"Did I do something wrong?"

Posted on Wed Nov 25th, 2020 @ 8:04am by Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Taylor

Mission: Season 4: Episode 3: Guided by Starlight
Location: Chief of Security's Office
Timeline: MD1
917 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

IC

Serenity walked up to Commander Holmes' office and hit the chime. She had a concern she wished to discuss with the Commander.

Glancing up, Lia answered the chime. "Enter! I can't talk through a door", she added the final part as a joke to lessen the atmosphere.

"Commander?" Serenity asked as she entered and the door closed behind her. "Do you have a moment?"

"Serenity, sure grab a pew". As the Security Guard sat down, Lia wondered what had brought her here. "Wanna tell me what brings you to this neck of the woods?"

"I was wondering why, I and Fernando were excluded from the live fire training exercise that was done a few weeks ago. Did we do something to upset you and Commander Turak?"

Lia looked down at her desk, "Not that I'm aware of Serenity, I thought Turak had informed you and Fernando along with the rest of us. Seem's I might be in error in that respect, but I must say you didn't miss much unless your into firing ancient weapons".

"I understood it to be a team building exercise." the other blonde replied. "We are part of the team. I expected us to be included and when i found out we were not... Commander, I will be frank, I almost went over your head, but I knew that it was Commander Turak not you, who had organised the event." Serenity placed her hands in her lap. "We all went through a hard time, and to exclude people from the group, was not a wise choice. I have dealt with the Mirror universe now twice in my life and I have to say, being excluded made me think the worse."

Standing up, Lia shook her head. "That was my understanding as well, but somewhere along the line it turned into what we call a range day". She moved to the small replicator in the corner, "Coffee white, hot, two sugars". She turned to Serenity, "Would you like a hot drink? or even a cold one?"

"No thank you." Serenity replied. "Commander, I know it was not your choice. But I would like it noted that it was rather rude of Commander Turak to exclude several people from the event."

Returning to her desk, she placed the Coffee down. Sitting back down Lia pushed a PaDD back across the desk, "Make it official Serenity, no doubt I'm gonna have Fernando through that door at some point. I'm sorry you were excluded, if I had known I would have informed you. You have my word, it won't happen again".

Serenity took the padd. "Very well. I am sure you will Commander. Though he has a few things on his mind, it might take him a bit longer."

"No doubt he has, a new wife and a child on the way". Lia looked at Serenity, "Off the record Serenity, just how do you feel about Mr Turak? Your not the first to cross my door with concerns, I may have to have a word with him if the situation warrants it".

"To be honest Commander, I do not know him well. He has never spoken to me, nor even tried to communicate with me,"

Lia glanced at her desk, "It would seem the Commander is somewhat distant from people, more than normal for a Vulcan. I might have Commander Savar talk to him, he might open up to another male".

"Maybe he talks to S'hib" Serenity suggested.

"Savar is one of his own, but I'll keep S'hib in reserve". Lia took a deep breath, "He's always been respectful, but distant".

Serenity nodded and held out the PADD. "I do not really deal well with Vulcans. I am better with Romulans."

"Your on your own with them, there's few on this ship that even have the time of day for a Romulan". She regarded Serenity as different with that attitude, "I don't think even our Captain, would thank you for that bit of information".

Serenity smiled and stood. "My late husband was half Romulan." she supplied. "Other half human. And at least with the Romulans I know, you are more likely to get an honest reaction. And Romulans have served on this ship as well Commander," she reminded her.

The statement about Romulans serving onboard made Lia look up, "I wasn't aware of those facts, I'm sorry if I offended you. As for serving on the Elysium, again I certainly didn't know".

Serenity wondered at that but she kept her thoughts to herself. "I am not offended. My children and I are used to be looked at differently because of Kesar but he died serving Starfleet and that we honor" She gave Lia a smile. "Thank you for your time Commander"

Lia stood up, "Serenity, I honestly didn't know about your husband. With everything that's been happening around here, your records aren't something I've had time to read. No excuse I know, but if you feel I've treated you disrespectfully then please say so". She held out her hand, "I don't care who you married, or what species he belonged to. Your a member of my staff, I hope I've treated you with equal respect as I've done with everyone else".

"Commander, i have no issue with you" Serenity replied.

Lia looked at Serenity, "I know what its like to be an outsider, if you need someone to talk to. I'm here, ok?"

"Of course commander" Serenity smiled. "I shall leave you to your work Commander"