Where the Cat Got it's Claws

Posted on Wed Nov 18th, 2009 @ 11:00am by Lieutenant Jimmy Cooper & Captain Elsie Halliwell

577 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Shoreleave - Welcoming Old Friends and New
Location: Earth
Timeline: Backpost

ON:

“Admiral?� Kerr asked, his impatience of yet another meeting clearly worn on his face.

"Ah, yes, the stowaway you reported. I have checked out the data on Mister T'kaarch here, and, while the sequence of events was definitely unfortunate, it does all seem to check out." The admiral looked at T'kaarch, who was nervous what would happen next. "Mister T'kaarch. What do you think we should do with you?"

T'kaarch twiddled his thumbs. "What do you mean, sir?"

The admiral kept a stern look, but couldn't help this little twinkle in his eye. "You have borrowed a Starfleet shuttle, and disappeared for almost 20 years... You do realise that borrowing something without permission is considered stealing?"

T'kaarch got a frightened look in his eyes. "I was terrified - I - I didn't know what to do..."

The admiral made a hand gesture as to calm the Caitan down. "I have read your file. While I can't say I approve of your actions..." the admiral bent slightly towards T'kaarch, "I do have to say you got balls, surviving out there for 20 years on your own."
"Sir?" T'kaarch asked, with a confused look on his face.

"Captain Kerr, you have worked with this person for the past month, yes? What do you think we should do with him?"

The Trill sat silently for a moment, and then looked upon the cat-like create who sat aside him. “Admiral,� he said, a warm smile fluttering across his lips, “if it pleases Mr. T’kaarch, I would very much like to keep him onboard… in the position he has recently undertook. Lieutenant Larkin, my chief Science officer, is highly satisfied with his company, as am I. Is there a way that he could somehow return to his studies here at the Academy whilst serving with us?�

The admiral turned towards the computer screen to his right, and operated it for a second. "Hmm... Considering your history..." The admiral seemed to think for a second then tapped his PADD. "Academy Instructor McCreedy, could you report to my office for a second?" The communication device kept silent for a while, then the instructor answered: "One second, Admiral, let me finish my class."

---

Around 5 minutes later, the instructor entered the office, and immediately stopped to show the admiral his respect. "My apologies for the delay, Admiral."

"At ease, Mr. McCreedy, and no problem." He smiled kindly as the instructor sat down next to T'kaarch and Kerr. "Good day, Captain, Ensign, what can I do for you, Admiral?"

The Admiral grabbed a PADD he had prepared and gave it to the instructor. "This man, T'Kaarch, has had a... difficult childhood." The admiral chuckled. "Anyway, I believe in second chances, and considering this man's record," he pointed at the PADD, "I think an exam would do."

The instructor tapped through the PADD. "With all due respect, sir, we don't usually do... exams." He was right, usually there's a series of practical tests and simulations which all need to be finished before one could call himself Ensign. "McCreedy," the admiral now looked directly into the instructor's eyes, "I'm sure you can figure something out."

"Yes, sir... I will need some time to prepare... something, however."

OFF:


Coltan Kerr
Commanding Officer

AND


T’kaarch
Assistant Chief Science Officer

 

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