So You're the New Guy

Posted on Fri Apr 2nd, 2021 @ 10:33am by Alexis Agrax (Mirror) & Executive Officer Kyle Reece (Mirror)

Mission: Mirror Mirror
Location: ISS Fenrir, Holodeck 2
Timeline: 2396
4968 words - 9.9 OF Standard Post Measure

After warming up for the past twenty minutes, Kyle was finally ready to begin his workout proper. Dressed in his red gi, complete with black belt, he bowed to the image of an old master, which was hanging on the back wall of the room he was currently standing in.

The room - which the ship's computer had replicated on the holodeck perfectly, even down to the various marks of long use on the weapons and training equipment arranged around the centre mat - was the Reece family dojo. A room in which Kyle had spent a considerable amount of his youth in, training in the various ancient form of Terran martial arts. The three that he had focused on most were: karate, judo and aikido. Of those three, he had enjoyed karate the most.

Starting at age six, after twelve long and painful years of training, he had finally earned his first-degree black belt. Afterwards, his training time in the dojo decreased, as he had been shipped out to Imperial Starfleet Academy. Following his graduation from the academy, he spent as much time as he could, using various holodecks, continuing his training and mastery of the deadly arts. After an additional five years, he had earned his second degree. Now, he was still striving for his third.

It was not often Alexis used the holodeck, she preferred the gym and the solidness of it all but that day she wanted to reminisce and remind herself of Betazed and the beauty that was her homeworld. The anniversary was coming up and the humans would be celebrating it as a great victory like they usually did with all the great victories. She would not be surprised if the emperor themselves did not attend.
Alexis walked into the holodeck at her allocated time and stopped as she saw a program still running. She quickly confirmed with the computer that it was indeed the correct time before she called out hello to who was still running the program.

As he was finishing the current kata, Kyle heard the holodeck doors open, then the lovely voice of a woman called out to him. Not answering right away, he finished the exercise, then bowed to image again, then turned to face the interloper. "Help you?" He asked as he tried to catch his breath.

His right eyebrow arched when he saw who had interrupted his training session. "You're Alexis, Alexis Agrax, yes? One of the Inquisitors here?" He had yet to meet all of the senior staff and other auxiliary officers, or those that used to be officers, that is.

Alexis rolled her eyes as she saw the new Executive Officer ignoring her as she leant against the arch. She stood up again as he finally decided to speak to her.
“It’s my holodeck time, Sir, but you are fine.” She assured with a shrug. She was not scared but sometimes you had to pick your battles and this was not one of them that she wanted to make yet when he had been on board less than a week. It looked like he had been finishing any way. “I am Alexis Agrax yes. A pleasure to meet you, Commander.” She stated.

Kyle nodded, frowning slightly. "My apologies then, apparently there is a malfunction with the holodeck scheduling computer. I was informed that, for the next hour, this holodeck was available. That is why I was doing my workout program." Moving to the edge of the mat, he turned and bowed to the image again, then, tacking one step backwards, stepped off the mat. He then turned and approached Alexis. "However, as I'm the new guy here, I will gladly relinquish the holodeck to you. I hope that you will forgive the mix-up." He gave her a very genuine and charming, lop-sided grin. To his credit, he had not looked her over like a sack of meat, as many of her fellow Betazoids were,on a daily basis. "Unless, of course, you'd care for a work out partner?"

The computer was rarely wrong but she really did not want to pick a fight with him this early in him being onboard. “Um sparing…I am not exactly wearing something to spar in now am I?” She pointed to the revealing and pale coloured thigh-high slit gown that she wore. The only sensible choice about it was that she was not wearing shoes as they were already off and in her hand. Most men's interest was piqued by what she wore on a daily occurrence but it was not suitable for sparing. It was why Gregnol made sure all the inquisitors wore outfits that distracted people and made them forget why they were actually there.

Still keeping his eyes on Alexis's face, Kyle grinned again. "Well, I know a woman, who could wipe the floor with most people, while still wearing a dress like that. However, if you're not interested, then I will leave. Computer, save and current program, Reece Alpha One, and terminate simulation." The scene instantly froze and then, after a few beeps, vanished to reveal the yellow grid work of the holoemitters. Moving over to a small bag, that was on the deck in the corner, Kyle grabbed the towel that was on top, picked up the bag and stood back up. He turned and started towards the closed door. "It's a shame," he said in a friendly tone. 'How many opportunities would someone get an invitation to take a swing at their superior officer?"

