'Ohana

Posted on Fri Jun 23, 2023 @ 3:11pm by Fleet Captain Rhea Kennit & Lieutenant Penelope Naroot

1,194 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: We Will Take Care of You
Location: Captain's Ready Room

Begin personal log. Attach current stardate.

I'm feeling...conflicted. I'm feeling conflicted because of recent events, and also because I'm feeling conflicted about feeling conflicted, which makes me feel conflicted again, and that just makes me feel more conflicted because I should be feeling more sure about feeling conflicted and why I feel conflicted--

She could almost hear Nicole and Camille calling out at her. She un-paused her log.

When my friends, left the ship, I was scared, I knew that for sure. I was terrified of being alone, surrounded by people who didn't know me. Then, the androids came aboard. I wasn't less scared, but I didn't know why. Maybe I've developed instincts? Computer, set reminder to study my ability to have a 'gut'.

Anyway, then they tried to capture us. I understand their rationale now, and they understand why they were wrong, but I still didn't feel differently. When they left, my twin hugged me. When she let go, I felt like I didn't know where to stand. Now they're gone, and I'm back to where I was: a few people know my secret. So why do I still feel alone? It's conflicting. I should be happy Zach knows about me, and also Cullen, but I don't feel the same, and I don't know why. So should I feel alone? Or should I feel relieved? Or should I not feel conflicted because I have what I want? Or should I be worried because others might find out and this isn't the time for that? Or--[deep breath]. I guess my biggest fear is...where do I go from here to stay safe?

The computer terminal lit up with a message and Penny set an acknowledgement.

I guess I'm going to the bridge. Eng log.

Penny stepped onto the bridge and came around towards the Captain's ready room. She didn't want to look to confirm, but she thought a few heads had turned. The fact that she'd had a twin on board had been largely confined to only the involved personnel and they had been ordered to keep quiet, but she knew humans loved gossip.

She pressed the chime and stood with her hands behind her back, waiting.

The door parted to allow her to enter, accompanied by the Captain’s response which was, appropriately, “Enter”.

Inside, the Captain was seated at her desk. Her cat was on the desktop, purring softly while eating what looked like shredded chicken from a small bowl as the Captain gently stroked the cat’s back.

Penny stood in front of the desk at attention. "Lieutenant Naroot, reporting as ordered, Captain," she said, formally.

“At ease Lieutenant.” Kennit said after a quick glance at the younger officer. “I just wanted to take a moment, see how you’re doing as the dust from recent events settles.”

"I am....I'm not sure, Ma'am," she said. "I keep trying to decide how I feel about it all, but I can't settle on anything. I'm just...anxious? Hurt? Bewildered? Betrayed? Regretful? Thankful? Scared? Happy? Relieved? Nervous? Angry?"

"That would be normal after an event such as what happened." Kennit said. "If need be you should feel free to avail yourself of the Counselor's services." She paused for a moment. "I am also curious to know if you have had any negative encounters with other members of the ship's crew."

Penny looked down guiltily. "Not really...I don't know who knows what really happened....I don't think Zach or Sydney told anyone but I don't know. I've been really focused on cleaning and organizing my quarters, so I haven't really had time to socialize."

Accepting that answer, the Captain nodded once and said, "In the event you find yourself being targeted by crew who are.. resentful of recent events. I expect you to let me know. I will not allow such actions on this ship. You are a part of this crew, and the actions of others are not your doing regardless of affiliation or your origins."

Penny tilted her head. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me," she said, quietly. She let her probe slip from her sleeve and waved it over the captain quickly, then looked at the lights blinking at her. "Hm....you don't appear to be a clone..."

One eyebrow rose, and the Captain almost smiled as she replied in a mild voice ”Don’t push your luck, Lieutenant.” She paused briefly, then added “I just know from past experience. Sometimes people…regardless of their species or origin.. can be affected by events which are out of our control. I will not tolerate any sort of bias against a member of my crew. No matter who it may come from, or what their supposed reasoning may be. I have been where you sit, and in some instances still face a similar prejudice due to the history of the Federation and the Borg. In my own case, admittedly it may be justified to a degree. However, in your case it is not. You committed no wrong, and I refer some of the actions I had to take which seemed directed against you directly. It was not personal. I had to consider the well being of the ship and entire crew.”

Penny's head remained tilted the whole time as she thought over what the Captain was saying. "I understand," she said after a moment. "Admiral Markus used to talk about 'the old days' when starships were out on the frontier. No subspace communiques, no checking in with the Admiralty, no help nearby. Crews were floating communities...families in space. Crews had to look out for each other, above all else. It always sounded...nice." She gave the captain a smile. "Thank you for looking out for me."

“That’s how things work Lieutenant. On this ship, we do still look out for one another, always.” the Captain answered with a small smile. “But you are welcome. Thank you for helping look out for all of us.”

Penny nodded. "You're welcome," she said. "I'll try to keep that up." She stood up. "Captain....the androids did ask me to pass along a request."

That was unexpected, and the Captain responded by asking “What request would that be?”

"They'd like me to 'keep in touch'," she said. "They want me to keep writing letters, explaining humans to them, so that they can continue to learn how to appreciate you as I do. May I?"

“They are your family,” the Captain said. “Starfleet and the Federation would never try to prevent you from contacting your family. As with all communications to home, to family, of course you can send letters back. Within the same constrictions for classified information and matters of security which all members of Starfleet are restricted to. Nothing which endangers ship security, or the security of the Federation itself.”

Penny gave a half-hearted shrug. "Well, I'll do my best." She clasped her hands behind her back. "Permission to return to my quarters?"

With a simple nod of her head, the Captain answered “Permission granted Lieutenant.”

Penny nodded thanks and stepped out.

(~*~

 

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