Reaper, L: ...Sweet Sorrow

Stardate: 00718.0454
Subject:  ...Sweet Sorrow
Author: Louise Reaper
Time: After "Parting is Such..."
Scene: USS Carpathia

The morning briefing had just come to a close.  As the senior officers exited the room, Captain Johna approached his Executive Officer.  "Your opinion on a rather...  delicate matter, Commander?"

Austin looked up, fairly surprised.  He'd expected that the day's routine business was concluded.  Ro gave him that 'let's go' look and Austin rose and followed the captain to his ready room.

"What is it, sir?" he asked when they were both inside.

Captain Johna walked solemnly to his desk and retrieved a PADD.  He handed it to Austin.  "There has been an incident on board Starbase 185.  Normally, you would not be involved with this decision, but I need your advice." Saying no more, he sat, leaving the XO to read.
~~~

"Oh my god, she KILLED him?" Michaels gasped.

Ro nodded.  "Claimed an attempted rape defense.  185's CMO validated her story by citing the bruises on her shoulders.  But read further, Mrs.  Reaper's full post trauma medical report follows."

Austin skimmed the PADD, then read aloud, " '...mental trauma consistent with subject's account, but recent physical evidence suggests...' oh my god, is this for real?"

"So it would seem.  And now my dilemma is this: do I tell Lt.  Commander Reaper that his wife slept around on him, or leave that to her?  I have never been a good judge of family matters.  That is why you are here. That, and you know Nelson probably better than anyone except his wife.  What's your opinion?"

Austin sat back and sighed.  "I think I will be late for our volleyball match with Bally and Mulder, that's for sure." He stood and paced the room.  He stopped briefly and addressed the captain.  "What are the chances of making this...  go away?" he shook the PADD containing the report as he spoke.

Ro only sighed.  "Nil.  That copy came directly from Admiral Kelly.  It may be classified to protect Louise from the stigma associated with the accidental death, but the affair...  well, that's the best he can do.  He's graciously decided to let us have a go at it before submitting it to Starfleet personnel, which is why I need an answer.  Soon.  It would not do to leave the good Admiral out to dry on this one, would it?"

Austin looked disappointed.  "I suppose not.  Let me handle this, sir.  Can we get 24 hours out of him?"

"Most likely.  What do you plan to do?"

"I'm not sure, but I'll keep you informed."

"Very good, Commander.  Dismissed."

Louise Reaper
Civilian
USS Carpathia