While work on "Blood Cries" is still progressing, albeit slowly and painfully, I thought I would do another little vignette as those seem to help me with the much larger work. This is a story that takes place in Liz Shelby's early years and reminds us that, prior to gaining her captaincy, she was a very ambitious woman and sometimes did some not very good things. Here, she makes a choice and has to live the with consequences of that choice.
USS Hornet. As she read the orders assigning her to the Excelsior-class starship under its near-legendary captain, Kal Daval of Efrosia, Ensign Elizabeth Shelby, newly graduated in the top one percent of her class, grinned delightedly as she turned to her friend and roommate, Ensign Jadzia Idaris. “I got it, Jadz!” The young blonde exulted. “The Hornet!”
“I thought you were aiming for the Hood?” Her unjoined Trill friend, Jadzia, inquired with a half-grin.
Shrugging her shoulders, Liz replied, “I was—and it would have been great serving under Captain De Soto...”
“And the fact that the tactical officer on the Hood is both incredibly sexy and available had nothing to do with it...” Jadzia teased her grin now becoming a smirk as a delicate blush appeared on her friend’s face.
“Of course not.” Liz responded even as her flushed face betrayed her. “But the Hornet’s not a bad ship and Captain Daval is almost as well known as Captain De Soto...”
“Uh huh.” Jadzia retorted. Then, her grin disappearing, the young raven-haired Trill cautiously queried, “Was your father able to make it to the ceremony? I didn’t see him—but then the hall was pretty packed...”
“No.” Liz replied in a grim voice as her smile also vanished, “He couldn’t get away—the Exeter is currently assigned to the Cardassian front. But Mom made it.”
“Well, that’s something at least.” Jadzia consoled. Seeing the gloomy look that had suddenly overtaken her friend’s face, the young Trill added, “I know what you’re thinking, Liz, that your father didn’t want to make the time, but don’t you think you might be being a bit unfair to him now? After all, he is commanding a starship in a warzone.”
“I know.” Liz sighed, “Mom told me the same thing. And the rational part of me knows that both you and mom are right. But...” the petite blonde shook her head, “the other part of me...the part that remembers him standing me up time and time again...knows that he would have found some excuse or other for not showing up. That’s the way it’s always been. This is just another in a long line of disappointments.” Changing the subject, Shelby then asked her friend, “So...where are you going?”
“I’ve submitted my application to the Symbiote Commission for joining.” Jadzia grinned nervously. “I’m hoping that the degrees I’ve picked up in astrophysics, exoarchaeology, exobiology, and zoology will convince them to accept me as a candidate.”
“They better take you.” Liz declared, “The way you’ve busted your butt here—taking extra classes and all—they’ve got to accept you.”
“From your lips to the Symbiote Commission’s ears.” Jadzia joked as the intercom announced the departure of both officer’s shuttles. “They’re playing our song.” Jadzia grinned as she hugged her friend tightly. “Take care of yourself Liz.”
“You too, Jadz.” The young blonde replied, her eyes moistening with tears as she hugged her friend close, “Thank you for everything you’ve done. You’re the best.”
**************************************************************************
“Welcome aboard the Hornet, my name is Commander Everett, the Executive Officer. Captain Daval will have a few words for you later. The captain has earned a reputation both as an explorer and also as a captain who takes the welfare of his crew most seriously. You’ll find that both reputations are well deserved...”
Liz listened quietly as first the executive officer, and then the rest of the senior staff, conducted their sections of the program until it was finally the Captain’s turn to speak. Her attention riveted on the white haired Efrosian skipper, Liz drank in every word.
“To those of you for whom this is your first assignment from the Academy, you will find that every day here will be a test. Oh, not life or death tests—although at some point during this tour you most likely will have to face such a test. No. The tests I’m talking about are much much more mundane—in fact, most of the time you won’t even know you’re being tested. These are tests of compassion...curiosity...empathy...integrity...wisdom. You will face these tests not just on this tour, but throughout your lives and how you perform on these tests will mark you as the person you are for all to see. Welcome aboard and may your tour here be a productive and enriching experience for you all.”
“Attention!” The executive officer’s voice filled the room. “Your assignments have already been entered on to your padds as have your berthing assignments. You have eight hours to get settled in before reporting to your stations. Dismissed!”
