It has been a good deal of time since I wrote episode XXVIII, dealing with Commander Reed's re-taking of command of the USS Escort after attempting to kill Mr. Schultz. In truth, at the time of its
initial writing, I believe I was drawing near to the end of my shift, and wanted to get this particularly action packed episode out prior to being relieved. Therefore, in an effort to please the masses, I compromised my literary morals, and made Reed's re-acquisition of power something of a non-event.
Imagine my surprise when a number of you began to query me on the subject. Luckily, by utilizing the "Nod and Smile" method (as seen on the President's State of the Union address), I was able to keep the hounds of syntax at bay.
Unfortunately though, along with a great deal of talent, I am blessed, or cursed, with a strong set of ethical ideals. Thus, after much deliberation, I have decided to explain to you, the ever patient and all forgiving reader, the circumstances behind Reed regaining command of the USS Escort.
As many of you know, the Commander and Mr. Schultz were also stationed together earlier in their careers, and were both present at the Battle of Alpha-9. A great deal of mystery surrounds the happenings of that fateful day, but those will have to wait for another day.
What is not known, is that both Reed and Schultz were aware that a spy had found his way on board the USS Escort, and the two officers concocted a plan to draw him out. Though neither of them had ever had a cross word for the other, they decided to make as though there were a rift growing between them, and used the famed Battle of Alpha-9, which had launched both of their careers, as a catalyst for their feud. This was done believing that it might entice the enemy agent into striking a deal with one or the other officer.
When Number Two was nearly lost in Wyzenhymer Territory, Reed's natural tension helped to convince the crew. The actual attack on Schultz's life had been choreographed by the science officer, as well as most of the dialogue, though Reed inevitably improvised a few lines. Mr. Schultz decided that they each needed a reliable witness, hence the attendance of Mr. Proteau and Sgt. Stauch.
When Reed was taken into custody, he placed himself in a very difficult position. By Space Fleet Regulations, a crewman, when taken into custody for a crime, is stripped of rank, regardless of his/her position. That rank cannot be officially restored until the crewman has been before the Admirals' Tribunal, with one exception.
The assigned Commander of his vessel , not to include acting Commander, may retract the charges, as he sees fit. Therefore, once arrested, the Commander was simply a prisoner, and Mr. Schultz, as acting Commander, was not in a position to assist him.
So when Reed escaped from the holding area, thinking incorrectly that Dr. Egan was the spy, he had no choice but to return to the Bridge by any means necessary, as an escaped prisoner is to be shot on sight, per SFR 83-12. Once there, Mr. Schultz would relinquish his command and Reed, as the assigned Commander of the ship, could proclaim himself innocent.
Now isn't that simple? I'm sure many of you figured it out on your own and needed no explanation, but as often happens, sometimes we have to cater to the less...oh, say, bright.
Thank you for your understanding in this endeavor, and enjoy the rest of the Commander Reed Saga.