Old Friends

Posted on Tue Oct 29th, 2024 @ 10:36pm by Captain Malcom Llwyedd & Commander Cynfor Rees & Lieutenant Commander Jörgen Leed

1,243 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Interlude 1 Gamma Quadrant
Location: USS Firebird, Mess Hall

[ON]

Cynfor headed for the Mess Hall and a much needed meal and cup of coffee. There had been a lot on his mind as of late with the station and the ship to worry about. However, it was nothing that he could not handle. For the moment he wanted nothing more than to talk about anything with someone who did not have any needs that he had to see taken care of.

As luck would have it he found his friend Jorgen Leed reading a PADD at a table by himself. After retrieving a meal and coffee Cyn approached the table. "Mind if I join you?"

"Please do! You will save me from another report and my own melancholy," said Jörgen, laying the PADD down quickly. He leaned back, discovering and releasing the tension in his neck and shoulders. "Everyone is so busy we hardly take time for ourselves these days. How are you holding up?"

Cynfor set his tray down and took a seat. "Too right you are, too right you are. We also do not make time for our friends." He added with a smile. "I am doing as best as can be expected. Still trying to figure out how to get the wormhole opened so supplies can come through. There just seems like so much to do and so little time to do it in. How about yourself?"

"Between us, I am still not entirely comfortable having Helle aboard. She is capable, of course, but the danger... I have gone on missions knowing that I might have to surrender my life or my family to a mission. But that was on my shoulders. My decision. When Helle vanished in the Runabout I struggled to be my best. I was not ready for that. I--this is going to sound silly but I really thought I could protect her from harm like I used to." Jörgen shrugged as if in apology. His heart lightened as he shared the burden.

Cyn nodded in agreement and understanding of what Jorgen had said. "I understand and have experienced something similar with Maia. But, as my wife once said to me we have to let go and let the bird fly. As you are no doubt aware Helle has an extended family now, all of us. You are going to have to rely on her know-how and the rest of us looking out for each other." Rees paused as he took a bite of food. "Although I don't know how I would handle Maia being under my command. She was something to see when she bailed me out of a sling."

"She has loved stories of the crew. Helle has belonged here in her mind for a couple of years, and extended family is all she has now. I trust them to be smart and do everything in their power to return. I need to remember that." Jörgen did a quick calculation in his head. "I almost wish I had seen Maia bail you out. How is your relationship with her after the hearings?"

"Closer than ever. I owe the rest of my career to her, hell I would not be the Captain's number one if it were not for her. But, I tell you I would do it all again if I had to. I have been following her work via the news network. The cases she works on and what have you. Often I ask her if she wants to see the stars, to explore. But she seems quite content in her office policing the rest of us and making sure that we stay true to our oaths and ethics. That for me has been the hardest part of the wormhole being closed. I have been unable to get word out to any of the family." Rees smiled softly to cover up the sorrow that he felt at not speaking to the rest of the clan.

"Yes, I believe you would do it all again. Not every parent would but I understand the passion of those who do. I have pondered what my head tells me is appropriate and what my heart whispers if the chance came to do anything to return Helle from wherever she has gone." Jörgen wiped his brow as though swiping away an image. He put a hand on Cynfor's forearm. "You have been cut off from your family for so long. They will be waiting for you when we return."

Cyn appreciated the contact and smiled. "I know, we will make contact eventually. However, this is the nature of Starfleet, of the path we have chosen. I am sure I will have some occasions to catch up with Layla. I have been working on the wormhole problem when off duty. There is a part of me that thinks I can figure it out, at least figure out a way to get a message through."

"The nature of Starfleet is, in part, how often we reflect on the nature of Starfleet," repeated Jörgen, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Anna is made of stern stuff for all the times I have been lost to the stars as she puts it. Stronger than I in many ways. You would be a hero to many if you made contact with our home. Proof that you are doing more in your free time than idling away in worry. Would you like any help?"

Cynfor stroked his chin as he was lost in thought for the moment. Then it struck him exactly how Leed could help. "There is a working theory to accomplish sending a message much like the USS Voyager did when it was in the Delta Quadrant. That is if we had a powerful enough array or sequence of arrays we could get a message through to Starfleet's long-range communications network. The issue is finding a powerful enough communications array over here. Perhaps you can use your diplomatic contacts to find out if anyone over here has something suitable." He did not want to get his hopes up. But this was the best working idea he had to date.

"I recall the event. The operational details of the array were cryptic to me but the broad idea is a good one, Cyn. There are multiple species in the area who might have that technology, in whole or in part. I will make inquiries if you will provide a list of what would be needed." A smile played at the edge of Jörgen's mouth. "Even if nothing comes of it you have lightened my mind. This deserves a toast. A real toast, with some Aldebaran whiskey that has been waiting for a good reason. Care to join me?"

"One can never pass up on an offer like that. Even if it comes to nothing the crew could do with a goal or something to strive for." Rees smiled. He was glad to have lifted the spirits of one of his oldest and dearest friends. Now, to see if he could lift the spirits of the crew.

Lieutenant Commander Cynfor Rees
Executive Officer
USS Firebird NCC-88298

Lieutenant Soto Gantt (NPC by Leed)
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer
USS Firebird NCC-88298

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