Explanations & Consequences

Posted on Tuesday 10 December 2019 @ 10:43 by Lieutenant Ricardo Draxx & Captain Melody Jones & Lieutenant Commander Hayley Godding

Mission: Ghost Ship
Location: Risa
Timeline: SL Day 2 2130 After "Jamaharon is not for everyone"
1670 words - 3.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Hayley walked hand in hand with Sansa as the latter led the former towards where her villa was situated. It felt a little awkward walking holding hands as they were, but Sansa didn't seem to show any signs of wanting to let go of that reassurance that she was safe and Hayley didn't want to remove that feeling of security that the simple act seemed to provide the younger woman. Okay, sure, it looked a little more than it actually was to a casual observer, but who gave a damn at this point? The poor girl had been through a traumatic experience, made somewhat worse by the realisation of what that Ferengi creep had actually been after. There was little doubt in Hayley's mind that she was going to get an earful for explaining what Jamaharon was, but as far as Hayley was concerned, it was irresponsible for Sansa not to know what it was. She'd face the music and take her licks, but from Hayley's perspective, she'd done the right and responsible thing by Sansa who she viewed as a friend. Besides, it wasn't the first time she'd gotten on the wrong-side of a situation, she could handle it.

As they entered, Sansa shouted "Mom! Dad!" When there was no answer she turned back to Hayley. "I'm sure they won't be long. Would you wait with me please?" She sat down on a sofa that was in front of an open log fire that was still glowing.

"Of course." Hayley replied, as if she had any intention of leaving Sansa on her own right now. She sat down next to Sansa and placed a reassuring hand on her arm.

A moment later the door opened again and Melody and Draxx entered. Melody stopped dead when she saw Sansa and Hayley sat on the couch. "Lieutenant Godding? I didn't expect to see you here.." She stopped and looked at Sansa closely. "Sweetie... What's wrong? What's happened?"

Sansa's bottom lip began to tremble as her eyes grew wet. Suddenly she burst into tears and threw herself into her mother's arms.

Melody held her close. "Oh, Sweetie. It's ok." She them mouthed to Hayley "What happened?"

Hayley had risen from the couch as soon as Sansa had leapt into her mother's arms. "I'm afraid there was an... 'incident'... in the main resort foyer and Sansa had a rather nasty encounter with a Ferengi male who wished to engage in 'activities' with her. Fortunately, Sansa here has a rather powerful set of lungs on her and I happened to be walking back to the resort myself at the time. I supported Sansa and educated the Ferengi to rethink his decision. The Risian security services have taken statements from us, but naturally Sansa was a bit shaken up so we sat together for a little while whilst she recovered, then I think when the realisation of what almost could have been set in, Sansa asked me to escort her home, and here we are." Hayley explained, trying to explain the important facts without being over-specific. Melody and Draxx could quite easily fill in the blanks, and there was no need to elaborate on her own part in the story.

Having delivered her matter-of-fact report on the incident, as she had done many times before to families of situations, she knew this would be the time to gracefully extract herself from the room and let Sansa's parents support her. She made to leave.

Melody stopped her. “Please stay Lieutenant... Hayley. Thank you for looking after Sansa. I trust this Ferengi has been dealt with in the appropriate manner? She turned to Draxx. “Could you get us some coffee please Sweetie?” She looked back to Godding “Would you like a cup?”

"I can but I am going to need to know which Ferengi did this so I can go have a "Gentle word" in his lobes," Draxx said between clenched teeth.

"Yes, please." Hayley replied. "As for the Ferengi, he was dealt with using only the most appropriate response and left the situation of his own volition." She explained, moving back to the main sitting room.

Sansa had dried her eyes and calmed down once again. “You should have seen her mom, Hayley was brilliant. In fact, I think it would be a good idea if she could teach me some material arts as self defence.” She continued eagerly, looking at Hayley with a mixture of enthusiasm and admiration.

Hayley crossed her arms over her chest. "I certainly agree that Sansa could stand to learn some basic defensive hand-to-hand combat, if only so she can feel more confident when going out in public on her own. There are also some more meditative and calming techniques I can teach which can help with stress and mental well-being." She then turned to look at Melody. "Assuming, of course, you are happy to approve Captain?"

