Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in What If…

Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in What If…

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in What If…
Posted by… suppressed (23) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Lori waited in the hall. She didn’t mind. She had a feeling she knew what was going on, but she wasn’t sure of the cause.

Rand heard Bys speaking and then Pater mutter a curse. She didn’t think she could feel anymore, but something had happened.

Bys knocked on the door frame of Roman’s room. “Miss Farquharson?” But she wasn’t there. The Andorian was always stoic, but something about his posture or the tone of his voice said something was wrong.

Yeoman Rand

Roman had seen enough security officers to pick up on it. He got out of bed carefully. He was a bit dizzy, but he refused to let it keep him in bed. “In the bathroom. Let’s go.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Bys held up a hand. “It can wait until she is done.” Nothing could be done in the immediate moment. Not more than he had already done. He was irritated, but thankful she had already had her medication. He glanced down the hall where he saw Lori. She must be waiting for Rand. He caught her eye and motioned to her. Lori held up a finger for him to give her a moment.

“Rand?” Lori knocked on the door. “Are you alright? Bys needs to talk with you.”

“Yes, I’m fine.” Rand took a breath. She splashed her face with water. She patted dry with a towel and then opened the door. She saw Bys waiting for her. He didn’t look happy. She stopped in front of the door. “What is it Bys?”

“Perhaps you should sit down while we talk. You still look a little dizzy.” He glanced at Roman and ushered her towards him.

Yeoman Rand

Roman took her hand and sat her back in her chair, then sat on the edge of his bed, still holding her hand. Jay leaned forward in his seat. Simultaneously, the two men said, “What’s happened?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand held his hand, tightly. She didn’t like the way everyone was looking so tense. Bys knelt in front of her, his antennae curved forward. “The car has been identified.”

“Oh, well, that’s happened before. We will just swap out. That’s fine.” She didn’t see the problem.

Bys set a hand on his arm. He had wanted to wait until tomorrow to tell her this. “That’s not all. There are pictures of you leaving the hospital with Cmdr. Alden. Getting in their car.”

Lori sighed, “That was fast. That was only a few hours ago.”

Bys nodded, “I have already talked to Dr. Hammond and hospital administration. I believe I know who leaked the information.”

“Well, we will give the Calianos one of our vehicles until this is resolved,” Rand said. She smiled kindly at Roman and Jay. “The paparazzi are a nuisance.”

“We’re alright,” Jay said. “We’ve dealt them before.” He didn’t elaborate.

Bys shook his head, “His name was leaked, as well as the registration of the vehicle was caught in the picture.” He squeezed her shoulder. “I am concerned, Miss. Your over zealous fan could use that. I am certain he intends to.”

Her brows pulled together, “Why? What happened?” Her grip tightened on Roman’s.

Roman squeezed her hand gently.

“He sent another letter. Electronically this time. He…”

Rand cut him off and held out her hand. “Let me see it.” Bys hesitated. “Bys let me see.”

He glanced at Lori then Jay and locked eyes with Roman before handing Rand the hand held device. She took it and read it. Her hand began to tremble and then shake. She turned deathly pale. Roman could see the pulse in her neck begin to accelerate. The PaDD slipped from her fingers.

Bys caught it and set it aside. He watched her catefully.

My Lovely Mira,

You were magnificent last night. You always are. I live for the stolen glances you give me. I know each line, each movement is just for me. All the glimpses of your true self, that you only let me see.

I have been studying. I knew the line, but could not remember the answer. Why did you not tell me that you were going to let me win a dinner with you? I was caught off guard and not prepared. Do not worry my love. I will not let another man touch you. I will make sure he cannot appear for dinner or ever again. I will come for you and take you away. You will never perform for anyone else but me. We will enter eternity together. Soon my dear, You have my word.

Yeoman Rand

Roman read the letter over her shoulder. Was that a threat towards him? Definitely a sign this stalker was getting ready to abduct her, but he wasn’t sure if that was all. Either way, the priority should be her safety. “We won’t let anything happen to you.” Roman said. “That creep won’t get near you.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

The conversation moved around her, Rand wasn’t listening. This… this person was going to hurt Roman because of her. And Jay, he was coming also. Their parents. The paparazzi knew who he was, they could find their house. They would leak it, this person wouldn’t even have to try.

