Reunion Pt 4

Posted on Tue Nov 1st, 2022 @ 2:31am by Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Remal Kajun

Mission: Planet of the Dinosaurs
Location: Shuttle Bay

The crew dispersed after the meeting, heading back to pack what had survived the crash into duffles and cases to prepare to leave. Quarters were left as they were, utility cupboards cleared out of anything useful before the proverbial windows would be thrown open. They didn't have enough working weapons to go around, and so people took what they could, a kitchen knife, ceremonial daggers and swords, even a slingshot used by a child on the holodeck. The Captain waited until everyone had left, resting up against a damaged shuttle until just she and Remal remained in the cavernous space.

"I think they took it as well as could be expected" she mused, dropping to sit on one of the small landing struts.

“They did. They all look up to you for leadership and direction. I can see why it troubles you to leave all of this behind.” He was speaking of their past and the time she spent working at a desk, as well as their future and the visions they’ve seen which he knew affected them each tremendously.

She looked at him, a plethora of emotions flickering across her face before it settled into a determined gaze “ We need to to keep everyone alive, what happens after this happens. Nothing is set in stone and although we’ve both seen things, we can’t live our lives assured that they will come to pass” She admitted, although it sounded like she was trying to convince herself more than anything.

He barely held onto his own series of questions which burst forth, “How long until the scouting party returns? And, would it be prudent to leave a repair team behind with rations and such, just in case?” He felt someone should stay behind to repair the ship and let anyone who came looking for them know where they had gone off to. Staying behind would be difficult but worthwhile.

“I’ve thoughts about that, a small team to get things under control once the smoke clears, ensure the distress beacon is working and the like - I may ask for some volunteers, although my gut tells me we shouldn’t separate the crew more than absolutely necessary” Rhenora replied as she cast her eyes downward for a minute. Those who were left behind would have to fend for themselves against goodness knows what.

“You’re worried about leaving people behind, I get it.” He was trying to lift her up and give her the strength she needed. “It looks like there is at least a shuttle or two that didn’t take too much damage. We could have regular trips to and from the ship. A rotation of workers to make her fly again. A handful of engineers and a small security team to guard them?” He was only offering a solution to a problem but he was unsure of how she would take the idea. He understood her need to be a momma bear. His primary focus was her and her mental health.

"I am, but you're right, I think it's necessary" she admitted as she rose to her feet and embraced him, drawing on his strength. "Thank you for having my back, and being my rationale, always"

He returned her embrace, "of course, we have each other's back if I recall our vows correctly." At that moment a young yeoman approached and stopped with a low salute.

"Ma'am, the shuttle reports they will return shortly. They believe they've found a suitable location but it will be a bit of a walk." He then turned and addressed Remal, "Sir, you've been requested back in medical. Something about an outburst and some trauma."

Remal raised his brow and fought the urge to remain at Rhen's side. His motto of 'I go where she goes' would have to bend when someone needed his professional services. "Alright, but we need to begin prepping for departure. Don't want to get left behind." He waited for the yeoman to turn around before he planted a kiss upon her ridges. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Try not to crash the shuttle." He joked to liven her spirits.

“ Who says I’m driving? I’ll walk like everyone else, unless someone thinks we can shuttle 600 people in a few working shuttles. The wounded and children take the shuttles, the rest of us can do it the old fashioned way.” She knew it wasn’t going to be as easy as that, but she knew people were looking up for her example, and that example she would provide, no matter the discomfort.

“See? I knew you’d have a plan in motion. What do you need me for?” He grinned ear to ear. “I’ll see you before we head out, promise.” He concluded as he turned and walked away before she could tempt him to stay with her any longer. Like she always said, duty called.

She watched him leave, ever willing to do whatever was necessary to get the job done. She loved him for that, among many many other reasons. She would see him before they left - it was just a matter of time.