What Ties a Family?

Posted on 31 Jan 2013 @ 8:20pm by Lieutenant Aria Rice & Ansen Pawlak
Edited on on 02 Feb 2013 @ 7:16pm

2,783 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: Episode 03 - Frontier
Location: USS Galileo - Deck 3, Security Offices, Deck 2, Galley
Timeline: MD 02: 1600 hrs

[ON]

Jeremy found Lieutenant Rice in the security office, where the computer had located her.

"Lieutenant," he said, glancing around and then frowning. "My office," he said as he walked through the outer office and into his own. He took Sidi off lead and let him go to his 'corner'. He had it on his list to go to the cargo bay to use the cargo replicators to get Sidi another bed to put in that corner, to make it more comfortable for when he was in there.

He waited for Rice to join him.

Aria frowned as she walked in, looking at him. "Sir," she said, meeting his eyes as she stayed tense.

"I need to go have a conversation with Mister Pawlek regarding a matter. It may not go well for him considering the nature of the incident," he said as he flicked through the live feeds. "My last conversation with him leads me to believe that he's still emotional and grieving. I'd like for him to have support in case it doesn't go well." He switched to check the bridge station and the sensor feeds. "Considering your reaction at the department meeting, I am led to believe that you would be a friend of his that could offer support should he require it?"

Aria looked at him, taking a deeper breath. She wouldn't necessarily call Pawlek a friend, but they were on friendly terms. Although she had not dared to see him after his brother's passing. "If you mean by that to ask if I am willing to come along and calm the situation down should he get angry...then yes Sir..." she felt a stab of annoyance at how he was just...not even looking at her. Instead, just checking various things. This could just as well have been done over a comlink for all he was concerned. Less contact then, and he wouldn't have to sully himself with speaking to those beneath him. She bit her lip, trying to keep it back. Nope. "Of course, you could always just call him in here and that way you don't have to see his reaction..." she said and then mentally slapped herself over the head.

He glanced at her, scowling, for a moment before returning to the screens, calling up recent security reports. "How would I fail to see his reaction if I just called him in here instead of going to him? His reactions would be just as visible here."

She looked at him before frowning. He didn't even see it. "Because you'd have so many feeds to look at that you wouldn't have to acknowledge another person," she said, her voice softening slightly. Stupid mouth. She should learn to keep it shut. "Sir. It's difficult having a conversation, or being briefed, when you aren't even looking at me."

He scowled. "I'm sorry, I thought you were Terran? What species are you that your ability to hear is connected to visual stimuli? I, however, am Terran and do not have that conversation. My hearing and ability to speak is not connected to visuals."

"It's about having a connection," she said as she moved closer to him. "Because you can tell a lot from a person by looking at them." She sighed and looked down. "By seeing them, not through them, Sir."

He held up a hand to stop her before she began violating his space. That would not be pleasant. He blinked. "I am still unsure what species you are that connects visualization with hearing? However, as a human, I am unable to see past what we refer to as a 'visible spectrum' without some form of technological assistance, which I do not possess. I am unable to see through people."

She looked at him with annoyance before pulling back, holding his eyes. "You're human. And part of being human is being able to recognise emotions in other humans, and we do this by a complex means of listening to someone and seeing their body language. You can tell a lot about people by watching them when you talk to them. Or maybe you have forgotten that, Sir?"

"No," he said, "I recall that people have this false need to be made to feel 'special' through meaningless actions such as the pretense that being stared at means others are being more attentive. This is a falsehood that I simply do not ascribe. For instance, without staring at you, I am aware of your frustration, your annoyance and that you find yourself, justifiably, aesthetically pleasing and may not admit to it, but you find a correlation between others appreciating that aesthetic and your sense of pride. You will also become upset at anyone who - positively or negatively - considers only your aesthetics in regards to your overall being. You also have a need for closeness to create some form of 'connection' and consider distance to be equate to disregard."

He began shutting down the station. "You also fail to answer direct questions. I do not have enough information form a hypothesis why. It could be cultural to your species or perhaps your species has suffered from oppression in the past and would rather pass for Terran. However, that is unimportant. I don't care what your species is, merely how you comport yourself."

She watched him for a long moment, with shock. "Did you just in an overly complicated way call me a vain tart?" she cut in, arching an eyebrow. "And unsure whatever my species is. Want a direct answer? Ask a proper direct question in a simpler way..." she let out a breath, to calm herself, and the next words came out in a rush because of it. "One that I might actually understand without having to mentally go back to my linguistic class."

