STF

The Return

Posted March 21, 2021, 8:44 p.m. by Lieutenant Junior Grade Issac Forgrave (Chief of Security) (William Deaton)

Posted by Lieutenant Bethany Kovra Gadi (Counselor) in The Return

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Issac Forgrave (Chief of Security) in The Return

Posted by Lieutenant Bethany Kovra Gadi (Counselor) in The Return
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
“Well, if I ever turn down a cup ‘a coffee, you’ll know I’m the imposter!” Issac chuckled; no matter the time or situation, he was always up for coffee. “Well, I do try ta keep an eye on things; I know we miss stuff, but as it goes… well, I reckon Store’s liquor still ain’t high on my list of concerns…” He shook his head; “I figure there’s always gonna be trouble; way I see it, it might be best to let them get away with the little stuff. And hopefully try ta keep an eye on it!”

“From a counseling stand point, a little bit of trouble is good for venting off the steam and pressure that builds up. We agree on that point. Did you ever come up with a good use for that security system? Oh by the way, there’s a newer version on my shuttle. Fair warning.” Luna was making the rounds, or as far as she could get anyway, getting attention from just about anyone. She had been a regular site before Bethany left and she was glad to see her antics brought smiles to those around the room. “Okay so I know there is a decent coffee in this system somewhere, but no one ever told me which one it was.”

Issac couldn’t help the exasperated sigh, or the resigned grin. “Yeah.... it’s ‘Forgrave’s brew’. And that ain’t hubris; Stores developed the recipe based off of coffee I brewed, and despite my best efforts; well, the name remains.”

Bethany turned away to hid the grin on her face and quietly ordered two of “Forgrave’s brew” from the replicator. She turned back, sipping the coffee, looking almost relaxed for the moment, she passed Issac the other one. Luna was hopping around making herself known to everyone and Bethany dropped the leash so she could wander a bit further.

Self-admittedly, Issac wasn’t the most observant man; at least when it came to such things as feelings or emotions. But he thought he could sense some trepidation in the returned Counselor. “Ya know, pardon me fer mentioning it, but ya don’t seem quite as thrilled ta be back as I mighta expected. Not that I think the sun shines outta my backside or nothing! But uh; I reckon you didn’t exactly get the warmest of welcomes when ya first came aboard, ta be honest.”

-Forgrave, CoS

Bethany covered her mouth quickly as she started to laugh. “I think we’d have a problem if the sun did. But I couldn’t have asked for a nicer welcome back escort.” She looked around the room, nodding to several people. As far as the lower ranks and enlisted went, Bethany had a good repour with them. “Ah don’t mine me, I’m just a bit maudlin. It was a hard trip away; it didn’t end well. My first go round was rough, no doubt about it. Too many people ill at ease.” She turns a smile his way, “I’m tougher than I look. It will all work out, and truth be told despite my rocky acceptance, there are certain things that make coming back to Dresden well worth it.”
Lt Gadi, CNS

“Well, I’m glad ta hear it; I know the crew’s been looking forward to your return; I think we’ve all been looking for some stability. And if nothing else, Luna’s damn good for softening any rough starts.” He grinned at the aforementioned lapin’s antics. “And though I can’t say I’m all that well versed in any other ships… well, the Dresden does seem special. Maybe that’s just her lineage or history, as uh, bloody as it may be… Not like that’s unique, but I reckon fer good or ill, violence brings people together.”

Forgrave, CoS

Bethany nodded. She knew all about the Dresden’s history, having been briefed by those that had actually served on her, directly. “Violence does do that, near death as well. Brings people closer, but isolates them as well.” She laughed as Luna drew a small crowd that was now feeding her lettuce, carrots and fruit. She had a better way of distracting the masses than Bethany did. “She almost seems to understand, doesn’t she?” Bethany sipped the coffee again, she had no idea what the specific recipe was, but it was good.
Lt Gadi, CNS

“Hey Bethany!” a crewman over near Luna’s crowd called, “You got those treats she likes?” Bethany pulled a small square wallet looking container out of her pocket and tossed to the crewman. He proceeded to take several out and hold them out for Luna. She took the first one, but after that the crewmen attempted to get her to do tricks, and Luna was having none of it. She stomped her foot impatiently but refused to perform for the man. Her stubbornness brought more laughter from the small crowd. Apparently there was only one person she was willing to do tricks for.

Issac was never able to resist the antics of critters, and Luna was no exception. He managed to stifle a guffaw, but a chortle still escaped. A few of the crew gave him a bit of side-eye; he had developed a bit of a reputation for seriousness. “I always figured critters are a bit more attuned ta emotions; them being non-verbal and all. Words don’t carry meaning ta them, so they gotta pick up on posture and whatnot. End of the day though… well, I reckon they’re almost as good as a Betazoid; ‘least compared ta some.” Issac’s brain caught up with his mouth a moment later; and his face colored. “Er, no offense meant, of course!”

-Forgrave, CoS

Bethany side-eyed him herself, but with a slight grin, from where she was standing beside him against the wall. She had to agree with him. It was one reason she brought Luna to her office. She had a way of giving comfort and calmness to the people who stepped into her office. And sometimes it was easier to talk to someone who was incapable of telling your secrets. Her grin turned bigger at his slip and not really thinking about it she bumped her shoulder against his in shared laughter. “No offense taken, I’m not much of a Betazoid anyway.” Bethany could only sense very strong emotions and if anyone had the mental discipline to simply think about wanting to keep their thoughts and feelings private, Bethany would read a thing. She felt herself lucky to be half human and having grown up on Earth. Her lack of talent was looked down upon on Betazed.
Lt Gadi, CNS

“Well, whatever ya are, yer a fine addition to the crew; even if you’re being upstaged by a rabbit.” Bethany’s grin was infectious, and Issac made no real attempt to hide its spread across his face. He was genuinely glad for Bethany’s return; and not just for the opportunity to play with the demanding Luna. The counselor was fine company; despite his initial misgivings of her race and background, they had been quickly overshadowed by her genuine kindness and compassion. The fact that their upbringings had more than a few similarities didn’t hurt things either.

