by TC Blane and Dane Cristiane
80812.20
After Legal Advice (in and around, where it fits)
-=USS Alchemy=-
80812.20
After Legal Advice (in and around, where it fits)
-=USS Alchemy=-
TC walked Dane back to the conference room where his bag was stowed.
“Gather up you stuff and get off of this ship.” TC barked. “I’ll verify that order with the Captain in short order, but from what I know now I am almost certain that she’ll confirm it.”
He looked at Dane with obvious disappointment. That in itself was a stinging reality to the young man of the seriousness of his choice to aid Vox. Blane’s face never showed emotion except in the most extreme of situations. Then in a flash it was gone, his façade returning to its normal visage.
"Yes, Sir."
TC tapped his badge. “Security to the conference room.” He commanded.
It only took a moment for one of the few security officers left on the Alchemy to arrive.
“Sir?” The man asked, confused by the lack of an obvious hostile in the room.
TC continued to glare at Dane. “Escort the ensign here directly to the transporter room. He is not to stop anywhere en route.” He turned on his heel and left the room and headed back to the bridge.
Moments later Dane materialized on the surface, and knew immediately what he had to do.
He had screwed up, bigtime, and his only hope now was to wait around,choose the opportune moment, and try to throw himself on the mercy of Zanh Liis.
He knew that as angry as she had been, if he had a prayer of getting out of this with any sort of Starfleet future intact, he had to begin again where he'd started; at the bottom and with nothing left to lose.
He headed straight for the campus of the University of Betazed.
He had a paper to write.
-= Alchemy Bridge =-
TC strode onto the bridge and looked around to make sure all was in order before plopping into the center chair.
“Sanchez.” Blane barked to the half asleep helm officer.
“Sir!” Sanchez replied as she half leaped out of the chair.
“Revoke all access to both the Alchemy and Sera from Ensign Dane Christane effective immediately. He is not to come back onboard either vessel, unless he has orders from someone higher up on the food chain than me to do so. Understood?”
Sanchez nodded. “Understood.” Then she set about carrying out her orders.
TC hopped up from the center seat and made his way to the lift. “You have the bridge.” He called out over his shoulder as he stepped onto the lift.
-= Betazed =-
TC materialized in the lobby of the hotel where the Captain was supposed to be staying. He shifted uncomfortably, as he felt as if everyone was listening to his thoughts. It was an idea that he hated.
With a sigh he tapped his badge. “Blane to Zanh. Can you please meet me in the lobby?” He forwent the use of titles because of the civilian atmosphere and the fact that the Captain was technically on leave.
[Be right there.]
Zanh appeared a moment later. "Thomas," She paused, confused as to why he'd come here. She then realized suddenly that in her daze, she had left the Alchemy having made a vital error. She had neglected to inform Blane that Dane would be leaving. "I owe you an apology. I can only tell you that I'm not myself right now, you know I never would have intentionally kept you from knowing that I sent the kid home."
TC nodded but stepped in closer. “I understand. Dane told me what I am sure is everything.” Displeasure at the situation was etched slightly on his face. “I’m sorry, Captain. I should have caught this before it happened.”
"It was my own damned fault. I never should have kept it after I read it. Not even for a day. I just didn't want to," she paused, looking at her feet. "I wasn't ready to let it go yet, and that was stupid. But what's done is done, and when we get back, Thomas, you need to know the very first thing I'm going to do is have a conversation with Jonas Vox that may very well change not only the permanent chain of command of the Sera but the course of the rest of my life."
TC sighed. “Vox.” TC spat the name with an anger that startled the captain. “The man is a waste of good carbon.” He paused, "Do not do anything foolish, Captain. Vox has proven that he cannot be trusted.” He folded his arms across his chest. “I swear if I ever meet him in a dark alley I will not be responsible for my actions.”
Liis could only shrug. "He's the boss."
“What can I do to help?” TC asked suddenly.
"Keep a very watchful eye on our new friend Landry Steele," Zanh replied softly. "She was sent to join us as an 'intern' at Vox' behest just before we departed Earth. He knew that I'd be so fixed on watching her that I'd likely miss what Dane was trying to do. Sadly, he was right. Now that Dane has been caught in the act of spying on me, she may step up her own efforts to do whatever Vox has instructed her to do while on board the Alchemy. She is very young, Thomas, and likely an innocent pawn in this. But even as young as she is, we can't have anyone digging into our business any further- at least not until I talk to Vox. I can't relieve her of duty without cause. Her orders are iron clad and from the Admiral himself. But we sure as hell can make sure she's so busy, she has no time to wonder what I had for breakfast let alone delve any deeper into my personal affairs."
TC nodded. “Aye, Sir, will do.”
He looked at her again, his face softening. “Are you going to be ok?” He asked in a seldom seen and even more rarely heard moment of gentle concern. “I know things have been tough between Avery, O’Sullivan, and now Dane.”
*And Jariel,* Liis thought to herself, stopping before she spoke the words aloud.
"One foot in front of the other, that's what I keep telling myself," Liis mumbled, looking at the floor. "That's all I can do. Knowing that you're keeping an eye on everything," *Myself included...* she thought, "...helps. Thank you, Thomas."
Commander TC Blane
Second Officer
USS Serendipity/Alchemy
and
Dane Cristiane
Toast
USS Serendipity/Alchemy
Second Officer
USS Serendipity/Alchemy
and
Dane Cristiane
Toast
USS Serendipity/Alchemy