Carpathia IV: Episode 34 - Turnaround
Space, Near Polaris Deep
It took some time to complete the entire shutdown sequence for the Shadowdancer in preparation for a long, involved repair and refit. With the core cold and the Shadowdancer hooked up to the station's power grid, it was time for all to leave the ship. Only some would transfer to the Sentinel, including the engineering staff and bridge crew, for it held only half as many people. The rest would remain on the station and assist the refit.
Adell and Aire walked the gangway together to Polaris Deep, which normally meant some time of rest from busy missions. This time, however, turnaround would be swift and it wouldn't be long before they would be leaving again in the Sentinel to escort the Furious Spectre on its next mission.
Aire: Have you packed yet?
Adell: Plenty of time for that, yes, and Phobos is very efficient at that. Everything is boxed that needs to be transferred to the Sentinel or that just needs to be out of the way during the refit. You?
Aire: Same. I haven't been around long enough to have much. Good thing, too, because our turnaround time is going to be short.
As soon as Adell and Aire reached the end of the gangway, Azrael interrupted them from afar.
Azrael: Captain!
Adell immediately braced himself as Azrael rushed toward him, eyebrows high and brow crinkled in an uncharacteristically concerned expression. Adell knew that an emotionally fraught demon could be dangerous indeed, no matter how well-intentioned. Fortunately, Azrael skid to a halt just before tackling Adell and pulled him close for little more than a light hug.
Azrael: Admiral Zhang briefed me on the situation. I'm glad you made it back.
Adell stepped back and gestured to Aire.
Adell: Azzy, have you met your successor? He has proven to be a skilled tactician.
Azrael turned and extended his hand, which Aire accepted.
Azrael: I have complete trust in Captain Amaranth to choose only the best in a First Officer.
Aire: I hope I live up to that. You are the same Azrael who came from Yseri with Adell?
Azrael tipped his head from side to side and turned to Adell who, noting Azrael's confusion, explained.
Adell: When I activated the Omega Directive, it automatically triggered security access for the commander rank. I received permission to read in the rest of the bridge crew as well.
Azrael: I see. I wondered how you knew this. Yes, I am from Yseri before it became known as Ramewet. I was in the service of my Prince Riven.
Aire looked away and twiddled his fingers together.
Aire: I would like to know more about him in his younger years, if you would be willing to tell me.
Adell threw his head back and laughed, patting Azrael on the back.
Adell: Ha! You won't have any trouble getting Azrael talking about him!
Still stone-faced, Azrael nodded almost imperceptibly.
Azrael: Indeed, it is a favorite topic. I shall regale you with anything you would like to know.
From behind on the gangway, a familiar voice interrupted them.
Quenya: Commodore!
All turned to find Quenya sprinting down the gangway toward them. Halting just in front of them, she bent down and grabbed her knees, panting heavily, for several moments before speaking again.
Quenya: I was hoping to ask you something before you left the ship. May I?
Adell: Go right ahead, Cadet.
Quenya stood up straight and took a final, deep breath to ease the panting.
Quenya: I don't have an assignment on the Sentinel with you. What should I do?
Adell: Yes, that's true. I don't think it would be wise to put you in a position where you'd possibly encounter Ksenva again, since she's clearly interested in you. Besides, I'm more afraid of what your mother might do to me if I took you on this mission than anything Ksenva could dish out. Any thoughts, Commander?
Adell gave Aire a hopeful look and Aire paused, turning the corner of his mouth up.
Aire: How about some security training on the station with Commander Azrael, if he's willing? Tayet would be a good addition too.
Everyone looked to Azrael for approval who nodded in return.
Azrael: I would be honored to take charge of the progeny of Masters Kaoru and Quilyon if she would like.
Quenya's eyes sparkled, easily giving away her approval.
Quenya: Aw! I'll be happy to go with Azrael! He's a sweetie!
Azrael gasped and stepped backward, clutching his sword hilt as a scandalized, elderly socialite might clutch her pearls.
Azrael: I am not a sweetie!
Adell, endeavoring to stifle his giggles, leaned in close to Quenya and whispered into her ear.
Adell: I know Azrael is a family friend and all, but here, you have to call him "Commander."
Quenya put her hand over her mouth and made a little squeak.
Quenya: Oh! I'm so sorry, Commander. I forgot.
Azrael: It is already forgotten, Cadet. I shall arrange quarters for you and Tayet right away. One more thing. Did I hear correctly? Did she call you "Commodore?"
Adell: Ah, I forgot. Yes, I was promoted. I don't have my new rank insignia yet. It's not like we keep a box of commodore badges on the ship.
Azrael twitched his head and raised an eyebrow as he took a step back, partially turning away from them.
Azrael: If you'll excuse me, Commodore. There is a matter to which I must attend.
Without another word and before anyone else could respond, Azrael turned and darted down the corridor, leaving Aire looking puzzled.
Aire: I wonder what that was about.
Adell nodded knowingly.
Adell: I think I have a pretty good idea. You know, he'd be Commodore right now instead of me if he had taken the promotion offers he's been given. Anyway, we still got an hour before our meeting with Admiral Zhang and I could do with a hearty dinner. Unfortunately, Artemis and Phobos are busy shutting down their labs on the Shadowdancer. Care to join me at Chez Ramewet?
Aire grinned and stepped forward to Adell's side.
Aire: Some comfort food sounds good. Maybe I'll have the razorbear haggis this time.
Commissioned art in this episode from:
Jenova87
Zelbunnii
Less_End
Thatwildmary
Colourbrand
