Second Chances - Part 2
Posted on Sat Mar 15th, 2025 @ 9:13pm by Captain Daegan Baas & Devin Hadenbeer
2,071 words; about a 10 minute read
Mission:
Sole Survivor
Location: USS Valkyrie
Timeline: MD 3 - 1135
He had read her file and could see that the things she had been through had taken a toll. He opened his mouth to reply when Tom returned with their order.
"Sorry to interrupt, but here you go. Just strawberries and skim milk for the lady and a fruity surprise for the Captain."
Daegan looked down at Tom's handiwork. The dark mixed berry puree was spiraled on the plate, with a cluster blackberries to one side. Sliced strawberries were fanned out across the back edge of the cheesecake with swooshes of puree. Looking back up to him he grinned, "You don't disappoint....this looks fantastic. Thank you."
"You're most welcome. Ma'am, Captain." Bowing his head to each of them before
Raising a hand Daegan motioned to pause Devin as she picked up her fork. "Before we enjoy his creation I want to say, while there maybe be level of glamor, as you say, but those taking care of things behind the scenes are just as vital...if not more so. There is one thing that multiple lifetimes of memories tells me. It's not the things we go through that show us who we are, it's how we react to those events that show us and other what we are. You have had a hard path, and have had to make hard choices.
Devin grunted at that as she sliced off a piece of cake and popped it into her mouth. She chewed, then took a long, slow sigh as she savored the taste. If this was replicated cake then someone had crafted the most perfect program for cheese cake in creation. She was so engrossed in the taste she almost missed what the captain said next.
"You tell me you want to be around and work with people...great! That's perfect for civilian affairs, but anyone can say that to get a position. The thing is, while ypu were beating yourself up you mentioned that while feeling sorry for yourself you said you wrote music. Why? In most cases you hear about people becoming self destructive by lashing out, turning to alcohol or other vices, but you wrote music. Music is written for self expression....and for the enjoyment of others.
"Out two main lounges will no doubt be the social hubs of the ship. Whoever oversees them will have ther finger on the pulse of the crew and will interact with most of the crew long before I ever do.. So if you want, the job is yours."
"Well," Devin said, then paused and took a sip of milk. God, even that tasted good. Did they have a dairy on board? Or did she simply miss shipboard food? "I do appreciate the efforts of everyone on board a ship, a lesson my mentor Chief Jones drilled into me. When I was an utterly ignorant ensign he dared me to pose as a crewpesron on Starbase One on a day's leave," she grimaced, "It was an....enlightening experience and his point was well made regarding officers who thought anyone without rank pips on their collars were 'little people'.
"As for why I write, well, it was originally out of joy. When you are young and the universe is bold and exciting it is easy to express yourself through music. I listen to my earlier work and it is, well...naive? I don't know. I sometimes scarcely recognize it. Later I wrote from a position of anger and misery. I wrote a piece called 'Despair', my professor said it was a magnificent work but she never wanted to hear it again because it made her suicidal. But no one who attempts to write music is inspired by apathy."
She smiled, "I would like to find a little joy again. For example, this cheese cake deserves a sonata at the very least. So, if I have the job I do have some questions. Two lounges, does that mean I have a staff, or at least holograms to help? You play piano, is there one on board? If not I...happen to have one handy..."
He chuckled slightly. "Actually there are eight and you have a staff some flesh and blood others holographic." Daegan looked up as he went through them all in his mind before listing them off. "Okay... One deck 1 you have the Arboretum cafe a small balconied area overlooking the arboretum, staffed by one with a replicator, beverage station, and a cabinet for fresh food. On deck 2 there is the an observation lounge between my ready room and the bridge conference room, there is also a break area behind the bridge with a replicator. On deck 3 there is an aft observation lounge looking out over the landing deck. It has both replicators and food cabinets. On deck 4 there is the Officers lounge. Deck 6 ya have the Valhalla lounge, where we are, with a kitchen, cold storage, and replicators. Deck 8 is another small aft lounge," adding with a wave, "just a replicator. And finally Deck 11 and the large open lounge/mess. Here you have another kitchen, cold storage, a holo-stage, 2 small holo-suites. Oh yes, and both kitchens have small transporter for beaming replacement items to the various food cabinets as needed. As the ship is fully equipped with holo-projectors you can transfer any of your holographic staff where ever they may be needed.
"There is also a set of quarters by the lounge on deck 11 but personally, I would...maybe use it as a private dining room that people can reserve and we can get you some decent quarters, but that's up to you.
"I'm more of a guitar man but I have been known to 'tickle the ivories' from time to time. As to the piano we could put one right over there actually... would be nice to have a little live music in here."
"My personal needs are simple," Devin replied, her mind already pondering the logistical challenges handling the lounges would present, "But a private dining area sounds like an excellent alternative for the crew so if you have someplace else to put me that sounds fine. As for live entertainment, I can arrange for crew to reserve the stage for performances. And I have never been shy about performing myself," she smiled, "I may even take requests."
