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365daysofj2 · 1 year ago

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To Keep From Drowning (SeaQuest AU, 2/?)

Jared took Jensen’s hand in his as they exited the MagLev closest to Morgan’s quarters. Morgan had called Jensen down to discuss the conference with Jensen’s lawyer. Jared’s shift didn’t start for another 2 hours, so he’d volunteered to accompany Jensen to hear the news.

Jared pressed the door chime and waited. After a few seconds, Morgan opened the door. “Come in,” he said, stepping aside to let them pass. “Jared, I wasn’t expecting you, but I’m glad you’re here.”

Jared frowned. That probably meant that the news wasn’t good. He squeezed Jensen’s hand before they sat at the table in the anteroom.

Morgan sat down across from them, his face sober. “Which do you want first, the good news or the less good news?”

Jensen bit his lip. “I’d rather have the good news, I think.”

Morgan shook his head. “Well, ‘good’ is relative. Mr. Williams’s impression of the UEO is that they’re looking to throw us under the bus simply for publicity’s sake, as a show of strength for the Macronesian Alliance specifically.”

“They’re acting up again?” asked Jared.

“Yeah, there have been some small skirmishes around the border. Radar also shows that they seem to be stockpiling nuclear warheads for some ‘indeterminate cause’.”

“What does that have to do with us, though?” Jensen looked thoroughly confused.

Morgan smirked. “It’s essentially a dick-measuring contest with Macronesia, and the UEO’s getting it up by punishing us. It’s a PR strategy to look tough. Williams doesn’t think the UEO has much of a legal leg to stand on. We did the best we could with what we had—which was nowhere near enough time or data to mount an effective mission.”

Jensen nodded. “Exactly.”

Morgan reached underneath the table and pulled out a black clamshell box, the kind that jewelry usually came in. Jensen stared at it in confusion. “What’s that?”

“I’ll explain,” said Morgan, “but keep in mind that it’s Mr. Williams’s idea.” Morgan grinned and stood up, gesturing for Jensen to do the same. Morgan handed Jensen the box, but Morgan kept his hand on it, preventing Jensen from opening it.

“In recognition of the unique skills and abilities that you contribute to the SeaQuest’s mission, I hereby commission you the rank of Ensign, with all the duties, responsibilities, and privileges therein.” He released the box. “Open it.”

Jensen did as he was instructed with wide, disbelieving eyes. Inside were the Naval insignia for the rank of Ensign, as well as a black name patch, standard for their shipboard uniforms, with “Ensign J. Ackles” printed on it in the lettering that matched the ones Jared and Morgan were wearing at that moment.

“Welcome to the United States Navy, Ensign Ackles.”

Jensen stood, openmouthed, staring at the items in his hand. Finally, he lifted his head and met Morgan’s pleased gaze. “You’re enlisting me?”

“Mr. Williams believes that it will be harder to single you out for punishment if you’re an official crew member, under the protection of the U.S. Navy and the UEO. Mr. Williams checked with Captain Connell, and you can’t be court-martialed for actions you took prior to enlistment, even if they occurred on a UEO Naval vessel under the command of a UEO Naval Captain.”

Jensen swallowed hard and bit his lip. “Don’t get me wrong, Captain, I’m honored. Really. But—” He straightened to his full height and looked Morgan straight in the eye. “I don’t want to join the Navy. And unless you’re prepared to draft me, which shouldn’t apply because we’re not actively at war with Macronesia, I’m not going to.”

Morgan frowned. “I’m not sure you understand the implications if you’re found liable outside of the Navy’s sphere of protection. You’re a legal adult now, subject to full judicial consequences, up to and including imprisonment.”

“Jail? What the hell for?” Jensen’s voice rose higher and louder with each word.

“Well, involuntary manslaughter is the biggest concern, followed by criminal negligence.” Morgan winced. “That wasn’t how I was planning to break that news.”

Jensen’s eyes blazed with anger. Jared could see the muscle in his jaw twitching with barely suppressed rage. “They’re acting like I screwed up on purpose! I did the best I fucking could, all right? Fuck.”

