Carol and the Alien

Posted on Wed Nov 1st, 2023 @ 3:58am by Legate Imik S'Niohun [Lia Taylor] & Chief Warrant Officer Carol Dolton

Mission: Season 6: Episode 3: Far From Home
Location: Imik's cabin
Timeline: Present
1120 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

ON

Carol stood outside Imik's cabin, she hesitated to ring the chime due to her dislike of aliens. *Bloody hell, its only an alien. Ring the damn bell*, she thought.

Suddenly the doors opened and Imik emerged, "You wish to talk with me?"

Dolton stepped back, "Ah yes please, I'm CWO Dolton ma'am."

The Ojnas motioned her passed and into her cabin, "Please enter."

Dolton entered and looked around, Imik's cabin reflected her culture. Pale colours and dim lighting edged the room, large futons arranged in a semi circle filled the centre of the room. Imik appeared by the replicator and bowed, "Can I offer you a beverage while we communicate CWO Dolton?"

Carol thought and then asked, "Can I have a milky coffee please Legate." Imik ordered Carol's coffee followed by a Vanilla milkshake for herself. *Well that's a surprise* Thought Carol, *She's perfectly normal like me*

The Ojnas now smiled as she offered Dolton a Futon to sit on, "CWO Dolton, you are not used to being around psychic species are you?"

Carol look perplexed, "Can't say I've been close to any before." She replied, taking a drink of her coffee.

Imik nodded, "This is very clear to me, as your thoughts are easily read and understood." She pointed to Carol, "You find it strange that I am normal like you, and I can assure you I am so much more than just an alien."

Carol blushed as her thoughts were repeated to her, "Ah Legate, I'm sorry if I insulted you. I've never even met someone like you in my universe."

Imik smiled and responded, "This universe is now your universe, despite your dream of returning. You must now come to the belief that it will never come to pass, this is now your home."

Dolton look crestfallen, "I'm not sure I can do that, I have unfinished business back there." Carol then smiled, "Please call me Carol, its my name after all."

The Ojnas bowed, "Welcome Carol to my humble abode, please be seated."

Sitting down, Carol removed the PaDD that Lia had given her. On it was a list of questions, looking at it she shook her head thinking on how to ask them.

Imik walked over and gently touched Carol's hand, "May I see what troubles you?" Dolton released the PaDD to the Ojnas. "This is about the attack on the Ensign, has this not been resolved?"

Carol slowly shook her head again, "No, in fact the Security Chief and her deputy have both been removed from the investigation for improper procedures."

Imik looked at Dolton, "If that is so, why are you here at her request?"

Looking at Imik, Carol replied. "Commander Taylor thinks that you may hold the key in solving who attacked the Ensign, no one has asked for your statement on the events on the night of the attack."

The Legate nodded and sat down opposite Dolton, "This is true, but what could I add to the investigation? I did not see anything that would identify the attacker."

Carol sat and thought, "Lia, sorry Commander Taylor thought your psychic senses may have some ability in resolving some difficulties."

Imik now smiled, "Now I see why you are here and she is not, am I correct in thinking she has been forbidden to continue the investigation?"

Dolton nodded but said nothing.

The Ojnas studied her, "Why are you helping the Commander to disregard her orders, and possibly result in imprisonment for both of you?

Carol smiled, "She helped me, and gave me something few others have. I feel I have to return her trust in me, this is why."

Imik continued to study Dolton, "I fear you have come for nought, I have no possible information which could assist either you or her."

Carol sat and clenched her fists, she felt stupid but Lia was a friend and this was her last hope of redemption. "Can you think of anything which may help?"

Imik thought of that night, and slowly recalled thoughts which had alerted her to the attack. "I do have some memories of what the attacker thought and said, but I fear it is not much."

Dolton smiled, "Please, anything might help."

The Ojnas now went back into her mind and recounted the evil things of that night, "He said, "This is all your fault," then after that stated "You had to show off," . Recoiling in horror, Imik continued to reacall the memories, "Then more disjointed talk, "And now there's hundreds dead.", this is where he blames Derani, "We're centuries from home and that's on you." The Ojnas now looked at Dolton, "I am sorry but after that things become confused and unclear, the attacker thinks many things and I can not define fact from fiction."

Carol sat open mouthed, "My God, he's a bloody nut case." She quickly regained herself and looked at Imik, "I'm sorry about that, but if that's what he said then we have a big problem."

The Ojnas Legate nodded in agreement, "Until now I had not recounted my thoughts and memories of that night, the attacker has much hatred for Derani but also for others he feels have slighted him. He needs help from many people to regain himself."

Dolton had recorded Imik's statement and now decided that just maybe Lia was right, perhaps this new insight might help the new investigation and finally put an end to this nightmare unleashed on them all. She now stood up and extened her hand, Imik also rose and accepted it. Carol thanked the Ojnas, "I can only thank you for your time and patience with me Ma'am, I'll give this to the Commander and hope we can end this."

Imik smiled and then softly spoke to Carol, "You have a troubled mind also Carol, if you wish I can assist you in finding a quiet place and calm your mind so you can also move forwards."

Dolton thought and then responded, "If you're sure it won't be any trouble?"

The Ojnas shook her head, "None what so ever, and it may lead to you accepting we Aliens as friends not enemies to be feared."

Carol smiled, "Yeah lets hope so, thank you Ma'am I'll leave you in peace now."

Imik showed Dolton to the door and bowed as she left, Carol for some reason felt she had to do like wise and bowed back. "You do me an honour Carol, you show and give me respect. Thank you."

Imik's words hit home and Carol replied, "The honour is mine Ma'am, thank you." Dolton now turned and headed back to Lia, she felt lighter and more in control. Maybe this bloody universe could become home.

OFF