He chuckled lightly, "I haven't taken the stage since picking up my first command, but I will be sure to get you a harmonica mount for the piano."
Devin felt a slight flutter in her belly. Was she really doing this? Was this the right move to make? The alternative was to go crawling back to Janeway, or possibly a teaching position somewhere.
No, this felt...right. She would be on a starship, outside the chain of command. And...wait, what was that? Was that a...?
She reached into an innocuous pocket in her skirt and pulled out a small PADD. With practiced ease fingers stitched a line of notes, almost absently she said without looking up, "I think there may be one or two minor details, captain, but I am more than satisfied with the job as you have laid it out for me. If I run into any difficulties or concerns I can speak to your executive officer, Operations officer or even your yeoman who might have a better idea where to direct me. I know you are hiring me to handle problems, not add to yours."
There! She would have to check various databases to ensure it was not a a piece of music she had already heard or written, but it felt...original. New. She glanced up at the captain as she replaced the padd in the pocket, "I can start immediately; I just need the piano to be physically moved aboard; I have an...issue with having it transported..."
"Well if you wanna hit the ground running you certainly can. We will be departing the station as a new runabout is loaded to get your things aboard as soon as you can. If you...on second thought." He paused tapping his commbadge. "Computer, open a channel to Operations on Starbase 152."
"Standby."
As the channel was opened the officer on the station acknowledged the communication. == Station Operations, Lt. Commander J'Taan. How can I help you Captain? ==
"Good afternoon Commander. I two issues. First, I wanted to check the status on our runabout requisition."
== Transfer of the Volga class runabout is complete and it is on a remote trajectory as we speak. Your dockmaster just took control. And your second issue sir? ==
"We just had an unplanned addition to our crew and I need to expedite the transfer of all personal effects for Devin Hadenbeer, to include a piano, to the Valkyrie so we can depart."
== I will see to it personally Captain. I will coordinate the transfer with your quartermaster. ==
"Excellent! Thank you for your assistance Commander. Valkyrie out."
Looking back at Devin, "There all done. Like I was saying. If you wanna get right to it, you can, but if you wanna take the rest of the day to get settled, maybe relax in the pool you were asking about. You can also get the list of your staff from the XO."
"If it is all the same to you, Captain," Devin replied as she stood, "I wasted enough time already on Tarsus IV and I think we are both best served if I get started right away," she paused, then smiled, "I appreciate this opportunity, Captain. I may not be joining any away missions but I can't deny the view..."
She waved a the windows and the station outside. "Will be most welcome."
"just wait until we jump into slipstream. Which should be very soon."
Almost right on cue == Lieutenant M'Tala to Captain Baas. ==
Tapping his badge to establish the comm he responded. "Baas here. Everything locked down?"
== Yes sir. I am heading to the now. ==
"Understood. Check with the quartermaster to make sure we have everything for Devin Hadenbeer and if so inform the XO we are ready to depart."
== Roger that sir. QSD to our exploration IP. ==
"Confirmed, Baas out." Cutting himself another piece of cheesecake, "Shouldn't be much longer now."
Devin smiled at that. These days either she was idling or moving at warp speed. It did not take a Betazoid to tell which she preferred...
The view out the portals shift as they pulled out of their parking orbit and away from the station. "Here we go..." pointing to the windows, "...you'll wanna watch this."
Devin turned and stared out the window, an ensign's expectation forming in her stomach as she waited to see what slipstream looked like...
Daegan too turned his chair towards the portals but he kept an eye on Devin to see her reaction.
"Really, Captain," Devin murmured, eyes still on the viewport, "You do not have to hold my hand," she paused and added, "Metaphorically speaking. If you would rather be on the bridge I promise I will not go anywhere."
“Hey you barged in on my lunch. Beside you look like a cadet about to head out on their first cruise.” Just as he began to finish the quantum fields began to form and normal space disappeared as the leapt into the slipstream.
Devin heard someone gasp.
It took her a full five seconds to realize it had been her.
"When I went on my cadet cruise," she murmured, staring at the slipstream effect, "It was...exhilarating. I had never been out of Earth's Solar System before; before the Academy I had visited the Moon only once and, well..."
She smiled, "That...is quite a story in itself. We stood in the observation lounge, we watched the ship go to warp. up until then it had been all theory. And to see it, to see the laws of the universe bent to our will, it..."
She sighed, "I did not think I would feel this again. Ever.
She turned to Baas and smiled. It was an honest smile, devoid of irony."
"Thank you, Captain," she said. "For everything. I promise you will not regret me being on board your ship."
He had been grinning during her story and nodded. "I will hold you to that. Welcome aboard." With that he took the plate with the last of his cheesecake and headed back to the bridge.
Captain Daegan Baas
CO
Devin Hadenbeer
Lounge Manager
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