Opportunities, Past & Present (Backpost)
Posted on Mon Nov 11th, 2024 @ 6:15am by Commander Hikari Karibuchi & Yulena Shastakar & Lieutenant Paisley F'rar & Lieutenant Halcyon Attixx & Lieutenant JG Octavia Zephyrin-Attixx
3,935 words; about a 20 minute read
Mission:
Season 1, Episode 0: "A Time To Heal"
Location: USS Yorktown (NCC-91781), Ready Room, Deck 1
Timeline: June 15, 2403
The three adults had gone through the security checkpoints with flying colors and briefly, Octavia regretted not bringing Alder and Lavina with them and stashing them with someone in the Fleet on board the ship where they couldn't get in trouble, but they were usually responsible children and sometimes you just had to let them fly on their own. They had chatted idly on their way up to the bridge and over to the ready room when they were let in nearly instantly after pressing the chime.
"Ah; That must be Lieutenants Attix and F'Rar!" came a voice from the other side of the door. "Come in, you two; we have lots to discuss."
The doors to the ready room snapped open; seated at the desk was whom the trio could only presume to be their Captain; a short, relatively young brunette with shoulder-length hair and light brown eyes. Standing just off to her left was a tall, muscular woman with silver hair and piercing yellow eyes; a series of markings not unlike that of zebra stripes could be seen running horizontally across her neck, though whether or not these were birthmarks or artificial was indeterminate.
True to her own nature, despite not wearing the normal outfit of her rank, she stepped forward at a brisk march and clanged (well, thumped) one fit to her chest, which would typically have had armored gauntlet to a chestplate, instead while it was most definitely a uniform, clearly based on older Roman style, it wasn’t truly armor, “Centurion Octavia Zephyrin, First Roman Special Forces, reporting, Captain."
Paisley had forgotten that she wasn't in uniform, and hoped that minor oversight would be overlooked, seeing as she wasn't technically on duty or crew just yet-the following day, though, would be a different story. However, her earlier demeanor had dropped, and she was more serious now. She took her job and responsibilities seriously, and she intended to demonstrate that she was competent and professional. "Captain. I am Lt. Paisley F'rar, reporting. I apologize for not being in uniform; my shuttle arrived just an hour ago, and there wasn't time-I got lost on my way to the Promenade." She decided to head it off at the pass.
“And we found her wandering along and picked her up.” Halcyon added with a sheepish smile and a half-shrug, “Halcyon Attixx, Lieutenant and your diplomatic officer. We were planning on boarding in a couple hours, but your call came in.” His voice was slower and had a fair bit of a drawl to it, but his enunciation was basically perfection.
Paisley nodded, a purple blush creeping across her grey-ish skin as she waited for the Captain to respond.
"Well," The Captain began with a smile. "First thing's first, I'd like to extend my sincerest apologies for summoning the three of you on such short notice; while the yard staff was kind enough to furnish me with an ETA of when you'd get here, I never received any definitive time frame of when you'd arrive, so I had to make something of a best guess."
“It’s not a problem, Captain.” Octavia got out before anyone else could speak, “We serve at your pleasure.” Halcyon reached out and placed a gentle hand on her forearm and shook his head at her, “Sorry, I mean.. It’s a pleasure to be here, Captain.”
Paisley snorted a bit. "It's fine, sir," she said. "My shuttle did only arrive just about an hour ago, so your timing was good," she said. "I, too, am glad to be here," she said. It was true; it was a nice, new, shiny ship, and she loved her job.
"Now, with that out of the way..." The Captain continued, gesturing to a trio of chairs in front of the desk. "...what's say you three have a seat? Like I was saying, we've got lots to discuss."
Octavia perched herself like a hawk on the edge of one chair as Halcyon sat back in another, the differences between the two as clear as night and day. To the outside observer, no doubt they’d have been in wonder about how two such different personalities got along to the point of marriage, “I’m sure we do,” He said stolidly, “Especially since you’ve got such a nice shiny ship to take all over the place.”
Paisley took a seat, smoothing her skirt under her, in a more lady-like way than she normally behaved. She usually sat cross-legged or at least more relaxed, but she felt a bit self-conscious in her slightly-fancy getup. "Indeed," she replied, and settled back. She should have grabbed a PADD somewhere along the way. Oops.
"I wish," The Captain chuckled, before shifting her attention to the group at large. "Right, then; so what I'm going to do is have a little one-on-one with each of you, get a basic idea of where you are on things so that we can plan your duty shifts accordingly. Sound like a plan?"
Paisley nodded. She actually preferred them; while the Attixx's seemed nice, she was still a stranger and was on her best behavior. She couldn't relax fully yet.
"Alright, then," The Captain nodded, before turning her attention over to Halcyon. "Lieutenant Attix, I take it that the Diplomatic Corps has brought you up to speed on our current situation with the Annexari?"
