Posted by Commander Oliver Loughty (Executive Officer) in Overdue Connections

Posted by Commander Oliver Loughty (Executive Officer) in Overdue Connections

Posted by Commander Oliver Loughty (Executive Officer) in Overdue Connections
On the Leviathan, Oliver found a rare moment of alone time. Seated in his office, surrounded by the soft glow of ambient lighting, he contemplated how he could spend the rare moments of peace. His mind was directed to Sharah, a name from his past that was surrounded with memories and the familiarity of shared experiences. The quiet hum of the ship’s systems enveloped him, creating a tranquil ambiance as he prepared to reach out to Sharah after years of separation.
“Computer, open a communication channel to Lieutenant Junior Grade Sharah Fayth, USS Ark Angel,” Oliver ordered. The computer responded almost immediately with, “Unable to comply. There is no crew member serving on the USS Ark-Angel NCC-98729.” Oliver sat up, his expression turning into a frown. “Computer, please search for personnel files of Lieutenant Junior Grade Sharah Fayth, Chief Science Officer USS Ark-Angel, and expand the search to recent promotions and assignments.”

After a couple of minutes, the female voice of the computer spoke once again, saying, “Lieutenant Junior Grade Sharah Fayth was reassigned in 74521.69 and was appointed to the USS Viking as a Medical Doctor. She was then promoted to Lieutenant on stardate 74020.32 and assigned to OED Five, where she was later promoted to Lieutenant Commander, currently serving as the Chief Medical Officer.”

Oliver smiled, acknowledging Sharah’s intelligence. However, the realisation that much time had passed and both of them had changed settled in. “Computer, reformat the previous request to Lieutenant Commander Faythe, OED Five.” The computer acknowledged, and the communication request was sent.

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

Sharah was thinking a lot lately about Uncle Olly. It had been a long time since she had heard from him, and her letters were undeliverable. A search told her he was still in Star Fleet, but his assignment was unknown. Basically it meant it was classified. Whatever it was had to be a scientific marvel to get Olly to take Hazel on a classified mission. Well… maybe not. Classified didn’t inherently mean dangerous. She missed him and hated the silence, but she was sort of used to it. He got so wrapped up in his experiments he would forget things for weeks and months at a time. Of course in this case it might be he wasn’t allowed to make contact.

She was worried though. That strange man, Dr Mercer, had entered the labs and given Olly’s name. The man seemed polite and genuine enough (though Sharah knew how easily a mind could be trained to be deceptive). Though the encounter had left her wondering, one if Olly was hurt or in danger, and two if Dr Mercer was competent enough to be working if he was so easily confused as to give a false name. That was a problem for other people though.

At the moment, Sharah was in the beautiful prismatic glass greenhouse that Yavia and Charles had built for her. She loved it there, and the metal and glass sculpture Yavia had commissioned of Hope was stunning. She wished she could show it to Olly. She would get the chance eventually. Hope too was thriving and growing. Sharah had had to re-pot her twice now since arriving on Oed. The bonsai liked the natural sunlight. The large PaDD she’d had mounted in the greenhouse allowed her to conduct research and be notified of comms while she was out there working. It trilled an incoming message, and Sharah reached over with a soil dusted finger and accepted the message. =/\=Lt Cmdr Fayth, how can I help you?=/\= she asked as she finished mixing special plant food.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO
OEDV

It seemed like an age before the communication link was finally accepted and connected through. Oliver couldn’t shake the concern that, on OED, it may have been nighttime or he had interrupted something important. His worry how dissipated when Sharah’s face appeared on the screen and a smile appeared on his face, his features showing his age and current worry that the mission aboard the Leviathan had caused him. Maintain a serious tone however =^=Lieutenant Commander, You’re catching up fast Sharah, Before long I’ll be calling you captain and I’ll be under your command. Now that’s a scary thought.=^= He said nothing more, allowing the genuine pride in his voice to convey his feelings he wouldn’t be surprised despite the distance between them she’d be able to read his emotions as they so clearly danced across his face.

Crystal bright onyx eyes snapped up to the screen, =/\=OLLY!=/\= If she could have she would have reached right through the screen and hugged him. Sharah had always felt emotions deeply and that was true even now. The smile on her face was huge and her eyes teared up slightly. =/\=You’re okay! Where are you? What have you been doing? How did you know I was thinking about you? How’s Hazel? I’m so glad you’re okay.=/\= It poured out of her in a rush and at the end she had to take a breath.

