

[Ian Galloway]

[ USS Discovery - Juraan Ren's Quarters ]

The Doc approached slowly , and unsteadily . He feigned a high hit than had Deryn raise her arms to parry , but the real attack came sideways in the form of a kick . It was too late to dodge . Juraan's shin hit her square in her midsection , but despite all the momentum the strike hadn't been powerful enough to knock her off her feet . She groaned softly when she took the hit and made a single step to the side to brace herself . Perhaps the Bajoran had underestimated how the hits he had received were affecting him and draining his strengths .

Deryn had also caught his foot and was holding it firmly against her side under her arm , forcing the Doc to stand on one leg . She was about to swipe his other leg from under him when someone knocked on the door insistently . A few seconds later , the door opened , revealing Commander Galloway and the Chief of Security .

Well , shit ...

Deryn threw aside the Doctor's leg like a bag of dirty laundry and snapped at attention when the First Officer started barking . She had expected someone to inquire about the noises at some point , but not Commander Galloway himself . Things were going to go south fast , and she had the Doc to thank for it , again . Years of spotless records ruined twice in a week because of a small-minded Bajoran , that was just great . Her jaw was clenched .

In the meanwhile , there was no point in arguing or anything , it would only serve to worsen the situation , if it even was possible . Oh she felt outraged all right , after all she had only come to get back her property and had no intention of starting a fight . She was mostly upset about that formal reprimand she was going to get . " Cardassian Ensign picked up a fight with Bajoran Doctor " . Surely every Officer in Starfleet was going to regard that event with understanding and an open-mind , and no prejudice at all ...

From the corner of her eye , she saw the way Juraan looked at her . She could've stared at him furiously too , but she decided to ignore him entirely . There was no point in aggravating things right now , it was bad enough she was going to scrub the hull with a toothbrush for the next few hours . But by the stars , if that's what she was going to do , she would do it right and have the hull scrubbed spotless !

They were about the leave and follow Lieutenant Command Felder to the airlock when the Doc begged to explain himself . Right , surely to say how it was all her fault and that he wasn't to blame , and how it wouldn't happen again , he promised ... As soon as the First Officer gave him the authorisation to speak , Deryn intervened before Juraan could open his mouth .

" Sir , if i may . " It wasn't really a question . " I came to the Doctor's quarters . Surely you remember the altercation we had on the Meridian when i handed Lieutenant Juraan a Phaser , my Phaser . It happens the Doctor " forgot " to hand it back to me after the Away Mission , so i came to get back my property .

The Doctor denied being in possession of said Phaser , and ordered me out . I refused to leave until i was restituted my belonging . The Doctor then became physical and attempted to remove me by force . I warned him my training meant i was more than able to overcome him , but he didn't listen . So i replied , physically , and things escalated . "

There , this would do . Both were to blame , although one more than the other . Trying to deflect the blame on Juraan entirely would be counter-productive , and would probably further exasperate Commander Galloway .

[Junior Officers Quarters - USS Discovery]

Ian's eyes snapped from Juraan to Kell as she spoke. He listened to the specifics of this particular incident and was slightly mollified, but not by much. Ian's eyes snapped back to Juraan and his already icy tone dropped into the Kelvin range.

"Aye, I remember the 'phaser incident' and while I ken you are not solely responsible for this clown show, I do fault your decision ta come here on your own. This particular incident could have been avoided had you sought out my help or that of Commander Felder, hell, or anyone else in the bloody crew would have sufficed, but ye did nae do that. You decided ta confront the doctor yourself, so while the bigger slice of the pie belongs ta the doctor, you helped yourself ta a slice as well Mister Kell.

"I do want ta hear what this lan dhen cac raitse wants ta say, but my order still stands. He needs ta figure out if his bigotry is more important ta him than his oath ta Starfleet and you need ta learn when not ta confront a problem. I believe havin' ta work together on a menial and pointless task will give both of you a chance ta reflect upon recent choices."

[Juraan Ren]

Lg. jg. Juraan Ren
[USS Discovery - Junior Commissioned Officers Quarters]

Juraan just opened his mouth to speak. But Deryn cut him off.

It took all the effort he could muster to keep his rage in check, though it clearly showed at his clenched fists and teeth. He agreed with the Cardassian regarding the phaser, but what she told after that was misrepresentation.

What infuriated Juraan even more was that Ian was bound to believe her without any reservation and having the Commander stating that 'the bigger slice of the pie' belonged to Juraan.

"Sir. I accept the punishment, I admit that my behaviour was not what was expected from a Starfleet officer. And the representation Ensign Kell just gave is not true!" It was obvious how annoyed Juraan was, in his composure and his tone of voice.