"I have indeed, ma'am." Halcyon stated, then turned his head to acknowledge the one in the room, "And of course about General Shastakar. It will indeed be a pleasure working with you, General." He gave an inclination of his head towards her.
The Annexari glared at Halcyon with a look of contempt. "No man should have to "look forward" to this assignment, Lieutenant," she muttered bitterly. "If you had seen the horrors that I have witnessed in this past year alone... I wonder how long that enthusiasm of yours would last?"
"General!" Hikari scolded, before quickly shifting her attention back over to the trio. "Er... my sincerest apologies regarding General Shastakar's... standoffish nature; there's still a great many things she has yet to learn about our way of doing things."
Octavia visibly bristled at the General, but one hand on her knee from Halcyon stopped her from commenting, "It's quite all right, Captain," He remarked to Hikari before looking to the General, "I am sure that if I had been witness to the atrocities you have seen in person, that I too would have a different view. If you would prefer, I can dispense with the pleasantries that are normal between diplomats and talk to you as a soldier to a soldier. I'm also a soldier of the Legions, even if it's just the reserves. I have to go back to Roma Nueva here and there to serve for a month at a time and I'm no stranger to combat in training at least. Everyone in the Legions learns to fight, no exceptions." It wasn't a challenge to the General, just his own point of view, "Now Octavia here, she's been deployed in various locales, she may be able to relate more to you."
Paisley snorted. The General reminded her a bit of some of her father's compatriots, and it wouldn't phase her in the least. You weren't raised by a Cardassian Gul and not have the ability to let things slide off your back like a wet duck.
"I am prepared, Ma'am," she said, her blue eyes moving from General to Commander, but a neutral look on her face. Paisley was hardly ever combative or even upset-she had a good handle on her emotions and was able to remain professional most of the time.
"Fantastic," Hikari smiled, before returning to her attention to Halcyon. "Anyhow, circling back on topic, I take it you've also been briefed on matters concerning the current state of affairs within the Romulan Star Empire, Ambassador?" Hikari added.
The expression he'd had as he had talked to the General vanished as he smiled again at the Captain and her question, "I'm as up to date as the data allows. I'll admit, if anything new has happened within the last couple of weeks, I may not be fully up on it. Cruise ships tend not to be sufficiently secure enough for that sort of classification of information."
Paisley snorted again, under her breath. Wasn't that the truth?!
"Perfectly understandable, " Hikari nodded. "If you have any further questions regarding the matter, don't hesitate to speak with a member of Intelligence; If anyone asks what for, tell them that the Captain referred you."
Halcyon gave a sly smile, "Don't worry about that, Captain, I'm sure they've got a whole dossier waiting for my arrival, we'll have to arrange a meeting to go over any concerns either of us have about the situation on the border."
Octavia twitched slightly as she was just sitting there listening, "Captain Karibuchi, aside from observing everything, I really don't want to be a wallflower. You're aware of my qualifications, of course."
"That I most certainly am, Lieutenant," Hikari agreed, turning to face Octavia. "And while I have heard a few things about you from some of my senior staff, I don't feel that this is the proper time and place with which to be discussing it. So, if you wouldn't mind being patient, I can speak to you about it on a one-on-one basis?"
"Of course, Captain, I'm available at any time, I serve at your pleasure." The Roman concurred, using one of the normal phrases from her service. 'I serve at the pleasure of the Senate' was a common enough saying on Roma Nueva.
"Right, then," Hikari nodded, before shifting her attention over to the last remaining member of the group she hadn't yet spoken to. "Lieutenant F'Rar... I take it that you've read up on the M-20 computer core before arriving here?"
Paisley nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I have," she said. "In fact, I've been following it since before," she said. "It's a very interesting thing if you're an Engineer," she said. Though the others would probably not find it that fascinating.
"Now that's a level of enthusiasm I can appreciate!" Hikari chuckled. "Well, you're bound to have a field day, Lieutenant; given that all our major subsystems will be relying on some physically-demanding software, it's tantamount that the M-20 be capable of managing the workload. Your job will primarily consist of overseeing the day-to-day operations of the M-20, and ensuring that it communicates properly with all our subsystems; it's a tall order- and one then I can fully attest to- but I'm sure you wouldn't have been chosen for the position if you didn't already meet the necessary qualifications, yes?"
Paisley nodded once, seriously. "Yes, ma'am. I am sure I can handle it," she said. She hoped. The Captain was right, however-no matter how out of place she felt, Paisley would not have been made Chief or given such responsibility if she hadn't earned it, especially given Cardassia's still-tenuous history in the Universe. "I'll do my best to not let you down," she said.
"Good," Hikari smiled as she leaned back in her chair. "Well, then: any further questions, or will that be all?"
