Shine a light

Posted on Sat May 8th, 2021 @ 9:14pm by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: Season 5: Episode 2: Operation Save Humanity
Location: Office
Timeline: MD1 1830 hrs
1182 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

{ON}

Making her way to Gary’s new, and hopefully temporary office, Alicia paused outside the door and pressed the chime. She was seriously hoping Gary could she’d some light on what was going on.

Inside the diplomatic office, Gary sat. He was angry and confused. How could this have happened? He refused to believe what Carrington said. That phoenix had been arrested on charges of treason. He knew Phoenix! Something wasn't right of that he was sure. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his door chime. "Come!" He called out wondering who could be coming to see him.

Alicia walked inside and offered Gary a polite smile. “Commander may I talk to you?”

Gary looked at her, "Of course you can Alicia. Please have a seat. What's on your mind? As if I didn't already know."

Alicia took a seat and made herself as comfortable as she could, resting her hands on her rather rounded stomach. “I am concerned about the relationship between the crew and our new Captain and Exec. Emotions are off the scale! I’ve spoken to both Commander Lovejoy, and Captain Carrington about my concerns both were kind enough to listen, but quick enough to warn people off of any inappropriate behaviour.”

Gary nodded as Alicia spoke. "This ship is a powder keg Alicia. I'll tell you something else, there is something not right in all of this. Phoenix arrested on charges of treason? What kind of nonsense is that?" He sighed, "Carrington is unknown to me personally but rumor has it she's ambitious. Lovejoy, I know and I know he has a rep as a hard ass but he is a honorable man. I can't see him playing into this."

Alicia nodded. “I sensed at the meeting that he wasn’t so keen on Captain Carrington either, but when I tried to speak to him about it he went total hard ass on me!” She grinned at her own use of inappropriate language. “I knw he doesn’t like her, but he’s sticking with his charade.”

"And that is your answer. This is a charade. But for what purpose? We must remain observant, not give Carrington any reason to suspect anything is amiss. Hopefully pieces will begin to fall in place and we'll have some answers."

Alicia nodded. “I hope so, the sheer power of emotion in the air onboard this ship is giving me a headache! The Counselling department will be organising meetings with each department just to see what we can do to help to smooth things over. Hopefully this will just be a temporary change.”

"As do I Alicia, as do I." Gary sighed. "I know this, all of working together, we can get through this and stay a crew. So when and not if Phoenix returns, she returns to the ship and crew she loves just as much as you and I do."

Alicia nodded. “On another note would you like to babysit Connor for me sometime, if Lia doesn’t mind? Now I’m getting within range of the time I’ll be due I’m trying to relax and enjoy what time I have with Savar. I know is still have a few weeks but my energy levels at present are practically in the floor as it is. Grandad Sthilg is doing his best to help out as well.”

A bright smile crossed Gary's face. "I would love to Alicia! Thank you for asking and Lia will be fine with us watching Connor. Just let me know when you want us to watch him."

“How’s about tomorrow night if you’re free?” Alicia smiled.

"Let me check with Lia and I will get back to you Alicia." Gary answered with a smile. he wanted to keep Connor, to bond with the toddler but he also wanted to make sure Lia didn't have any plans.

Alicia nodded and slowly stood ready to leave. “That’s great, if Lia has plans just let me know what night you’re free, I’m flexible” She smiled warmly. “For what it’s worth I much prefer you as Executive Officer.”

"I will." Gary promised. "And it's worth quite a lot Alicia. I thank you for saying it. I just hope we can get some answers. I feel like I'm in exile down here." He admitted.

Alicia nodded understandingly, “I’d imagine you do, I’ll try and keep my ear to the ground, as the saying goes! How’s about the two of you visit for dinner one night as well? It would be nice to meet socially.”

"Do that Alicia between the two of us perhaps we can get a clue as to what is going on." He smiled, "Dinner will nice, a chance to unwind. I'll check with Lia and see what evening is good for us and I'll let you know so we can coordinate this."

“Sounds good” Alicia smiled warmly. “In that case I’ll leave you to it.”

"Don't be a stranger Alicia. It gets lonely down here." Gary replied.

“Well as a Counsellor I do work with the diplomatic department as well, that gives me an excuse to come and visit.” She smiled. “That and the fact that you’re Connor’s father.”

"That is true." Gary admitted then in a sadder tone he added, "No, I'm not. My bastard other self was."

Alicia’s smile faded. “Yes he was, but Connor isn’t my true son either. He was the son of a version of me that saw her chance to protect herself by being with Captain Taylor. We are his parents now, as is Savar. We’re better for him, he will grow up a caring young man, not a tyrant like him. I, for one, am glad you accepted being in Connor’s life.”

"How could I not be? Connor is an innocent child. I don't hold who is father was against him. He had no say in the matter. You and Savar are his parents and the Doc is his grandfather. I'm just Uncle Gary."

Alicia smiled. “Uncle Gary, his second father. I am so fortunate to have found a whole new extended family on this ship. I feel very fortunate, I treasure all of you.”

Gary had no reply to that. He just nodded. He loved Connor like he was his own but he wasn't. However Gary would everything possible to keep Connor safe and to teach him right from wrong, how to treat people just like he knew Alicia and Savar would.

Alicia stood and moved around to Gary giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek. “That’s just for being you.” She smiled.

"Thanks, I needed that." he replied as he hugged her gently. "Thank you for being the good, caring person you are. Connor has a great mom."

“Thank you” Alicia blushed modestly at the comment. “If there’s anything you need just give me a call.”

"You can count on it." Gary promised.

“Excellent” she nodded and then headed on her way.

{OFF}