*** Infirmary * SB Unity ***
Rangis 'shift' in the infirmary was ending and she was glad
to be going home where, unless some disaster happened, she
and Shane could spend time together.
Martin was at his playgroup until late afternoon, so the
time would be just for the two of them until it was time to
collect their son.
The shifts that Rangi worked were flexible in that she
decided when she would go to the infirmary and how long she
would stay there. Alot of her time was taken up with the Med
Advisor side of her duties but she still tried to get to the
infirmary at least once every day.
Now she walked along the corridor that led from the CMOs
office to the main reception area and, nearing the end, saw
that Shane had arrived to meet her as he did as often as
duties allowed. She slowed her steps and watched him.
He was talking to someone waiting in reception, she didn't
know who. There were two others standing with them and all
except Shane stood to attention.
The conversation seemed to be light hearted for there were
smiles and polite laughter now and then but it struck Rangi
that that was exactly what it was...polite....and she felt a
touch of sadness that Shane was now somehow set apart from
everyone else.
No matter what the subject of conversations were, no matter
how many quips were exchanges, there was always the element
of politeness for he was the Commodore and it set an
invisible line that few dared to venture near and fewer
still ever dared to cross.
He turned his head and saw her so she speeded up again and
walked forward to meet him, smiling to him as she did so.
There was always dispute among high ranking officers about
what kind of CO-to-crew relation is the best. Some suggested
that comeradery and easy going was the best way (like J.T.
Kirk) others preferred a distant figure of a Captain (like
J-L. Picard), some something between – having a few
friends among his/her staff with others remaining behind a
safe line (like B. Sisko or C. Janeway).
Shane inclined to Picard's way ... as it was relatively
easy to build a barrier between the CO and his staff and
crew. That barrier helped to build some kind of respect or
admiration, but on the other end ... the CO was left along
and without real friends.
That was quite true, then there were only a handful of crew
on the whole huge UNITY that Shane would call friends.
Sure … there were many that had good working relations
with him and Shane would entrust them his life ... but he
could not imagine to share his ideas and dreams with them.
But there was a person Shane knew he could trust above all.
Rangi, his beloved and step mother to his adopted son.
He smiled widely and came towards her,
"It's wonderful to be able to meet you again" he said
and took her hand. He looked her in her eyes for a moment
and since he knew they were watched he said: "Let's go
home"
Their fingers squeezed and then released each others for
even if off duty, when still in uniform they kept to
appearances.
" Had a good morning?" Rangi asked looking up at him as the
headed out of the infirmary in the direction of the nearest
turbolift.
"Besides an angry Admiral, burned XO, compromised sensor
network and a cold green tea … yes. What about you?"
Rangi laughed at this description of his day so far.
"Well..." she said slowly, " I've just had a disgruntled
ambassador to deal with.."
She shook her head to dismiss the thoughts of her meeting
and added " I'll tell you about it later....but cold green
tea?...that's 'bad'!"
They grinned to each other and stepped inside the turbo lift
which arrived on cue as they reached it.Two crewmen stepped
out of the lift and Shane followed Rangi inside.
" I hope nothing will disturb the afternoon." Rangi
remarked as the doors closed behind them.
Shane hugged his beloved and said: "Now when most of my
staff is back on the UNITY, lets have them to worry with
things for a while. I asked Pakosii to delay anyone be it
even the President of the Federation. The afternoon is only
ours ... I missed you so when you were away"
Rangi closed her eyes, wrapped in Shanes strong arms and
hugged him back.
"I don't even want to think about it." she whispered, then
moving slightly raised her face to him, a slow smile curving
the corners of her lips.
**
Both of them arrived at their common quarters and entered
the hall. It took a while till their lips parted and Shane
said:
"I am very sorry that I had to send you to the Chimera.
When I learned about the Tal'shiar's plan to kidnap you
or Martin, I had to act quickly. I could not tell you …
cause you would not leave and I NEEDED you to be safe on the
Chimera.
I know that Chimera has always dangerous missions, but I
trust Rojac and his abilities and Tal'shiar would have a
LOT harder day to reach you on the Chimera then on an open
station like UNITY.
The same day as you left, I sent Martin with my brother on
Risa … all quiet through a civilian transport and under
guise.
We maintained only minimal contact and even Tal'shiar
cannot know everything and Risa is far away … and as you
know, both of them returned safe and sound two days prior to
you.
The only problem will now be to make little Martin used to
an 'ordinary' life … not all the tourist attractions
on Risa …"
"I understand why you had to do it." she said."..and as for
Martin, well, he likes the playgroup but I think being back
and able to spend time with 'you' again beats any attraction
that Risa can offer him."
She reached up and kissed his lips very gently and when he
released he, she turned away, disguarded her bag onto a
chair and said: " I can't wait to get out of this.!" as she
began loosening her uniform tunic.
She glanced back to him and stopped ,seeing him still
standing at the edge of the hall.
"Why are you looking like that?" she asked suspiciously as
he began to walk towards her, but the expression in her eyes
told him she thought she knew the reason and hoped that she
was correct.
"Hmmm … I think I can help you with that" he said in a
playful tone, slipping the tunic from her shoulders. "A
shower
would do it" he added, smiling, "maybe you could like to
have someone to rub your back …"
"Mmmm..well....who would you suggest?" she
asked innocently as though willing to consider any
possibilty.
"Well … you obviously need someone with great
experience, knowledge and personal bravery. Someone with a
responsible position and hard earned rank … someone like
… me!"
She looked him up and down pretending to be doubtful but
she couldnt
maintain the expression as she struggled not to laugh.
"Ok then ..." she said "...just as long as your hands aren't
cold." then the laughter overcame her when he rubbed
his hands together gleefully.
*** End Log ***
Commodore Shane Guzman
CO, 1st TF, SSF Command
CO, SB 234: UNITY
&
Commander Rangi Summers
Med Adv 1st TF
CMO SB Unity