Discoveries - Good & Bad

Posted on Wed Jul 8th, 2015 @ 9:04pm by Ensign Six of Ten & Lieutenant Tess Rutheridge

Mission: Further Challenges
Location: Galileo Science Center

* Galileo Science Center *

Six had arrived right on time for alpha shift despite the late night. Given her early departure from the Cherry Pit, she had missed all the excitement surrounding Reva and now focused once more on the Iconian slab. She wielded a fine, sable-haired brush to move dust out of the carved-in letters and little by little, dictated a translation into the computer. It was a general history of the area occupied by the Dendrian Order, which is why it had landed on Six’s desk.

The passage she was deciphering now, however, sent a thrill through her and she gently blew on the slab, removing one last bit of dust. The phrasing was odd, archaic. She read several possible translations into the computer but they all amounted to the same general meaning and it was one that had her sitting, staring into space as she pondered the implications. This was something Tess definitely needed to know, as well as the commanding officers of the new colony. She continued to scan the stone to see if there were more details but there was no denying what it said. She was still puzzling over the possibilities when she heard footsteps approaching behind her.

“So… Good morning,” Tess said taking a cursory look to the slab she was working on. “How do you feel today?” The question was simple and even well-mannered, still a mild embarrassment could be read between the lines.

His voice drew Six’s attention and she laid the brush aside. The question struck her as little odd but she smiled politely.

“Fine thanks, and you?”

“Could be better,” he replied, really meaning it. “I checked out with Security about our last discussion. They confirmed Suresh being just what everyone believes him to be - the hand behind many a nefarious activity below the equator. For security reasons they didn’t want to explain what he’s doing again here on starbase 900 after being sentenced to life at Elba II…”

Tess took a chair and drew it closer to Six’s place, sitting to have her at eye level.

“This complicates things… Do you agree?”

Tess’ words came as no surprise after her conversation with Suresh the night before. He’d told her then what he was doing in the Pit and also that she must keep it to herself. She understood why but now, it put her in a difficult position where her position was concerned and she had to think fast how she was going to explain this. Finally, she nodded. Her answer was brief to buy her some time and see what Tess had to say.

“I see.”

Tess nodded in some inward consideration. “Is that all? Should I consider it an acknowledgement of the situation or a defense wall hastily built? I hate to have to say that again your career is at stake here and a promising one at that. I would have gladly skipped the fact leaving it to the Commander to deal with, in the case it would have showed up by itself, but the situation as it is cannot be ignored. The question stands: what do you want to do about that?”

“I did not lie to you intentionally, if that is what you think, sir.” Six frowned a moment. “I am not at all sure I am even capable of lying.” She had to tread very carefully here, she knew. “What do you want me to say? That I will just drop someone I care about because it looks bad?”

Tess slouched in the seat heaving a deep sigh. “Ensign,” he said, “no one in this world will ever stay his hand from stripping you of your rank and uniform for associating with the king of criminals of 900 only because you care for him. Is that, at least, clear?”

He shook his head in frustration “I understand. I really understand but this thing cannot be. It simply cannot be... Even in your wildest dreams.” He paused then his look seemingly lost in some place he would have never wanted to visit. Looking up at her again he reprised, “Don’t make me say something I’m going to regret for a long time. I do not agree to this thing not as an officer nor as a man… There is a choice you have to make.” He ended with a slight waving of the finger to her uniform.

Six met his gaze squarely. “And what would that thing be? Choose now?” She clasped her hands in her lap, but her fingers refused to be still. “I appreciate that you are looking out for me but such a black and white choice seems unfair.”

“I agree on that account but, for trivial as it may seem, life’s seldom fair. And Starfleet life is black or white. But you can be a free woman if you want. That means divesting that uniform. Even should you in the end choose such a solution, leaving behind all requirements and high standards that define a Starfleet officer, you would quickly find that civilian society can be even more cruel in its requirements. You’ll never be excused for being in league with that man. What would you be thinking to do to second this inclination you have for this man? Becoming his accomplice?”

“No! I have nothing to do with anything that happens down below.” Six took a breath to steady herself. “Even Suresh has made it clear that being down there can be dangerous and that I am never to be there alone. So the answer to your question is no, that’s not what I intend to do, nor would he stand for it.”

“As I take it, for weird it may seem, Borg society is one of equality and they have no distinction from ‘good’ and ‘bad’ as all of them are alike and bound to one purpose that is the forwarding of the Collective. But in your newfound culture, that is the Federation, these two concepts are very real and people have to choose between them. True, some shades of grey exist between black or white… But you have no margin here. EIther you’re a ‘good guy’ or you mess with Suresh and become a ‘bad guy’. No way out from here.”

Six considered his words and the weird position in which she found herself. She was bound not to reveal what she knew and there was no way around that. It came down to giving in and doing as Tess wished, or sticking by a man she knew was innocent of the things Tess believed. What would he do, she wondered, if she agreed and continued to see Suresh? It would mean staying out of sight, avoiding the places they liked to go and what sort of life was that?

She let out a slow breath. “I don’t know what to do, Tess,” she said softly.

He looked away focusing on some invisible spot behind her. “I’m sorry. I cannot help you with this. There is nothing that makes me think you’re not on the wrong path at the moment. You should strive to build your life as a respected member of society. That is what I’ve been taught from when I was a child. Don’t let yourself be swept away by too strong yet uncontrolled emotions. Already you’re under a lens - do not offer your side to potential detractors. The mildest treatment you can expect, if this thing becomes common knowledge, is to have yourself transferred to some forlorn outpost on the Tholian border… What would you do then?”

“In that case I would resign,” Six replied without hesitation. “Even now the Fleet is still wary of what they will let me do and you know it. I’m doing nothing like what I was trained to do and now, it appears that such restrictions extend to my personal life too.” She glanced at the stone slab on the table beside them. “I’ll have to think about this.”

It was with a grave voice that Tess replied: “Your path is harder than that of any cadet or officer in Starfleet, I have to admit that. Still it seems to me you have the qualities in you to prevail. It’s a pity that all appears to be so clouded at the moment. I’ve no more words to say on the subject and I think you’ve been well advised about the consequences of a wrong choice. It’s up to you now.”

Six nodded. “We’ll see.” Her gaze fell once more on the Iconian slab. “While you’re here, there’s something you need to read. It’s today’s addition to the translation. I’ll transfer it to your office and then, if you don’t mind, I’d like to leave a little early.”

“Send it and I’ll check the resulting text. No problems for me to let you have some free time. You can leave as soon as you wish.”

She tapped the panel by her view screen and the computer beeped its acknowledgment. “Done. That should be some interesting reading for you and if you have questions, please call anytime tonight. It’s fine.” She slipped off her stool and straightened her jacket. “Thank you.”

He stood from the seat as well and smiled. “I’ll get to it at once. But, unless I find something apocalyptical, I’ll avoid having you back to Galileo for the next twenty-four hours. Make a good use of your time, Ensign.”

“I will.” Six departed the science center in a hurry. Her first stop would be her quarters to change and send a message, then she would be on her way down below.

*******************
Ensign Six of Ten
Torn

Tess Rutheridge
Playing Philosopher
(as played by Patrick Leroy)