Alexis rolled her eyes. She was sure many women could best people in a fight in a dress like this but she did not really want to. She was not a fighter any more or least she was not meant to be according to imperial law. She wanted the walk and the memories. “You are not my senior officer Commander. I respect you by calling you Sir but I answer to the Captain of this beautiful vessel… but fine you want to spar let’s do it then but only if you agree to a little walk with me first.” She tempted.

Kyle stopped himself from correcting the woman as to the fact that, with him being the X-O, he was her superior officer. However, he felt that that was not an issue that needed correcting. Not yet, at least. Bowing gentlemanly, he replied. "But of course. However,"he indicated his current dress of karate gi and bare feet. "I imagine that I am a bit underdressed for the type of stroll that your were referring to." He moved over to the arch and, after dropping his bag in front of it, he searched for the appropriate suit to match Alexis's attire.

Finally, he found what he was looking for. Activsting the appropriate commands, a suit rack appeared. Hanging from it was a dark blue suit, with shined black shoes, a crisp white shirt, a tie and handkerchief square, both of the latter matching the color of Alexis's dress.

Next to the rack, a dressing screen materialized as well. "Excuse me, won't you?" He bowed slightly again, then moved behind the screen. While it hid him from view, the screen was not completely solid. The fabric itself allowed a slight viewing of Kyle as he undressed. Whether this was accidental or deliberate, he had not indicated. However, if Alexis looked hard enough, she would be able to make out just wh as t the human looked like.

Alexis raised a finger to stop him from worrying about his clothing but he was already disappearing behind a screen. She paused for a moment taking him in with a raised eyebrow as she made out the various scars that mar his chiselled physique, he looked good but she was not sure what was under the surface. She looked away she did not want to see the lashes on his back, sides and chest nor the burn mark on his back, over his left kidney. Why he still had them she did not know but who was she to judge him. “You really did not have to change.” She murmured awkwardly. She was looked away until she heard the curtain being pulled back and looked back.

Stepping back in front of the screen, Kyle first placed his neatly folded gi and belt back in his small bag. Then standing straight up, he carefully smoothed out his suit. "Ah, but a gentleman always dresses for the occasion. Especially when he is esorting," he paused with a grin, "or being escorted by such a lovely and impeccably dressed woman." He then turned slightly, offering his right elbow to her. "My Lady? Shall we?" He then waited patiently for Alexis to take his arm and tell him just where she was going to take them walking tonight. He gave her his best, charming, lop-sided grin as he waited.

Alexis rolled her eyes. She was not convinced by his act at all, Selina had warned her about him but who was she to judge him without her own chance to meet and greet. She moved to the arch and input what program she wanted waiting a moment for the computer to respond before she took the offered arm. What appeared around them was a forest.

The forest was enormous, bright, and verdant. Its canopy was dominated by plants that no longer existed anywhere in the galaxy, still, plenty of light passed through their crowns for a mishmash of almost fern-like plans to consume the crunchy layer of leaves below. “Oops sorry… day mode is activated. Computer night mode.” She requested and the colours shifted to glowing as the path was lit by low lights. “Betazoid’s do not suffer from being sensitive to bright lights.”

Kyle looked around the area. "I visited your world a few times. I always thought it was the loveliest world, and not just because of the women," he said with a slight wink. "Seriously though, I have read the reports, but, I don't agree with the Captain's decision. The universe is sadder, now that Betazed is gone." He took a breath, then began to walk with Alexis down the lit path. "Personally, I always thought that Betazed was lovelier than Earth." He caught her gaze in the corner of his eye. "I know, I know. It's practically treason to say such a thing. However, it's the truth, as far as I'm concerned. If there was a lovelier world, it would be Trillius Prime, where my wife is from."

“You act like I will not be reporting everything you do and say to the Captain. It is treason to the right people Commander. Do not ever forget that especially on this ship.” She snorted. She knew what her planet was like and it was the jewel of the empire even ahead of earth and Daucina. It had been beautiful despite the darkness that had surrounded it. “I never thought the Trillius system nor her planets beautiful but I guess it personal opinion. I prefer Daucina and her underwater cities.” She mused with a shrug wishing that they were going there instead of Phados.

