Convincing Arguments

Posted on Thursday July 4, 2024 @ 8:07pm by Lieutenant T'Schuun

819 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Prologue: First Steps
Location: Earth, San Fransisco
Timeline: Stardate 46137

T’Schuun let a smile, one of the very human smiles she’d practiced over the years, break out on her face as she felt the warm arms of her wife envelop her. “I’m so glad you’re home.” Ariel kissed her softly, then led her by the hand towards the living room. Sitting down on the couch, the taller human woman made a gesture towards the apartment’s upstairs. “She’s asleep—I figured you’d be late getting back… How’s the Castro?”

T’Schuun took Ariel’s warm hand in hers. “Thank you—yes, it took me longer than I thought to clear everything up with the yard… The Castro…” The Vulcan sighed, then continued, “The damage is significant, but not bad enough she needs to be scrapped. However, it will take several weeks at least. We are low on the priorities list, although the Noble and the Sylvestrie leaving Spacedock tomorrow at least lets the dockmaster devote some resources to other ships.”

Ariel laughed, then nodded her blonde head. “At least they will be out there, pursuing the good fight… I’m just on shoreleave from the Solstice. It worked out, this time.”

T’Schuun let a slight frown marr her face, then focused her gaze on the other woman. “Are you unhappy with our duties in Starfleet? I know you wanted the Solstice’s XO chair ever since you laid eyes on her, if not the captaincy… Is it me—should I take Ariadne with me when next Castro departs? I am certain Captain Shrev would have no problem with a well-behaved, if talkative, human child aboard.”

Ariel squeezed T’Schuun’s hand, then placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. “No, no sweetie—not at all… I couldn’t be happier. I just think… I just think you’re not challenging yourself enough. You’ve served on several ships, and apart from the Uruk, none of them have exactly been long-range missions.”

T’Schuun pondered this a moment, then raised an eyebrow. “You think the Castro was not a significant posting? The Excelsior-class has been the mainstay of the fleet for nearly a century.”

Ariel picked up a bottle of wine and poured them each a small glass, giving herself time to think. After T’Schuun and she had both taken a sip or two of the red liquid, the human said tentatively, “That came out wrongly… The truth is, I just think you’re capable of something greater… Honestly, there are rumors Captain Johnson is up for command of the Alexandria, which would leave a vacancy on the Solstice. I’m to meet with Commodore Vance in three days… That’s not the point I’m trying to make, though. As much as I would love for you to be my right hand on the Solstice for me, if I’m made captain, I think you can handle something bigger.” She gave a PADD to T’Schuun. “Do you recognize that ship?”

The Vulcan studied the image, swirling her current sip of wine around her mouth as she did so. “Springfield-class, although it seems to have undergone refitting… What am I looking at?”

Ariel grinned and took a gulp of her wine, as though to fortify herself. “USS Mohawk, and yes, she’s undergone a bit of a refit. Still a work in progress; they need an Ops officer… I think you should apply for it.” T’Schuun looked at her, astonished. “I know, its likely to be not a glamorous mission, but it is something you can definitely do, and you’ve got experience with older systems… Doesn’t that excite you? What did you tell me, first day at the Academy—‘Starfleet embodies the exploration of the infinite diversity of the infinite combinations of the galaxy’?”

T'Schuun laughed a little, very Vulcan laugh. “Very true… You want me to do this, don’t you—that’s why you’ve been so secretive over subspace…”

Ariel captured T’Schuun’s lips in a firm kiss. “Okay, yes, I admit it. But, I also had other things in mind… At least think about it? I didn’t tell Melissa, or your mother, and you know Ariadne will want her say.”

“When doesn’t she? Who knew human children were so talkative at this age?” T’Schuun returned the kiss. “I will at least consider it.”

Ariel smiled broadly. “Good, that’s all I ask… Now, how about we get something to eat?”

“Betazoid sushi?: asked t’Schuun hopefully. “Hopefully we aren’t too late, and they’ll still have those lovely Opal Oysters.”

Ariel laughed. "I'll ask Becca to watch Ariadne, and then sure. Split Idanian spice pudding with me, and you've got a deal."

 

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