Promotion

"Welcome, Commander Devore. I've read your report. I find it very interesting. You've proved yourself capable of handling the Leviathan," said Admiral Ross, the most powerful officer in Starfleet.

"Thank you, Sir," said Commander Devore. "Did you also notice the casualties? That could have been prevented if you had told me of this little 'test'."

"If we had, the results would not have been so truthful. You have to stop with these pangs of conscience you keep having. As you head up the ladder in Starfleet, you'll notice that there are many things that will be asked of you that will completely reshape your morals."

"With all due respect, they were young, barely out of Starfleet Academy. You sent them to their deaths!"

"That's of no consequence. They will be recognised as heroes. I'm trying to look at the whole here. We are not trying to protect Whitmore or Jorenne, we're protecting an entire Federation with billions of inhabitants."

"Admiral, the end cannot always justify the means."

The Admiral smiled. "I've heard that before. Captain Julian Bashir of the Federation Starship *Mars*. Bashir named it himself after the Roman god of war. I once told him what I'm telling you now, 'In time of war the law falls silent.' You need to see the big picture. One life will not change the universe, one civilisation will."

"What if James T. Kirk had died an Ensign in one of your 'tests'?"

"He wouldn't have died. He would have found a way to get through it. You did. That's why I'm promoting you to Captain." Ross pulled out four gold pips from his desk and replaced them with the three Devore already had on. "Congratulations. We will continue this discussion some other time. Dismissed."

Devore shook his hand. "Thank you." He paused. "You must not be able to sleep at night."

Ross smiled. "You're absolutely right. My conscience affects me deeply. It's hard being leader of a military organisation like Starfleet."

"I can imagine. Sweet dreams, Sir."

"Good luck, Captain."

Devore left the room.