LtCmdr. Talos Dakora - More Than You Know
Travis
(( Captain’s Ready Room – Deck 1, USS Artemis ))
After delivering what was probably the most nerve-wracking personal admission of his career—and for Talos, that was saying something—He had expected a stern talking-to, maybe even an official reprimand. Instead, the captain had responded with the kind of pragmatism and pointed humor he’d come to associate with her command style. Not exactly a soft landing… but it could have gone worse.
Now, with the truth out and Sam’s relocation on the table, all he could do was hope it wouldn’t complicate things more than they already were.
Dakora: Our situation notwithstanding, I think she’d be a credit to the department and a good fit. ::He flashed a knowing grin.:: And I have it on good authority that she’s ready to submit the transfer request ASAP.
He held her gaze as long as she held his, the silence stretching out like the moment before a jury delivered its verdict. When she finally looked away and spoke, he let out a slow breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.
MacKenzie: Well, if you believe she’d be an asset to the department, I can’t argue with that. I’ll be looking for her transfer request.
He inclined his head slightly, shifting his expression to something a little more neutral.
Dakora: Understood. ::He tried to keep his emotions off his face.:: I’ll let her know.
Relief washed over him as the conversation drew to a close. His gaze drifted past the captain to the planet beyond the ready room window—Risa, bathed in golden light, practically radiating leisure. It was hard not to feel its pull.
Dakora: Well, that’s all I had. ::He pointed to the window.:: Have you had a chance to make it down planetside, yet?
She pursed her lips slightly and shook her head.
MacKenzie: Not yet. Unfinished business here.
He offered her a wry grin.
Dakora: If you roam the halls with your horga’hn this time around, ::He placed his hand to his heart solemnly.:: I promise not to bother you.
Her response was swift, pointed and came with a finger jabbed in his direction.
MacKenzie: You mind your own horga’hn.
She sat up in her chair a little, emphasizing the point.
Dakora: ::Chuckling:: I’ll keep my horga’hn safely locked away in my quarters for the foreseeable future.
He smirked as she rolled her eyes and leaned back again. That was as close to permission to relax as he was likely to get.
MacKenzie: Adea’s tired of wearing red. Something about the fabric being itchy. Are you able to resume your duties here?
It was quite a pivot, but it only took a moment for Talos’ mind to change gears with the conversation. He nodded affirmatively.
Dakora: Yes, Ma’am. ::He smiled despite himself.:: I’d be honored to pick up where I left off.
MacKenzie: ::nodding definitively:: See to it, then. Dismissed.
He rose and turned toward the door, steps light but measured. It wasn’t until he heard her voice again that he paused mid-stride, just as the doors were preparing to part.
MacKenzie: And Commander, I don’t believe in splitting up families. If you wanted Richards to move here, you didn’t need another reason.
Dakora: Thank you, Captain. That means more than you know.
With that, the doors slid closed behind him, and for the first time in weeks, Talos Dakora felt like he was standing on solid ground again—even if that ground was currently orbiting a pleasure planet.
[END SCENE FOR TALOS]
LtCmdr. Talos Dakora
USS Artemis-A
O238811CD0