I regret to inform you of the loss of Ensign B’Rell and Ensign Corren Gallar from U.S.S. Heimdall and Crewman Sek Enpisi from U.S.S. Reyga. They were the security team assigned to us while initiating peace talks at Rator III and died in the line of duty while attempting to usher the rest of the diplomatic staff to safety.
As the ranking senior Starfleet officer present during the incident that lead to their death, they were my responsibility and their deaths are due to my lack of decisive action.
With your permission, the the permission of their respective captains (CCed in this correspondence), I respectfully request to personally write the the families of the fallen officers. I owe it to them.
You have my blessing and my thanks. Please feel free to share with their families what we were trying to accomplish, and the great importance of it. The mission’s outcome does not diminish the value of the attempt, nor their sacrifice in pursuit of peace.
Your honorable conduct in this matter is appreciated, Commander. However, as I ordered the Heimdall security officers to accompany you, and did not engage more aggressive scans to re-establish contact faster, the responsibility of their deaths ultimately falls upon me as much as anyone. Even so, I grant your request, as you were more familiar with the circumstances of their final moments, and I respect your sentiment.
We may at least take solace that they died serving the higher cause of peace, and the preservation of life.
