Cmdr Skyleena Blake, "Wisps of a lullabye."

[Deliera Jay]

((Captain's Ready Room))

Blake: Ranjoes has been working to bolster CCMS's capabilities as a police force for the Colonial Coalition. She informed me she's trying to foster open communication between the services of the Federation and the Colonial Coalition, try to improve reaction time to things like the Tholian threat, or even just the relationship Starfleet installations or the KDF have with the marshals, for example. Since it's... been a little difficult trying to convince everyone to play nice.

Rahman: Hmmph. ::echoes:: Just a "little."

Blake: Her vice chief just stepped down. She needs a new one.

The captain glanced from the PADD over to Blake's face, the two exchanging a knowing look.

Rahman: She wants you.

Blake's fingers laced between one another as she rested her elbows on Roshanara's desk.

Blake: When we spoke last about my career, I told you I wanted to go back to the rangers. And part of me still does, but... Ranjoes wants me to be Vice Chief Marshal. And I think I can do a lot of good for the Shoals in that role.

Rahman: I think you can, too.

oO Well, that was easy... Oo

Rahman: So are you asking for my thoughts? Or my permission? Because you don't need the latter. And as for the former... I seem to recall a first officer who once threatened to tape her commanding officer to the captain's chair once...

Blake:::sheepishly:: ...to be fair, it was my first time working with you in that capacity...

Rahman: My point is, it's not like you to be unsure of what you want.

Blake: You're right. 

And she did want this. It was surprising to her just how much she wanted it.

When Blake didn't speak further, Roshanara continued.

Rahman: I think Chief Ranjoes is right. Fostering better communication between agencies has always been one of the biggest challenges in the Shoals. And you've been in the unique position of having worked both in and out of Starfleet and as former law enforcement yourself back on Ornara.

Blake: True, but experience in non-Federation organisations doesn't hold much sway in these areas.

Now she was just coming up with excuses.

Rahman: So what's giving you pause?

Blake's lips pursed. 

Blake: I'd be going at this alone. Brand new playbook. I've spent so much time working on what Starfleet believes is right... My morality within Starfleet has constantly been brought into question--either because I'm too soft or too hard in certain situations. I know Ranjoes well, and she's worked with me a little back on Shadow's Edge. But we have different understandings of how things should work. I understand I'm the one she wants to work with her. But I don't think I'm convinced I'm the one she needs working with her.

Rahman: Whether the badge you wear on your chest is a delta or a star, I know you'll always be an agent for Good, Blake. You're one of the most principled people I've known and had the pleasure of serving with.

The Brekkazoid tilted her head a little, donning a small smile.

Blake: You, too.

Rahman: Response?

Silence passed between them, filled with thought. Preparations needed to be made.

Blake: So then... I guess this is it. Last trip to Esperance on Veritas for me.

Rahman: Response?

Blake: I'll draw up my official resignation from Starfleet in the morning. I'm... not really sure what that looks like. I may need some help with that. ::with a huff:: I don't know what happens next. Do I get off at Esperance and never look another Starfleet officer in the eye until I have to? 

She swallowed.

Blake: I don't think I realised how hard this would be.

Rahman: Response?

Eyes glassy, Blake's smile widened.

Blake: Thank you. For everything. Every moment I've been on board, you've worked to make me feel at ease. I know I've been a bit of a handful at times... but working with you has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I could ask for. 

Rahman: Response?

Tbc . . . 

Commander Skyleena Blake

Executive Officer

USS Veritas

C238803SB0

--