"Lieutenant, if I were to call you a 'vain tart' you would not have to make mental gymnastics to come to that conclusion. That you have to find some form of insult is more indicative of you than it is me. I am told that I am not subtle. There is no reason you should not be proud that you are aesthetically pleasing as you do not give me the impression that your aesthetics form the foundation of your self-esteem. I would also imagine, in some cases, it works to your advantage when others underestimate your ability because of it."

He glared at her. "How much more direct can I be when I ask 'what is your species'?" He stood from behind the desk and walked around it, to hold the door open, indicating she should proceed him. Sidi stood and came to his side, looking between the two. He seemed to almost be rolling his eyes as if he understood the simplicity the two legs didn't.

She met his eyes and let out a breath. "Well, that was the way to do it. And I am human," she said, before looking at the dog. She smiled gently, tilting her head. "Oh, aren't you a cute little doggie..."

"He is not a cow," Jeremy said, catching the historical reference to folk music. He brought Sidi along with him, allowing him a bit of freedom to cozy up to Lieutenant Rice as he might want. "Mister Pawlek should be in the galley. Though I took your suggestion under advisement, I would rather begin this in surroundings more comfortable to him."

Jeremy led the way to the Mess Hall an then into the galley, Sidi at his side, Rice with him. He found the civilian chef where he expected to find him. The first thing he looked for were bottles of Vodka.

The music in the kitchen was rough and rollicking; Ansen had given up on the opera for the time being. He was in the middle of deep-frying another batch of Ferengi soft shell crabs when the door swung open behind him without so much as a by your leave. "Czesc," he jerked his chin in a greeting, then nodded to the center island. "Welcome," he said with an expression that looked as though it should be pleasure if he hadn't been so tired. "Ever had a Ferengi crab? Hi, Aria. Long time, no see."

Sidi sniffed around the room, his nose filled with smells of deliciousness. Much better than the pellets Alpha gave him for food. The hot oil made him want to sneeze but there were so many other things. Unfortunately, though, he found only the odors of past meals, nothing lying around for him to sneak from under Alpha.

Jeremy nodded, glad that the two did know each other. "Mister Pawlek," Jeremy said. "I've got some things I need to speak to you about." he glanced at Aria. "However, before we start. Lieutenant Rice has recently told me of her fondness for your brother and how his death has hit her hard. I thought, since the both of you have heavy hearts regarding the same tragedy, maybe you should come together and share? Perhaps you could help her as you did me the other day? I also understand Lieutenant Rice thinks your Vodka is weak and less than water. I did not think that was an insult you should allow to pass."

He stood to the side, bringing Sidi to heel.

Ansen blinked hard. He'd managed almost the entire day without sinking back into the dark; doggy-paddling through the grayscale murk was hard enough. "I'm-" his voice caught in his throat, "I'm sorry, Aria. I didn't... I didn't think. I was so-" He couldn't go there. It hurt too much. "You think my vodka's weak?"

Jeremy moved closer to the man, placing a hand on his shoulder and squeezing. "She told me she would get more effect from Sleterian spring water." He glanced at Lieutenant Rice and nodded silently to Ansen.

The Pole laughed hollowly. "That true?"

Aria looked at Ansen and moved to his side, shrugging. "Well...for all we know, they put strong stuff in the water there..." she said lightly, before meeting his eyes for a long moment. Almost a joke, but there was warmth. She still felt her throat close into a familiar lump though.

"Maybe," he answered roughly and landed a large calloused hand on her arm. "He liked you. He didn't talk a lot. He liked you all. You were family." He tightened his jaw and looked away, closing his eyes for a moment, "You are."

"Which makes you part of the family as well," Jeremy said, still holding onto him. He glanced at Aria, "Correct, Lieutenant?" He finally found what he was looking for and grabbed the bottle and two small glasses. He poured a measure into each.

Aria met his eyes and smiled gently, touching his cheek before kissing his forehead. "Always family," she said and then hit his arm. "So don't hold back from us, and I won't hide anymore...deal?"

He laughed, quickly, but the laugh was a little wet. "Deal," he said and wrapped his long arms around the both of them, squeezing. If they felt the slight tremor running through his shoulders, he couldn't help it nor did he try to hide it. Crying, he would not do. But feeling; he could never stop feeling. Clearing his throat roughly, he let go of them and rubbed a hand over his face. "You're drinking today, Chief?" he asked, nodding towards the bottle.