Morgan reached out and placed a calming hand on Jensen’s shoulder. “I agree with you one hundred percent. I was there, I saw you, and you did more with less than any of the rest of us were capable of. Hell, I’m not sure anyone in the whole damn Navy could have done better.” He leveled his gaze at Jensen, who was still glaring daggers at him. “We are all doing our damnedest to get the Feds to put the blame where it belongs—on me and me alone. I’m the Captain. That’s my duty, responsibility, and privilege.”

Jensen softened a tiny bit. “That’s not fair to you,” he retorted in a tone that was mostly indignant but, because of his young age, did sound a bit petulant.

“But it’s what I signed on for,” replied Morgan, his own voice as steady and calm as his gaze. “You are on my crew, even if the DOJ doesn’t agree. You were acting as a technician on the SeaQuest under my legally binding orders. And as I said, neither Mr. Williams nor Captain Connell believe that the DOJ has legal standing to bring charges against you. However, it’s gonna be a hell of a fight.”

Jensen handed the box back to Morgan. “I’m sorry. I just can’t accept this.”

Morgan took a deep breath. “I understand. I’ll let Mr. Williams know that you declined to enlist at this time. But I’ll hold onto these in case you want to change your mind.” He set the box on the table and sat back down. Jensen followed. “And once we get into the preliminary challenges, I think you just might do that.”

Jared took Jensen’s hand underneath the table and squeezed it. He needed Jensen to know that he had Jensen’s back, one hundred percent, no matter who or what tried to come between them.

“Jared, I’ll meet with you the day after tomorrow to obtain your statement. Captain Connell has given me a list of questions to ask each of you, and I’ll send her your responses. She doesn’t think you’ll have to testify at the hearing, but you’ll need to attend each session just in case since you’re on the witness list.” Jared nodded. He’d been expecting that. And even if he wasn’t required to attend, he was planning to just to support Jensen, because Jensen absolutely would be required to testify—possibly for multiple days.

“Jensen, you and I will meet with Captain Connell, Admiral Beaver, and Mr. Williams when we arrive at NSA Monterey on Monday,” Morgan went on. “They’ll then travel with us to New Cape Quest for the hearing. You are to make yourself available to them at all times while they’re on board.”

Jensen scowled, but after a moment, he muttered “Yes, Sir.”

Morgan’s face softened. “Look, I know this situation is difficult as hell. But I promise you, everyone involved on our side only has your best interests at heart. Myself, Captain Connell, Admiral Beaver, and Mr. Williams are committed to protecting you specifically, Jensen.” Jensen’s eyes widened slightly, like he couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing. “It’s your unique position on the SeaQuest that’s made you vulnerable to this unjust persecution in the first place, and what enables the DOJ and UEO to bring these ridiculous charges at all. You simply aren’t entitled to the same legal protections under the current UCMJ.”

“The what?” Jensen frowned at the unfamiliar term.

“Uniform Code of Military Justice,” Jared answered before Morgan could. He’d had the importance of the UCMJ drilled into him in several classes at the Academy. He’d even had to memorize a couple of paragraphs.

“However, the UCMJ doesn’t really cover your specific situation,” said Morgan. “You’re a civilian, yes, but not a contract employee because you were legally unable to sign a contract when you came on board. They didn’t make a formal contract with your father either—but since you’re now emancipated, that contract would no longer be valid anyway. Basically, it’s a real goddamned mess.”

That actually made Jensen smile. “Pretty typical, right?”

Morgan chuckled. “For you? Absolutely.” He gestured toward the door. “That’s all I have for you right now. I’ll let you know when I need to see you again. You’re dismissed.”

“Yes, Sir,” said Jared, standing up. After a beat, Jensen weakly echoed Jared and stood up as well. They walked out the door and into the nearest MagLev.

“This is such bullshit,” complained Jensen once the MagLev door was closed.

“Hey, I agree with you one hundred percent,” replied Jared. “All of this is ridiculous. And it’s not even about us anyway. It’s just stupid posturing.”

Jensen leaned back against the seat and tilted his chin up, closing his eyes.

Jared placed a hand on his knee and squeezed lightly. “You know I’m here for you, no matter what, right?”

Jensen nodded, eyes still closed. “I know,” he murmured.

