Changes

Posted on Mon Apr 25th, 2016 @ 6:34am by Lieutenant Commander Mira Jayde & Master Chief Petty Officer Liang Shao

644 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Pathways
Timeline: Before departure

ON

After the events on the USS Ares, Jayde took several months off to go to Nepal on Earth and focus on her training. She'd done the bare minimum to maintain her skill level for far too long a needed to clear her mind and regain her focus.

She briefly considered going to Vulcan, but did not wish to divest herself of emotion. She preferred the Shaolin methods of combining a belief in a higher being with intense training.

Now, six months later, she felt refreshed and ready to resume her chosen path aboard another Starship.

She arrived at the Starbase almost a day before she was to report in. Normally, she would board the ship immediately and use the time to familiarize herself with the ship and its crew, but the shuttle ride had been long and she wanted to take a few hours to explore. She turned to Liang a touch of humor dancing on the corner of her mouth. "So what shall we do first?"

"Walk," Liang replied quickly. "Too much time sitting down. Why did that family wish to recreate the entire plot of War and Peace?"

"It is a classic earth novel," Jayde countered. "And a long trip. At least it wasn't Gone with the Wind."

"Foolish story about a spoiled little girl who was never taught proper discipline," Liang replied, the expression on her face showing her disdain for the epic.

"The Odyssey would have been more appropriate," Liang countered. "If you're going to use Earth literature, use the best."

Not wanting to get into another discussion about the merits -- or lack thereof -- of classic Earth literature, Jayde again asked. "So, what shall we do while we're here?"

Liang sighed. "I answered. Were you not listening? We begin by walking the length of the Promenade. Then we go to the arboretum to practice moving silently. After that, we find a good Chinese restaurant and eat."

And then meditation, followed by Bo staff training. Then an early night. Jayde was well familiar with the regiment. This time, however, she wished to make a slight change. "On one condition," she replied. "After dinner, we do some shopping. I wish to buy a gift for Jayna." Jayde's twin was stationed on another starship as the Assistant Chief Intelligence Officer. From what she'd said to Jayde, she worked for a small, grumpy man who may or may not have a heart of gold buried somewhere in all his gruff demeanor. She did seem to be quite taken with a Caitian on board. Another Intel officer. Jayde hoped that this time her sister would have better luck. To that end, she wanted to find some trinket that would make her sister smile -- and perhaps remind her to send messages more often. Although that was difficult when her sister's ship could spend weeks out of communication range and Jayde herself was isolated in a remote Tibetan village.

Out of nowhere, Liang swung the stick she had been using as a cane at Jayde. The younger woman deftly dodged the blow and parried with a kick to Liang's wrist, knocking the stick out of her hand. Both women lunged for it, but Jayde was faster. She picked it up and turned to Liang. "I should start calling you Cato."

"You need to keep in practice," Liang countered, but she could not help grinning. "You never know when it will come in handy."

"Right now, all that will come in handy is a walk," Jayde assured her, handing back the cane that both women knew was unnecessary. "Come on. I'll even let you set the pace."

With that, the two women walked briskly towards the Promenade to stretch out their muscles.

____
OFF

Lieutenant Commander Mira Jayde
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Master Chief Petty Officer Liang Shao
Master-at-Arms

 

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