Athena Mission 2.10 The Last Directive

[Naira]

[XO's Office]

It had been a few weeks since the Athena had departed the hostile alien world. Despite how lovely the planet had been, it didn't turn out to be quite the vacation they all had hoped for. In order to make things up to the crew, they had been given a few weeks of shore leave to do as they pleased while the ship underwent routine maintenance. While some chose to remain onboard, many had decided to visit friends or family or simply take in some relaxing alone time.

Naira had just returned from a visit to Starbase Columbus and was busily trying to catch up on the mountain of padds piled up on her desk detailing systems changes, updates, repairs, transfers, equipment orders that went through and those still pending. Everything needed to be triple checked and signed off twice.

She let out a long sigh, set down the padd she had been reading, pushed back her chair and stood up. She felt as if she had balloon up in the time she had been away. Now there was no hiding her growing abdomen under her uniform. She retrieved a glass of water from the replicator on the wall and returned to her desk.

Naira to Commander Carter, can you please report to my office?

She sat back down and picked up the padd to continue reading while she waited.

[Katheryn Brighton]

[XO's Office]

Naira to Commander Carter, can you please report to my office?

[Deck 2 - The Brighton's Quarters]

Katheryn was stood in front of the mirror taking in her appearance noticing how tight her uniform seemed to be especially over the abdomen area and realised that she had to admit defeat and replicate a bigger size in both her tunic and pants. As much as she was keeping active and healthy thanks to the new exercise programme Caleb had developed for her so she could still work out there was no escaping the fact that being pregnant with twins meant that she was going to get a lot bigger quickly to allow both babies to grow properly.

Taking off the one she thought still fit, she quickly replicated a replacement, her wedding and engagement rings reflecting in the light of the replicator as it processed her request and smiled at the memory of her and Caleb's recent wedding on Risa. After the last mission on what they thought was a paradise planet but quickly turned into something else thanks to the aliens who had taken over Caleb and his medical team including one of her officers, the downtime whilst the ship underwent maintenance had come at the right time allowing them to recover and to also go ahead with the wedding they had planned for so long.

It had been everything they had hoped for and more getting to spend time with friends,family and Cal's long lost Uncle Skol, sharing their news about the twins and also being able to spend a few extra days on Risa before returning to Earth where the couple spent time in both Norway and Australia. Culminating in a special moment when they visited Cal's parents memorial and they laid her wedding flowers on the headstone.

Now it was back to normal for the pair returning to the ship they both loved and had just finished putting on her new uniform when the call came through from the XO. It felt a little strange hearing her maiden name again after getting used to being called by her new one but now was her chance to inform the XO about the changes.

Tapping her badge to respond. Acknowledged Commander, I'll be there shortly 

After placing Buddy in his bed and leaving a note for Cal in case he returned before her next duty shift, she left their quarters and walked along the corridor towards the XO's office.

[XO's Office]

It didn't take long for Katheryn to reach her destination, coming to a stop just outside the office door before pressing the door chime then stood back and waited.

[Ezac]

[Athena - Personal Quarters]

Ezac stood motionless in his dimly lit quarters as he watched a glass of cool water materialize in his replicator. He stared for a moment at the clear glass, almost mesmerized by the reflection of a narrow strip of white, glowing light that entered his quarters from beneath his door. He grabbed the glass with his bare hand, simultaneously comforted by and repulsed by the smooth, non-porous surface of the glass.

As he brought the glass to his mouth and felt the cool water run down his throat, and much to his chagrin, he once again recalled the events of the prior mission. After several weeks of nothing but leisure time, he still found himself repeatedly checking to ensure that his belongings had not been taken.

He strode slowly to his desk and sat, with the legs of the chair creaking slightly under the weight of his body. He sighed gently and recognized his eagerness over the next call to duty.

At this point, anything would suffice in taking his mind off of the matters that plagued him during his free time.

[Jules Bash]

Jules own shore leave had been work for the most part. He did take some additional holodeck time, usually working his physical fitness, Ushaan-tor combat program. Considering how fast paced his first mission had been, he wanted to keep in top form.

Outside of that, he had spent his time with the equipment. Firstly, upon return to the ship, he submitted a report for additional alarm protocols on the shuttles and away team equipment. While he could see problems that happened if he constantly observed equipment readings, it was rarely the type of duty he wanted. Proper alarms meant he could work faster, more directly on problems.

