Reunion
Posted on Fri Feb 16th, 2024 @ 11:25am by Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Commander Jenna Ramthorne & Remal Kajun
Mission:
Character Development
Location: Bajor - Drakkar Province
Timeline: Current-ish
Rhenora had chosen to sit outside in the sand by the water, the cool air blowing her hair that hung loose around her shoulders. Clad only in a light dress she relished the kiss of the cool breeze on her skin, a welcome relief from the constant restricting warmth of the thick standard uniform she wore most of the time. The sun had begun its descent towards the horizon, taking with it any residual warmth and casting the sky with colours of ochre, pink and purple. It was magnificent to behold.
It had taken only a few minutes to get the flight logs for the Captain's shuttle in order to track her to a small village in the Drakkar Province on Bajor. She figured once there, she could ask the locals for directions, or she could scan for bio signs that matched and then show up in a more dramatic fashion. Either way, her entrance would be a surprise and with the woman on vacation and pregnant she chose not to over do it.
She strolled into the shuttle bay command bridge like she belonged there. Her Commander pips gave her authority few would question. "I need a shuttle prepped and ready for departure, something fast." She said with a commanding voice that said no noes would be discussed.
The young Ensign swiveled slightly, just enough to catch the tunic color and not much more. "Type IX Shuttle Endeavor is ready for flight on Pad 6C."
Jenna touched the Ensign's shoulder and gave it a small squeeze, "Perfect Ensign, clear me for launch will ya." She said as she made for the door without a second glance back over her shoulder.
The type IX was a sleek model of innovation. It was really no faster or slower than other shuttles, however it looked faster and ran smoother. Her general tactile feel was simply cleaner and more responsive. Jenna dropped her luggage just inside the hatch, still carting it around as though she had no idea where she would end up. She did, but a part of her was still waiting for that confirmation.
Preflight checks done, she took a moment to get a 'feel' for the controls. Then getting the okay for departure from the control tower, she lifted off the desk, let out a breath and punched it to full impulse while still in the bay. The engines revved up quickly before releasing a burst of energy, knocking over several containers and at least two people in the process. But she was launched forward and out of the Sunfire where she then turned and set course for Bajor.
As the air cooled the water seemed to take on an almost translucent quality, utterly tranquil in its being yet constantly changing. It was beautiful in its simplicity and Rhenora could feel herself being drawn to this place. Despite the chill and the now gnawing hunger she didn't want to go inside. There was something that needed her to remain where she was.
Remal had appeared and brought with him a shawl and a small assortment of morsels, accompanied by a glass of wine. They were silent in their company, an easy quiet that needed no words to express how much it meant to both of them. Nothing that needed to be done, no one that needed them, just peace.
The shuttle entered the atmosphere like an asteroid and looking like a fireball streaking across the sky. She didn't slow down until she neared the landing padd in the village, where she cut full impulse and went to thrusters just before landing. The result was a subtle sonic boom that traveled across the valley. Even as she touched down, she was already scanning the area for Rhenora's bio signs and her communication badge, the easiest way to pinpoint a Starfleet officer. The computer response placed her and Remal about a Kilometer and a half just outside the village, along a mountain path next to a large lake.
Jenna grabbed her shoulder bag with the data PADD and her bag of luggage, just in case, and stepped out into the streets. She was immediately greeted with confused faces probably wondering what the hurry was and who this new stranger was that had disrupted their peace. Jena just nodded, smiled, aimed herself up the path and started walking at an increased pace.
As she traversed the path she focused on her destination but also tried to take in the surrounding beauty of the scenery. She had been here before, or close to here. The last time though, was during the wedding of her friend and Captain and the time before that the province was on fire. Now, it had recovered and was full of green, full of life. The air itself smelled new, which in a way, it was.
Before long Jenna arrived at a path leading off the main which was darted with fresh earth and grass. Autumn had set in, and most of the leaves were gone from the trees allowing Jenna to see a partially completed cabin made from stone and wood and beyond, a lake shimmering in the light of the setting sun. She paused as she recalled Rhenora talking about the cabin Remal had built for her and immediately having a sense of understanding for the other side of life she had never had the experience of having. Like a window into Rhenora and Remals little peaceful universe.
Other than an odd feeling on the back of her neck, like she was being watched, Jenna proceeded up the path. She kept her eyes on the beach in distance, a good third of a kilometer. It was only as she approached the cabin when she caught a subtle movement near the water. Something in her redirected her, like a feeling or a force, she turned and moved off towards the waters. It was only as she approached the edge of the beach, her feet falling silently into the sand that she finally recognized the hulking figure of Remal standing over a chair, like a forever guardian. She couldn't help but smile.
Pausing for a beat, Jenna pressed forward until she was only a few feet behind where she abruptly cleared her throat loud enough for them both to hear. She immediately felt 13 again.
Remal turned first. The blood quickly drained away as shock set in. Not only could he not believe who was standing there but the fact they were there at all. He did not give away the surprise.
Rhenora turned quietly, sensing Remal's lack of protectiveness at whoever this was that was visiting them in their private oasis.
"A blast from the past I see. I must say I didn't expect you to be the one I would see at this moment in time" she finally found her voice after a myriad of emotions warred for dominance within her.
