As returns go...

Posted on Mon Sep 16th, 2024 @ 3:07pm by Commodore Finchley Kerr & Lieutenant Commander Isabelle Savette

1,065 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: The 'Eagle continues.
Location: Chief Counselors Office
Timeline: Current.

It was strange being back on the Blackeagle again. As he wandered the ship, Finchley could, 'in his minds eye', see the former crew walking and talking, sharing their news or discussing their duties or having a laugh.

As was customary when on a new assignment, he was due to check in with the Counseling department for a check up so now was as good a time as any being he 'had' the time.

Walking up to the offices, he pressed the buzzer and waited to see if anyone was available.

Isabelle had been passing the door when the chime rang so she answered it, opening the door she was surprised to see Finchley outside the door. “Captain!” She offered a smile. “Now this is a surprise, please come in.”

Finchley smiled back and on entering replied, "Thank you Counselor. I was wondering if you had time for my evaluation just now?"

“By all means” Isabelle smiled warmly motioning Finchley to take a seat. “Make yourself comfortable, how have you been?”

"Thank you" Finchley replied, taking an offered seat. "Well, work wise off of the Blackeagle, busy, but I can't really say anything about that, I hope you understand. Coming back here however...it's an odd feeling, almost like I'm an observer. Not that I have anything to say that is out of place or bad, it just feels odd as I say."

“I can imagine” Isabelle nodded. “It feels odd to be back here myself. I spent time back on my homeworld whilst awaiting reassignment then I get called back here.”

"Did they say why?" Finchley asked.

Isabelle shook her head. “Nope, not one word. Just that I was reassigned to the ship. I haven’t even met our new CO yet.”

"I'm in the same boat, no idea why I was recalled here" Finchley said, "however, I can say that it's kind of nice to be back. Ordinarily I don't particularly have any sentiment for a ship I serve on, but this ship is different, there's something about it that I can't put my finger on. Maybe I'm getting sentimental in my old age" he smiled.

Isabelle grinned. “That’s very possible. Besides there’s nothing wrong with being sentimental. So... I guess you’re not part of command this time?”

"No, I'm Intelligence Fleet covert operations" Finchley replied, "that's basically fancy speak for head of Intelligence. It suits me though, after all, Intelligence has been my home department for a while now, so instead of making the decisions, I advise and then follow out the orders decided. What have you heard about our mission?"

“Absolutely nothing so far” Isabelle shook her head. “It’s all shrouded in mystery so far, I need to report in so maybe I’ll learn more then.”

"No problem, I shan't keep you, best that you report in to the Captain" Finchley replied, "unless you needed to ask me anything else?"

Isabelle shook her head. “I don’t suppose you have any ideas what our mission is?”

"Basically, the Romulan Empire is on the verge of collapse, their home world is in a really bad way, so much so that at one point it was thought that it could be a possible wipe out, close to extinction in fact. The Federation's been monitoring the situation, scared that the Romulans may try some forceful tactics along the border, and there have been a few instances involving some of their ships, but they're only minor. I have heard that a new home world was being looked into for them, but the sheer size and scope of the operation will be so vast and will take a concerted effort by all involved."

Isabelle nodded. “That would be one hell of an undertaking, but it would go a long way to building relations with the Romulans if they could be provided a new home.”

"I still don't trust the Tal Shiar though, I just have a feeling in my bones that they'll try and meddle with the help we're offering" Finchley replied.

Isabelle nodded. “That’s very possible, it’d be the perfect time.”

"I'm hoping to speak with the Captain, see if I can find anything out" Finchley said. "If he agrees, it'll likely mean going off ship to try and infiltrate their ranks. Is that something you'd be interested in?"

Isabelle nodded. “Sure, besides you might find my little nanite friends useful.” She offered a smile. “Since our last encounter I’ve learned how to... shall we say, care for them? They’re a part of me, and I know how to put them to good use if needed.”

Finchley nodded, "That would be a very good advantage indeed. I'm intrigued, are you able to communicate with them in any way, as in, can you in effect 'speak' to them and if you can, do they answer?"

“To be honest I’ve never tried communicating with them. I’m not sure if it works that way.” Isabelle shrugged her shoulders. “I’ve learned how to adapt.”

"It would be pretty neat if you could communicate directly with them" Finchley replied, "think of the time saved on them being able to carry out tasks 'we' can't physically do" he added, gesturing between Isabelle and himself.

“The thing is we don’t really know what these nanites are capable of, they were adapted to cause catastrophe and I’d rather not risk letting that programming free.”

"Why not try communicating with them and if you're able to, tell them that, you're their host after all" Finchley replied.

Isabelle wasn’t sure. “I’d need someone from engineering to help with that, someone who knows what they’re doing when it comes to nanites.”

"Well, it's a consideration at least" Finchley replied. He stood up and walked to the replicator and got a small glass of water, drinking it over in one go. Looking back at Isabelle he said, "Right, if there's nothing else, I'll let you go see the Captain and I'll get back to my office."

“In that case I won't hold you up” Isabelle smiled warmly. “It’s been nice talking to you, and good to have you back.”

"And you as well Commander, I hope your meeting with the Captain goes well" Finchley answered. Turning, he headed out of Isabelle's office and back to his own.

 

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