Hello Again

Posted on Sun Feb 20th, 2022 @ 1:46am by Lieutenant Commander S'hib & Captain George Charles [Reece]

Mission: Season 5: Interlude: Darkness Abounds
Location: USS Elysium, Security Offices
Timeline: MD1 13h00
1864 words - 3.7 OF Standard Post Measure

~ON~

George and Hendor were spending the day together. Leilani was resting at home, so it was decided that George would take their son down to Security, to see about getting him assigned some level of system authorization.

Upon entering the large office area, George immediately saw a familiar face. One that he had not seen in a while. "S'hib!?" He asked a tone of pleasant surprise in his voice.

S'hib was leaning over the shoulder of another officer, pointing at their desk terminal when George walked in, tracking him and his son with a solitary ear while he focused on the report a member of his department was showing him.

"Get this incident report finished, we'll discuss it more later..." S'hib said softly as he leaned back, heaving his bulk to full height as he turned his attention to the pair standing near the entrance.

"Can I help?" He asked, not immediately recognising George as he gently clicked through the desks towards them. "Oh, George... sorry I didn't recognise you there for a moment, what brings you down here?" He asked as his eyes snapped down towards his son.

Hendor looked up, and up, and up, at the very tall alien that stood before his Papa and him. "H-hello, Sir," he said in a quiet voice. As he craned his head up to look into S'hib's face, his hood fell back, revealing that, not only did he have only one organic eye, but most of the left side of his face was covered by, what appeared to be, a medical-grade cosmology frame, an artificial ear where his left ear would go, and an empty socket, where his left eye should go.

George placed a comforting hand on Hendor's shoulder, letting Jim know he was safe. "Well, I'm not sure how up-to-date you are on the recent activities of the ship but, my son, Hendor, was originally from that human colony, on New Canaan. After I rescued him from the surface, he came to stay with my wife and me. Then, following the mission, we decided to officially adopt him. So, now he is our son." He took a breath and continued. "As for the reason we are here. I brought Hendor down, to have whatever ship access he is allowed to have, assigned to him."

S'hib glanced down at the child, tilting his head curiously to one side as he examined his features. "Ship access hey..." He snorted softly before gently lowering himself into a half squat, craning his long neck down to bring his head level with Hendor's "That depends... how well behaved have you been." He said with a grin, resting an arm on each leg, his oversized Sequus hands dangling between.

Hendor looked up at the....well, he didn't know what species this person was. "Um...I've been good, Sir. I did kick a boy that had been teasing my best friend, Skylah, during my first day of school." He hung his head slightly, wondering if the creature, as nice as he seemed, would think he was bad.

George placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder, as he explained the situation to S'hib. "Shortly after we arrived at Sthilg's homeworld, I enrolled Hendor into the elementary school. There was an altercation during his first day, where another student put his hands on my son, young Skylah McBride came to his aid, and a fight broke out. The situation has already been resolved, with the teacher, who was completely unfit for the position, had her contract canceled. Captain Lovejoy, Commander Taylor and the Colonel have settled the matter." He hoped that was enough of an explanation for S'hib.

"So you're telling me," S'hib said softly, leaning his head down slightly and to the side, staring and Hendor with one eye. "You stood up for your friend even though it could have got you in trouble?" He finished, glancing up at George briefly before returning his gaze on the child.

Hendor wasn't sure what to feel, while being scrutinized by the large officer. Finally, he nodded. "Yes, Sir," he replied in a soft voice. "Skylah is best friend!"

"That's the kind of attitude that'll get you into Starfleet one day," S'hib beamed as he reached his hands out and clutched Hendor under his arms. "Now," He snorted gently, standing up and turning around while lifting the boy as if he weighed no more than the clothes on his body.

"Let's get you some ship access!" S'hib neighed before gently throwing Hendor over his shoulder and clicking past the multiple desks of the main office, heading towards the back.

At first Hendor was unsure about things but, after his Papa placed a warm, safe image in his mind, he relaxed and even giggled as the large officer carried him. "Um, Sir?" He started to ask hesitantly. "I'm sorry....what kind of person are you? I've never seen anyone like you before." His little mind hoped he hadn't just said something bad.

"I'm a Sequus..." S'hib started as he rounded the first corner, heading down the narrow corridor to his office. "My kind are new to the federation, so very few of us serve in Starfleet currently... but hopefully that will change one day." He smiled as he walked inside his office and gently placed the child down on the edge of his desk.

"See-qua...See-quas?" Hendor was trying to form the word in his mouth. "Your fur is very soft and warm, Sir!" He smiled up at the big officer. "Do you know my Dragon Knight? He's the doctor that's helping me...look more like everyone else." He brought his tiny hands up to the artificial structure where the left side of his face should be.

