[USS Chimera] SD240811.13 =/\= Joint Duty Log =/\= Cmdr. Summers & LtCol. PontBrillant

*** 1st Task Force temporary location SB Unity ***

{ I can ask him...perhaps he can exert some pressure ...it's a ridiculous situation!}

Rangi was making her way towards the temporary offices that had been allocated to the 1st Task Force. As she walked briskly along, she glanced from time to time out of the view ports to her right. They showed the central hub of the starbase and the on going activity there.

It was the same view, more or less, as the one from the medical department, one she had looked at a dozen times in the day. The damage was being repaired but in parts it had been extensive and so alot of the hub was off limits to most personnel, hence the Task Force taking a temporary position on a section of the outer ring.

She slowed as she approached her goal, reading the name plates on the doors until she came to one stating 'Commodore Guzman. S.' . She didnt hesitate but simply knocked and entered and
found herself in a large room with one occupant. She hadn't met him before but knew from Shane who he was, so crossed the short distance to his desk, held out her hand and said:
"Good afternoon Lieutenant Colonel... I'm Commander Summers."

Vlimar was in a harsh mood. The engineers constructed Shane's office, putting it in the middle of a already overcrowded room, and, most of all, had no privacy what so ever. Vlimar found that fact unacceptable, as, after all, Shane would be the Commander of that Starbase. Also, Vlimar's office was bigger and had an enormous viewport. Shane's was surrounded by walls, in a middle of a room. It
did not fit. And Vlimar was afraid of losing his office, too.

Vlimar was directing an Engineer LtJg that seem to be the shift supervisor, when he heard the door open (as the automatic door were not yet installed). He turned around and located an hand, extended to him.

A petite and slim lady was holding the hand forward. Vlimar's eyes went from the extended hand to the face. The light complexion woman, with pure blue eyes and light brown hair fitted the description of Shane's Rangi.

"And you must my Boss' muse, Rangi", replied Vlimar, shaking the hand firmly, but gently.

She blinked then smiled, surprised by the responce. "You could say that." she replied and glanced past him to a closed door. " The Commodore wouldnt be free would he?" she asked tentatively returning her attention to Vlimar. " I wont keep him long."

"Actually, he is away for an hour or two", instantly answered Vlimar. "He's meeting with SSF Command", he added. Vlimar smiled to the best of his abilities. Shane was, in fact, meeting with SSF Command, for the orders. The Romulans were still in the area, a Romulan warbird was permenantely stationed right on the Romulan side of the Neutral Zone.

"You want to wait for him?", Vlimar asked.

"Oh.." Rangi gave a shake of her head "No...I cant wait. " She glanced at the closed door. " I dont have long, I need to get back to the med centre. I'm expecting a report from the engineers...about the new infirmary. " She eyed Vlimar thoughtfully. " Perhaps you could give Sh...the Commodore...a message from me?"

Vlimar smiled. "Of course, I can give Shane a message.", he replied. Vlimar and Shane were on first name basis in private, so Vlimar assumed it was ok to share it with Rangi. If Rangi was exactly like Shane
described her, she was  a very kind and intelligent woman who was aware of the "Behind the mask" mutuality between officers.

Rangi caught the familiarity and gave a small smile.

"Please tell him...the responce from StarFleet   isnt what hoped for. He'll understand. We are still 'days' behind schedule and really...it isnt good enough!"

She looked and sounded frustrated then, realizing it added " Sorry...it isnt your fault ,  its just so annoying."

Vlimar grinned again. He understood Rangi's frustration better than anyone. After all, in his past, Starfleet was mostly slow to react and late to send resources.

 

Vlimar motioned around the office: "You saw what they put for CO's Office?", he asked. "Even the 1st Engineering Assistant has a better view from his own office.", he added, obviously showing frustration.
Vlimar grinned and said: "I mean, I have a huge viewport and a larger office than Shane, and, I mean, I am just the Strategic Operations Advisor..."

 Rangi chuckled, releasing the pent up feeling but said in a more serious tone. " I know they have priorities...defence and weapons and...all that...but we 'need' the infirmary. Working from the medical centre is not ideal by any stretch of  the imagination."

 

Vlimar nodded. "I agree with you, medical should be a priority.", he replied. "I will talk to Shane about it and make it happen for you.", he finally added. Vlimar felt strange that they were on a starbase made to defend the territory, but it had no way of healing it's warriors. Rangi smiled at him. " You work magic do you?" she asked 

Vlimar cracked up laughing. "I am no magician, just a man with conviction", he said. "And, I think that's why Shane & I get along so well..."

"He speaks very highly of you." Rangi replied.

Vlimar smiled. "Well, I am glad to hear that...", he replied. "And you are as beautiful as your husband is a good leader", he added.

 Rangi was taken aback by the compliment. " Well thankyou..." she said "...but..you're mistaken...Shane and I aren't married. "

 Vlimar's eyebrow naturally raised in a flash. He was assuming Shane & Rangi were married. "Oh... Well, I am sorry, I assumed your guys were...", he said

 

" It's alright.." she said. "...a natural enough assumptionto make...bearing in mind we have a son. Actually he isnt 'our' son. I mean..he wasnt born to us. We met ourselves in a Mirror universe you see and Martins parents were both killed there. Shane brought Martin to Chimera and now he's legally ours. "

Vlimar nodded slowly. He was surprised that they were not married more than their son was from a mirror universe. After all, the smallest things are the one that shock the most. "I understand... It is very couragous of you to adopt a child...", he said.

"Not courageous....daunting perhaps. " She flashed a small smile. " Shane always does the right thing...even if it doesnt appear so at the time. He was right to bring Martin with us and not to send him back. Its altered all our lives ofcourse but now I wouldnt have it any other way."

Vlimar smiled. "Children are a blessing...", he simply added. Obviously, he was holding something back. "I am anxious to meet that little guy...", he added, showing a smile.

Rangi wondered if he was going to say more but he just stood smiling to her so she replied : " I'm sure you will as soon as things calm down. Martin liked to spend time in Shanes office before...I'm sure he will again...though I should warn you..." she added "...he can drive you crazy with his questions" She smiled too as she said it.

 

Vlimar smiled. "I look forward to answer them", he added. "Well, if you excuse me, I will get going to my tasks...", he said, not wanting to hold Rangi longer than she needed.

 "Thankyou for your help." she replied. " Please tell Shane wont you?"

 Vlimar nodded. "Of course, I will.", he instantly replied.

Rangi thanked him again, turned and headed for the door, closing it gently behind her. { Magic} she thought as she began her walk back towards the med centre {..... we could do with some of that.}

Vlimar looked at Rangi closing the door behind her. Vlimar stood there, looking at the door for a few seconds. He hanged his head down for a few seconds. He remember his own daughter, Valerie-Anne, who lost her life too soon. He took a deep breath and then turned, facing the office. "Really, not enough", he muttered. He opened the door and left the office.

  *** End Log ***

Commander Rangi Summers
Med Adv. 1st Task Force
SB Unity

 

&

Lieutenant Colonel Vlimar PontBrillant

Strategic Operations Advisor

SD 234: UNITY
1st Task Force