Pastures new

Posted on Sun Nov 29th, 2020 @ 12:19am by Lieutenant JG Heather De La Rosa {Kelea-Salik} & Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea

Mission: Season 4: Episode 3: Guided by Starlight
Location: Marine CO’s Office
1066 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

{ON}

Heather made her way to marine country, as it was affectionately known, to speak to Naxea about her decision. She was currently on light duties as far as the marines were concerned and no field work being five months pregnant. As she reached the marine CO’s office she pressed the chime and waited for an answer.

Looking over the service records of the new arrivals to the Aixty-Aecond, Naxea's head shot up from her terminal to look at the door. She hadn't been expecting anyone. She stood from behind her desk. "Enter."

Walking in Heather stood to attention as best as she could given the weight on her back from her bump, before having to relax her stance. “Major there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

"Of course, Sergeant. Have a seat," Naxea grinned at the woman as she gestured at the chair in front of the desk. "Would you like anything to eat or drink?"

“No, thank you Major” Heather took a seat and rested her hands on her stomach, it made a good resting place for them. “I came to let you know that I plan to transfer out of the marines and over to fleet personnel.”

Naxea stared down at the woman for a moment as she remained standing--her face stoic save for the clinching of her jaw. Heather's words hurt though she wouldn't admit nor show it. She slowly sat down into her chair, clasping her hands together on the desk as she kept eye contact. "What are your reasons?"

Heather had sensed a momentary flash of emotion from Naxea before she’d clamped down on it. “It’s nothing personal and I still love the marines, it’s just ...” Heather looked down at her rounded stomach such as it was so far then back at Naxea. “If I was to stay with the marines I wouldn’t be allowed out in the field now I’m pregnant, and afterwards I’d be running the risk of going out there and not coming back. Such is the risk of being a marine. Up until now I haven’t had a child to think about, but now I do, I’m a mother first and foremost and I need to be here aboard ship not going out on whatever assignment the marines get given.”

"I see..." Naxea replied slowly, her eyes, glancing to Heather's stomach and back up. "Do you think you're the only Marine who has a family?"

Heather hadn’t even anticipated that question. “No ma’am, there are plenty of marine families out there. I’ve been a marine ever since I started my career but now ... I feel like I need to try something new.”

"Well I can't tell you no, even though you're leaving the detachment short a medic now and doing so at the last minute as we're leaving Pacifica," Naxea explained, frustrated at the news. Heather had been one of if not her best medic and now she was leaving. "That is putting more responsibility on the other medics until I can have another assigned in your place."

“I ...” Heather paused. “I have to take classes to be able to move to fleet duties so it won’t be an immediate transfer. Once I’m transferred I’ll still be a nurse so if you need me to help out I’ll be there. Just obviously not in the field.” Heather gave Naxea an apologetic glance. “I’m sorry Major, if I’d have considered this sooner I’d have let you know but it’s only been a recent decision.”

"Right. A nurse helps out on the ship, not Away Teams and deployments where Marines are more likely to get injured and possibly die," Naxea went on. "So I doubt you will be able to help as much as you would like." She paused for another moment, catching herself as she closed her eyes, let out a breath, and reopened her eyes. She was being unfair to Heather. "What does Fernando think about this?"

“To be honest, he doesn’t know yet” Heather sighed. “I hope he understands my decision.”

"I think he will and if I know him, he will probably be jumping for joy with your decision," Naxea assured. "Look Sergeant, I may not like your decision but I do respect it and your reason for it. If Senior Chief De La Rosa doesn't, send him to me and he will after I'm done."

Heather smiled. “Thank you for understanding Major.”

"So, how is the pregnancy coming along?" Naxea asked, glancing down at the woman's stomach again briefly. She couldn't imagine being pregnant herself, not that she could likely birth a Sequus...at least she hoped not.

“Everything is going fine so far” Heather smiled warmly. “Five months down and only four maybe five to go depending on whether this pregnancy follows human norms or Betazoid ones. I would imagine it’ll be Human norms as the baby’s mother was Human.”

Naxea nodded and leaned back in her chair. She couldn't imagine being pregnant for nine months. Thankfully Bajoran pregnancy's only lasted five months. Have you consulted Doctor Sthilg in regards to your transfer?"

“I was working in Sickbay as a nurse anyway” Heather smiled. “I was assigned there when I transferred here. I’ve been doubling up alongside my marine duties.”

"It should have been the other way around," Naxea stated before letting out a sigh. "But there's no need to worry about that for now. Is there anything else that you need, Sergeant?"

“No ma’am” Heather smiled warmly.

"Alright then. I'll send a request out for another medic to Starfleet Marine HQ. It shouldn't take too long," Naxea said as she tapped a few buttons on her desk terminal before looking back at Heather. "Then you're dismissed, Sergeant," Naxea stood, offering her hand to the woman. "Good luck in your future endeavors and your expanding family."

Heather shook Naxea’s hand with a big smile. “Thank you Major. No matter what you and the other marines will still be family to me, that’s not going to change.”

"That is good to hear, Sergeant. You're dismissed."

Heather gave Naxea one final salute before turning and leaving the office. It was time to begin a new chapter in her life and career.

{OFF}