It was an odd relationship for Jules. He trusted the machines to do their job, and they required him to make sure they did. The best part in their relationship though, was when the machines didn't do their job. That was when he actually had to do work, which was what he thrived on. Fixing, repairing, combining, assembling, the whole definition of his job. He was as aggressive about his relationship with machines as he was with people, yet it was what brought him his joy.

So he spent the past few weeks working. Getting to know the machines, equipment, building his relationship with them, getting to know each piece. Besides, the longer he worked with the machines, the longer until he had to start working properly with people.

Today however found him working with a particularly annoying set of relays in the EPS grid, trying to get it to properly redistribute the flow, instead of its currently odd staggered configuration.

[Susan Venator]

Bridge

Suzie was on watch in the big chair. She had been offered shore leave, but since the only person she wanted to see was on Betazed, too far for her to get there and back in the two weeks to make it worth it.

She had spoken to Helen, her adopted Mother the previous day. The older woman had practically retired from the rescue centre where she had worked since before Suzie had been found. She was now living in a small house not far from the old part of the city with her husband who had retired after an accident a few years previously.

Her watch had been boring so far, but it had to be done. Pulling up the command screen, she checked the status and everything was normal. Picking up a PADD, she settled back in the chair and began to read up on the latest computer updates from the development wing of Starfleet.

[Ozu Saya]

[Athena - Mess Hall]

Saya finally ventured to the mess hall, feeling the need for a meal that didn't come from the replicator. She was rather hoping there might be something Bajoran on offer.

She glanced around as the doors swooshed open, noticing a couple of the other engineers and nodding acknowledgment. Saya crossed to the counter and looked over the options available, making a couple of selections before sitting at an empty table. Her desire for company was limited.

She set a PADD on the table look busy, but as she ate, Saya thought over the last few weeks. She'd gotten to all of her duty shifts on time, even taking on some extras while others were on shore leave. Having only just joined the crew, she hadn't felt the need to take a break, other than a couple of visits to the holodeck - the Bajoran countryside specifically. She liked to take a small boat out on the lake and bask in the silence. But today she wanted to listen to the background noise of the conversations occurring in the mess hall.

Saya also thought about seeking out the ship's counselor. She'd been doing well, but it wouldn't hurt to make contact before requiring services.

She ate her food slowly, savoring each bite, occasionally glancing around as others came and went.

[Naira]

[Deck 2 - The Brighton's Quarters]

Katheryn was stood in front of the mirror taking in her appearance noticing how tight her uniform seemed to be especially over the abdomen area and realised that she had to admit defeat and replicate a bigger size in both her tunic and pants. As much as she was keeping active and healthy thanks to the new exercise programme Caleb had developed for her so she could still work out there was no escaping the fact that being pregnant with twins meant that she was going to get a lot bigger quickly to allow both babies to grow properly.

Taking off the one she thought still fit, she quickly replicated a replacement, her wedding and engagement rings reflecting in the light of the replicator as it processed her request and smiled at the memory of her and Caleb's recent wedding on Risa. After the last mission on what they thought was a paradise planet but quickly turned into something else thanks to the aliens who had taken over Caleb and his medical team including one of her officers, the downtime whilst the ship underwent maintenance had come at the right time allowing them to recover and to also go ahead with the wedding they had planned for so long.

It had been everything they had hoped for and more getting to spend time with friends,family and Cal's long lost Uncle Skol, sharing their news about the twins and also being able to spend a few extra days on Risa before returning to Earth where the couple spent time in both Norway and Australia. Culminating in a special moment when they visited Cal's parents memorial and they laid her wedding flowers on the headstone.

Now it was back to normal for the pair returning to the ship they both loved and had just finished putting on her new uniform when the call came through from the XO. It felt a little strange hearing her maiden name again after getting used to being called by her new one but now was her chance to inform the XO about the changes.

Tapping her badge to respond. Acknowledged Commander, I'll be there shortly 

After placing Buddy in his bed and leaving a note for Cal in case he returned before her next duty shift, she left their quarters and walked along the corridor towards the XO's office.

