Apology to the XO

Posted on 08 Mar 2017 @ 7:36pm by Commander Aren Ban & Lieutenant JG Stephanie Fraiser (KIA)
Edited on on 10 Mar 2017 @ 4:58pm

1,167 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 14 - Statecraft
Location: IKS DuJa'Q - Deck 7, Aren's Quarters
Timeline: MD 03 - 1315 hrs

[ON]

Holding a sleepy JJ in her arms Steph headed to the XO's quarters. She knew it wouldn't necessarily be expected of her but she felt she needed to make an apology to him for her outburst in the meeting before they left port.

Knocking on his door she waited for his response smiling down at JJ who was looking around curiously with a thumb in her mouth.

On a Federation starship Aren would have had his own office, a space where he could catch up on paperwork, go over rosters and the like. Instead, he had to conduct business in his cramped quarters. To be fair, he was one of the only individuals on ship to have his own space. He sighed as he heard the knock on his door. He silent wished for the umpteenth time he and the rest of the crew were on board a Federation vessel. If wishes were fishes and cattle were kings, the world would be full of wonderful things. He thought to himself as he stood up and opened the door. He noticed Lt. JG Fraiser standing before him, with her daughter JJ. He beckoned them both in, motioning for the two seats that were parallel to his desk. The wasn't much space, but then again Aren was fairly certain this had once been a maintenance closet as one point, but at least he had some room. "Please sit. How is JJ settling in on ship, Lieutenant Junior Grade Fraiser?" Aren asked, wanting to make sure the youngest member of the crew was not only behaving herself, but also that she was safe.

Steph sat down and let JJ sit on the floor and play with her shoelaces. "She's a little confused with all the changes to be honest. We have had to try and word things simply because even though she is smart for an 18 month old it is still a big confusing world. Although if you need someone to break klingon locks for you she seems to have a knack." Steph had to chuckle at JJ's innocent look.

"The crew, especially Yasmin have been amazing with her. She has even won over a couple of the Klingons on board and that made me rethink to be honest sir. I wanted to apologise to you about my outburst at the meeting before we left. When some people are hurting people you care about its hard to remember that most are just wanting the same things that you do ... a chance to go home. Or to live a peaceful life." Steph felt guilty over losing sight of that fact. Yes she wanted to protect the starfleet crew but she couldn't condemn a whole colony for the actions of a very small few it wasn't fair.

Aren nodded. "I am glad to hear the JJ is being well cared for. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you." He started pausing for a moment as he collected his thoughts. "Thank you for the apology. I understand what you went through and your reasoning behind your frustration. While not entire necessary, I appreciate your apology none the less." He added with sympathy. "If it had been almost any other situation and conditions had been different, that wouldn't have been a very good career choice. What I mean is, there is no harm, no foul. I want to encourage differentiating view points as well as the discussions that become of them. That being said, there is a time and place for that, as well as a time and a place for listening and following orders. If you ever feel that you disagree so strongly, it is usually better for the nature of good order and discipline to discuss them privately. That is your right as an officer." He finished. He had had no intention to lecture, but ultimately he had.

Aren inhaled, trying to put on a cheery demeanor. "That last thing I will say on that subject."

JJ could feel the sadness in the man mumma was talking to and toddled over and held her arms up to him to give him a hug. Hugs always made everything better when blankie or mumma and dadda couldnt. "Me make booboo go 'way? Hug help."

Steph smiled and relaxed at his comment "I'll try to remember that. Martin says I can be a little hot headed."

Aren put on a smile and let JJ hug him. "Thank you, that helped." Reached into a small bag and pulled out small plastic covered piece of candy. He looked up to Fraiser. "Its candy formed by allowing a supersaturated solution of sugar and water to crystallize onto a surface suitable for crystal nucleation. I think Humans call it Rock Candy. Is it alright if she has it?" He asked, knowing that sugar for some species, especially there off spring, would cause them to be high energy.

Stephanie nodded with a smile and JJ took it with a smile and a "T'an you." Then moved back to snuggle against her mumma. "After dinner JJ."

JJ just nodded happily.

Aren turned his attention fully back to Fraiser. "It is alright to be hot headed, however it takes a wish individual to know when to keep the heat low and when to turn it up."

"Something I need to work on. I feel a bit useless to this particular mission which doesn't help. Not much call for research. I do read and write Klingon if I can help with some of those manuals for you?"

Aren nodded. "That would be helpful. I know that we don't have very many readers on board. There are some in engineering that really could use some help. I haven't had time to review some of the requests." He handed her a PADD. "If you could at least get them a basic outline by tomorrow morning, that would be helpful."

Taking the PADD she nodded "That should be very doable. Would it help if I labelled some of the controls down there too?"

Aren shrugged. "Ultimately I think it is best to get assign a quick reference sheet. Engineers are a tricky breed and they hae a certain way of doing things. Your best bet is to talk to them in regards to what they require. But first," Aren gestured to the PADD, "they need those outlines done as soon as possible."

Nodding she stood "I'll have them for them in the morning sir." JJ stood up and gave him a shy wave as her mumma picked her up.

Aren nodded. "Thank you. You are dismissed Lt. JG Fraiser." He said, before waving goodbye to JJ.

"Thank you sir." Steph nodded to him and hid a grin when JJ said "Bye bye Unca Awen."

[OFF]

Commander Aren Ban
Executive Officer
IKS DuJa'Q

Lt (Jg) Stephanie Fraiser
Researcher
IKS DuJa'Q

Jaime (JJ) Fraiser
Wrapping adults round her little finger
IKS DuJa'Q

RSS Feed

Comments (1)