Joint Log - Fleet Admiral Malone, Captain Ivanova - New York, New York

Posted on Mon Aug 11th, 2014 @ 3:28am by Admiral Rochelle Ivanova & Fleet Admiral Kerry Malone

2,998 words; about a 15 minute read

Mission: In the Dark

Having been informed of a significant 'do' aboard the USS Vindicator, Malone decided he would drop in. It was a big deal for the crew of the Vindi, who had just been through a harrowing ordeal, and this event would help bolster the morale of a shattered crew. It was important, Malone appreciated, that he do his part to bolster the morale of the crew. Having the Commander-in-Chief arrive at your party might be somewhat daunting, but he never passed up the opportunity to mingle with the troops. There was more to leadership than sitting in an office, giving orders.

So, having dressed in his dinner-dress uniform, the white tunic with red accents and gold piping, black pants with two gold stripes down each leg, and the shiny black shoes - he stepped onto the transporter of the Ticonderoga. With him, were his chief of staff, Captain Rick Goldman, his personal aide - Lieutenant Commander Lisa Stirling, his flag captain & CO of the Ticonderoga - Captain Alexia Nolan, and four very armed, very menacing looking protection agents.

The transporter whirred into life, beaming the "away team" aboard the USS Vindicator.

--- VINDICATOR HOLODECK ---

Rochelle Ivanova was a strong woman, a beautiful woman and downright imposing when sat behind a tactical console or placed in the command chair. She was, as Amelia would put it, kissed by fire in more ways that one. That night, however, she was simply cloaked in elegance. The warrior had been allowed to rest, revealing her as the gracious creature rarely depicted aside from at events where the crew, and her, could simply relax and live in the moment. Standing towards the windows, the petite Commander smiled and engaged in small talk with those who came up to speak with her, offer her their condolences over the loss of Captain Neyes, and see for themselves that she had returned from her ordeal in one whole piece. A long whistle and yell of 'Admiral on deck!' had caught her attention at the beginning of the night, announcing the presence of Admiral Malone as he sauntered through the doors and across the polished black marble in all of his regalia. She'd been concerned. Worried about his escorts, but quickly allowed herself to breathe and relax when the man seemed genuinely jovial -- perhaps even supportive.

And now... There he was. Standing, relatively alone, two floor to ceiling window panels away. "It's an incredible view." She stated, closing the gap between them, her hands neatly folded in front of her. Below them New York in all of it's glory, roared around in spite of a summer rain.

"Yes, it is." Malone said, as he sipped at his small glass of scotch. This was from a bottle of the 'proper' stuff that he'd brought with him as a warming gift. "Hard to believe that New York looked this good before the Third World War."

The redhead nodded, studying the depicted world. It was an easier time, then, or so she thought. "Part of me almost wishes we could all just hit the reset button and go back, just forget the knowledge we have now."

"The past is always seen with nostalgic eyes." Malone said, taking a small sip of his scotch. "Trust me, sometimes the past is best left where it belongs. If the past had damn well stayed where it should've - this Federation First lot would never have existed."

A chuckle rolled from her lips and she nodded in quick agreement. "My point exactly, leaving well enough alone may have been for the betterment of society -- then again... We'd lose so much. It's a double edged sword." She mused, smoothing her palms along the skirt of her gown. "I want to thank you for coming tonight, Admiral, it means a lot to the crew. They've been feeling down lately. Captain Neyes was well liked."

Kerry nodded slowly. "Its never easy for a crew to lose their Captain like that. Transfers are hard enough, but they're part of the routine. But these are the things we accepted when we put on our uniforms, and we knew it could happen. It just doesn't make it any easier when it does. I would imagine it has been harder on you than most others, Commander." He said, looking at her.

For split second the Commander's heart froze cold in her heart, the rumors of their relationship obviously hadn't been confined to the hull of the ship. The fact he'd taken it upon himself to break protocol and set out to rescue her hadn't gone unnoticed by any, especially not herself. What they shared had been the denial of their own hearts for the betterment of the ship and fleet they served -- something the woman had a hard time not regretting. "We were close." She replied, "but duty comes before friendship. It has to, and we're all shaking off the debris and soldiering on. The Vindicator is a good ship and her crew is beyond compare. I have no doubt that she'll muster on."

"She'll have to." Malone said, looking at her. "Times are hard, and they are meant to try our souls. Pitching Starfleet officer against Starfleet officer... these will be demanding days. These events are going to push your ship and her crew to their limits, Commander, and I'm going to ask you to push beyond even those. Do you feel up to that challenge?"

Rochelle considered his words for a moment, turning her attention back to the busy street below as she did. her options weighed themselves, the choice, ultimately, was hers and she knew what he was requiring of her. Was she ready to take flight? Was she ready to jump into the fray beyond the limits she had set as the status quo? The weight of her earrings swaying tugged at her, she was nodding. "I am." She almost whispered, turning her attention back to his rugged features, "I was born for this, Admiral."

