Looking After What is Left Behind

Posted on 27 Jun 2017 @ 8:25pm by Commander Aren Ban & Ambassador Soral Varro
Edited on on 28 Jun 2017 @ 1:27pm

2,099 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Episode 15 - Emanation
Location: USS Chaka - Observation Lounge
Timeline: MD -38, 1015 hrs

[ON]

Aren sat at a table as he looked over some of his notes. He had been troubled by the death of JJ's parents. He had looked over the Frasier family tree and he wanted to make sure that JJ was cared for. Aren didn't have the time to watch her or give her the support that she needed. Since Caine's and Fraiser's death, the little girl had been lethargic to say the least, barely eating and really only sleeping. Aren had been watching over her the best he could, but he didn't have the time, nor could he give her the attention that she needed. He sighed as he wrote a quick message to Varo.

Ambassador Varro, please meet me in the observation lounge as soon as you are able, I have a matter that I really need to discuss with you.

Sincerely,
Commander Ban

Varro had just completed his meditation. He headed for the lounge. There he got something to eat and checked his messages. He read a message from Ban and acknowledged it and then went on his way to the observation lounge.

As he walked he wondered what the Commander would have to talk to him about. Perhaps it would be something where he could use his diplomatic skills.

Aren stood as the Ambassador entered the lounge. "Thank you ambassador for coming so quickly." Aren said as he extend his hand in greeting. "I know that we haven't had any time to really get to know one another, but I have a special request of you."

Varro shook the man's hand. He sat down and gave a nod, "I see, what is your request?"

Aren followed suit, sitting down and folding his hands. In his time in Starfleet he had never had to deal with situation such as this, nor had he ever had to mentally prepare himself for it. "As you are aware, Lt JG Fraiser and Senior Chief Caine were killed aboard the Du'Jaq and are survived by Fraiser's daughter JJ." He said before pausing for a moment, hoping that he wasn't sounding callous or heartless.

"From the records that I have available, JJ has family still on Earth. I believe she has grandparents there, as well as an aunt and an uncle. Since the death of her immediate family she has been having...trouble and rightly so, given the circumstances. I have been trying to take care of her since we boarded the Chaka, but I don't think I am equipped to give her the attention she wants or the attention and help that she needs. I was hopping that you might be able to look after her, in an official capacity as guardian, until we get her reunited with her surviving family."

Varro sat silently recalling Fraiser and Caine. Their deaths were a tragedy. He didn't doubt that JJ was suffering. Her telepathic abilities were well advanced and she would have felt their deaths on a level that a human or any other non telepathic race would not understand. Something Varo himself had experienced twice in his life.

He sighed, "Being Betazoid and with such high telepathic abilities it's difficult for her. She needs two of us. I would like to suggest along with myself Doctor Eviess be brought into this as well. JJ seems to have a strong connection with her."

Aren sat there for a moment and nodded. "I can't even begin to imagine the pain she must be feeling. If you want to allow Petty Officer Eviess to help, that is your prerogative. However," Aren grabbed a PADD containing the legal custodianship paperwork and slide to Varo, "I think that you would be the best individual on the crew to take care of JJ for the time being. I have seen the way JJ responds to you. As I said before, until we get to Earth, and are able to reunite her with her family, I want you to retain temporary guardianship for her." He said as pulled out another PADD, placing a hand on it until Varo signed the paperwork.

Varro took the PADDs and read them. He made it a point not to sign anything without reading it. All seemed in order and he added his mark. "You have been caring for her for a while now. Tell me what her state is at the moment."

Aren took the signed PADD and gave him the next PADD. "This PADD contains her medical history, as well as her dossier. To answer you question," Aren shook his head, "she hasn't been well. Lethargic, barely eating, sleeps all the time." He said with a shrug. "I don't want you to think that I am 'pawning' her off onto you. I have seen your record, and unfortunately this Saber class," Aren motioned his hand to encompass the entire ship, "doesn't have the facilities nor the personnel to handle something such as this. I have had Lt JG Sandoval speak to her, but we haven't really had any progress or much of a response. That is part of the reason I am coming to you for this, as it is based on her recommendation."

Varro gave a nod, "All symptoms that are normal for someone who's experienced trauma. I will do my best to assist." He studied the medical records his mind going back to a similar issue he once dealt with. "Ilan was the same..." He said absently not realizing that he had said it out loud."

Aren cocked an eyebrow at Varro's remark. He appreciated the ambassador's willingness to take care of the child and to help rehabilitate her, though Aren didn't remember anything labeled Ilan in his file. "Ambassador who was Ilan and what makes the situation similar to that as JJ?"

"An ambassador's file is never complete. There are things that Starfleet keeps off the file in order to make sure that a diplomat's family is not dragged into his life if he so requests the information to be kept off the file. Ilan...Ilan is my adopted son. When I took charge of him he was one years old, it was at age 5 I adopted him and he fully became my son... a long story. Shall we go see JJ?"

