Traitorous Intent (Part I)

Posted on Mon Jan 31st, 2022 @ 5:24pm by Lieutenant JG Elizabeth Jackson & Lieutenant JG Talia "Phoenix" Richards & Lieutenant Aenar Torek & Lieutenant Bela Swain

1,008 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Eye of the Storm
Location: At the colony

ON

Lizzie walked into the shuttle bay with a bounce in her step. This was her first away mission in a coon's age. Most of the time she took care of the arboretum and hydroponics bay. But she could give advice to the colonists on how to help them get their crops back. Or she hoped so.

This was part of the job that Bela did not like. Her normal chipper demeanor was muted as she walked down to the shuttle bay. A counselor should help people, she reminded herself. It is my position to serve. But how do I serve when I am investigating for a traitor? she wondered. I'm not a weapon. Of course, a Vulcan might say that the needs of the many outweigh those of the few. Perhaps I am helping more people by finding this person. That thought refreshed her face as she entered the shuttlebay. Smiling at Lizzie, Bela said, "Hi! Who are you?"

"Elizabeth Jackson, but you can call me Lizzie. I'm a botanist."

"That's wonderful! I bet you have a really green thumb." With that, Bela approached Lizzie and took her hand and feigned looking for the color green on Lizzie's thumb. "By the way, my name is Bela Swain. Just call me Bela. I'm the Chief Counselor here."

"Hi," Lizzie replied, smiling. "Bleach does wonders for green thumbs."

"You're funny!" Bela replied, giving Lizzie a hug. "We're going to have a grand time on this away mission."

Lizzie grinned and hugged her back. "I hope you like cookies and ice cream," she said. "I plan to replicate lots, If I can."

"You can't replicate?" Bela asked with a giggle. "But of course I like cookies and ice cream. I can't imagine anyone that wouldn't. And if I could, I'd likely have to counsel them."

"I prefer homemade cookies, when I can. But replicated is good. I just don't want to take up replicator time needed for more important things."

"No matter where or how it comes into being, when done with care, it shows." She beamed at Lizzie. "And you're very thoughtful to others, too. Are you certain you're not a counselor?" Bela asked with a wink. "Perhaps some Risian blood?"

"Nope. I'm an Earth girl, through and through," Lizzie replied cheerfully. "I grew up in Nottingham, England." She was as much a fan of the history and lore of that part of the country as she was the flora.

Satt rolled in, field kit across his back, phaser rifle in his hands. He walked with easy, confident steps. This had always been the part of the job that had come naturally to him. No hugs this time around, he thought to himself. The Bolian nodded in the direction of the two women as he approached.

"Hi," Lizzie said, smiling at the Bolian.

Noticing Satt moving into the room, Bela could not help herself by heading over to him and giving him a warm hug. "Good to see you again. I guess we're going to be buddies again!"

Satt grimaced, but returned the hug, briefly. 'Yes ... buddies is as good a word as any, I suppose,' he sighed, before turning his sight to the other arrivals, before looking back at the Counsellor, 'you ready?'

Bela was pleased that Satt returned the hug this time. He's becoming more expressive. This is good! "Of course I am ready. Do you have some concerns, Satt?"

He smiled his half smile in reply, 'of course, Bela. I always have concerns. Pays to think them through before heading off on a ground pounder mission away from the ship.' He shrugged, 'that's just the pessimist in me though.'

"While it is good to be prepared, you cannot reasonably prepare for everything. Otherwise, you will start acting like our Betalgeusian, Mr. Tuff. It is hard to make decisions like that. Just trust in yourself and your training and things will work out." She beamed a genuine smile at Satt.

The Bolian caught himself for a moment, pausing his step. 'I'll bear that in mind, Bela,' he replied carefully before resuming his walk, 'thank you for the advice.'

Talia was pleased to have shuttle detail as it gave her a chance to get off the ship and have a look at the colony. She walked off the shuttle. "All ready to go," she said, indicating the entry behind her. "All aboard for the colony," she called cheerfully.

Bela grabbed Satt's hand and led him onto the shuttle, making sure that he was going to sit next to her.

Lizzie watched the two of them, not sure if she should giggle or not. She kinda felt sorry for the security officer.

Taking up his seat next to the Counselor, Satt tried to work out whether the queasiness in his stomach was from trepidation for the mission to come, or the prospect of having to have an extended conversation.

Talia settled in and asked for clearance. She glanced around to make sure everyone was ready to leave and noticed Satt looking extremely uncomfortable next to a satisfied-looking woman. She got up and went over to them. "Excuse me," she said to Satt. "Would you mind acting as co-pilot? Might be nice to have security beside me if we run into any trouble." She gave the counselor an apologetic smile and went back to her seat without waiting for an answer.

"We'll be leaving momentarily," Talia announced to the group. "My name is Phoenix and I'll be your pilot today. This should be an uneventful ride, but in the case of turbulence, hold tight and stay in your seats. I'm a fighter pilot and will get you down safely." She grinned and turned on the engines. As soon as Satt was seated, she headed out of the ship.

(To be continued...)

Lieutenant JG Elizabeth Jackson
Botanist

Lieutenant Bela Swain
Chief Counselor

Ensign Satt
Security Officer

Lieutenant Talia "Phoenix" Richards
Starfighter Squadron Leader

 

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