"Ensign Kell came into my quarters without my invitation and refused to leave after I asked her repeatedly to do that. Instead of leaving she insulted and attacked me after I dared to touch her arm to direct her to the door. I tried to avoid her to avoid new incidents but I won't be insulted and pressed in my own quarters, Sir!" Juraan swallowed down a lump of frustration. The Cardassian was making herself appear like the victim but this time she surely wasn't.

"I know I should have called security, but ... I just couldn't after what I heard her saying, it was ... it was shaking me to the core, Sir. I apologize." Yes, surely everyone liked to believe Juraan was the bad racist guy and nobody would belive what Kell had said when they had been alone.

[Ian Galloway]

Lg. jg. Juraan Ren
[USS Discovery - Junior Commissioned Officers Quarters]

Juraan just opened his mouth to speak. But Deryn cut him off.

It took all the effort he could muster to keep his rage in check, though it clearly showed at his clenched fists and teeth. He agreed with the Cardassian regarding the phaser, but what she told after that was misrepresentation.

What infuriated Juraan even more was that Ian was bound to believe her without any reservation and having the Commander stating that 'the bigger slice of the pie' belonged to Juraan.

"Sir. I accept the punishment, I admit that my behaviour was not what was expected from a Starfleet officer. And the representation Ensign Kell just gave is not true!" It was obvious how annoyed Juraan was, in his composure and his tone of voice.

"Ensign Kell came into my quarters without my invitation and refused to leave after I asked her repeatedly to do that. Instead of leaving she insulted and attacked me after I dared to touch her arm to direct her to the door. I tried to avoid her to avoid new incidents but I won't be insulted and pressed in my own quarters, Sir!" Juraan swallowed down a lump of frustration. The Cardassian was making herself appear like the victim but this time she surely wasn't.

"I know I should have called security, but ... I just couldn't after what I heard her saying, it was ... it was shaking me to the core, Sir. I apologize." Yes, surely everyone liked to believe Juraan was the bad racist guy and nobody would belive what Kell had said when they had been alone.

[Junior Officer Quarters - USS Discovery]

Ian frowned as Juraan spoke and snarled in response.

"I tried tellin' you this after last mission and I hate havin' ta repeat myself, but here we are. I am nae goin' ta claim I understand what occurred durin' the Occupation, but this woman wasn't even born when it happened! I am also nae goin' ta tell you ta get over what happened, you can't as it's part of your life, but you. Not her. You, have got ta make peace with it or it will be you. Not her. That gets drummed out of Starfleet.

"Now, against my better judgment, I gave you both a chance ta speak, when this should be a one way conversation. Now it is a one way conversation. Objections and input noted. You will now go with Commander Felder for your extra duty assignment.

"And one last thing, which goes for both of you. One more anything occurs between you two and that's it. You will sit in the brig until we put in at a Starbase where you will stand court martial pursuant ta your removal from Starfleet."

Ian then stepped back from the door to make room for them to pass, folding his arms across his chest, his face a study in stony and barely controlled fury.

[Juraan Ren]

Lt. jg. Juraan Ren
[USS Discovery - Junior Commissioned Officers Quarters]

Juraan didn't agree. So it was all up to him to be nice and friendly while she was allowed to invade his quarters, insult and attack him? How nice.

He didn't say anything though, there was no point in it since Cmdr. Galloway didn't seem to acknowledge anything of what he had said but believed Kell.

Wordlessly he moved to walk past Ian without giving him another glance and waited out in the corridor until Kell was out too and Felder would move to lead them to the airlock. He would ask the Security Chief to make a side trip to sickbay to get the bleeding cut at his head treated, he wouldn't bother Galloway with it.

[Deryn Kell]

Lg. jg. Juraan Ren
[USS Discovery - Junior Commissioned Officers Quarters]

Juraan just opened his mouth to speak. But Deryn cut him off.

It took all the effort he could muster to keep his rage in check, though it clearly showed at his clenched fists and teeth. He agreed with the Cardassian regarding the phaser, but what she told after that was misrepresentation.

What infuriated Juraan even more was that Ian was bound to believe her without any reservation and having the Commander stating that 'the bigger slice of the pie' belonged to Juraan.

"Sir. I accept the punishment, I admit that my behaviour was not what was expected from a Starfleet officer. And the representation Ensign Kell just gave is not true!" It was obvious how annoyed Juraan was, in his composure and his tone of voice.

"Ensign Kell came into my quarters without my invitation and refused to leave after I asked her repeatedly to do that. Instead of leaving she insulted and attacked me after I dared to touch her arm to direct her to the door. I tried to avoid her to avoid new incidents but I won't be insulted and pressed in my own quarters, Sir!" Juraan swallowed down a lump of frustration. The Cardassian was making herself appear like the victim but this time she surely wasn't.

