Lt. Commander Yogan Yalu — Old friend, new friend
jkpbem
(( Crunchy’s Cafeteria, Maklau Beach, Risa ))
They ate in silence for a few moments, and the fires of Yogan’s appetite reignited in earnest with the first bite of the best burger he’d had in some time. It was an explosion of taste, a symphony of seasonings and spices, a Picasso of trans-galactic cheeses, and it immediately turned his mood around. Other people’s heads might be turned by a witty joke in a crowded bar, or a handsome face smiling from across a room. Yogan, however, knew with certainty that if and when his “KaliKos” ever came along, he’d be holding a cheeseburger.
Yalu: What happens next? I’ve got my summons, and I’m not sure what to expect.
Adea: They’re going to want to know what happened, and what we can learn from it.
As for the former, each of them possessed a single thread of the story, and only by getting each of them in front of the inquiry would the full tapestry come into view. Yogan understood the necessity of that, even if the experience of it would be less than pleasant. The latter, however, was a more complex ask, but Yogan knew he could carry this mission with him for the rest of his life, and beyond, as the memories remained within Yalu after Yogan’s death. Hopefully many people would learn from it. He put down his fork and looked Genkos in the eye.
Yalu: I don’t know what we are anymore. ‘Acting captain’ and ‘acting first officer’ don’t make much sense when there’s no ship. But I still feel the same loyalty to you and to the crew as I did when you called me into the ready room and asked me to fill in as your XO.
Adea: There might not be a ship, but there’s still a crew.
The unsaid second half of Genkos’ sentence hit Yogan as clearly as if he’d spoken it through a megaphone. “And we have to take care of them.” Genkos was right. Until the inquiry was over, and the crew received new orders, they were still responsible for them. And Yogan was still responsible to Genkos.
Yalu: If there’s anything I can do to help you while we all get through this. ::beat:: I just hope you’ll let me know.
Adea: I’m not good at asking for help. But I’ll try.
The charades of body language that played out didn’t come as a surprise to Yogan. In their social interactions to date, he’d observed Genkos as the kind of person who would give you their umbrella in a downpour, then walk home soaked and solitary, without complaint. It was an admirable quality, but as Yogan continued to learn about those who chose this life, aloneness need not be a foregone conclusion.
Yalu: You’ve done so much for me, and the least I can do is help you when you need it. If not as a Starfleet officer, then as your friend. ::beat:: Please try.
Adea: I’m sure if I don’t, Kalianna will.
Yogan smiled at his old friend, hoping that either he or Nicholotti would sound the alarm if necessary. He then turned his attention back to his new friend, Crunchy’s signature transgalactic cheeseburger. He held up the massive sandwich in his paw-like hands.
Yalu: Do you think they sell the replicator pattern for this? ::beat:: Nah, never mind. What happens on Risa, ought to stay on Risa.
[End scene]
Lt. Commander Yogan Yalu
Helm Officer
USS Resolution NCC-78145
Justin D238804DS0