It was Jared’s turn to meet with Morgan to prepare for the hearing. He approached Morgan’s door, but before he could ring the bell, the door opened and Dr. Rhodes emerged, her short hair ever-so-slightly ruffled out of place. “Commander,” she said, sounding a bit flustered.

“Doctor,” Jared said quietly in response. She stepped past him and into the corridor.

“Come on in, Padalecki” called Morgan from inside his quarters.

Jared entered the anteroom. Morgan was standing next to the coffee maker in the corner as a pot of synthetic coffee finished brewing. “Coffee?”

“Yes, please,” answered Jared.

Morgan poured coffee into two UEO logo mugs and handed one to Jared. Morgan had already placed oat milk creamer and sugar on the table. Jared loaded his coffee with both. Morgan apparently took his black, which surprised Jared, since Morgan had decades of experience with the real thing, which was far superior to the artificial stuff.

Morgan took the seat across from Jared. “This shouldn’t take more than about half an hour. I don’t have much to ask you. Most of what the Feds want to know isn’t relevant to your role.” He gave Jared a crooked smile. “Of course, I didn’t tell them what you were really there for.”

“Thank you, Sir,” said Jared, matching Morgan’s smile with one of his own.

“You’re mostly going to speaking to facts in evidence,” Morgan went on. “The questions pertain to specific actions or statements that you witnessed.” He activated the viewscreen on the side wall. “I’m going to record this for Captain Connell and Admiral Beaver, whom you will meet with once they come aboard.” Morgan tapped a button on his epad. “Please state your name, rank, and serial number for the record.”

“Lieutenant Commander Jared T. Padalecki, DEERS number 3590555348.”

“And you swear that your testimony today is true and correct to the best of your knowledge and recollection?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Commander Padalecki, what is your assigned role on the SeaQuest?”

“I am the SeaQuest’s Supply Officer and Logistics Specialist, and second in command of the Administrative Department after Commander Sheppard.”

“Commander, were you present on the bridge from 1900 hours on 22nd January 2023 to 0055 hours on 23rd January 2023?”

“Yes,” answered Jared, although he didn’t recall what time the implosion had taken place or when the launch sub was recalled. He vaguely remembered that Jensen got back aboard around 0100 hours on Friday.

“Your assigned role was as technical support to Mr. Ackles and Lt. Buckmaster, correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“What duties did you perform in that role?”

Jared took a deep breath and tried to think of the best way to word it. “I provided verbal support and feedback to Jensen, and I assisted Lt. Buckmaster with the modifications to the WSKRS probe with the designation Junior.”

“What specific tasks did you perform on the WSKRS probe?”

“I removed the bolts holding the outer casing in place, and then Lt. Buckmaster and I replaced the casing and bolted it back on.”

“You are not an Electronics Technician, nor are you part of the Electrics Division of Engineering, correct?”

Jared’s breath hitched. That was not where he was expecting this line of questioning to go. In fact, it sounded like the questions were designed to point out his own wrongdoing in being involved in the first place—when Jared, like Jensen, was just following orders. Apparently the DOJ was trying to throw the entire crew under the bus.

Jared fumed, but answered the question as dispassionately as he could manage. “Correct. I am not now, nor have I ever been a technician in either the Operations or Engineering Departments.”

“Did you consider yourself qualified to assist Lt. Buckmaster in modifying the WSKRS probe?”

“Yes, I did,” Jared replied, struggling to keep from sounding defensive. “Loosening and tightening bolts with a wrench, and helping Lt. Buckmaster lift and secure the casing piece, doesn’t require skills unique to any kind of technician.”

“Did your orders from the Captain include making modifications to the WSKRS probe?”

“As I understood them, they did,” answered Jared, and this time he couldn’t help sounding annoyed. “My orders were to support Jensen and Lt. Buckmaster in any and all appropriate ways, as far as I was aware.”

Morgan held up a hand to silence Jared and stopped the recording. “For what it’s worth, I think this line of questioning is complete and utter bullshit,” he spat, not bothering to suppress his contempt. “However, I am obligated to continue it.”

