Lt. Cmdr. DeVeau & Commodore Kells - "Restructuring"

[Amanda Nordstrom]

OOC: Technically, this took place during last shore leave.

IC:

((Starbase 118 Ops - Alora’s Quarters))

Alora had started the entire process while she had still been on Betazed.  She had continued upon her return to Ops, stopping only because of the mission.  As soon as the mission had ended and she’d gotten back to the station, she finished off the final details.  Now, it was all laid out before her, checked and approved by her.  However, one other person had to approve everything.  Alora couldn’t make these decisions official without him.

That was why she had sent a message requesting a dedicated time to talk.  With Aron in the Delta quadrant, she had worried that might be difficult, but evidently there were relays that assisted with communication.  While delays might be present, they should be minimal - which was good.  What she had to discuss was rather important, and she needed his signature on things.

DeVeau: =/\=Computer, establish a link with Commodore Kells of the USS Thor.=/\=

There was a delay indeed, but as she had hopped, it wasn’t terribly long, and as soon as his face lit up the screen, a smile lit up her own.  

DeVeau: =/\=Hey Aron.=/\=

Kells: =/\= Alora? Alora! =/\=

Aron had been lucky to see Alora in person twice in the last several months, and that was more than he’d ever expected, especially with the Thor recently returned from both the Gamma and Delta Quadrants.

Kells: =/\= How are you? =/\=

He cut himself a moment before he asked if everything was all right. There was no reason that Alora couldn’t simply contact him to catch up -- but that also didn’t mean that their history of late was full of low-stakes chats. Every time they’d seen each other, both in-person and over subspace channels, something big was happening.

DeVeau: =/\=Doing all right.  How are you and Nic?=/\=

Kells: =/\= I was going to say that you’d never guess where we just were, but of course you were, since I told you at Betazed. But we are on our way back toward the Alpha Quadrant. =/\=

“On our way” was the key phrase there, since even with the Thor’s impressive propulsion systems, it would still take them as long to return to Federation space -- and the journey out had taken weeks. The Thor was still, technically, in the Delta Quadrant, though between slipstream and subspace, it wasn’t really anywhere that would appear on a starmap.

Alora nodded and leaned her elbow against her desk before resting her chin in her hand.

DeVeau: =/\=So, how’s the Delta Quadrant?  It sounds like an exciting adventure, going to a part of space that so unexplored.=/\=

Not that there weren’t parts of the other quadrants that didn’t have their unknowns.  There were still millions of miles that hadn’t been touched, and surely many, many planets that had yet to be discovered or explored - perhaps even with pre-warp civilisations.  Regardless, the Delta Quadrant had only come into reach relatively recently in the history of Starfleet.  It was, indeed, an exciting prospect.

Kells: =/\= Well, the Thor was almost eaten by a space critter. (beat) That was something I’d never experienced before. =/\=

DeVeau: =/\= Of course you had an adventure, did you?  Tell me about it? =/\=

It definitely had been an adventure, Aron thought. Not quite the terrifying kind, but he’d also be lying if he didn’t admit to sweating through his uniform a couple of times. He opened his mouth to tell Alora, and something very different came out.

Kells: =/\= Did you know just how many times starships have been swallowed by giant cosmozoans? I had thought our situation would be unique, but it turns out that there are many more references in the library databases than I expected. (beat) Which is to say that we made our way out, of course, and it was exactly the way I would’ve liked -- diplomatically. We talked to the monster that was eating us. (another beat) Also it was somehow using time to trap us. Long story. Interesting mission reports, though. =/\=

Alora listened closely, eyes arching upward.  Yes, there had been strange things he’d experienced, but that was par for the course in Starfleet, wasn’t it?  They’d shared some pretty strange missions themselves when they had served together.

DeVeau: =/\=Wow.  That’s kind of crazy.=/\=

Kells: =/\= It’s definitely not what I expected when Starfleet asked if I was up for a trip to the Delta Quadrant. =/\=

Not that Starfleet had really asked, Aron reflected. But never mind.

Kells: =/\= What about you? What’s news? =/\=

Alora lifted her free hand and motioned vaguely.  There wasn’t so much discovery in her case, but it had been rather intense at parts.   

