New Horizons

Posted on Thu Oct 8th, 2009 @ 6:39pm by Lieutenant JG Yvette LaFaal & Captain Elsie Halliwell

1,697 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: The Shining Truth
Location: Paris - France
Timeline: Current

ON:

Yvette stepped into the small café that over looked a river, a small green with flowers of each and every color could be seen across the street. Yvette took a seat outside the café and ordered a glass of water and a small plate of chicken pasta. Lunch time in the centre of Paris as always was quiet as it ever had been. So many places to each, and most of them still serving real food nothing replicated.

The waiter was just placing the dish in front of her, and it smelled delectable, as an officer from Starfleet came around the corner. He was slightly taller than she was. Blond hair and a rugged visage that was only adding to the handsome appearance he had.
As he came closer she noticed the Captain’s pips that adorned his collar and she came to the realization that this must be her new Commanding Officer and he was early for their meeting.

It was doubtful that he would recognize her as she was still wearing her civilian clothing. A short sky blue dress that stopped just above her knees.

"Captain Lane?" she asked tentatively as he came within ear shot.

The Trill looked upon the woman as she rose to meet him and warmly smiled. “Lieutenant LaFaal?� he chanced, smiling and extending his hand out to greet her. “I was not expecting you here for another twenty minutes. I thought I would head on down here and prepare for our meeting early, but it looks like you’ve beaten me to it.� He looked kindly upon the elfin-like woman as he took his seat and indicated for the waiter to serve him.

“Black coffee, please,� he asked, nodding to the man as he marked down the order on a padd. “Um... Sorry, no. Can I change it to a hazelnut latte, please?�

The faceless waiter nodded and left them. “So, how are you, Lieutenant?�

Yvette swallowed the delicious chunk of the green pesto ladened pasta and delicately wiped away the excess on her lower lip before continuing the discussion.
"Somewhat eager to get started. Also, I don't think my brother could cope with me for another week. I'm driving him mad as it is".

She chuckled at the comment he made this morning about the time she spent in the bath room in regards to her hair and the fact is was so short yet it still took her over an hour to get it just right.

“Well,� Lane replied, impressed by the eagerness of his new officer, “it shouldn’t be too long before we’re space-bound again. So, I’m sure that we can arrange some active duty for you before we receive our new orders.�

In truth, this was the first opportunity Lane had had to leave the Archimedes since they had arrived in the sol system, and the request to meet in the less formal surroundings delighted the Trill. He quickly flicked his eyes about as he spoke, soaking in the atmosphere as much as he could.

“Have you served on a Nova class before, Lieutenant?�

"Never", she was honest and open about it. "A Miranda Class and an Excelsior Class. This will be the first modern Starship that I would have served on!"
The omission was nothing to be ashamed of, but in and of itself somewhat surprising. The older classes were being phased out by Command and the fact that she was still to set foot on a more up to date ship was a almost unheard off.

“Then, I’m sure you’re in for a treat,� Lane replied, thanking the waiter as he placed his beverage on the table in front of him. “The Nova is the Fleet’s most advanced Scientific explorer and I’m sure you’ll come to enjoy her comforts.�

He took a sip of the coffee and savoured the sweet tasted before swallowing. Placing down his handled glass, he fixed his eyes onto hers and continued. “I’m due back on her later this afternoon if you would appreciate a tour.�

The smile that played on her lips showed her perfect white teeth, and what amazed her even more she found herself flirting with the handsome and rugged commanding officer.
"That would be great", she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before bringing her gaze up to meet his intense blue eyes. "I must admit... I am confused as to how a Diplomatic Officer would fit into a Science Vessel"

“Our last mission,� Lane began, “greatly warranted a Diplomatic department... and we simply were not supplied with one.� He took another gulp of his coffee and continued. “I believe that the mission suffered as a result. I think that with being the most advanced ship of its kind, Command just wants to cover all bases with us. In our field of expertise, Lieutenant, we’ll happen upon situations that require your talents.�

Lane smiled and sat back, relaxed yet composed, in his chair. If he had answered the question with open honesty, he knew that the reason the Diplomatic Corps were rolling out departments right across the Fleet was to not embroil itself in future situations that resulted in war. The Dominion War still resounded through every decision the Command made to this day, and that was the reason, Lane suspected, that LaFaal was being folding into the ranks of the Archimedes.

