Ensign Luxa Lorana - Farewell Artemis ... (1 of 2 Parts)
Luxa Lorana
((OOC - I was going to do a part with MacKenzie but I'm conscious we're in the midst of the mission and I don't want to be overly self-indulgent and get in the way of that with lots of sims that take the focus away from mission))
((Deck 04 - Crew Quarters 0712 - USS Artemis-A))
'Deseru', an old saying on Cait, its origins date back to the great exodus. It meant that change can blow in like a sudden wind, and carry you off to wonders beyond all compare.
The word rang in Luxa's mind as she looked around her empty quarters. Personal items had already been packed into storage containers and loaded onto a shuttle. At her feet, her standard issue pack, containing the items she'd need for travelling.
Zoy appeared from her quarters, seemingly unbothered by the sudden turn of events that had seen them both being reassigned to the USS Ronin together.
Vailani: ::puts her hands on her hips:: You don't have to go to the Ronin? :: frustrated sigh:: I don't understand why you're choosing to make a big deal out of this?
Luxa resisted the urge to hiss at Vailani.
Lorana: I don't understand why you're so calm about this? I … I've made friends here. I don't want to leave them?
Vailani: That's your issue right there. You don't have friends in Starfleet, you have crewmates and colleagues. This ship will continue to go on without us.
Luxa had received the mission briefing along with her reassignment and Starfleet had decided to increase its presence in the Alpha Isles due to increased activity from the Sheliak Corporation.
In doing so, the Ronin had essentially been pulled from mothballs and was undergoing a refit and Starfleet Headquarters had chosen or requested a crew that may have had experience of this area of space.
The Y'Kiran often travelled at the boundaries of Sheliak space, and they'd more than once evaded capture from the deeply xenophobic species.
The request had come from her former mentor, now based at Starfleet Headquarters on Earth, Captain Meadows. In no uncertain terms she had articulated why Luxa should volunteer for this position and the Caitian failed to dispute any of them.
Just as she began to suspect that the door to her past may be closing, it would open back up again. Such was this life. Zoy had bene correct about that.
Vailani: ::picks up her own pack:: Come on, we don't want to be late for the shuttle, we'll miss our rendezvous with the transport.
Zoy walked towards the door, paused and turned to Luxa.
Vailani: I know you don't want to hear this right now and especially not from me ::takes a deep breath:: This is Starfleet. Your life isn't your own, it's part of the sacrifice that we make, that very first day we signed up. We give our lives to Starfleet ::beat:: You might not see it right now. You're going where they need you the most.
She started to say something else, stopping herself and then breathing another audible sigh. Without looking back she stepped through the open doors to their quarters, leaving Luxa on her own.
Luxa fought back tears, took a breath, claws retracting several times, kneading the side of her uniform. She moved to the door, and stepped out into the corridor, looking back briefly to truly take in her first quarters, eager to remember all of the details.
She pulled her tail to the front, smoothed out the furry tip before releasing it again. A soothing habit from her childhood.
Lorana: Computer, close doors.
((A few minutes later))
Luxa arrived at the shuttle bay, Zoy was saying a quiet goodbye to Gila. Luxa raised her eyebrows in surprise as she had no idea they were friends. There were so many things she didn't know about Zoy and at this moment Luxa couldn't help but think that they'd be eternally joined together. Whether they wanted to be or not.
((OOC - as I said I'm just putting the one tag as I don't want to distract from the mission))
Any: Responses
Luxa turned to them standing there, huddled near to the Shuttle that would take them to the transport.
The crew of the Artemis. Despite what Zoy might think, she considered each of them her friends and she'd truly miss them.
Lorana: ::fighting tears:: I'll miss each of you dearly. More than any of you will ever know, you have changed me. I'm the officer and person today because of this crew and ::looks around her:: This ship ::beat::
Any: Responses
Luxa moved forward and embraced the crew, sharing tender, private words and more intimate goodbyes.
After several minutes, the tall Caitian with the dark fur, bright amber eyes and the silver mane entered the shuttlecraft. Taking one last look at the crew, flicking her tail and giving them a bright smile. For the last time she bowed and performed her small Caitian farewell as the shuttle doors closed over.
As she turned around there was an unexpected extra person on the shuttlecraft, seated beside the helm officer.
Quinn: Hi Luxa ::Quinn waves nervously:: Okay if I hitch a ride?
TBC
((OOC - The next part will be on the Ronin thread))
Science Officer
USS Artemis-A
A240004LL2