Capt. Shayne: Who Else Do I Lose Today?
Randal Shayne
((Dewitt Residence, Earth))
A. Dewitt: Whatever the future brings and whatever challenges we all face :looking at both Shayne and Collins: I shall be here for both of you whenever and however you need me.
Collins: And the universe shall be all the better for it, I am sure. I might not be your Chief anymore, but I know you. And I know your Senior Staff. This is only the start of what impact you'll have on the sector. I would stake my now ruined reputation on it ::he said with a sardonic smile::
Shayne’s proud smile took on a saddened hue. Ruined. Maybe to the rest of the world, maybe to the rest of the galaxy, but not in Shayne’s book. He didn’t have all the facts, he might never have them. But Quentin had earned good grace from him, and anyone else who would never be able to truly understand the rigors of Starfleet.
Shayne: We wouldn’t have gotten here without you.
It wasn’t idle positivity. How many times had Quentin’s madcap ideas saved the ship, saved the crew, saved the mission? How many events had he stood before and ameliorated, or kept from getting worse? How often had his creativity stood on the precipice of annihilation, only to charge back with salvation?
The universe owed Mr. Collins some grace. And in Shayne’s presence, he would get it. Always.
The words lingered in the air, but before they could be dragged down to the level of their worst moments, Ayemet stepped in, bride to the moment as well as the man.
A Dewitt: Thank you for the beautiful ceremony Captain. Thank you for walking me down the aisle Liue…, Quentin.
Unashamed, uninhibited, Ayemet encradled the scraggly male duo in the warm, kind embrace of her arms. Shayne didn’t have the heart to mind. He smiled over her shoulder, let his eyes shut, allowed the moment and the wholesomeness to soak in, for later days, for harder days.
Collins: It was an honour of honours, Jacin. Though one of your Science Officers thought I was your dad which was...surprisingly humbling heheh.
Shayne: Don’t be modest. You’d make one hell of a father one day, you old spacedog.
Ayemet sniffled, but the grin that refused to leave reminded the captain that tears might not always be from grief.
A Dewitt: I never thought I could be this happy , and look at me now
Collins: Okay, okay, let's not cause a scene. But I do...I do appreciate it all all the same. And Gods, do I miss you all…
Shayne almost guffawed. A scene? With the bride? At her wedding? Unspeakable!
Shayne: I want to catch up properly.
A. Dewitt: Response
Why did he have the feeling that, even as they spoke, even as they enjoyed the moment and reminisced, his old XO was pulling away.
Collins: A conversation worth having, to be sure...but first, if you'll allow me, Bride and Sir?
Shayne: Oh, you’re not leaving already…?!
If Shayne could understand one thing, it was the need to escape social situations with one’s grace intact. But this was one man he’d not be pleased to watch go.
A. Dewitt: Response
Collins: There is a certain Medical Officer I have promised a dance...
Shayne smiled with understanding, shot a wink at the scraggly man, and watched him leave to find his partner.
Shayne: How did you get him to come? He looks… like a hermit.
There was nothing wrong with that, of course- but the Collins he knew was gregarious, outward, genuine, charming, excitable; none of that translated to the professional loneliness of the hermit.
A. Dewitt: Response
Shayne: Gah! Don’t let me distract from the pair of the hour. And… it’s in line with that…
He turned to Ayemet, head lowered, trying to find the best way to approach the issue on his mind.
A. Dewitt: Response
He looked at her kind eyes, a glimmer of joy and a tinge of sadness riding his slightly sunken gaze.
Shayne: I was… well, I was wondering- only if it’s not too forward of me to ask- if you’ve discussed next steps with Connor.
How to go about this delicately, non-invasively, while still getting the answers he sought. Answers that stood a high chance of scaring him. That was the challenge of the hour. How many challenges there seemed to be tonight.
A. Dewitt: Response
Shayne: ::throat clear:: Well, more directly… have you given thought to staying aboard? Or settling down planetside? You know you’ll have my full support, whatever you need.
Please don’t leave. Please don’t leave. Please don’t leave. Please don’t leave.
A. Dewitt: Response
Tag/TBC…
Captain Randal Shayne
Commanding Officer
USS Khitomer
NCC 62400
G239202RS0