“Understood, Sir,” said Jared. It wasn’t the Captain he was mad at, and they both knew it. Morgan, however, was professional enough to hide his personal reactions on the tape. Jared hoped that when he was closer to Morgan’s age, he’d be better at that.

“I’m going to reactivate the recording,” Morgan warned him. Jared waited until he’d pressed the button.

“What specific feedback did you give Mr. Ackles while he was present on the bridge?” Morgan’s eyebrows were narrowed into a thin, tense line. He clearly hated having to ask the question as much or more than Jared hated having to answer it.

Jared took a long, shaking breath and thought back to that night. He didn’t fully recall everything he’d said. He remembered joking around with him about Jared’s supposed “fan club” of girl admirers, and that he’d told Jensen that he wasn’t responsible for getting the submersible crew out of the craft without imploding it, which turned out to be a moot point anyway.

“I told him that he wasn’t responsible for the part of the mission where the launch crew needed to board the experimental submersible to retrieve its crew without imploding the craft,” replied Jared. “Other than that, I don’t remember word-for-word what I said to him.”

“You assisted Mr. Ackles with his report for the mission debriefing, correct?”

“Yes.”

“What specific assistance did you give him?”

“I mostly just suggested revisions to certain word choices and grammatical constructions,” answered Jared. “I was not familiar with the scientific concepts, so I was unable to make suggestions on the technical material in the report.”

“The Captain ordered you to assist Mr. Ackles, despite your lack of familiarity with the subject?” Morgan scowled, his irritation gouging deep lines in his forehead. He refused to meet Jared’s eyes.

“Yes,” said Jared, choosing not to elaborate further.

“Did you question said order, either verbally or internally?”

Jared frowned. He felt like his private thoughts shouldn’t be subject to interrogation. He also wondered what exactly the questions were designed to ferret out. Jared hadn’t done anything that affected the outcome of the mission, nor had he done anything wrong according to procedure. He’d simply followed orders. So what was the issue here?

“No, I did not.”

“How would you describe your working relationship with Mr. Ackles.”

Jared’s eyes widened. He held up a hand, indicating that Morgan should stop the recording. Morgan immediately obliged. “Are they asking what I think they’re asking, and do I have to answer that?”

Morgan let out an explosive sigh. “They’re coming as close as they’re allowed to bringing up your personal relationship, yes,” he answered in a low, even tone, as though keeping the emotion out of his voice would make the answer more palatable.

Jared swallowed hard. He could feel beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He had no idea how he was supposed to answer the question—or where it would lead if he did.

“Not that it’s in any way relevant,” Morgan added, his voice rising with barely concealed anger. “Your personal relationship to Jensen had no bearing whatsoever on the actions he took during the mission.” His face softened. “Answer the questions with as few details as possible. I think our legal team will be able to challenge all this right out of the record.”

Morgan clasped his hands together on top of the table. “How old were you when Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was repealed?”

“That was 2011, right?” Morgan nodded. “I was fourteen, Sir.”

“The DADT years were pretty harrowing for those affected,” said Morgan. “You started at the Academy in August 2013, right? You barely missed it.”

“Yes, Sir.” Jared nodded. He’d known about DADT, since both his parents were Navy and he’d grown up on various bases. He’d been relieved as hell that it wasn’t still in effect when he joined. He didn’t come out on campus right away—being the youngest one there was alienating enough. But he’d dated a fellow cadet during his junior and senior years, so word had gotten around. Queerness was still mostly discussed in whispers rather than shouts.

“The thing is, for the prosecution team, the 12 years since the end of DADT might as well be 12 minutes,” said Morgan. “They’re still operating with the mindset that outing someone can fully discredit them. And unfortunately, it might work with the UEO adjudicators. But I trust Admiral Beaver and Captain Connell can strike all this. So you have my express permission to tell as little of the truth as possible during this line of questioning.”

“Thank you, Sir,” said Jared, sinking back in his chair with relief. It wasn’t that he doubted that Morgan was on his and Jensen’s side, but Jared felt better knowing that Morgan sanctioned Jared to obscure the truth of Jared and Jensen’s relationship as much as Jared could.

