EXETERRPG: (2 - 0945) MS - FO Ailynn Bracken & Bar Manager Caity DuBois

[Jaclyn Smith]

Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express

Day: 2

Stardate: 2445.12.02



(USS Exeter – Starlight Lounge - FO Ailynn Bracken and Bar Manager Caity
DuBois - 0945)


Sitting in the starlight lounge, caity held a cup of tea in her hands, more
for warmth than anything else. After having been sitting there for a good
hour, she was still a little numb. The thought of being a suspect in a
murder was still hitting her hard as she stared blankly out of the window.

Ailynn swept into the starlight lounge, drawing the curious glances of all
it’s occupants. She was in a set of fresh, ivory-white scrubs, her rank
pips and commbadge pinned discreetly at the collar, and her hair pulled
back into a simple ‘out of the way’ ponytail. She realised for the second
time that day that very few people on the Exeter crew had seen her dressed
like this. She saw Caity over in one corner and strode over at full pace,
ignoring everyone.

Staring blankly out of the window, Caity had kept herself to herself for
the last few hours. Not talking, not acknowledging anyone.

It was difficult to think that people, for the second time in her short
life, had thought bad of her. She sighed heavily and took a sip of her tea.

“Caity…I came as soon as I was able to.” She held her arms out, a smile of
deepest concern on her face.

Taking a breath, she looked up at her, her lip began to tremble a little,

"Ailynn…. I… didn't…"

“Caity…” Ailynn helped her up, and pulled her into a hug. “It will be
okay.” She kissed her cheek. “At the moment it’s just following leads.”

"You haven't seen the looks…" she replied, resting her head on Ailynn.
"People are talking."

She looked up at her, "Is it safe for you to talk to me?"

Ailynn nodded. “I have to be extremely careful about what I say. I can’t
tell you about the case. However, nothing...nothing...will stop me being
around to comfort you and being a shoulder for you to cry on.”

"Okay." She responded,  sitting back down. "This is bringing up memories
for me that I didn't want to think about. Finally, I'm in a good place and
now this.."

“Memories?” She asked gently, motioning to a waitress and asking for a
glass of water. “Need to talk?”

Caity shook her head, "Not right now. After this is all done. It's a period
of my life that only my uncle really knows about."

“Okay sweetie. Whenever you’re ready.” Ailynn replied. “Is there anything
you need?”

"I'll be okay."

“If you’re sure.” She sighed, finding it incredibly difficult to dance
around every word in her mind. “Baby, I have to be really careful what I
say, but I’m always around. If you need anything; I’m here, Ashlyn too, you
can trust her, and she will never judge you.”

"I hope not. She has to be pragmatic though. One of her staff is being
questioned about murder."

“If anyone says or does anything that is detrimental to you speak to both
of us. Remember too, you have a right to counsel.”

"Right to counsel and the right to refuse to speak to anyone without
counsel there. Believe me I know."

“Keep it in mind. Lean on those that you can.” She smiled gently.

"Ailynn, what do I do? I'm scared."

“Sit tight. Answer whatever questions that are asked of you. Think about
your precise movements. Every minute, of the last twenty hours. Think about
who you saw, and where, think about who saw you, when and where. Every
detail regardless of how incidental, every machine, door whatever you
interacted with.”

"That's a lot." She sighed, "So what now? I can't work because no-one in
the right mind will come to the bar whilst I have this hanging over my
head."

“Has anyone actually said that?” Ailynn asked gently. “Stand up and
continue as you did; until and if you’re found guilty you’re innocent, and
I’ll look anyone in the eye and stand by you on that. Otherwise if it’s
getting to you, and I understand that, approach Ash and see if there’s a
backroom job here. Expediting the pass maybe...I dunno.”

"Rumours, that and I see the way people look. But maybe you're right. When
they have finished in the bar, I'll open.  Might even see the Captain down
there eventually. "

Ailynn smiled. “That’s my girl. Look. Take some time. I wasn’t joking about
your movements, think about it all. Make notes.”

"I can try. I might just wait until later. Take some downtime. "

“I’ll be in later, steak sandwich, side of scampi.” Ailynn winked, a gentle
smile on her face that she hoped portrayed calm, and support.

"You're on."

On a whim, Ailynn leant over the table, and gave Caity a kiss on the cheek,
and another gentle wink. “Keep strong baby.”

"I will try."

Ailynn then squeezed her hand gently and stood up with a smile, and left
the lounge, headed back once more to the mortuary.

(Reply none)

(Posted by Jackie and Mark)
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