Commander Tomas Falt: Settling in to new quarters..

[Tomas Falt]

((Falt’s Quarters, Room 502, Deck 5, USS Eagle-A))

Now that shore leave had arrived, Tomas had finally been able to properly move into his quarters aboard the USS Eagle-A. Not that he had a lot to move in. His personal effects consisted of his coffee pot and associated brewing kit, which now sat atop the ancient wooden desk he’d adopted from Denali Station, along with a few smaller items tucked neatly into the desk’s drawers.

The desk itself was something of a curiosity. Shortly after he’d transferred from the USS Juneau to Denali Station, he’d been exploring the ancient alien towers that would become Denali’s command centre when he’d discovered it sitting in an otherwise empty office, covered in dust. No one knew how an antique wooden desk from Earth had made its way to Ring 42, he’d always assumed it had been left by one of the early exploration teams. 

No one had laid claim to it so he’d had it moved to his office for safekeeping. Aside from the transparent protective top he’d added, it was all original. Even the wood had been naturally grown rather than replicated. He was confident plenty of collectors would be interested in acquiring the desk. In fact, he expected their interest in it would only be exceeded by their sheer horror when they discovered his habit of putting his feet up on it. 

With his moving in completed he’d allowed himself to indulge that habit. He’d taken his boots off, put his feet up, and was reading a book on the Bajoran wormhole and its residents whilst he waited for a fresh pot of coffee to finish brewing. Since the crew of Denali had discovered a lost Bajoran orb he’d been nurturing an interest in Bajoran religion and spiritually. The book had been recommended by his friend Aria and Tomas was enjoying it, even if he found it a bit heavy going.

He'd just got to an interesting section describing how the prophets first banished the Pah'wraiths when the wall console chimed to let him know of an incoming call request. Since he wasn't expecting a call he swung his legs down off the desk and padded across the room in his socks. Reaching the console his face broke out into a smile as he saw the caller ID on the display and he quickly accepted the connection. The screen immediately switched from displaying the Federation logo to showing one of his most treasured faces.

Sofia Falt: Lille Villkat!

Tomas Falt: Hello Mamma. 

Sofia Falt: Did I catch you at a bad time? I know you weren't expecting my call.

Tomas chuckled affectionately.

Tomas Falt: It's never a bad time for you to call, Mamma. Is everything okay?

His pleasure at seeing his mother on the screen was suddenly eclipsed by anxiety. Was she calling to simply say hello, or did she have a problem? It was unlike her to call unannounced.

Sofia: Oh I'm fine, don't worry about me. And before you ask everything is fine on the Ring as well.

Tomas raised a questioning eyebrow at the mention of Ring 42. If he recalled correctly his mother's vacation should have finished two weeks ago.

Tomas Falt: The Ring? Are you still on Denali?

His mother nodded. 

Sofia Falt: Yes dear. The university decided to open a satellite campus on the Ring given all the unique flora that is here. They've asked me to head it up.

Tomas Falt: That's great news! So, you're going to make Denali your home for a bit?

Through the screen he saw his mother chuckle thousands of light-years away.

Sofia Falt: I already have. That wonderful Mister Tersus helped me move all my things before he left to join you on the Eagle.

Tomas would never have predicted that Tersus, probably the most abrupt and taciturn person he'd ever met, would have formed a friendship with his mother, but the two had hit it off almost instantly. 

Tomas Falt: That's good, and I'm sorry I had to pull him away!

Sofia Falt: That's okay dear. I know just how useful he is. I assume he was a successful as a courier for you as well?

Tomas detected the slightest tone of judgement in her voice, like perhaps she didn't agree with him using the crewman as his personal delivery service.

Tomas Falt: He was. There are few I would trust with such a delivery.

His mother seemed to think for a moment and then nodded.

Sofia Falt: That's fair, although that box your father designed is essentially indestructible.

He glanced over at his desk which now contained said box in the bottom drawer. 

Tomas Falt: Indeed. Designed to survive even if the ship is destroyed.

Sofia Falt: As long as that doesn't happen when you're on board! 

Despite the jovial tone of her voice Tomas saw an unmistakable flash of concern cross her face.

Tomas Falt: I won't let that happen. I avoided it last time after all.

Sofia Falt: Yes. ::sounding unconvinced. Yes, you did. How is the new ship Eagle?

Tomas cast a glance towards his desk and the coffee pot which was simmering away, filling the room with it's aroma.

Tomas Falt: Let me grab some coffee and I'll tell you all about it...

TAG / TBC

Commander Tomas Falt                          

Strategic Operations Officer

USS Eagle-A

J239807TF2

Sent from Outlook for Android