by Jariel Camen
90529.1900
After Sympathy for Atlas
-=USS Alchemy=-
90529.1900
After Sympathy for Atlas
-=USS Alchemy=-
Jariel knew he would need to go below and see to informing everyone that was staying behind, that they would need to get ready to leave. He lingered on the bridge, hoping that if he gave Samson enough time to find a safe location for them, that when he went to inform the others he would at least be able to tell them where they would be going.
After about fifteen minutes of debating with Lair Kellyn, over Starbases, class M planets, and trading posts that were all either too far away to work or too seedy to be considered safe to leave children on, they came to an agreement on a Vulcan survey ship that was nearby on a science mission.
The Vulcans, of course, want to know every detail of who, what, where, when and why. Jariel could not imagine the frustration in her as she answered each question as diplomatically as possible, but in the end, the Vulcans agreed to provide safe harbor for those who would not be joining the Alchemy upon its return to the Sera. They were fortunate that, of all people, Lair Kellyn was in charge right now, for she more than anyone would know how to find her way through a Vulcan interrogation.
As soon as the Vulcan Captain provided her consent, Jariel stepped off the bridge, to head to the crew quarters. Tress greeted him first at his own quarters.
[Get your toys. We have to go soon,] He signed to her. Tress’s shoulders slumped. They, had, after all, just gotten here, and now papa wanted to leave? Her frustration lasted only a moment, as she ran to her case of belongings, pulled out the aviator helmet Zanh Liis had given her at the party, and plunked it atop her head. She flicked her hand in what was supposed to be her imitation of a salute, indicating that she was ready for action.
“Iz everything all right?” Fleur’s concerned voice filled the room, as she entered from the sleeping area around the corner.
“The Admiral will not send more ships.”
“Then what are we to do?”
“Kellyn is taking the Alchemy back, after we rendezvous with a Vulcan ship to deliver the children to safety.”
“But didn’t Captain Zanh…”
“Yes, she did,” Jariel answered before Fleur could even finish her sentence. “She told Kellyn to deliver the message, then take the Alchemy to safety on Earth. In a sense she has filled the order of taking everyone to safety, just not to the destination that the Captain chose.”
“I do not think the Captain will approve of zis line of reasoning,” Fleur said skeptically. “How is ze crew?”
“Talbot refused to help, and got himself a stay in the brig for his trouble.”
“Will you be…” Fleur feared to complete her question, wondering if Jariel was to stay with the group, or return to the fight on the Alchemy.
“My place is with you, to watch over the children and February. That is where I can do the most good for the crew. Get Tress and Pace ready to go, I need to tell the others.”
Fleur nodded, and took Tress by the hand to help her pack up what few things she had unpacked in the short time since they left the Sera. Jariel went door to door, telling each child and parent, teacher or caregiver with them, that they would soon be transporting to the Vulcan ship.
He arrived last at February’s quarters, intentionally, and let out a deep breath. It had been traumatic enough for her to leave the Sera in the first place, now Jariel was going to have to ask her to stay behind as the Alchemy returned home, even if it was into a possible fight.
He rang the chime and stepped inside after she called out that he may enter. He was silent at first and rocked back on his heels.
“What?” She asked.
“Commander Lair is taking the ship back to the Sera.”
“Great, when do we leave?” Bru said, a hint of enthusiasm almost making its way into her voice.
“We leave for the Vulcan ship within the hour. We’ll be safe there with the other children until the Alchemy or Sera returns for us.”
“Oh no!” Bru began to protest. “I’m the best pilot we have. I’m not hiding out on a Vulcan ship.” She crossed her arms defiantly. As she did, Sparrow ran into the room, and up onto the top bunk, leaning out just inches from Jariel’s face. “And I’m not wrestling him back into the carrier.”
“I promise angel, the next time you have to beam or shuttle anywhere, it will be to head back home. I’m sure Dalton would agree with me that too much moving around this late in the pregnancy cannot possibly be good for you.”
“Or anyone else,” She added.
“I’ll get Sparrow into his carrier, if you can gather up whatever things you have.”
“So I’m not getting a choice? Just moved around like a piece of cargo?”
“It could be worse. Talbot refused to follow Lair’s orders and he’s in the brig.” Jariel offered, as he picked the carrier up off the floor. As soon as he did, Sparrow was off the bunk like a bolt of lightning, and underneath it.
“Well that’s hardly surprising,” February shrugged, sounding most un-February as she added, “the man is a tool.”
Jariel reserved comment as he got down on his hands and knees and felt around for the cat, hearing only a low growl as he did.
“Sparrow, go easy on the poor Vedek,” February said, as she crammed her bathrobe back into a duffel.
The cat made a run for it, zipping past Jariel but finding himself cornered in the tiny quarters. Camen very gently placed his hands around the cat’s sides, steering clear of the protruding claws and teeth, and lifted him towards the carrier. Sparrow spat, and spread his rear legs apart to press against either side of the carrier, so Jariel could not lower him into it.
Camen turned the cat toward him, and said gently and patiently, “Please? For me?”
Sparrow went limp a bit, and Camen quickly dropped him into the carrier and zipped the lid before Sparrow realized what was happening. “Good kitty.”
He set the carrier next to February on the bed. “I’ll be back for you when we are ready to go, I promise.”
“I’ll be here,” She said with a sigh.
Camen stepped back out into the corridor and tapped his comm badge. “Jariel to Lair.”
[Go ahead.]
“Everyone is packed and ready to go, as soon as you give the word.”
[Thank you Jariel.]
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Vedek Jariel Camen
Ship’s Chaplain
USS Serendipity NCC-2012
Vedek Jariel Camen
Ship’s Chaplain
USS Serendipity NCC-2012