Communications

Posted on Sun Aug 8th, 2021 @ 8:01pm by Captain Dirk Taggart & Captain Abigail Laurens

Dirk sat alone his quarters, the stress of his duties weighed heavily on his mind. His cheek still stung from the slap from his Counselor. The events in the nebula were physically behind him, but some of the things that were said and done had chipped away at his confidence though he'd never let it show to his crew. While lying there on his bed staring at the ceiling, he decided to contact Abbie.

Picking up his PADD he recorded a quick message and sent it, "Hey Abbie, it's me. I haven't been able to send any comms out because of an issue with a nebula. Just wanted you to know, I missed you and I'm thinking about you. I hope all is well there. I hope to hear from you soon."

He set the PADD down beside him on the bed and continued staring at the ceiling.

Abigail had been sitting in the window ledge, or at least, what passed as a window ledge, staring out at the stars beyond. The stars felt comforting, but at the same time, so isolating. The computer chirped with an alert, bringing her back to the present.

=/\= Incoming message - Captain Dirk Taggart - USS Pennsylvania. =/\=

"Computer, play message," Abigail ordered, sliding off the window ledge, unable to help but smile as she listened to the familiar voice.

As his voice faded and the computer chirped with the end of the communication, Abigail drew a deep breath, picking up a PaDD and carrying it across to her bed, resting it on her knees as she thought for a moment before replying.

"I miss you," she started softly. "Things have been..." a deep breath, a small sigh. "Things have been interesting. The negotiations with the Dalacari failed. I don't know if we'll be able to resolve it. I have no idea when I'll get to see you again, but I wish I could, even just for a bit."

=/\=

Dirk was surprised to receive the message so quickly, he replied quickly, "I think everything will turn out ok. We have a Dalacari scientist aboard and if I were to judge the rest of them by this one I'd say they're a fairly reasonable lot. I will keep my fingers for you.." He typed coordinates quickly, "It's been a bit hectic here to say the least. I've added coordinates for a Nebula that seems to cause everyone to rage. It was very trying to say the least."

He took a deep breath and continued, "I do think about you often, especially when I lie in bed and watch the stars go by through the window. I will be be looking forward to our paths crossing again soon."

=/\=

Abigail smiled at the words, a quick glance to her own view ports and the stars beyond, thinking about the first night they met, laying on the boat, looking up at the stars above. Using the PaDD, she recorded her own message to send back. "Just promise me you'll be safe," she said softly. "I need you in one piece when I see you again." She sighed softly and hit send to transmit the message, leaning back against the bedhead, closing her eyes for a few moments.

=/\=

Taggart was eating lunch when he received the notification on his PADD that there was a new message from Abby. He left the mess deck and went to his private quarters, a short turbolift ride away. The excitement built as he anticipated the message.

His heart skipped a beat as her face filled the screen and her soft voice filled the room. With a contented smile he recorded his reply.

"Hey Abby, I'm still in one piece, a little sore though, I tried a new holo workout, and I've realized I'm not a kid anymore. Things have been quiet here in my corner of the quadrant, in fact we've caught wind of some sort of trading bazaar at a planet. We are en route to check it out. We're hoping to get some parts for the engine as well as some fresh food. I hope things are improving with the Dalacari. Please reply quickly, I find myself living for these small moments with you."

After hitting send he exited his quarters and walked to the Arboretum.

=/\=

Abigail smiled as the transmission appeared at her terminal. The few weeks they had had together while en route to the Delta Quadrant most definitely spoiled her and she found herself often missing his physical presence, she also missed the ability to just have a continuous conversation with him. The infrequent messages were at least something, something she had come to look forward to very much, especially now.

The familiar face appeared on the screen, bringing a smile to her lips as she listened before she hit record.

"We've been told to leave Dalacar, it was..." she sighed softly. "Hopefully we'll get a chance to renegotiate with them soon, but for now we're going to be doing some supply runs for other federation ships in the Quadrant. The Dalacari were kind enough to offer some resources before we departed." She offered a smile. "Do you think we can find a way for our paths to cross soon? Send me coordinates for your trading bazaar, maybe we can check it out?" Another momentary pause. "I miss you Dirk." Leaning forward, she blew a kiss in the direction of the screen before she saved and sent the recording before she stood up and headed out of the ready room.

=/\=

"Hey Abby, I miss you too," Dirk began, "Thank for the kiss too," he said with a wink. "I've sent the coordinates over via the secure channel, you should have them when you receive this message. I just finished reading Janeway's Memoir and logs, at least the logs that are granted to us DQ Captain's. I'm considering trying to contact some of the friendlier races she encountered. What do you think? Anyhow I need to get going before my Marine XO uses another hypospray on an officer. I'll be seeing you in my dreams Abby." He sent the message and sighed gently, "Careful Taggart, you're falling for this woman," he told himself.

=/\=

"I got the coordinates, we're leaving within 24 hours. We need to deliver supplies to the Ticonderoga, but hopefully we should get to you in a few days." She paused, biting on her bottom lip for a moment. "I've missed you, but I feel better knowing I'll get to see you soon."

=/\=

Dirk smiled when he received the message, They'd be arriving fairly close together. He hoped to make the stay a few days and offer some shore leave, but as always the unknown dictated the circumstances

Captain Taggart
Commanding Officer
USS Pennsylvania

Captain Abigail Laurens
Commanding Officer
USS Astraea