Compensation

Posted on Fri Feb 13th, 2026 @ 5:12am by Captain Maddox Greene
Edited on on Fri Feb 13th, 2026 @ 5:14am

921 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Echos on the Deck
Location: Deck 3: Base Commander's Office

Maddox sat at the desk in his office, waiting for a call from Nausicaa. The message was sent out three hours prior, and here he was still awaiting a response. Throughout the last few hours, someone would appear to let him know to remain on hold while they found connected him with someone. Just as the Captain was on the verge of ending the communication link, the face of an older Nausicaan appeared on the screen.

"Captain Greene, I am High Fang Kragh Torvax."

"We'll High Fang, I trust you have received the message I sent regarding Mister Vaul and his condition."

The Nausicaan nodded in acknowledgement. "Yes, Captain I have gone over the security report that you have sent regarding the so called accident involving my cousin. Whether it was an accident is debatable."

Maddox squinted his eyes while maintaining eye contact across the viewer. "You read the report, which included video footage. The accident could have been avoided, if your cousin and his comrades didn't show up looking for a fight."

Torvax stared down the Human with an obviously annoyed look on his face. How did this Starfleet Captain speak to him like this? The Clan Leader found himself upset with this man and yet, he had a small bit of respect for him. "I can concede to the evidence on the footage that you sent me."

"I'm glad that we can both agree on that." The atmosphere seemed to finally calm down a bit, which left room for possible dialogue and to hopefully get on the same page. "At this time, I have my Chief Medical Officer looking over his case. Its my intent to do everything in our power to get your cousin healthy again."

"That won't really be necessary, Captain," the Clan Leader responded. "I will be sending a ship to retrieve him. But in the meantime, we need to discuss compensation."

Clearly confused by the statement. The Starfleet Officer didn't want to make assumptions about the first part of that statement made by Torvax. "You have me a bit at a loss for words. The man lying in our sickbay is far from dead. Paralyzed, but I believe healthy enough to live a full life."

The Nausicaan couldn't help but laugh. "Humans have a funny way of viewing things as a full life. Because of your security, my cousin's life no longer has much value."

"Again, I would like to point out that the actions of your cousin and his comrades led to his current condition," Maddox spoke up. Leaning closer to the screen, he stared at the man who clearly didn't seem to give a damn about his family member. But was trying to find a way to take advantage and exploit his cousins tragedy.

"Regardless of his own fault. I feel that it would be a gesture of goodwill to my Clan, as well as my people. If the Federation compensated us for our loss." Following the Captain's lead, he leaned forward as well.

"It appears that we find ourselves at an impasse," said the Commanding Officer. "The only thing I am offering is medical attention. There will be no compensation of any sort."

"And why not?" he growled.

Maddox couldn't believe the audacity of him to ask such a question. But at this point, he wasn't going to play games. "Because it sets a bad standard. That anyone can just show up at my doorstep and get away with scamming the Federation. And I have no intent on allowing that to ever happen."

Simply waving his hand in frustration, the High Fang clearly didn't take kindly to the response. "Perhaps we can revisit the topic of compensation upon my arrival. Give you a chance to really think about it."

The only response that Greene had was a defiant shrug of his shoulders. As far as he was concerned, there was absolutely nothing to think about or consider.

"Now, what will happen with his comrades who are currently locked up?" Kragh inquired.

"Well, there is a judicial process that needs to be followed," Maddox answered. "They are facing several assault charges. But I am certain, that a deal could be worked out and they can leave with you."

"I'll set out to Sentinel Station in the next two hours. That will have my arrival in about fifty-four hours. But this has been a very interesting conversation, Captain. Seriously looking forward to continuing it in person."

Leaning back in his seat, the Human nodded. "This conversation has indeed been interesting and quite informative. I believe I have much better understanding of the people of Nausicaa. I look forward to your arrival."

With the pleasantries now at an end, communication quickly ended. Nausicaans had a horrible reputation in the quadrant, but Maddox had assumed that they at least treated each other decently. At least the members of their own family. This High Fang was not the type to take no for an answer and likely wouldn't be showing up alone. Perhaps two to three additional ships to help with intimidation purposes. The Federation was much too large at this point to be intimidated by the Nausicaans. But it was in their nature to at least try. Hopefully the doctor would be able to provide some good news regarding the status of Vaul's medical condition. Otherwise, life wasn't going to be the least bit pleasant for the man on his voyage back home.

=================
Captain Maddox Greene
Commanding Officer
Sentinel Station

High Fang Kragh Torvax
Clan Leader

 

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