Kyle shrugged slightly as they walked. "Report what you must, I know that my loyalties lay with the Empress. After that, my respect and loyalty must be earned." He gave he an honest smile. "Don't get me wrong, the man may not have fully earned my loyalty, but the position has it. I was always taught, you don't have to respect the person, just the rank." He chuckled softly. "Of course, it has gotten me in a good bit of trouble, from time to time. In the end, however, my true loyalties have always shined through and freed me." It doesnt hurt that Grampy is in the Empress's inner circle, he thought quietly to himself, almost absent-mindedly as he took in the beauty around him. He truly felt sad about Betazed's fate. He had hoped to retire to one of its quieter hill regions one day, but, that was no longer an option.

Alexis smirked just a little but said nothing more on it. She knew that this man was trouble and was there to test everyone but she just hoped he did not end up in the agonizer booth. She could not help but think about how his scream would sound for a second before she giggled. “Let us just hope you do not end up in my agonizer booth then commander.” The glint in her eyes left her as she took in the forest again letting it sooth away the madness that hit sometimes. “This was the path I used to run as a child. It leads all the way to the senate building.”

He gave the charming woman a warm smile. "Please, Alexis, while we are here,among this lovely setting, call me Kyle. I'm not on duty right now, and I would prefer if, while we walk and talk, we do so as two people, not as the ship's Executive Officer and one of it's Interrogators." Hr knew that he was bending a few rules, but, as executive officer of one of the most powerful ships in the fleet, he delt he had the right. Though, he wasnt stupid either. He knew where to draw the line.

"Of course," he continued, "Once we leave this paradise, things would have to return to a more formal setting." As they contiued along, he added, "I remember the Senate Building. It was a lovly structure. The few times I was on your world, I would take at least an hour, to sit on the benches out in front, by that old tree that was standing, centered on the main steps, and just watch the area. It was quite lovely how, as the sun set, the biilding's roof tiles would slowly change hues, depending on the position of the sun." He shook his head again, sadness filling his head. "Truely a shame."

Alexis looked at him and smiled a little more as she remembered the way the building changed colours as the day when on Arcadia stone was a beautiful thing. The whole world was beautiful, she missed it terribly now and then.

“As you wish Kyle. Those are nice memories for the jewel of the galaxy. Kyle… I was in the senate building as the world burnt.” She revealed almost reliving a memory for a moment before she looked at the man and nodded. “It was a shame but the Cardassians attacked first and the Empire responded with as much force. There is always tragedy in war.”

Kyle was genuinely shocked by this piece of news. "Oh! My dear lady, I am so very sorry!" He shook his head as he continued. "I had no idea. While I certainly have been in my fair shair of combat zones, I have never been center stage, as the world I was on, was destroyed." He looked honestly crestfallen. "If they mean anything to you, you have my most heartfelt sympathies. I cannot image the pain you, and your surviving countrymen, feel on a daily basis." He fell silent as he tried to consider just how devistating it must be to completely lose one's homeworld, especially whilst stading on it during it's untimely demise.

Looking back at her, he asked, "With current technologies, is there any way to at least begin to bebuild your world? Perhaps start it back to tbe paradise it once was?"

“You have not lived then. Watching everything burning around you as you phase in and out of transporting away.” She said grinning showing why she was an interrogator, she had nothing left to lose. She moved a few paces in front and bent to look at a flower that was growing. The Eschscholzia Ponderosa was so rare, it was a small plant and could be found only in dark, shadowy places like this in the shade of glowing plants. It had thin, large leaves, which were usually light orange. “Have you not seen Betazed?” She demanded moving towards him unable to believe that he had suggested that if he had seen it.

Feeling that he had caused insult, Kyle stood his place. "No," he replied simply. "I have heard the rumors, read some partial reports, but, actually seeing what is left of your world? No. I have not see your world since I last stood on her surface." Hearing her describe her world burning in such a euphoric manner caused some concern deep inside his mind. He slowly began to wonder if she truly could become an ally or if she was, in fact permanently in Gregnol's camp. "If I have caused any offense, you have my most hearfelt apology." His words were genuine and as he spoke them, his thoughts felt the same regret.

Alexis looked at the man and shook her head quickly. “You have not offended me, Kyle.” Alexis assured softly the calm look returning to her face as she blushed at the fact she had succumbed to her mania so easily. “Computer load Agrax zula beta gamma final connect to the observation terminal viewpoint” Alexis said waiting for the holedeck to change to them standing on an observation deck. Alexis moved slowly to where the window was and pointed to the sight that was below them.

“Welcome to Betazed.” The woman said coldly as she took in the live footage from across the galaxy of her planet. It was a red mass of burning molten. “The oceans were turned to fire, and any land was destroyed when the continents shifted in the final seconds.”

