All Life is Precious...

Posted on Mon Apr 12th, 2021 @ 8:05am by Avalon [ADMIN NPC] & Captain George Charles [Reece]

Mission: Below Decks Month
Location: USS Elysium, Holodeck 2
Timeline: *Immediately following "Getting to Know You..."
1253 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure

George was standing in the holodeck arch, trying to find a program to use. He had just left the restaurant after embarrassing himself to Miraj. Of course she didn't feel the same way as he did. Why would she? They had just met, after all. Yes, he did feel a hunger from her when they were in the gym that first morning, then honest concern when he was injured on the holodeck in her pirate game, but, that was all it had been. She hadn't actually expressed any desire for him out loud. He hated that he barely had any control over his natural borne abilities as a Betazoid. Sometimes, he wished the shock collars that his foster parents had forced both his sister and himself wear had either killed him, or, at the very least, cripple his ability completely. But no, here he was, already nearly losing control in front of both Miraj and S'hib. He didn't know what to do.

"You're just a worthless piece of filth, just like they kept saying as they beat you," he growled aloud to himself.

A soft voice came out. "Hello Lieutenant" The AI stood a few paces away. "Problem?"

George jumped, startled by the sudden appearance for the hologram. Feeling a bit confused, he asked, "Uh, Who are you? I didn’t even pick a holodeck simulation yet."

"Oh you and I have not met before. I am Avalon, the Elysium's Artificial Intelligence Holographic Interface." The AI dropped a curtsey.

George's right eyebrow slowy arched. Then he grinned softly and bowed slightly, bending at his waist. "First Lieutenant George Charles, a pleasure to meet you, Miss Avalon." He straightened up and cocked his head to the side a bit. "I didn’t know that the Elysium had an AI. Do you control the functions of the ship that the crew imputs?"

"Yes, but my limits are strictly controlled. I am a visual interface for interaction with the main computer."

"Oh," George replied. "And, I'm sorry if this is a ridiculous question, are you aware of yourself and your surroundings, like the Doctor from the USS Voyager is?"

"Yes, and I know what is happening decks away from us" She smiled. "So you are new here. How are you finding the Elysium?"

George's features darkened slightly. "It's..it's okay, I guess. I, uh, I just made an ass of myself a little while ago."

"You and everyone else on this vessel have done that" The AI replied. "Why, the chief of security herself questioned if the captain was actually the captain when she came on board. So do not worry too much."

He chuckled softly, despite his current dark mood. He then had a sudden thought. "Do, uh, do you know my file? I mean, what happened to me and my sister as children?"

The AI nodded. "Yes but I am not allowed to discuss personal issues on peoples files with others. I have confidentiality subroutines."

George nodded again, his mind wandering to his painful past. "Why do they do it, Avalon? Why do adults do that....to children?" His voice was very small, almost as if a child was speaking through him.

"Some people are broken so badly that they cannot see another way and need to treat people the same. This is not your fault but theirs." the AI replied carefully.

George grimaced and shook his head violently. "But..but they forced me to do..things. Things to my sister that...that..." He shook his head, trying to expel the images. "And then, the last night, when Hector beat the both of of us and..and.." his breathing rate was increasing as he recounted that last fateful night in his fister parent's home.

"She was screaming, when I came to. She was screaming and I knew what he was doing to her! I grabbed Hector's club. He liked to use it on me sometimes. I swung it against Monica's head, not worrying if I killed her. I then burst open their bedroom door." His features suddenly turned dark.

"He...he was on top of my sister, raping her. I...I suddemly didn't care anymore. He had to die. I struck him once, forcing him off of her. When he fell to the floor, i started to bring his club down again and again and again! I kept beating him until my arms couldn't lift the club anymore. By that time, his head was nothing more that a pulverized pile of blood and gore."

He dropped to his knees, panting heavily. "Miraj should stay away from me, " he said, barely above a whisper. "She's so pure and innocent. My very presence dirties her purity. I don't deserve her. I don't deserve any happiness. "

Avalon reached out, her holographic hand solid on his shoulder. "You are very wrong. You saved her. And you deserve happiness. Do not discount Miraj, She is strong as well. I am sure she will understand,."

Looking up at the AI, George's eyes were rimmed red. "But, will she understand that, while I was beating him to death....I liked it."

"That only she can answer, and if you do not give her the chance then you do her a disservice."

George hadn't considered that fact. His thoughts kept screaming that he was damaged and unworthy of recieving affection from anyone. It never occured to him that someone else might feel different.

"Thank you," he said after a few quiet beats. "Youve given me some new things to consider. Would, um, would you mind keeping this between us? I'd rather my declararion there not becone public knowledge."

"Of course, all my conversations are confidential Lieutenant." The AI smiled. "Now, Miraj likes old fashioned Holodeck programs, it is well known that she has a thing for Pirates. If you wish to get to know her better, then I suggest you look into such areas"

This made George chuckle softly. "Yeah, I've already experienced it. I, uh, started to lose control during, and ended up telling Commander S'hib and Miraj a bit about my past afterwards."

"Commander S'hib is the soul of confidentiality. And Miraj is not a gossip. I believe your secrets are safe with them."

George nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I could sense that, even without reading their minds. Though, the commander was concerned I could be a security risk, as my natural abilities aren't properly trained." He shook his head slowly. "Did you know that I can feel and hear everyone on this ship? All except you, which, and please take this as a compliment, is a refreshing change." He paused to take a cleansing breath. "It's why I love being in my starfighter. I can open my mind and hear nothing."

"Have you considered taking Miraj on a flight?" the AI asked curiously.

This question stopped George cold. He was surprised that it hadn't. He was a pilot, as was Miraj. Hell, she had practically told him that she was a part of the Elysium, as much as she loved to fly her. Perhaps she'd enjoy something smaller and much more maneuverable. Getting back to his feet, he turned and gave Avalon a huge grin. "Thank you, for that. And, well, for listening. Would you mind if we talked more, later, from time to time?"

"Of course, I am always available Lieutenant," Avalon smiled.

George smiled again. "Thanks. I think im gonna go hit the sack. Goodnight, Avalon!"

She smiled and vanished to let him head for his quarters.