Lt Kayla Drex: Time to Go, Kiddo Pt 3: A Crazy Idea (JP with Cpt Oddas Aria, NT)
Kayla Drex
((Shuttle Condor, Near SB281))
:: Kayla had an idea. It was a crazy idea, and one that might not work due to any number of variables, but she had to try. She and Charlie McQueen had been talking for hours like old friends, and Kayla felt an immediate connection to the young cast-about. They shared a similar recent pain that had hardened their resolve. They were both determined to honor the memory of the parent (both in Charlie’s case) they’d lost by being the absolute best they could be in everything they set their hands to. They shared likes, dislikes, a goofy sense of humor, and a number of other commonalities. More than that though, Kayla felt a less-tangible connection to the girl. She felt as though if she left her at this starbase, she’d never see those dark inquisitive eyes again, and that she’d regret that decision forever. ::
:: As she slid the door to the tiny communications room closed and sat at the console, she steeled herself for making what would surely come across as a wild request. oO Fingers crossed. Oo She punched in the command to request a subspace connection to Captain Oddas. When her CO’s face appeared on the screen, she looked understandably confused as to why the Lieutenant would be contacting her so soon after leaving the ship. ::
Drex: =/\= Hi, Captain. We are currently on our approach to Starbase 281. =/\=
Oddas: =/\= I know Mister Drex, is there a problem? =/\=
Drex: =/\= No, nothing’s gone wrong, sir. In fact it’s been a very enjoyable flight. I … ::she paused, swallowing hard against the nerves constricting her throat:: I have a request to make.
:: This was it: the moment of truth. Whatever the Captain said, Kayla would have to live with. She wouldn’t try to circumvent the proper channels. Things were done a certain way for a reason. ::
Oddas: :: leaning back in her chair:: =/\= I see. =/\=
Drex: =/\= It’s Charlie. I agree she needs to be officially entered into the Starfleet Child Services system. It’s the best thing for her in her situation. She’ll stand a much better chance of a good upbringing and future that way than she would if she just kept flitting about - flying by the seat of her pants, as it were. =/\=
Oddas: =/\= That’s very true. =/\=
Drex: =/\= The thing is, sir, I … I would like to apply to become her foster parent. Effective immediately. I would of course, take full responsibility for her, but from what she’s told me, she’s already made friends on the Eagle. She said Katya’s in a bit of trouble. I think it would be helpful for Charlie to share in the punishment too - cement the memory of repercussions for actions and all that. =/\=
:: The flurry of words poured out of Kayla’s mouth seemingly straight from her heart. She didn’t want to come across as begging. She knew this was a ridiculously huge responsibility, but … she also felt it was something she had to do. She stopped talking now, anxiously waiting to hear the Captain’s response. Kayla’s hands were trembling, so she clutched them in her lap in an attempt to maintain her composure. ::
Oddas: :: taking a bit of her coffee:: =/\= Katya is being punished for what she did, I’m not sure Charlotte sharing in her punishment would add anything to her .. rehabilitation. =/\=
Drex: =/\= My thinking, sir, wasn’t so much that they would serve their penance together, but I think it would be helpful for Charlie to atone for her part in the rule breaking. She feels terrible. I think it would be healthy for her to try to make it right, rather than just being shipped off. =/\=
Oddas: =/\= I see, and you somehow feel qualified for the task? =/\=
Drex: ::Considering the question:: =/\= Does any parent really feel qualified? All I know is that I’ll do everything I can for her. She’s a really sweet kid, Captain. She needs to feel loved - safe. =/\=
Oddas: :: rubbing her ridges:: =/\= The Eagle is not exactly a safe space. =/\=
Drex: =/\= Our last mission certainly showed that. I … If you’re ok with it, I’ll ask Charlie before I talk with the Child Services agents about applying. =/\=
Oddas: :: shaking her head, despondently:: =/\= If you can convince Child Services … =/\= :: she gave a little shake of the hand:: =/\= well, we’d make room for your ward. =/\=
:: Kayla managed (barely) to suppress her gasp, but was powerless to hide the grin that spread instantly across her face. This was the first of several hurdles, but it was a vitally important one. ::
Drex: =/\= Thank you, sir. Thank you so much! =/\=
Oddas: =/\= Don’t be so fast, if you are her ward, you are her ward - you will be responsible for her behavior, on and off the ship. =/\=
Drex: =/\= I understand completely, sir. ::growing serious:: I understand the responsibility, and will do my absolute best. =/\=
Oddas: =/\= May the Prophets guide you, I suspect you’re going to need it. =/\=
:: She thanked the Captain again and tapped the End Transmission button on her terminal. Kayla sat for a moment longer, weighing the responsibility she’d just volunteered to take on. Did she feel any misgivings about it? Once she talked to Charlie about it all, there was no going back. oO Not even twinge of doubt. Oo Resolved, she stood from the chair, affected her best poker face (which wasn’t great), and slid the door open again. The dark-haired girl was in the same seat and posture she’d been in before Kayla started her call, yet, she looked different now to Kayla’s eyes. ::
oO Now for the next hurdle… Oo
TBC
Lieutenant Kayla Drex
Chief Science Officer
USS Eagle, NCC-74659
Writer ID: E239510KD0
Image Collective, FNS Member
Science is life, art is soul, love is home
Wiki: Kayla Drex
~ and ~
Captain Oddas Aria
Commanding Officer
USS Eagle, NCC-74659
ASDB Co-Facilitator / Academy Deputy Commandant / Captains Council
E239305OA0
One man's 'magic' is another man's engineering. -Robert Heinlein
Wiki: https://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php/Oddas_Aria