Kyle was silently aghast at what he saw. To do something so horrific to such a beautiful world, even in the midst of heated combat, was abhorrent to him. Granted, he had done things in his service to the Empire that some might think went too far, however, this was a different level altogether. What he didn't know, of course, was that his beloved grandfather, through his special unit of mercinaries and assassins, had done far worse. Had he known, he probably would not be allowed to live, even if he was his grandfather's favorite.

"My goodness," he whispered, a tear slowly falling from his right eye. "I had no idea of the total devistation. It will take eons for Betazed to even come close to supporting life, if ever again." Looking over to Alexis, he rached up with his right hand and gently cupped the left side of her face. "I am truly sorry for what was ripped away from you."

“It will never sustain life ever again Kyle. It will be nothing but use to the empire for radiation and as a reminder of the war.” She murmured looked at the planet. You could barely make out the cardassian vessel husks that floated in the upper atmosphere suspended until they burned up. Alexis instantly moved have at his attempt to cup her cheek but as she realised that he meant nothing but comfort she stopped and looked at him. “You need to be mindful saying things like that as a Terran on this vessel. It was why Nathan ended up murder on the floor of his office.” She whispered.

Kyle quietly nodded. "I know," he said as he looked deep into her dark eyes. "I know that what I have said could be taken as treasonous words. And you would be well within your duties and obligations to report me and my actions to the Captain immediately." He shook his head as he lowered his hand from her face. "I wouldn't blame you, either." Sighing heavily, he turned and walked over to the railing of the observation point. "But, as my wife is non-Terran, I already have those that wish to see me broken and destroyed. I am not afraid to face any challenge that comes to my door."

Turning back to face Alexis, he continued. "I know that I'm new here, and I know that, because of whom I am related to, some think that I have not earned my rank and position. However, I have indeed worked very heard, overcome severe pain and near death challenges, to get to where I am now. I hope that, as I am here longer, you, and the rest of the crew will begin to see me as I truly am. And, at the end of it all, I earn your trust and loyalty."

Alexis missed the touch on her cheek. It was hard to realize that she missed the touch of anyone. It had been a long time since she had not been in a position where she had to keep herself isolated. "Kyle, if you have sent here, someone wants you dead. The Butcher of Betazed did that and his wife was on the surface as well as many loyal officers. You are not special, even with your bio man of a body guard. One good computer virus or red head and he is done for." Alexis said simply as she watched the planet below for a long silent moment.

Kyle chuckled softly at what he just heard. Finally, after taking a breath, he looked up into Alexis's eyes, a determination burning in his gaze. "Believe me, Alexis, I know that all to well. I'm actually surprised there hasn't been an attempt yet. I've certainly left plenty of opportunities laying around. And, as for Micheal, don't sell him so short. There is a fire burning deep in that man. One that won't be so easily extinguished. As for the red head you spoke of, I know exactly which one. She is the only thing that he kept whispering during his recovery. Dixoho Saa, must get back to Dixoho Saa. I mean, it was practically his mantra during the past year. No other person can turn his head like her. It is almost as if no other woman exists, to him." He smiled warmly at that thought. Though he and his wife had a semi-open relationship, she was the only person who knew how to fully stoke his fire.

"Oh, there has." Alexis found herself laughing a little. "Interrogation is not just there to protect the Captain. We do occasionally stop the Executive Officer getting murdered if we feel like it." She said with a shrug as she turned her gaze back to the swirling mess below. "I know Michael well Commander. We have served together before; I was on board for his attempt on Gregnol's life and the stupidity of that." She assured. She was not about to bother them, it kept Saa from turning up drunk at her door but he needed to realise just how dangerous the ship was.

Kyle smiled softly. It was a smile that seemed to glow from the inside. "I figured as much. And, if it bears any weight to you and your compatriots, I thank you for your aid." He bowed his head graciously, never taking his eyes from Alexis's. “I hope that, someday, I have the glorious opportunity, to pay you back properly.” He stepped forward again, lifting his right hand to gently cup her left cheek again. “I especially thank you. For more than saving my life against the threats that are directed towards me, but for also listening to me, and not immediately calling security in. I know they are outside the doors. I can practically smell them." Reaching down with his right hand, he gently took hold of her warn, soft, left hand. Slowly, he brought it up to his lips, and gently kissed the backs of her knuckles. His eyes still never left hers, the whole time, his gaze was completely sincere, and perhaps, a slightly bit enamored.

