A Goodbye...or is it?

Posted on Sat Sep 12th, 2020 @ 3:41am by Commodore Jane Saulitis

Mission: End of Line
Location: Captain’s Ready Room
Timeline: MD 01
981 words - 2 OF Standard Post Measure

Herbert Barr was packed and ready to leave the Majestic. He had enjoyed his brief time on board the ship however he doubted many of the senior officers would say the same after he gotten himself into a relationship with the Princess he was meant to be looking after.

He felt he owed the Captain at least a goodbye and perhaps an apology. He just wanted to disembark on reasonable terms. If she was going to throw the book at him then so be it. His letter of resignation was saved in his personal database so if it came to it, he’d just resign from Starfleet and find somewhere where Leyana and he could leave in peace.

He now stood at the Captain’s ready room door and took a deep breath before pressing the door chime and waited.

"Come in," Jane called as she sipped her coffee and wondered who was on the other side of the door. She gave no hint that she was surprised when Barr came in the room. "Mr. Barr, what can I do for you?"

“I just wanted to pay my respects before I depart the ship. It’s been a pleasure to serve on Majestic for the brief time I was here. I can only apologise for what happened with myself and the Princess, I realise it’s completely unprofessional.” Barr said as he came to attention in front of the Captain’s desk.

Jane sighed slightly. "I only make people come to attention when they're in trouble, relax. And you are right, it was unprofessional. But . . . though I disagree with what you did, I understand how such things happen. Have you and the princess made plans as to where you will go?" She asked, assuming they might remain together. Although the princess was well adjusted to dealing with beings, she had only ever lived under one roof in one society.

“Not yet.” Barr replied has he relaxed a little. “I’ve not received new orders yet. I’m actually considering resigning from Starfleet.”

"Good. Because I'd like you to stay. The princess is going to need a lot of guidance from someone she trusts and that certainly isn't Ms Reed or myself. I don't believe she's decided to leave the ship yet either. There's room for both of you on board should you accept my proposition."

Bert’s eye brows went up with surprise. “Really? How will you clear it with Starfleet? Mission advisors only advise for one mission.”

"Has your mission really ended? I still see a princess on board this ship. I think it could be loosely arranged that you could become her guide until she decides or determines where and what she wants to do with her life now that she cannot return home. It wasn't exactly the mission close that Starfleet was looking for, but we made our choices and so did she so now we have to learn to live with them."

“Of course, that is all true but technically I can do that on any ship. I believe the Princess is quite happy to come with me on any assignment. I’ve enjoyed my time on Majestic and would like to stay but my role as mission advisor for this ship has come to an end. Starfleet will no doubt need me somewhere else.” Barr replied in a respectful tone. He’d be more than happy to stay but staying for the Princess who he was already helping seemed like a misuse of his skills.

"That is true, you could do the same on any ship but the princess right now isn't on any ship and though her time on Majestic has been eventful Starfleet believes she's in the best spot to learn about diplomacy." Jane passed him over a PADD. "I pulled a couple of strings to get them to allow you to stay on with her, if you wish it."

Herbert took the PADD and thumbed through the contents. “There’s no information on what my role would be.” He queried. Barr preferred to keep busy with his work, which was harder than normal after losing his commission.

"You would still be a mission advisor. I see no reason why you can't keep an eye on the princess and help us sort through any information that comes in about where we will be sent next. You have a background in diplomacy after all."

It was a fair assessment. Barr has also grown quite fond of the Majestic and her crew in the short time he’d been there. “Alright, Captain. I accept. I hope you’re next mission is as interesting as the last and I promise I won’t let things get personal again.”

"We never have boring missions," Jane smiled. "Glad to know you'll be staying with us. Try not to get into too much trouble." Jane was tired, she turned her attention back to the PADD at hand hoping he understood it was time to be dismissed.

“Of course, ma’am.” He replied with a professional nod. “Has Starfleet given you an idea of what your next assignment might be? I only ask so I can prep myself for it.”

"Not yet, I've been granted shoreleave on a new . . . . well I suppose you could call it a pleasure station. We're headed there to let some of our tempers cool off and we'll get word soon enough I'm sure."

“Understood.” Barr replied. “Well, if there’s nothing else, ma’am, I’ll leave you in peace.”

She resisted the urge to snort. Peace was something Starship Captain's had little of. "Sure, have a good afternoon Mr. Barr. Let me know if the princess needs or wants anything."

“I will do, Captain. Thank you.” Herbert said before giving a respectful to the Captain. He the turned and left the Captain to her work.