Reaching Out

Posted on Tue Jul 12th, 2011 @ 10:11am by Captain Elsie Halliwell & Captain T'mpest Michaels

836 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Taylforth

ON:

“If you could take a seat, Commander,†Elsie said, entering her ready room with the Vulcan in tow. “I have a… personal matter to discuss with you.â€

T'mpest's steps slowed slightly. Was she going to be lectured about her relationship with Vladimir again? She stilled her features and called on her Vulcan training to remain stoic for whatever was coming.

Elsie rested herself down into the chair, interlaced her fingers and then coolly looked T’mpest in the eye. Her face now seemed more careworn than the previous few weeks as though something recent weighed heavily upon her. She attempted to smile but her eyes betrayed her disingenuine motivation as she inhaled, paused and then released her breath in a flat sigh.

“I understand that the preparations needed for the upcoming mission are now a priority and that this… ‘request’ comes at an inopportune time but I need to ask something of you, Commander. As my First Officer. And as a friend.â€

It was unusual for Elsie to speak so freely or so personally to anyone under her command. But there were certain situations beyond anyone’s control where even the strongest of leaders had to reach out for support and confidence. She hammered a few commands into the terminal already open on the desk and then twisted to screen around to face the commander.

“Two days ago Starfleet Medical contacted me raising concerns about a thirteen year old girl living at the Fa'lutra Institute.â€

T'mpest relaxed her rigid control slightly. "What is the Fa'lutra Institute?" She'd heard nothing of such a facility.

“An abomination, is what it is,†Elsie lashed, a fire behind her eyes now licking upwards. “It’s a zoo where selfish species from around the universe donate their own DNA to create another life. This infant is then raised and released into a compound where other species can come to view them! It’s disgusting.†There was clearly a personal motivation behind Elsie’s abhorrence. “But it lies just outside the jurisdiction of the Federation and so they have only their inaccurate moral compass to guide their actions.â€

She pushed the console further to T’mpest so that she could read whilst Elsie continued. “All of the donors are voluntary. And due to the pressure applied to them from opposing groups, everything is, I hate to say, above board and official. That is, until, the discovery was made that my own DNA was harvested and used to create one of the occupants of the colony. A girl, thirteen years of age called Anaia.†She settled back, a look of loss and worry had now fallen over her usual stern face.

T'mpest was sickened by what she read. How could something like this be above board? "Your DNA?" Her gaze grew sympathetic. What would it be like to find out your DNA had been harvested illegally and you had a child? "What can I do to help?"

“Nothing directly,†Elsie said coolly, maintaining eye contact. “But, I don’t have any idea how to handle this.†This admission was one of few she had made in her life. And, somehow, it came so easily. “But during our journey to the system, I may need you to assume full command of the ship.†She paused, and then continued. “I’ll still be around, but I need time to process this. To decide what’s best to do.â€

"Whatever you need. This is a lot for anyone to assimilate." Two days was not nearly long enough to get used to the idea, let along decide the best course of action. She'd heard the rumors spreading around the ship. That was something else the Captain had to deal with. As T'mpest herself had learned, it was hard to keep a secret on a starship. "I would suggest you talk to her, get to know her before you make any decisions."

Halliwell smiled a small, unassuming smile and nodded quietly. “She arrives tomorrow,†she said, a glimmer of spirit now flushing her eye. “I’ve uploaded the coordinates for the rendezvous to the helm, and I’d like you to execute the detour. I don’t care what reason you inform the crew of veering off-course but if you could just keep my,†she paused, inhaling to search for the word, “predicament between us for now, then I would greatly appreciate that.â€

"Of course. Take what time you need. I'll do whatever I can -- for the ship and for you."

“Thank you, Commander,†Elsie said, blinking a little too quickly for her expression to appear natural and relaxed. “Until I… re-emerge, then I trust the Ranger is in good hands.â€

"Yes, ma'am," T'mpest said with a nod. She knew the Captain was uncomfortable and didn't want to make things more so. So, she stood and bowed. "And now I shall researach a suitable diversion."

OFF

Captain Elsie Halliwell
Commanding Officer
USS Ranger

Commander T'mpest Michaels
Executive Officer
USS Ranger

 

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