Respect of Others...

Posted on Fri Oct 23rd, 2009 @ 2:50pm by Lieutenant Commander Kaylis Kirana & Captain Elsie Halliwell

1,178 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Shoreleave - Welcoming Old Friends and New
Location: USS Archimedes
Timeline: Prior to "Aruba"

ON:

Shalie walked out of sickbay, the pain medication helped relieve the pain, and she just hoped that she didn't look as bad as she felt. It was good to be home, she wondered who else was around, checking the computer she found her answer. Her next stop was the Captain who was currently in his quarters. She hoped he wouldn't mind the visit.

As she stepped off the lift and approached his door, Shalie tapped the chime and waited for his answer.

Looking up from the quartermaster’s reports he had strewn across the glass table, framed at the far side with the couch on which he sat, Kerr placed down the padd and bade the visitor entry. As Shalie stepped in, he stood, ceremoniously, and smiled.

“Ah, Ms Montgomery. How are you? Please, come. Come in? Can I get you anything?�

Shalie nodded with a smile. "I am...good, glad to be back on board." She moved towards him as she continued speaking. "I hear you had an exciting shore leave so far...with the joining and all....so I just thought that I would come visit."

“Well, how sweet of you,� he replied, now a full smile flowering on his jaw. “Please, sit down. Rory’s down on Earth visiting family so I’m rather glad of the company.� He looked at his Chief Operations officer with affection. “And how are you, Shalie?�

Shalie smiled half-heartedly as she replied. "I am...good...I guess....the last week has been a little strange. ...but I got to see my parents for a bit which didn't end well." She paused wondering if she should say anything about Lange. The last thing she wanted to do was drag Kerr into the bad luck of her life. Thinking better of it she spoke again. "How about you?"

“I’m well as to be expected,� he replied. “A similar shoreleave to you, if yours was strange. But that’s not for now. I’m sure that we can all catch up once our new orders are assigned and we’re all back on board. Are you on the Archimedes now until you report back, or is this just a visit? I could use some company to the Arboretum if you would like some... decompression time.�

"Oh well...I guess you could call it a visit...I needed to uh....see Doctor Fox....I might be going back." She stood up from where she was seated. "I would love to join you....that is one place on board I haven't been yet."

“Good,� Kerr replied, standing with her. “Shall we?�

They both made the short walk to the Arboretum, chatting a little, and then entered. The cool air instantly washed over him as they entered, and the greenery of the tall trees soothed him. The grass beneath him felt lush as they padded over to a bench. Sitting down, Kerr said, “How are you finding your posting with us, Lieutenant?�

Shalie smiled almost in awe as they walked in. It had been so long since she had visited an Arboretum. She took a seat next to her CO. "Well...I must admit that it has kind of been a baptism by fire....but I have grown attached to the Nova in the short time I have been on board....she is a good little ship....The crew seems to work well together...granted I know some better then others."

“But you’ll get that on any ship,� Kerr replied, smoothing down his standard issue trousers as he made himself comfortable on the bench. “I have a good little crew with me… and I wouldn’t change any of them for the world.� He looked out across the grass and heard the birds calling in the trees. “It’s remarkable what they can do with technology these days, isn’t it?�

Shalie looked around with a pleased smile. It sure was a sight to see. "It is places like this that are all the more reason why I should never leave the ship." Her tone was peaceful as she looked back at the Captain. "So...has anyone asked you what you think of your posting?"

The Trill thought upon the question for a minute. “I don’t think anyone has asked me, no,� he replied, almost amused by the thought. “She’s a fine ship, though, and an even finer crew. I don’t think I could have asked for more even if the thought overtook me.�

He smiled as the silence and atmosphere enveloped them. “I’m sure that the Fleet Yard workers will have tampered with some systems of yours, Shalie. You prepared to undo all of their work once we’re back on assignment?�

"Of course" Shalie replied enthusiastically. "I live for redundant repairs." She added with a slightly sarcastic tone. "Seriously...I love it here...this ship is the closest thing to home I have had in a while...so anything she needs I will do."

“Good, Lieutenant,� Kerr replied, looking away from her into the trees. “How are things back at home?� Kerr knew the answer from the report that had landed on his desk moments before Shalie’s appearance. “Everything all right?�

Shalie looked over Kerr before she spoke. As far as she knew, it was known that she was going to be in Ireland for all of shore leave and here he was asking about her home deciding lying wasn't the best way to nurture trust she replied. "Oh you know...same old same old...my father still hates me for being an Orion....not that I thought seventeen years away would change that." She was trying to keep herself candid in her response. Belittling situations had always been her coping method of choice. "If you don't mind me asking.....why do you ask?"

Kerr broke eye contact again. “You can’t even stub your toe on this ship without a report being filed, Shalie,� he said softly, broaching the subject as gently as he could. “The Doctor obviously didn’t go into the specifics, and I, as your Captain, certainly don’t want to pry into your personal life. But, should you wish to talk, and Counselor Carter is unavailable, then you can always come to me.�

Shalie could sense the uneasiness in this situation. "Thank you for the offer sir...but this is not a new situation for me." She watched her breathing. She didn't trust many, and those she did she wasn't going to weigh down her friend with this. "I just want to get back to work....and get life back to normal." She had an appreciative grin on her face.

“Then I hope that you find that here with us, Shalie,� he replied, a genuine smile evidenced in his eyes.

"As do I sir." Shalie said with a smile.

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