Melody nodded “That sounds like a very good idea, if Hayley is willing it would be fine with me.”

Nodding, Hayley smiled. "Of course." She said. "Naturally, I won't allow it to interfere with my duties or Sansa's studies, but I think an hour every evening to start with is sufficient. How do you feel about that Sansa? It won't be easy and you'll have to put in a lot of hard work."

The young girl nodded, her tears now replaced with a beaming smile at the thought of spending time with her heroine. Melody looked at her chief with a look of respect. “That sounds wonderful. It’s a good job you were on Risa.”

Sansa piped up again. “I was planning to go out on a a nature hike tomorrow. They have some wonderful woodland nature trails that lead to a cosy beach area.“ She paused, a little embarrassed. “I don’t suppose... I mean would... you like to come with me?”

Hayley looked at Sansa and could see the tinge of a blush on her face. It was a very tempting invitation as she'd very much like to get to know Sansa. Hayley didn't have any friends on the ship yet, having not been aboard very long. It'd be nice to spend some time with someone. After all, her plans had been to just sit and read a book by the pool by herself. "I'd love to come with." Hayley replied. "Will your Mom and Dad be coming along too?"

"No," Draxx said putting the coffee in front of Godding. "I'm spending some time with your mother. Sansa's your okay to go out if shes with you. Obviously senior staff we can trust especially after today." He turned to Hayley though. "I will need to know who this Ferengi is though."

So, just Sansa and her going off. Well, that wasn't so bad. She was hoping to spend time with her anyway, so doing it as a girls trip sounded like fun. Her gaze turned to Draxx at his comment however. "Rest assured, the Ferengi got exactly what he deserved from me and I made sure he left with his tail firmly between his legs. I think it best for all concerned that you leave the matter with Risian security to address with the Ferengi his transgressions. You could end up in trouble yourself and potentially ruin your R&R by being locked up in detention for assault, possibly facing charges under the SFMCJ." In truth, Hayley wanted to avoid having Draxx interrogate the Ferengi so that Sansa's little indiscretion regarding the Jamaharon situation wasn't revealed. She could fully understand Draxx's need as a father to exact a measure of revenge on the person who dared to harm his little girl, but more harm than good could possibly come from that scenario, not to mention potentially upsetting Sansa. It was interesting to Hayley's inner self that she actually cared more about Sansa being upset than about Draxx blatantly violating Starfleet regs. That was something interesting that she'd need to reflect on.

Draxx knew immediately that there was more to this than was presented. And didn't sit well with him that the lieutenant in front of him currently enjoying his coffee and hospitality was keeping something quiet here.

"I'm only going to speak to him. Don't worry. If you won't help me I will go find him myself. Any Ferengi," he groused grabbing his jacket, "Is trying to make money. I have been speaking with some of the traders from an ops perspective anyway. I'll find him rest assured." He stomped out of the villa door leaving them to it.

Sansa looked at Melody worried. “Mom...”

Melody stood up. “Don’t worry Sweetie. I’ll go and talk some sense into him. I think you better get to bed. Hayley, thank you once again. You must join us for dinner one evening.”

Sansa interjected “And don’t forget tomorrow, meet you here at 0900 hours, ok?”

Hayley smiled and nodded. "You sure will." She said. "I'm looking forward to it."

Melody picked up a shawl that was draped over a chair. “If you excuse me, I’m going to get Draxx back. Goodnight Hayley.” She looked at Sansa. “Bed young lady.”

Sansa jumped up and gave Hayley one more hug. “Goodnight, see you tomorrow.”

Something like an electric buzz surged through Hayley when Sansa hugged her. What was that? She hadn't felt that in quite a while. She returned the hug; "Goodnight Sansa." She said, as she made her way towards the door. "See you in the morning." As she made her way back off to her hotel room however, Hayley realised that she had quite a fair bit to think about - chief amongst them being her mixed emotional thoughts about Sansa.

OFF:

●●● Commander Melody Jones
Acting Captain/Executive Officer
USS Merlin

●○ Lieutenant JG Hayley Godding
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Merlin


Sansa Draxx-Jones
Cilviian
Npc Melody

Lieutenant JG Ricardo Draxx
Ops officer, USS Merlin