Alexis laughed and moved away from his kiss on her knuckle. “For someone who hates Betazoid’s you are being nice. Selina warned me but I am thinking you just do not like her.” She mused with a shake of her head at him. She was not so easily turned or swayed by people. “Of course, they are. They were my team once upon a time. They remember how I did not kill them and I was loyal.” She got a better deal than a lot of Interrogators due to her former Imperial Starfleet position. It allowed her to escape the breeding camps and be brought back to the ship.

Straightening up, Kyle had a quizzical look on his face. "Hate's Betazoids? Where did you get that....oh! Yes, the exchange between us in the corridor." He chuckled again, a sound full of good humor. "Please let Miss Fenrus know that, that exchange between us was for the benefit of the internal sensors that are active throughout the corridors of the ship. I do not hate her or your species. Micheal told me of their past relationship and how she was always fair and honest with him."

He moved back to the railing, and leaned against it gazing over the destruction before him. "If what I've already said to you is considered treasonous, what comes next would put me on the executioner's block." He paused for a few beats. "Once I tell you this, I will know where I stand with you and the rest of the ship." Another pause. "I'm part of a faction in the Empire that is working towards reinstating the rights and privileges of all loyal non-Terrans. We have always felt that stripping those earned ranks and rights of yours were always wrong."

The population of betazoid’s were so small that it would take several generations for them to thrive again. Tbat was why there were strict laws against killing them. “But then how would you get anymore Betazoid. You and your friends are rocking boats that you have no idea about. We were stripped of our ranks and rights but we are treated better than the lowliest of Terrans. The camps are not the best but we are alive and allowed to live our lives and we have better protections than most. If I did not know better I would have said the Emperor has a soft spot for my species or at the very least planned something like this if anything happened to certain species. Keep your head down Commander. Do not rock the boat. You do not have a life vest yet.” She told him in a whispered tone.

Hearing and understanding her words of warning, Kyle considered them for a few beats, then nodded in agreement. "Very well," he replied in an equally hushed voice. "I will spread the word that nothing should be done, for now. However, as I am not highly placed in the group, my suggestion will only hold so long. But, I give you my word as both an officer and a gentleman, I will do nothing while I serve on this ship." In his heart, he knew that, for the most part, what Alexis was saying was true. Her species was being taken better care of than most Terrans. Of course, he had to wonder, was it because the Emperor cared for them, or because of some other, nefarious, reason.

"I would hate to see the third executive officer killed in less than a year." Alexis nodded at the man and turned back to look at the planet below. She glanced at the man as she heard the door open and grabbed the man down to her in a deep kiss. The security officer stopped dead and let out an awkward cough to interrupt what he thought was happening. “Ma’am… The Captain has been trying to contact you,” He said looking away as Alexis pulled back and freed the man.

“Yes. Ensign, I turned my communicator off. I appreciate the search as it seems that important.” She murmured turning to follow the man leaning down to grab up her heels.

Kyle was at first surprised by the kiss, almost taking the move as an attack. But then, the softness of her lips, and the sweet taste as well, instantly disarmed him, mostly. He wrapped his powerful arms around Alexis's lithe body, relishing her warmth against his body. Finally, after a few long, delicious beats, he slowly released her from his grasp. He turned his head to the ensign and gave him a steely gaze. He then moved with Alexis and reached down to grab her heels first. "Please, allow me." Taking hold of the delicate straps, he straightened back up. Handing them over, he smiled warmly. "Have dinner with me later. I'd like to continue our, discussions."

Alexis took the shoes and smiled at him as the Security Officer moved at the same time he did wondering if the woman was in danger but he suddenly remembered who he was meant to be protecting. He had seen the woman force people to their knees for something less. “We have to go, Ma’am.” The man said darkly. He had imagined the woman kissing him many times so it was annoying to see her kissing the new man.

“It looks like your boss needs me first.” She said with a bit of a shrug. “I might not be free tonight so maybe tomorrow.”

Kyle gave Alexis a gentle bow of his head. "Then tomorrow night it is." He paused briefly before adding, "Your quarters or mine. Whichever you will be more comfortable with." He then stepped aside to allow her to move towards the exit. As he watched her go, he felt a sudden warmth in his chest. It was a pleasant feeling, to be sure.

"I'll let you know tomorrow." She said over her shoulders taking the security officers arm to be escorted.