DeVeau: =/\=You know the terrorist organisation Terra Prime, right?=/\=

Kells: =/\= I’ve heard of them, yes. (beat) Don’t tell me you ran afoul of them? =/\=

DeVeau: =/\=Well, they took over Miranda VII.  We had to go deal with that.  Organised a coup that failed completely.  Unfortunately, they did wreak some havoc before we were called in.  An entire colony’s atmosphere was poisoned by them because it was a haven for a lot of hybrids.  They destroyed the first vessel that was taking the antitoxin, then shot down the second.  That’s when we finally were asked to get involved and we went to the station. =/\=

Kells: =/\= But you made it out okay? And hopefully brought the terrorists to justice? =/\=

But more so the first, he thought.

DeVeau: =/\=I can’t say we’ve destroyed the group for good, and they still have Miranda VII….=/\=

It would be nice if they could say such groups no longer existed, but Alora was not quite that naive.  As far as they had come, there were still a ways to go when it came to philosophy as a whole race.

DeVeau: =/\=But, officers got people off the station who were trapped by them, so that is, at least, a good thing.=/\=

Kells: =/\= Absolutely. =/\=

DeVeau: =/\=Yeah, I suppose we should get down to business.  I know you don’t have a ton of time, *Commodore*.=/\=


Alora’s eyes twinkled with amusement.  

Kells: =/\= Not normally, but for you? I always have time. =/\=

DeVeau: =/\=As you know, I’ve been keeping up with Kelveau Industries along with T’Lia.=/\=

Aron coughed slightly to cover a sudden shock of embarrassment, because he had not. He hadn’t meant to leave the whole enterprise to Alora, but he’d just -- forgotten.

Kells: (slightly sheepish) =/\= That’s good to hear. (beat) I assume there’s news? =/\=

DeVeau: =/\=Well, while I was on the research facility, she handled everything herself.  When I came back, I was able to balance that and my job, even after getting appointed as First Officer, but that’s mainly because she handled so much.  Now however…

Kells: =/\= Something’s changed? =/\=

Alora offered a rueful grin and tapped a few buttons which then sent the documents that she had prepared.

DeVeau: =/\=I need your input and, if you agree, your signature.  I’d like to make T’Lia a full partner.  Technically, you’ve been a silent partner.  I would like to make that official, as I know you don’t have the time to deal with the day to day administration, or even weekly or monthly administration.  That means you’d still get profits, and you would still be investing in the company.=/\=

Aron shook his head slightly. Not disagreeing, per se, but marveling at Alora’s capacity.

Kells: =/\= I don’t mind missing out on profits. I donate them all, anyway. But I do feel bad that I haven’t been helping more. But -- you wouldn’t just be asking if that was it, would you? =/\=

Alora nodded.  He was right, she wasn’t done.  There was more to it than that.  

DeVeau: =/\=I've recently, with T’Lia’s help, worked out some negotiations.  We’ve secured three new contracts and acquired two other businesses which will now be folded into our own.  In the next two years, we’ve projected a forty percent increase in profits. StarConn has renewed their contract and extended it for the next ten years.  So as far as stability, we’re pretty stable.  T’Lia is a mastermind, I swear.

Kells: =/\= I believe it! =/\=

DeVeau: =/\=If you read through the documents, I’ve suggested that she take 40% and we’ll each retain 30%.  With the new acquisitions and contracts, we shouldn’t see a dip in profits - and that will actually increase over time.=/\=

Not that they *needed* the profits.  They were a part of Starfleet.  Whatever happened, they would be taken care of.  However, there were times that she was glad to have more than just credits.  Some worlds weren’t a part of the Federation, but she might want to purchase something, or visit.  For that, she needed something that they would accept as currency.  Even if the Federation and certain allied worlds didn’t use it, others did.

Kells: =/\= That sounds fine to me. (beat) Actually, maybe she could help me figure out how best to spend those profits. I’ve mostly been funneling them into science operations that need startup capital, or need to rent space or buy equipment. But they’re mostly groups and scientists that I know personally, or have read about… =/\=

He trailed off as he noticed that Alora wasn’t paying full attention -- which, for her, was quite unusual. She wasn’t done yet, he realized.

Kells: (a little wary) =/\= What else do you have to tell me? =/\=

Yes, there was something else.  Alora nodded.  

