Makes Sense

Posted on Sun Jun 1st, 2025 @ 7:47am by Lieutenant JG Stevie Thomas [O'Riley]

715 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Below Decks
Location: Quarters
Timeline: Current

Stevie had just finished her shower and dressed for her day off when her terminal sounded. Walking over she keyed in her security code as she sat. A smile came across her face seeing who was on the other side of the screen "Commander Cartwright what do I owe the pleasure of your handsome face" she stated of her old friend and mentor.

"Good day Lieutenant, there has been something on my mind of late I felt I needed to share with you" he replied happy to see his old student.

"Sounds serious. So what's on your mind Chief " she inquired referring to the Commander as she used to many years ago.

"I assume things are going well in your personal life as far as your Chief is concerned" he asked with some concern.

"Yes actually it's going quite well; but why the concern for my personal life suddenly" still not sure where this was going.

"The other day you popped into my head, for whatever reason, and knowing your propensity for....how shall I put this....living your life outside the lines there is something I feel compelled to share with you" then Zeb paused a moment "Now far be it from me to interfere in anyone's personal life but I think your playing with fire as far as your Chief is concerned."

Becoming serious "I'm not sure I follow Chief; what exactly are you trying to tell me."

Letting out a long sigh "Look Stevie it's like this. Most C.O.'s take a dim view of a department head having any sort of relationship with someone under their command. Now I know your personal life should be just that....personal but the fact remains most of the time command doesn't see it that way" he explained.

Thinking a moment taking it all in "So what's the point of having a personal life if the 'powers to be' can dictate who you spend your off duty hours with" Stevie asked her heart pounding in her chest.

"I know this sucks but unfortunately that's Star Fleet for you. They don't want a chance for any sort of favoritism showing up in their ranks."

"Liam would never do that; he's a complete professional when he's on duty."

"I'm sure he is but like I said command usually doesn't see it that way" then Cartwright paused "It has taken you quite awhile to receive a promotion in rank. The last thing I want to see is that being taken away from you because of you being stubborn about this. Also I don't think you want Lieutenant O'Riley to be reprimanded because of you and maybe jeopardize his career in Star Fleet."

With all of this hitting her like she'd just been run over by a Targ , she let out a long sigh "As much as I hate to admit it...what you're saying I guess makes a lot of sense" Stevie replied "I didn't realize the consequences for something so nice and sweet could be a problem" as she paused fighting back the tears "The last thing I want is for Liam to get into serious trouble because of me" she concluded with some hurt starting to surface.

"I'm sorry you have to make these types of decisions.....you certainly deserve much better. But I'm glad to see you're taking this situation seriously" Zeb stated "I have a meeting to get to but I'll check in wit you in a few weeks and see how you're doing."

Forcing a smile "Thank you Zeb, you've always had my best interests at heart ever since my academy days. I just wish this didn't suck so much. Anyway take care and we'll speak soon" as the screen went blank.

Sitting back in her chair the tears began to roll down her cheeks as she thought "What Zeb says makes sense and I really don't want to ruin either one of our careers.....and just when I find someone I can be happy with rules and regulations have to muck things up." but she knew in her heart of hearts she'd have to end it with Liam and hope he didn't hate her for it.


Commander Zebulan Cartwright
SFCSC (NPC by O'Riley)

Lieutenant J.G. Stevie Thomas
Computer Systems Specialist

 

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