Early morning pick up

Posted on 04 Mar 2012 @ 3:38am by Nesh Saalm & Rear Admiral Lirha Saalm

3,708 words; about a 19 minute read

Mission: Episode 00 - Pre-Deployment
Location: Los Angeles, Saalm Residence
Timeline: MD 04 - 0730 hrs

[ON]

Nesh had found it hard to sleep knowing that in a few hours she would get to spend some time with Lirha. It has been forever. About an hour before she had planned on getting up her eyes popped open. Throwing her legs over the edge of the bed she was soon springing to her closet.

She emerged from her bedroom in a simple pair of well fitted jeans and black and gold camisole. Between the two dark fabrics was a strip of emerald skin that grew as she walked. The smile plastered on her youthful face was a mixture of excitement at getting to see her sister and relief that her mother was letting her leave. In a very juvenile fashion Nesh plopped down on the couch with her head resting on the back as she waited for the arrival of her sister.

Lirha set her shuttlecraft down in the main parking lot about a hundred meters from the house. Dirt and dust kicked up from the pavement as the shuttle's pylons finally made contact with the ground. The side door deployed with a slow whine and she quickly powered down the craft and stepped outside. She took a quick look around the neighborhood, noticing new buildings and playgrounds which weren't there several years ago. It had been a while since she had last visited her mother and sister, and she felt butterflies in her stomach as she walked down the sidewalk to their old house. Finally arriving at the front door, she gave it a soft knock and adjusted her Starfleet uniform so that she looked presentable to her sister.

Even if Nesh hadn't seen her approaching she couldn't have missed the sound of the shuttle setting down not far from the door. She heard the chime ring and practically jumped on her sister as she wrapped her arms around Lirha's neck. "HI! She exclaimed excitedly. She finally pulled back with a large smile on her face.

The captain was caught off-guard by her sister's friendly ambush and returned her tight embrace to the best of her ability, putting her arms around her waist and squeezing her tight. "Hi sweetie!" she answered as Nesh stepped back. "Did you miss me?" Lirha asked with a big smile.

"Nope." Nesh said with a a single shake of her head she had a huge cheesy grin. Without warning she pulled her sister in for another hug. "So what are we doing today?" she couldn't hide the excitement that was in her voice.

"Well," Lirha started in a soft voice, "I'm going to bring you to the HQ and get you all settled and checked in with security, then I'm going to take you to meet a couple of my colleagues." she said, then paused for a second as she looked in her sister's green eyes. "I've got some administrative work to do this morning so you'll be spending some time with them. I'll come pick you up for lunch, then I have to go back to the office for a few hours in the afternoon...." she finished, then bit her lip as she hoped Nesh wouldn't be too upset with her for passing her off to other people.

Nesh's upper lip tensed slightly in disappointment. She nodded in agreement, "So when you are done...with work?...then I get you?" She didn't want to sound as desperate as she was to spend time with her sister. "It could be fun spending some time in San Fransisco."

Lirha walked forward and gave her sister another hug, then stroked the side of her face affectionately. "Of course. As soon as I'm finished with work, I'll take you out into the city for the night." she said, then glanced at the gold studs on Nesh's face, the result of a nose and lip piercing. Her eyes traveled downward to her sister's exposed upper chest, and noticed the tattoos which now adorned her green skin. "When did you get all of this done?" she asked, motioning to the girl's face and chest.

Nesh looked down over the front of her. "I started them a little over a little over a year ago." Her hand touched the one just below her left collarbone. "This was the last one I got...maybe four months ago?" she said almost questioning as she thought over the adornments she had added to her emerald skin. "If you came home more often you would be so shocked." She had a large smile on her face as she couldn't help but give her sister a hard time.

The captain smirked as she noticed Nesh had grown to be taller than her by a few inches. "Hopefully mom didn't get too upset...she wasn't very happy when I got mine." Lirha remarked casually. She was about the same age as her sister when she first got into body art, and she felt a sense of pride seeing Nesh starting to take after her. "So are you all packed and ready to go? I want to get you checked in before 0800."

"I think after you a Livana there isn't much I can do to shock her." she replied with a little laugh. "Just have to grab my bag." Nesh called back towards Lirha, as she took a few steps back and retrieved the back pack she had readied the night before. "All set." she grinned.

