Change of Plans
Posted on Tue Feb 11th, 2025 @ 1:52am by Lieutenant Meerah Praavor
Edited on on Thu Feb 13th, 2025 @ 11:08pm
925 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
Resistance is Necessary
Location: Starfleet Headquarters, Earth
Timeline: MD001 - 1015 Hours
“…and those are called lumpia,” Meerah said, pointing to the small, fried spring rolls on the plate in front her. Her companion, a Cygnian female named Sebel, looked at the rolls reluctantly. Meerah picked up on that and took one from the plate, dipped into a small ramekin of sweet chili sauce and then took a bite. The wrapped crunched pleasantly and the savory flavor of the vegetables inside the roll paired perfectly with the sweet but spicy dipping sauce.
Sebel nodded, looked at the lumpia and took one, emboldened by Meerah’s gusto for the rolls. While Sebel gently nibbled at the first roll, Meerah smiled and took another from the serving plate. The excursion had been Sebel’s idea; the pair agreed to venture into San Fransisco and sample different foods from the incredibly diverse street vendors near the Academy’s campus. Both officers were part of Starfleet’s Diplomatic service and were attending a symposium for some re-certification credits.
Sebel took a larger bite of her roll and smiled as she chewed. She was pleasantly surprised by the mix of flavors and said as much to Meerah.
Meerah nodded, swallowed her mouthful and was about to mention sampling some Riskian cheese pastries next when her combadge chirped. She shared a baffled look with Sebel and then acknowledged the incoming call.
“Praavor here,” she said, taking a sip of iced tea to wash down the remenants of the lumpia.
“Praavor - this is Commander T’preth. You and Sebel are ordered to return to the Academy grounds immediately,” came the monotone but tinny voice of the Vulcan officer in charge of the symposium.
“Understood, Commander,” Meerah responded. Both officers stood and made their way onto the sidewalk. They exchanged another glance; this time, though, each saw worry on the face of the other.
Sebel, ever the practical one, hailed a nearby taxi and both officers piled into the back of the ground-effect skimmer. Sebel was about to say something but a warning glance from Meerah and a slight shake of the head told the Cygnian to rethink any discussions. Sebel simply nodded and held her peace for the remainder of the short trip back to the Academy.
Once back at the campus, both officers noticed frantic activity in all corners of the grounds. Older cadets were herding their underclassmen across the grounds in drill formations and staff members could be observed dashing into and out of facilities.
“What’s going on,” Meerah asked a passing Command cadet.
The cadet, much to his credit, looked the two officers over before responding.
“The campus is on Red Alert…something about unknown ships entering the system, ma’am” the young man reported.
Before either Meerah or Sebel could ask another question, the cadet was scurrying off on his original path.
“I’ve never heard of the campus going to Red Alert,” Sebel wondered aloud.
Meerah didn’t answer. Instead, she gently took hold of her friend’s upper arm and propelled the pair into motion. They stutter-stepped several crossing cadets and then got enough room to break into a run, heading for the campus’s main lecture hall.
Commander T’preth met them just inside the ornately decorated transparent aluminium doors with a PADD in hand. The Vulcan female made eye-to-eye contact with each officer and then used a stylus to check off their names.
“The others are still making their way back,” T’preth informed them. “Some of the attendees have gathered with Academy faculty in the Officer’s Mess. There will be a briefing in 5 minutes,” she reported.
“Commander, I don’t have a duty assignment,” Meerah reminded T’preth. “Well, I mean - I’m on orders for the symposium but the Assignments Bureau hasn’t given me a duty station.”
“You and several others are in the same situation, Lieutenant Praavor. For the present, please attend the briefing. I am awaiting a response from Starfleet Command about how to proceed,” T’preth explained. Meerah nodded and acknowledged the answer. T’preth turned slightly to face Sebel.
“Lieutenant, you are ordered to make your way to the landing platform. A shuttle will depart momentarily for Spacedock One. Admiral Granger’s staff will brief you there,” the Vulcan instructed.
Sebel also acknowledged her instructions and T’preth’s combadge chirped. She turned and took several steps away from from Meerah and Sebel. The pair turned to face one another.
“Ok…so…this is abrupt,” Sebel said, remorse evident in her voice.
“I know…but this isn’t goodbye,” Meerah offered lamely. She gently caressed Sebel’s upper arm.
“Besides…we’ll always have Lake Armstrong,” Meerah reminded her. Sebel could only nod. Meerah noticed tears beginning to form in Sebel’s amber eyes.
The pair ignored the uniform code and bearing for a brief moment, embraced tightly and then shared a passionate, if not quick, kiss. Sebel pulled away, holding Meerah’s hand for another moment and squeezing it for emphasis, and turned to leave. She hurried a few steps but then turned around to look back to Meerah. Meerah put her hand to her mouth and kissed her fingers, turning her hand to face Sebel. Sebel smiled a sad smile and repeated the gesture. Then, she turned and trotted off towards the landing platform.
Meerah watched her go, wishing they had more time together. But, she consoled herself, this will probably blow over soon enough.
Meerah turned and made her way into the Officer’s mess and found a seat for the briefing.
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