JL | FAdm Malone, Capt Ivanova - "The End of a Non-Beginning"

Posted on 241411.27 @ 1:56am by Commodore Rochelle Ivanova & Fleet Admiral Kerry Malone

Mission: Non-Plot Log

=/\= Kerry Malone's Apartment =/\=

It was something he'd not been looking forward to doing, and in his way, had been putting it off for as long as he could. It wasn't as if he didn't like her, it was just that with everything that had happened, and with all the problems... he shook his head. No, he couldn't talk himself out of this again.

"Computer, establish a real-time communications link with the USS Vindicator for the attention of Captain Rochelle Ivanova on a private channel. Authorization Malone Sigma Pie Alpha Six Charlie."

The screen beeped and showed the Federation logo with the text saying 'Connecting'.

Helsa had dragged half a dozen pillows to random points throughout the command suite, scattering them in the most inopportune places and forcing the weary Captain to follow the haphazard path. The redhead was about to snatch up the last throw cushion and scold the little furry terror when the computer chimed and captured her attention. Malone. A slim eyebrow lifted and she slowly straightened out from where she'd taken a knee to reach under an end table. "On screen." She called, tucking an errant lock of hair back behind her ear. Wrapped in pajamas and banished to her quarters to recover from her battle garnered injuries, Rochelle Ivanova was the picture of youth as she watched everything come to life.

When the connection was made, it took Malone by surprise at how healthy Rochelle looked. He'd seen the reports, and heard of her injuries, but she looked... well, there was no better word for it... great. "Captain Ivanova, your appearance does not denote your status report. You are looking as ravishing and radiant as you did when I last saw you."

"That's always a big compliment coming from you, Admiral." She chuckled lightly in response, tugging at the hem of her flannel top. It had always brought her warmth and comfort, something her bruised and battered little body craved at that very moment. "I'll send your regards to Dr. Rotek, he's played the role of Dr. Frankenstein quite well." Rochelle had indeed been put back together like the fabled monster created by just such a fictional doctor. The reports had indicated everything from a broken nose to a slight brain bleed, a broken wrist and badly lacerated lip had just been candy crumbled atop a sundae of Hellish proportions. Damned Romulans, she thought, damn them indeed. "It's good to see you came through the last hoorah of the war alright, Kerry. I have to admit I'd been a bit concerned."

Kerry smiled at that. "Oh, there wasn't much to be concerned about. The final hoorah as it were, was barely more than a whimper. The media are calling the Battle of Sigma Ceti the defining battle of the Federation Civil War, but to be honest and giving you the inside scoop - it wasn't much of a battle. It was over in an hour."

The sprite of a woman shook her head with a smile, "That's how it usually is, isn't it? Hero worship and exaggeration to make us all look like we're larger than life itself?" Rochelle shrugged lightly with a wink, "Good thing we all know the truth about you, brave Sir Malone."

"Well, your wit hasn't been damaged by the Romulans at least." Kerry smirked.

"Touche." She yielded to him, giving him the win for the moment. While so much had been taken from her over the course of the last five months, Rochelle had somehow managed to keep her sharp tongue well honed. It was what kept so many on their toes when around her, especially when combined with the legends surrounding the firebird's volcanic temper. "But I digress, to what do I owe the pleasure of this little chit chat?" She asked.

Damn. He was hoping for a bit more back-and-forth before he had to do this. Oh well, there was no denying that this was why he called. "I felt you should know that I'm no longer the Commander-in-Chief of Starfleet. I've been reassigned, to the Gamma Quadrant."

"Oh." Rochelle replied, her brow furrowing slightly. "That's quite the change. Are we anticipating trouble from the Dominion or is this just a stuff the Admiral in the darkness routine deployment?" She asked, finding a seat on the sofa behind her, finally setting down the pillow she'd retrieved from the last of Helsa's strong holds.

"Since we lost Zetari, the Gamma Quadrant has been a bit unsettled, and we need to provide stability in that area." Malone explained. "And given how things have panned out following the restructure of the government, I'm not sure I want to stay around on Earth. Lot of bad feelings towards the UFP right now, and I'd rather be out of the way. Besides, Hark would hardly benefit from having his predecessor working in the next office - who technically outranks him."

"He's a good man, from what I've heard of him." Rochelle replied softly, crossing her legs and setting her hands in her lap, "The good news from all of this is that the Gamma Quadrant will be secure now. The last thing we need right now is them smelling blood in the water and coming in for a snack." Hark, however, would have to be more than a good man to see through the resurrection and preservation of the Starfleet way of life. The man represented everything Starfleet was meant to be, the old code being married to the future. It was a bold necessity, but one that would see so many constants shaken and stirred to fit the new puzzle being constructed all around them. Vindicator had been one that stayed close by, she hadn't disappeared out into the black with her tail tucked, even with the death of Neyes, and it had shown. The future of the great ship rested now in where Hark would decide to send her. Would she be thrown off into the Gamma Quadrant? Kept close to home as a show pony? All of the options and questions left unanswered made the young woman's head spin. "You have quite an obligation now, you've become the proverbial gate keeper."