The awkward smile on Jenna faded. It wasn't the response she was hoping for but was definitely closer to what was expected. Afterall, they had not parted ways on the best of terms. "Sorry to intrude on you while on vacation." She pulled out the PADD from her shoulder satchel. "I've been reinstated, but my position and work orders have been encrypted to your eyes only. So..." She stepped forward and handed the data PADD off to Rhenora while casting a timid glance at Remal for moral support.
Remal returned the look and then placed a comforting hand on Rhenora's shoulder, "I'll let the two of you handle your affairs." He then turned and headed back to the cabin for a refill of wine and a third glass for their guest.
Rhenora took advantage of the change, patting the second chair situated next to her and encouraging Jenna to sit. A lot of water had gone under the bridge since the two of them had last seen each other, and their circumstances had significantly changed.
"I meant no disrespect, nor any malice." The Captain started, her voice calm as the water. "It has been some time since we last saw you, and the circumstances were... difficult" She chose her words carefully, trying not to offend but also trying to offer hope for the future. She raised the PADD for an instant before letting it drop, unread.
"Save me the effort, I want to hear it in your own words," the Bajoran said finally "Not some pompous Admiral, we've had enough of those lately" There was a half-assed laugh and a smirk of the lips.
Jenna took the offered chair and sat down into it, then looked at her friend, her Captain in the light of the fire and the last light of the setting sun. "I wanted to talk to you sooner. You know I never meant to hurt you, or the ship. In fact I left so that you wouldn't get dragged into the fight between me and LeeAnna and Victor Sr." Jenna sighed, "Long story short, the courts ran me through the ringer, stripped me of my title and rank, but none of it mattered."
Her face showed her honesty and her eyes sincerity as she continued, "I had already lost everything in my pursuit of seeing it through. She had programmed me for vengeance and made me into a tool. I lost the baby. I lost Vic. I lost the Sunfire and Laria. And worst of all I let you down. So, in the end, I spent 3 years undergoing rehabilitation and the last 3 recovering from depression and rediscovering who I am meant to be."
"You're right. The PADD undoubtedly doesn't tell you all of that. Probably something as simple as 'she is under probation in your custody' or something, but... well there it is, all out on the table." She smiled a half-hearted smile. Remal, now standing next to her, offered her a glass of Springwine which she took with a slight bow of her head. "All I know is, I take my orders from you, and you alone." Jenna glanced at Rhenora's stomach, then back up. "Pregnant or otherwise."
There was a pause as Rhenora digested the information. It sounded like things had gone from bad to worse after Jenna had left the Sunfire all those years ago. "I'm sorry, for you losses" she said simply and honestly.
Her eyes returned to the water and she took the serenity from the gentle ebb and flow. "We welcome you back. But there may be a change of command that I can't do anything about. Have you heard of a Commander Jennifer Baldric?"
Jenna could feel the honest sincerity in Rhenora's voice, a voice she had dearly missed. Sort of like hearing her momma's voice only without the murdering stuff involved. "Oh, I met with her briefly before I arrived planet-side. She clearly appeared to be trying to make a name for herself. But you're not done yet, the Captain I knew would not allow a pregnancy slow her down."
There was an odd pause in Jenna's voice as she remembered her own early days of pregnancy and her flight from the Sunfire, Rhenora begging her not to leave. "Anyway, if I'm to serve under her, then so be it, but there will have to be a transition period, right? I'm not certain I'm ready to function without a familiar form of leadership." She admitted honestly.
"Oh there'll be transition alright, and she'll learn that she needs to show respect to earn respect. All the bravado in the universe isn't going to get her anywhere on this ship" Rhenora replied earnestly. "She's so eager to sit in the chair that she doesn't know how to lead people" She shook her head sadly.
"I will be taking some time off, most likely here on Bajor" The words hung in the air for a moment "The length of that time is yet to be determined" She neglected to fill Jenna in on the prophesy that had been hanging over her head for what seemed like years.
"Time off sounds, nice." Jenna started. "You've earned the break. So... upstart aside, tell me about Rhenora and Remal. How have the two of you been since the last time we've seen one another? Catch me up a bit on what I've missed." Her voice was pleading for connection, while in her mind she was already reconsidering the obstacles that were lying ahead. She could tell Rhenora was jumping right back into things as though Jenna had never left, but Jenna was still outside looking in.
Suddenly, without warning, Remal reached down and wrapped his large arms around Jenna in a bear hug embrace. "It's good to see you again. Truly." He whispered in her ear before standing again, "she needs you."
Jenna let out an 'oof' and then smiled at the unexpected embrace. He provided her with a sense of purpose in those three little words. She gave him a slow nod, her eyes blinking in understanding.
"It's been pretty much like that for the past few years. You know, bear hugging old friends, squaring off against pouncy admirals, you know, the usual" the chill was growing more pronounced as the moon's rose high on the sky, casting silvery glows on the water. "Please, stay with us a while. There's a fireplace, food and wine, and the couch is yours if you want it" Rhenora levered herself to her feet and padded her way along the sandy path with bare feet towards the cabin. It was nearly finished, and she hoped it would be before the depths of winter truly set in.
Jenna rose and eyed Remal who shrugged. It was getting colder outside now that the sun was setting. The nearby trees had lost most of their leaves indicating winter was around the corner. Together they walked towards the unfinished cabin which Jenna was instantly curious about. She was under the impression it was complete a long time prior, so how had it come to this? As she entered the cabin she still had a feeling like someone was watching them from the shadows.
TBC
