Higher Ground

Posted on Wed Jun 1st, 2011 @ 2:08pm by Lieutenant Jimmy Cooper & Captain Elsie Halliwell

594 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Shoreleave
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: Current

ON:

PADD in hand, T'kaarch was once again in front of the ready room, slightly nervous. Eventually, he pressed the chime.

Halliwell, not at her usual position behind the desk, console before her and PaDD in hand, was sitting comfortably at her ready room window snaking couch. A fresh pot of English Breakfast tea was slowly steaming before her as a now closed leather book rested to her left. “Come in,†she called out, righting herself from her relaxed position as she poured out another cup into a china vessel.

T'kaarch entered and nodded.

"Captain," he began, "I have been called forrr a rrrefresherrr command courrrse at Starrrfleet Academy," he blurted out.

Elsie placed down her cup, not in the least shocked by the cat’s outburst, and swallowed, moving herself over to on side of the couch allowing room for T’kaarch to sit beside her.

“Command refresher?†she questioned, her brows knitting together with intrigue. “By whom? None of this has gone through me.â€

T'kaarch skimmed through the PADD. "Now that you mention it, it doesn't say... It's signed by Admirrral Hallum." He added as he handed over the PADD with his new orders.

Halliwell regarded the PaDD for a brief moment, catching the signature on the bottom. “Well, rules are rules,†she said, placing it down in front of her. “These things can take from a few weeks up until a few months. Have you an indication how long you’ll be needed?â€

Selfishly, Halliwell was not thinking about her lieutenant’s progressive opportunities, but more about recrewing in his absence. But they were at port, and now was a good a time as any to replace the holes that inevitably tore at the fabric of her compliment when a lengthy mission was completed.

"I do not know... But I doubt I will be done beforrre the starrrt of the Rrrangerrr's next mission..." T'kaarch mused. He was both excited and slightly apprehensive - excited for the opportunity to learn more, and apprehensive for leaving the Ranger - In fact, he hadn't even told Holly yet.

Halliwell picked up the PaDD again and then rolled her eyes over the text. “Command don’t hold much regard for the intricate workings of a starship, I see. Well,†she continued, now standing behind her desk, “it appears that congratulations are in order. Naturally, I shall have to replace your position, Lieutenant.â€

"What must be done must be done," T'kaarch said truthfully, even though he did not want to give up his position he didn't get much choice in the matter.

"I agree," Elsie replied. She paused, looked at the cat in front of her and her face softened. "I wish you well with it, Lieutenant," she said, looking into his eyes. "And I'll be here for any assistance you might need."

"Thank you." The cat purred. "I will contact you - the ship - as soon as I have news."
Then he stood up. "Well, I should get packing..."

Halliwell smiled at T'kaarch and nodded. "We'll be here waiting for you, Lieutenant."

"Verrry well, goodbye now." T'kaarch turned around only AFTER he'd been done talking, which was quite an improvement already from his rash behavior about a year ago.

---

OFF:

A farewell post by:


Captain Elsie Halliwell
Commanding Officer
USS Ranger

AND


Lieutenant T'kaarch
Assistant Chief Science Officer
USS Ranger

 

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