Hardcase's Downfall: Call me Back Later

Posted on Wed Mar 11th, 2020 @ 2:54am by Commander Ethan "Hardcase" Duval & Lei "The Thunder King" Shen

Mission: Mission 69: Tienn's Fall from Grace
Location: Deneva - Highland Monastery
Timeline: 0900Hrs - April 30th, 2392

Jefferson Duval had long since traded in his uniform for a martial arts Gi and casual clothing worn by his ancestors, he was wearing a conical cap on his head, a black and white martial arts gi and a pair of black pants with matching boots that were flexible and comfortable.

This morning found Jefferson Duval looking out over the rugged mountainside of Deneva's Highland mountains, he was lost in thought as he heard someone behind him, rather than overreact as he had used to do, he turned his head.

Lei Shen regarded him. "What is wrong my friend?" he inquired, concern in his tone of voice.

"I'm sorry Master Shen... I was... lost in thought." Duval answered softly.

"Ahh... There is nothing wrong then?" Shen inquired, a gentle smile on his lips.

"No... I was just appreciating the beauty of what this place holds." Duval admitted. "This world is rich and beautiful, much like the world I once called home."

"Yes. Tom has told me of where you come from, it sounds like a barbaric place.."

"Wait. What!" Duval inquired. "He told you about that... that's classified.."

"Indeed. However, he is my brother... He does not keep secrets from me..." Shen responded quietly. "I know he carries a heavy burden in his heart and I try to assist him however I must and however I can... Tom Lasky calls this world home and I will not deny him that... He also calls my family as kin.."

Duval listened in silence before he nodded. "I'm sorry."

"No offense was taken," Shen responded. "Tom is careful about things but in this case, he came out and shared it with me... I know his breakup with Zara Tane has affected him in more ways than one... Your fight with him has accelerated his emotional changes.."

"I... I didn't know then what I know now.." Duval ansdwered quietly.

"Nor should you... You also owe no apology to either myself or him... You gave him a kick in his ass and personally. I think you did him a favor, he would agree with me.." Shen responded. "How is your training progressing?"

"It's coming along well. Master Shen. Your instructors are very well trained."

"Good. You've also begun to develop greater control over your rage... which is understandable considering where you come from." Shen responded as the nearby comm system beeped at both of them. Shen tapped it once. "Shen here"

"Master Shen... Jeff Duval has a message coming in from Starfleet, marked as personal. Want me to route it anywhere?"

Duval answered. "No. I'll take it in my quarters shortly." he paused. "Thanks, James."

"Not a worry but you guys might wanna come back inside, we're gonna be sending out a storm warning in the next few minutes.." came the response.

"Okay," Shen responded as both he and Shen entered the base before the broadcast went out over the com system. "Attention all personnel. Blizzard conditions will develop over several areas of the Highland Mountains, starting early this morning. Snowfall, with total amounts of about 15 cm is expected." before there was a momentary pause. "45 cm of snow is expected over higher elevations, from Jameston Summit to Hooten Pass during the day today. Be prepared to adjust your driving and flying with changing conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow." there was a second pause. "Weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving and flying conditions." there was a third pause. "If you do travel and become lost, remain where you are until the blizzard has passed. Protect yourself from wind, cold and disorientation by staying sheltered, indoors or with your vehicle. Limit outdoor activities." there was a fifth pause. "Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Deneva. To report severe weather, send a subspace message to the weather center."

Duval meanwhile had parted company with Lei Shen and he had moved into his suite of rooms at the Monastery. He tapped the wall monitor once as he found himself facing a Starfleet officer he didn't know. "Can I help you, Commander?" Duval inquired formally.

"Ahh... Yes... Leftenant Commander Jefferson Duval is it?" the man inquired in a rather thick British sounding accent. "I am Commander Darren Farage. Of Starfleet Personnel."

"Yes. I am Lieutenant Commander Jefferson Duval."

"Good... I'm afraid I must recall you to active duty right away Lt Commander. We have need of your skills." Duval simply shook his head. "I filed paperwork to walk away from Starfleet... What happened?" Duval inquired.

"Well we have need of you for the Klingon front, it says that your status is being processed but-" Farage started but was interrupted.

"The answer Commander is no. Not until my legal status is sorted out." Duval responded. "My request must be processed and dealt with before I can do anything..." the older man simply shrugged.

"Wait... you knew you'd be leaving when the war started?" the man responded.

"No," Duval answered. "I simply have no wish to serve in Starfleet anymore... Frankly, I never did and now I want to move on with what's left of my life..."

"Yes.." Farage responded. "I have your file on my PADD before me...and while it's being processed... I'm going to ask you to-" was as far as he got before Duval interrupted a second time. "No. Commander. What part of this is escaping you? I am not legally a Starfleet officer so... I cannot help you."

Farage raised an eyebrow. "I can have-"

"Don't think to threaten me, Commander," Duval answered. "It takes six weeks to process a resignation request on top of my legal status. I happen to know that you won't be handling it... Your rank is too inferior.... So... Unless there is anything else we need to discuss. I bid you good day... My request will take another month to process.." With that said. Duval tapped the display once, hanging up on the bureaucrat who was clearly wanting to poach someone who wanted nothing to do with it.

Duval sighed softly, hoping that within a month his paperwork would be approved and he could walk away from a uniform he had come to hate and loathe.