Hello again

Posted on Thu May 27th, 2021 @ 3:24am by Ensign Kara Hoffman & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor]

Mission: Season 5: Episode 2: Operation Save Humanity
Location: Xo's Office
Timeline: MD2 1400hrs
1163 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Kara had just finished her shift in Main Engineering, and instead of heading back home decided on a detour. As the turbolift stopped, she pondered how things would go. Moving to the door of the XO's office, she still couldn't quite believe just how quickly and suddenly things had changed. She pressed the chime and awaited a response. ~I'm sure he's very busy, I should keep this brief~

Inside, Garrett was looking over the reports of those arrested under suspicion of being their Mirror Universe counterparts when his chime sounded. Placing the report aside, he called out "Come!" and stood behind his desk as he then waited to see who came through the door and what they wanted to complain about.

Kara was leaning against the door, not really paying attention when it opened. She stumbled in, nearly falling over, managing to catch her balance. "Oh damn" She exclaimed, straightening herself back out. "Commander Lovejoy, sir. Apologies, do you have a moment?" She asked, her face a beetroot red.

A smile of genuine pleasure split Garrett's face as Kara tumbled in. " Kara! How are you? Keeping that temper or yours in check?" He was well aware of her recent troubles with the Admiral. "Come in and have a seat." As he gestured her forwards.

Kara sighed, taking her seat. "I am sir. After everything that happened, I've been working hard to improve my attitude. I also needed to thank you, for sticking your neck out for me, it's really appreciated, Garrett, er Sir."

"Kara relax. It's me Garrett. I know you have a girlfriend and I have a partner of my own but that doesn't mean we still can't be friends. As for sticking my neck out, you're welcome. I'm glad to hear your working on your temper. You are too good an engineer to spend time in a penal colony."

"I'm just fortunate enough that the Judge was reasonable. Technically, since the admiral WAS off duty at the time as was I, the Admiral decided not to take things too seriously. I'm still of course under scrutiny, and probably will be for quite a while yet, even though my moderation term has come to an end." She explained. "Plus another demotion. That hit both me and Gallia pretty hard, but..."

She then shifted a little uncomfortably. "So, I heard...about Phoenix, I just wanted to ask. What exactly is going on? I understand if you can't give much detail, it is after all a very serious charge but you cannot seriously believe the charges, right? I know pretty much the entire crew thinks it's all bull-s...Uh that it's ridiculous." She saved herself at the last second.

"Kara. You know what I know. That Captain Lalor was arrested on charges of treason. Whether I believe the charge isn't important right now. What is, is that the crew accept that Captain Carrington is in command now and her style is very different than Captain Lalors. She believes in discipline and being professional." Garrett replied, his eyes on Kara.

She nodded. "Aye, I get what ye'r saying. Gotta keep this nose of mine outta trouble then. To be honest, I'm quite glad to have you back. Regardless of what anyone else thinks, you're a damn fine officer and a damn good friend." Kara spotted the photo of Tayalas, and smiled. "Gallia's right, Tayalas, no matter where she goes really brightens the place up eh?" She giggled a little.

Garrett smiled a genuine smile at Kara's statement as he glanced at the picture of Tayalas. " She sure does. She's a very pretty girl. Thank you Kara, thank you very much for your kind words. it's nice to know there is someone on the crew that likes me. I want to say I feel the same way about you as a friend and a officer and I'm always here for you."

"Appreciated. If there's anything I can ever do to make your job easier, just give me a shout. Oh, I thought perhaps you might like this." She reached into her coat pocket, and removed a datachip. "This is a copy of Mr Juliettes newest holonovel. I'm not sure if you know, but he's getting pretty famous back on Earth, for his interesting depictions and stories of events that took place back in the days of Earth's Western and Eastern Roman Empires. This one has not even been released yet. My god father managed to swipe a few originals from the very man himself to give away as presents. I thought you might like it." She placed the chip onto the table. "Give it twenty years and that chip could be worth a fortune."

Garrett looked at the chip and then to Kara. he was quiet for several seconds overcome by her simple act of kindness. Finally he raised his head and look at her. "Kara thank for the chip but more so for your thoughtfulness and kindness. I deeply appreciate it and you. I hope you kept a chip for yourself." he managed to get out, still touched by Kara's thoughtfulness.

"Oh I've got my one, don't worry. Well commander, I suppose I best make me exit, I'm sure the Captain is keeping you extremely busy, nae doot. Perhaps you'd agree sometime fer dinner. A'm sure Tayalas would simply love ta meet ye proper. Ye can bring along whoever ye wish o' course. We do so love our little dinner parties." She smiled warmly, holding out her hand. "It might be under difficult circumstances, but I've missed you and I'm glad you're here, without you here, I have a feeling things wouldn't be going nearly as smoothly."

Garrett smiled as Kara, spoke he was extremely fortunate to have a friend like her. "Dinner? I'd like that Kara. I can bring Samantha and meet Tayalas in person. Oh wait. Are you sure your Gallia will be alright with this? I have the distinct impression that she thinks we'll jump in bed the first chance we get that she isn't around." He stood and extended his hand, shaking hers warmly. "It's good to see you again Kara, I've missed you as well and I'm glad your in my corner." He paused and after a moment added, "Thanks for everything Kara. I mean that."

Kara laughed. "Me and you, together? No offence, while you might be quite handsome, that'd never happen. Men just aint what I'm into, Gallia will come around eventually." She shook her head. "Now now, I don't deserve any thanks whatsoever. I look forwards to our get together, Expect an invitation in the next couple of weeks or so." Kara saluted. "Cheers for your time, commander. See you soon." With that Kara nodded, and exited the office, heading back into the turbolift. ~Me and Lovejoy? Gallia, ye'r imagination sure as heck never ceases to surprise me.~ She thought to herself.

Commander Garrett Lovejoy
XO
USS Elysium

Lieutenant JG Kara Hoffman
Assistant Chief Engineer
USS Elysium