Almost like she was reading his mind she added to the conversation. "So what you mean is that Command doesn't want another Dominion War". She blew air through her teeth impatiently. "It almost sounds like Command doesn't trust their starship Captains to engage in Diplomatic protocols correctly."

“If they did, Lieutenant,� Lane replied with a smile, “I doubt that they would dedicate entire departments to the cause, let alone have them on certain ships. But, I guess their scepticism is your good fortune. It provides you with the work.�

She nodded acceptance of the Captains statement as she swallowed another delectable piece of her pasta. "But I would imagine that a lot of starship captains would see a Diplomatic department as more of a hindrance."
Yvette wasn't one to mince her words, and unless it was a diplomatic encounter, what ever railroaded through her mind was usually voiced.

“To be honest, Lieutenant,� he began, choosing his words carefully, “I think that I would have to agree with you. Back in the old days when us captains had to “rough it�, the Chief Counsellor, should you be so lucky to have one posted with you, could serve as a make-shift diplomatic representative. But, back when it was deemed necessary for them to be posted onboard, they were also viewed with a slight distain. It’s all part of the change of the Federation, I think. I believe that the more experienced people are in their field, and how wide those fields are on your ship, the easier it makes my job. I, for one, am thankful of your expertise.�

"That being said, sir...", a sheepish grin appeared on her features. "I would very much like to spread my wings a little in respect of being posted on a Starship as a senior officer. Would it be possible for me to turn my hand to command, even if it is the odd night shift? Granted I still need to sit my bridge officer’s exam, but I know that they can be run onboard ship...", once again the sheepish grin appeared. "Would that be possible?"

“The Fleet is always looking for bright new officers to one day run a ship of their own, Lieutenant, so I am sure that something can be arranged one way or another.� Lane sat there across from her and smiled. “Leave it to me and once you’re aboard, we’ll have a further meeting and we’ll see how to proceed from there. Sound like a plan?�

She nodded at the Captain pleased with his willingness to help develop her skills and abilities as well as build on what she had already started. But now, it was a beautiful day, too beautiful to stay sitting and talking. It was the sort of day that needed a walk along a river or in a copse.
"Sir... If I may be so bold, let us leave work behind for a time. It is a wonderful day, the company is pleasant and the conversation is comfortable. Why don't we take a walk?"

“I – uh, I’m not familiar with Paris, I’m afraid,� Lane stumbled. “And as nice a day as it is, Lieutenant, I really need to get back to the ship. But... the offer of the tour is still open.�

"Very well", slightly disappointed by his elegant side step of the offer. "I will seek you out once I board the ship".

“Good,� Lane replied, standing up to leave and holding out his hand. “It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant LaFaal,� he continued, genuinely. “Are there any special provisions you require for me to organise before you are boarded? We have already made room for your office but is there anything else?�

"Nothing that I can think off", she followed suit with the Captains move to stand and shook his hand willingly. "I'm due to board in about three hours, will I see you there?"

“Naturally, Lieutenant,� Lane replied. What I shall try and do is organise a little mixer once everyone is aboard before we get on with the next mission. You’ll not find yourself the only new face posted to the Archimedes of late and I believe that a make-shift welcome party is needed once you are unpacked and settled with us.�

"Very well Captain. In that case I won't keep you any longer", With that she stood and dropped the napkin down on the empty plate before her. "Again, it was a pleasure meeting you sir".

"You, too, Lieutenant. And I'll see you on the Archimedes."


OFF:

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Captain Coltan Lane
Commanding Officer

AND

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Yvette LaFaal
Chief Diplomatic Officer

 

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