Sometimes it IS Better to Ask Permission
Posted on Sat May 23rd, 2026 @ 2:09am by Commander Rhupert Tyree & Lieutenant Katya Davi
Edited on on Sat May 23rd, 2026 @ 2:15am
971 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
Operation Kakori
Location: Rhupert Tyree's Quarters
Timeline: One Hour After Offers of Employment
Jayna kept going back and forth in her head about Commander Tyree's offer. She wanted to take it because it would give her an opportunity from time to time to do more intelligence. She had that opportunity with Red Team, but this would also let her work with her sister. But on the other hand, she wanted to stay on the Pioneer with Neil. Even Red Team would include Neil. What ever she decided, she wanted to talk it over with her husband.
That thought made her smile. She really wanted this to work, and if it would be better for the relationship to say no, she'd say no. Either way, she needed to talk to Neil.
Jayna found him in their quarters. It had been a long day, and all she wanted was to relax here with him and forget everything else. But first she had to tell him about her sister...and the invitation. She gave him a quick kiss, then said, "Captain Tyree spoke to Jayde and me about an...opportunity."
Neil looked up from where he was sitting on the floor, easing his leg and looked up as she entered. She seemed flustered slightly and he asked. "Ok. I can maybe sort of guess, given his reputation. I trust he's not bleeding obviously?" He said with a smile.
From where he was at, they needed to talk about a couple of things.
She crossed her legs and gracefully sat on the floor next to him. "He wasn't too obvious. But he needs to do better at hiding what he's thinking. I hear at least one of his crew has a crush on him. Two, depending on who you listen to. I don't know what they're thinking." She grinned mischievously. "I'd never fall in love with a man who just wanted to get me into his bed. But that's not the point. He offered both of us a job. Jayde is going to stay here as part of security. He wants me to work with his team from time to time, but I'd still be permanently assigned to the Pioneer."
Neil dug out a musset bag that clinked suspiciously and pulled out a OD flask with a red cross on it and said, "Smart guy. And honestly love was likely the last thing on his mind. Twins are one of those bucket list things some men much less virtuous than myself dream of. Bourbon?"
"Yes. And twins are more problematic than anyone realizes. Myself included. She's really angry that I'm with you--just for the record. And the captain called me Lieutenant Tremble. He graciously let us use his office after that to talk."
Cracking the flask, Neil took a sip of the medicinal spirits and leaned back against the bunk, slipping an arm around her shoulders. "She wasn't happy when she heard we were together before. Might as well let her get all the mad done with at once rather than peace meal. What kind of work is Tyree looking for you to do? You're already liaison to the Cure. It's not a bad idea but you read the report on this boat. Something is a little fishy with her TO&E and status with the Fleet and Fed Intel."
She took a swallow from Neil's flask before responding. "I'd be seconded--or would that be thirded--to Starfleet Intelligence from time to time if the Valiant needs my help with an assignment." She leaned against his chest. "Jayde is five minutes older than I am and thinks that gives her some rights as the older sister. But I assured her that I'm exactly where I want to be and am not interested in hearing her objections."
"So," Neil said taking the flask back and taking his own swig. "Machinations within wheels and plots in the dark. The murky side."
Then he snickered, "The boss is going to have kittens. Spy games gives him nearly as much heartburn as do AI. I wonder if Tyree would be interested in a Rommie program. When word got back to Tyler he'd try to throw this boat out of the fleet."
Chuckling again, he took another swig and passed the flask back, the booze starting to work through some kinks.
"I hope not. I've been a little preoccupied myself, but I like what I see here. It's a good group, in spite of the melodrama. And I would like working with Jayde from time to time, once she gets over her snit."
Looking around the bulkheads, Neil nodded. "She's different." Then he grinned. "This ship I meant, though your sister doesn't seem to like me for some reason." After another drink, he said, "I do seem to have that affect on people."
"Not me, I'm afraid." She leaned up and kissed him. "She'll get over it. The captain, though..." She shook her head. "I'm not so sure about. He really won't like it. But I'm already part of Starfleet Intelligence. And I'm part of the Cure. And Red Team." She paused. "What do you think? That's what matters to me."
Grinning against her lips and pulling her closer with the arm that was already wrapped about her, Neil said, "It'll be good for Tyler. If he complains, tell him you were asked. Said no. And to take it up with Tyree. Wasn't your fault he asked." The last half sentence was more murmured than cohesive and he made sure to seal the flask before dropping it.
END
A joint post by
Lieutenant Jayna Tremble
Intelligence Officer, The Cure
USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius Tremble
Executive Officer, USS Pioneer
Battalion Commander, The Cure
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