"A lot of work to be done all the same." Malone sighed. "Which brings things back to us. With me in the Gamma Quadrant, and you more likely than not being sent on a deep space assignment, doesn't leave much room for there to be any development of anything between us. I hate to end things before they even start, but in this instance..." He sighed and drew himself up. "I know the pains of a long-distance relationship, and what it can do to the people involved. I feel that perhaps maintaining the friendship we have, would be wiser."

A single sanguine brow lifted as she listened to what he had to say next, talk of relationships and prose -- her mind drifted back to the night of the award's ceremony, their impromptu kiss at the end of the tour she'd given him of the Vindicator. 'I'm not ready' had been the excuse she'd used to draw away and return back to the party, and it had been the truth. Landon's death had left a large hole in the redhead's heart. While it had been taboo for her to fall in love with the stalwart Trill Captain, she couldn't help it. Choosing who one loves was never an option, the heart often found that it wanted what it wanted whether it was practical and logical or not. Now five months later she found herself sighing and shaking her head as she regarded the image of Kerry Malone on the screen in front of her.

"Kerry..." She started with a small sigh, running the point of her tongue over her full lower lip. So many had already speculated something was going on between the two of them, choosing to pair the powerful man with the boldest feminine name on Starfleet's roster. And why wouldn't they? They were both young, beautiful and bold. "I've spent the last few months dodging one suitor or another, some more persistent than others and I haven't been given a chance to simply breathe." She continued, motioning around her. "Both of us need to concentrate on the road laying in wait of us, you know, the uncharted future. You don't need to be out there worrying about some girl who's stationed Gods knows where and if providence decides that our paths are supposed to cross again, so be it."

"I agree." Kerry replied. "But I thought it'd be easier to hear it from me, rather than wonder."

"I'm glad we're on the same page." Rochelle offered him a small smile, "that all being said I want you to know that I deeply respect you and value our friendship."

"Likewise, and if you're ever in the Gamma Quadrant, feel free to stop by and say hello." He smiled back at her.

"I'll take you up on that." She nodded and shrugged, "and if you're nearby, come crash one of our parties again. It was amusing to see everyone walking on eggshells, keeps them sharp."

"I doubt I'll instil the same fear as I once did, Rochelle. I'm not the Commander in Chief. Just another Admiral." He smiled.

This time she smiled brightly and gestured towards the screen, "It's the pips, Kerry. They instill fear regardless of the rest of the titles that go with them." Brass had always sent a cold chill down non-flag level backs, even command teams seemed to stand a little straighter when the big boys came to pay their 'respects'. "That's just how it works, you're branded with them for life."

"Don't I know it. Do yourself a favour, never let them promote you off your ship. You'll regret it forever." Malone sighed. "I miss being a Captain on the old Intrepid sometimes. I've done good things since my elevation to the Admiralty, I know, but sometimes I miss the simplistic life of a starship captain."

She couldn't help but nod, "I don't want to leave the Vindicator..." She said, "too many memories, too much yet to be done. I wouldn't dream of letting her go, not for all the pips in the universe." The level of his response, the wistful sadness that seemed to resonate in his voice, she knew it well. Each beat of her heart seemed to implore the same, begged for her to never leave behind the massive ship that had stolen so much of her away. Vindicator was home and home was where her heart would remain.

"I wish you a speedy recovery, and that your CMO eventually relents from having the Captain under his control." Malone smiled. "If he causes you any unnecessary grief, feel free to contact me. I might enjoy instilling some fear into a CMO. Sharpe seems to think he can shoot them, I prefer the old fashioned ways."

Another chuckle broke Rochelle's momentary silence and she shook her head at the thought of Sharpe gunning down poor Rotek. "He's hasn't become insufferable yet, but if he does... I know where to find you." She grinned, "Take care of yourself, Kerry. It's awfully dark out there."

"Nothing that a good flashlight won't fix. Keep safe, Rochelle. Malone out." With that, the connection terminated - as did any potential romantic relationship.

"Quintessential Malone." Rochelle shook her head as she eyeballed the dark screen. The feel of a cold nose pressed against her palm reminded her that the strange conversation was over, that there was work to be done, a Masquerade to prepare, and a life to be lived post the Romulan attack that left them at Qu'Vat. The Vindicator was strong in spite of her injuries, not unlike her fire-bird of a Captain. To Malone, the redhead wished nothing but the best -- but it was the future of the great ship that held the stygian little woman's greatest attention. Looking down she sighed at Helsa and bapped the small creature with the throw pillow she'd rescued.

= End Log =

Fleet Admiral Kerry Malone
Commander, Gamma Quadrant Command

&

Captain Rochelle Ivanova
Commanding Officer
USS VINDICATOR, NCC 78213-E