la vuelta a la tortilla

Posted on 06/25/2020 @ 2:41pm by Lieutenant JG Rafael de Vega & Captain Cian D'Anvers

Mission: S1E3: Visit to Starbase 375
Location: Various
Timeline: Day 2 at 0920

[Transporter Room, Deck 4]

The blue haze of the transporter beam cleared from Rafa's vision. He returned a nod to the transporter chief and quickly turned his attention towards his daughter Isabella, who clung tightly to this hand. The seven year old's eyes were wide, filled with anticipation and excitement. Rafa's heart was warmed by the visible excitement and lack of concern. He glanced up at Jennifer, his wife, who had also taken notice of their daughter's excitement. Jennifer had been much less concerned about the trip. She had already informed him on multiple occasions, "she needs her father" and that his presence would reduce the anxiety and concern.

"Papa," his little girl began, "a donde vamos?"

Rafa was pleased to hear the excitement in her voice. He had stressed that the radical change from their home on Earth to life on a starship would be difficult. Her enthusiasm had warmed his heart and put a smile on his face. "Ven carino," he stated endearingly, scooping la princessa into his arms, "nuestro hogar." The word he used was the same they used to refer to the ancestral home, the place where family resided; a word she understood to mean more than a temporary living space. He stepped down from the transporter pad carefully and felt a supportive rub of encouragement from his wife as they walked out of the transporter pad.

"I told you it would be fine, mi amor." The words from his wife were soothing and reassuring as the three exited the transporter room, with full intention to settle into their quarters.

Turbolift

The lift stopped one floor up from Deck 4 to permit the Captain entrance. Cian, having spent the past two hours doing the heavy lifting while his wife arranged things in their quarters, was now returning to the Bridge and he was, in some respects, already there; last night's theatrics with the children on board weighed heavily on his mind.

Rafael guided his family from the turbolift and steered them in the direction of their new home. The path would take them past the turbolift. isabella was the first to catch a gimps of the man waiting by the turbolift.

"Papa, he looks like you." The little girl stated, pawing at the red collar of the uniform.

"Si claro," he quieted her, squinting to accurately identify the officer. As he neared, his vision became more clear and he was absolutely sure that it was the Captain. "That is the boss of your papa. Make sure to show him your good manners."

Cian waited with as much patience as he could muster given recent events. Connections came quickly. If this was de Vega's daughter then she at least was not one of the mutinous children that were on the morning's agenda. He flashed a smile as he caught the girl's gaze and gestured theatrically toward the turbolift to indicate she should enter.

Isabella glanced up towards Rafael, a quick check to see if it was truly okay to enter the lift. He gave a simple nod and she excitedly skipped into the lift, turning to face her parents; beckoning her parents to follow with dramatic hand gestures.

"It's her first starship experience, and she is a little excited Sir." Rafael ushered his wife through the lift doors and followed suite. He was happy to see his little girl so happy, and wished that he shared the same enthusiasm. This was his first time having his family onboard; the first time introducing his family to his superiors in such close proximity to duty. His wife and daughter has previously only had the opportunity to meet his colleagues at dinners and in passing off duty.

"As was I," Cian said with a wink toward the young girl, "the first time I stepped onto a starship. So, what do you think of the Crazy Horse," he asked.

"It's big!" The little girl responded with widened eyes. She stretched her hands out attempted to show such 'bigness' in the only way measurement made sense. She smiled dramatically, grabbing her father's hand and rocking it back and forth.

"That's big," Cian agreed. "Do you know what to do if you get lost?"

The little girl shyly looked up at the Captain, "My papa said I can always ask the computer to find him or mama."

"That's right," Jennifer inserted, "we'll be focusing on empowering the children to learn safe travel routes and safety protocols."

"Very good," Cian said to the young girl before rising. "As you are aware, space is at a premium on a Starfleet vessel; however, I think you will be pleased with the complex given over to the children. There is a classroom, play area, and 24/7 care. The entire complex has its own shielding and is monitored by security. Its one of the better protected areas on the ship."

Jennifer had done her research before accepting...relenting to tag along on the vessel. She nodded in confirmation, "It is one of the reasons I agreed to test the waters and follow him onboard this vessel." She glanced up at her husband, noticing his grimacing discomfort in facial affect.

Rafael remained silent nodding his head to affirm her sentiments.

"I am looking forward to meeting the children Captain." Jennifer added as the turbolift came to a hault on Deck 3. Jennifer took the hand of Isabella and her husband, heading for the family's living quarters. "It was a pleasure to meet you Captain." She smiled warmly.

Rafael simply nodded to his commanding officer as the turbolift doors closed shut.

A Post by:

Commander Cian D'Anvers
Commanding Officer
USS Crazy Horse

and

Lt. JG. Rafael de Vega
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS Crazy Horse