Icebreaker (part 3)

Posted on Thu Aug 25th, 2016 @ 1:04pm by Commodore Samantha York & Commander Alexandra Vance

1,089 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Shadow Dance
Location: CO's Ready Room
Timeline: Immediately after "Getting Answers"

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

Alexandra scoffed looking away from Sam dismissively. She stared out the nearest window to the stars seemingly looking beyond the glass for light years lost in the vast emptiness that was space. "My father is too wrapped up in his own pet projects for such discussions. For him, it's always the mission. He has turned Morat into his own personal crusade for some reason even though he wasn't the one that was whipped and rotted in that cell." Vance's words became sharper as she spoke of the whipping and confinement.

"He just wants to clear his conscience at the expense of his better judgment."

[NEW]

Sam made a mental note of that. It added to her theory that Jethro Vance was deeply involved in Morat's revenge. "Then I have nothing more to say at this time," Sam said quietly.

Alexandra perked a brow crossing both her arms and legs noting York's expression. "Something's bothering you Samantha. Let it out, if we're going to be in this together we might as well stop with the secrets."

"You and your father have the same problem. Both of you think you're above the law. You both think you can handle Morat on your own," Sam said. "You won't talk to each other because you're too proud and stubborn. Maybe if you'd been honest with each other from the beginning, we wouldn't be in this mess right now."

Vance shook her head from side to side. "I'm sorry you feel that way but pride is not the reason I don't speak with my father. I have no secrets to hide from him, he knows the details of that mission. I don't speak with him because he simply hears nothing beyond his need to end Morat. The man is treating the situation like she has tormented him, as if HE has been victimized. I simply have no time for his self-loathing.

As for being above the law? If you think I haven't paid for my crimes then I'm afraid I have sorely misjudged you. Never again will I be able to sit by your side as the Calypso explores the stars. Never again will I be able to sit in the lounge and laugh alongside a crew. Never again will I have the opportunity to uphold the oath I took. Yes, Morat had a hand in this mess but ultimately I am accountable for MY actions. I made my decisions fully aware of this. I will face judgement, if not today then the next...." Alexandra paused to calm herself. She looked up at Sam with eyes genuinely filled with sorrow and regret. "You want to throw me in the brig, go ahead. You want to ship me off in a shuttle, go ahead. I'm not stopping you.....just don't you go getting yourself caught in this cycle, it's not worth it."

Sam sighed. "I don't know what conversations you and your father have had over the years. He may know what happened to you when you were imprisoned by Morat, but I don't know if you've told him what's happened recently. You clearly didn't see the need to inform anyone that you were going to fake your own death. All I know is that, in spite of what you have said here, you've shown a marked lack of trust in anyone but Amarylis Beckinsale.

"In the past, you questioned my ability to take care of myself on an away team, and to face a hostile enemy. You told me I don't have the experience necessary and you needed to protect me, and I didn't give up on you," Sam continued. "You faked your own death and left us to face the wrath of an enemy that is bent on punishing your family for some past grievance. And now, you get upset because I don't thank you for returning to us and take everything you say at face value. You've never really understood me, Alexandra. You don't know me now."

Sam stood. "I'm not throwing you or anyone in your family in the brig. I can't say the same for Starfleet, however. You need to tell them that you're alive and what you've done. They will decide what to do with you. As for your last comment, I'm not you. I'm not going to go after Morat, or seek revenge. I've turned over all the information I have to the proper authorities. They can take it from here. And you, Commander Vance, are free to leave."

Alexandra nodded rising from her seat. It was not the conclusion she had hoped for but it was the logical ending. Samantha was not entirely wrong, but not entirely right either. She adjusted the jumpsuit she was wearing at the waist straightening it out. "Then it appears our journey here has ended. I will arrange transport for both myself and my father. I'm certain Starfleet Intelligence will take care of Lieutenant Commander Tate when she has completed her task with you."

Alexandra stepped back finding an empty spot in the room preparing to beam herself elsewhere on the ship. "For what it's worth. I was wrong and I know that. Despite our differences I consider you a trusted friend and that is no small feat in itself. You are a strong leader, a great analytical thinker and you will do this ship and Starfleet proud. This crew should hold themselves lucky to have you as their Commanding Officer." She smiled. "Despite my actions deep down I know I did."

Her expression disappeared. "But the time for sentiments is over. Farewell Samantha."

"Good luck, Alexandra," Sam said. In spite of what the other woman said, Sam was concerned that Alexandra was too focused on Morat and what happened to be rational. Sam had tried to talk to her, to reason with her, but her words seemed to fall on deaf ears. "I hope you find what you're looking for."

"I had already found it, but I'm afraid a normal life just isn't in the cards for me." She said before tapping her chest causing the blue hue of the transporter beam to surround her and take her from the room.

Sam shook her head sadly. Alexandra may not have chosen what happened to her, but she'd chosen how she let it affect her life.

She slowly locked up her Ready Room and headed to her quarters. Right now, she just wanted to spend time with Damon.

____
OFF

Commander Alexandra Vance
Former Executive Officer

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

 

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