Lirha grabbed her sister's bag for her and slung it over her shoulder, then watched to make sure Nesh locked the house before walking down the sidewalk with her. It wasn't far to the shuttlecraft, and they arrived after a few minutes at the silver-hulled craft. With a couple taps on the door's keypad, the side panel deployed and a ramp laid out for Nesh to enter. "How long has it been since you were last in a proper shuttlecraft?" Lirha asked.

"We tend to stick to using our transport credits." Nesh replied with a laugh. She wasn't big on the whole shuttle idea but as long as it stayed close to land she was willing to go with it. "So do you know who you are planning on pawning me off onto or you going to auction me off the highest bidder?" It may not have been the most tasteful joke for an Orion.

Climbing into the shuttlecraft, Lirha looked back and frowned at Nesh with narrow and unamused eyes. It was one of the more inappropriate jokes she had heard come out of her sister's mouth, and she bit her bottom lip as she tried to suppress her anger. "You know better than to say something like that." she answered simply, then tossed Nesh's bag onto a nearby seat. She climbed into the cockpit and started the shuttle's pre-flight sequence, and glanced back to make sure Nesh was inside as the door closed.

"I arranged for you to spend time with my chief counselor, and I also want you meet my second in command, Commander Holliday. They're both nice people and good officers, and I think they'll be happy to have you tag along with them for a few hours." she finally answered.

"I thought it was funny." Nesh said quietly with a laugh to herself. She knew that being an Orion and with her family's history she shouldn't have said it. Nesh took a seat in the empty chair next to her sister. She wasn't looking forward to hanging out with a bunch of people who didn't really want her around, but it was only for a few hours. "Cool." She finally replied.

The shuttlecraft lifted off of the asphalt and began a slow ascent into the air. Cleared of any obstacles and other air traffic, Lirha engaged the craft's thrusters and took them on a direct course for Starfleet HQ. The distance wasn't far and was expected to take only five or six minutes. With a couple taps on the flight control console, Lirha activated the shuttle's autopilot, then turned in her seat to look over at Nesh. "So who is this boy you've been spending time with?" she asked, wanting to know the details of her sister's relationship.

Nesh rolled her eyes, she had known that when she told her sister about Markus she would want to know more. "Who Markus?" She paused for a moment and continued when Lirha nodded in acknowledgement. "He is a friend...we met in advanced chemistry. My friend Janell has the hots for him, so that is a little awkward." She turned towards her sister almost in panic, "We are not a couple or anything of the sorts...just so you know...I don't want you going down the same freak out road that mom did."

The older sister chuckled under her breath. "I was just wondering...and don't worry, I'm not freaking out." she answered with a wry smile. "I know I don't get to see you often so I'm just a little curious about what you've been doing with your life." she added, hoping that her casual prompt would cause her sister to reveal more information.

Nesh laughed and nodded lightly. "School mostly. I help out mom at the shop when I don't have much homework...I get to hang out with Markus and Janell a few days a week but other then that Mom keeps a pretty tight leash." She smiled over at her sister. Unlike the last time that statement came up she didn't want to guilt Lirha. "I have been looking into colleges. I know it is early but if mom approves I can graduate a year early from high school."

"That's great news." Lirha replied with genuine interest. "Have you thought about which school and program you would like to enroll in?" she asked. Part of her wished that Nesh would take an interest in Starfleet, but she didn't want to push the issue. If she was content to take a more traditional course of study, Lirha would be equally as proud of her. Besides, she figured that bringing her sister to the HQ would give her a good chance to experience fleet life, if even for a day.

"I am been thinking about studying art history actually." Nesh started, she wasn't sure how her big sister was going to take the news. She wanted nothing to do with Starfleet even if the chance of getting to meet other cultures was a little alluring. "Baylor has a great program...and my grades are high enough for early admission but,..." her voice trailed off.

"But what?" Lirha asked in a cautious tone. When Nesh didn't finish her sentences it was often a prelude to some sort of bad news, or in this case, possibly a decision. "You've always been good at school, why would you forgo early admission?" she asked.