Lori and Bys discussed what to do about the play. Bys had already called the director. Pater had called for two new cars. Bys argued with Jay and Roman about switching their parents’ car and providing g protection. They may not want it, but for their parents they should accept it. He had a feeling Mr. Caliano would be just as stubborn, so he leaned heavily into what could happen to their mother. Even if they refused, Bys would assign a team to keep watch anyway.

Bys had already made arrangements to change Rand’s residents. Their backup team was already packing their things.

“Bys,” Rand said suddenly. Her voice was tight, but kacked the telltale signs of anxiety. She was afraid. “Take me home. Now.”

“We can’t, Miss. We’ll go to a new house. It will be safe.”

“No. Take me home, to Braemar. It’s small. We know everyone. A stranger will be easy to spot.”

That was a bad idea. Bys shook his head. It was the first place someone would look, and rhe town was sprawling and open. Rand stood suddenly, causing Bys to have to back up. She took two steps before her drop in blood pressure caught up to her and she dropped.

Lori looked like a ghost. “Bys… that line. At the end. It’s from the play next month. The new one, from Delta IV. The… the hero… it’s what he says to the heroine before …” she shook and swallowed, “before the suicide scene.”

Yeoman Rand

“Wherever Rand goes, I go.” Roman said firmly. “I won’t let harm come to her. Jay and the Captain can manage themselves here.” Roman moved to Rand’s side as she dropped, catching her and settling her back into the chair. “There you go. No need for panic. You’ll be alright. I’ll make sure of it.

Rand shook her head. No. No. He couldn’t go with her. As long asbthey canceled the dinner then he would be fine. They couldn’t be seen together. She would make a statement to the press. He was leaving in a week. Then he would be safe. She would pay for the Caliano’s protection herself.

“Roman, you’ll take the protection and you’ll follow every order they give you.” Jay said. “I’m not letting them go after you.” Roman shook his head. “There’s nothing in that letter solidly indicating myself as a target. It’s all about abducting Rand.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“Yes, there is.” Her voice was soft but overly loud in the tense silence. “I will not let another man touch you. I will make sure he cannot appear for dinner or ever again. That is a threat to you. When this… person sees the release of your name and me getting in the car with you, that’s it.” She looked up, “Go back to the Ardent.”

Yeoman Rand

“Eh, that might just mean he’s going to kidnap you.” Roman said. He gave her a look. “Our vacation doesn’t end for a week. I won’t let some coward scare me off.” He was still holding Rand gently. “We are staying with you.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand looked at Bys. She didn’t know what was most likely to happen. Was it just her? Or was Roman and his family at risk? Bys’ expression was sympathetic. He hated this short acquaintance was turning out this way. Rand took a breath and gently tried to move away from Roman. It was the last thing she wanted. She felt safe with him holding her, she could think without panic. She had to put him and his family first.

She looked at him, doing an admiral job of masking the fear from her face. “No. I won’t let you do that. You have a family and a crew that need you. And Mushu. What would that poor lizard do without the two of you?” She shook her head, “No. We’ll work it out that we are seen separately and never together. Make it clear it was happenstance. I can make a public statement.”

Yeoman Rand

Not again. She couldn’t let anyone else die because she made the wrong decision. She couldn’t tear their family apart.

“No.” Roman stated it firmly, with all the authority he could muster. “I’ll be alright. You needn’t worry about me.” He looked at Bys, “I’m not a Security officer but I’m a First Officer, I have training. I can be an extra set of eyes.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

She looked up at him. The authority and confidence in his manner surprised her. She’d never heard him talk like that. Then again she barely knew him, and he was going to get hurt because of her. She was gripping him tightly, but some of the tension seemed to leave her as he spoke.

Bys was discussing the logistics with Roman and Jay. He didn’t like leaving the Calianos without that extra set of eyes. He suggested they inform Star Fleet security of the threat. Bys wouldn’t object to an extra person on board, but Roman was deeply emotionally involved. That was a situation asking for disaster.

She must protest, she couldn’t let him do this. She shook her head again, both hands gripping his arm that was still holding her. “Please. Stay with your family. Don’t do this.” The words caught around the fear in her throat. Her eyes showed ot clearly, she was afraid for him, for all of them.