"No, no," Jeremy said, stepping out of 'hugging' range, very uncomfortable with all the physical contact. "I start drinking your Vodka and Lieutenant Rice will have to throw me in the brig. But, she, on the other hand, should discover how wrong she is regarding your vodka. Children," he said, theatrically rolling his eyes. "You two should drink to the memories you share of the man you both cared deeply for."

Ansen tucked his head to the side. "One drink," he challenged, pulling down a third glass. "For the memories of those we've lost. All of them."

Jeremy nodded, "Regrettably no," he said. "I believe your Vodka to be good stuff and...I'm on duty for the rest of the day. Also my...medication...does not allow for me to imbibe. Another time, perhaps, when I'm less medicated. However, the Lieutenant will make up for my lack."

She nodded gently, her eyes warm as she moved to the drinks. "As long as my Chief doesn't mind?" she asked, looking over at Stone, to make sure she wouldn't get charged for it.

Jeremy nodded, "Your duty shift has been covered. Your assignment is to..." he frowned as he thought about this... "...sleep the memory of the man you both lost." He leaned in to Aria. "At the department meeting, you showed me the pain you were still holding over Pawlek's death. Release it. Help his brother. Heal each other. I'm going to monitor your vital signs. If you get too intoxicated, I'll get you to your quarters so that you're in compliance with current orders."

He turned to Pawlek, "You two need to remember, however, that there is surveillance in here. Mister Pawlek, you have already been part of one ... indiscretion ... that we need to discuss at a later time. Don't be part of another."

Jeremy tapped his thigh, calling Sidi over to him, preparing to leave.

"Sir," Aria called out, looking at him. She moved over to them, but didn't approach Stone. She knelt and gently scratched the dog's ear. "You know, when you actually use your emotions, you've got a more human side, Sir..." she glanced up at him, nodding. "It's a welcoming sight. And if you want this to be kept quiet, I'll keep my mouth shut. For once."

Jeremy watched her as she interacted with Sidi for several long moments. Then he scowled. "Lieutenant, you misunderstand my purpose. I'm charged with protection of this ship, in things large and small. Mister Pawlek's condition has deteriorated to the point he is making poor choices, placing him and others at risk. I have a security officer whose raw emotions cause her to swear out her supervisor - which places others at risk for suffering at her emotional outbursts. This - " he nodded to the kitchen, "Is merely a step to attempt to resolve both danger issues with the least effort. There is no 'emotion' involved." He scowled again as he sighed.

"Alright...then I applaud your Vulcan-like logic," she said and smiled warmly, standing as she moved to Ansen's side. "I can handle that sort of logic better."

"I see no reason to be insulting," Jeremy said, scowling at that. "I'm nothing like a Vulcan. I can understand the emotional cost of a thing and how it factors into decisions."

She smiled gently as she watched him. "Wasn't an insult," she said, her voice gentle...but also tired. "I admire Vulcan logic."

"The imperfection is yours, Lieutenant," he said, "Now, I gave you an assignment and you are coming periliously close to failing in that."

"Mister Pawlek," Jeremy said, "We will have to have a more official discussion later. After which, I hope you will still want to offer me that drink."

Ansen looked between them. His condition has deteriorated? What did that even mean? He hadn't put anyone at risk- had he? No. He cooked everything the way it was supposed to be prepared. Added to it, maybe but nothing was unsafe... And now they were fighting. "Sure," Ansen said, still completely confused. "Whenever suits you."

"Go," Jeremy said, softly, to Aria. "Reminisce and remember." He took up Sidi's lead and headed out to the Mess Hall.

Ansen scratched the back of his head as Stone left, then turned to Aria. "You talked to him about Marek?"

"No...I mean..." she said and sat down, watching him. "He said that we hadn't met you, so clearly our...fallen didn't matter much. I told him it...hurt too much..."

"But you have met me." He grabbed the bottle and poured them both a glass. "It's not your responsibility to look after me, Aria. I'm a grown man. And you lost more than Marek. We all did."

She smiled weakly, looking down as she took a deeper breath. "Yes. But..." she met his eyes before smiling gently. "He was a good man. And he has a good brother."

"He was," Ansen lifted his glass to her. "Na zrowie."

She watched him and lifted her glass to him. "May the dead never be forgotten," she whispered and knocked her drink back.

[OFF]

LTjg Jeremy Stone
Chief Security/Tactical Officer/K9
USS Galileo

Ansen Pawlak
Chef
USS Galileo
(pNPC Lilou Peers)

Lt. jg Aria Rice
Security Officer
USS Galileo

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