by Lt. Commander TC Blane
Vedek Jariel Camen
and
Captain Zanh Liis
80104.23
Following You've Always Had the Power
-Aboard the Runabout Solaris: Leaving Bajor to Rendezvous with the USS Atlas-
Vedek Jariel Camen
and
Captain Zanh Liis
80104.23
Following You've Always Had the Power
-Aboard the Runabout Solaris: Leaving Bajor to Rendezvous with the USS Atlas-
TC monitored the engines as the runabout lifted off from the surface. He tried to keep the engine wash to a minimum as they pulled away from the orphanage. Still he could see the snow swirling about the ground as they climbed up and away into the dark night sky.
Liis and Jariel soon joined him in the cockpit, with the Captain occupying the co-pilot's seat. They strapped in as TC adjusted the trim of the craft's climb towards the outer atmosphere of Bajor.
Several moments passed in silence as they each mulled over the day's events.
TC pulled the runabout into a tight turn and leveled out their climb and they began to break through the last of the planet's gravitational pull. Everyone on the shuttle felt the change from a momentary weightless feeling to the ever so slight drop back into their seats as the artificial gravity generator of the shuttle kicked on.
As soon as the ship leveled off completely, Jariel unbuckled his restraints and stood up. [[If you'll excuse me,]] he gestured to the robe he still wore beneath his coat. [[It's time for me to get back into uniform.]] He disappeared into the back of the cabin, and once the door closed behind him, TC glanced sideways at Zanh.
"So, how do you see Timal now?"
She opened her mouth to speak, and then pressed her lips together instead. Her eyes directed at the ceiling, she sought the right words.
"You were right," she admitted at last. "He is a frail old man, who has given up much in his life to serve others."
"That's the polite answer," TC observed, double checking external sensor readings as he spoke. "You have a strong connection to your instincts, Liis. What does your gut tell you?"
"That he never intended to be unkind to me." She replied without hesitation. "He pushed me. So I wouldn't settle on anything in my life. He made me miserable, but I owe him more than I could ever repay."
Her hand again gravitated toward the chain of her earring. "I expected him to be, I suppose, something more than mortal. At least, he always seemed that way to me when I was younger. But now,"
"Now?"
"He's just a man. A good man, who did the best that he could in unimaginable circumstances."
TC nodded.
"Oh, and apparently, he was also in love with my grandmother."
She made the remark so casually that TC laughed, certain she was making a joke. She didn't respond in kind, though, and his eyes widened.
"Seriously?" He whistled.
"Yeah." Zanh said, shaking her head. "Who knew."
"Things work out in the most unexpected ways." He commented, shaking his head as well.
A few moments later, the Vedek returned in his unique chosen 'uniform' consisting of a simple, high-collared black shirt, boots and pants. He smiled at Liis as he affixed his communicator to his chest.
"Better?" She asked with a smile.
[[Much.]] He flopped into the seat behind her.
"All in all I think the trip was a success." said TC, as he adjusted course toward the orbiting USS Atlas.
He checked the heading and the arrival time. They still had a few minutes until they reached their rendezvous point.
He set the auto pilot and got up and headed into the back of the runabout. Both Jariel and Liis exchanged glances at TC's sudden departure from the cockpit.
He returned a moment later with two packages in his hands. Both were wrapped in bright ornamental paper and had bright metallic bows on them. He handed one to a shocked Jariel and one to an equally shocked Liis.
TC plopped back into the pilot's seat with a smile. "Christmas is still not over. These are the last two gifts." He turned to face the two. "Merry Christmas."
Both began to politely object, but TC silenced them with a raised hand. "Both of you just be quiet and open them." He then frowned. "You wouldn't want to insult me would you?"
[[Insult a man with your training?]] Jariel joked, putting his hands up in a gesture of surrender. [[Doesn't sound like a very wise thing to do.]]
"I concur. An unwise tactical move if ever I've heard of one." Liis put her hand to her mouth and spoke in an exaggerated hush. "We wouldn't want to agitate him, I think he may be dangerous."
