Persis Choice

Posted on Wed Sep 8th, 2021 @ 7:36pm by Captain Rueben Gregnol & Executive Officer Jake Ford
Edited on on Wed Sep 8th, 2021 @ 7:37pm

Mission: Mission 13: Stowaway
Location: Deck 1 - Ready Room
Timeline: Two months ago
1048 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

Gregnol stood watching the planet below turning lazily as it stirred up memories of lazy days with Jeassaho and the plans they had with their son before it was all snatched from them. They had arrived at Betazed after everything and he was clueless about what the next step was. It was all on Persis now to make a choice on what she wanted to do. He would help her with whatever she picked. Frax and his partner had already been released without any refund or anything monetary for what had happened other than if Gregnol saw them again he would not fear shooting them.

“It is open.” He called loudly as the door chimed.

Persis stuck her head in, very unsure of herself but also determined to do what she thought was right for everyone and for herself. "Captain, do you have a minute?"

"Of course." The Captain turned and looked at the woman and nodded. He indicated the empty sofa that would be comfortable than the desk chairs. "Do you need anything? Drink?" He offered.

She shook her head. "I just wanted to let you know that I've come to a decision that I think will benefit me, though maybe not others. But, It's time to be true to myself. I don't want to go to Betazed, I Want to see the world and live and not let someone else make the choices for me."

“So are you wanting to come with us?” He wondered needing a bit more information as they were at Betazed. He was was not going to give her over if she did not want to go he knew enough people to help her disappear on the planet. Jeassaho and Leiddem’s family would help without question.

"Oh,I don't know. I didn't realize that was an option. What would I do?"

"I am not sure yet but it's one of many options. I know many people on Betazoid seeing this is where we are." It was hard to think of options when you had likely had none before. He stopped as the door chimed. "That will be Jake. Come in Jake." He called to let the man in.

Jake wandered in not having expected to see Persis there alongside Reuben. "Hey. You wanted my help?" he asked. His glance shot to their young passenger, to whom he gave a brief smile and a nod.

Persis smiled warmly at him though she did not understand yet what he was there for either. "Hello," she replied slightly cheerfully.

“Well it was not such your help but I have something else on my mind now.” Gregnol had thought to invite the man and Eden to a meal with Jeassaho’s parents but Persis was needing some help. “Persis here is thinking through her options.”

"I decided I don't want to go to Betazed, but I'm not sure where to go. I can't go home. Could I stay here for a bit? Or what do you think, it there a place where I would be . . . safe?" She looked to both of them for answers.

"You would be safe on Betazoid. The man who you were meant to marry had no idea you were being trafficked, he was under the impression you had agreed to marry due to both your abilities so he has no issues with your freedom especially with Starfleet and Fenris Rangers involved but that does leave your future unwritten. What skills do you have?" Gregnol questioned looking at Jake helplessly as he tried to give a pep talk of sorts.

"Oh," Persis stated. "Well... I guess not much I mean I was tutored privately. What do you know about this man?"

Jake shrugged. "He's some Betazed official. Wouldn't say he's particularly high up the social strata, but he has a comfortable life and if you were to spend some time with him I'm sure you'd be safe enough. I'd say that what you did next is up to you; find something you enjoy and pursue it."

“Well he would not be being a man.” Gregnol commented with a bit of a grin. “All the choices you make now are yours to make.” Gregnol agreed backing up his previous and now Jake’s words. It was all down to the woman and the choices she now could and had to make. They could not do it for.

Persis pursed her lips for a moment. "Well . . . I think maybe I should see a little bit of the world first and then maybe I'll return and meet him, see where that leads." She answered making the decision finally. "But that doesn't mean that you need to carry me along if you don't want to. I'm not sure that I have many skills that could help you."

Gregnol prised his lips and nodded. "So what skills do you have?" He wondered kindly. He was not the type to just let anyone on but if she had something useful it would be justifiable to keep her around.

"I'm a pretty good cook and I know a lot about other cultures. I've pretty much studied every culture known to exist. Not a lot to do when you're in confinement your whole life." She gave a small shrug. "I could advise you or just cook meals if you don't already have a cook."

A Cook? He glanced at Jake and shrugged a bit. They were in need of a second cook and had been for months so maybe this would work out. “A cook is needed. We could give you a three month trial if my Executive Officer is in agreement with me?” If nothing else the woman now had a little power in her hands.

Persis looked to Jake, large eyes nearly pleading with him and waiting for an answer.

"I guess it couldn't hurt at all. Gives you a chance to figure out what you really want after all this." He looked affirmingly at Gregnol. "I'm in favour."

“Well then all decided.” Gregnol said with a shrug it was simple. Persis would stay and become part of the crew on a trial basis for three months.

Persis smiled at both of them. She was nervous but excited. It was, after all, the start of a new life.