The Scapegoat
WHO: Callie Morgan & Cole Taylor WHERE: Pilot's Ready Room, Battlestar Avalon WHEN: Y2002 Dec 4 (Afternoon)
Frak that Achillies! Callie had heard the ship talk that Achilles ‘accident’ had caused a major incident which meant someone had to be held accountable. That thought was never more potent now as she stood in the pilot’s ready room waiting for the CAG. She knew what was coming but somehow she did not feel as worried about it as she thought she would.
Major Cole Taylor walked into the ready room where he asked Lieutenant Mitchel’s squadron leader to meet him. He wore his flight suit with Avalon’s unit patch on one arm and a raptor patch on the other. “At ease, Captain,” he told her before she could snap at attention. “What’s the latest on the crash report and how is Lieutenant Mitchel?” He asked as he approached.
Callie did not stand to attention as the Major entered the ready room but her eyes did scan his expression to see his demeanor. “Lieutenant Mitchel is fine and I have a full report ready. The Chief says that bird was flyable.” She had talked with the deck chief and those deckhands who did the final pre-checks; they confirmed the bird was fine.
“Why did it crash then?” He stood directly across from her and looked into her eyes. “It wasn’t shot down.”
“Possibly pilot’s error.” She took the defensive.
“So what are you trying to say? Lieutenant Mitchel screwed it up?” He was told by the XO to not go after Achilles wings. “Do you have proof? Because from what I saw on the video, he was flying in perfect formation with the rest of the vipers right before his engine blew.” He paused for a beat. “You’re not trying to hide something are you?”
“Are you accusing me of something Major?” She didn’t like his tone or the suggestive inquiry.
“You are the one who suggested pilot error, and I haven’t seen any evidence to support that theory. It’s an obvious mechanical fault. Maybe it’s the Chief that is trying to hide something.” He stood his ground.
“If it was a mechanical fault then it must have occurred after Achilles launched. I had Achilles check all the birds to make sure they were all in perfect working order. He didn’t report any anomalies.” She countered with plausibility.
“Did you double check?” he asked. “It’s your responsibility to make sure all your birds are safe to fly.”
“I checked the reports from the Chief and from Achilles, the mechanical fault - if there was one, had to happen in-flight.” She was beginning to think this was a witch-hunt.
“So there was a defective part perhaps,” he took a moment to think. It would be a whole lot better if it was a defective part, but someone had missed it. “So someone in maintenance miss it in the last inspection. Find out who was responsible and write them up. I’ll make sure they never work on a viper again. They cost us a viper, and nearly killed people yesterday.” He did not really want to lose a Squadron leader over this.
“I’m sorry Major but I won’t be able to do that.” She didn’t like the fact that it sounded like an order being rejected but nevertheless it was time.
“This is a very serious matter, Captain. The Taurans and the Fleet are going to want answers soon. If we don’t clear this matter up quickly with a person responsible for the accident, then many heads will roll. I know from personal experience how Tauran’s think. Blood for blood is their way, and they are not patient enough for a long drawn out investigations.” He did not mention it, but the political situation with the terrorist attack and the basic mistrust the Taurans had of the Capricans, this only complicated things. Once the Tauran press learned that Mitchel was a Caprican, it could turn ugly.
“Do you understand, Captain? I’m going to need a name, soon.” He pressured.
“Major, I’m afraid you will have to find someone else to do your witch hunt.” She retorted.
“What are you suggesting, Captain?” he stood his ground.
“I’m not suggesting anything Major. Accidents happen and equipment fails without fault on any individual of the deck. I won’t pin fault on someone because you are looking for a scapegoat. You want to investigate fine but I won’t play a part.” She placed a hand inside her flight suit and presented a document. “This is my request for reassignment to Aerilon.”
Taylor took the document and read it over. “Why Aerilon?”
“Personal reasons Major” she replied bluntly.
It did not matter her reason, he was only curious. The request would probably be enough of a head lopping for the higher ups. He hated having to lose an experienced squadron leader but there were a hundred more pilots able to fill the role. “Granted, I’ll pull your name off the board.” A transfer did not guarantee another squadron leader slot; it was all up to Fleet personnel. Unless she knew someone with some pull.
“Thank you.” Callie turned to leave and then paused, “Major, would you like to me compose a list of suitable candidates for my position?
“No need,” he folded the letter. “Pack your things, and I’ll have someone arrange transportation to Aerilon.” He started for the hatch. He patted her shoulder on his way, “Good luck.”
“Understood” she nodded and exited the room knowing this was the right decision.