Nesh looked down at where her hands were in her lap. She was quiet for what felt like for ever. She finally looked back at her sister. "Baylor is in Texas...and with you in Starfleet and Livana on Rigel III...If I go to Texas, then who would be here for mom?" She paused, she wasn't really looking for an answer but she couldn't shake the guilt of leaving her mom. "I mean, I can come back every weekend, but that still leaves her alone more often then not. I don't know if I could do that to her."

The shuttlecraft began it's approach to Starfleet HQ and Lirha took manual control of the craft as they began their slow descent to the landing pad. Her green hands moved delicately across the console in front of her and she spoke to Nesh while keeping her eyes on the helm controls. "You know, Nesh, mom is a very strong woman and has sacrificed a lot to make sure that we were in a safe environment while we were growing up." she began in a soft voice. "I think it would be good for her to be on her own for a while and finally get to live her life without worrying about you, me, or Livana."

Nesh laughed and look up at Lirha, "You think that being away from home keeps mom from worrying?" She chuckled, "I will go to college, I can assure you of that...the location is the only thing up to debate." she smiled as she looked around. "So what do we need to do first? The sooner you get to work the sooner we get to spend some time together."

"Well, first we need to stop by my quarters so that you can change clothes and put your bag away." she said, then glanced over at Nesh's revealing attire. "You look nice, but I need to put you into a civilian uniform until I finish my shift." she added. "Then we need to visit the personnel management office and get your security clearance, as well as your visitor's ID. After that, I'll take you go see my chief counselor. Her name is Drusilla, but please call her Lieutenant McCarthy until she tells you otherwise. I asked her to look after you until lunch time and she agreed. I'm quite fond of her, so try and be nice to her?"

"Yes Ma'am." Nesh said with a mocking salute. "Are you fond of all of your crew for just this Lieutenant?" She couldn't help but give her sister a bit of a hard time after the whole Markus conversation. "I will try...I promise."

The shuttlecraft touched down slowly on the landing pad and the main thrusters let off a soft whine as they powered down. Lirha gave her sister a knowing smile in reference to her last question, then began the post-flight sequence. After several moments, the rear ramp deployed and Lirha grabbed Nesh's backpack as she exited the craft. She breathed in a breath of fresh air and looked around at the numerous busy personnel hustling about green garden in the front of the main complex. "So... what do you think?" she asked her sister. It was the first time Nesh had been to Starfleet HQ and Lirha wanted to know her first impressions.

Nesh wanted to say wow, but the words wouldn't form. It didn't stop her lips from trying. She looked around amazed by what she saw. "Th-...This place is amazing.!" She finally said. She spun around slowly with each step as she moved along with her sister. "I mean, I have see quite a few cities and such, but this place is so...so...peaceful...yet bustling."

"It's very tranquil, I find." she said casually as she took Nesh's hand and led her down the long sidewalk and into the main building. Lirha nodded at several security personnel along the way and kept her sister close to her so that she wouldn't be hassled for her clearance. After a few minutes of walking, they finally arrived at Lirha's quarters and she set Nesh's bag down on the bed before going to rummage through her closet. She turned around and held up a grey Starfleet shirt and black pants. The shirt was sleeveless yet covered most of the torso, and was made of a firm cotton and nylon fiber, while the pants were form-fitting and ribbed around the thighs for support. "Are you okay with wearing this?" she asked.

"Do I have much of a choice?" Nesh asked as she tentatively took the boring fabric. She dropped it on the bed as she slipped off the black tank she was wearing. She hated how flat it looked against her skin. With a slight pout she finished changing. "I am definitely not joining Starfleet if this is what I have to look forward to." She said as she indicated the outfit she was forced to wear.

Lirha's ears perked up at her sister's casual yet disgruntled comment. "So, if the uniforms were different, you would join Starfleet?" she asked with an aura of mock hopefulness in her voice. The captain looked at her younger sister, who surprisingly looked very presentable in the uniform. "I think you look great." she added as she looked Nesh up and down.

Nesh laughed as she pulled her hair back in a pony tail. "Of course you do, you love this life." she replied with a smile. She looked around her sisters room for a minute. Her eyes fell on a photo that was sitting on a shelf near by. Her face broke out into a glowing smile that make her eyes twinkle, "I remember this day." She said as she picked up the photo frame and turned it towards Lirha.