Paisley shook her head. "No, ma'am, I am fine," she said. "Thank you for your time," she added.
"Very well, then," Hikari nodded. "Other than Mrs. Attix, the two of you are hereby dismissed."
Halcyon gave Octavia a knowing look as he got to his feet. It was a warning to behave, no matter what, because HER presence was tenuous at the least, whether she'd be aboard as a civilian or not and he knew that she didn't want to just sit around all day long. "Thank you, ma'am."
Paisley stood up to leave. "Please excuse me, ma'am, I will see you tomorrow morning," she said, ready to get out of here before she embarrassed herself any more.
Once the two of them had taken their leave, Hikari turned to General Shastakar. "General, why don't you step outside for a few minutes? This is a matter I need to discuss with Mrs. Attix in private."
General Shastakar cast Hikari a strange look, but nonetheless did as she was told and excused herself from the room.
Octavia had remained as she'd been, perched on the edge of the chair just like the soldier she was, no matter that she spent more time with her children than ever before. She'd countered that with more time in Starfleet holodecks than most civilians were able to get in order to train and keep her skills sharp. And of course, her sword. From her husband she'd learned that there were no Marines on board, which would have been a natural fit for her given her training, so what would there be for her. Teacher? A shiver ran down her spine at that thought. As the General left, she nodded, "Yes, Captain?"
"So," Hikari began. "As I'm sure you're probably aware by now, both you and your husband were inferred to this position on behalf of your younger sister, one Minerva Zephyrin?"
"I'm certain she would have had to have vouched for me." Octavia said carefully, "Though her knowledge of what I've been doing may not be quite accurate. I'm not sure she'd have had to vouch for Hal, though, because his loyalties are to me, the children, The Federation, Starfleet and only then Roma Nueva in that order. In fact, I'm not quite certain me and the kids REALLY rank higher than his duty to the Fleet and the Federation, but I haven't asked him due to the fact it would put him in a rather delicate position. I just don't want him to have to tell me what he'd actually do if he had to choose, though truth be told? I'd understand completely."
"This has nothing to do with your Husband and his loyalties, Mrs. Attix," Hikari assured her. "Rather, Lieutenant Zephyrin has articulated some... concerns regarding your feelings towards your youngest sister."
She calmly leaned forward. "Now, I'm certainly not here to incite anything, but I want to hear your side of the coin; perhaps if I have a better idea of where exactly you... disagree with your sister's career choices, It'll put me in a better position to mediate this dispute. Will it work? Well, my forte was always in Ops, so I may not be the most qualified person on this ship to be offering up advice; but given that your sister currently holds a civilian business license aboard this very ship and will likely be living and working here for the foreseeable future, I'm obligated to do what I can to mitigate the chances of a confrontation- because the last thing I want is for you to wind back up in my office because you picked a fight with a civilian. It's a bad look for us, as I'm sure you can imagine."
"With all due respect, Captain, there is no need for you to mediate a dispute. Just because my youngest sister has decided to eschew tradition going back to the founding of Roma Nueva doesn't mean I can't be 'civil' with her." Octavia's eyes had narrowed as Hikari had explained her own position, "I'm sure that Minerva has told you all about home and why the original colonists left and wanted to be left alone. The traditions of Rome, specifically that Augustus Caesar, without the expansionism. The Zephyrin family was one of the ORIGINAL colonizing families, even considered briefly for the Imperial succession, but we didn't want the attention. Seven generations of us have served the Republic, all of us. She's the first to say no. The Roman in me can't forgive that, the Zephryin in me still loves her. Do you have any siblings?"
"That I do," Hikari answered calmly. "An older sister, Takami. She, like me, is following a lifetime calling here in Starfleet, but I'd like to think that I wouldn't view her as any less of a sibling if she were to walk a different path in life; the way I see things, it's her character that defines her, not her choices."
"Finally someone who agrees with me." Octavia sighed heavily, "You are absolutely right, it is indeed her character that defines her. Look at her, look at what she does during her performances, when it's complete, look at what she calls the 'Moonlight Oasis' and what she's been like over the past two decades. THAT is her character. Flamboyant, ego- and self-centric, seeking audiences to give her validation for what choices she made." The Roman made a wide gesture, "Then look at the rest of your ship and crew: Self-sacrifice, giving up their own wants and desires or even fulfilling them in order to better the rest of the Federation. Minerva chose service to the Federation over remaining on Roma Nueva and that was her choice, but she's still working for the cause."
The Roman held a hand up to forestall a comment, "I'm not saying that artists, even performance artists, can't uphold the tenets of Rome, because they do. Astoria Volantis is not only one of most famous singer-songwriters on Roma Nueva, but she's also an officer in the Reserves under her real name. Taever Invictus is a sculptor whose art is known well past home, exceedingly talented, but also is a member of the Senate Advisory Committee. Liana Fortenescu, a painter of exquisite quality and renown, the official Imperial portrait artist also holds a senior enlisted position in the Legions. I could go on, Captain." Octavia gestured again, "Beatrix is... If she had just done something other than dance around the galaxy soaking it in? If all you're worried about is that she and I are going to get into a fight and cause you to get involved, you don't have to worry about that."
