Did Not See That Coming

Posted on 11 Nov 2014 @ 8:04pm by Commander Scarlet Blake & Lieutenant Aria Rice

719 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 07 - Sojourn
Location: Starbase 84: Blake's Temporary Office
Timeline: MD 06: 1400

ON:

It was strange for Scarlet to be in another office. She hadn't even had her office on the ship for all that long, not really, yet it already felt strange to be somewhere else. It was cold, stark and practical. It would do for the time being. She glanced to the time, finishing off the sentence she was working on under the assumption that Aria would be prompt for their meeting.

"Hey!" Aria smiled as she got in, catching her breath. "Sorry...if...I...am...late..." she swallowed, shaking her head. "I got lost." She moved forward, knowing Scarlet had her XO hat on. "Apologies, Commander."

Scarlet shook her head with a small smile, closing the lid of her computer as she looked to her. "You're not. You're dead on...as always," she assured with a chuckle. "Sit down and catch your breath for a second."

Aria nodded, sitting down in the chair and let out a breath. "This place is such a maze. Meeting rooms everywhere. Not entirely sure I can deal with it all."

"But tunnels with cardassian zombies, that's just clean fun," Blake teased softly, watching her with a small smile. "How do you think things have gone for you since returning to us?"

"It's been nice to relax for this month. Sure, we have done the bits and bobs that needed doing, but it has been relaxing," she said and shook her head, with a small smile. "It's been good, Blake. Maybe next time less of a...err...zombie welcome?"

"I'll take that under advisement," Blake assured with a small, knowing smile. "You think you have found your feet again?"

"Slowly," Aria admitted and smiled gently, shrugging. "I am just...slowly getting the feel of the ship again. So many news faces and...err...energies."

"Well, we rather like your energy," Blake assured with a gentle smile, taking the small box out as she walked around to her side of the desk. "Ensign Rice, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. Congratulations..." she offered the box across, meeting her eyes to see how she took the news.

Aria looked at her with shock, searching her eyes. "Hell no...heeeeell no..." she shook her head, waving a finger. "I'm not becoming Assistant Chief. Don't be slinging at my way, I know that seat is cursed..." she met her eyes before laughing, smiling as she took a step closer, having clearly been at least partially joking. "Think this is a new record, Commander? Promotions and demotions and promotions?"

"It has been a something of a rollercoaster ride for you, I admit," Blake laughed, shaking her head, but she held her eyes with honesty. "Aria, you're good at what you do. You've never disappointed me for all the time you've served with us. We both know what happened on that Away Mission wasn't your fault. You were a scapegoat, let's be honest with each other. So that..." she tapped the box in Aria's hand. "Belongs there...." she tapped Aria's collar.

Aria nodded weakly, taking a deeper breath before frowning. "Yeah, I know it does," she said and smiled gently, meeting her eyes. "Thank you. Seems I can only do right on Galileo."

Scarlet shook her head with a small smile, her eyes shining at the acceptance she saw in Aria. "No thanks needed," she assured.

"Well..." Aria shrugged and smiled, holding her eyes. "I can still say it, right? And..." she leant close and hugged her. "I appreciate it being you to give them to me."

Scarlet smiled at that, giving her a firm squeeze of a hug. "It suits you, what can I say..."

"Lots of good things," she said playfully as she pulled back, watching Scarlet with warmth.

"Go on. Go and celebrate," Scarlet replied knowingly, nodding to the door with a soft chuckle and a glint in her eye.

Aria smiled as she nodded, watching her with awe as she headed out. "Seek me out in the bar, I'll buy you a drink!"

Scarlet laughed softly at the young woman's contagious energy, shaking her head as she retook her seat at the computer, calling after her. "I'll hold you to that!"


OFF:

CMDR Scarlet Blake
First Officer
USS Galileo

&

Lt. jg Aria Rice
Security
USS Galileo

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