Are You Okay?

Posted on Wed Feb 7th, 2024 @ 10:40pm by Commodore Tyler Malbrooke & Captain Edmund Merrick & Petty Officer 2nd Class Sofia Cipriani
Edited on on Wed Feb 7th, 2024 @ 11:13pm

0 words; about a 1 minute read

Mission: Episode 15 - The Evil That Lies Beneath
Location: Captains Ready Room - Deck 1 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD002 - 1030 hrs

Edmund was concerned about Tyler, especially after the briefing and the talk with Vura. He couldn't put a finger on it though. Besides, he wanted to talk to Tyler about putting a game together. Like old times.

"Computer, what is the location of Commodore Malbrooke?" Edmund decided that would be a good place to start, he didn't want to disturb Tyler if he was having dinner with his wife. Commodore Malbrooke that was still resounding in his mind, it was definitely quite the change.

"Commodore Malbrooke is in his Ready Room." The computer replied. It went on to ask if directions were needed for the Ready Room.

Merrick didn't need any direction as he'd been here before. However he politely answered. "No thank you" to the computer. He took the turbolift to the bridge and headed towards the ready room. His hand reached out to press the chime to announce himself.

"Come in." Sofia announced. Tyler had stepped out for a minute or two but he would be back soon and she didn't see the harm in letting whomever it was in and ask them to wait.

As the doors parted, "Captain Merrick, sir." Sofia stood a little straighter. "Commodore Malbrooke has just stepped out. He should be back in 10-15 minutes." she smiled at the man, albeit the smile a little less full after Sofia's and Tyler's bust up earlier. She'd left his office visibly shaken.

"Hello and he's stepped out? I don't mind waiting. I came to see how he is doing in truth. He and I are old friends he was my mentor in the academy. A lovely chap and definitely someone I would call a friend." Edmund uttered.

Sofia's breath faltered. "Yes, the Commodore is a nice man. He's taken me under his wing, almost like a mentor as well." she looked at Merrick with a touch of sadness. She wasn't sure if she should mention anything about his behaviour of late. Would that be unprofessional? Most of the time they spoke in confidence. Would this break that?

Edmund's lips pressed together in a grim line. "I am glad he has taken you under his wing. I just.. I just had noticed during the briefing he wasn't, he didn't seem like himself. Did he have a good shore leave? Did something happen to him while on shore leave? I am sorry if I am pressuring you on finding out information, but since he's a long time friend, I want to look out for Tyler as well." Edmund in his mind had thought about speaking to Tyler's wife, but that didn't seem prudent at this time, especially since she was pregnant. He didn't wish to put undue pressure on her. He might end up needing to do that anyway.

"He's been... difficult." Sofia replied with some hesitation. She wasn't sure about how much she should say but just thought about going all in. "He's been distant, making some strange decisions and recently his mood... there's been some mood swings." she admitted as it brought a tear to her not so glass eye.

Edmund frowned crossing his arms across his chest, and rubbed his chin, feeling the signs of a five o clock shadow. "That isn't good, something most definitely is up. How long ago did this start?"

As if on cue Tyler stepped through the Ready Room doors. He immediately noticed Edmund and Sofia and his demeanor shifted. It went from someone who was happy almost disturbedly so to someone who was annoyed. He sighed heavily. "Oh... great what do you two want?"

"Hello Commodore, I came to see how you are doing, both as a friend and also as a crew member. Figured this would be as good a place to do so." Merrick stated, definitely having noticed the change in his friend. What was up with Tyler?

Sofia suddenly found her shoes to be of extreme interest as her head dropped so fast that it may have caused her to topple over. She hadn't forgotten how he spoke to her earlier. Her heart quickened at the tone of his voice. She did not want to meet his gaze one bit and her unease was clear.

Edmund saw Sofia's reaction out of the corner of his eye, but most of his attention was looking at Tyler. "How was your shoreleave? You and I didn't get to really get together during that. However I thought you were spending some good time with your lovely lady."

