Conversation

Posted on 02 Feb 2024 @ 11:31pm by Captain Mazal Falk & 2nd Lieutenant Cassandra Mathews

1,701 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: S3 Episode 5: Diplomatic Incident/Hydaransz Again (Incidentals)
Location: Roosevelt Shuttle Bay
Timeline: Heading for SB 51

[ON]

Mazal leaned against the bulkhead wall, her arms were crossed, as she peered out towards the stars as the ship moved passed them. She shivered slightly, her mind going over the past events. She waited for Matthews to join her. Mazal just wanted to talk but didn't want to be anywhere near where the marines were bunked at.

Entering the shuttle bay Cassandra was able to locate her MXO easily enough. The woman looked a bit lost in thought. Cassandra knew that feeling all to well. So much for the mind to catch up on. Especially after a mission such as this had been. She waited a moment worried for her friend Mazal and all she must be going through right now. When Cassandra closed the distance between them she came to attention and gave the MXO a respectful salute. "Second lieutenant Mathews reporting as requested."

Mazal turned from her gazing out towards the stars, giving Cassandra a watery smile. "Thank you for coming, Cassandrea, I hope I didn't break into your rack time. You deserve rest most definitely. Are you doing alright?"

"Not at all. I'm glad to have this opportunity to talk to you. It's been a long time." Cassandra returned taking up a bit of wall next to the MXO. "How have you been doing?" She asked noting the tears. She understood. She had had her tears earlier as well. So had many others in the unit. It was time to count the losses and tally up the price in blood those stations had cost them. Then to honor their sacrifice through learning to smile again.

"Eh maybe about the same as you. I tried to make certain we got back all of us. You were there to help us to do the best we can to cut down any losses, still it hurts to lose several of our own." Mazal responded.

"As it should. Id never want to serve under any officer who lost their ability to feel the loss. That's why I was so proud of the day I was appointed here. Gone but not forgotten. It's more than just a fancy motto. It's a promise. A choice to honor those not only dead but who must leave us for other reasons. It's part of what makes this place so much more than just another unit." Cassandra reached out and gave Falks shoulder a light pat. "It's not going to get easier. Nor should it ever be. That's why we need strong people like you looking out for us. We are more than just collateral damage to you. We are not expendable just because we volunteered for the job. We are family. It should hurt when those under our care, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice deserve our tears and our respect. Never lose that. It's part of what makes you a wonderful person and a great leader that I would follow anywhere."

Mazal reached out and pulled Cassandra into an embrace. "I don't know if I am that strong, it is those who I serve with that makes me feel stronger than what I truly am." she responded softly "I am glad that you came back my friend. And thank you for the kind words."

Cassandra hugged her friend back. "You were there for me when nobody else was. You taught me the importance of the team. We are only as strong as those who lead us. Mazal, your so much stronger than you think you are. You inspire us. Because of that a great many of us are able to come home. Don't sell yourself short."

A slight chuckle. "I don't know how inspiring I am, however, if I do inspire someone that is good." Mazal released Cassandra from the embrace, feeling a bit better. "What are your plans for shore leave? Do you want to, go to a tropical beach and go swimming? I will have to reserve a holosuite to do so. I think it would be rather fun to do something like that. "

The offer was more than tempting. However Cassandra knew that she'd have her hands full upon returning. "I'd love to take you up on that. However I am expecting to meet and take charge of my daughter when we get back to Starbase fifty-one. With Rhys dead Jane feels it's my duty to take care of my daughter now that she is safe. She's nearly three now. I can't believe it has been so long. I have been doing these classes on the holodeck and training programs that Jane sent me to try and familiarize myself with the task. I won't lie it's scary. Then there is the news about C'Tirr. My brother he was injured and is in a coma from what I am to understand. He's going to be taken into treatment once the Tomcat returns. I'm trying my best to be hopeful about the situation. Truth is I'm terrified." Cassandra confessed. "I was also told that Lt. Haze died. His wife passed away shortly before the mission. His girls where coming here to live with him. I'm putting in the paper work to accept responsibility for them. I have a very full dance card." She explained.

Mazal gave a nod. "Then that is where you will need to be, and Haze died?" Mazal's eyes widening at that. "I'm a bit behind as to what has been happening. I will miss you and hopefully I will get to see you even if you are going to be occupied with raising a family."

It didn't surprise her that she hadn't heard about Haze yet. But it struck Cassandra at how little she knew of her friend. Best to try and remedy that she thought. "You won't miss me much I'll still come around and see how your doing. Aside from going to the beach, you have any plans for shore leave? Family or anything waiting for you?" She asked curiously.

"I will be checking in on Captain Jackson, I need to see him with my own two eyes that he is indeed alive." there was a hint of great emotion there. This is due to Mazal and Patrick having connected on a deep level. "Then there is Tosrol Ze, my boyfriend. I don't know how he is doing, but I do hope to spend time with him. We only had a short time before we both left on our missions."

Cassandra smiled more warmly at the mention of her old friend Captain Jackson. Oh the rumors about his absence were getting pretty tall now. Last she heard he'd been kidnapped by Section 31 to do some undercover work or something. She nearly laughed anytime she heard about it. "I'm sure he's doing just fine. He's strong. About the strongest person I've ever had the privilege of knowing. I'm not sure what rumors are true or not. But I do know that whatever battle he's facing I pity the opposition." She'd never met Tosrol Ze but whoever they were they were a lucky duck to have Mazal on their arm for sure. "My advice is to make the time. Steal it if you must. But time with the people we care most about is by far the most precious. Don't let the opportunity pass you by."

"I do care about Patrick a lot. He's a great guy, he's had a rough life but I am really glad that I met him. I think he and I compliment each other and make a great command team for the Marines." Mazal stated. "I am also glad that I will get to see you still. Makes me feel very happy."

Patrick was definitely a great guy. Cassandra was glad that he was being recognized. "I used to have a bit of a crush on him when I first started here. Thankfully I wasn't stupid enough to make a fool of myself." Cassandra said with a chuckle. That had been during happier times. Back before her life had been shattered to pieces by the serial killer Rhys Antak. She'd been successful, the MXO of the Tomcat. On the fast track to a successful career. Stationed with her brother on the finest vessel with the finest crew. She'd been happy. "You are right though the Tomcat can surely brag the finest Marines both command and staff Starfleet has to offer." Something sad then passed over Cassandras face for a heartbeat. "I might be reassigned to the starbase fifty-one for a while. I have to make time for Martha and the girls. She's already three. I've lost so much time with her already. So it might be a while before we see each other again." She confessed.

Mazal nodded, "I do understand, still I will send you messages and bug the heck out of you my friend." on the mention of Cassandra having a crush on Patrick. Mazal had a huge smile appear. "I don't know if Patrick has any idea of what sort of sex appeal and magnetism he has. He and I clicked, when we first met. I am a bit of a flirt, and I do like him. In fact he and I have had some open conversations filled with a lot of honesty. With him I was walking on the razor's edge. Gosh I can't believe I am telling you this. I trust you though. I couldn't allow myself to step over that line though, with he and I working together where the marines are concerned. We do have a connection though, which I feel is making us quite a team. And it seems there maybe a connection between the two of you as well." Mazal giving a wink. "he is a good man."

Giving a sigh, Mazal looked back out towards the stars. Still holding onto Cassandra. "You take care my friend, my sister, I will always be here for you when you need it."

[END]

 

RSS Feed