****************************************************************************
Looking down at her padd, Liz noted that she had been assigned to Operations and that she would be working under a Lieutenant Phipps. Glancing down at her room assignment, the young blonde ensign began walking towards the turbolift, not really paying attention to her environment until she almost bumped into another officer.
“Collision alert!” A chestnut-haired ensign wearing red and black trim called out.
Stopping just in time, Liz looked up at the taller and very attractive woman, and blushed a deep crimson. “I’m sorry.” She apologized, “I wasn’t paying attention.”
“Yeah.” The woman chuckled, “I could see that. You must be one of the new arrivals from the Academy. I’m Erika Benteen.”
“Liz Shelby.” The pretty blonde responded with a shy grin. “I was just trying to find my way to my quarters.”
“Well...” Erika grinned, “Why don’t I keep you company? That way you won’t have to worry about running over anyone else. And then later...if you want...after you get settled in, we can grab a drink and a bite to eat at the Hive—it’s nothing fancy, but the food’s good and the synthohol’s drinkable.”
“Thanks.” Liz replied as the two women’s eyes briefly met, “I think I’d like that.”
“Great!” Erika exclaimed, “So...who’d they stick you with?”
“Ummm...” Liz stammered as she glanced down at her padd, “Ensign Yamura.”
Chuckling, the chestnut haired Erika jibed, “You poor dear...”
“Why?” A suddenly worried Liz inquired, “Anything I should know?”
“Oh...Don’t get me wrong! Kiko’s a perfectly nice person.” Erika quickly responded, “It’s just that she’s not exactly the most...gregarious...of people. And...she’s something of a neat-freak. As long as you’re not a slob or expect to get to know her well, you should get along just fine with her.”
“Thanks.” Liz replied, “I think.”
“Don’t mention it.” Erika laughed, “Come on...let’s go...sooner we get you settled in, the sooner we can get to the Hive.”
“Lead on.” Liz exclaimed, joining in the laughter. “I’m all yours.”
“Hmmm....” Erika whispered in an almost inaudible tone, “I think I like the sound of that.”
****************************************************************************
“Thanks. I had a good time.” Liz said as she and Erika paused before the door to her quarters.
“I did too.” Erika responded as her fingers gently grazed those of the petite blonde standing close to her. “I’ve got some holodeck time saved up...” the chestnut-haired woman stammered shyly, “...it’s an aquatic program—nothing fancy—just a clear spring with some trees and a meadow or two, but it’s fun to go swimming or tubing in...we could pack a picnic lunch...maybe even a few non-synthehol real beers.”
“Say no more!” Liz smiled back, her heart still racing from the electric touch of Erika’s fingers on hers. “I’m there! Just say where and when.”
“All right!” Erika grinned back, “I’ll set it up for tomorrow afternoon after we finish our shifts—sound good to you.”
“It’s a date!” Liz replied as she looked up at the other woman, her lips gently parting as the door to her quarters slid open. “I can’t wait.”
*****************************************************************************
“This is beautiful!” Liz squealed in delight as her eyes beheld the tree lined crystal-clear flowing stream. “Is there a real place like this?”
“Yeah.” Erika smiled, “Withlacoochee Springs, in Florida. My family used to go there every year in the summer. The water was always so clear and cool. We would tube and swim and dive and play with the manatees...”
“Sounds like fun.” Liz chuckled as she removed the wrap round her wrap to reveal a maroon bikini.
“You know...” Erika, a mischievous glint in her eyes, tempted, “It’s even more fun without the swimsuits...”
“You mean...” thinking about it for a moment, a sly smile crossed Liz’s face, “Hmmm...why not? It’s just the two of us...” with that, she undid first her top and then the bikini’s bottom, allowing both pieces of fabric to fall at her feet while her companion did the same. Barely holding in her gasp as she beheld the lean and athletic form of the chestnut-haired woman standing before her, Liz reluctantly took her eyes off her companion as she turned her head towards the stream. “C’mon! Let’s go!” With that, the lovely blonde executed a near flawless dive into the water, entering with a splash.
Laughing in delight as her eyes took in the graceful creamy white form of Elizabeth Shelby diving into the water, Erika called back as she ran towards the water, “On my way!”
***************************************************************************
Much later, the two women lay together on a large beach towel, allowing the sun to dry them as they watched the processional of large white clouds slowly pass over their heads.