The picture she held up was a family portrait of Lirha, Nesh, and their mother, Aila. At the time, Nesh was only eight years old and Lirha had just graduated from Starfleet Academy, and was still dressed in her blue and white graduation garments. It was one of Lirha's favorite pictures, taken almost seven years ago to this day. She walked close to her sister and put an arm around her shoulders, giving her a tight squeeze. "I take this portrait wherever I go. Helps remind me of you and mom when I'm on long assignments." she said.

Nesh would never admit it, but she was proud of her sister. The day in the photo she had been so excited for Lirha. It wasn't until she realized that Starfleet meant she wouldn't hear of see from her sister for months that she began to resent it. Her resentment soon turned into hatred. "Careful Reehee, you might make me fee guilty for being mad at you." She gave her sister a little wink. "Seriously...I am glad that you have this around." She looked back down at the photo with a laugh. "I have the same photo on my bookshelf in my room."

Lirha didn't reply, and instead just gave her sister a smile. Despite her lightheartedness about the issue, Lirha knew that Nesh hadn't been happy with her for joining Starfleet. The problem was not so much with Starfleet as it was the long and steady absences which Lirha endured away from her sister and mother. Lirha had her own regrets as well, but for the most part it had been a positive experience in her life. She was glad that Nesh was getting older and was becoming more understanding about the issue.

"We have better get going" Nesh said with another grin as she pulled on her shoes. "I don't want to make you any later." She gave her sister a little wink, "Besides...I need to meet this Lieutenant McCarthy...see what I can dig up about my big sister." Putting down the photo she walked toward the main living area. She was anxious to get her day started.

"One second." Lirha said as she went to her desk to grab a small bag and a couple of PADDs. She quickly scooped up all of her important work items for the day, then walked towards the door. "Okay, let's go." she said, as she stepped out and into the hallway with her sister in tow.

They moved at a brisk pace and down several floors to the personnel management office. There, Lirha acquired the appropriate security clearance and ID for Nesh to be present on the facilities, then gave her a comm badge to wear for the day. "Here, put this on. It will let me keep in touch with you. If you need anything, just give it a tap and it will open a direct line to me." she said as she held out the silver and gold communicator for her sister to take.

Nesh looked up at her sister before tentatively retrieving the useful piece of jewelry. She clipped it to the lapel of her shirt much like Lirha wore hers. She was amazed at the efficiency of this place but it made sense. An organization that sent ships all over the known galaxy would need to be organized. "So what next?"

Lirha shook her head, "That's it, you're all set for the day. I took care of the other arrangements last night after we spoke." she said, then walked towards the exit as she push her dark hair behind her ears. The captain gave the security guard a polite nod as he stood at attention while she and her sister passed. "Let's go meet Lieutenant McCarthy, shall we?" she asked.

"Oh goodie." Nesh tried to hid the sarcasm. Her tone was slightly serious. She was looking forward to spending some time with the people her sister spent time with, but she had been looking forward to having the day with her sister, not a few hours that evening. At the end of the day, she would take what she could get. "Lead the way Commander." She replied with a cheeky smile.

The captain couldn't help but chuckle and shake her head at Nesh's vibrant and youthful personality. Together, the two of them made their way up to the fifth floor of the HQ and stopped in front of the counselor's temporary office. Lirha turned to Nesh and quickly adjusted her comm badge which was tilted slightly to the side. "Okay Nesh, remember... whatever you do, please don't embarrass me?" she asked in a half-serious tone.

Nesh let out a laugh that she quickly stifled with her hand. "I promise to try and not embarrass you...to much." She said easily. "Maybe I should...it would give some motivation to come back and get me quicker." She looked up and down both hallways. It was weird, the building was so beautiful from the outside and do generic from the inside.

Lirha stared into her sister's green eyes for a few moments, trying to figure out if she was serious or just joking. She wouldn't put it past Nesh to find amusement in exposing her personal secrets and details. "Whatever." Lirha simply said with a shake of her head, then tapped the doors console to signal their presence to whoever was inside.

[OFF]

--

CMDR Lirha Saalm
Commanding Officer
USS Galileo

Nesh Saalm
Little Sister
NPC'd by Barel

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