[XO's Office]

It didn't take long for Katheryn to reach her destination, coming to a stop just outside the office door before pressing the door chime then stood back and waited.

[XO's Office]

"Come in," she called out without looking up from her padd. Naira grabbed the glass of water off the desk and took a sip before setting it back now. Her eyes quickly scanned over the document in hand.

Firstly, upon return to the ship, he submitted a report for additional alarm protocols on the shuttles and away team equipment. While he could see problems that happened if he constantly observed equipment readings, it was rarely the type of duty he wanted. Proper alarms meant he could work faster, more directly on problems.

Equipment alarms, that could be helpful in the future.

"Please have a seat."

After signing off on her approval and passing the order information along, she placed the padd down on desk and looked up at the Commander.

"Thank you for meeting with me today. There is something I want to discuss with you, but first is there anything I can get for you? Food? Water?"

[Katheryn Brighton]

[XO's Office]

"Come in," she called out without looking up from her padd. Naira grabbed the glass of water off the desk and took a sip before setting it back now. Her eyes quickly scanned over the document in hand.

Equipment alarms, that could be helpful in the future.

"Please have a seat."

After signing off on her approval and passing the order information along, she placed the padd down on desk and looked up at the Commander.

"Thank you for meeting with me today. There is something I want to discuss with you, but first is there anything I can get for you? Food? Water?"

[XO's Office]

Katheryn didn't have to wait long before the XO called her in and as the door slid open she adjusted her tunic over her slight bump then walked in just as the Commander offered her a seat and finished with the PADD she was reading. It reminded her that she needed to go over and catch up on her own reports as she smiled and took a seat opposite Naira.

When Naira then thanked her for seeing her and that she wanted to discuss something with her, she gave the Commander her full attention as she answered her. " Anytime Commander and there's something I need to make you aware of as well " she replied unsure if the XO knew about the wedding and her pregnancy or if the Captain had informed her. When asked if she would like anything to drink or eat she settled on a drink something she had developed a slight craving for. " Yes a orange juice would be good thankyou".

[Caleb Brighton]

[ Athena ~ Mess Hall ]

The first day back from vacation often proved to the the hardest for many. For Caleb, it was nothing more than routine. After getting to spend a much welcomed amount of time with his new wife, he was glad to get back into the swing of things. The wedding was perfect in every sense. He not only got to reconnect with his long lost uncle, but he finally felt as healthy as he ever did. Once the connection was severed between Jenna and him, his mind seemed clearer. He reached out to Skol in order to keep contact. He figured that he would use the information that he was partially Vulcan to his advantage. He would use it to explore new ventures medically and come up with new remedies.

He was glad to have taken a much needed lunch break and grab some  food from the mess hall. As he waited in line, he found himself looking at and spinning his wedding band. When it shimmered in the light it made him smile. He got his food and then searched for a seat. He needed to find a place just in case if he would be needed for emergency surgery. Though it would be rare this soon after leave time, he still needed to be prepared.   

Saya also thought about seeking out the ship's counselor. She'd been doing well, but it wouldn't hurt to make contact before requiring services.

She ate her food slowly, savoring each bite, occasionally glancing around as others came and went.

"Would you mind if I sat here at this table? I may be on my lunch break, but if I am called in, I need the quickest route out," Caleb asked the woman sitting at the table. While he waited, the note that was left by his wife was heavy in his pocket. After checking on Buddy in he and his wife's quarters, he noticed the note written by his wife. He grabbed it before quickly dashing to the mess hall for something to eat.

[Ozu Saya]

"Would you mind if I sat here at this table? I may be on my lunch break, but if I am called in, I need the quickest route out," Caleb asked the woman sitting at the table.

Saya looked up in surprise from her PADD, which showed a random schematic of some power relays, when she was addressed. Recognizing the doctor, Saya rose quickly in respect. Of course, Doctor. You are more than welcome.

She resumed her seat awkwardly, nearly missing the chair, uncomfortable about sharing a table with a senior officer.

She wracked her brain for something appropriate to say, then noticed the ring on his left hand. She knew what that meant to humans, and she'd heard others discussing the wedding, so that should be a fairly safe topic.
Congratulations, Sir, on your marriage. Then she bit her tongue before she could say too much.