“Ay boss, ain’t there rules against fraternization?” Issac’s eyes shot over to a young security officer; Dangar, if his memory served. Dangar’s grin grew threefold at the glare from his boss; he had a reputation as a bit of a joker, and he was determined to exceed expectations.
“Don’t you got decks ta scrub, ensign?” Issac’s tone was fierce, but his glowing red face and scalp took the heat out of it; his embarrassment was palpable.

-Forgrave, CoS

Bethany’s attention was turned from Forgrave and Luna’s antics to stare at the young ensign and so she wasn’t aware of how red Forgrave had turned. Bethany really wasn’t sure what came over her. Maybe it was the fact she finally had some coffee in her system, maybe she was too raw from losing her patient, maybe it was that she didn’t want Forgrave teased on her account, or maybe life had just been too serious and she needed to let off some steam. She turned her gaze on the very young Dangar and began to make her way towards him, her eyes never leaving his face. The only word that could describe her stride would be ‘sacheted.’ She stopped right at his table, “Oh bless yur sweet young heart. I suppose I can’t hold it against ya’ll that ya’ll weren’t raised ta know the difference between good manners an’ fraternization.” She waited and waited a bit longer looking from him to the chair and then sighed, rather delicately. She sat down, crossing her legs at the ankles and then tucking them slightly under the chair, and gave the ensign her full undivided, southern belle attention. “‘Tis a sad day when a gentleman doesn’t have the manners ta hold a chair out for a lady.” Her voice had changed just a bit. It had always been there, but Bethany actually had a delicate southern accent. Usually not quite so pronounced when she was working due to her focus on having a professional attitude. Now it was slightly more evident. Forgrave would certainly notice it for what it was, simply her accent making itself known and not a jab at him. Others in the room would probably not notice or if they did not place it.

Dangar sat stock still; caught like a deer in headlights - he had in no way expected anything more than a distant, easily-shrugged off warning. He managed to mumble a few indistinguishable words in his defense, but he knew he was caught dead to rights by the feisty counselor. In a rare display of intelligence; he shut his mouth - though his eyes begged, pleaded, and all but screamed for an escape. Of course, none of his fellows came to his aid.
For his part, Issac made an attempt to ‘casually’ cover his mouth; but even hidden, his smile was impossible to miss - it was all but literally stretching from ear to ear; his embarrassment mostly forgotten - if not transposed to Dangar.

She leaned forward just a bit, chin on hand and watched the young man curiously. “I find it simply fascinatin’ how obsessed young officers are with the ‘fraternization’ of the senior staff. Perhaps we should schedule an appointment to discuss this obsession? It certainly can’t be healthy for ya to be focused on such distractin’ thoughts while on duty. And, certainly, I would feel safer if you could be more focused.” She sat there a moment longer just to make the young man squirm. Then she got up, taking her coffee with her and walked away to the sound of snickers and ribbing at the young man’s expense.

Luna had become bored and had now made her way back over toward Forgrave. She seemed to understand that her favorite person shouldn’t be seen with a tiny fluff ball. She hunkered down between his boot and the wall, understanding she was tiny and easily stepped on. Bethany returned to his side, which a mischievous grin on her face.
Lt Gadi, CNS

Issac squatted down, gently picking up Luna and holding the small bun in his arms and scratching her ears absently. “Poor Dangar… I reckon he earned that, though.... hell, I’d be surprised if I hear a peep outa him for the next few weeks after that drubbing ya gave him!” The grin was still stretched across his face, though it had softened a bit. He scoffed and shook his head as Dangar got up, slinking out of the room. “He’s needed ta have the wind outa his sails for a bit now; though I ain’t been sure the best way ta do it - been worried that cracking down on him hard would just make him resentful; so I reckon I might owe ya one for that!”

-Forgrave, CoS

Luna was in heaven. She settled down onto Issac’s arm, and if a rabbit could sigh in contentment, she would have as she scratched her ears. Her bunny eyes probably rolled in pleasure, too. Bethany unclipped the leash that was dangling and tucked it into a pocket. “Ah he’ll be fine. Dangar has a reputation of being able ta take it. The problem is he’s better than his compatriots at dishin’ it. It’s not often someone gets the better of him. He’ll be a few days figure out how ta get back at me. And I’ll let him. And if he’s not over it, well he needed a good trouncing. It’s better for ‘im ta take it out on me than on sumone in the department.” Bethany glanced around as she sipped the coffee. “Mmmm…this is really good and I am all too happy ta give you the credit. So shall we stay or make an all too obvious exit?” She was grinning. The incident seemed to have lightened her mood and she was willing to be the center of some good natured gossip.
Lt Gadi, CNS

“Well, if ‘all too obvious’ is your goal… I think now is as good as it’s gonna get!” Still absently rubbing Luna’s ears, Issac ambled towards the hatch; shooting a grin at the unfortunate Dangar. “Now, I ain’t much for gossip, but I reckon that performance will get some jaws moving… Any bets on what rumor sweeps the ship first?

-Forgrave, CoS


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