"Well, then lets go talk to your crew." He said, and led her out into the middle of the room. He tapped the side of his glass with a spoon he picked up, to get everyone's attention.

"Attention crew of the USS Vindicator." He said, once he had captured the room. "I know you've done all your awards and promotions, and you've all done remarkable service to Starfleet, and I commend and thank you for it. Despite all you've endured and lost, you've done yourselves a great service - and a grateful fleet thanks you."

"The loss of Captain Neyes was a terrible blow, and one that no crew should have to endure. However, despite everything, you had in your first officer a most capable woman - who didn't baulk at her duty. She stepped forward, took command, and brought you all home. She did her duty, and for that reason and more - I am able to announce that Commander Ivanova is promoted to the rank of Captain, and given command of the USS Vindicator, as of Stardate 241407.10." He said, and then raised his glass to the vivacious red-head. "Join me in drinking a toast to Captain Ivanova of the USS Vindicator!"

Allowing him to lead her across the floor, the woman couldn't help but stiffen under the hard attention of her crew, bringing herself to her full -- but still quite unimposing -- height as she came to rest beside the Admiral. Rochelle couldn't help but smile as she heard him speak such words to the ship's bold crew. Couldn't help but wistfully pay silent homage to Landon Neyes as she listened to his words of coronation. The invisible crown that the Trill had worn had it's weight pressed above her brow, becoming one with her her, epitomizing her. Captain.

A waiter was quick to hand her glass of what appeared to be champagne and she took it, holding it up dutifully. The smile she offered the room was genuine. "To the future! May fortune continue to favor the bold!" She added her toast.

"Now, as is traditional... at least tonight anyway... the Commander-in-Chief will lead the new Captain out onto the dance-floor." Malone announced, and placing his now empty glass on a passing servers tray, he took Rochelle's hand and gracefully led her onto the dance floor as the band struck up a merry tune.

Setting her own barely touched champagne flute on the same passing tray, the smiling Captain allowed the Admiral to lead her to the floor, the people parting and simply watching the couple find their rhythm. Rochelle's black gown was a stark contrast to the crisp white and gold of Malone's dress uniform, her porcelain skin glowing delicately against his much darker tan. He was tall where she was, quite honestly, extremely petite. In that atmosphere, while elegant, she almost appeared dainty -- a far cry from the savagery that she'd often exhibited in battle. "New tradition?" She asked, amused, as she rested the palm of her hand on his shoulder.

"I confess, I just wanted an excuse to monopolize you further." Malone smirked conspiratorially, as he moved her in a graceful waltz. The dancing was slow, it was intimate, and other people began to break off into pairs and dance - or float against the walls to watch. This went on for a little while, until the song ended, and Malone separated from Ivanova with a kiss to her hand. "Thank you for the dance, mon'cheri." He said, courteously.

"Did you just?" She asked, raising an eyebrow and chuckling, "Admiral's prerogative?" Rochelle allowed him to manipulate her in their timeless waltz across the high polished floors. They were seamless, easily gliding until the music died and, in true fashion, he released her. "Whoever said chivalry is dead hasn't had the pleasure of running across you, Admiral Malone." The young Captain teased gently, "The night is young. Entertain me for a bit, would you? I'm not quite ready to be turned loose to the wolves."

"Would you care for a stroll through the corridors? I'd love to see more of your ship." He smiled. "I've not actually been aboard a Discovery class before. I've seen the specifications, but never the actual ship."

"Really? I find it hard to believe you haven't had the joy." Rochelle replied, incredulously, "The Vindicator isn't just a discovery," She began, slowly drifting towards the doors, "She's actually a refit. Captain Olan Dar actually had her armed to the teeth. I think of her as a big hedge hog."

The corridors were quiet, devoid of life other than a few random members of the crew heading towards their quarters and private celebratory parties. Times like these were a rarity in the current political environment. None of them batted an eye at the Captain and the Admiral cruising through even the most sensitive areas of the slumbering exploration vessel.

"She certainly doesn't have that utilitarian feel that the Ticonderoga has. She's a vessel bred for war, and is very spartan in most corridors - with the exception of the areas dedicated for the flag and senior officers. Those bits get nice furnishings. The rest of the ship has a very dark grey metallic feel - like being in a factory." Malone explained. "But given that she's the most prolifically armed vessel in the fleet - its not hard to see why she's so drab."

"The Ticonderoga has her merits, but, Vindicator most definitely was designed with the creature comforts necessary for long hauls in deep space." The woman shrugged and half-gestured to the warmer furnishings and colors that brought the ship to life, "Even junior officer quarters are relatively lavish compared to most vessels. Even the Griffin wasn't quite as nice. Senior Officer are posh and Command team quarters are quite exquisite. Captain Dar had an interesting image in mind when he worked with the teams designing her. One of a kind." Rochelle continued, stepping back into the lift near main engineering.