[[We'd best just do as he says, then.]]
"Agreed."
Jariel was the first to start ripping off the paper from his gift. It revealed a plain brown cardboard box. Jariel frowned and glanced at TC not having a clue as to what the contents were. He lifted the lid to the box and peered inside.
He found a potted plant. Frowning still, he lifted it free of the box. The pot was made of clay and the plant looked similar to a miniature tree. Its trunk was bent and twisted into mild turns and it green leaves were neatly cropped and styled.
He smiled and looked at TC.
"It's a Bonsai Tree from Earth. It is an ancient hobby from Japan to miniaturize and style these trees. It used to be a sign of royalty, part of the emperor's status." He motioned to the box. "There is a book with care and history of the art."
"That particular tree is about 60 years old. It could live for hundreds with the proper care." He continued. "I know your affinity for plants."
[[What gave it away?]] Jariel signed, as he grinned.
He lifted the tree up again and spun it slowly in his hands, then set it down so he could sign.
[[Most unique. I've honestly never seen anything quite like this.]] He fingered the plant and determined a little water was probably necessary.
He replicated a small glass and dripped just a few drops around the base. He didn't want to overdo it before he had the chance to read the care manual and know for sure how to care for the planet.
[[Wherever I end up, this will have a special place, Mr. Blane. Thank you.]]
TC turned to Liis as Jariel carefully placed the plant back into it protective box. "Your turn."
"You shouldn't have done this." She protested.
"Didn't we already establish not to insult me?" He interjected. "Open it."
With a final protesting sigh, she pulled the wrapping paper off of the gift to reveal a plaque.
Attached to it was an antique sailors spyglass.
The glass was removable, resting inside of a leather pouch with brass bindings.
The spyglass itself was made from brass and had silver inlays. She noticed that an inscription was on the side.
She smiled at TC before reading it.
"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation. George Washington (1732 - 1799)
Merry Christmas – TC"
TC smiled. "To help guide you around this big universe."
"Wow,"
[[Wow.]]
Jariel laughed as he and Liis had the same identical reaction. [[Both gifts are beautiful, TC. Thank you so much.]]
Liis held her gift in her hands, turning it slowly between them and taking in every single detail of its construction.
She was at a loss for words.
"I. . ." she smiled at him. She held it up to her eye and looked at him through it. By this point in the early evening, Blane's five o'clock shadow was easily visible upon his chiseled face. "I believe you need a shave, Mr. Blane."
TC laughed, and Liis closed the glass and placed it carefully back into its pouch.
"Seriously," she added nervously, unaccustomed to receiving gifts in general, let alone gifts with so much thought put into them. "I don't know what to say."
"How about thanks."
She grinned broadly. "Thanks."
"I wish I had something to give you." She considered her dilemma carefully. "Wait. There is something."
She reached down to the floor and into her leather jacket, which she had tossed aside after boarding.
The box Timal had given her was currently nestled inside of it, and she lifted the lid and pulled out the tattered, brittle photograph.
"You asked if I remembered her," she handed it to him. "The child that I was. I don't remember much, but after all of your kind and sound advice to me, I think that you deserve to get to see her, at least."
She watched as Blane analyzed the picture of her sitting on her grandmother's knee.
He glanced at the photo and back to Liis. "I can still that little girl in you."
Just then the comm came to life.
[USS Atlas to Runabout Solaris. Proceed to the main shuttle bay and prepare for docking.]
TC turned his attention to the forward viewscreen as he gently handed the photo back to Zanh.
He nodded his thanks, knowing that she'd shared with him something that was truly to be considered a gift; a glimpse beneath the armor that she always wore, with the intention of keeping almost everyone at a safe and comfortable distance.
"Acknowledge Atlas starting docking procedures. Thanks for the lift."
[Not at all, welcome aboard.]
TC glanced back at his compatriots. "Well, back to work folks."
"Work." Liis said, wondering where that work would take her. "You know, my first thought when I saw your gift, Thomas, was that it would fit perfectly on the desk in my ready room." She frowned. "But as things stand, I don't know if I'll ever have my own ready room again to put it in."