[Naira]

[XO's Office]

Katheryn didn't have to wait long before the XO called her in and as the door slid open she adjusted her tunic over her slight bump then walked in just as the Commander offered her a seat and finished with the PADD she was reading. It reminded her that she needed to go over and catch up on her own reports as she smiled and took a seat opposite Naira.

When Naira then thanked her for seeing her and that she wanted to discuss something with her, she gave the Commander her full attention as she answered her. " Anytime Commander and there's something I need to make you aware of as well " she replied unsure if the XO knew about the wedding and her pregnancy or if the Captain had informed her. When asked if she would like anything to drink or eat she settled on a drink something she had developed a slight craving for. " Yes a orange juice would be good thankyou".

[XO's Office]

Once again, Naira pushed back the chair from her desk and stood up. She walked around the bulky desk, that in her opinion, took up far too much space in the small office. Humans always designed stuff with the intent of making them as large as humanly possible. How she was going to fit around said desk as time progressed, she had little clue, but for now such things took little effort.

She walked over to the replicator on the wall and ordered the commander a glass of orange juice. Once it had materialized before her, she grabbed the glass, carried it back over to the desk and sat it before the other woman before returning to her own seat.

"Now, there's something rather important that I wanted to discuss with you. It has come to my attention that you are pregnant. While this is a normal fact of life and something that under normal circumstances should not cause a problem, there is an increased chance of risk to someone in your position. I would like to have you take on a more hands-off approach to your duties. You can manage reports, conduct drills, inspect equipment and go over protocols, but I'd rather you to name someone in your department who can take your place during physical confrontations. We don't want to risk possible injury."

The look on her face was stern and lacked emotion.

"And one other thing, I would prefer if you seek out someone other than your...," she stumbled over the word husband because frankly she couldn't see why a woman whom she thought to be as intelligent as she expected would ever choose to marry. "Someone other than Dr. Brighton as your primary care provider. I don't want any personal emotions to get in the way of proper medical care."

After getting that out of the way, she picked up her own glass and had another sip of water. 

[Katheryn Brighton]

[XO's Office]

Once again, Naira pushed back the chair from her desk and stood up. She walked around the bulky desk, that in her opinion, took up far too much space in the small office. Humans always designed stuff with the intent of making them as large as humanly possible. How she was going to fit around said desk as time progressed, she had little clue, but for now such things took little effort.

She walked over to the replicator on the wall and ordered the commander a glass of orange juice. Once it had materialized before her, she grabbed the glass, carried it back over to the desk and sat it before the other woman before returning to her own seat.

"Now, there's something rather important that I wanted to discuss with you. It has come to my attention that you are pregnant. While this is a normal fact of life and something that under normal circumstances should not cause a problem, there is an increased chance of risk to someone in your position. I would like to have you take on a more hands-off approach to your duties. You can manage reports, conduct drills, inspect equipment and go over protocols, but I'd rather you to name someone in your department who can take your place during physical confrontations. We don't want to risk possible injury."

The look on her face was stern and lacked emotion.

"And one other thing, I would prefer if you seek out someone other than your...," she stumbled over the word husband because frankly she couldn't see why a woman whom she thought to be as intelligent as she expected would ever choose to marry. "Someone other than Dr. Brighton as your primary care provider. I don't want any personal emotions to get in the way of proper medical care."

After getting that out of the way, she picked up her own glass and had another sip of water.

[XO's office]

As the XO stood up and moved to the replicator, Katheryn noticed that she wasn't the only one pregnant but wasn't sure if she should comment or not although did think that it would be good having another mother to be on board the ship. When Naira returned with her orange juice she thanked her then took hold of it but didn't take a drink immediately as the XO then spoke to her and realised that she didn't have to tell her as she already knew.

What she said next wasn't a complete surprise as she knew deep down that even though she was still relatively active and could do her job, she wasn't going to risk her unborn twins and it made complete sense what the XO wanted her to do in regard to her duties and no doubt Cal would agree with her too as he was more protective than normal which was only natural. She also didn't take it personally with the way Naira came across with the stern look and lack of emotion even when she went on to say that she didn't want Caleb to be her primary care provider, noting how she seemed uncomfortable with saying husband but understood.