Morgan motioned to the viewscreen, which cued Jared to sit up straight and prepare for the recording to commence. Morgan pushed the button and repeated the last question. Jared figured he’d edit the tape later—or Jensen would, because he could make it seamless through his questionably legal methods.

“Jensen and I have a cordial relationship,” Jared replied coolly. “He’s not a direct report, so I would say we have a pleasant and productive partnership when called upon to work together.”

“You are considered the SeaQuest’s morale officer, correct?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Were you acting in your capacity as morale officer when assisting Mr. Ackles on the bridge?”

Jared bit his lip. It wasn’t something he’d considered, but it was an out that he was perfectly willing to accept. “Yes, I was.”

“Did Captain Morgan explain the nature of your involvement in the mission to you prior to arriving on the bridge on January 22nd?”

Jared frowned. He assumed this was one of the questions that Morgan would allow him to stretch the truth a bit to answer. “Yes, in a manner of speaking.”

“What did Captain Morgan tell you was your role in the mission?”

Jared took a deep breath. He remembered exactly what Morgan had told him his job was. Now he’d have to figure out how to rephrase it for the prosecutors. “My role was to keep Jensen from becoming discouraged by the extreme difficulty inherent in hisrole.”

“Did Captain Morgan use the word ‘impossible’ when describing Mr. Ackles’ role?”

Jared nodded. “Yes, he did.”

“Did you communicate to Mr. Ackles that Captain Morgan deemed the mission’s success ‘impossible’?”

“No, I did not.”

“Did you get the sense that Mr. Ackles considered his tasks ‘impossible’?”

“No, I didn’t,” replied Jared. “Difficult? Of course? And unprecedented also. But he was determined to succeed, and he did so. We found the submersible. We were just a bit too late to rescue it.”

“I have no further questions,” said Morgan, and Jared suppressed the sigh of relief he wanted to make while the camera was still recording. “Commander Padalecki, have you anything further to state for the record?”

“No, Sir,” answered Jared.

“I, Captain Jeffrey Dean Morgan, hereby certify that Lt. Commander Padalecki’s deposition is complete as of 1030 hours on 3rdFebruary 2023.” Morgan stopped the recording.

Jared sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair, suddenly exhausted. Morgan used his epad to send the recording along to the Navy JAG office in Monterey and to Jensen’s private lawyer.

“When are you doing Jensen’s deposition?” asked Jared. “That is, if you’re allowed to tell me.”

“Monday at 0900,” answered Morgan. “With the entire legal team present. I’m assuming it’s going to take most of day shift. He’ll be instructed not to discuss the questions or his answers with you, but...” Morgan left the sentence unfinished, but Jared knew exactly what he meant. Jensen was terrible at keeping secrets. “Please don’t encourage him to discuss it, or prompt him to elaborate.”

Jared nodded. “Understood, Sir.”

Morgan stood up. “I’ll let you know if either our team or the prosecution has any further questions or comments for you. Try not to worry too much about it. You’re small potatoes. They don’t care much about what you did, they care about why you did it and how they can use that to discredit Jensen.”

Jared scowled. Morgan didn’t look thrilled either. Jared shook his head. “That’s ridiculous.”

“I fully agree with you,” replied Morgan. “I think all of this is ridiculous, but obviously it doesn’t matter what I think.” Morgan gestured for Jared to follow him to the door. “Try to keep Jensen distracted this weekend. Starting Monday, his life is gonna be hell.”

Jared’s chest tightened. Jensen didn’t deserve that. None of them did. They were just doing their jobs. The outcome would have been the same even if they’d done nothing at all. Jared wondered if maybe there was some aspect of this whole thing that even Morgan was unaware of. Did Pellegrino Nanotech have some kind of connection to the US government? Were the Feds trying to cover up their own wrongdoing by throwing Jensen and the SeaQuest crew under the bus? Jared knew better than to ask Morgan. Normally, he’d ask Jensen to go digging through classified files, but it was too dangerous for Jensen to be poking around in government databases right now.

Morgan opened the door. “You’re dismissed, Jared. I’ll keep you posted.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

#365daysofj2 #j2 fanfic #j2 au #j2 #military au #fusion au #seaquest dsv #submarine #based on a true story #oceangate

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