Heard It Through The Grapevine
Posted on Wed Jan 22nd, 2020 @ 7:07am by Commodore Jacob Kane & Lieutenant Dessame Sar
Mission:
In the Family
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: MD-02
1019 words - 2 OF Standard Post Measure
Dessame had been in her office trying to wrap her head around the roster for the upcoming week. She didn't have much joy for the more administrative side of the job and she made no real effort to conceal it. However it had to be done if people were to know what was expected of them, and she always ran a tight shift.
During this a message flashed up on screen detailing the expectations required to the arrival of an Ambassador Hortensia. What her quarters were to be like, the smells she was to be greeted with and even velvet coated hangers for clothing. Dessame almost couldn't believe it.
She had decided to see what her CO thought of this change in mission, if he knew anything about this Ambassador and if he had received any outlandish requests on behalf of the Federation Diplomatic Service.
Some would say she stormed onto the bridge but she always walked with some purpose in her step. Ringing the chime always felt like she was waiting to see the headmaster but nevertheless it had to be rung.
"Enter," Kane called, his elbow planted on his desk and propping-up his head. This whole business of being rerouted at short notice was playing hell with most of his department heads. Scientists wanted to know if their experiments could continue, operations and engineering wanted clarity on the demands on the ship...and now his Security chief was knocking on his door.
Dessame walked in with her face in a slightly annoyed look but still pretty neutral. Half of the annoyance was one strand of hair kept falling in front of her face. Rude bit of hair if you ask me. "Sir, have you seen these demands?" She said placing the PADD down on the desk, she'd transferred her security orders from the earlier communique.
"Demands?" Kane frowned. He picked up the PADD and eyed it for a moment. Lady Hortensia. Of course. "We're to give the lady Ambassador our full cooperation," he sighed.
There was something of a petulant stamp, a little insistence on her part. "She wants one of my staff to spray a fragranced aerosol in front of her so she can walk through it. I believe she quotes 'I must be greeted by pleasant smells at all times'... sir. Surely that is not something we need to do?"
Kane's eyes flicked up at her momentary outburst. Catching her eye, he set aside the PADD he was working on and leaned back in his chair. "Lieutenant, we're bound by orders from the highest level. I've raised my concerns with them, and I'll tell you the same thing they told me: Suck it up." After a moment he rose to pour himself a small drink of water from nearby, offering her a glass. Maybe it would help her calm down. "Off the record, it absolutely stinks. But there's not a lot we can do about it."
"Off the record, I agree sir but do understand what you mean. I'm just thankful she has her own ship and hopefully her demands will be limited. I don't suppose that the Diplomatic Service gave us any indication of what we are doing? Are we just a ferrying service?" She asked.
"Diplomatic escort," Kane corrected. "I know that we're heading for the Paratus system. They're a small, warp-capable society apparently on the cusp of Federation membership. Beyond that I know as much as you do about them. As for the Ambassador..." he sighed. "I think you're absolutely right that we're fortunate she has her own vessel. Otherwise I'd probably not be the only one of us without any hair left."
"Not many people suit being bald, you look quite handsome." Dessame replied with a speak before you think comment. "Sir." She added at the end making it sound more professional than it did. For a moment she stood before thinking about something to say. "The SS Glory, what are her defensive capabilities?" She asked hoping they would not be needed.
Kane took momentary pause at her inappropriate comment. As attractive as she was, it was dangerous ground to even consider, especially as her commanding officer. He elected in the moment to ignore the comment and respond to her question. "My understanding is that they are minimal. As Security Officer I would have assumed you would make yourself familiar with those facts yourself, Lieutenant." It came out harshly. Maybe her comment had bothered him more than expected. "I don't expect trouble, but always prepare for it, if you recall."
"I am familiar sir. I just wanted to see if you expected any trouble." Dessame replied very matter of fact. She could feel the comment about his looks had maybe affected his reply. Her comment had merely been an off the cuff remark and was not intended as anything other than an observation. "I have a team on board the Glory at the moment at my request. I know the Glory isn't Starfleet so I felt more comfortable having some people there. Just a small 4 person team."
"Those poor souls..." Kane murmured, considering how the ambassador had behaved before. "I hope they're resilient," he noted.
"Oh I made sure they were made of strong stuff. Very patient." She laughed a little.
"Will need the patience of a saint with that one." Kane took another light sip of water. "I understand your frustrations, Lieutenant. I'm glad you brought them into this office away from the rest of the crew. Make sure it stays that way."
"Thank you sir. I know you don't know me well enough yet but I will always bring my concerns to you and the XO. I am not one for spreading my 'frustrations' to those that do not need to know them. Habit of being a Betazoid is that we know how to keep emotions in check, mostly." Dessame replied honestly.
"An enviable habit," Kane nodded. "As you were then, Lt Sar."
"Sir." Dessame said snapping to attention as her CO dismissed her.
Lieutenant Dessame Sar
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
Commander Jacob Kane
Commanding Officer
USS Athena
