Strolling along don't ya know...

Posted on Thu May 8th, 2025 @ 1:25am by Lieutenant Betaras K'ner

899 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Starbase 364
Location: SD One
Timeline: Current

ON:

[ outside VIP quarters ]

<"They looked exhausted but calmer than I'd have expected. Cdr Lance has quarters here."> Nod typed out the message as he surveyed the corridor, then dropped the location marker on and sent the message.

<"That will do then. I'll keep the other lodging I arranged in case we need a backup rendezvous on the station. Did they say anything on the way?"> K'ner was walking along the outer edge of a small promenade, casually looking around.

<"No. Single focus to get the kids and them into some privacy. I imagine they could all use the downtime."> Kotsoo typed virtually this time.

K'ner almost nodded, but made it look like she was approving of a particular flower display nearby. <"No doubt they have some catching up to do. And they best get as much rest as they can, we all know things are calmest before the maelstrom!">

She sighed and looked around at the people moving along in their usual manner, most content from appearances, a few tense, but that could be their normal state. K'ner looked closer then, letting her attention wander over the shadows, to details just a little out of focus, things that no one paid attention to, even if they were trying to pay attention.

She wondered, not for the first time, if she would ever just look at the flowers, to appreciate them... A deep breath and another sigh, and that was over. Her attention noted at least two furtive figures, another dark of soul if she were at all accurate in her assessments, and then another that was just two steps short of a full panic attack.

<"I'll send Deena along to relieve Kotsoo shortly. We'll rotate 2 hours on alternate singles. I'm not expecting anything at the quarters, but when the Captain is ready, we'll need to be ready to intervene whatever inane jackery will follow her.">

All the dots blinked acknowledgement.


[ Kellon Promenade ]

K'ner finally reached the storefront she'd been subtly wandering to. No sign of a tail now, just a short one before, someone looking for a mark, no doubt, but she intentionally made sure she didn't look like a well-to-do target, but also not a threat, she preferred to be forgotten, if noticed at all.

With barely a glance around, her peripheral assured her she had a clear window of time to step out of sight and slipped through the door that slid smoothly to the side, and just as smoothly back.

She could see the lights inside were a bit on the dim side, the store rather busy and tight, stocked with all manner of bolts of cloth, a few containers labeled with their contents, and a slight sliver of some smokey substance wafting through the air that probably meant incense. Her breathing filters were working properly so she couldn't identify whatever it was, and, at the moment, she had no need to.

Working her way around the smallish shop, she didn't see anyone else shopping, nor anyone at the counter in the corner that had a line of sight to the door, but she could hear someone. Her audio pickups could dial in to someone's heartbeat if she wanted it to but unnecessary as she turned at the end of the central row of shelves to see the proprietor standing with her back against the wall, hands out of sight within her robes.

The term, pregnant pause, seemed appropriate at that moment as K'ner noticed the woman's condition. A smile grew on her face as her gaze rose to meet the other woman's.

"It's been a while Ga'el."

The woman nodded, still a bit unsure of something.

"When are you due, child?"

The woman looked down.

"You have nothing to fear from me little one. Your only focus right now should be on your gift, soon to be shared amongst the tribe."

The woman's head snapped up. "I don't want it! I don't!"

K'ner sighed. "Sometimes, there is no choice. Sometimes you make the best of what comes."

"It's not fair!"

K'ner shook her head. "That is true sometimes... oftentimes... but in this case, it will be a blessing nonetheless. Your view will change my child."

"No it won't!"

K'ner knew from experience that arguing with her would get them nowhere, plus just irritate the younger. "We will see... we will see..."

She looked around the store again, recording as usual so she could review it all again later. "I like what you've done."

"I feel safe in here. I sleep in the back."

K'ner nodded. "Wise choice." She looked a bit more, then turned her attention back to the young woman still standing in the same place.

"Is there anything you would request of me before I have to go?"

"Just the same request I have every time." Her voice was quieter now, softer, without the snap and tension from earlier.

K'ner nodded. "I see you. I hear you. I will comply."

With a final nod K'ner turned back down the aisle and headed for the door. The tiny cam she'd stuck just outside had revealed no unwelcome surprise awaited her as she stepped outside and slid the door shut behind her. With a look back and forth, she merged into the stream of motion, a mission on her mind.



OFF:

Lt Betaras K'ner
Hazard Team Combat Medic TL-B / CMO
USS Chuck Norris


:o)

 

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