Admiral Dmitri Kreshkova - "Decisions To Make"

[Amanda Nordstrom]

((Souv-Lucky Day, DS 14))

Sasch wanted a week to make a decision on whether or not to teach at the Academy.  That was too much, and Dmitri knew that, despite his status, he couldn’t simply hold on to that position for very long.  It had to be filled, and Sasch had the first crack at it.  Furrows lined his brow as he huffed out of his nose, unsatisfied with her answer.  Finally, after a moment, he picked up his fork again, then, before he allowed himself another bite of his food, gave his final offer. 

Kreshkova, D: You haf forty eight hours.

Kreshkova, S.: You are not making zhis easy.

Even though she hadn’t taken a single bite, Sasch pushed her plate away.  

Kreshkova, S.: Forgif me.  I’ve lost my appetite.

Dmitri’s eyes fell to the perfectly good pirozhki.  If the moussaka was decent, hers was likely decent as well and it wasn’t right to waste perfectly good food, even in their type of society. 

Kreshkova, D.:  Vhat?  Vhy is zhat? 

Kreshkova, S.:  Vhy?  Because I vant to teach.  Somezhing hasn’t felt right lately.

She paused, but only long enough to take a quick breath before she continued.  

Kreshkova, S.:  I miss flying, Papa.  ::She nodded slowly, her eyes misting over:: A lot.  

She tossed her napkin over her plate, hiding the meal from view, then leaned toward him.  

Kreshkova, S.:  Even zhough I vould love teaching flight… I don’t know if I vant to go.

Kreshkova, D.:  Vhy not?  Zhis is an excellent opportunity!

Kreshkova, S.:  Because zhere is no room for any opinion ozher zhan your own.  I am in Starfleet.  You are my superior officer, but I am also your daughter.  You gave me my love of flight.You gave me my love for sailing.  Zhat is how I vant to remember you.Not as an Admiral sitting across me scowling because I didn’t give you zhe answer you vant right avay.

Even so, Dmitri’s scowl appeared.  He couldn’t understand why she was saying any of that.  Whatever he’d done in regards to his children had been for their benefit.  He knew how much Sasch loved flying.  She was a fine officer, her record proved that. She’d be an excellent teacher, and he knew she would love that as well.  

Kreshkova, D.: I offer zhis not just because I know you vould be excellent.  

He stated gruffly just before taking another bite of his moussaka, but strangely, he found his own appetite had waned.  

Kreshkova, S.: Response

With a huff, it was Dmitri’s turn to put down his fork and toss his napkin on the table.  He stared across the small distance which suddenly felt like an enormous chasm between them.  Although she was her daughter, she didn’t understand his motivations.  Such was the downside of being a parent. 

Kreshkova, D: I do zhis for you.  I must haf answer in forty eight hours or zhe position will be given to someone else.  If you say yes and need more time, maybe we work somezhing out, but I must haf commitment or move on to other person.  

Kreshkova, S.: Response

Kreshkova, D: I go now.  You zhink over and let me know. 

With that, Dmitri pushed back his chair and rose, then turned to head toward the exit.  He had come all across the galaxy to see his daughter and extend an offer he thought she would be excited about.  However, she needed time, and when he gave her time, she acted as if he were strong-arming her.  Well, he had to have an answer.  He had to have her answer.  Admiral though he was, the position could not remain open indefinitely and he had to make arrangements.  Maybe some day, she would understand.  If not…then such was the life of a power, forever misunderstood by his children.  

Kreshkova, S.: Response

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Admiral Dmitri Kreshkova
Starfleet Academy 
Flight Ops
M239008AD0