The Godfather x-Captain

Posted on Tue Aug 3rd, 2021 @ 7:09pm by Ensign Kara Hoffman & Avalon [ADMIN NPC]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Kara's personal quarters
Timeline: present
1296 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

ON

Kara opened her communications panel, on her personal computer, as she sat in her now rather empty quarters. Gallia had left a large void, and there were only a few momentos and photos left behind. The picture of Tayalas, Gallia and Kara sat on the cupboard next to her desk, and she stared at it for a long time, before entering the communication code.

An old man, his face gnarled with old scars, with a salt and pepper beard and short white hair appeared on the monitor.

"Kara!" He exclaimed in a deep Scottish accent. "MY! Dearest! God-daughter! How are you, it's been far too long!" The camera changed positions from his face to a full-body view, the man was sat in a Starfleet issue wheelchair, one of new Ix7 models newly commissioned. "Whaddaya think? Like my new wheels, or lack of them?" He asked.

Kara smiled warmly, replying quickly. "Ah, the new IX7? Fantastic! I have been keeping tabs on the redesign process. The new antigrav unit will certainly make it easier to get around!" She couldn't help but think he looked just a little more frail than the last time they spoke.

He laughed heartily, then wheezed and coughed. "Ahem, now now, don't you go worrying about an old man. I see that look in your eyes, don't you dare feel pity damnit!" Captain Trease was always a proud man, but more recently his age had caught up with him, and fast. "Your mother was right y'know, she said smoking would end me up like this."

Kara sighed. "You never did listen, did you-" But before she could finish her sentence, he interrupted.

"DON'T. Let's talk. What happened with you and Gallia?" He enquired, concerned. Sitting up a little straighter in his chair. "I want to know what happened, everything seemed so perfect for you all and now she's gone?"

"Gallia Left the ship about a week ago, and although we made plans to stay in contact, we decided it would be better for us both if we called our relationship off. As it turns out, she is being sent to the Darstradt System, to Star base 900. The research they are doing there and the fact that Gallia has also been demoted, mean things will be tough for her and my little blueberry pie. However I have full confidence she can handle whatever life and Starfleet throws at them both." Kara explained.

She continued slowly.

"We argued about the demotion and reassignment. I'm still angry with how the reassignment came about, but I have made mistakes too and everyone deserves a second or third chance to start afresh, with a new perspective. I just wish it hadn't happened, but why worry over the things you have no control over, right?" She looked away, and sighed long and hard. Captain Trease remained quiet, listening.

"I just can't help like, feeling I could have done more, been more communicative, more available and easier to talk to. I didn't even realise there were problems with her career." She stopped as The now retired captain piped up.

"Well, she was a proud woman. Stubborn as an ox, just like you. Maybe she didn't want to ask for help, I know that feeling all to well, as you do too. That half Klingon part of you surely understands?" He asked.

"Well yes, you're right of course." She smiled, it was good to have someone to confide in.

"Anyway, I will of course stay in touch with her via subspace, and Tayalas of course. However with our relationship officially over, at least for several years, I do have to wonder if I'll ever see her in person again. Maybe one day, I hope.

Other than that everything has been business as usual. found a small plasma leak on deck 13, but by the time I had gathered my tools to go and inspect it, the damage had already been repaired. Seems the chief is really doing a great job at running the department and the machine is working like clockwork." She explained.

Captain Trease let out a loud roar of disapproval. "Bloody plasma conduits, every Starfleet ship I've ever served on, has had issues with the plasma distribution network. It's a niggle that the Starfleet engineering corps just can't wrap their heads around Kara. Like all of them are haunted or something, bloody technology eh." His voice strained slightly. "And then there's the issue with your now m.i.a ex-captain, whatever her name was. The caitain no? Or something, my memory isn't what it used to be, forgive me dear. "

Kara replied slowly, trying to think of what to say, "I wonder when we'll...if we'll see our captain again, or if this change of command is permanent. I do hope Phoenix is ok, I miss her."

"Well, whatever happened, I'm sure it'll all come out in the wash. Truth will out that's what I say my dear. Don't give it too much thought. Captain, commanders, admirals, they change ships all the time. Get accused of things they may have or haven't done. It's a right bloody mess and the red tape involved with it all makes it all even bloody worse, if you ask my opinion that is." Trease explained, shifting in his wheelchair. "Oh take a look at this, I found this the other day, it's one of your old hobby machine things you made, at the tech academy. Doesnae really work anymore but it looks good, or as a ridiculous paperweight. That is if there were any paper these days."

"Paper? Haven't seen much of that since I left Earth, everything is computerised. You were always a stickler for relics of the past. I'm glad you were with us back then, with the attack and everything...I don't know what would have happened if-" Kara was cut off quickly.

"No. Let's not even get into that ok? Now then, are you going to stay in contact with Gallia, or have you decided to just go separate ways entirely? obviously you're not getting married anymore." He stated.

"I suppose for at least a year or so, I'll be out of touch with Gallia as she focuses hard on her career. She got slammed pretty hard, Just like me, Starfleet were lenient, to a point but they're going to use her as an example. Our Final call was... difficult, emotional. I wish both her and my little Tay, safety and much love forever. May she find happiness and joy, I suppose that's all I can really do right now."

Trease smiled. "Well love, don't you worry. Oh by the way, I was thinking of coming to join you for a wee while. I know it might seem strange, but after reading through a list of doctors and asking around some old friends, I was told you're Gorn doctor is quite talented. Maybe he can fix my back. Maybe not, but I've put in a request nonetheless. Don't want you being all alone after all, but then I'm old now and will probably just end up getting in the way." He lifted his arm, to show his Tattoo with Kara's name and an eagle. "I told your father I'd keep my eye on you, and that's what I plan to bloody do!"

Kara laughed playfully and her tone changed into a light whisper. " I'd really like to have you here. You're welcome anytime."

"Right, well I'll make a few calls then. Now go and get some rest and I'll check in on you in a few weeks." He nodded, and the transmission ended.

Kara sighed. "Shit. If he comes here, god knows what'll happen. That man brings trouble everywhere."

LT JG Kara Hoffman
Asst Chief Engineer
USS Elysium

OFF