Passing On The Wings

Posted on Tue Feb 18th, 2020 @ 2:32am by Lieutenant Samantha Leyton & Lieutenant Aurelius Davis

Mission: Mission 2 - Fallout
Location: E Deck; Lt. Davis' Quarters
Timeline: Day 3 Month 1 Year 0 19:00 Hours
1371 words - 2.7 OF Standard Post Measure

Happy to be up and walking again and out of Sickbay, Samantha only had one thing on her mind--to do whatever she could to help get the ship repaired and back home. However, she needed to check in with her department head, Lieutenant Davis, who was currently recovering from serious wounds. They hadn't had much time to get to know one another before the incident. She came to a stop as she read the name plate on the door--she had arrived at Davis' quarters. Taking a deep breath, she pressed the chime button.

Aurelius got up and pressed the open button on the door. He wasn't expecting anyone and had no idea who would be coming to his quarters. Perhaps they had found Commander Sloan or there was some other crisis they would try to drag him into so that he didn't sit around thinking about all of the things he could no longer do. But there was a woman standing there, he blinked at her. "Hi," he said dumbly.

"Hey lieutenant," she greeted formally. "I don't know if you remember me as we only met briefly before the incident, but I'm Lieutenant Samantha Leyton, helm officer aboard the ship. I heard you were injured so I thought I would stop by to see how you're doing."

"Oh, I see. Taking my job already." He was teasing, but he had to admit he felt a twinge of something like jealousy. "Come in," Aurleius said as he moved away from the door. "I'd offer you something to drink or eat but as we're in crisis mode that's probably not the best idea. I will offer you a seat though. Tell me about yourself, Samantha right?"

"Thank you, Sir," Samantha replied as she stepped into the quarters, taking in the various décor that adorned the room as she did so. "As far as I'm aware, you're still the head Flight Control Officer on the ship." She took a seat in a chair near a desk. "Well, I come from a military family, I was born and raised on Earth in Virginia, and I have been flying since I was little, gaining my civilian pilot's license at age 15."

"Hmm, that sounds perfectly lovely. Glad you had such a family unit. I didn't set out to be a pilot. I just didn't know what I wanted to do. It was someone else who brought me to it. I grew up on a ranch. My parents were traditionalists who barely speak to me today because of the way I've chosen to live my life. I guess maybe they won't miss me that much now seeing as I may never get home." He sat down on the bed across from her.

Samantha felt unsure of what to say. Sure, she had gotten into trouble and arguments with her family but they were always there for her, well her mother and grand parents anyhow. Her dad stayed busy with Starfleet most of the time. "I'm sorry to hear that...but I'm sure they miss you. Growing up on a ranch sounds neat."

"Nah, don't be silly. Not your fault at all." Aurelius reached up to rub his face, the damage to his hands healed but clearly visible still. "I should apologize, just because things are difficult for me doesn't mean I should drag the whole ship down with me. Besides, there's no proof we'll be out here forever. We could find a way home tomorrow. And yes, growing up on a ranch was pretty amazing. Lots of things to discover in nature. I do miss being outdoors."

"I think that right now things are difficult for everyone," Samantha began, the thought of never seeing Earth or her family again tearing at her. What would happen to her grandfather's aircraft collection in 150 years? Not that it mattered as she would never live to see it again. "So, when does the doctor think you will be returning to duty?"

"Uh actually, I won't be. At least not the helm position. With my hands like they are . . . Guess that means I'm passing things onto you. I've talked to the Captain she's kind of given me a job she thinks I might be good out. I guess we'll find out. But don't worry about me I'll be fine. Actually," Aurelius got up. "I have something for you." He moved her chair aside ever so slightly hoping not to startle her. He reached into the desk drawer and pulled out a little pair of wings. "There you go."

Samantha was at a loss for words as she looked at the box, still processing that she was now the Atlantis' Chief Helm Officer. It was a position she always wanted--to be Chief Helmsman aboard an NX Class, but she didn't want it like this. "What is this?" she asked, studying the wings in the palm of her hand.

"It's a bit of a tradition on Earth. Well it used to be. Pilots would be given wings when they got their piloting license. I dunno, I thought it might be a nice gesture. They were mine but since I can't really fly anymore." He shrugged. "Keep them. Pass them on to the next person."

Samantha looked at the wings, recalling the time her grandfather had given her his wings. "My grandfather gave me his old Naval Aviator wings...but this...I can't accept these. You should keep these. Besides, who knows, you may fly again one day." She couldn't help but feel for him. She wouldn't know what to do if she couldn't fly anymore and taking the man's wings--even as a gift felt wrong to her.

"Oh I've come to terms with what's happened to me. Honestly, I would be happy if they were with you. Call it a good luck charm if you don't want to accept them as a gift." Aurelius closed her hand around the object.

Samantha looked at the man and sighed. "If you insist. So what is your new job if you don't mind me asking?"

Aurelius laughed. "Morale officer, and I'm doing a terrible job with you. You don't have to accept the wings if you really don't want to. I just thought it would be a nice gesture and let me fully give up that part of my life. Captain thought I might be good at it. I'm generally pretty upbeat and despite what happened to me I don't see it as the end of the universe. I have my down days same as anyone but I do like to help people so I thought maybe she was on to something."

"Oh, no, don't get me wrong, I do appreciate the wings--I'll keep them safe, I promise," Samantha said. "It's just...that I'm still processing that we're 150 years from home. I only found out a little less than an hour ago. I'm sure you'll be great at your new job."

"I know it's a lot to think about but there's no point in getting all worried about everything. We have a really smart crew, the best of the best really. We will find a way to get home in one piece. It just might take longer than we anticipated when we left. But yeah, since it's my new job to talk to people, feel free to wake me up in the middle of the night for a chat," he flashed her a smile.

Samantha couldn't help but smile, letting out a small chuckle as she did so. The comment gave her a mental picture of her waking him up and answering the door shirtless. 'Bad Samantha,' she scolded herself. "Thank you...I just may take you up on that. I suppose I better let you rest. Is there anything else I should know before I go?"

"Just don't crash us into anything and you'll be fine." Aurelius said with a grin. "Nah, I'm sure you know everything already."

"Thank you and I'll try not to," Samantha grinned as she stood. "See you later," she said as she headed for the door.

"Yeah, have a good night."

---

Lieutenant Aurelius Davis
Morale Officer
NX-Atlantis

Lieutenant JG Samantha Leyton
Chief Helm Officer
NX-Atlantis

 

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