Yeoman Rand

Captain Caliano entered the room with a booming “Right, then!” He looked between Roman and Jay, Rand and Lori, and then Bys. “We’re all staying here, where we can look out for one another. Bys, you and Pater continue your rounds as normal. Keep a higher lookout. We’ll switch out the car. Roman, you will rest but you’ll also look out for Rand. Jay, Lori, you’ll both be keeping an eye out as well. No one is getting in this house undetected.” He gave off orders as if he were still a Captain. His voice held authority. He nodded towards Bys, “You believe this to be one stalker, one over zealous fan correct? Not a group?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Bys gave a crisp nod, “Yes Sir. That is the indication from the content and style of the letters. The tone is very personal and intimately and jealously possesive. ” Unspoken was the understanding that it could be a group that used the same author. If that was the case that possessiveness could errupt in much larger explosions than expected.

“An individual will not breech this house undetected. Not with your talented security team,” yes, a team could be two people, “and all the Starfleet personnel in this house.”

Bys’ eyes turned hard. A glimpse of the soldier he had been showing through. “No Sir they will not. We have four more coming. They are cleaning the house where Miss Farquharson was staying.”

“Fantastic. Not a thing will pass that we don’t know about. Organized your team. You’ve done a stellar job so far, I trust you to keep at it. Make sure I know your movements. If you have civilian weaponry keep your team armed but don’t shoot unless there is no choice.” The Captain possessed a civilian grade phaser. A lot of ex-fleet did.

“We all do, and have the appropriate permits. I will introduce you when they arrive. Other than that, you shouldn’t notice them at all.” Bys shook his hand. “We prefer not to use force, though we are capable. We are not the police.”

Rand’s eyes went wide as Mr. Caliano barked out orders. The effect he had in Jay and Roman would have been amusing if the situation wasn’t so serious. The effect on Bys was awe inspiring. But the absolute authority Mr. Caliano possessed reassured Rand.

Jay and Roman both immediately said, “Yes, sir!”

However she opened her mouth to protest. Bys knelt in front of her again. “Ms. Farquharson, Rand, this is a good plan. They are involved now no matter what. I know you hate this, and you just met them, but that is how life is sometimes. They and you are safer together. It will be alright, you have my word.” Rand nodded slowly. She had mixed feelings about it, but she had learned to trust Bys completely. She looked up at at Mr. Caliano. “Thank you, Mr. Caliano. I would not have endangered your sons or your family for anything. I am so very sorry this has happened.” She would do whatever she had to to make the situation right.

Yeoman Rand

Mr Caliano crouched in front of Rand, getting on her level as she was sitting. “Don’t worry yourself over it, miss. My boys will be alright and so will I and you. I know you’ve only just met, but trust in Roman and Jay. They are talented officers.” He patted her shoulder like a kindly father. “You have no control over what your stalker does and no one will blame you for wanting to live your life.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand didn’t want to cry in front of these people. They were all so brave and stoic about it. Even Lori, who she knew was worried. Mr. Caliano was very kind and had an aura of authority and safety, and Rand was frightened. She had been assaulted by overly eager fans before, but they had never threatened her life or those around her. She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes, which seemed to make the situation all the more dire for everyone. “Yes, Sir. I will.”

Rand wanted her brother. He always took care of everything. She wanted to go home, be a little girl again and crawl into her grandfather’s lap. He had always kept her safe and made her feel better. He was gone now and Randy was deployed and she couldn’t go home.

She looked calm, or at least from a distance she would. She sat quietly, but her eyes gave her away, the pounding of her pulse in her neck, and the way Roman’s arm had seemed to become some kind of life line for her.

Yeoman Rand

Roman let her cling to him all she wanted. “You’ll be alright,” he whispered to her.

His voice sounded so sure. She wished she dared to lean against him and cry. To let him comfort her. But this was her fault. She had to be strong so they would know she trusted them all. Worst of all when this was over or not, Roman would be gone and he would be glad to be rid of her.

Captain Caliano smiled. “Good. You’re free to come find me anytime. As long as Roman or Jay are with you.” He looked at Lori, “the same goes for you. No going anywhere alone.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Lori nodded, “I will be very careful, Sir. Thank you, for everything.” Lori refrained from making a joke about how well it worked out that Jay couldn’t get away from her now. It was nerves and inappropriate.

Rand looked at Lori. “You could go back. Everyone knows you are my understudy. None of the letters have mentioned you in any way. You don’t have to go through this.”

Lori hugged her, “Nonsense. I’m not leaving you.” She needed something to do. She looked at Jay, “Alright you big handsome body guard. I am going to go make sure your mother has help cleaning up, so come on.”

