By Zanh Liis and Rada Dengar
30820.1
Following Memories
-=Holodeck Two=-
30820.1
Following Memories
-=Holodeck Two=-
The Captain had made a small detour on her way to the party, and she held in her hands a small gift for one Rada Dengar.
Seeking him out as soon as she entered the holodeck, she approached. He was the center of attention among a group of his engineering colleagues, as they all congratulated him and at the same time teased him about the new level of responsibility that his promotion would demand.
"You're up the task, aren't you Mr. Dengar?" Zanh stepped up, "Sorry to interrupt, may I speak to you a moment?" The group stepped back and scattered, leaving Zanh and Dengar alone.
"Hold out your hands, please."
"Sir?"
Zanh put on her best game face. "Do I need to make it an order, Lieutenant?"
Rada's eyes reflected his alarm. "No, Sir." He put his hands out, and Zanh pulled a small, gold colored bag from behind her back. She rested it in his hands, and smiled.
"They're called romal," she smiled. "They're not toffees, but they're the closest thing Bajor has to offer. Very sweet. Be warned, if you have dental work they can suck the fillings right out of your teeth, but I hope you'll enjoy them."
Zanh knew that few things in life were dearer to Dengar than his trusty toffees, and she hoped that while her gesture was small, that it would convey her deep respect for him as a person, and the way that he had struggled so hard to overcome adversity in his life to get to where he was today.
More than the candy, it was the words that she spoke next which made an impression on the young engineer.
"I'm proud of you, Danger." She held out her hand to him, and Dengar accepted it. She clasped on tightly. "Very proud. You deserve all the success that is coming to you."
"Thank you, Captain." Rada said, thankfully. This really was so sweet, whilst Rada doubted anyone with the confidence the Captain displayed in herself could ever understand exactly why it was that his toffees meant so much to him, it was clear that Zanh understood what it was they meant to him. He couldn’t help but feel that these romal would be very useful very soon.
Zanh observed that something was changed about the man as he shifted his weight from foot to foot before her. "Is something wrong?"
“There is,” Rada admitted “Some information has recently come to my attention…It requires me to visit Earth. I was wondering if I could take a day whilst we’re in the area. . .”
Rada didn’t even have to finish. “Permission granted,” replied Zanh, caringly. “Take as much time as you need to sort things out. Is there’s anything you’ll require? Any help I can offer?”
“No,” replied Rada. “All I’ll need is a day to sort this situation out," He said this knowing that depending on how things played out, this could very well be the last night he would ever spend on a Federation Starship.
Zanh became concerned, as she could read Rada well enough to know that asking for time off was not what had been bothering him. He actually seemed more worried now she’d said yes.
He was more worried now that she’d said yes.
“If you need to talk, you know where I’ll be, and you know my door is always open to you.” She assured him.
“Yes, I do.” he replied, “Thank you, Captain."
"Be safe, Rada," Zanh added softly, very much troubled by the exchange that had just taken place. Dengar nodded to her, his expression deeply troubled as well.
Zanh whispered a wish out loud as she watched him walk away, her words lost in the whirlwind of music, laughter, and celebration around them as the holodeck arch closed behind him.
"Hurry home."
-=/\=-Zanh Liis
Commanding Officer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012
and
Lt. (jg) Rada Dengar
Assistant Chief Engineer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012
Commanding Officer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012
and
Lt. (jg) Rada Dengar
Assistant Chief Engineer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012