Aren nodded. He didn't appreciate important information being left out of files, had he known about Ilan, it was entirely possible that he would have approached the Ambassador sooner. But then again, he did understand it. "Fair enough. If you would follow me please." Aren stood, gathering up the few PADD's that he had brought with him. He motioned for Varo to follow him.

Varro followed feeling an odd sense of familiarity. He remembered Ilan and had to smile. It had been years since he took care of a child. Ilan was now grown. As much as Varro insisted on not every wanting to raise anymore children he did miss being a father. It had been months since he'd heard from Ilan. Perhaps it was time to call. He followed the commander. "Have JJs surviving family members been contacted?"

Aren shook his head. "At this time we are on a comms black out at least until we get to the Starbase, so no we have't, and we can't." Aren said before they arrived at the cargo hold. He opened the hatch and stepped in, making his way over to the cot in which little JJ was sleeping. Aren knelled down next to JJ. "Hey JJ." he said quietly as he gently touched her shoulder.

She turned with puffy, swollen eyes, and just stared. "Do you remember Ambassador Varro?" He asked. When she nodded, Aren smiled. "Varro is going to watch after you for awhile. If you need anything, let him know." Aren said with as much empathy as he would could put into his voice.

Before Varro could even step forward JJ sat up and held up her hands. "Up." She said.

Varro smiled and lifted her up. She sniffled and laid her head on his shoulder. Varro looked at the commander. "Eviess and I will do the best we can. Were any items recovered from the Klingon ship that were hers or theirs." He said not wanting to name her parents so that she wouldn't get upset.

Aren smiled lightly. He hadn't seen much energy from JJ in the last few days. He watched Varro for a few moments. "Is there anything that you of JJ will need from me at this time Ambassador?" Aren asked. He wanted to to make sure that JJ was cared for, and had all the support that she could get.

Varro smiled briefly, "I think we will be just fine."

"Unka Vawo," she called out seeing that Varro and Aren were talking. JJ too wanted to be a part of the conversation.

Varro smiled at her, "Yes miss JJ?"

"I'm hungy," she said.

With the practiced hand of one who had raised a child, Varro shifted JJ onto his hip and headed to the replicator. He punched in a few codes and the food shimmered into existence. Varro looked over at Aren. "Tell me a bit more of what you know of JJ's family."

Aren sat down on a nearby crate. "Well I will start with the Caine family history. Her biological father was killed in a shuttle craft accident a little over a year ago, making her uncle the senior chief." He said as he rolled his shoulders, loosening that tension that had been building up over the last few weeks. "Caine's parents are retired medical officers living on Betazed, with long distinguished careers, though from my understanding JJ hasn't had the opportunity to meet them. The Fraisers live on Earth. Stephanie's father is a current serving ambassador and, at least from the records that I have been able to access, just recently returned from a diplomatic visit to Cardassia. Her mother is a practicing doctor on Earth. As far as siblings, she has several brothers that are either in Starfleet or about to go to the academy." Aren finished as he tried to recall all the information from memory.

Varro nodded, "Then it would be best...."

JJ fussed at getting put in her highchair. Varro smiled and pulled up a seat while he mixed the food. He smiled at JJ. "This, Miss JJ, is very yummy. Will you try some for me?"

JJ laughed and nodded. He fed JJ taking a moment to wipe her mouth with the cloth he'd slung over his shoulder. He turned back to Aren. "Then it's best she does not go to the Ambassador and his wife. Caine's parents seem like the logical choice."

Aren give Varro a shake of the head. "I would normally agree with you, however there is a legal matter that prevents us from doing so. Neither of the Caine brothers ever married Stephanie Fraiser, both were en ganged but passed away prior to any official documentation being signed or processed. JJ's next of kin is her grandparents on Stephanie's side." Aren finished. He looked a JJ a little sullenly before turning his attention back to the Ambassador.

"I know some of the rules on Betazed," he said. "They are matriarchal but there might be ways around that." He sighed. "It's a diplomatic headache but if, Caine's house is higher in ranking then Stephanie's then it is possible." He smiled as JJ ate.

"Mo unka Vawwo."

He grinned, "Someone is hungry." He scooped up another spoonful. Like a seasoned father he kept her eating. He shook his head. "I have missed this." In truth he missed his son.

Aren nodded. "In the case of the Betazed houses, I think it might be best to leave that in your capable hands Ambassador." Aren said, as he watched Varro take care of JJ, doing so with a practiced ease. He smiled as he stood up from the crate. "You seem to have everything under control. Is there anything else you need Ambassador?" Aren asked.

Varro gave his head a shake. "Not at this time. Thank you for all the information and for caring for JJ."

Aren nodded. "Very well Ambassador, you and JJ have a good day, please let me know if you need anything. JJ please be good for Ambassador Varro, let me know if you need anything ok?" He said before turning to leave. He had a whole crew to take care of and wanted to do his best to take care of them.

[OFF]

--

Commander Aren Ban
Executive Officer

&

Ambassador Varro
Diplomat

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