Posted by Lieutenant Commander Faye Calloway (Counter-Intelligence Officer) in Calloway’s Quarters- Mentoring in All Forms

(snip)

Faye propped her chin in her hand and her elbow on her desk. “Tell me about them, about your job. Why did you decide to be a teacher?”

Nadine shrugged. “Always liked kids and I can be kinda bossy,” she said with a grin, making Faye chuckle. “But I like those moments when we’re into a lesson and I just see someone… get it, especially if they were struggling with a concept beforehand. I always liked learning and I like to be around people who also enjoy that. If I can make some kids who hate school hate it a little less, then I consider myself successful.”

That made Faye smile. She could see the passion underneath the surface of Nadine’s voice and she had to admit it sounded a lot like her own. “I have no doubt you are.”

Nadine smiled. “Tell me about this fiance of yours. Orion, I think?”

Faye grinned. “Yeah, a big giant green man named Daggum,” she said with a laugh. “He’s an operations officer. Logistics and all that stuff. He’s serving on another ship… at least for the moment. After the wedding though, we’ll get to be together.” She studied Nadine for a moment. “You’ll come, won’t you? It’s a great chance for us to chat more in person. I mean, hell, we’re inviting Gavin. What’s another long lost relative?”

“Gavin?”

“Mom’s brother,” Faye said.

“Oh, right! Of course. She mentioned him a couple times. So you don’t know him?”

“Yeah, it’s complicated, but Gavin wasn’t a big fan of the Maquis. Became a bit of a sticking point when Mom and Dad were arming up against the Carassians and weren’t about to let Starfleet vessels get in the way of their defence of their home. Gavin’s a Captain.”

Nadine slowly nodded. “Ah! Yeah, I can imagine that being tricky to navigate. And it sounded like there was stuff from before too, from when they were kids. Sounded like a bad situation she got herself out of.”

Faye nodded. “Yeah. But she never really talked about it much. Didn’t like me asking a lot of questions. But… things have changed, at least somewhat. You might actually know more than me, now that I think about it.”

Nadine gave a soft smile, knowing that all of this was touching potential sore points. “We’ll have to compare notes. And as for the wedding, I’ll think about it, okay? It’s not a no, it’s just, today has been…”

“A lot,” Faye said softly. And she wasn’t mad or upset either. Wasn’t she just trying to get herself steady here too?

“Look, it’s getting late here, but I’d really like to talk again. Maybe in a few days or so after I get back to Portland?”

Faye smiled. “Yeah. I’ll make sure Mom gives you the info. I’m reachable, but it’s slightly tricky out here in the Delta Quadrant with a wormhole and all.” Suddenly Tess decided it was her chance to get in the action and there was a half fluffy tail interrupting the picture. Faye scooped the cat and ducked her head around Tess. “And this is Tess. Can’t leave her out of the fun.”

Nadine laughed. “Well, hello Tess!”

The cat chirped and Faye just shook her head and set her back down, but Tess immediately got back up, making Faye laugh. “Okay, okay!” She shook her head. “Tess is my therapy animal. She’s empathic and is clearly reacting to my rather up and down moods tonight. It’s been a day!”

“Yes it has. Well, I have to wait to see what tomorrow brings, but I’m going to say good night. And Faye?”

“Yeah?”

Nadine smiled. “I’m really glad you called. I can understand if it feels like I’m intruding, even just a little, but I’m really happy I get to know you. I think as long as we’re patient with each other, it’ll all work out just fine.”

Faye nodded. “I have a sneaky suspicion you’re very right. Night, Nadine.”

“Good night Faye,” Nadine said, and then the call ended.

Faye leaned back in her chair and nuzzled Tess, who was purring loudly. “We got ourselves a sister, Tess! How do you like that?” Tess just purred.

After getting herself ready for bed, Faye sent a simple message to Alex: Called Dag, and then called Nadine. She’s super nice. I’m okay, just… exhausted. Talk later.

And then she also wrote a message and sent it to her mom: I was upset and confused, and I’m sorry if I was hurtful. I called Nadine. She’s really nice and we’ll be talking more. I even told her it was okay to come to the wedding. She looks like your döppleganger, you know. Had to do a double-take. I love you. ~Faye

Patting Tess, Faye headed to bed and Tess followed behind her tail swaying.

~Faye & Nadine