An unlikely shadow.

Posted on Fri Jan 26th, 2024 @ 12:10pm by Commander Shr'Nesh Karadis & Lieutenant Commander Isabelle Savette

1,159 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Investigate the Chintoka Shipyard Buildup
Location: Karadis Quarters
Timeline: Current.

Her talk with Finchley over, Isabelle made her way to talk to Karadis. If the two of them were going to be spending more time together, then it was only fair to give Karadis a heads up. Arriving at her quarters she pressed the chime and awaited an answer.

Inside, Karadis was about to turn in for the night. However, when she heard her door chime, she stopped and looked round. It was late, why would anyone come to her door now?

It wasn’t an emergency, she’d have been contacted by COMM’s if it was. Picking up a small fruit knife, she palmed it, placed her hands behind her back, then called out “Who is it?”

Isabelle heard Karadis’ voice. “It’s me Isabelle, I’m sorry to disturb you so late. I need to talk to you.”

Relieved to hear a familiar voice, Karadis put the fruit knife back on the table and turned back to the door. In her head, she was trying to figure out why Isabelle was coming to see her so late, should she have been concerned?

“Come In Lieutenant” she said, pressing the door release.

Walking in Isabelle offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry to drop by so late, you’ll probably get a call from the Captain in the morning about this anyway.” She paused. “You’re going to be assigned to...more or less be my guard, or companion. The Captain is worried about the Borg risk, where my nanites are concerned. During on duty hours you’ll be shadowing me, making sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I just thought you should hear it from me.”

“That’s uh…” Karadis began, “…an unusual duty for me Sir. I’m happy to do as the Captain asks, of course. I’m assuming that means I’ll basically be your shadow so to speak, but I do have to ask two things. First, why me, second, what happens during your off duty time, I mean, it’s not like I imagine the nanites keep just office hours?”

Isabelle offered an understanding nod of her head. “That was my first question actually! During off duty hours I think you’re free to do your own thing, I’ll most likely be monitored by Security day and night anyway, as well as by you. Though you’re always welcome to stay if needs be.” She smiled warmly. “I’m due to be examined by the scientists and specialists once they’re ready for me, to see if there’s anything they can do.”

“I would think Security would have a tracer on you” Karadis replied, “and as for me, if you need me to stay after duty hours I’m happy to. I don’t much like the idea of you being examined, makes it sound like you’re a lab rat.”

Isabelle shrugged her shoulders as she walked over to the sofa and sat down for a moment. “If that’s what I have to be then so be it! After what happened to Dex I’m surprised I’m not under guard anyway.” She paused. “Karadis, would you mind staying with me when I go for these tests? You’re the nearest thing I have to a friend here.”

Karadis was stunned to say the least, she’d never had herself referred even closely to being the nearest thing to a friend by anyone before.

“Yes, yes of course I will” she replied, “and if they start any kind of bullshit I’ll can them, sod the Captain.”

Now that Isabelle had put it out there, she then added, “and thank you for being so open with me, I never think of myself as having friends, only work colleagues and acquaintances.”

"Well now you have a friend." Isabelle smiled warmly. "I've never really had much in the way of friendships outside work, the usual professional acquaintances, get togethers with the crew, and so on. It'll be nice to have someone I can actually call a friend."

Klingons didn’t normally blush, but Karadis did feel her cheeks going warm. She quickly stood up and walked over to the replicator, as did so she asked, “So what’s a general day like for you, if you have such a thing?”

“A general day for me...” Isabelle smiled. “It’s split between my love of being on the bridge, doing what I can to help there, and spending time with those who need my help. Not just for Counselling, but also for help with disputes between colleagues, which I’ll admit is rare, and evaluations when needed. How about you?”

Karadis nodded as Isabelle spoke. When asked about her own, she did have to pause. “Well, in an odd sort of way, it kind of mirrors some of yours. I to spend some time on the bridge, though that’s mostly because I’m try to prevent Kerr killing Kilbane for being an arse most of the time. As the Senior Non-Comm, I bridge any problems between below deck and above. I’m an infiltration specialist, so I spend time looking over reports pertaining to the current mission at the time, deciphering the pro’s and con’s of any actions required.”

She looked an Isabelle and added, “It’s never really occurred to me how similar in basics our two duties are, isn’t that funny!”

Isabelle nodded. “I guess we’re more alike than we thought.” She offered a warm smile. “Given my abilities, and background with Betazed intelligence I could have worked in intel but I’m actually finding being a Counsellor more fun! There’s more freedom, and I get to deal with a wide range of issues.”

“You know, it’s odd” Karadis said, “I never figured Betazed to have an Intelligence branch. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you have, it’s just…it seems out the ordinary. You have all these natural capabilities already, isn’t an Intelligence branch kind of redundant?”

“Not really” Isabelle shook her head. “As you’d expect law enforcement is extremely important in a society like ours, there are those who use their abilities for nefarious things. Plus reading another’s thoughts without permission is considered a crime. We have organised crime just like anyone else, hence the need for Intel.”

“Yes, you’re absolutely right, I stand corrected” Karadis replied with a laugh. She had the feeling this was going to be a good friendship, something they both needed.

It was at that moment her COMM sounded and the Captain required her presence immediately.

“Well, we can pick this up again tomorrow Lieutenant, thanks for your openness and honesty” she finished.

"It's been nice talking to you Karadis" Isabelle smiled warmly.

Once Isabelle had gone, Karadis got changed into uniform ad made her way to meet the Captain.

{OFF}

 

RSS Feed