"But you already do?" S'hib remarked as he clicked around behind his desk and promptly sat down, flicking a finger over his terminal controls and waking up his personal computer.

"You don't need Sthilg's help with that." He added, typing away at the LCARs controls.

Hendor looked at the nice officer. "Skylah said the same thing, Sir!" His gaze lowered slightly. "But...I feel like I look like a monster. Everyone here looks so much nicer." He looked up quickly, regret in his voice. "My Mama and Papa say I'm perfect too, they say they want me to...to...." he looked over at George. "What was it, Papa?"

George gave his son a kind, loving smile as he placed his left hand on his back, comforting his little boy. "We said that while we both think you are perfect, we also want you to be comfortable in your own skin. So, whatever you need to do to achieve that, we support you one hundred percent."

Hendor smiled the smile of a happy, loved child. "I love you, Papa," he said softly

George leaned in a kissed the top of Hendor's head. "I love you too, Bubba." He then looked of at S'hib expectantly.

"I've met monsters before, real ones... they look like everyone else," S'hib replied, his voice carrying a tone only George would understand.

"appearances mean very little Hendor, it's what's in here that counts." He added, tapping on his chest before reaching over the desk and gently tapping Hendor on the top of his head. "And how you use this."

He smiled weakly before something on his screen flashed, grabbing his attention.

"Ah. Well, now that you have some more, appropriate ship access, things will be easier for the both of you." S'hib said cheerfully as he continued typing, checking over the file.

"Actually, the three of us," George replied. "Leilani, my wife, is also Hendor's adopted mother.

At the mention of his Mama, Hendor lit up with a huge smile. "My Mama's very beautiful, Mister S'hib," he said proudly, as all little boys, who were loved by their mothers, did."

S'hib was silent for a moment, his eyes lowering from his screen as he pictured having a child of his own saying those same words about Naxea. "I'm sure she is," He said, forcing a smile on his face before looking up to George. "We're all done, Captain. the files have been processed... your son now has provisional ship access, some areas will obviously remain restricted. but it means you and your wife have control over certain settings."

"S'hib," George replied, a slight grin on his face. "You can call me George. You actually outrank me, Sir." He chuckled softly. "But thank you." He then looked at Hendor. "What do you say to Commander S'hib, son?"

Hendor carefully hopped off the desk and moved to give S'hib a hug. "Thank you, Mister S'hib!"

"That's quite alright, make sure you look after yourself," S'hib remarked, leaning down and gently wrapping an arm around Hendor.

After the hug, Hendor looked up and smiled at S'hib. "My Papa said you were a very nice person. Are you and Papa friends?"

“This is the second time I’ve met your father actually, you see. unfortunately, I am far too busy to make friends… this job takes up most of my time, it's important I keep everyone safe…”

Hendor looked dejected by this. However, he bounced back quickly, like children usually do. Looking back up and smiling broadly, he said, "That's okay, Mister S'hib! You can be my friend!! There, now you have a friend!" He hugged S'hib again, squeezing as strong as his small arms would allow.

"Thank you Hendor," S'hib replied, ruffling his hand atop the child's head "George, I'm afraid you'll have to see yourself out... I have a lot of work to do." He sighed, sounding truly apologetic as his terminal blinked more angry messages for him to look at.

George nodded with a smile. "Let's go, Bubba. It's almost time to go see Skylah."

Hearing the name of his best friend, Hendor cheered and released S'hib. "Bye, Mister S'hib! Have a good day!" The young boy practically leapt into his father's arms.

"Thank you, Sir," George said with a grin. "When you are available, I'd like to continue that discussion from the holodeck. I hope to show you that your earlier worries are no longer necessary."

“Thats because they are no longer worries.” S’hib said as he sat back in his seat, his hoofed fingers clinking together as they came to rest on his lap. “You’re raising a child… and if you have the confidence to do that. well, i have no reason to doubt you. still, when i next have a few hours spare we can have a chat.” He smiled

George noddedand smiled. "Thank you, Sir. I appreciate that." He looked at his son and asked, "Ready?"

Hendor nodded and hugged his father's neck. "Yes, Papa." He then turned his head to look at S'hib. "Bye, Mister S'hib!"

“Take care Hendor…” S’hib smiled, waiting for them to leave before returning to his work.

The father and son duo then turned and made their way out of the security offices.

“Red sands…” S’hib muttered as another angry notification sprung up over the last, only to be swiped away as he shut off the terminal to take a break.