Yeoman Rand

Jay grinned and then laughed. “Big?” He patted himself and looked down at himself. “Where did all my size go?” The man was tall but lanky with little bulk to him. “Alright, let’s go.”

Capt Caliano and Bys continued going over security in the living room. Mrs Caliano went about her business like nothing was wrong. If anything would help the nerves in the house (not her husband, that man had nerves of steel), it was some normalcy. So when Lori showed up to help her clean up, she smiled and gave her some things to do.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand sat in the chair, quiet, perfect posture, serene expression, and squeezing the hand of the arm he put around her. Shenwished she could help, but she knew no one would let her. Given how upset she was, she was liable to trip and hurt herself more.

Finally, as the last person left, she looked at him. He was so confident, so certain it would be fine. Unflappable. He was steady and kind to comfort her. Hadn’t he told her she had to tell him if she wasn’t okay? It was strange she felt comfortable safe enough to trust him so easily. She liked him a lot. She had never liked anyone this much. As long as he was with her she could believe she would be alright. That seemed to break the dam. Her breath shuttered on a silent sob, “I’m frightened,” tears pooled and then fell from her eyes.

Yeoman Rand

Roman hugged her close and tight. “I know. Anyone would be. I promise, you’ll be okay. We’ll make sure of it.” He said softly to her, his hand around her back rubbing her back gently. “Nothing is going to happen.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

She was silent. There were no wails or screams or blubbering. Only the silent shudders and the growing dampness of his shirt allowed him to perceive the storm of fear that racked her. Steadily, but slowly the gentle motion of his hand against her back released the tension, slowed the tears.

At some point they ended up on the bed, Rand curled into his side while he held her, rubbing her back soothingly. His voice was like warm velvet: reassuring and strong. Her arms were tucked between them, holding his shirt as if that would stop him from disappearing. “Carson a tha mi a’ faireachdainn cho sàbhailte leat? (Why do I feel so safe with you?)”

Yeoman Rand

Roman kept rubbing her back slowly and steadily. He actually looked a bit sleepy. “Someday you’re going to have to teach me that.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand hid her face for a moment in his chest. “Cha’n’eil. An sin bithidh fios agad air na h-uile nithe air am bheil mi ro nàimhdeil ri innseadh dhuit. (No. Then you will know all the things I’m too nervous to tell you.)” She sounded sleepy. She should be. Another slow pass of his hand on her back, and he could feel the tightness release in her back. She was still scared and uncertain, but he made her feel better. Her face pressed into his shoulder and her arms tightened around him.

Yeoman Rand

Roman hugged her tightly. He fought his own sleepiness. If they both fell asleep, how was he watching out for her? No, he’d stay awake. Just in case someone made it past the various security checks and defences Mr Caliano and the security team had set up, Roman wanted to be ready.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

If Rand weren’t so wrung out from being so frightened, she would have remembered she was supposed to be taking care of him while he recovered from his concussion. But the safety of his presence was too reassuring to fight the exhaustion. Soon she was asleep in his arms.

Yeoman Rand

Roman didn’t sleep. He refused to. But he thought it was cute she had fallen asleep like that. He just let her sleep. She seemed like she needed it. He stayed awake and kept listening.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Sleep was an escape from the current reality of her life. About an hour later, Roman could hear Bys speaking to a handful of new voices. Lori, Jay, and his parents were also there. The rest of the security team had arrived.

A few minutes later Lori, Jay, and the woman Roman had seen leave the theatre, Rand’s double, walked into the room.

The sight of Roman with a woman asleep against him was - well something else. Jay grinned. “I have been ordered to release you from your bed arrest, for an hour. Dad wants both of us part of the conversation with Bys,” he said quietly.

Lori moved toward the chair next to the bed. “Don’t worry, I’ll stay with her,” she nodded to the other woman, “and this is Sari, the guard on duty inside the house.”

The woman nodded once, “Cmdr. Alden. Just call out if you need me. I’m always close by.” Then she vanished out the hallway.

Rand protested in her sleep as he got up, but Lori pulled a blanket over her and she settled back to sleep.

Yeoman Rand

Roman slipped away from her and with a last look, stepped out of the room and followed Jay to the living room. “First date and she’s already sleeping on you? You’re going places.” Jay whispered to him as they walked. Roman elbowed him in the ribs.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO