Tying Up Loose Ends

Posted on Tue Oct 20th, 2026 @ 10:08pm by Commander Zhora zh'Roothi & Lieutenant (J.G.) Oakham Khen Ziren & Chief Petty Officer Kiera Targaryen

688 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: 11. Recess
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: Prior to Staff Meeting

Leading the way inside the Commodore's Ready Room Zhora zh'Roothi knew he wouldn't mind her occupying his sanctum temporarily especially if she stayed clear of his work space and this impromptu meeting was concluded quickly.

The normal starry view through the port was replaced with bright blue skies and flooded the room with sunshine, below the sprawling districts and cities of Karemma continued with their routine bustle - it was tempting to take in the view but that would have to wait.

Squaring her shoulders against the blue skies Zhora addressed the two women in front of her and felt her antenna sway with annoyance.

"Care to explain what happened down there?" the Commander asked sternly.

Ziren frowned, looking sideways at Kiera. "I wasn't aware anything untoward happened ma'am," she finally answered, "I felt I was doing my job protecting a fellow crew member. A high profile crew member once she made herself known. I feared they might try to take her and use her as leverage."

“It was more my fault Commander” Kiera added. “I shouldn’t have said who I was, I wasn’t thinking in terms of risk at the time. I’m also not pressing any charges against Lieutenant Ziren.”

"I don't think you bear any fault," Ziren offered quietly, "you probably hoped to diffuse a derailing situation. But as soon as you did reveal yourself I felt it was necessary to offer protection. I feared that they might make a very rash decision. They weren't exactly reasonable..."

Kiera nodded. “Very true, I promise I won’t make that error again. I should have known better.”

The Andorian XO bit back a sigh. Edrakt's offensive tactics had put them into uncomfortable waters and faced a strong possibility of bringing harm to innocent bystanders in the name of Joint Operational Directive 12 and Captain Tazari. She hated herself for retreating giving the Gnalish officer an easy victory over her team, however given how the scene panned out it would properly the best outcome.

"Alright," Zhora stepped forward, her tone and frame softened. "No foul, no gain. As I see it we all have something to learn from this. Kiera, your name will naturally raise attention among Starfleet personnel, Ziren is right - it does make you a high profile target whether you like it or not. I'd recommend you play your cards a little tighter to your chest in the company of unfamiliar faces in the future."

Kiera nodded. “I will Commander, my own fault it won’t happen again.”

"Ziren," the Commander addressed the hybrid security officer. "While I applaud your foresight and desire to protect may I suggest you consider a more subtle approach? One that will not evoke an instant response that risks being interpenetrated incorrectly."

"Yes ma'am," the hybrid responded formally, "I'll work in learning to do so. But I could use some help with that... I may be a little too defensive due to my upbringing and well..." She hesitated. "My time at the academy wasn't always moonlight and roses... there's still a lot of prejudice against those of my background... despite both my fathers being in Starfleet."

“I’m no counsellor, but I am part El Aurian so if you ever want to talk about it?” Kiera offered with a warm smile.

"It can't hurt," Ziren admitted, "I know Papa Zee had plenty of prejudice himself, and both received odd looks for being together. It's not an excuse... but it doesn't help. And well... I'm navigating as best as I can. I haven't encountered anything here on the ship yet, thankfully..."

Zhora felt herself nod sympathetically at Ziren's troubled past. "If anyone gives you a hard time ensure you report it to Commander Kuzos or myself," she said gently.

"Yes ma'am, if and when I will. But it hasn't so far and I hope it won't."

"If there's nothing else," the XO glanced between the two women expectantly. Noting their silence she added: "You're both dismissed."

"Ma'am," Ziren acknowledged before doing an about face and walked away.

“Thank you Commander” Kiera nodded politely before heading on her way as well.

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