“That’s a dolphin.” Liz declared definitively as she pointed at one particular cloud.
“You sure?” An amused Erika countered, “It looks more like an old fashioned submarine to me.”
“A submarine?” An astonished Elizabeth exclaimed, “How did you get a submarine out of that cloud.”
“Well...” Erika laughed as she raised her arm to point at the cloud, “If you look right over there, you can see it’s bow...”
“That’s the nose of the dolphin.” Liz retorted with a grin.
“And there’s the conning tower and over there’s the stern.”
“No it’s not!” Liz laughed merrily, “That’s the dorsal fin and that’s its tail.”
“All right! All right!” Erika giggled as she mock pouted, “You win! It’s a dolphin.”
Still chuckling, Liz replied, “I always do.”
Then as she turned her head towards the naked woman lying next to her, her heart skipped a beat as her eyes took in her smooth alabaster skin, luscious red lips, and curly blonde hair. Her breath low and shallow, the tanned chestnut haired woman spoke in a soft, husky voice, “Do you always get what you want?”
Her heart also racing as she gazed on the nude form of the women beside her, Liz answered back with just the slightest stammer to her voice, “Uh huh...always.”
“So do I.” Erika whispered as the two women’s lips drew closer until they finally touched. First a cautious, tentative graze, followed immediately afterwards by a fervent kiss as the two women immediately lost themselves in each other.
*****************************************************************************
Three months later
“Come on in, Liz! Let’s get your stuff put away and get you settled in.” Erika Benteen remarked, giving her lover a quick kiss as she guided Liz into her new quarters.
“Thanks, Erika.” Ensign Elizabeth Shelby responded, kissing the taller woman back. “It was nice of Stephanie to agree to switch.”
“Well...Steph’s a quiet sort of person...” Erika grinned, “I think she’ll get along perfectly with Kiko.”
Setting her bag down, Liz’s eyes fell on a two dimensional hologram of a man standing on Erika’s dresser drawer. “Should I be jealous?” The lovely blonde teased.
Erika replied with a chuckle, “Of Michael—nah—he’s my cousin. Michael Owens. He’s in Starfleet too. He’s a helmsman on the Fearless.”
“Seems like a pretty nice guy.” Liz remarked as she took out a couple of framed holopictures of her own. “Do you mind if I put these up?”
“Not at all.” Erika responded, nodding her head in approval, “After all...this is your home too.” The chestnut-haired woman watched as Elizabeth carefully put up a picture of a middle-aged man with graying hair wearing a 23rd century gold shirt and black pants with the solid gold bar of a commodore on his sleeves standing close to a short auburn haired woman wearing a gold miniskirt and the single gold bar of a lieutenant. Recognizing the man immediately, Erika gasped, “Is that who I think it is?”
“Yep.” Liz grinned, “That’s Robert Wesley, Poppy—my grandfather. And the woman standing next to him is my nagyanya, grandmother, Aliz. This was taken in 2270—just after the Lexington had completed its five year tour and before Poppy got his promotion to the Admiralty and took nagyanya on as his aide. That was when they officially started seeing each other...” she grinned shyly as she further explained, “Poppy’s divorce from his first wife, Virginia, was finalized the year before—not too many months after the M-5 incident...”
“And the other photo?” Erika asked, pointing to a picture of a middle aged, elegant looking woman.
“My mother.” Liz smiled, “Anna.”
Knowing about the strained relationship between her lover and her father, Erika, not wanting to bring down the occasion with an unwelcome discussion about Phillip Shelby, glanced towards the bed as a wicked grin crossed her face, “I took the liberty...” she said coyly, “...of moving the beds together to make a double bed—I didn’t think you’d mind.”
“Mmmm...” Liz purred as she slowly wriggled out of the optional skirt that she wore in preference to the clingy and uncomfortable one-piece uniform that was the general standard uniform, “...since we’ve got a few hours before we go on duty...why don’t we break it in?”
“Sounds like a good idea to me.” Erika responded in a husky voice as she unzipped her top and stripped out of the uncomfortable one piece uniform. Smiling as she slipped into bed next to her blonde lover, the more graceful Erika remarked, “Maybe I should switch to skirts like you have.”
“You better not.” Liz teased back as she kissed the woman lying next to her. “I like how your butt looks in that uniform.”
BLIND AMBITION
“I thought you were aiming for the Hood?” