A Babe in Arms

Posted on Sun Nov 12th, 2023 @ 6:38pm by Lieutenant Commander Kevin Lance
Edited on on Wed Nov 15th, 2023 @ 3:17pm

Mission: The Q Effect
Location: Romulan Space
Timeline: Current

:on
{Aboard a Klingon ship in Romulan Space}

Kevin could only stare at the baby wiggling in his hands. His adult experience with babies was limited to his time on the diplomatic mission to Pyxis Alpha Five where the Odinskus held children in very high regard. Several of Kera’s extended female relatives gave birth during his stay but he had never gotten comfortable with any of the babies. If anything, they frightened him even more than sexually forward women did.

Looking at the babe in his hands, Kevin detected features of Commander Rodale in the child’s face. For some unknown reason, that brought a slight smile to his lips. The smile faded as he also observed other features that did not belong to the executive officer. He looked up at Rodriguez with slowly building fury. “What did you do,” he asked tightly, his jaw clenched.

Rodriguez’s expression was one of unalloyed shock. “I…I thought it was a dream,” he pleaded.

Kevin’s angry retort was cut off by Ensign Keegan’s announcement from the flight console, “Lieutenant, we are entering the S’Tokkr system.”

The babe still in his hands, Kevin turned towards the viewscreen, “Acknowledged, set a course for S’Tokkr Alpha Three and inform the Captain.”

“Aye, Sir” the assistant flight control officer and communications technician responded in virtual unison.

Even to Kevin’s inexperienced mind, the bridge was no place for a new born. He handed the child to Rodriguez who, if anything, looked even more ill at ease than Kevin felt. “Take the child to the sick bay,” Kevin ordered, “and you might give some thought to how you are going to explain this to Commander Rodale.”

:off

Kevin Lance
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Chuck Norris