Back to Abydos

Posted on Sat Jun 27th, 2020 @ 11:37am by Captain T'mpest Michaels & Lieutenant Commander Orin ch’Valri

1,523 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Repairs and Relaxation
Location: Aboard the Ra

ON

It had been a while since T'mpest physically visited Abydos. She'd sent the files when they arrived back home, but after recent events, she felt it imperative to go in person and talk to them.

She knew Orin had been there once, and had his memory of the place erased. But she needed to go quickly and covertly. Ra and Orin were her best means of travel, and the two she trusted to get her there and back safely.

She felt the best way to ask was in person. So she entered the shuttle bay. "Ra, I need to speak to Orin."

"Hello, Captain." Ra replied over her combadge. "Thank you for visiting today. I will inform, The Major, of your arrival."

The shuttle ramp lowered for her to enter, however there was something different. At the top of the ramp was an unfamiliar site. A black doberman with a gold collar and an gold, Egyptian like design, around its right eye. Almost making it look like the common Egyptian Eye or Ra, with its right eye, serving as the center of the design.

"Please, feel free, to wait in the main area." Ra replied, this time his voice came from the speakers, before adding. "I have given you access to the replicators should you require something to eat or drink. Please help yourself." The dog then sat up and walked off.

"Thank you," she said, electing to simply wait. The dog was a nice touch.

The dog walked back to her. "Captain... Orin is in the back office. You are welcomed to enter when you are ready." Ra replied from the internal speakers.

"Thank you," T'mpest said, inclining her head. "I will go now."

She walked into the back room, pausing for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. "Do you have a few minutes?"

"I'm not going anywhere. I have many minutes." Orin replied, his voice softly as he strained a bit, from his seat in the dimmed light. He eased slightly forward, his eyes locking with her slightly, before shifting to the console in the table. "What do you need?" He smiled a bit, reaching over for his mug.

"I need to go back to Abydos," she said bluntly. "I want you and Ra to go with me."

He looked down slightly, smiling in the dim light, before looking up to her. "Can't say I don't blame you. It's not like we need the directions since, technically, we've already been there." He stood up slowly, holding himself up as he fought the slight pain, before adding. "Why else do you want it to be us?"

"I need to talk to the AIs. I need to consult them, and I believe it would be preferable to do so in person." She paused. "I want you with me because it would give us time together and because I want them to meet you again and realize that they can trust you."

Orin nodded his head, smiling slightly, as he said. "I am sure, if you do, they won't have a problem with me." He grabbed a hold of his goggles and walked around the desk, before making his way to her. When he stopped in front of her, he placing his hand in hers, and said softly. "This shuttle, and myself, are at your service. Always."

She squeezed his hand. "There is no one I would rather take with me than you."

"That's satisfying." Orin replied, with a slight chuckle, which seemed to be cut short with a slight twinge. "At least you're not just here for my fancy shuttle."

"No. But I am concerned about your health. Are you sure you should come with me?" She put her free hand on his chest. "I am concerned about your health."

Orin smiled, taking in a deep breath, before placing his hand over the one on his chest. "T'mpest? You're repeating yourself." He let out a slight sigh before looking into her eyes and saying. "Everything I need can be found here. Ra is continuously monitoring my condition and, if you're willing to play nurse, I'll be more then willing to risk the trip. Besides... I am a fast healer. Consider it part of being a Marine."

She had repeated herself, but she was concerned about him. "Yes, I will be your nurse--although I have little experience. When will you be ready to go?"

"Ra will tell you everything you need to know. Rest assured, we've relied on his and Jack's skills many times. I can promise you Ra will not be as talkative as Addy would be." Orin replied with a smile. "This shuttle is always ready to go. All it needs is orders. When you've done everything you need to know we can go."

"I need an hour," she said. "We have time while the ship is in spacedock. I will officially take leave and return."

"I am sure I have enough leave time saved for a trip like this. Maybe its time I put in for some." Orin replied with a smirk.

She was back in 45 minutes with a small bag for her files. She could use the replicator for anything else she needed.

"Ra knows the way," she said when she returned. She smiled at Orin. "Once we are on our way, I can practice my nursing skills."

Orin nodded his head as he sat down in the pilots chair. "Ra? Set course for Abydos. Apply the standard covert methods once we are cleared of the Ranger."

"Understood." Ra replied, over the intercom, as the systems lit up.

"Yes," she said, taking a seat at science. "As far as anyone knows, you and I are taking a much-needed vacation. I would prefer no one know our direction or destination." She'd come dressed in a Vulcan tunic and pants to add to the appearance that this trip was for pleasure only.

Orin looked over to her, before shaking his head slightly, and returning back to the console. "You know... you don't have to keep wearing the tunic. They can't see you in here."

She raised an eyebrow. "Who cannot see me in here, and what do you suggest I wear instead?"

"I'm sure Morgana has something you can wear. Most of her stuff can be provocative, but I am sure you can find something modest." Orin replied, smirking slightly. "There is always the replicator in the back. It's programmed for clothing. Whatever you decide should be fine."

She looked down at what she was wearing. It was casual, yes, but comfortable. "We shall see. Perhaps you can help me choose something when we are safely on our way."

"It's a good thing we have medical supplies on board. I didn't think I would need something that quickly." Orin replied before saying loudly. "Are you sure about that? That's a dangerous responsibility you're handing me."

"Perhaps," she replied, grinning impishly. "But I admit to being curious. So, once we are safely on our way, I will put myself in your capable hands."

Orin chuckle slightly, nodding his head, before saying. "I'll remember to bring the painkillers. Just keep your Vulcan strength to yourself. I'm still fragile."

That made T'mpest laugh out loud. "We shall see." She turned back to the console and looked over the course Ra had planned. She was pleased that he not only took care to be covert, he took a circuitous path, doubling back a couple of times to keep anyone from following them. It added two days to their trip, but it was safer overall.

After an hour, they made a quick stop and then changed direction. Once they were on their way again, T'mpest stood. "Now you can show me what I should be wearing, and I will make sure you are not overtaxing yourself."

"I never said I was against being overtaxed, just that I would have to prepare for it." Orin replied with a smile.

"This is true," she admitted. "Then shall we go make sure you are...prepared?"

Orin shook his head slightly, laughing as he stood up from the pilot's chair, after switching the helm to Ra. "You have a way with words that I can't explain. Maybe its how you were raised. Maybe its developed in time, but its there and its intriguing, but also frustrating. It's hard to tell what you mean, or what you want, because you say things in a way where it can mean a variety of things."

T'mpest raised an eyebrow. "I thought I was being quite clear. Perhaps this is something else we can work on during our trip." She leaned forward and kissed him. "We are together and we are alone." She held one of his hands between hers. "If my words are not clear enough, perhaps my actions will be." She raised his hand to her lips and kissed his palm. Then she led him out of the room.

____
OFF

Captain T'mpest Michaels
Commanding Officer
USS Ranger

Ra
AI

Lieutenant Commander Orin ch'Valri
Chief Security Officer
USS Ranger

 

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