Captain Remira Johansen, Part 3
Posted on Fri May 10th, 2024 @ 8:23pm by Captain Remy Johansen & Lieutenant Commander Razka Kas & Lieutenant Commander Nash Winters & Lieutenant Eirly Andersen & Lieutenant JG Thivi & Civillian Samuel Wynters
1,432 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Mission Interlude Starbase 76 & Serenity
Location: Main Cargo Bay
Timeline: MD 9, After Part 2
"I'm going to say high to a few more people, and then bug out of here and sneak in some work. Get something to eat, Samuel went to the trouble," Remy said gesturing to the tables of food.
“Sounds like a great idea, Captain. We’ll catch up later. Come on, kids, let’s get something to eat. Sam’s no slouch when it comes to food. We won’t be disappointed.” Nash reached for Sara’s hand with his left hand and Alexandra with his right. She, in turn, took Brunei’s hand and they all walked together toward the buffet table.
Eirly had been getting some of her own food after the ceremony and had also been listening in (unintentionally, of course) to the conversation with Nash, his family and Captain Johansen. She knew a bit of sign language herself from when she was younger so was able to introduce herself to Brunel.
"Welcome to the most wonderful family you'll ever meet. I'm Lieutenant Eirly Andersen, pleased to meet you." She was careful to pronounce her first name to him, and then turned to Commander Nash, "It was a wonderful ceremony, don't you think? It's an honour to have been invited."
Brunel smiled softly, then replied. "Respectfully, Ma'am, I am mute, not deaf. I was born without the ability to speak."
"Well that's a way to put my foot in it, wasn't it?" Her eyes went wide with shock and her face bright red, "I'm sorry. Anyway, enjoy the rest of the ceremony." She then decided to leave before she could say anything else wrong.
Brunel reached out and gently grabbed Eirly's left arm as she started to turn away. When she turned back to face him, he left go to sign, "Please do not feel embarrassed, Ma'am. It is an understandable thought to have when one sees me signing." He then gave her a pleasant grin.
Nash stood by and observed the interaction between Andersen and Brunel. He stood with his arms folded in front of him, smiling to himself. It amazed Nash to see the confidence that Brunel displayed. When the boy’s communication was complete, Nash stepped up to Eirly.
“He’s remarkable isn’t he? The growth Brunel has shown since his arrival is wonderful. Look at him, Eirly. After what he’s been through, he has the courage to disassociate from his species and remain with us. Can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Eirly looked at Brunel and then up to Nash and nodded in agreement, "The future is definitely bright for him, that's for sure. And I'd be happy to help out any way I can too."
“That’s very kind of you to offer, Eirly. There’s still a lot we don’t know about what happened to him, almost nothing about the Atarans. I’m sure our team aboard Serenity can shed some light on it. It may take all of us to do right by the young man. Whatever happens, it will be a challenging responsibility.”
"Well, in that case, I'm sure it'll be a most rewarding one." Eirly replied with a smile, "Either way though, I'm sure I'll be waiting at the end with some amazingly baked goods in hand, fresh out the oven. Which reminds me, do you, Sara and Alex eat sweet things?"
Nash feigned a surprised look in response to Andersen’s question. He tried to stifle a giggle and asked, “Does an Andorian like the cold?” Nash nudged Eirly’s shoulder and laughed out loud.
"Don't be giving me that kind of response, Commander," Eirly responded with playful sarcasm, "I've actually come across a number of people who don't enjoy sweet things, and I just don't know how they survive. Sweet pastries are a speciality of mine, and I'd be more than happy to make some and bring them to you and your family, including a couple of specials from back home, if that's okay?"
“It’s very much okay, LIEUTENANT. And it’s Nash. That would be lovely. I look forward to it. Listen, Eirly, I just want to tell you that I appreciate your support through all this. We haven’t known each that long. It’s nice to know that we have people like you and the Captain to turn to. So…thank you.”
"You're welcome," Eirly replied with a smile.
Kas walked up to Remy as she moved from the group, "Congratulations my dear friend."
Remy smiled and moved toward Kas, "Thanks, Kas. I'm glad you could make it too, Keena. Maybe I should have prepared more of a speech. I'm just not one for celebrating myself," she confessed.
"It's okay the food looks good and long speeches are boring," Keena said.
"The speech was fine you're among friends," Kas laughed. "What is going on with that young lad?"
Remy looked over at Brunel. "He's an orphan. He's officially asked for Asylum. He told Lieutenant Cyn yesterday that his people will kill him if he goes back," Remy shook her head. "I don't know if he had a guardian before. We rescued him out of stasis. Why did they go to the trouble of wasting resources on stasis if they were going to kill him? The Winters' family has already offered to take him in, if the Federation doesn't block his request."
"If the Federation won't allow him asylum, I'll take him to my people," Kas stated. "The Quath'Mar embrace orphans and refugees."
Remy smiled and gave Kas a knowing nod. "Of course, thank you." She looked over to where Nash and his family were getting food with Brunel. "We'll make that happen if things look dicey. I think Nash would be crushed, in his mind he has a new son already."
Kas made way over to Nash, “Greetings Commander, the Captain informed me that you are hoping to adopt this lad.”
“Hello, Mr. Razka. That is the ultimate goal, yes. Brunel has made it known that it is with us he would like to live. The bond between he and Alexandra has grown quite a bit. It’s been amazing to see.”
He smiled at Brunel, “I am of the Quath’Mar we are a tribal people made of many species. We embrace watching some refugees, I offer my aid and protection to you and your family. Brunel, you are welcome in my dwelling.”
Nash waited to see how Brunel would respond and offered his thoughts. “Brunel, Commander Razka is my friend and a very nice man. This is his daughter, Keena. You’re welcome to spend time with his family as well. You can trust him the way we trust Captain Johansen or any member of the crew.”
Keena stepped toward Brunel and took a small flower out of her braid. She bowed and offered the flower to Brunel. Kas beamed pride watching his daughter’s unprompted gesture.
“Welcome Mar'Siba” Keena smiled.
Brunel was at first startled by how forceful Commander Razka was. He noticeably flinched slightly. Then, hearing Nash's words, and seeing how calm Alexandra was, calmed him. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir, and thank you for your protection." Then, when the young girl bowed to him and gave him the flower she was holding, he responded as his parents had taught him. Crossing both arms across his chest, he bowed in reply. Then, after handing the flower to Alexandra, he signed to the little girl. "Thank you for the gift. I regret that I do not have anything to give in return, other than my friendship. My name is Brunel, what's yours?"
"I'm Keena, some of my friends call me Key," Keena smiled. “Papa says kinship is the most important gift we have. Can you help me get some cake?”
"It is very nice to meet you, Keena." He then looked at Nash and asked, "May we go get some cake?"
Nash smiled and nodded his head, giving the young Ataran a wink to go with Keena. “Try whatever you want and enjoy. Alex, why don’t you give them a hand? Get something for yourself.”
Alex followed, but looked suspiciously over her shoulder aware that the "kids" were just sent away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Captain Remira Johansen
Commanding Officer
USS Astrea
Lt. Commander Nash Winters
Chief Engineer
USS Astrea
Lt. Commander Razka Kas
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Astrea
Lieutenant JG Eirly Andersen
Assistant Chief Tactical Officer
USS Astrea
Lieutenant JG Thivi
Head Nurse
USS Astrea
Civilian Brunel Cal-Torin
Ataran Orphan
(NPC - Spello)
RSS Feed