"I think there's one aspect of that argument that you're failing to consider, Lieutenant," Hikari was quick to point out. "In our culture, "art" is categorized as any one thing- be it a painting, a song, a dish, a performance, and even objects and concepts as mundane as a flashlight, or a fishing rod- that's put forth as a candidate for appreciation. They speak volumes of the person who puts that thing forward, and how they view the world. Do you necessarily have to agree with that worldview? Of course not, but perhaps it could be argued that your sister is still contributing to society in her own meaningful way?"
Octavia gave a slight shake of her head, "Minerva, Beatrix and I are all Roman, Captain, not born and raised in the Federation. Our values are different, but that's quite irrelevant. There are many both on and off of Roma Nueva that appreciate her music, but that itself is irrelevant. Captain, I'm going to be blunt." The look on Octavia's face grew more firm, yet remained respectful, "There's nothing that you can say that will change my opinion of Beatrix. She's family, nothing will change that either, but you wanted to make sure I wouldn't have a confrontation with her that could wind up being something official and I have confirmed to you that situation wouldn't happen." She raised an eyebrow, "I understand that the default setting on Starfleet officers is to mediate and resolve problems, but it's not necessary. You have my word as a Roman Officer that there won't be problems. I know how to avoid confrontations as well as get into them."
Hikari frowned.
"Very well, then," she conceded with evident disappointment. "I've said my piece, but if there's nothing I can possibly offer to try and expand your world view, then we have nothing further to discuss regarding this matter. However, I will offer you this one warning: I expect you to be an officer of your word. If I receive so much as one complaint from our civilian population regarding your behavior, I will not hesitate to bust you back down to Ensign. Are we clear, Lieutenant?"
Octavia began to bristle visibly at the 'warning' to be an officer of her word. She had given her Oath to the Captain and anyone who knew someone of the Legions knew it was dangerous to question that type of oath. But the rest of the words were wrong and curiosity won out rather than a bitter word back, "I'm sorry, Captain, but you have things wrong. My rank is Centurion and the Legions don't even have the rank of Ensign in it, only Junior Centurion as the lowest officer's rank and pardon the directness, you can't reduce my rank in the Roman military. Even if I were in the Navy itself with the rank."
Hikari leaned forward. "I meant what I said, Lieutenant," she re-iterated.
It would have been impolite to sigh and Octavia resisted the urge, "Captain, perhaps you-" She stopped as she was interrupted.
"You heard me," Hikari replied. "I'm offering you a commission here as Master-at-Arms."
Octavia's mouth closed as she took in the words, then gave a slightly tilted nod, "Then yes, Captain, you would indeed be able to make good on your threat, however you will not find yourself with the need. So long as you don't expect me to be all sunshine and rainbows with Beatrix, you can rest assured that I will remain perfectly civil and proper in my interactions with her. Oh, and one more thing?" She gave what could be seen as a mischievous smile to the Captain as she asked permission to go on.
Hikari motioned for her to continue.
"I do accept your offer of a commission in the Fleet, just be aware that as Master-at-Arms, I will also be trying to make sure that the rest of the officers on board ship are competent in weapons and self-defense, which would of course, include you, ma'am." Whether it was a bit of sadism or just someone who enjoyed engaging in such discourse, it was clear that Octavia was determined to be thorough in her duties.
"That's what I like to hear," Hikari grinned. "Well, then, if that will be all, Lieutenant, I hereby dismiss you for the time being. Your duty assignments will be relayed to you upon the arrival of our Chief Security Officer, so until that time, feel free to get settled in and get a feel for the layout of the ship." The doors to Hikari's office snapped open, revealing Halcyon as he patiently waited to join back up with his wife.
"I'll be ready before they get a hold of me, Captain, my word." Octavia rose to her feet and repeated her Roman-style salute once more, "Thank you, I would have been satisfied without it, but just being here for the children and Hal would have driven me nuts." She turned on her heel and left without a further word, her husband falling into place next to her.
Posting by (In Order Of Appearance):
Lieutenant Halcyon Attix
Chief Diplomatic Officer, USS Yorktown (NCC-91781)
Lieutenant, Junior Grade Octavia Zephyrin-Attix
Master-at-Arms, USS Yorktown (NCC-91781)
Lieutenant Paisley F'Rar
Chief Operations Officer, USS Yorktown (NCC-91781)
Commander Hikari Karibuchi
Commanding Officer, USS Yorktown (NCC-91781)
General Yulena Shastakar
Annexari Special Representative
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