<div dir="auto"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;color:rgb(34,34,34);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Mission: Auld Lang Syne</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;color:rgb(34,34,34);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Day:01</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;color:rgb(34,34,34);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Stardate: 2445.12.28</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;color:rgb(34,34,34);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;color:rgb(34,34,34);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">(Earth - Starfleet HQ - DirAeroCmd Adm Dale Bracken - 1705)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;color:rgb(34,34,34);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dale sat down with a sigh at her desk, so many thoughts and worries on her mind. SHe picked up a picture off her desk, with herself and Aimee, both in uniform, flanking Ailynn, newly promoted to Commander. From what scuttlebut she had heard, maybe for not much longer. She was so proud of both her daughter and granddaughter, but she worried deeply about Ailynn. She’d always been such a driven girl, thankfully though, it seemed that she had begun to settle, and allow herself to be distracted from relentless work.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;color:rgb(34,34,34);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Evers.” she called out, “get me a channel to the cabin where Ailynn is staying please?”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;color:rgb(34,34,34);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Her aide nodded, and opened a channel, making the connections. “You know she’s at the…”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;color:rgb(34,34,34);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Yes I’m aware. I know what I’m doing. Good reminder though, thank you for telling me. Get going home. Go play with your children.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;color:rgb(34,34,34);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Thank you Ma’am. I will.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;color:rgb(34,34,34);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">A few seconds later, the channel connected, and she waited for the call to be answered. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> </p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.44;background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;color:rgb(34,34,34);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">(Risa– Suraya Bay, Cabin -9D Manager Caity DuBois and DirAeroCmd Adm Dale Bracken - 1710)</span></p><br><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Sitting on the comfy sofa, fire warming her, the chime of the com chanel broke her concentration. Putting down the well worn copy of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Caity pressed to answer the call and immediately, a confused look flew onto her face.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dale smiled warmly as the channel connected and an attractive looking brunette appeared, perhaps looking slightly confused. “Good evening dear. Miss DuBois I assume? I’ve heard a lot about you, may I call you Caity?”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Well, I suppose… who are you exactly? If you're calling for Ailynn.."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dale shook her head, and her innate sense of playfulness suddenly bubbled to the surface. “I’m afraid not Caity, you see this is a bit more serious.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Oh…" Caity responded, "What did I do… to get called by a Starfleet Admiral.."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Standard security call for any Civilian who is dating a senior Fleet Officer. I do apologise.” Dale smiled gently.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Caity’s eyes grew wide, "it is? I hadn’t realised…."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Not being able to keep her face straight any longer, Dale giggled. “I am so sorry, Admirals don’t have much fun. It’s Dale, Ailynn is my granddaughter. Seems that she’s told me more about you than you about me. I just wanted to put a face to the name I hear so much about.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"I swear I am going to have words with her when she gets back." Caity replied, still a little nervous. Having never met anyone’s family before, she made a mental note to choose her words carefully. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dale smiled at the younger woman's outwardly flustered appearance. No doubt Ailynn would get it in the neck later, Dale could see that underneath Caity’s exterior lay a core of steel.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Ma'am…" she began and then paused, looking at the woman on the screen, "...she's talked about me?"</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“She has, Dates you two have been on...things like that. Nothing that you wouldn’t want her to have shared. Forgive me my teasing, and please, it’s just Dale, too many call me Ma’am. You don’t work for me.” she winked.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Okay… Dale. I have to ask… why now? Ailynn isn't here…"</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“I know, its why I chose now actually. I wanted to meet the real you, and maybe ask things that I wouldn’t if you were sat next to Ailynn.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Caity’s eyes narrowed, "Like what exactly?" She could tell that the woman was protective, but so was she.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Did Ailynn tell you the dilemma she has at the moment?”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Depends. Did she tell you?"</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Caity...I understand. It’s okay. I’m not asking you to break confidences, and I’d think less of you if you did. Just wanted to hear your thoughts.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"She is her own woman. If she makes the choice that takes her away from The Exeter, then that's fine."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“I wasn’t always a boring Admiral sat at a desk. I was once a young and more idealistic CSO, later I worked undercover SpecOps. I just wondered your take on things, Ailynn’s decision will affect you after all.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"That's true. But we are a team. Where she goes, I go. Although, with life in the fleet as it is… if the choice were reversed, I wouldn’t expect her to stay in one place."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dale nodded, liking what she saw. “You’re being guarded, and protective. I like that. I can see why she’s fallen for you.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"She has now, has she?" Caity asked with a smile. "Feeling is mutual. She's a worry wart though.."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Ailynn is…” Dale sighed. “...well...you know her well enough by now. Just don’t let her nature drive you crazy. Bracken girls can be high maintenance.” She winked.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"That's one word for it." She grinned.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Anything you want to ask me?” She ventured.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Ailynn has told me some of her past. Not all. I know things were not good for her at one point. That I can tell. I… did you look into me when you heard my name?" Caity asked, crossing her arms across her chest.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dale smiled. “I was tempted, not going to lie, there are rules in place to stop that kind of thing, but you don’t get to where I have or where Ailynn is without learning where the cracks are. However…” Dale shifted in her seat. “I love my family, and I know you and her are a serious item now. I wouldn’t and couldn’t do anything that would affect your relationship with her, or indeed any possibility of one with me. So short answer no I didn’t.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"I'll take that. I appreciate that."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“You are correct. Ailynn...some people, I think...aren’t suited for certain ages. Ailynn struggled as a late teen, too old for childhood, too young for adulthood, and under that the intellect that she possesses; that must unnerve you? Certainly does me. So, she had issues. Any more is up to her. Don’t worry, I suspect she’ll open up fully now you two have complete privacy.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Sometimes it does. But we all have our skills. Me, I read people. I have to. Comes with the job." Caity smiled softly.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dale nodded and smiled, "good skill to have." She said. "Look, I'll not take any more of your quiet time. I know how valuable it is. If there's ever anything you need, don't hesitate yeah?." </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"How's your pull with customs?" Caity asked laughing. "But I appreciate that. Ailynn loves you so your opinion matters to me."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dale smiled gently. "Thank you honey. I appreciate the sentiment. I'll see what I can do." She winked. "Cracks in the system remember."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Oh I know. I just hope that I help her some. She carries the weight of the world on her shoulders."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"I've seen the strongest people torn apart by the stresses of the job. She's lucky to have someone like you. I expect to meet you in person in Tuscanny when your next our way yeah?"</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Would you take it as an affront if I said I was a little nervous? Ailynn is one thing but I have heard Bracken women are a force to be reckoned with."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"We have moments." Dale laughed. "But you're more than strong enough."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"I should get going. Ailynn will want feeding when she gets back." She winked.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"Take care sweetie, love to everyone."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">"I'll pass that on. Thankyou.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">She winked, "Bracken out."</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">(Reply none)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">(Posted by Jackie and Mark)</span></p></div>