Biased Opinions

Posted on Fri May 17th, 2019 @ 3:27pm by Commodore Ledeya ‘Ed’ Ehestri (*) & Chief Petty Officer Nathan Kline

Mission: Mission 9 - Daucina
Location: USS Cosmos
Timeline: MD -01 09:00
1327 words - 2.7 OF Standard Post Measure

Ledeya had been searching for the man she had heard about for an hour. The computer was no help other than telling her he was in the Upper Sensor Platform, for a small ship it was a pretty big place. The man had alluded her for a long longer than she had wanted to especially when she had an important job for him that required speed. If her Security Chief trusted the man, that was good enough for her.

“Ah, there you are Chief.” The Betazoid called as if he was expecting her when in fact he probably wouldn’t have expected the captain to even know where the platform was.

Nathan was crouched, his long frame tucked in a position that was rather practised for him but looked uncomfortable. That wasn’t to say that it wasn’t uncomfortable. He slowly turned his head to look at the voice that had called his name. She was right, he was surprised that anyone other than himself ever came on to this platform but sensors were his speciality. “One moment, Captain.” He called as he began to unravel himself.

“Take your time.” The woman nodded. She was a patient woman, to say the least. It had been the same patience that had allowed her to change career routes from doctor to command after a decade.

Once he was restored to his full height he moved through the crowded area and came to a stop just short of his commanding officer. “What can I do for you, Captain?” While gender was not recognized in the chain of command, his momma had raised him to say ‘ma’am’ and ‘sir’ so he resorted to rank as a default.

The woman looked up at him surprised for a moment before she coughed. “I’ve been told by our Security Chief that you are the best sensor specialist this side of the galaxy?” She wondered softly. Her accent was much more pronounced than most people as she spoke standard instead of letting the computer translate.

“Your security chief sounds biased,” Nathan smirked. He knew who she was talking about but he doubted the Captain knew their history. “I am pretty good at my job. I taught at the academy for a while.” He wasn’t using it to brag he was just stating a fact. “Is there something in particular that I can help you with?”

“I believe that she is biased but the facts are the facts she says you are good,” Ledeya said calmly as she pulled out a PaDD and handed it over to him. “There is a ship called SS Mary Rose that I need someone to get on board and offer support to. It is part of an intelligence mission. I need you to update their scanners but also download their records.” She admitted knowing he would need to know the full story.

Nathan looked at him. “The sensor upgrade I can do. I can even pull off the download easily enough…” He started as he looked over the PaDD. He had the necessary training but that didn’t mean he liked to do it. “But, I have to admit, I am a bit uncomfortable with the request.” He looked her over. “That is not to say I won’t do it, Captain.”

“Uncomfortable?” The Captain wondered softly. It wasn’t a reproachable tone at all more interested in how the man could be uncomfortable with the request.

“Why no request the information?” Nathan asked. “I mean unless you have any me downloading it is known.” The look on his face made it apparent that he had jumped to conclusions about the task. Then again, the Captain was standing in the recess of the ship asking him to do something on an intelligence nature, maybe it wasn’t so far fetched.

“It is a complicated and somewhat embarrassing situation for Starfleet. The Captain of the Civilian vessel is an operative that Starfleet Intelligence has lost due to there...” She paused trying to think of the correct word. “...Fickle nature. I have been asked to check on them due to a situation they handled a few months ago.”

“Look, Captain.” Nathan stares respectfully. “There is no question I am going to follow orders.” He continued. “I learned a long time ago to do what u was told. Just don’t much like participating in espionage if someone is gonna get hurt.” He was just explaining and his tone was jovial and even as always.

Ledeya didn’t need her latent abilities to know that he wasn’t happy for all his appearance he wasn’t happy. “It’s Rueben Gregnol’s ship.” She said finally after staring down at him knowing that any crewman or Officer would know the tale of the Executive Officer who was kidnapped and then appeared two years later. What most people didn’t know what the man was grabbed by Intelligence and used for who knows what. “I just want to know him and his crew are okay.”

“Then consider it done, ma’am” Nathan replied with a nod of his head. He had to admit he was a little more than curious about seeing the ship Gregnol now called home. “When do I depart?”

“They are docked with us here.” She admitted wondering now why the man wasn’t off enjoying shore leave before they departed.

“So, now then.” He replied with a smile and a subtle bow. “Shall I report back to you or simply upload to the computer?”

“Just upload to the computer. I would hate to take any more of your shore leave time.” The woman said quietly trying to gauge something about him. “Now why would my Security Chief think you would be completely appropriate for this type of thing when she could just as easily do it or her husband.” The woman mused.

“Lexie, I mean, the Commander and I have served together before,” Nathan replied with a twinge of pain over the mention of Liam. The man was his friend but he was in love with his wife. “I am sure she remembered I am not one to partake in shore leave often.” He smirked. “Besides, I know how to keep a secret.”

“I’m starting to suspect you do Chief.” The Captain said softly taking a look around the platform again before glancing back at the man. “I will leave you to your work for the day but please do consider taking some time to yourself. It might do you some good..” She didn’t want to disturb him any more than she already had.

“I will, Captain,” Nathan said. He would return to his current project once she had left but he was in no hurry to rush her out. “Is there anything I may help you with?” He grinned.

The woman looked him thoughtfully before she shook her head. “No, I am well thank you Chief.” The woman said softly with a nod in his direction as she retraced her steps back out. It would do her reputation no good if she got lost on her own ship especially as she had spent more than half her career on there.

Nathan watched his commanding officer as she left the platform. What was it with Betazoids and asking him to do things he didn’t want to do? He was going to have to talk with Alexis about boasting his reputation. This never ended well for him. With a shake of his head, he returned to his earlier crouched position. First, finish the repair to the sensor-regulator then he would do what he was asked. The moment he was back on the ship him and the Security Chief were going to have a chat.

OFF::

Captain Ledeya ‘Ed’ Ehestri
Commanding Officer
USS Cosmos / TG 72-B
(PNPC Gregnol)

Chief Petty Officer Nathan Kline
Sensor Specilist
USS Cosmos
(PNPC Belikov)