Spilling The Beans

Posted on Tue Feb 19th, 2019 @ 3:55pm by Lieutenant Steffan Haas & Captain Cynthia Jackson

844 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Mission 2 - Love ORION Mistaken
Location: Captain’s Office
Timeline: 2261.205 0900

Steffan stood outside the Captain’s office and took a deep breath. He didn’t really want to tell the Captain about what wheller had offered him in return for his help. At the same time she needed to know what Wheeler was up to although he suspected she would already have an feeling as to what he was trying to do. Now he waited for permission to enter.

This was the part of being a Captain that Cindy hated — paperwork. She could not fathom why so much was needed other than an unnecessary way of making people feel useful in downtime. She sighed as she heard the chime, relieved to have a break from the monotony. “Come in!” She said cheerfully.

“Good morning, Captain.” Haas said after stepping into the office and allowing the doors to slide close. “I was wondering if you had a moment?”

More than a little relieved to be away from her reports, she said, "Of course, Steffan. Would you like a seat? Or is this something more formal? I know you like your formalities a bit more...."

Steffan chose to get straight to the point. “Captain, I was assigned to Legacy by Admiral Wheeler to, in essence, spy on you. He wanted me to find dirt on you to help with your removal from Command. I am telling you this now, as you have earned my respect as a Captain. I have informed the Admiral that your are excellent at your job. Something he wasn’t best pleased about. I felt that you should know.” He said.

Cindy nodded after listening to Steffan. "You present me with an interesting problem, Steffan. I could choose not to believe you and report it to Admiral Wheeler. However, I do not see what you would have gained by telling me this information if it was not true. Of course, that leaves me with two options: one, you're sincere about what you're telling me or two, that you're telling me to get in my good graces and then to report something to Wheeler if you change your mind about me, playing both sides and hoping to pick the right one when shit flies."

She got up, strolled to the front and sat on the front of her desk and allowed her feet to cross at the ankles and swing outwards. "Let me ask you this, Steffan: If you were in my position, what do you think that you would do if you heard this information?"

“If I’m honest, ma’am, I’d throw me out of the nearest airlock.” Haas replied quietly. He paused for a moment before continuing. “I am sincere in what I’m telling you. I was stupid to accept such a misguided mission from the Admiral, but serving on a Constitution Class vessel was a personal goal of mine. It meant I could explore the language’s of the new races we would meet. My choice to take such an endeavour was driven by self betterment rather than the downfall of a Starship Captain. If you were as bad as he told you were then I doubt we would be having this conversation. I’ve gone to respect you greatly during my time aboard, hence why I feel it’s right to let you know.”

Smiling, Cindy said, "Well, I'm not throwing you out of an airlock. I don't believe in murder." She laughed, throwing back her head, her wavy platinum blonde hair waving behind her and settling behind her shoulders when she came back to an upright position. "I believe you and not that I need to do it, forgive you. To be honest, I suspected as much. I am pretty sure there are others too. I don't really care. I'm here to do a job and I do not care what one misogynist ass thinks."

She tapped Steffan's hand lightly. "So, don't worry yourself. What you did was incredibly brave and I applaud you for it."

“Thank you, Captain. I appreciate it. You have my full support.” Haas replied, standing a little straighter than before. “I made a recording of my last conversation with the Admiral. It has some incriminating stuff on there if you need it.”

"Just keep it," Cindy told him. "I would rather not think about it. I'm not here for politics or blackmail. I'm here to do a job, just like you." She smiled broadly at her Chief Communications Officer.

“I’ll keep safe in case it’s needed for the future.” Haas replied, returning the Captain’s smile.

"As you wish. Is there anything else that you wanted to discuss, Steffan?" she asked curiously.

“No, Captain. Thank you for being understanding. I appreciate you not throwing me out the airlock and am pleased to serve under you.” Haas replied.

"Airlocks are just so instant. No satisfaction that way," Cindy teased. "I'm pleased you're serving under me too."

Haas gave the Captain a nod and smile. “May I be dismissed, ma’am?”

Cindy laughed at Steffan's formality. "Yes, Steffan, you're dismissed."

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