The Bodyguard (Part II)

Posted on Sat Aug 2, 2025 @ 1:27am by Commodore T'mpest Michaels & Lieutenant Commander Jason Haines
Edited on on Fri Aug 8, 2025 @ 12:14am

1,325 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: MD 16 - Afternoon

[PREVIOUSLY]

"Any time you want to learn the staff, let me know, I will teach you", Jason said. "The fundamentals aren't too hard. Practice and footwork are what will take the most time."

It would be interesting, she had to admit, and she should have time for it, if she scheduled carefully. "Once we both settle in a bit, I would like that."

"Sounds good to me", Jason answered. "So, my next question is, do you have any known adversaries or enemies?"

[CONTINUED]

"No. There are doubtless some, but none that I know of, and none that would go out of their way to find me here. I believe it more likely you were assigned to me because of the recent problems on the station and planet."

"Not sure why the brass assigned me, but it doesn't matter", Jason said. "I'm going to do the job and do it right, which includes checking out enemies and adversaries."

Jason smiled.

"Intel drilled a bit of paranoia in me. Anyway, so you know, there will be a team here and one on the planet. I'll introduce you to them once I have them selected and they arrive."

"All right. But be aware that there will be times and places I will wish some privacy." T'mpest still wasn't sure why Starfleet thought it necessary, but she knew when to give in, and this was one of those times. At least for now.

"I will make sure that we are unobtrusive as we can be", Jason said.

He pondered a moment watching her face and then asked, "How much of Captain Soran's files about the Fae have you read?"

"Those that are still on the station. She did not leave many where they could be read by others." Although T'mpest had not searched for any encrypted files. "I learned most of it from Alanna."

"So, you know the Fae are a race of inter-dimensional beings that use high end technology that almost seems magical."

"Yes. I have also seen the portal complex and spoken with one of the sentinels. Well, I spoke. It nodded." She really didn't expect more.

"Did she tell you how the Fae perceive the station and your role?", Jason asked.

"Something about the ruler of the station being the ruler of the planet. But not much more."

"Yes, the queen of the castle", Jason said. "They take the arrangement seriously. They are quite litigious. Be careful what you agree to with them directly or implied."

"That..." Could become very tricky if she wasn't careful. "Is good to know. So, do not trust them and consider every word they say. I take it these agreements are generally verbal?"

"Yes,", Jason said. "I didn't know it at the time, but I got myself into one when I was ten years old."

"Ah. Because of your mother?" T'mpest only knew that Jason was half-Fae. "Has that turned out to be a good thing?"

Jason scowled at the mention of his mother. He didn't like people he barely knew bringing her up.

"Yes", Jason replied coolly. "And except for two individuals, no, it has not been a good thing as it ties me here, regardless of what I want to do."

T'mpest looked him over. Her expression more Vulcan than before. She didn't mean to touch on a sensitive subject. She merely wanted information. She would not make that mistake again. "You are not required to stay here. Yes, for whatever reason, Starfleet thinks I need a bodyguard, but it would not be the first time I have disagreed with something Starfleet wants. If you wish to leave, I will inform them that I sent you away."

Jason chuckled.

"It's not Starfleet that keeps me here", he replied. "The arrangement that I fell into when I was ten brought me here after I graduated from Starfleet to guard the castle and ruler in exchange for helping me free my mother. I know, I said she was dead, but it is a bit of a complicated story."

"Ah. Thank you for clarifying. I am afraid I cannot help with that--except to try not to cause you too much trouble." T'mpest's smile was slightly mischievous as she added. "Note I said try. I cannot guarantee it. But I will try to give you and Alanna time to be together as I wish to spend time with a friend as well."

"Alanna knows all about my fae issues", Jason said. "and she still hangs around with me. Who said miracles don't happen."

He then reached into his pocket, pulled something out and lay two things in front of Michaels. One was a Commodore's rank insignia and the other looked like a simple rank pip.

"And these are?" She wasn't sure if their purpose was for location or communication. She also wasn't sure if a pip was the most useful means of keeping an eye on her.

"Trackers", Jason said. "Your rank set is short range, down to the planet give or take. The pip is long range, close to a light year in range. Thank the Borg for that. The pip can secure to just about any material. I prefer you to where them at all times with the understanding that you get tracked only when necessary. If something requires 100 percent monitoring we'll get a subdermal."

She sighed. She didn't like it, but she understood the need. "All right. I will wear them. Although, I do not always wear my uniform." Perhaps in those cases she could attach it to a purse or something she would have close.

"The single pip is useful in those cases."

T'mpest nodded. It made sense, and could generally work. But she still knew there would be times the single pip would be inappropriate. Like swimming.

Jason paused and said, "I hear the Marines had a bit of a party to celebrate the victory. Now the repairs are done on the station, we should do something. A parrises square tournament, martial arts tourney, a music festival, a concert or something like that."

After a moment, T'mpest nodded. "I like the idea of a music festival. We can have a wide variety of music from different worlds and cultures. They can be held across the station and planet as well." It would take a little work to implement, but it would also be a great way to celebrate and have fun.

"Although they haven't had a chance to showcase themselves, there is a civilian events committee", Jason said. "I bet they'll be excited to organize it."

T'mpest raised an eyebrow at that. "I was not aware of the committee, but yes. I will turn this over to them and see what they come up with. Thank you for the suggestion." She liked delegating, and if they did this well, she might suggest a regular concert series.

"My pleasure Commodore. You will find I am full of them. Some better than others.", Jason replied. "Unless you have further questions, I need to setup time with the XO, unless you wish to discuss my role with her first."

"No. I have nothing further. I trust the two of you to make satisfactory arrangements." Besides, those arrangements were up to Jason, not her.

"Thank you for your time Commodore", Jason said. "I look forward to working with you."

With that he got up and left.

She looked forward to working with him, too. She liked Jason more than she thought she would. And, he was enough of a rebel for her to trust him. What she liked more was that she didn’t think he would try to interfere in her relationship with Lasuma. And, by the same token, she would try to give him as much leeway as she could to spend time with Alanna. That might benefit both of them.

A post by

Lieutenant Commander Jason Haines
Bodyguard
Deep Space 5

Commodore T’mpest Michaels
Commander
Deep Space 5

 

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