TC kept his expression neutral. He didn't want her to agonize over her fate all the way back to Earth, but he knew he still could not yet share the information he had about their next assignment.
"I wouldn't worry about it too much, Captain. Come hell or high water, I have a hunch that Zanh Liis will sit in the big chair again. Someday."
Liis and Jariel soon joined him in the cockpit, with the Captain occupying the co-pilot's seat. They strapped in as TC adjusted the trim of the craft's climb towards the outer atmosphere of Bajor.
Several moments passed in silence as they each mulled over the day's events.
TC pulled the runabout into a tight turn and leveled out their climb and they began to break through the last of the planet's gravitational pull. Everyone on the shuttle felt the change from a momentary weightless feeling to the ever so slight drop back into their seats as the artificial gravity generator of the shuttle kicked on.
As soon as the ship leveled off completely, Jariel unbuckled his restraints and stood up. [[If you'll excuse me,]] he gestured to the robe he still wore beneath his coat. [[It's time for me to get back into uniform.]] He disappeared into the back of the cabin, and once the door closed behind him, TC glanced sideways at Zanh.
"So, how do you see Timal now?"
She opened her mouth to speak, and then pressed her lips together instead. Her eyes directed at the ceiling, she sought the right words.
"You were right," she admitted at last. "He is a frail old man, who has given up much in his life to serve others."
"That's the polite answer," TC observed, double checking external sensor readings as he spoke. "You have a strong connection to your instincts, Liis. What does your gut tell you?"
"That he never intended to be unkind to me." She replied without hesitation. "He pushed me. So I wouldn't settle on anything in my life. He made me miserable, but I owe him more than I could ever repay."
Her hand again gravitated toward the chain of her earring. "I expected him to be, I suppose, something more than mortal. At least, he always seemed that way to me when I was younger. But now,"
"Now?"
"He's just a man. A good man, who did the best that he could in unimaginable circumstances."
TC nodded.
"Oh, and apparently, he was also in love with my grandmother."
She made the remark so casually that TC laughed, certain she was making a joke. She didn't respond in kind, though, and his eyes widened.
"Seriously?" He whistled.
"Yeah." Zanh said, shaking her head. "Who knew."
"Things work out in the most unexpected ways." He commented, shaking his head as well.
A few moments later, the Vedek returned in his unique chosen 'uniform' consisting of a simple, high-collared black shirt, boots and pants. He smiled at Liis as he affixed his communicator to his chest.
"Better?" She asked with a smile.
[[Much.]] He flopped into the seat behind her.
"All in all I think the trip was a success." said TC, as he adjusted course toward the orbiting USS Atlas.
He checked the heading and the arrival time. They still had a few minutes until they reached their rendezvous point.
He set the auto pilot and got up and headed into the back of the runabout. Both Jariel and Liis exchanged glances at TC's sudden departure from the cockpit.
He returned a moment later with two packages in his hands. Both were wrapped in bright ornamental paper and had bright metallic bows on them. He handed one to a shocked Jariel and one to an equally shocked Liis.
TC plopped back into the pilot's seat with a smile. "Christmas is still not over. These are the last two gifts." He turned to face the two. "Merry Christmas."
Both began to politely object, but TC silenced them with a raised hand. "Both of you just be quiet and open them." He then frowned. "You wouldn't want to insult me would you?"
[[Insult a man with your training?]] Jariel joked, putting his hands up in a gesture of surrender. [[Doesn't sound like a very wise thing to do.]]
"I concur. An unwise tactical move if ever I've heard of one." Liis put her hand to her mouth and spoke in an exaggerated hush. "We wouldn't want to agitate him, I think he may be dangerous."
[[We'd best just do as he says, then.]]
"Agreed."
Jariel was the first to start ripping off the paper from his gift. It revealed a plain brown cardboard box. Jariel frowned and glanced at TC not having a clue as to what the contents were. He lifted the lid to the box and peered inside.
