Higher Road You Must Take

Posted on Wed Oct 23rd, 2019 @ 3:02pm by Captain Bethsabée Leroux & Ensign Michael Sloan
Edited on on Wed Oct 23rd, 2019 @ 3:02pm

Mission: Mission 1 - One Step forward
Location: Deck E - Mess Hall
Timeline: MD 01 14:00
924 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Beth was pretty sure that the ship even after a few weeks still held its nearly new smell and it was wonderful to her after the Triste. She smiled as she leant against the wall looking out the viewpoint as they went along at warp. She came there every day at the same time just to stare out the window as it was quiet. It allowed her to recharge and recenter when surrounded by so many people.

Nearly every day, Leah made it a point to walk the length of the Atlantis. It gave her a way to get to know every rivet, every bulkhead on her ship as well as offering an opportunity to bump into various members of the crew away from their regular stations. Today she noticed her First Officer next to a viewport. Looking out at the warp lines, Leah said, "They always seem to hypnotize me, we're still among the first of our kind to see them go so fast."

The woman jumped at the sudden interruption of her thoughts and turned back to see Leah stood there. How the woman had ever become that stealth she didn't know but it seemed it was happening more and more. "Good Afternoon Captain." She greeted glancing back at the warp lines and nodded. "It's so amazing to know less than a thousand people have seen it this fast." She mused.

"It's a different ship than the Trieste, isn't it?" Leah asked, hiding a worried look with a friendly smile. Her intention was to gauge how her First Officer was getting along in her new role. It also felt like a nicer way of checking on her friend that would not put her on the spot. Not many knew of the nightmares Beth suffered, but Leah trusted her more than any other officer.

"Very different to Trieste. I think I like this ship more, it has a little more comfort." Beth said with a small smile as she turned to look at the Captain. "Certainly a few more people as well but the work is interesting and I am not growing bored."

"More people, more speed, and a little more protection," Leah agreed. "How are you finding the communications system? I've heard that these NX classes have the best translator programming available."

"Protection is always nice." The woman said finally taking in the other woman properly. It wasn't hard to see that this meet up hadn't happened by accident but it was nice that the woman was making time when she was likely extremely busy. "They do and they have been more updated since we left Earth as well." It was nice to be working with up to date equipment as well.

"It always is a good thing," Leah nodded with her trademark smile. "What do you think about the crew? Can we handle the trip to Xindi and a long peace negotiation?"

"We just have to get the civilians there and keep them alive." The younger woman reminded with a small smile. It would be fun for her but the rest of the crew would be quite bored while the diplomat worked away to secure the future. "The crew seem to be fine. Do you have any concerns?"

"Nothing specific," Leah shook her head. "It is just the first time we've actually confronted the Xindi since the attack on Earth, have to be ready for anything," she replied. Looking to her XO, Leah asked, "Will you be going with the Diplomat? I'm sure they will need a language specialist."

"If my Captain and Armoury Officer allow it." Beth pointed out with a small smile. She had been brought along for that reason but someone else could go if necessary. "I am sure they will want to allow peace." Beth didn't feel like the Xindi would risk another event like the attack on earth.

"That is true, especially after the reptiles almost destroyed Earth," Leah nodded. Replying to her disguised request, the Captain nodded her head, "Of course I'll allow it, that's why you're here. To be the one leading our diplomatic endeavours."

"I still wonder why you chose me Le... I'm not exactly diplomatic sometimes." Beth said softly folding her arms at the woman. It was something she had been wondering for a long time if she was honest. It wasn't something she was known for in the slightest.

Turning her full attention to the First Officer, Leah replied, "You'll know what to do, just have faith in yourself." The Captain gave her first officer a look that said that she knew that Beth was perfect for the job and there was nothing that could change her mind.

"Well until then I am glad you are here to remind me to take the higher road when I want to take the so much lower road," Beth said with a big smile. The woman had always believed in her and Beth hated when she let her down. Leah always just gave her that look that told her without words that she could do better.

"Stay on the high road, it's a much more difficult path," Leah responded. Looking to Beth's eyes, she finished, "You'll ear their respect instead of their anger. With that, they will follow you to whatever end." The ship's internal comm system buzzed a request for the Captain to report to the Bridge. Smiling, Leah finished with, "I'll see you on the Bridge, Commander."

OFF::

Captain Leah Morgan
Commanding Officer
NX Atlantis

Commander Bethsabee Leroux
Communication Officer
NX Atlantis