#8 Motivations & Misgivings

Posted on Fri Jan 27th, 2023 @ 10:16am by Taavis {SF Capt. Ret.} {S.S. Harbinger}
Edited on on Sat Jan 28th, 2023 @ 10:44am

Mission: Mission 9 Deal with the Devil
Location: Starbase Mercury
Timeline: current

ON:

Having cleaned herself up, and now back in her Starfleet uniform since she had read that her position had been reinstated, Taavis made her way to OPS. Being a Vulcanoid, and not requiring the amount of sleep other beings did, the Commander had arrived at the end of Gamma shift. The third shift were the over-nighters, and Alpha shift was due to come on duty in roughly one hour. To say she felt the nervousness of those around her was an understatement, with the Gamma personnel not used to anyone from the Alpha crew to be wandering around. Let alone the Number One. Going over to the Officer of the Deck Taavis asked for a status report, being informed of the group of people who were soon to arrive aboard Mercury. A diplomatic entourage. Curious, she thought. Taavis read through the how and why this was all occurring. Thanking the OOD, Taavis turned and walked away, leaving the Gamma shift to carry on.

Hands clasped behind her back as she went, a casual gait in her stride, Taavis walked the base as her mind refamiliarized itself to her duties here. A lot of people had died to recover a pair of torpedoes that were nothing special and, it seemed Starfleet was okay with that. Her alter-ego, Juntao, smirked inwardly at the thought. So much for noble causes and freedom. It seemed, as of late, that the Starfleet mindset was 'do as we say' or they would run right over any opposition with phasers drawn. But, Taavis of Family Tovan had sworn an oath, and until such time as she resigned or was removed, she would honor that pledge. However, the most recent events in her career and past had left a scar in her being.

Her walkabout lasting exactly one hour, Taavis made a change in her chosen course, heading for the Infirmary. She had recently returned from an away mission and regulations stated that she needed a physical after. Upon arrival she had one of the medical officers on duty give her the once over, and finding both engine and chassis in mint condition, the Commander was released with a green check on her medical status. As she had sat there Taavis began to think on her own actions, and her mindset as of late. She found her Romulan side to be most agreeable these days, and so, she would continue to be that Taavis.

Walking the Promenade, and reaching into her memories as she went, Taavis recalled all it was to be Romulan; The Romulan Way. She would not push her emotions down, but like any steadfast Romulan, she would maintain control and use subtlety until such time as there was no other option but to destroy any opposition without remorse. The accusation of conspiracy had struck deep and Starfleet had no one to blame but themselves for what she had now become. Sureth may be able to take a shot to his honor and then get promoted as a form of apology, but not everyone worked the same. She was what they had made her. Bitter, wrathful, and cold-hearted.

With a last look out the viewport at the stars beyond, Taavis turned from that pristine visual and headed back to OPS.

OFF:

Word Count: 546