"I know I should have called security, but ... I just couldn't after what I heard her saying, it was ... it was shaking me to the core, Sir. I apologize." Yes, surely everyone liked to believe Juraan was the bad racist guy and nobody would belive what Kell had said when they had been alone.

[Junior Officers Quarters - USS Discovery]

Ian's eyes snapped from Juraan to Kell as she spoke. He listened to the specifics of this particular incident and was slightly mollified, but not by much. Ian's eyes snapped back to Juraan and his already icy tone dropped into the Kelvin range.

"Aye, I remember the 'phaser incident' and while I ken you are not solely responsible for this clown show, I do fault your decision ta come here on your own. This particular incident could have been avoided had you sought out my help or that of Commander Felder, hell, or anyone else in the bloody crew would have sufficed, but ye did nae do that. You decided ta confront the doctor yourself, so while the bigger slice of the pie belongs ta the doctor, you helped yourself ta a slice as well Mister Kell.

"I do want ta hear what this lan dhen cac raitse wants ta say, but my order still stands. He needs ta figure out if his bigotry is more important ta him than his oath ta Starfleet and you need ta learn when not ta confront a problem. I believe havin' ta work together on a menial and pointless task will give both of you a chance ta reflect upon recent choices."

[ USS Discovery - Crew Quarters ]

When Commander Galloway blamed her for confronting the Doctor alone , she nodded dutifully . It had been her mistake indeed to believe that she could talk to the man in a civilised way and resolve their problems like grown ups , she should have known better . Deryn had wanted to avoid drawing too much unwanted attention to her difficult working relationship with the Bajoran by filing an official report over something as trivial as a Phaser . Talk about a dramatic backfire of plans ...

The Doctor then protested to her explanation with passion , drawing the attention back to himself , which suited Deryn just about fine right now . There was a time to talk - and Cardassians were known to be good talkers - but there was also a time to shut your mouth , and now was just that time , despite the itch she felt about adding a few more things .

When the First Officer stepped aside to let them pass , Deryn saluted him sharply and followed Chief of Security Felder outside . There was no point in delaying their punishment any further , the sooner they'd get on with it , the sooner they'd be finished .

[Ian Galloway]

[First Officer's Ready Room - USS Discovery]

Ian stared absently, unseeing out the window of his office. He hated what he had to do, but he also had no choice. Such a massive breech of regulations, with witnesses no less, made it impossible for him to keep the matter private handled by him without an entry in his log. No Lieutenant Commander Felder was too good an officer for that, plus there was the call from Lieutenant Dawson on record as well. No, this was now an official matter and Ian had to make a formal entry in his log, as well as inform the captain.

"Computer open first officers log, copy entry to captain."

"Acknowledged"

"First Officer's Log, Stardate 74445.3. On this date let the record show that Lieutenant Junior Grade Juraan Ren, medical department and Ensign Deryn Kell, security department were involved in a physical altercation in Doctor Juraan's quarters...."

Ian dispassionately outlined the details of the fight and its causes as part of the official record. Once the facts were established, he continued with a subjective assessment of the event.

"Although both individuals were at fault for a series of poor decisions, it must be added that Ensign Kell has been the target of repeated aggression by Lieutenant Juraan. Even though the Ensign was born after the occupation was over, the Doctor has, so far, proven unable to accept the presence a Cardassian member in the crew without hostility.

"There is parallel for the Occupation in Earth history. The closest example is mid-20th Century Nazi Germany, but that regime only lasted 13 years and not 50. Juraan is old enough to remember the Occupation first hand and is either unable or unwilling to find a way to accept what happened during those dark years as being events of the past.

"I have personally warned him after our mission on the Meridian of his thinly veiled hostility to Ensign Kell and advised him to speak with the ship's counselor, but he has neither heeded my advice or seen Doctor Kyjann. This entry will be added to Doctor Juraan's record as a formal reprimand for his unacceptable behavior.

"Ensign Kell's behavior. while not above reproach, has only shown one instance of poor judgement when she attempted to recover a phaser on her own knowing the Doctor's feelings toward her. In her case, while the two are sharing the same extra duty, she will not have a reprimand entered into her record, at least not for this one instance. Should there be another lapse of judgement, then she too will receive formal censure."

Ian paused and tried to think of anything else to add, nodded to himself he continued.

"In addition to the extra duty and the reprimand, I will formally require Doctor Juraan see Doctor Kyjann for counseling for anger management and possible displaced bereavement."

"Computer save entry and forward to Captain."

"Acknowledged"

Ian stared at the now blank monitor and wonder how long it had been since a member of Starfleet had been court martialed for bigotry. The Federation prided itself on being inclusive and overt prejudice was grounds for dismissal, Ian just hoped it wouldn't come to that as he otherwise thought the doctor was a good man and member of the crew.