Another New Leash on Life

Posted on Sat 14th Jul, 2012 @ 1:00am by Commander Jasmine Collins-Keller & Colonel Horatio Drake

1,301 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: http://sb109.sim-station.net/index.php/sim/missions/id/2
Location: CO's Office

Nyx chimed the door. She pressed her uniform out with her hands and shook off the anxiety she felt about meeting this man. Her fate was tied to this meeting though and she knew it. She palmed the small device in her other hand as she brushed the empty hand through her hair. As the hand came down it brushed against the fixture on her neck and reminded her just what her place was.

===

The briefing had finished over an hour ago and Ashton was still smiling to himself at how efficient the Senior Staff appeared to be... they were already working extremely well as a team.

He had just collapsed into his chair behind his desk with a cup of coffee, when the chime sounded.

"Come in"

Hearing the man's voice, Nyx took a deep breath and stepped through the door. "Chief Medical Officer, Lieutenant Nyx reporting sir." She stood at attention and waited for the man to speak.

Despite not meeting officially before, Ashton naturally recognised her from the briefing. The first thing that would strike you was the bright red hair that sat atop the medical officers head... and not a normal kind of red either, it seemed to almost shine. The second, obviously, was the size of the officer... small, very small... but probably very fiery.

"Ah, Lieutenant, pleased" he motioned to the chair opposite his desk with his hand.

Taking a seat Nyx tried to smile. "I thought that I should officially check in and turn my orders over sir." She set the PADD on the desk in front of her but held tightly to the smaller object in her hand. "You'll see there are some unusual notations in my file. I'd be glad to answer any questions you might have about them."

Ashton took the PADD and frowned at the Lieutenant in a curious fashion... "unusual notations?"

"Yes sir." She looked down as her face flushed. "As you know I'm Chameloid but as a child, I was orphaned and adopted off of Risa. My biological parents never taught me how to control my shift or my alternate Chameloid form." She tried not to seem nervous. "Star Fleet and the Vulcan Institute of Science devised an appliance that controls that facet of my life. Without the appliance, I can't keep my human form and I'm under orders from Star Fleet to do just that." She put the control on the desk in front of her. "This controls the appliance. You'll see in my records that I'm required to turn it over to my commander." She pointed to the PADD and then to the device. "It's his to use at his discretion." She looked at the man. "As you read further into my file, you'll read a little about my alternate form. She is, by evolution, a soldier of war designed as a killing machine." That was part of the reason Star Fleet was so afraid of the alternate form but having control over it, was just as empowering to them.

This was all coming as a bit of a shock to Ashton... a leash? A chain on a sentient being? Well, perhaps not that drastic... but still... Starfleet was really condoning this?

"Lieutenant" He placed the PADD down on the desk. "It appears, I don't really have much of a choice but to accept you're... leash... but let it be known that I am very uncomfortable with this. Having the power to change your form goes far beyond my remit and authority as a Starfleet Officer. That sort of power should be in no ones hands, but your own".

His frowned deepened... she probably received the same lecture from all her CO's.

"I understand sir. If you gave it to me, I could practice controlling my shifting and in effect control the warrior that I become when I shift." She offered brightly but knew that she had to be completely honest with the man. "I have no control over my alter ego. In that form I am nothing more than a killing machine bent on destroying everything. I never got the training I needed as a child to learn to 'turn myself on and off'." At least the man wasn't locking her away until he needed her like the last Marine commander she'd encountered. "As long as the device is locked up in your control and you don't intend on using it. I'll be okay. I'll be Nyx, CMO and I promise you sir, I'll be happy with that. Although one day, I'd like to train myself to control my shifting so I can help those that allowed me the freedom to be myself. I'm afraid it's too dangerous to attempt on my own."

He exhaled loudly. "Then , if it's going to make you happy I don't really have a choice. I'll have to keep hold of the device. Tell me, Lieutenant, what sort of training do you require? Is this something that we can provide on Starbase Protector?" His brow lightened at the thought of granting this Officer her freedom... in the future.

"That's just the problem sir." She smiled. Drake seemed understanding. "I'm not sure. I was raised by Betazoids who didn't know I was Chameloid until I hit puberty and shifted." She nervously played with her fingers. "I nearly killed them and I don't know any other Chameloids who could help me. I don't even know where Arc IV is located." She looked at the Device now in the Colonel's hand. "The Vulcans created that..and this." She pointed to the appliance on her neck and shrugged. "I suppose they may have some answers or at least insight on how I tick."

The most obvious choice screamed to the front of his mind at warp ten... although after their last conversation he was reluctant to propose the partnership. Being able to read other peoples thoughts without their permission was strictly outlawed by the Federation... but the Marine Commanding Officer almost seemed to think he was above such a ruling.

"I would suggest a meeting with Major Karrikar, Protector's Marine Commanding Officer. He is a Vulcan and may be able to shed some light into the best ways of training you. For the time being I will keep the device, however you may request it back at any time for the purpose of your training." He smiled faintly at her... was that suggestion appropriate in light of the circumstances?

"I'll take that into consideration." She nodded but inside her voice was screaming. 'there is no way I'll ask that SOB to help me with anything!' "Considering the mans arrogance and my initial distaste for him...It may be a complicated partnership." She smirked. "Although it might be fun to beat him around a bit."

Ashton tried his very best to quell a small grin that he could feel rising on the right side of his mouth... he wasn't sure if his best was good enough. "Excellent... was there anything else, Lieutenant?". 'Apart from one of the strangest requests I've ever had'...

"I've compiled a list of supplies and staff that I could really use in Sick bay. If there's anything you can help me with. I'll need approval to obtain it." She handed the man another PADD and felt a little guilty about dumping so much on him. She could see he was already overwhelmed with work. "Other than that, I think I'm okay."

"Excellent... I'll get you request for supplies passed onto the Quartermaster with my approval. With regards to staff... well, as soon as they get here you can have them!". He smiled, trying to lighten the mood and tension. Was there tension or was it just him?

OFF:

Lt Col. Ashton Drake
CO
SB Protector


Lt Nyx
CMO
SB Protector

 

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