Red One

Posted on Mon Apr 1st, 2024 @ 9:37pm by Commodore Finchley Kerr & Lieutenant Commander Shr'Nesh Karadis & Lieutenant Commander Wyatt Steele & Lieutenant Evelyn Steele

Mission: The missions never over.
Location: Captains Ready Room\Bridge
Timeline: Current.

Making their way to Finchley’s Ready Room Eve made sure to remove her ring once again, she couldn’t afford for her uncle to get a whiff of their plan, she had no doubt he’d find a way to put a stop to it. She offered Wyatt a wry smile. “You ready for this?”

"As ready as I'll ever be dealing with the captain." Wyatt answered. "Sooner it is done, the sooner we can do what we need to do."

Eve nodded as she straightened her uniform and pressed the chime, her attitude would need to be impeccable, especially after what she’d said to Finchley last time she’d spoken to him. She’d been hot headed and now she was regretting it.

Finchley was nearing the end of the report that had just come in, it was very concerning. Attacks on the outer worlds had increased, and though details were few, it was definitely the Klingons who had carried them out. His orders were clear, and he didn’t for a single second dispute they were an immediate requirement.

Annoyed that he was interrupted, he looked impatiently towards the doors to his Ready Room, “COME!!”

Walking into the office Eve paused in-front of Finchley’s desk. “The report you asked for Captain.” She placed a PADD down on Finchley’s desk. It seems General T’kLar’s disappearance coincided with the raid on the outer world’s of the Federation jurisdiction closest to Klingon space. According to my sources it’s a test of T’kLar’s loyalty to the Klingon high council. He’s been told to raid the colonies and bring them under Klingon control.”

“Well, if it isn’t Bonnie and Clyde” Finchley replied dryly. He picked up the PADD up and began reading and once he’d finished he put it down again.

Tapping his COMM badge he said “Captain to Kilbane, you got the report I did?”

“I did Sir” Kilbane replied quickly.

“Your thoughts?” Finchley asked.

“Seems like the Klingons have been busy, and I concur with SFIHQ’s recommendation” Kilbane answered.

“As do I” Finchley replied, “Usual countdown I think Mr Kilbane, Kerr out.”

Looking at Wyatt, Finchley asked “You’re findings Lieutenant Steele?”

Wyatt handed Kerr a PaDD with his report on it. "As you ordered sir, I looked at the com traffic between Starfleet Admiralty and the Klingon High Council. There was an increased amount of tension in latter reports as the Klingons were being tight lip over something as well as odd security moves on the Klingons part. Moving seasoned security officers for untried ones and cutting back on the security detail as well."

Finchley listened intently, and when Wyatt had finished, he sat back, saying “That’s an odd move for the Klingon High Council, even by their standards…if you can call them standards that is.”

He rubbed his chin, the game of chess had begun, and the Klingons were obviously trying to disguise their true motives. Sitting back up he said, “Right, log your reports with Commander Karadis, then take your stations on the bridge, the ship pulls out in, oh, three…two…one, and he pointed to the window. There was a very slight jar as the moorings for the USS Thall gave way and the ship moved out.”

“We’re departing already? That was fast.” Eve gave Wyatt a brief look that said exactly what she was thinking. “Captain I still have another contact I’m waiting to hear from, Will I be able to use secure comms?”

“We’ll have incoming comms, but only I have access to outgoing comms, it’s better that way, control of information goes via myself” Finchley replied.

Eve nodded. “Of course Captain.” One way or another she would get to marry Wyatt. Finchley couldn’t hold them hostage from the outside world. “Begging the Captain’s pardon, but when will Wyatt and I be allowed to spend some time together?

“Whilst on the bridge Lieutenant Kerr, whilst on the bridge” Finchley replied. He tapped his COMM badge “Karadis, can you step in here.”

Within moments, Karadis appeared, “Captain.”

“Would you be so kind as to take the reports from Lieutenants Kerr and Steele, and log them” Finchley said.

“Of course Sir” Karadis replied, taking the PADD’s, then turning to leave.

“Oh, and Karadis… Red one?” Finchley asked.

“Everything’s in place Sir”, she answered, casting a sideways glance at Eve and Wyatt.