As much as her husband wanted to be hands on they both agreed that with him being CMO that Wendy would continue with her antenatal care although he would be there for important appointments , oversee it and to support her especially during their off duty time.

" Yes I'm expecting twins and I completely agree with your recommendations as once I found out I knew that I would need to step back slightly when it came to certain situations and still run my department " she replied " I would like Petty Officer Ezac to take my place when it comes to physical confrontations etc and as for my primary care provider again I understand why you would prefer someone else other than Dr Brighton and we already agreed that Wendy who works with him would continue with my antenatal care but he will be there too.

[Caleb Brighton]

Saya looked up in surprise from her PADD, which showed a random schematic of some power relays, when she was addressed. Recognizing the doctor, Saya rose quickly in respect. Of course, Doctor. You are more than welcome.

She resumed her seat awkwardly, nearly missing the chair, uncomfortable about sharing a table with a senior officer.

She wracked her brain for something appropriate to say, then noticed the ring on his left hand. She knew what that meant to humans, and she'd heard others discussing the wedding, so that should be a fairly safe topic.
Congratulations, Sir, on your marriage. Then she bit her tongue before she could say too much.

[ Athena ~ Mess Hall ]

Caleb hated formalities and didn't like seeing the officer nervous. When she commented on his ring and marriage he smiled. He then looked down at his ring just for a moment. It gleamed a wonderful silver and blue with a unique design on it that Katheryn designed specifically for him. On Katheryn's band was a design her created just for her."Thank you. I got to marry my best friend and for me that's the best feeling in the world," He said with a smile. "How are you today? I hope you found your leave time refreshing." He took a sip of his drink while he waited for Saya's reply.

[Ozu Saya]

Thank you. I got to marry my best friend and for me that's the best feeling in the world," He said with a smile. "How are you today? I hope you found your leave time refreshing." He took a sip of his drink while he waited for Saya's reply.

Saya fidgeted with her fork for a moment, then fingered the earring in her left ear as she responded.


I am well. As to leave, I, uh, didn't really take leave.It didn't seem logical as I only just joined the crew. I've taken some extra duty shifts and have been familiarizing myself with the ship. This is my first posting.

She bit her tongue again to keep from nattering on, though she realized she'd fallen back on her mother's Vulcan training out of nerves. No one ever accused Vulcans of talking too much.

[Naira]

[XO's office]

As the XO stood up and moved to the replicator, Katheryn noticed that she wasn't the only one pregnant but wasn't sure if she should comment or not although did think that it would be good having another mother to be on board the ship. When Naira returned with her orange juice she thanked her then took hold of it but didn't take a drink immediately as the XO then spoke to her and realised that she didn't have to tell her as she already knew.

What she said next wasn't a complete surprise as she knew deep down that even though she was still relatively active and could do her job, she wasn't going to risk her unborn twins and it made complete sense what the XO wanted her to do in regard to her duties and no doubt Cal would agree with her too as he was more protective than normal which was only natural. She also didn't take it personally with the way Naira came across with the stern look and lack of emotion even when she went on to say that she didn't want Caleb to be her primary care provider, noting how she seemed uncomfortable with saying husband but understood.

As much as her husband wanted to be hands on they both agreed that with him being CMO that Wendy would continue with her antenatal care although he would be there for important appointments , oversee it and to support her especially during their off duty time.

" Yes I'm expecting twins and I completely agree with your recommendations as once I found out I knew that I would need to step back slightly when it came to certain situations and still run my department " she replied " I would like Petty Officer Ezac to take my place when it comes to physical confrontations etc and as for my primary care provider again I understand why you would prefer someone else other than Dr Brighton and we already agreed that Wendy who works with him would continue with my antenatal care but he will be there too.

[XO's Office]

"Thank you for being understanding. I only want what is best for every member aboard this ship. Part of my job is overseeing that the safety and well being of everyone is taken into account."

Her gaze momentarily drifted from the woman sitting opposite her to the mound of documents piled between them.

"If there is anything else that I can do for you, please let me know, but I'm afraid I may have to cut this meeting short as I have plenty of work to catch up on."

She knew this would happen. The downside of taking any leave meant that upon returning she would be swamped with a backlog of work, which was why she had originally planned not to take off the entire time, but things hadn't worked out according the plan. There was still much to do and very little time to get it all done.