DeVeau: =/\=I, too, will become a silent partner.  Now that I’ve taken on this Matriarchal role, that’s going to take the time I would have spent on Kelveau.  Ryvek is Steward, he deals with the smaller, day to day things, but we’ll be meeting weekly, and there may be times I have to go to Betazed and deal with matters.=/\=

Kells: =/\= I meant to ask about that. It will be taking up more of your time, then. Enough that it’s cutting in outside your Starfleet duties. =/\=

It was a big change.  Except for that one year, Alora had kept her toes in things. Now, she was going to have to take a major step back.  

DeVeau: =/\=So in essence, we’re still owners, but T’Lia gets a larger portion and actually runs the company.  Our main contribution will be to provide capital.  Anything like selling off part of the company, or extremely major decisions like that, however, will need to have a decision from us as well, not just her.  That, however, isn’t something that will happen often.=/\=

If ever.  Likely not.  T’Lia, Vulcan that she was, would probably not admit it, but she seemed to really enjoy running a company.  It was certainly not the usual career track for one of her kind.

Kells: =/\= I don’t see anything wrong with what you’ve laid out, as long as you’re confident. You’ve done more with the day-to-day over the last few years than I have, so I trust your judgment. =/\=

DeVeau: =/\= I am.  I’ve been doing less day to day, but T’Lia’s honest.  I have confidence in her.=/\=

It would give T’Lia more control and leave them more breathing room, keeping them in the background for only the largest, most important decisions while allowing them to continue investing in their company with very necessary capital.  It was a win-win all around.  

He smiled briefly, and waved his hand through the air as if signing something.

Kells: =/\= Consider it done. =/\=

DeVeau: =/\=Great.=/\=

And that was that.  Alora received the documents only a moment later.  All she had to do was present it to T’Lia, have her sign it, then get the documentation filed.  Then it would be done.

Kells: =/\= Well, since you brought it up: I’m a little concerned that you’re still occupying the role of Matriarch. Are you (beat) okay with that? =/\=
.
That wasn’t exactly what Aron had meant to ask, but he’d freighted the words with a lot of meaning, and all the questions he’d wanted to ask -- if she was feeling overwhelmed, if she’d managed to navigate Betazoid political intrigue, if she’d made any progress in getting away from the House (or if she wanted to), and plenty more besides

Alora set aside the business matters since they were conducted and concluded, now they could turn to more personal matters.  He went first, asking a question that wasn’t completely unexpected.  She leaned forward, resting her chin upon the palm of her hand.

DeVeau: =/\=I’ve come to terms with it.  It’s still just strange thinking about it, and reality didn’t hit until I connect with Ryvek, but it is what it is.=/\=

Kells: =/\= (gently) It doesn’t have to be. (beat) Especially if there are others involved, and if they might be able to help. Might this…? =/\=

DeVeau: =/\= Ryvek.  He was Lumie’s steward.  Now mine.  =/\=

And he was pretty much doing what he had done when Lumie was alive, and after her death. Only now, he turned to Alora instead of his previous mistress.  

Kells: =/\= I’m sure he might know something more. If you want. =/\=

After all, Aron reminded himself, there was no reason to think that Alora didn’t want to see these developments through, especially after the initial shock had worn off. He still firmly believed there were options, but he was beginning to think that Alora was warming to the possibilities that this unexpected boon had offered to her. Indeed, she subtly changed the subject, and Aron took that as all the hint he needed.

DeVeau: =/\=Have you ever thought about what you would do after Starfleet?  Where you would go?  What you would do?=/\=

Kells: =/\= Oh, absolutely. More lately, too, especially after that (beat) inquisition on Ops. I haven’t completely turned the Academy offer down, either, although it’s on hold. I don’t think they’ll wait much longer, though, especially since I no longer have the Delta Quadrant as an excuse. (another beat) What about you? Even if this isn’t what you saw yourself doing, is it something you’d want to do? And could do? =/\=

DeVeau: =/\=It’s really strange, I know, but…I feel a sort of…an anchor.  As in, I finally have a plan for after Starfleet.  I mean, before, it hadn’t really sunk in for either of us.  It was almost as if she’d live forever.  But now?  It’s…like there’s no more fog hiding what’s coming. No more shadow in the future. Betazed is my future.  It wasn’t where I was born, but it’s where I’ll eventually end up.=/\=

Before that future had included Kalin, but even so, there had always been this sense of they didn’t know where they were going.  At the time, it didn’t matter.  They would figure it out as it came.  But now?  Now it was real.  Now it was certain.  Now it was official. It was an odd feeling.

