Hiding in Plain Sight

Posted on Wed Oct 28th, 2020 @ 1:59am by Commodore Jane Saulitis

Mission: End of Line
Location: Cassie's Quarters/ USS Majestic
Timeline: MD01
1000 words - 2 OF Standard Post Measure

Jane was dressed in civilian clothing as she walked briskly through the corridors until she got to the quarters she'd been looking for. She stopped, pressed the button and waited patiently for the lone occupant to answer. Being out of uniform was a rarity for her and she had every intention of enjoying it while she was on the station. When the door opened Jane smiled. "I wanted to personally offer an invitation for a tour of the station."

Cassie had a genuine look of surprise on her face as she answered the door. After her earlier conversations with Leyana and Lilith, she had preferred being alone with her own thoughts. "Oh, hi," she greeted, surprised to see the Captain out of uniform, and then blushed in embarrassment. "I'd love to join you," she started, not wanting to be rude and trying not to her slur her speech, "but, um, I'm kind of tipsy on cheap wine, and I'm not exactly dressed to go out." Indeed, she had changed into yoga pants and a loose t-shirt once she had finished working earlier that afternoon. Worse, she was barefoot. But even in her slightly inebriated state, she had a feeling Jane wouldn't take that as an excuse.

"May I come in?" Jane asked. She didn't feel there was a need to have this conversation in the middle of the corridor. Cassie had barely stepped back before Jane had not quite barged her way in. "I didn't realize that wallowing was the order of the day. That is what's going on here?"

"Guilty as charged. Between the snafu on Sozon II, Leyana's uncertain future, and this other thing I don't care to talk about, it seemed like a good idea," Cassie explained, reaching for an antitoxin hypospray in a cupboard and applying it to her neck. She could handle being drunk around other people, but being drunk in front of the Captain, casual setting or no, was simply bad form. "On that note, Château Picard is vile. I don't recommend," she said, lightly shaking her head as the antitoxin took effect.

"Exactly why I came down here, I thought you might be. I wanted to share some words of wisdom but I couldn't think of any. Just know that I don't think it was your fault. It was a bad contract, a bad situation and in the end, we saved her from a life of pure slavery. Once she realizes that, I think she could make a difference in the universe. She's intelligent, quick-witted, and has a lot to learn, but at least it will be a much less biased education."

"Thanks. I'm my own worst critic, I think. As others have said," she stated, careful not to name anyone, "it was probably doomed to fail. That being said, I outlined a few options with Leyana earlier, so she can think about it. It's probably the best I can do until she makes a decision, whatever that may be. I think her feelings for Herbert will weigh heavily in the balance."

"Oh good, I was hoping someone had spoken to her. Given my outburst earlier I wasn't sure she would be willing to see me but I did speak to Mr. Barr. He's agreed to remain with her, which is what he wanted I'm sure. And since they are a couple, they'll both be staying with us on the ship for the time being. So . . . " Jane continued. "Can I tempt you with that station tour then?"

Cassie glanced down at her outfit, pondered for a moment, then nodded. "More wine isn't going to do me any good, and I probably need the distraction anyway," she said, putting on a pair of sandals. It was shore leave, after all; no one would care about what she wore. "Shall we?"

"Sure, I'll treat you to lunch. How is Miss Sullivan?" It was the first time in ages that she didn't have something on her schedule. It was a good opportunity for her to see how the crew was doing and ask about their lives aboard her ship. "She did some fantastic flying to get us out of that nebula."

"Yeah, she did. She's a great pilot," Cassie answered, thinking of what she would say next. She didn't know what, or even whether, she should say anything of her earlier conversation with Lilith. "She came by earlier with some transfer orders, and wasn't sure what to do about it. I'm surprised she hasn't seen you about them yet."

Jane raised her eyebrows. "Oh, I don't remember seeing that. It would be a terrible shame if we lost her." She was sure Cassie would agree on that point.

Cassie nodded. "Indeed," she said simply, worried about what might happen next. But she had decided not to interfere in any major way. Orders were orders, after all. Besides, she wasn't sure how she would be able to help. "We've spoken of a couple of options, but I don't think she's made a decision on her next course of action."

"Hmm, I'll have to see what I can do. But there's no reason I can't do that after I buy you lunch. It's nice having someone to treat who isn't an ambassador or some kind. At least with you I'm fairly certain I won't offend if I order the crab."

Cassie chuckled, remembering her first assignment of her current contract. "Yes, but imagine if we had served the chicken instead?" She shook her hand and made a grimace. "We never would have lived it down. That said, seafood does sound nice."

"I still haven't lived it down. Right this minute colleagues everywhere are coming up with crab jokes to subject me to the next time they see me. Yes it does. I suppose we'll be able to find some? This is basically a station for R&R they should have whatever we're looking for. I think there's some restaurants on the main promenade, we can start there."