Getting Shifty...

Posted on Sun Mar 27th, 2022 @ 7:41pm by Lieutenant Commander Diane Doctrine & Captain Xavier Carey

Mission: Free write
Location: Lounge
Timeline: After reunion

Xavier sat in the lounge, drinking synthale. Sure he could have went for the real stuff in his quarters, but Tal, and Sky wanted alone time. The drink selection wasn't really up to par with his taste. Knowing that he had one call to make when he got back to his office, he just stared out the window.

Diane walked in and noticed Captain Carey looking like he was deep in thought. She had managed to get Toby to bed and convinced him to sleep even though there was no sunset to watch in space. Toby's grandparents were settled in guest quarters as they would be spending some time aboard as guests of the Captain.

She strode over to where Xavier was sitting and asked, "Penny for your thoughts Captain?"

"Just thinking about my own kid. Please, Xavier will do fine, we are off duty after all."

Diane smiled and sat across from her captain, "All right, Xavier, if you don't mind my asking, what were you thinking about your own kid?"

"How, I got hardly anytime with him... He is full blooded Na'Vian. He's already in the academy even at his young age. I got maybe three years."

"You should call him... at the least leave him a messages," Diane urged, "I'm sure he'll reply when he gets the chance."

"We talk every night." He replied as he leaned back, "You know Captain Drex, told me about your son. It was a favour to him that I looked him up. Getting him here, was just a bonus on my part. When a Klingon asks you for a favour, you listen."

Diane shook her head, "Yeah, I figured that out. You knew I would."

"When you have a Klingon watching your back... he cares for you. In a Klingon sort of way."

Diane laughed, "Yes, indeed... but I had no idea Drex would ask you about that."

"I am surprised, especially since his house was almost wiped out by my father."

"Something you did earned his forgiveness," Diane reflected, "And I can tell you from experience, he's a good one to have in your corner."

"My father ended many houses, I returned all his trophies. I didn't think it meant that much even to a Klingon."

"Returning those trophies means more to those Klingons than you think," Diane replied, "They may not tell you about it, but it does."

"Understood." Xavier replied calmly. "That was one way to make an impact on your first duty as CO."

"So it would seem. For the record, I think you've done wonderful as a CO so far... and I'm not saying that to be a kiss ass," Diane answered with equal calm.

"I would slap you down hard if I thought that Commander."

Diane smiled, "Good."

"Want some real alcohol and not this crap."

"I thought you'd never ask," Diane replied with an admonishing, yet soft expression, "Shall we see what's behind the bar?"

Xavier got up and walked behind the bar, opening the fridge, several what looked to be vintage bottles lay ready to be consumed. "So... hows your kid."

Diane sat at one of the barstools. "Toby, he's adjusting to living on a starship. He's glad to be with me again. He likes his grandparents well enough but he's missed me a lot. So far so good." She held up crossed fingers.

Taking what looked to be the best vintage, noting the kind, he made a note to determine year and make. So he could replace it at a later time. He grabbed two glasses. Poured one for each. "I can offer the grandparents permanent residency."

Diane's eyes grew wide, "I really don't think that's going to be necessary." She took a hard swig of whatever the captain poured for her, "I need to have a talk with them. I know what they want to know. I just have to get permission from the head of Starfleet Intelligence to tell them. I believe I can get it based on the amount of time that's passed... and some of the political situations have changed in the Federation's favor."

"The how?"

Diane's expression turned grave. She cleared her throat and answered quietly, "How... Rick died."

"Yeah. People would want to know. Perhaps if they knew they died for purpose. I am sure that the entire story doesn't need to be told. Just so they know he didn't die for nothing."

"Well, the only people that can know, at least until the mission is unclassified, is Rick's parents." Diane explained. "But no, he didn't die for nothing. He saved the entire team."

"Then tell them that."

"I will," Diane went on, "I've sent a request to Starfleet Intel for permission to give Rick's parents a little more. I should have a reply in a day or two. Once I have that, we'll have a discussion... and after that... I'm hoping they'll leave Toby with me." After a short pause she added, "Although, with all the time that's passed, they might do that anyway. I don't know. We'll see I guess."

"Have faith."

Diane sighed sadly, "I try, and sometimes I do... it's just been a long road getting from there to here."

"Getting up after you have fallen is once step closer. The trick is to always get up."

Diane offered Xavier a wry smile, "I know that much."

"Just make sure you always do." Xavier replied.

"That you can count on," Diane answered soberly.

Xavier poured another glass. "So whats Gree'toks next mission, a mutual friend has guided me over to you."

Diane chuckled. She knew exactly what friend Xavier was talking about. "They'll be on a reconnaissance mission to determine who and how many ships are coming through the Bajoran wormhole. The fact that their government has been compromised by the changlings has quiet a few of the council members freaked out. At some point, they're going to challenge the impostor, probably just kill him off. They haven't done that yet because they're trying to get information out of them... that's all we know for now."

"Any chance of convincing them of turning him over, Federation has nonviolent means of convincing."

We have both actually, Diane corrected him internally, "Your suggestion is not a bad one. The only way will know is if to ask. However, this is something that should be done quietly through... more official channels. I'm not sure the general Klingon population knows what their military knows about the impostor in their government. This may be an issue best handled by actual diplomats."

"True," Xavier replied, as he paused a moment. "The next mission that we have deals with the Maquis. We would be lying if we said we weren't... they don't stand a chance against the Cardassians if they decide to do anything. I have a request, I know that would be against regulations." He replied, he turned to a padd. Making sure it was secure, writing what he had wanted from her.

Diane looked over the PADD he handed to her. She let out a low whistle, "That's quite a list..." she looked up at Xavier, "I know a person that could help us out. How much of the rest of the crew do you want to know about this?"

"Just the two of us." He replied, "Less the better."

Diane nodded. "Of course. Consider it handled with the highest level of discretion. I just need to know who to deliver this to?"

"Captain's private storage. Change all locks so only you and myself know what's in there." Xavier stated.

Diane nodded once more, "Consider it done Captain."

"Now let's drink, and be merry shall we."

"Now that the business is done, sounds good to me."