Asking the Wife

Posted on Friday, 5 June 2020 - 11:28am by Lieutenant Alex Kingsley

Mission: Operation: Iktomi
Location: USS Standng Bear | Science Lab
Timeline: 2393

{ON:}

Tilian walked into the science lab. He asked a young PO where Alex Kingsley was and after a few moments he found her at one of the terminals. "Lieutenant Kingsley?"

“That’s me,” Alex replied brightly as she looked up. “What can I do for you?”

"I am Petty Officer Tilian Grol. I am the new Yeoman for Commander' Soral and Stillwater." He paused. "I understand you and Commander Soral are...involved."

There was a hint of amusement in the science officer’s eyes as the Trill finished speaking. He seemed to all but whisper the last word - clearly trying to be discreet. Or professional. Or both. “Welcome aboard,” she offered as she saved her work, shutting down the files and stepping away from the workstation. “You understand correctly. So, how can I help?”

"Excellent. In my work with the previous captain I found that his spouse preferred him to be home at a certain hour. She liked him working late one day a week for her book club meeting and various errands. I wished to speak with you about your preferences before I set the commander's schedule."

Book club?! “Well, I don’t have a book club, or any other club,” she assured him, “so that isn’t an issue. Please, don’t worry. I’m sure Soral will be able to tell you any requirements he has.”

"Indeed but it is the mark of a good assistant to take into account the views of the ..." He cleared his throat. "Spouse." He said a little softer.

Grinning, Alex leaned in and quietly asked, “why are you whispering?”

"I um... assumed that you did not want it known. I saw no record of a public wedding. A good assistant exercises over-caution. Commander Soral did update his file listing you as his spouse but I saw no update on yours."

“Soral is more organised than me,” Alex conceded. “And no, no public wedding. Gold star for you. You’ve been doing your homework...”

"Indeed. I pride myself in my ability to find the unfindable." He paused. "That being said I can detect vocal changes in you. Does that mean you wish a public wedding?"

“It means it is private and not your concern,” she stated firmly.

"Very well. Now as to my original question with respect to his schedule. What is a time you wish him home by at the latest?"

“Whenever he wants to be home?” Alex said with a shrug, “I work late too. I do shifts. I wouldn’t dictate his schedule any more than I would like him to dictate mine. As long as you don’t keep him working all day I’m sure we will be fine.”

"Excellent." He looked at her. "Vulcans can be...an interesting lot. I know this cannot be easy. I myself have dated a Vulcan once. He was...fascinatingly frustrating."

Alex look made it evident he was walking a fine line. “Is there anything else you need?” She asked politely.

"No. That is all." He gave a small bow. "Thank you."

Watching him leave, Alex rolled her eyes. Frustrating indeed. She made a mental note to never, ever be promoted to the point of needing such a good assistant as the Petty Officer hoped to be.

{OFF:}