He found a potted plant. Frowning still, he lifted it free of the box. The pot was made of clay and the plant looked similar to a miniature tree. Its trunk was bent and twisted into mild turns and it green leaves were neatly cropped and styled.
He smiled and looked at TC.
"It's a Bonsai Tree from Earth. It is an ancient hobby from Japan to miniaturize and style these trees. It used to be a sign of royalty, part of the emperor's status." He motioned to the box. "There is a book with care and history of the art."
"That particular tree is about 60 years old. It could live for hundreds with the proper care." He continued. "I know your affinity for plants."
[[What gave it away?]] Jariel signed, as he grinned.
He lifted the tree up again and spun it slowly in his hands, then set it down so he could sign.
[[Most unique. I've honestly never seen anything quite like this.]] He fingered the plant and determined a little water was probably necessary.
He replicated a small glass and dripped just a few drops around the base. He didn't want to overdo it before he had the chance to read the care manual and know for sure how to care for the planet.
[[Wherever I end up, this will have a special place, Mr. Blane. Thank you.]]
TC turned to Liis as Jariel carefully placed the plant back into it protective box. "Your turn."
"You shouldn't have done this." She protested.
"Didn't we already establish not to insult me?" He interjected. "Open it."
With a final protesting sigh, she pulled the wrapping paper off of the gift to reveal a plaque.
Attached to it was an antique sailors spyglass.
The glass was removable, resting inside of a leather pouch with brass bindings.
The spyglass itself was made from brass and had silver inlays. She noticed that an inscription was on the side.
She smiled at TC before reading it.
"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation. George Washington (1732 - 1799)
Merry Christmas – TC"
TC smiled. "To help guide you around this big universe."
"Wow,"
[[Wow.]]
Jariel laughed as he and Liis had the same identical reaction. [[Both gifts are beautiful, TC. Thank you so much.]]
Liis held her gift in her hands, turning it slowly between them and taking in every single detail of its construction.
She was at a loss for words.
"I. . ." she smiled at him. She held it up to her eye and looked at him through it. By this point in the early evening, Blane's five o'clock shadow was easily visible upon his chiseled face. "I believe you need a shave, Mr. Blane."
TC laughed, and Liis closed the glass and placed it carefully back into its pouch.
"Seriously," she added nervously, unaccustomed to receiving gifts in general, let alone gifts with so much thought put into them. "I don't know what to say."
"How about thanks."
She grinned broadly. "Thanks."
"I wish I had something to give you." She considered her dilemma carefully. "Wait. There is something."
She reached down to the floor and into her leather jacket, which she had tossed aside after boarding.
The box Timal had given her was currently nestled inside of it, and she lifted the lid and pulled out the tattered, brittle photograph.
"You asked if I remembered her," she handed it to him. "The child that I was. I don't remember much, but after all of your kind and sound advice to me, I think that you deserve to get to see her, at least."
She watched as Blane analyzed the picture of her sitting on her grandmother's knee.
He glanced at the photo and back to Liis. "I can still that little girl in you."
Just then the comm came to life.
[USS Atlas to Runabout Solaris. Proceed to the main shuttle bay and prepare for docking.]
TC turned his attention to the forward viewscreen as he gently handed the photo back to Zanh.
He nodded his thanks, knowing that she'd shared with him something that was truly to be considered a gift; a glimpse beneath the armor that she always wore, with the intention of keeping almost everyone at a safe and comfortable distance.
"Acknowledge Atlas starting docking procedures. Thanks for the lift."
[Not at all, welcome aboard.]
TC glanced back at his compatriots. "Well, back to work folks."
"Work." Liis said, wondering where that work would take her. "You know, my first thought when I saw your gift, Thomas, was that it would fit perfectly on the desk in my ready room." She frowned. "But as things stand, I don't know if I'll ever have my own ready room again to put it in."
TC kept his expression neutral. He didn't want her to agonize over her fate all the way back to Earth, but he knew he still could not yet share the information he had about their next assignment.
"I wouldn't worry about it too much, Captain. Come hell or high water, I have a hunch that Zanh Liis will sit in the big chair again. Someday."