Z-Minus 18 Hours

Posted on Wed Jun 8th, 2011 @ 1:08pm by Captain Elsie Halliwell & Captain Alexsa Kendrick

1,020 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Shoreleave
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: Current

Small boats should keep by the shore.

A saying from someone long ago, and one that seemed quite apt to Kendrick as she wandered the halls of the Intrepid class USS Ranger back to her temporary accommodations. Temporary was a nice word too. This Intrepid class vessel seemed a little too small for the task at hand, whatever that task was. The last mission leading into this shoreleave somewhat proved that, although it could be theorised that it was not the ship that was too small, not the ship that was the problem, but her captain; and perhaps this boat should stay well toward the shore after all.

"Captain Halliwell to Captain Kendrick..." the comm spoke destroying Kendrick's train of thought just as she was entering her quarters.

Kendrick sighed audibly before tapping her comm badge to reply, "Kendrick, go ahead."

"Could you please report to my ready room?" came her clipped and simple reply. Elsie had decided not to use any time-frame in her order, for an order is what this phrased question was, as to not garnish her sentiment with any such niceties as 'if you could be so kind' or 'at your convenience'.

Alex couldn't help but sigh again, silently thinking 'what now?' as if some drastic inconvenience shadowed her very being. "I'll be there in a few moments."

But, never one to shy away from manners, Elsie closed the channel with a simple word of thanks.


// Ready Room

"Come in, please" Halliwell uttered, placing down her cup of breakfast tea she had only just poured. The patterned china tea-set shimmered under the illuminations from above as the steam that poured from the spout rose vigorously before her face.

Kendrick entered on the call for the doors to open, and took the opportunity to speak first, "I hear new orders have arrived... for several of us."

"Word travels fast through official channels, does it not?" she asked, raising an eyebrow and slowly pushing forth a tea cup towards the still vacant chair across from her. "Shall I be mother?" Not waiting for the customary reply, and not exactly knowing or caring whether Kendrick had a taste for the brew, she did anyway and poured the amber liquid into the dainty vessel.

Polite formalities said that even though Kendrick couldn't generally stand any blend of tea, or tea varieties, she should at least attempt to play nice and partake in the offer, "Thank you." she said plainly as she sat down in one of the vacant chairs beside the... tea.

"I assume by orders, you mean reassignment orders," Halliwell asked, glancing up from her lowered brow.

"Of course... Miss Michaels, Commander Drake... you. Me."

Halliwell stopped short a moment, placed down the china pot and glanced questioningly at her ranked contemporary. "You as well?" Elsie asked, picking up her own cup and taking a small draught. "Leaving us so soon?"

Kendrick cracked a small smile, "Wouldn't we be so lucky. No, no... the investigation that brought me to this quaint little vessel, Captain, was never really started, and Starfleet Command is very much in need of the results." Kendrick attempted to gauge Halliwell's thoughts but although she was usually very good at reading others, even without her telepathic touch, Halliwell's expression remained surprisingly neutral. "Whatever orders you've received, I'll be joining you on."

"I have to admit," Halliwell confessed openly, "I didn't have you down as someone who doesn't see through what they started." She paused a moment, and swallowed another mouthful of the blend. "Such an admirable quality in an officer. Especially one with your responsibilities." It was difficult for Elsie to remain hidden behind her facade, but she managed to quash her own disappointment. Barely.

"You almost sound disappointed, Captain, after all, we didn't really get to start anything. Likewise you've always struck me as a person who's forward and honest." Alex took a breath and went on before an interruption occurred - this was going better than their other meetings so far. "I'm sure I won't be too much of a burden."

"I can guarantee that you won't be," she quickly replied matchedly. "I can't afford the distraction of my own duties... as you are well aware." She shifted her weight in the chair, crossed her hands in front of her and facially squared up to Alex. "You have my full cooperation. I'm sure that, by now, you are well aware of the inconvenience I - and my crew - believe this to be."

Kendrick did her best to soften her features and put on a convincing friendly tone. How well she wasn't sure - Internal Affairs was well known throughout the fleet as being regarded as the pen pushing bureaucrats, slightly out of touch with how things actually work on a starship, more concerned with how the officers of the Federation Starfleet act on duty and perform their job than on actual operational minutiae -- effective personal image. None of that was true... well, some of it was to some, but not Alex. "I'm pleased about that, Captain. Despite any misgivings you have about me or this 'investigation', I will do my best not to stand on toes or ruffle any feathers. No offense intended, but I don't wish to be here any more than you - or your crew - want me here."

“That’s good to hear,†Elsie replied, a smug yet subtle smile dancing on her lips.

"Thanks for the drink," Alex said as she stood, knowing full well she hadn't taken a drop. She turned toward the door, but hesitated, and turned back to Halliwell glancing at her terminal. "So, when do we leave?"

“Tomorrow,†Elsie returned, looking directly through her. “I advise that you garner what freedom you can from the station this afternoon. Who knows when we’ll be returning to port.â€

OFF:


Captain Elsie Halliwell
Commanding Officer
USS Ranger

AND


Captain Alex Kendrick
Internal Affairs Officer
Starfleet Command

 

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