He chuckled, his entire demeanor shifting to a much more relaxed state as the tension ebbed away. “Sharah,” he said, almost as if he couldn’t believe it himself. “As you should know I’ve been undergoing major, life-changing, surgery, trailing experimental empathetic abilities. I am now capable of reading your mind from other galaxies!” He finished his explanation with an evil cackling laugh, the humor evident in his eyes.

“In reality, I’m back on ship assignments, unfortunately I can fully disclose its location or name buts its a significant positive change in my life. Hazel is with me - She insisted on it and i let her have the choice. I almost called you to discuss the decision but I wasn’t quite sure how to ask.” He admitted, a hint of sadness flickering across his expression, perhaps Hazel would have been better with Sharah on OED, though he didn’t know she was even there until moment before so he swiftly brushed it away.

“You should have, though I’m not sure how much insight I would have had. I’ll never have children of my own, but I would have listened.” Olly knew, it wasn’t that Sharah couldn’t, but she was just too afraid to pass on her illness condition to a child. She loved children though. “I’m glad she went with you though. She loves being with you and following you around. She and I are alike in that way.”

“The truth of it is i’ve been thinking about you too. I needed to see a familiar face and hear a familiar voice and its helping already! So, tell me, how is OED? You’re a Lieutenant Commander now; you’ll have to enlightenme on how that happened! And on the Medical track nonetheless! Was my influence in the science world not a worthy role model?” He teased, a playful glint in his aging eyes.

The smile faded slightly from her face, her gaze turning far away for a moment. “Not at all. You are an amazing role model. I just couldn’t stand up to the standards.” She shook her head, “Some things went wrong on the Ark Angel, Olly. I can’t talk about them. I’ve always been a doctor, I’m good at it. I enjoyed the work on the Ark Angel, but… well after my last mission there I knew being the chief science officer wasn’t a role I could fill. Honestly, I’m not disappointed. I love science and medicine, but leading a whole science division wasn’t a good fit for me.” She brushed her unruly curls behind her ear. “After I recovered, I was given the opportunity to return to medicine on the Viking, and I am much happier doing what I’m truly exceptional at.”

So much had changed since then, a lot in her personal life that Olly didn’t know about. “As for how I got Lt Cmdr, well mostly politics. They wanted me for the position because of what happened on the Viking, and the colonial government wants at least a Lt Cmdr in every department head spot, so they promoted me. I’m not really sure I deserve it, but I’m trying. Oed V is amazing, Olly. I love it here. It took me a while to adjust to the size of the population, and it’s still hard some days, but,” she paused and her eyes lit up, “I love the work here. I feel useful and the people are cautious but amazing. I have friends Olly. Real friends, a greenhouse all my own,” she stepped to the side so he could see the plethora of flora behind her in the area, “and two really amazing and special people in my life. I despise the teaching though. How do you do it?”

It was genuinely heartening to witness Sharah exuding such apparent happiness, and Oliver’s eyes sparkled with genuine delight as they scanned the greenhouse—a greenhouse on terrafirma not in a holodeck. “I’ve always been focused on the end goal,” he began, his voice carrying a note of reflective wisdom, “the satisfaction of guiding someone from point A of not knowing to the triumphant point B of mastering all desired outcomes. It’s truly priceless, especially when you witness their subsequent success in life.” With a subtle nod towards her achievements, Oliver acknowledged Sharah’s dedication. “That greenhouse looks absolutely amazing, and I can see you’ve been doing an exceptional job.”

“It’s my sanctuary. Oed is very barren except for the area of the old dome. So this is my own little paradise. And look!” She moved the angle of the PaDD so he could see the large metal and glass sculpture of Hope. “It’s also a water feature. It regulates the humidity here. I think it’s gorgeous.”

However, his discerning gaze detected a hint of weariness. “On another note, though,” he continued with a note of concern, “you seem a bit tired. Are you getting enough rest?” he inquired, genuinely interested in her well-being.