"She'd certainly give our Odyssey classes a run for their money in terms of luxurious appointments." Malone said, stepping into the lift with Rochelle. "With the noted exception of Starfleet One - the President's personal ride. Not sure what's happened to that actually."

"I think Captain Dar stripped her of the good stuff and hid the cut pile." Rochelle winked and called for her deck. The lift computer chirped in compliance and obediently set off with the duo. She barely had time to take up her customary lean against the walls when it began to slow and chimed their arrival. Stepping out, she once again took up residence at the Admiral's side as they strolled down the corridors towards her quarters.

"Captain Dar sounds like a rather interesting individual." Malone said, smirking. "I regret not having the opportunity to meet him."

"I know him more by reputation than anything else." She replied, slowing as they neared her quarters. "He was an interesting man, then again most Trill are."

"They can be." Malone agreed. "Especially the joined Trills. They're very interesting."

"Indeed." She nodded, quickly reminded of Landon. Coming to a stop just shy of her own door, the Captain folded her hands in front of her again, turning to study the Admiral in earnest. "I don't have access to the Captain's quarters yet, but I do have access to mine if you wanted to take a closer look at the Vindicator's design scheme. Alternatively, the observation lounge is quite lovely."

"I believe your quarters are closer, are they not?" Malone asked, looking at the ravishing woman before him. "And far more personal than the observation lounge."

Rochelle nodded and turned to access her quarters, holding her arm out to invite the Admiral inside as the door hissed open. "Much." She replied, following him inside. "Aside from my own decor, you can see how spacious it is. I almost feel like it's wasted on anyone who doesn't have a family to fill it."

"Its not that bad." Kerry said, as they stood alone in the middle of the room. The moment seemed to come without any prelude or warning. One moment they were admiring the ship, the next they were together. Their lips joined together in a moment that seemed to last forever, a kiss that only seemed possible when captured in literature.

Returning the kiss, Rochelle's long lashes fluttered shut. Her arms draped over his shoulders as she returned the kiss in earnest. And just as she surrendered, just as she allowed the delicate curves of her body to mold to his, it hit her. Landon. She was there, on that cliff, preparing to die and suddenly Malone's perfect mouth was the Trill's. Suddenly it wasn't that fantastic hello, it was that sorrowful goodbye. A tear rolled down her cheek - causing her to pull away from the kiss.

"I'm... Sorry. I can't..."

"It's perfectly okay." Malone said, smiling. "I know I'm a bit rusty, but I've never made a woman cry before from my kissing." He teased her, trying to lighten the mood.

Rochelle smiled sadly, cupping the handsome Admiral's cheek. "It's not you... Not in the least."

"Its Neyes, isn't it?" Malone asked, confirming for the first time that night that he'd heard the rumors. "Its amazing what a hot-bed of gossip a fleet can be, Rochelle." He smiled, showing that he wasn't offended, put out, or in any other way upset.

Brushing away the tear before it could destroy her makeup, Rochelle nodded her answer with a trembling lower lip. It was hard keeping her relative composure, "We never..." She shrugged, trying to figure out how to explain herself even though his eyes promised her that she didn't have to.

"We never did anything about it, but it was there. It was duty before pleasure to protect the ship. Too damned noble for our own good." She managed a small laugh at how ridiculous that must have sounded and how small she truly felt. "I don't mean to hurt you, Kerry. You deserve better and I can't give you that right now."

He nodded. "Its understandable. You need time to process, to accept that Landon has gone." He smiled. "I think it might be best if I leave."

"Come back to the party with me. No one will think anything of us returning together. No rumors." The songbird offered, finally catching a hold of herself, calming her frayed psyche as she stood before him as anything but the officer he'd just promoted to Captain.

"I'm not worried about rumors." He sighed. "I have enough of those following me around, but if it'll make you happy, I'll go back to the party with you." He smiled at her.

"Then it's a plan." She nodded and drew a deep breath, carefully stepping towards the door. On the outside Rochelle was the collected image of sophistication, poised and perfectly put together as they strolled the corridors. Inside, the woman shivered in the wild and turbulent tide of cold, raw emotion that threatened to over take her.

Tonight she'd taken her pivotal role, redefined herself and took a plunge.

Kerry Malone. Never in a billion years did she ever believe she'd come close enough to taste the sweetness of scotch on his lips, let alone turn down a night with him. She spied him from the corner of her eye as they walked from her quarters back to the roaring party, and studied him for the man and not the uniform. To her it was fascinating how people would change and turn about -- how fate altered timelines and adjusted personalities to corrupt potential and strike barren any form of beauty. Rochelle's heart would most likely never be the same, the fear of loss would tempt emotional seclusion. It would seem it too was lost beneath the snowfields on that horrid frozen day.

---

Fleet Admiral Kerry Malone
Starfleet CinC

Captain Rochelle Ivanova
Commanding Officer
USS VINDICATOR

 

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