Returning that what was lost

Posted on Sat Oct 17th, 2020 @ 12:04pm by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Samantha Prescott [ADMIN NPC] & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor]

Mission: SEASON 4: Episode 1: Know Thy Self!
Location: Captains Ready Room
Timeline: MD6- After docking at Deep Space 16
1301 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

The call had been made, and Phoenix had, in her still exhasuted state brooked no argument. Commander Lovejoy was to present himself to he ready room on their arrival at Deep Space 16. If the did not, she would make sure his lack of following orders from a superior officer made it to his commanding officer and higher.

So now, she and another person sat in her ready room, awaiting Garrett Lovejoy's arrival.

Garrett stared at the cryptic message from Captain Phoenix Lalor of all people, ordering him to meet her in her ready room once the USS Elysium arrived at Deep Space 16. He had no option but to report as much as he hated to. So he boarded a shuttle and headed for Deep Space 16 to find out what this was all about.

An Ensign escorted Commander Lovejoy to the ready room on his arrival, showing the commander the deference due his rank. Though other crew avoided him as his reputation was pretty well known by crew on the ship. The ensign led him to the ready room door and hit the chime.

"Yes?" the voice of Captain Lalor came through the door.

"Commander Lovejoy Captain. As requested."

"Thank you, send him in." Phoenix replied as the doors opened.

Garrett checked his uniform to make sure all was proper. He entered the ready room and while Captain Lalor was not his favorite he respected the rank and knew how to act. He came to a stop in front of her desk. "Commander Lovejoy, reporting as ordered Captain." He replied politely, stiffly.

Phoenix had stood when he had entered. "Commander, thank you for taking the time. I am not sure if you have had time in your trip to read the report I sent Starfleet command about our time in the Mirror Universe?"

"Frankly Captain no. I just have glossed it over." He replied and now feeling suddenly guilty for not having read the report in it's entirety. "I know of your torture and I am truly sorry to hear that." He said honestly, "As well as others on your crew who were injured and tortured." He drew himself up straight. "You and your crew conducted yourselves in the best tradition of Starfleet. ... you are a credit to the uniform Captain."

Oh that had to hurt Phoenix thought but she did not rub it in. Instead she merely inclined her head. "Well, if you had read it this would not be a surprise." she waved a hand towards the low couch area in her ready room.

A slim human female stood from the couch. Now dressed in clothes, she liked more than the slave jumpsuit or skimpy skirts with no tops she had been forced to wear for four years, Samantha Prescott, stepped towards him. She wore black slacks and a dark green blouse. Her hair was brushed for the first time in years and she wore shoes, actual shoes on her feet. "Hello Garrett." she said, her voice was soft and shy but her confidence was returning.

Garrett followed Phoenix's wave to the couch and a figure seated there. His heart skipped a beat as she stood and it jumped for joy when she spoke. Only then did he allow the tears he had held in for four years allow to flow. "Sam? Samantha?" He whispered as he took a step towards her. "Is it really you?" His voice a whisper.

Samantha was before him and then she had her arms around him holding him tight. "Garrett!" she was crying.

Phoenix discretely locked her terminal and left the room. She was not one to intrude on private moments.

Garrett was hugging her tightly. Afraid if he let go she would disappear. He kissed her lips, her throat and neck, "I never gave up on finding you Sam, never." He whispered as he kissed her again and agin.

She smiled and shifted back after kissing him gently on the lips. "Four years." she said softly. "In.. that... place. I am so sorry Garrett... how.. is he?"

"Sssssh Sam, It's over, you are back with us." He smiled and caressed her cheek. "He misses you Sam. He needs his mother. He'll be overjoyed to see you. This is a reunion long overdo." Garrett replied.

Samantha nodded and then rested her head on his chest. She was still coming to terms with being on a federation vessel, to go home to see her son... it was almost a wonder. "Captain Lalor and her crew found me... I have to be cleared by Medical and counselling..."

"Yea, yes of course Sam. I'll stay here until you are and then we can go home together as it should be." He paused and reflected on Sam's words concerning the Elysium captain and it's crew. "I am indebted to her." He said honestly as he rethought his position in regards to Lalor and the Elysium crew. it was time to be the bigger man and thank her.

"Does it hurt?" Samantha teased "I have heard about your dislike of this crew. Does it hurt to have to speak to their captain like a normal person?"

He smiled at her, Oh, how he missed her teasing him. "A little." He admitted. "However I believe I can get use to it. The question is whether Captain Lalor will believe my apology. We aren't exactly friends Sam and that is mostly my doing." He admitted.

"Well I would at least give everyone time before you do that." Samantha said. "The whole crew are being sent for Medical checks and counselling. Which..." she sighed "I am also about to undergo." She touched his check. "Tell me about Gavin. His grades? His friends?"

"Yes, you are right." He answered. He held her hand against his cheek. "His grade are excellent. His friends are few but they are good. He keeps to himself, Drives himself to be the best. Having you back in his life will be wonderful. It will get him to relax and not be so serious."

Samantha nodded. She was about to speak when the Comm chimed."Ms Prescott your counselling appointment is in five minutes on DS16, deck 23 room 34."

She sighed. "I need to go"

"I will go with you and wait." He replied. Not willing to let her leave his sight.

Sam nodded. "Okay" she said softly. She led him out of the ready room. The bridge was empty except for the lone Erisian female sitting in the centre chair.

Phoenix was half curled in the chair reading a PADD. She looked up, eyes were haunted but quickly went to interested. "Commander, " she said to Lovejoy. "Ms Prescott."

"Thank you captain" Samantha said. "And can you tell Mr. Gregory Thank you as well?"

"I shall." Phoenix said with a warm smile. "Good Luck to you both."

Lovejoy stood before Phoenix a woman he had given nothing but grief to and made her and the Elysium crews lives miserable. He swallowed hard and spoke softly but with quiet intensity. "Thank you Captain. Thank you and your crew for returning Samantha to me. It is a...." His voice broke "a debt I can never repay." He said honestly and continued. "I would also like to apologize for my attitude towards you and your crew. It was uncalled for, unwarranted and wrong." Another pause. "I apologize." He said looking directly into her eyes. "I can't promise we'll be friends Captain but I can promise no more hostility from me and certainly the respect you've earned."

Samantha smirked. "Oh that hurts" she said with a laugh.

Phoenix gave a smile at that "Thank you Commander, I appreciate your words. Now go get her to her appointment."

He smiled at Sam. "It does but not as bad if I hadn't said it." He admitted.