[G] LtCmdr Rahman: Father's Intuition (Core)

[Rich]

((Roshanara Rahman's Quarters, Deck 35))

::With JAG officer Lt. Naughton's investigation nearly wrapped up, Roshanara had been permitted to return to her former quarters deep below Garuda's decks. It wasn't engineering, but it was close enough that the pulse of the ship's warp core reverberated through the walls. It was a comfort that she had sorely missed while staying in her temporary guest quarters in the saucer section during the mission to apprehend the Mercury.::

::Despite the captain's previous allowance for her to travel without escort, her shadow, Crewman Almeida, remained just outside the door standing watch. Whether he was there at Naughton and SB118 JAG's insistence or there was just a misunderstanding, Roshanara decided not to push the issue.::

::Besides, it wasn't as if she planned to be spending much time "on shoreleave" out and about.::

::When she had returned to her quarters, there were no signs of anything missing, but she knew that Naughton or someone had gone through her things. Her clothing and personal effects, the books on her shelf... everything was just a bit too neatly placed back.::

::She was sitting at her desk, her chin resting in her hand, as she stared away at an old photo of her old engineering team aboard the USS Shanghai. She'd been the fresh-faced ensign, then, even with a masters degree under her belt. She had kept the photo as a reminder of how far she'd come and to keep her humble when she dealt with her own junior staff as their department chief. Her desktop monitor then chirped as a new message arrived.::

::The text appeared on the screen automatically.::

ATTN: Lt. Commander Roshanara Rahman
FROM: The Office of the Judge Advocate General, StarBase 118 Division

You are hereby ordered to board USS KEPLER for your return to the Federation to stand trial. Lieutenant Naughton will escort you during your transport.

::A trip itinerary followed. The depature date was at the end of the week.::

::So much for shoreleave indeed.::

::Her door chime rang, and Roshanara quickly switched off the monitor.::

Rahman: Yes?

::The doors opened and in stepped Senior Chief Reez.::

Rahman: ::rolling her eyes:: I should have figured.

Reez: Well, nice to see you, too, your highness.

Rahman: Now's not really the time-

Reez: And what? Waiting until I have to drop by and see you in prison is?

::She sat back and crossed her arms.::

Rahman: ::sighs:: I'm sorry.

::The elderly Denobulan paced across the room, taking a quick survey before turning back around.::

Reez: Don't be sorry. Be mad. Furious. Fight!

Rahman: What are you talking about?

Reez: The Roshanara Rahman I know would never have betrayed her uniform, her ship... her comrades.

::She looked away, back towards the darkened screen of the monitor.::

Rahman: Maybe you don't really know her then.

::She felt his hand grab her shoulder as he spun her chair around as he knelt down to look her eye to eye.::

Reez: You're not telling me something.

::She crossed her arms, annoyed.::

Rahman: You're a telepath now?

Reez: No... but I am a father, and I know when something's wrong.

::Her eyes narrowed.::

Rahman: I'm not your daughter.

Reez: But you are my friend. And I may not know *what* exactly is going on, but I do know my friend needs help. ::beat:: Even if she can't admit to it.

::They stayed locked in a long stare before Reez finally sighed and let her go, sitting down on her bunk.::

Reez: Please tell me you at least have a plan.

::Her silence caused him to lean forward.::

Reez: You *don't*! Oh, Roshni...

Rahman: Stop. Just stop.

Reez: They are going to tear you apart. Do you remember what they did to the chief of the Auckland?

Rahman: That was different. He deserved it.

Reez: Maybe so, but my point is right now everyone is going to think you deserve what's coming to you to if you don't speak up.

Rahman: I...

::Her combadge then chirped, and in filled the wailing of one Tristam Core, the Garuda's now acting-chief engineer.::

Core: =/\= RESPONSE =/\=

Rahman: =/\= Excuse me? =/\=

Core: =/\= RESPONSE =/\=

Rahman: =/\= Ugh... are you even supposed to be using the comm right now? =/\=

Core: =/\= RESPONSE =/\=

Rahman: =/\= All right... fine. Just stay put. Don't get into any trouble. =/\=

Core: =/\= RESPONSE =/\=

::After the line closed, she looked back at Reez.::

Reez: If you leave and he's the new chief... I am never forgiving you.

Rahman: I saved your life.

Reez: Yeah, now I'm wondering about whether it was worth it.

::She frowned immediately.::

Rahman: Stop. That's not funny.

Reez: I know. It isn't.

::She sighed again and got up, heading towards the door.::

Rahman: ::turns back to Reez:: Look. I appreciate the concern, but don't worry about me. I'll take care of myself. You know I always do.

::He nodded before she turned and left. Reez looked back towards her desk and caught sight of the photo showing the young Ensign Rahman, beaming with her shipmates.::

Reez: I'll always worry, Roshni...

TAG! TBC...

LtCmdr Roshanara Rahman
Under Arrest, Awaiting Transfer to SB118 JAG