Offers of Employment

Posted on Fri May 22nd, 2026 @ 2:19am by Commander Rhupert Tyree & Lieutenant Katya Davi

1,478 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Operation Kakori
Location: Captain's Ready Room, USS Valiant
Timeline: Enroute back to Earth toward the end of Operation Kakori.

Rhu stretched in his office and was glad things were winding down. They were twelve hours out from Empok Nor and should arrive there during the station’s night watch.

A good time for spooks to be doing business. By ships local time, they were in late evening. Rhu had a few things to finish before heading to the stateroom he was sharing with Richard while the Trembles utilized his space.

Which reminded him.

Pouring more of the Betezoidian Zestin. It most closely resembled Earth’s hot chocolate, though it was richer and had hints of cinnamon, orange, spices and (because he was off duty) a shot of Sodeskayan cognac, vintage 2370.

The Bears definitely knew their cognac.

He touched his comm and said, “Lieutenants Mira, this is Tyree. If you have a moment, would you join me in my ready room?”

The twins found a quiet corner of the Valiant and were catching up when they both got the summons. "On our way," Jayna said. She was happy to postpone the interrogation about Neil.

Without glancing at her sister, Jayna stood and headed for the ready room.

"This is not over," Jayde whispered when she caught up. She remembered Neil from when she was stationed on the Pioneer and wondered what her sister was thinking.

Jayna was the first to arrive and rang the door chime.

Rhu cycled the door and stood, "Please. Come in, we don't have much room for ceremony aboard Valiant." Gesturing toward the seats he said, "May I get you both something? I do have a fresh pot of Zestin, which if you're not familiar is much like hot chocolate. Or I can have the steward bring coffee from the galley. Or there's always the replicator, of course."

"Zestin? That sounds interesting. I'd like a cup. Thank you," Jayna replied. Although she had friends who were part Betazoid, she had never tried this particular drink.

Jayde considered for a moment. "I will take one as well."

Lifting the self-warming pitcher, Rhu retrieved two more of the specialized chocolate mugs, holders, and saucers that were part of the china set that Betezoid had provided the Valiant, bearing the ship's crest. Smiling as he reset the pitcher, he said, "It is after hours and Captain's privilege is to have a touch of cognac with the coco. Can I tempt either of you?"

"None for me, thanks." Jayna would likely have a drink with Neil later, so chose to take the drink straight. She might even see if Neil was familiar with it--with or without the rum.

"I'll have a shot." After recent events, Jayde could use something a little stronger that the chocolate concoction.

Rhu added the cognac, then settled back to his seat and said, "Congratulations to both of you for playing a big part in making that mission a success. Lieutenant Jayde, what's next for you? You've come in from deep cover, out of the cold so to speak. I'd ask who even sent you on that mission but I likely don't have the clearance and probably don't need it.

"Yeah, that knowledge is above my pay grade, too. I got the orders from someone who got the orders from someone else. Intel likes to keep the higher-ups protected." She shook her head. "I've got nothing right now. I wasn't supposed to leave just yet. There's a package being delivered and I was supposed to get intel on it. It's causing a lot of people to get fidgety."

Jayna watched her sister quietly. She'd changed since their last meeting. She'd always been the one who insisted they stick to the rules--even in the Maquis. This Jayde had a harder edge to her. She wasn't sure yet if it was a good thing or not. And this particular mission almost went pear-shaped. It was thanks to Jayde and the Marines that she and Emiko got off the station at all.

Rhu nodded and said, "Maybe the information on your package is in the intel we grabbed. After that, well...it's no large secret that Valiant works for Fleet Intel. What's more secret, not to be talked about please, is that we're seconded to Federation Intelligence. I can offer you both roles with Federation Intelligence if either of you are of a mind."

Turning to Jayna, he said "You've a unique role in your posting aboard Pioneer and relationship with the marines and Fleet Intel. That wouldn't change, really, you'd simply be seconded to Federation Intel. Then Federation Intel would attempt to woo you over to working for them, while keeping tabs on Fleet and the Marines. All very cloak and dagger."

Smiling to Jade, he said "Since I’m not fully aware of what your handlers might have in mind, you've an open invitation to join Valiant's crew. I'll have an opening for a security officer, acting chief and your intel skills would be invaluable aboard."

"I was in security before they pulled me in for this job," Jayde said. "I like the idea of doing both security and intel." Plus, she wasn't so sure the people who sent her to Breyet Nor would want to use her again after she blew her cover to save Jayna and Emiko.

"My first loyalty is to the Pioneer and the Cure," Jayna said next. "But I wouldn't mind helping out from time to time. I'd like to discuss this with Neil, if I may."

Jayde let out a soft huff of air, but said nothing. She and her sister needed to have a conversation.

Rhu didn't need telepathy to pick up Jayde's antipathy toward the Colonel, though he could guess as he watched the sisters exchange.

Twin sisters.

The Colonel was a lucky man.

Hiding a smile, he said, "By all means. But I'd appreciate some discretion with the Commodore and Commander McGowan. She's especially a hot potato in the community these days." Rhu rested his chin in his hand as he watched the two.

"Of course." She only intended to talk it over with Neil. She didn't know the commodore well and Rowena was dealing with her own devils right now. Jayna saw no reason to talk to either of them. Besides, if the commodore needed to know. someone with more clout than her would tell him.

Jayde looked at her twin with a raised eyebrow. When did her sister need to ask permission of anyone? Then she turned her attention to the commander. "As my most recent assignment went pear shaped, I'm pretty certain I have nothing on my docket. So, yes. I'd be happy to accept a job."

"Excellent, welcome aboard Lieutenant Mira," Rhu said with a smile. "I'll retroactively add you to the roles from when you stepped aboard, but you're on admin leave until our current chief disembarks at Earth. You can spend time with your family. Work out a few non-official covers for use on the crew and get you integrated."

Keeping a very straight face and even tone he turned to the other and said, "Lieutenant Tremble, the invitation from Federation Intelligence will stand and we might even reach out for some help here and there. Feel free to do the same, if needed. We have our thumbs in many pies and just as many eyes, as they say."

Jayde stiffened. Lieutenant Tremble? They really did need to talk.

Her twin looked at her, then turned to the captain. "I'm definitely interested, and I'm sure Neil will be okay with it, but I'd still like to run it by him. I should be able to give you an answer before we leave the ship." If not later that day.

"I look forward to your reply," Rhu said, to the two as he moved to refill their hot chocolate. He paused for a second and said, "Pardon me if I'm being rude but would you two like to use my office for a conversation? You've had so little chance to catch up."

Rhu was nothing, if not the soul of tact.

"No, that..." Jayna began.

"Yes," Jayde said emphatically. "We do need to talk, and we appreciate the use of your ready room."

Jayna needed a drink.

Clearing his desk with a bitten off smile, Rhu picked up a PADD and his chocolate. Prudently, he left the cognac bottle on the table and said, "Then if you will excuse me." He stepped toward the hatch, easing behind the women then paused as it cycled and said, "Computer. Activate Hush field and seal my door until these ladies are finished."

When they turned to look at him, he shrugged manfully and walked out, leaving them to their talk.

A post by


Lieutenant Mira Jayde
Assistant Chief Security Officer
USS Valiant

Lieutenant Mira Jayna
Intel Liaison to the Cure
USS Pioneer

Commander Rhupert Tyree
Master and Commander
USS Valiant

 

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