“Very good” Finchley said, nodding for Karadis to leave.

Eve gave Wyatt a curious look before looking towards Finchley. “Red One Sir?”

“Don’t worry about it Lieutenant Kerr” Finchley replied.

Through this entire briefing other than stating the information his report contained Wyatt had remained quiet. Even now with
Kerr's announcement of the mysterious "Red One" He remained silent. He ran through different scenes in his mind, The most likely was this was clearly meant for Eve and himself. Another of Kerr's strange tactics. Yet, he wouldn't ask what it was, he would wait and see what played out.

“Ok, we’re finished in here, I believe we should take our places on the bridge” Finchley said, making his way to the doors, which opened allowing him to exit.

Once outside, he made his way to the centre seat “Right, places everyone!”

At that, Karadis took her place at Finchley’s right side, and Kilbane on his left.

hanging back an instant, Wyatt favored Eve with an exasperated look as he moved to his station.

Eve offered a smile before heading to her seat, no doubt they’d find out what red one was all about sooner rather than later.

Finchley cleared his throat, looked at Karadis and said “Time for Red one.”

“Oh Gods, you’re actually going through with is aren’t you…” Karadis replied.

“Oh yes, you have a problem with that?” Finchley asked.

“Yes, you’re fucking hopeless carrying it out” Karadis said, holding her hands out before her in exasperation.

“They won’t know what’s hit them till it’s too late” Finchley said.

“They probably won’t survive it” Karadis added.

“We’ll see…” was all Finchly said before turning back round again.

“Lieutenants Kerr and Steele, front and centre, now!” he called out in a stern tone.

Eve was quick to move from her seat to stand in-front of her uncle. “Captain?”

From his post, Wyatt moved to stand next to Eve in front of Kerr. Like her he simply said "Captain."

Finchley took a serious tone, “I’ve had to suffer both of your attitudes, and more so, questioning my orders. You both think you know better than me about what’s done on this ship, my ship. You think that just because you’re lovers, you can be together. Well…”, and at that point, his facial expression softened, “…you’re both correct. I could guess that you were looking to make it official, unfortunately we couldn’t stay at base, the mission we have before us is to important and took precedence. However, there’s a solution if you still want to make your engagement or marriage official. In the traditions of a naval officer, the Captain has the right to officiate such an undertaking, so that’s what I’m offering. Karadis can be your Maid of honour Eve, and Kilbane can be your Best man Wyatt, as well as acting as witnesses. What do you both say?”

Wyatt stood there in stunned silence as the captain made his statement. He looked at Eve and then back to Kerr. "Yes sir. We would like that very much. However, I'll let Eve speak for herself."

Eve opened her mouth to speak before closing it again. She gave it a moment before finally speaking. “I’m not sensing any deception from you Captain, but at the same time I don’t know whether to believe this or whether this is just some lesson. Getting us ready to marry only to snatch it away as a lesson to be learned. I love Wyatt, he’s not a weakness to me he’s my strength, ask Karadis she’s seen us work together before.” She paused. “As it stands, yes I’d like that very much indeed.”

“You don’t know whether to believe it or not, why you ungrateful P…” Karadis said loudly, beginning to move forward.

Finchley put his arm forcibly across Karadis chest, stopping her, saying “Shush Karadis, no, Lieutenant Kerr has a point…the wrong one one, but a point nonetheless.”

Karadis growled, but stepped back to where she had been before.

Finchley looked Eve square in the eye, “It’s true, I could be a complete and utter bastard, take you all the way to having a ceremony and at the last second call it off, but I’m not, and I won’t. What I just made was a sincere offer but you can choose not to believe me if you want, it’s entirely up to you…and Lieutenant Steele.”

Thumping Karadis on the arm, he continued “and these two will fulfill the roles I mentioned. Tell you what, why don’t you both take a moment over there and discuss it then come back and let me know what you’ve decided.”

Wyatt looked at the captain as he spoke and everything, he said was true, He gave Kerr a nod, touched Eve lightly on her arm. "Eve, Eve honey, he is right. Let's talk this over for a moment. We have nothing to lose by talking."

