Sharks of a Feather
Posted on December 2nd, 2015 by Kathryn Harper and T'Lira

by Kathryn Harper and T’Lira

T’Lira paced in front of the door to Commander Harper’s temporary office aboard the prototype USS Odyssey, mentally laying out how she predicted this conversation would pan out. There were several different ways this could lead, and at least a third of them were most likely incorrect and would be in need of further evaluation if she chose to remain in the hallway and not simply walk in. On second thought, perhaps walking in and “getting it over with” would be the best option here.

Inside the office, Kathryn Harper was engrossed in one of several PADDs that littered the desk. Most contained profiles of candidate pilots that could potentially help in rebuilding her decimated fighter wing. A few she had already accepted, but several more had been declined. Perhaps her standards were artificially high after having to perform this task once before, but in her mind she owed that to people who she’d ask to fly into hell.

The door chime interrupted her deliberations, and she simply answered, “Come in.”

T’Lira took a silent breath and stepped in. “Commander? Do you have a free moment?”

Kate’s expression brightened upon seeing T’Lira; she may not have known the Vulcan lieutenant long, but flying together in combat tended to form bonds. Since returning from her special assignment, Kate had not gotten the chance to speak with T’Lira beyond greetings in passing on the bridge. “T’Lira! Of course, please, come in and have a seat.”

With a slight nod, T’Lira sat down and reiterated her entire statement in her head before actually speaking. “There is a matter of some import that I must speak with you about.”

“Alright. I hope things have gone well for you while I was away?” Kate laid the PADD aside amongst the others and turned back to T’Lira, smiling affably.

“Things have gone well, in more than one way,” T’Lira replied, still struggling to find a way to say what she needed to.

Kate leaned forward on the desk. “That is good to hear. Please, do tell me what is so important.”

It took a moment of deliberation, but for once, T’Lira decided to truly throw caution to the wind, or so the saying went. “I am… I am pregnant, Commander.”

And after that registered, it was probably a small miracle that her internal horror didn’t show on her face. At least, she hoped it didn’t. After all, that was not quite the way one went about saying such things to a superior officer.

Surprise registered on Kate’s face as she stood quickly. “You are?! Congratulations!” Sitting back down again, a wide smile replaced the surprise as she explained, “I would hug you, but I doubt you would like that. Anyway, I am surprised that the Admiral gave his consent to stop the c-shot at such a time, but how wonderful for you that he did!”

“That is one problem… this was not permitted. I will admit to have broken at least one regulation, if not more. I will have to review the pertinent regulations,” T’Lira admitted, rather surprised by the reaction from Commander Harper. Most unexpected.

“Ohhhh, I see now why you were so hesitant,” Kate replied as the ramifications of what had happened dawned on her. “I imagine that you have already been reprimanded and lectured, perhaps even repeatedly.”

“You would not be wrong,” T’Lira said simply, “I was also ordered off of any extravehicular missions until told otherwise by medical, which would most likely be after the baby is born.”

Kate nodded her understanding and reflected on the situation for a moment before speaking. Of course, regulations were made to be followed, and the one T’Lira had broken was certainly important given the operating environment of a starship. But this starship’s crew had suffered so much death lately, and at least to her, news of a new life could only be celebrated after such trauma. Finding out about the pregnancy must have been stressful enough without the military rules heaping derision on the woman, and right now, Kate could find only sympathy within herself for T’Lira’s position.

Reminding herself that there was another reason for her empathetic reaction, Kate decided to convey it first. “You likely expected another such lecture from me, but I will not admonish you, since I believe you have been through enough of that. T’Lira… you saved my ass out there at 621. I will never be able to thank you enough for that, even if it is what we expect of one another in the Sharks.” She clasped her hands and continued. “I owe you one, and perhaps sparing you the disciplinary action is that repayment. Although, given my current mindset, I suspect that even had you not just saved my life, I would still be happy for you – assuming that this is what you want.”

“While I admit this was quite a surprise, I believe I am… happy. I do appreciate the lack of a lecture, I believe there is little to be said that Doctor Kymar or Admiral Blackthorne have not already covered,” T’Lira was quite relieved at this point, not that she’d ever admit it out loud, of course. “As for the matter of 621, you are a fellow crewmate. Not assisting you would have been quite a serious mistake on my part.”

“One that I am grateful to you for not making, duty or not.” Glancing at the pile of PADDs, then back to T’Lira, she continued, “So many have died and you are bringing us new life. I am unable to do anything but applaud that. While the Sharks will sorely miss your piloting skill for now, you will be welcomed back once you are cleared. But if you do not wish to return, especially after how bad it was out there and with a newborn to consider, I will understand.”

“At this moment, I would gladly rejoin the Sharks at that time. However, that view may change. I believe I will have an answer when the time comes,” T’Lira kept her gaze level. Perhaps she would indeed return to the Sharks. But perhaps not. As the phrase went, only time will tell.

“Of course,” Kate answered with an understanding nod. “You must do what is best for you and your family, and I will support you in that decision. But for now, regardless of your flight status, you are still one of my pilots, and I will help you however I can. Please do not be afraid to ask if you need anything.”

T’Lira raised an eyebrow, “To be afraid of requesting assistance is most illogical, though I will certainly keep the offer in mind. Thank you.”

A wry grin made its way across Kate’s face. “I am not a mother and do not know how it is for Vulcan women, but from what I hear, your logic may soon be tested.”

“That is a thought I would prefer not to contemplate at this time,” T’Lira replied, mildly affronted that it would even be possible for logic to be tested in quite such a fashion.

“Well, whatever happens,” Kate began, chuckling slightly at the classic Vulcan deadpan, “I wish you the best, Sehlat.”