Posted by Lieutenant Faye Calloway (Mission Specialist) in Unroth, 2391- For the Cause

(snip)

“Come back to me soon my sahe’lagga!” he said dramatically.

Her brows rose at the use of the term of endearment that translated to ‘passion flower’. “Call me that again, and I will cut you!” she said seriously as she opened the door.

“You do love me, don’t you?!” he teased.

She simply gave him the middle finger and left.

OOC: To be continued…

~Faye Calloway

Two Weeks Later:

She meandered through the underground space, watching the flames from torches cast flickering shadows along the walls and ground. The passageway opened out into the communal area where people gathered to eat and socialize. Most of the time there were at least several people there unless it was the middle of the night. This evening there were about a dozen Romulans and Vulcans gathered in small groups. The evening meal had long passed but Faye had been occupied and missed it. So she wandered in and surveyed the cold platters left for people in her situation. She grabbed a plate and simply opted for a bun, some lightly dressed vegetables and some sort of legume dip thing that would be a decent amount of protein. What she really wanted was the roasted meat she had heard had been cooked, but oh well, another day.

Faye sat down by herself at one of the tables after grabbing something to drink and practiced the deep breathing she had come to learn here. That Faye Calloway had been learning meditation would have made any of her former shipmates laugh themselves silly, and she wouldn’t have blamed them either. But something about this place, these people, was having a strange affect on her: she was starting to understand what it might be like to find inner peace, no matter how small.

Movement near her made her focus her attention and she found her solitude being encroached upon. She smiled- at least the presence was a welcome one. “Lansait, how are you this evening?”

“I am fine young Calloway. I saw you were on your own and thought you might want some company.”

She considered the elderly Romulan before her curiously. In his deep brown eyes was warmth and compassion, something she personally never would have associated with Romulans in her extremely limited experience. “Why are you so kind to me? Most of the others keep me at arms length, despite agreeing that my presence and having a connection back to the Federation is beneficial to the Movement, especially considering these rather turbulent times.”

“One does not need a reason to show kindness, Faye. Have you never had a moment where you felt compelled to do something nice for others because you can?”

Faye felt immediately defensive, but after calming that sensation, she looked back into his eyes. “My life has not exactly been one of altruism…”

“But?”

“You use the words ‘nice’ and ‘kind’, but can’t a necessary act be kind one even if it’s not an overtly warmth inducing one?”

Lansait smiled deeply. “Tell me more.”

Pushing the lentil-type things around on her plate, she gave the question its due consideration. “When I was a teenager, my parents were Maquis. And we fought as needed to defend our home. I believed in our cause. It made sense to me, because I cared about the people around me. They were family, friends. My community. So… does fighting for something you believe in, with those you care about, does that count?”

He folded his arms on the table, letting the top take his weight while he took in the woman before him who in comparative age was but a child. And yet, she clearly was not young and naive. There was no innocence present in those eyes. “It doesn’t matter what I think, it matters what you think.”

She laughed. “Mnaes! That’s such a cop out!” Faye leaned forward, her brows raised. “I wanted to know what you in all your lifetime of wisdom believes.”

Though he didn’t outright laugh, Lansait was clearly amused. “I believe that community can be a source of connection, and connection begets kindness. You did things for those you cared about because it mattered to you if something happened to them. That shows you where your moral compass lay. Kindness seems simpler but it’s a much deeper thing Faye. I do believe you are capable of it, and I suspect you may even be showing it in your own unique way when you least expect it.”

She snorted. “Uh huh.” Faye bit into her bun, which was a bit on the dry side, but hell, it was food and she was hungry.

“I suspect that Nevol would agree with me…”

Calloway swallowed and set the bun on the metal plate. “Did T’Veen say something?” she said with irritation.

He reached out and patted the top of her hand. “Relax, no one is going to intervene unless you are somehow putting the Movement at jeopardy. A little comfort and companionship is not something to worry about. But no, T’Veen didn’t say anything. It’s quite obvious the man is infatuated with you.”

She didn’t try to hide her irritation and continued to eat, seemingly ignoring Lansait for the moment.

But the elderly man didn’t seem fazed at all by her reaction and instead even seemed reassured by it. “May I offer you some advice, Faye Calloway?”

Faye slowly put her fork down and folded her arms in front of her on the table. “Not fair,” she said with slight amusement. “You know I actually think you’re worth listening too.”

The lines at the corners of his eyes crinkled deeper. “As are you, Faye. As are you.” He considered her for a moment. “Go cautiously. I know you do anyway, but it would be easy to get lost in the newness of this all and how at ease you feel here. Nevol has had a troubled life so far, which I know you know. But don’t forget the reason you are here. That comes first.”

“You sound like my handler,” Calloway said with a light laugh.

“Your handler sounds like a smart person.” Rising to his feet, Lansait once again patted the top of her hand and gave an unexpected wink before moving off.

To be continued…

~Faye Calloway