Sharah chuckled softly. Olly always noticed. “When do I ever get enough rest? Actually, I get better rest now than I used to.” There was a note of happy surprise at that revelation, “But things have been very… stressful here. Personally and professionally. I’ve been sick, but I’m better now.” Before he could ask, “Psychic trauma. I’m recovered though.”

Oliver lapsed into a contemplative silence, yearning to be physically present, to share a comforting hug, perhaps even one with Hazel. Alas, the distance denied him that solace, so he forged ahead in their conversation. “That doesn’t sound like an enjoyable situation at all. I truly hope you’re being honest with me. My new role has afforded me certain privileges, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them to ensure you’re getting everything you need and taking care of yourself,” he remarked, his tone a mix of concern and a somewhat paternal warning.

“I am, I promise. I am still having my weekly sessions with my therapist and he is very stern. I like him though. He was my counsellor as a cadet. He knows me really well.” She sighed, she didn’t want to lie by omission. “It was really bad, Olly. I… I tried to hurt myself. I didn’t even realise what I was doing.” The memory was haunting and it showed on her face. “I’m better now, and I’m not alone, and we know what caused it.”

Realising that the topic may not be the right one for the time they had he changed his demeanor and a a quizzical grin formed on his face as he teased, “So, when you mention new friends, does that include boys?” His eyes squinted in a playful manner, a hint of curiosity glinting in the narrow slits.

Sharah turned bright red and flustered a bit. “I have two partners: Yavia and Charles. We live here together. She’s Deltan and a nurse at the hospital. He’s Osage from Earth and the vice Commandant of the Colonial military. They are amazing people Olly. I wish you could meet them. They are kind and compassionate people. And more stubborn than me,” she laughed at that.

The revelation that Sharah had two partners sent a momentary shock through Oliver, though he skillfully masked any visible surprise. “Oh, well,” he began, a pause strategically inserted to allow his thoughts to catch up with his words. “I’m genuinely glad you’ve found people who can match your stubbornness. Perhaps when I have some leave, I’ll come and meet them in person—put them through the Loughty test,” he added with a faint chuckle, attempting to lighten the atmosphere.

Sharah laughed. “If you come here you may never leave. It’s amazing here.” She made a small wistful sound, “I wish you could visit. It’s been so long. I miss you.”

Lt Cmdr Fayth, SFCMO
OEDV

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

However, a genuine concern lingered in his words as he continued, “Just make sure you’re being all safe and stuff,” he advised, unaware of the irony in his own unintentionally humorous choice of words at that moment.

That made Sharah laugh. “Oh we are. You should see the security in the house. Charles takes it very seriously. Health wise between myself and Yavia we are well taken care of. And my therapist knows about them and insisted we do trouble counselling and they agreed without reservation. As for the colony, well it’s on the edge of Federation territory. It’s rough and can be dangerous, so safety is relative, but I am as safe as I can be.”

Oliver quickly interjected, “I meant boy and girl safe”, his eyebrows raised in a subtle gesture of emphasis. He hesitated, not wishing to delve further into the topic, but a sense of duty compelled him to express a measure of care. While he acknowledged it wasn’t exactly his place he felt responsible to ensure her well-being extended beyond the complexities of he relationship.

Sharah laughed, “I know, Uncle Olly. I’m a doctor, Yavia is a nurse, our health is being safely guarded, I promise. We are all very healthy and exclusive. All three of us are on birth control as well. We are being safe.”

“What about you? Any new friends? I know you can’t tell me, but are you enjoying the new position? How is Hazel handling it? I bet she’s grown a lot since I saw her.”

Chuckling at the shift in conversation, Oliver shared, “Nothing on the romantic front for me. The Captain and I have an extremely good working relationship. Lieutenant Kit returned recently, and while we’ve had conversations, nothing has developed into budding relationships.” His tone carried a hint of wistfulness as he navigated the complexities of sociability while juggling work, life, and parenthood.

“Oh??? Who is Lt Kit???” Sharah leaned forward in anticipation of finally hearing Olly might be seeing to his own love life for once.

Transitioning quickly to his new position, he continued, “The new role is great. Being the XO suits me, allowing me to delve into the sciences while guiding and mentoring the crew, even the Captain. I’m fortunate to have gotten the Levia—well, lucky, at least,” he amended swiftly, redirecting the conversation.