"Yes the ole ball and chain and I had some time together. Look, if all you came here for was idle chit chat I am not up for it. You can leave, however, if you have ship's business to discuss then go ahead." You know you can kill them both... Would take but a moment... Then beam their bodies into space... The now ever present voice in his head continued to press him.

"I think I'll leave..." Sofia said after a big intake of breath. "I'm not needed here." she smiled rather weakly at Merrick and steeled herself to make for the door.

A lift of an eyebrow from Merrick, Tyler's remarks was causing Edmund some concern and definitely confirming even more as to Sofia's statement. "It isn't just for idle chit chat, sir." Merrick responded, "I have reports from the Marine Birthday Ball as well as thank you notes which needed to be delivered in person"

"The thank you notes can be handed off to Cipriani. What official reports do you have from a party?" Tyler had both sarcasm and the aire of authority in his voice. This was extremely bothersome however, if the Captain had something pertinent to report then he should hear it. After all the image needed to be maintained.

"The Marine Birthday Ball was a resounding success, noone from our ship had done anything to bring down shame and dishonor to us. Sir if you recall, you were there, it wasn't just a It was an important event. Also Admiral Hall had desired that I convey his wish to have a tour of the Pioneer at some point in time. That will have to be coordinated by you with him."

"I will be sure to be in touch with the Admiral when we return from mission status. The Marine Ball being a success is a testament to the leadership of our Executive Officer." Tyler spoke the words but the usual feeling that was behind the words was not present. In fact a thought just occurred to him. "Speaking of the Major. Has either of you seen him?" There was something uneasy about the question Tyler asked. As if Tremble not being there meant there was a plot afoot.

"I was going to be checking in with him, however, I've not seen him as of yet. With his duties as being your XO, Commodore, I've been needing to do the duties with the Marines and hopefully making his workload just a tad bit lighter. Now for a somewhat frivoulous question, Commodore, before I do leave. When would you like to resume our game play with DnD.?"

Tyler had been rather passionate about getting another gaming group together, was he going to show interest and Merrick's question was twofold here. He waited for the answer seeing just how Tyler was going to answer.

The thing that now resided in Tyler's head could tell this was a trap and so responded accordingly. With a lie that it knew it would never have to follow up on. "I think the next session will have to wait until we finish this mission. But it should be one for the record books."

Edmund could accept that answer, and gave an smile. "I will be holding you to that, Commodore." he looked at Sofia, "as what the good commodore had stated, I am to give to you the thank you notes and the gifts to put them in their proper areas." he turned back to Malbrooke, "If that is alright by you for me to have her assistance? A few of them are handwritten."

"Yeah I mean that is what she is there for." Tyler's response was shorter and more curt than it needed to be. However, that was just what his head was like. At the moment he wanted nothing more than for everyone to leave him in peace.

Edmund gave a nod, "Thank you, Commodore I will see myself out." he made certain that he was letting Sofia out first. As he stepped out of the ready room, Edmund had a slight frown, not where Tyler could see it, there was definitely something wrong.

Sofia looked at Tyler. She went to open her mouth but nothing came out. There was a mixture of shame, of fear running through her and still she wanted to let him know she was dismissing herself.

She walked up to his desk and put a PADD down on it more forcefully that she would have wanted. "Your appointments for the day." she said quite sternly. "If there is nothing else?"

Tyler lifted his head so Sofia could see his face full on. Now that Merrick had left the thing living in his head did not have to play along anymore. The look on his face was evil, demented, a look that said someone was not all there and someone else would have to pay for it. "No there is nothing else. See you soon..." She dies... It will be easy... The voice within his Tyler's head said.

A Joint Post By

Captain Edmund Merrick
The Cure Executive Officer, USS Pioneer

Petty Officer Second Class Sofia Cipriani
Captain's Yeoman, USS Pioneer

Commodore Tyler Malbrooke
Commanding Officer, USS Pioneer

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