Apologies

Posted on 07 May 2024 @ 3:32pm by 2nd Lieutenant Emily Spicer & Ensign Tora Zalos

0 words; about a 1 minute read

Mission: M-18 The Past is Future
Location: Tora's Quarters

Padd in hand Emily made her way to the junior officers quarters after having confirmed Ens. Zalos' location. While waiting for the lift to stop she double checked her uniform. Half the time she didn't even realize she was doing it as it was almost second nature. She had always ensured she was squared away, but coming from a family of Marines it was something that had been ingrained in her from an early age. When the lift finally opened see stepped off smartly to meet the young Cardassian and as she reached her destination she activated the chime and waited.

Tora had just finished showering then; she'd only just stepped out of the shower when the doorbell rang. She quickly changed into a tank top and shorts and dried her hair before answering the door with a cheerful smile. She didn't recognize the woman that stood beyond the doorway, but company was always welcome. "Oh, hello. Don't think we've met." She quipped, studying the woman with interest. "How can I help you?"

She didn't think she'd ever get used to the causal nature of Starfleet officers, but she didn't let it phaser her a bit. I'm 2nd Lieutenant Emily Spicer. I just took command of the Marine detachment aboard the Phoenix and wanted to talk to you about the recent incident involving you and two of the detachments Marines."

"Oh? Them. Okay." Tora seemed a bit surprised, but at least she didn't seem all that opposed to it. She backed up a bit to let Emily enter if she wished. "Would you like to come in and have a drink or something? It might be a pretty long-ish talk." She quipped. "If not that's perfectly alright! How are you, by the way?"

Accepting her invitation she entered the Ensign's quarters. "I'm fine thank you. Other than finding out that two shitbirds, who would have been under my command had my transport gotten to DS3 on time, attacked a member of the crew and an officer. If I'd have been here..."

"Oh, please. Whatever happened or didn't happen, it's already over, and I'm recovering well enough." Tora responded. Speaking of a drink, she replicated herself a large mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows and sipped from it as she conversed with Emily. Indeed, she looked to be back to her usual self - more or less. "I just hope they get the help they need and that's all."

She wanted to say she was surprised, but she wasn't, Fleeters are way to soft. "Help!? It's been over 20 year since the Dominion War and regardless of what happened on DS5, suspicion and hate are no excuse. They will be dishonorably discharged and get to lounge around a Federation penal colony. They're getting off easy. Freezing their asses off on some menial duty Camp Falkirk after being reduced to Private would be more fitting."

"People fall through the cracks all the time. Whatever the reason for their discharge, they'll still need to be rehabilitated - even if that takes a long, long while. Trust me, I've met a couple of people like that." Tora decided to leave the topic there. She settled on the sofa, seeming surprisingly relaxed given what'd just happened. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine and I'll attend counselling or therapy if need be. I know it's not my place to ask, but I'm sure it's not been easy dealing with this, has it?"

"Well I'm glad you are making a speedy recovery. I didn't want this incident to color your impression of the Corps as a whole."

"No, no. Two men shouldn't sully the name of the entire Corps. I've met plenty of lovely marines." Tora said with a warm smile. "Even Starfleet has bad eggs."

The Lieutenant nodded. This was true, too many in her opinion...well maybe most were not 'bad eggs' just too lacks. "Well that good to hear. Can I put you down that you will be attending our Marine Corps Birthday Ball then?"

Tora blinked. "I'm not a marine." She said. "Why would I be invited? I'll stand out like a sore thumb among all your people in my dress uniform. I can most certainly come, but I'm just surprised that you're extending the offer to me of all people." Tora offered an apologetic smile.

"The celebration is in honor of the Corps history and tradition so, it doesn't matter if it's an installation, Starbase, or ship, the Ball it open to all that want to attend. Even civilians working on post can come. On installations or bases there might even be a retiree or two in the area show up. It's still months away and I haven't even cleared it with the Captain yet, but from what Gunnery Sergeant Wickham has told me the Captain has done them in the past so it should be a done deal."

"Oh! Well then. I suppose I can't really turn down an offer like that - not that I mind going at all, heh." Tora smiled. "Alright. I'll be there. Just tell me when and where." A night with the Marines - now that didn't sound bad at all, really. She didn't mind hanging out with them at all, even if a few of them (such as the two who'd attacked her) took their job a bit too seriously. "And possibly if I should bring any gifts."

Shaking her head, with a chuckle. "No no no...no gifts. There will be an announcement once everything is set so no need to worry about anything yet."

Standing the Marine excused herself. "Well I have taken up enough of your time; and I still have a few things to see to before going off duty so I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."

"Same to you. Have a good one." Tora smiled and let her leave in silence.

2nd Lieutenant Emily Spicer - NPC by Montoya
Marine CO

Ensign Tora Zalos
Science Officer

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