As the topic shifted to Hazel, Oliver’s pride shone through. “Hazel is as resilient as ever. She still aspires to join Starfleet and has already befriended the Captain and the ship’s counsellor. If she continues, she might be enlisted by the end of the year,” he chuckled. “She’s grown so much, and when it comes to stubbornness, she’s only matched by you.” The playful remark carried a warmth that transcended the light banter.

“Good! She gets it from you. You just wait until she convinces your science officer to give her her own lab space.” She chuckled. Olly had given Sharah her own bed in the arboretum of the Galileo. She had never left, until her parents made her. “You’ll never see Hazel. What is she studying now? She’s 10 now isn’t she?”

Oliver scratched his head awkwardly, “Actually, I’m not even sure at the moment! Right now, a lot is going towards making sure she’s safe on the ship. The mission is… not ideal for families. In fact, she is the only child on the ship,” he admitted sadly. “The crew, however, has offered in great detail to help mentor her, and I know she has some first aid lessons with Nurse Anderson today.” He stopped short, “I worry she won’t have a good childhood and eventually end up serving. Not that it’s a bad thing, I just want to give her options, perhaps ones I never had.”

Sharah’s head tipped to the side as she looked at him. “Olly, having other children around is not a sign of a happy childhood. I was around children but it wasn’t a happy childhood. It’s more important that she has people around that share her interests and encourage her. Trust me, if she didn’t like science you would know. She would be sullen and moody and misbehave and she would not have chosen to go with you on this assignment. If she changes her mind about being there, we can fund another option.” Sharah adored her and so did her parents. Olly didn’t have other family. “Well just think, she’s about the same age I was when we met. You know how outspoken I was.” She gave him a mischievous grin. “Just think, with no other kids around it will put off her dating for a while… Unless of course she gets a crush on one of the crew. But when she starts deciding she likes someone, have her call me. We can have some girl talk.”

Thankful for Sharah’s words of wisdom, Oliver took in her insightful words, realising she had a knack for saying just the right things. Her reminder about childhood not necessarily needing other children around struck a chord. “Thankyou Sharah, you always know how to put things into perspective,” he admitted.

“I try. I think I have become more insightful in the past year. It’s interesting. I’m glad I could help.”

“And as for this mention of ‘girl talk’ I think hazel is a bit to young for that dont you?” The teasing tone lightened the mood. As he glanced at the time a sense of urgency and regret crept in. “I have a briefing in five minutes, just had a lovely call with the admiralty. Talking to you was just what I needed.”

Sharah laughed, “No I don’t think she is too young. It will be here before you know it. And even as close as I am to my father and brother, there are some things I just couldn’t talk to them about. It wasn’t always boys. So if there is no one on board let her call me, okay?” she sighed, sad to have the conversation end. “Call me soon? I can’t call you, it’s all restricted. Where do I send letters?”

Leaning in, Oliver furrowed his brow and typed away. “I’ve just set up a direct communication link to Hazel and I,” He explained. “Use the Comm Channel Oscar-Lima-Three for me and Hotel-Lima-Four for Hazel. It may take some time as it will be going through some subspace scrubbers and a different location, but it ensures you can reach either of us.” He paused and added on a serious note, “And make sure it’s encrypted, wouldn’t want anyone eavesdropping or trying to piggyback on the transmission, He said with a smile.

“Don’t worry. I’ve gotten really good at my encryptions lately. I’ll make sure it’s secure. Be careful okay, Olly. I miss you. Tell Hazel I miss her too and I’ll send her something for her birthday. Once you tell me how to send it, that is. Don’t pull your hair out in that meeting.”

Oliver, given the time almost certainly would have been interested into how and why she had gotten good at it but he was gratefully that they would be able to speak again. “Just Address it to me and then send it to ‘Hades’ it’ll make its way here” He said sounding cryptic again only giving the one word name of the ARU HQ starbase. “I’ll be safe and so will Hazel, safe journeys Sharah” He smiled and terminated the call.

“I’ll be safe, promise. We’ll talk soon.” The connection ended and Sharah turned off her PaDD. She finished the work with her plants and then returned to the house, almost cackling as she thought about the conversation as she went inside.

Lt. Cmdr. Fayth, SFCMO
OEDV

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan