Test of Time

Posted on Thu Jun 13th, 2019 @ 6:41pm by Commodore Ledeya ‘Ed’ Ehestri (*) & Commander Adamya Ryon

Mission: Mission 9 - Daucina
Location: Captain's Ready Room, Deck 1
Timeline: MD03 10:00
949 words - 1.9 OF Standard Post Measure

This time it was different. Ryon had lost just about everything of importance, he had lost his command and his position as Task Group Commanding Officer. The Bajoran let out a labored sigh as he pressed the door chime. Ledeya had been one of his best friends aboard the Cosmos during his time as First Officer years ago. She had reached out to him after news broke to make him an offer that he could never have refused. He just was not prepared to see the pity in her eyes. Ryon had never entered this Ready Room with such conflicted feelings.

Ledeya looked up from the PADD she was looking over and smiled as she looked at the chronometer. "Come in!" She called rising off the couch to at least greet the man as he came in. She wasn't dressed in her uniform like normal but her gym clothes as she was just before lunch going to be attending a Security drill being held by the Assistance Security Chief.

Being dressed in a Starfleet uniform clearly missing rank pips, Ryon gave his old friend a confused look. "That wasn't the welcome I was expecting," he stated before smiling, "But I most certainly appreciate it." He looked like a person who had lost his world, but Ryon was a survivor. "You did tell me that you wanted me to keep in touch," he attempted a little humor.

The woman frowned a little but moved over to where he was and put a hand on his arm. “I wish it was under better circumstances, Ryon. It seems most unfair.” The woman said she didn’t the full story or even what some of the events were but she wasn’t going to let this man lose everything. She let his hand go and indicated the couch. “Tea?” She wondered.

"Tea would be wonderful," Ryon agreed. He quickly took a seat on the couch, leaned forward and pinched his nasal ridge between his thumb and pointer finger to sort of run his nose. “Only time will tell,” he added. The mission details had been sealed for security reasons. “I appreciate this, the Cosmos is a great landing spot.”

Ledeya smiled and went off coming back with Bajoran tea taking far longer than was necessary to arrange for the replicator to create it. She might not have any of the usual Betazoid abilities but she knew enough to see when someone just needed a moment. She sat next to him and poured a mug for him and herself. "And I am very lucky to have you onboard as strat ops." The woman admitted. It had been a tough decision trying to find someone and up until now, she had been using Commander Snow as it along with his Intelligent Officer duties.

"I do know how a Task Group works, so job security I hope," Ryon smiled, in truth losing his ship hurt. Looking in Ledeya's direction, Ryon asked, "How much did Neil tell you?" It was a question born from paranoia, but one in trying to figure out how much he could tell his old friend.

Ledeya looked at the man and shook her head. In truth, the new Task Force Commander hadn't told her much at all. "Enough to make an informed decision, but not enough to let me fully in on the situation and implement me in anything untoward." The woman said without a moment's hesitation. There was no need to lie or bend the truth with him.

Deciding to leave the whole story to the classified database, Ryon nodded. "Just know that everything that happened was best for the Federation." Changing topics a bit to get away from the still raw topic, he asked, "So, Strategic Operations, what happened to your last officer?"

Ledeya was sure the man thought that but she wondered if he would live to forget what happened with Rhea and the chaos it had caused to the task group. "The ship hasn't had one since dry dock. I wasn't sure if it was needed or whether the role could be split between Intelligence and Security. But seeing my Security and Intelligence Officers are a married pair who are... well let us just say there are still only technically married it is difficult and you were so handily available."

Rubbing his head a little as he considered the situation, Ryon replied, "That isn't good." Despite everything else he felt, he was at peace with his current place in life. The emotional toll of everything else would be for him to talk about with the ship's Counselor as time passed. "I look forward to digging into my new job," he replied honestly.

"No it isn't but you are here now." The woman said positively as she put a hand on his and squeezed softly. "Take the time you need." She said pointedly as her commbadge went off. "Ehestri here." She answered without a moment's hesitation.

"Captain we seem to have lost contact with the away team the moment the power came on below." A male voice said.

Ryon fought the urge to reply to the request, it was only a short time ago that it would have been his job. With a nod, he followed Ledeya out of the Ready Room as he more or less dismissed himself. "Thank you," he said to his old friend as his departing words.

"We are on our way." Was all the woman could say as they moved to the Bridge and the next disaster unfolding.

OFF::

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

Commander Adamya Ryon
Chief of Strategic Operations
USS Cosmos