Free Souls - Part One

Posted on Thu Mar 5th, 2020 @ 4:39am by Captain Javier Morales & Lieutenant Commander Serrax T'soon'ah & Fleet Captain Torilla Yamaguchi

Mission: Mission 57: The Northern Lights
Location: Various Locations - USS Courageous
Timeline: 0800Hrs - January 25th, 2392

Lt Commander Serrax T'Soon'ah sighed softy as she walked onto the bridge, she looked unsettled and uneasy as she went over to her post near the back of the bridge, in front of the main Master System display which was its own console.

Morales regarded her. "You okay Serrax?"

"I got an.... job offer last night." she let out a sigh. "I'm not decided on what to do about it sir."

Morales rose to his feet as he came over to her. "Oh... Why not?"

"Serving with this crew is something I find deeply fulfilling."

"Oh... A sideways posting as Chief of Security on a new ship?"

"No... Executive Officer for the Warsong." T'Soon'ah responded softly.

"You'll be great. You learned well and you have your own personal style, you'll bring a sense of unity and purpose to any crew, you are laid back and not in one's face... you'll be wonderful Executive Officer to whoever you end up working with.."

"I'm not sure I'm ready.."

"Neither was I when I got my first chance at Exec on the Charybdis... One could argue that I'm overdue for my own command but.... I am happy here.."

T'Soon'ah regarded him. "This assignment has been deeply fulfilling for me too... I'm just... not in any rush to leave."

Morales accepted her argument. "But they must see something in you they think is worthy of the offer."

"I wanted some time to consider it."

"I understand... Just know that whatever you decide, the crew and I will be behind you a hundred percent."

"I just don't feel right just leaving... y'know.." T'Soon'ah responded. "Serving with this crew has been a downright privilege, we were all Nechayev's lackeys yet we forged something far better... something worthy of working for."

Morales smiled. "You'll always be a part of that legacy, even if you moved on, you'd still be expanding that legacy so it would be on your ship... you will always be a part of our little brotherhood."

T'Soon'ah regarded Morales. "You think I should accept this assignment offer?"

"What I think Serrax... Doesn't mater, its what you want... Do not feel bad for getting offers to advance your career."

"I think... I'm ready to talk to the skipper... Think she'll mind?"

"Nah, go on in..." Morales responded with a smile.

T'Soon'ah nodded as she went over to the ready room, door before she tapped the door-chime.

Located inside, Captain Torilla Yamaguchi placed the PADD down as she heard the interruption, she smiled. "Its Open.!"

Grey Wind lifted his nose as he regarded the new arrival with her dark brown eyes before he rose to his feet to greet the new arrival. T'Soon'ah dropped to one knee as she gently petted the Terran animal who seemed happy to see her. "Captain. I'm sorry to bother you... but we must talk."

"I understand..." Yamaguchi regarded not the officer before her but the dog who was enjoying himself as T'Soon'ah gently rubbed his belly with her hands. "Am I doing this right big guy?" she asked of the dog.

"Oh yes." Torilla answered with amusement before she blew a couple of kisses to the dog. "Come on sweetie.. Let the Commander in."

The dog hopped back up to his feet as T'Soon'ah regarded Yamaguchi. "As I said... We should talk sir..." she commented. "But first, you should read this."

Yamaguchi accepted the PADD from the Rigellian woman, a smile gracing her lips. "I see Commander Kagutsuchi is learning respect.."

"Wait... You knew about my job offer?" T'Soon'ah was surprised, it showed in the look on her face.

"I did. yes." Yamaguchi responded. "I told her that she could forward it to you and that I would not stand in your way if you decided it was something you wanted."

"Oh... I didn't know you knew sir.." T'Soon'ah paused. "You wanted me to be free to decide for myself..."

"I did... I do not like to stand in the way of my people if they get a good offer to advance their careers... Lets face it, they don't come along every day and... I will support whatever decision you make."

T'Soon'ah nodded, as she made her decision. "I'm going to accept."

"Good." Yamaguchi smiled eagerly. "I didn't want you to turn down the offer on account of feeling that you owe me or anyone else anything.. You have showcased your skills time and again... You will make a fine Executive Officer and later a fine Commanding Officer in your own right... You already possess the skills and qualifications needed, now you just need a little time to fill out your skillset."

"I had no idea." T'Soon'ah admitted. "I just did he best I could.."

"Thats all you ever needed to do... Is do your best... and let the rest attend to itself." Yamaguchi smiled. "When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow morning... I'm goign to spend the evening tonight and pack out my quarters and give my gifts to members of the crew."

"Alright, go tell Commander Morales that he will need to find a replacement for you for this shift.. I'm relieving you of the responsibility for this shift, that way you can take the extra time and make sure everything is done right..."

"Thank you Captain." as T'Soon'ah stood up, Yamaguchi did likewise before the two shook hands. "Its been an honor serving with you Captain."

"The honor was mine." Yamaguchi smiled warmly at the other woman. "You will be missed... but Courageous's loss is Warsong's gain. Good Luck Commander."

"Thank you Captain." and with that, T'Soon'ah turned and departed in silence.