Eve nodded as she looked at Wyatt, looking back at Finchley she offered a smile. "Actually, I don't think there's anthing to talk about, I want to marry you Wyatt right here and right now." she looked back at Finchley. "We would be honoured to have you marry us Captain."

Wyatt smiled broadly at her, took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. " Nothing would make me happier or prouder to marry you right now as well Eve." He looked at Kerr, "If you would do the honors sir, would be profoundly grateful."

“You do have a ring I assume?” Finchley asked.

"Yes sir. I do." Wyatt replied simply and to the point.

Eve grinned as she pulled out her ring. “Right here.”

“Wonderful, then we can begin. We’re gathered here today…” Finchley began.

Karadis began cringing and in a low voice said, “Like I said, fucking hopeless.”

[Ten minutes later]

“So, there being no objections…” Finchley said, pausing for effect, “I now pronounce you, husband and wife.”

He looked at Wyatt, “You may kiss the bride.”

Wyatt needed no further instruction or orders. His arms came up and around to hug her softly. "I sure do love you Mrs. Steele." He said softly, not caring who heard or what they thought of his show of sentiment. He then kissed her softly on the lips. His love and devotion being reflected in the kiss.

Eve returned Wyatt’s kiss with all the love she had for him. She smiled as their lips finally parted. “I love you Wyatt Steele.”

Finchley had one last thing, looking at Eve he said “Oh, I had all your things moved from your quarters back into Lieutenant Steele’s, can’t have a the newlywed couple spending their honeymoon and future in separate rooms now, can we.”

Wyatt smiled and shook his head at the captain's final surprise. "Thank you, Captain. Thank you very much. We are grateful to you as well as Commander Karadis and Mr. Kilbane for making this possible." He finished sincerely.

“Thank you all so much, I’m sorry I doubted you Captain.” Eve smiled warmly as she looked towards Finchley. “Permission to hug the Captain, Sir?”

Finchley bluffed and shuffled his feet, “Well, it’s not to say I wouldn’t, but well, we’re on duty and it’s n…”

Kilbane slapped the back of Finchley’s head, “Stop being a pussy, allow the bride to hug you!”

"I'd like to shake your hand as well sir, that is if you'll allow it." Wyatt added. "Along with shaking those of Commander Karadis and Mr. Kilbane's.

“Uh, yes of course, not a problem” Finchley replied, “Though if you’re shaking these vagabonds hands, I’d check you still have all five fingers on your hand when you’re done!”

Eve grinned as she stepped forward and gave Finchley a hug. “Thank you Uncle Finchley.” With that she looked to Kilbane and Karadis. “Thank you both so much!!”

Wyatt was more guarded in his approach. "Thank you so much Commander Karadis" he said as he shook her hand. Turning to Kilbane he shook the man's hand. "Thank you so much Mr. Kilbane." Approaching the captain, he wasn't about to call Kerr "Uncle Finchley" and ruin a happy event. Instead, he went with the diplomatic approach, "Thank you so much Captain Kerr. We are deeply appreciative and grateful for what you have done." As he thrust out his right hand to shake the captain's.

Finchley took Wyatt’s hand and shook it saying, “Well, she’s your wedded responsibility now.”

He took his hand back and looked at them both. His demeanour changed a little as he gave them as a serious point was made, “Though you’re married, you’ve both still got solemn duties to perform, to me, and this team. You cannot put your husband or wife’s lives before your mission. I would hate to think you would, I’m just giving you the lie of the land. That said, you’ve got about twelve hours of a honeymoon before we get to our destination, so make the most of it.”

Eve nodded. "I'm sure Wyatt will agree with me when I say that our personal relationship will not affect our duties. As for the twelve hours, thank you Sir!" she looked to Wyatt with a sparkle in her eyes.

Wyatt nodded, "I do agree with you Eve and thank you Captain for the reminder though it wasn't needed." A smile grew on his face, "Twelve hours? What are we waiting for? time's awasting." He looked at Finchley. "Permission to leave the bridge sir."

"Permission granted" Finchley replied. He watched as they left, and turning to Karadis said, "I thought that went well."

"You must have been at another wedding, because as I said before, you're fucking awful at this..." Karadis replied.