Meeting Of The Minds

Posted on Sun Mar 27th, 2022 @ 7:17pm by Lieutenant Commander Diane Doctrine

Mission: Free write
Location: Deck 9, Intelligence Office
Timeline: present

“Meeting of the Minds”

Diane Doctrine
with
Emil and Martha Kvapil

==Deck 9, Intelligence Center==

Diane was seated at a conference table with Rick's parents. Emil and Martha Kvapil were seated next to each other on the other side. All three were somewhat tense. This was a discussion a long time in the making.

Diane had finally received permission from Starfleet Intelligence to disclose some details of Rick's death on that fateful mission five years ago. Hopefully, when Emil and Martha realize Rick didn't die because of anything Diane did wrong or neglected to do, like they'd thought, they would give her custody of her son, Toby.

Diane cleared her throat and began, “Due to some changes in the current diplomatic affairs and relationships the Federation has with surrounding territories... I can now divulge some details of Rick's death.”

That was difficult to say. Diane, and Rick's parents all had to wipe the corners of their eyes. “Also,” Diane went on, “I have to record this conversation so it can be reviewed.”

At a questioning glance from Martha, Diane explained, “They want to make sure I don't say too much. There are still some details that are classified. If I say too much I may be disciplined.”

“Seriously?” Emil asked incredulously.

“I'm afraid so,” Diane answered.

“That seems a little... extreme, doesn't it?” Martha asked.

Diane sighed, “It may to you... and I understand why you think that... but you need to understand the classified nature of our mission that day.”

Martha and Emil gave each other a look. It was a look that said simply that they have started thinking that they'd been wrong to be angry at Diane since Rick died.

“All right,” Emil started soberly, “Please then, Diane, tell us what you can.”

Diane inhaled deeply and let out a slow exhale to calm herself. So far, so good, she thought. “We were sent to the Galorndon system. Rick and I were part of six person team to assess some, what we were told, was an abandoned research facility. This facility was possibly working on bio-genic weapons. The planet this facility was on was a class N world. It could support life but the climate conditions are not ideal for living on the surface. There's no vegetation or animals bigger than the single cell variety.”

Emil and Martha nodded in understanding.

“So we landed and started scouting around,” Diane continued, “as it tuned out, this facility was not abandoned after all. We were captured. We found some other people that had been captured as well. We were there a total of four days. The place was thinly staffed, we were only captured because we were surprised... but also the thinness of the staff aided our escape. We took all the prisoners with us. Drake and I were the first ones back to the runabout. We started prepping for takeoff. The others followed with Rick and Martin bringing up the rear. We thought we had subdued all of the people operating the facility. Well, one had gotten out and followed us. They shot and killed Rick and Martin just before they got to the boarding ramp. Josie fired back and killed the person chasing us.” Diane looked down now and struggled to keep the tears from streaming down her face.

Martha and Emil had listening intently. At the realization that Rick's death really wasn't Diane's fault they both had started tearing up as well. Diane offered them tissues and kept one for herself.

It was difficult, to say the least, to relive that day. Tears were streaming down all three of their faces.

When Diane settled down, she concluded. “So... after we took off, we hit the facility with some mircotorpedoes and leveled it. Scans afterwards indicated no more lifeforms. A follow up reconnaissance mission two months later confirmed the facility was a complete loss.”

There was a long, quiet pause and Diane finally said, “That's all I can tell you.”

Emil and Martha looked at each other and then back at Diane. “Well...” Emil started, “ We really appreciate that you took the time to get permission to finally tell us this... and it looks like we owe you a rather large apology.”

“You're welcome,” Diane said with her eyes still overly wet. “My Starfleet Intel counselor tells me we still have some grieving and healing to do.”

Martha nodded, “Yes... I believe we do.”

After a few more quiet moments Diane asked, “Are you going to let Toby stay with me?”

“If you think he'll be safe on this ship, I don't see why not,” Emil answered.

Diane scoffed, “Emil, this is a Galaxy class starship. Literally, a flying city. There is nothing that can't be provided... and this particular space frame has been in service for over thirty years now. The Resolution has the latest upgrades and equipment. It's as safe as any starbase or other platform floating out here... and there are other families aboard with children, some Toby's age, so he'll be able to make friends and go to school.”

“He's all we have left you know,” Martha spoke up.

Diane put her at ease, “I'll make sure he calls you on a regular basis... and I think we can even arrange visits when school is not in session... if you don't mind him dropping by for a visit.” Diane smiled, “I don't want to cut you our of his life. You do know that, right?”

Emil and Martha looked at each other again. They looked back to Diane and replied honestly, “Well, we weren't sure considering how poorly we've treated you since Rick's death.”

Diane blinked slowly, “I... I believe that was the grief talking. We all have to heal now.” She stretched her arms across the table and held her palms up, “Will you heal with me?”

Emil and Martha each put their hand in Diane's, “Yes,” they said together.