Kells: =/\= I know I’m starting to sound like a stuttering holo, but (beat) you do want it to be your future? =/\=

DeVeau: =/\=What do you mean?=/\=

It was a silly question.  What else did he mean?  Alora was mainly stalling, because it was a *good* question.  

Kells: =/\= Are you… =/\=

He trailed off. He didn’t quite know how to ask, but he knew that he had to, even if it was uncomfortable. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, but the best way to handle that, he thought, was to make sure that they were both uncomfortable.

Kells: =/\= It’s tough to think about leaving the Thor, and any kind of active starship command. But it’s feeling more and more like the right decision, you know? Even though it’s scary. (beat) Is that what you’re feeling? Something like that? =/\=

She paused again.  Something like that?  Yes. And now.  When she had been with Kalin, she had known that, eventually, she’d go to Betazed.  Eventually, neither of them would be in Starfleet.  They had pondered it then.  She pondered it now..  It was different with him gone. But yet…was it not the course that had been set upon their marriage?

DeVeau: =/\=I think I do.  It was what was decided when we got married, after all.  Eventually it was going to happen.  We just…didn’t think she would be gone so early.=/\=

And she shouldn’t have been.  Alora wasn’t on a secure line, so she couldn’t go into the details that Brenna had shared.  She’d have to do that later.  

DeVeau: =/\=When Kalin was alive, that was the plan the entire time.  Now…I suppose it’s the same plan, just executed differently. =/\=

Kalin.  She wished he was still there.  Wished they could still look forward to the future together.  But now it was just her.  Enzada had ensured not only her wishes, but Kalin’s.  Alora lifted a hand and rubbed her face.  The sting in her eyes was unwelcome and she didn’t want to fall into that.  

And yet, she realised it was getting easier.  No…not easier.  She was just getting used to it.  She could say his name now.  She could stand up and keep walking.  It spoke of adjustment.  The new normal was finally beginning to feel normal.

Oh how she hated that.  

Kells: =/\= You don’t think it’s going to be soon? =/\=

Alora’s hand fell.  The tears were at bay, but there was still that tightness in her throat.  When she smiled, it was wan in comparison to what she usually offered.

DeVeau: =/\=No.  Ryzek is the steward, he acts in my stead, and we are communicating regularly.  RIght now there are no major issues, though I will have to make trips from time to time I’m sure.  But for now…I’m here.=/\=

How long would she be able to remain?  She had not been the first nor would she be the last Matriarch to spend much time away.  Perhaps at some point, she would have to go and remain, but for now, she could continue.  She didn’t know how long it would last, but she would take it.

Kells: =/\= As am I, I suppose. Here, although for me “here” is a very different place. =/\=

DeVeau: =/\=I guess we both have paths set before us.  Mine’s been chosen.  You’ve yet to make your decision.=/\=

Though thousands upon thousands of light years separated them, Alora’s gaze seared across them all, unwavering, and yet warm and encouraging.  She coupled it with a slightly brighter smile,a hint of wistfulness tugging at the corners of it.

Kells: =/\= Am I? =/\=

He supposed he was, but maybe not as much as he thought, or as much as he’d intimated.

Kells: =/\= There’s still plenty of directions I could go. =/\=

DeVeau: =/\=Then maybe we both know where we’re going after all.=/\=

Kells: =/\= Maybe I do know. =/\=

DeVeau: =/\=I have a feeling you do.=/\=

The smile turned a bit rueful as her eye caught the time.  Nothing could last forever, though she wished some things could and would.

DeVeau: =/\=I’m afraid I have to run.  I’ve an appointment to keep.  But…talk to you soon?=/\=

Kells: (with a smile) =/\= Count on it. =/\=

Alora nodded, wishing she could give a hug, but that was not something she could do so far away.

DeVeau: =/\=Please give Del my love, okay?=/\=

Kells: =/\= Count on that, too. =/\=

-- 

Commodore Aron Kells
Commanding Officer
USS Thor
V238208LV0
he/him/his (character & player)

&

Lt. Cmdr. Alora DeVeau
First Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
al...@blar.net
M239008AD0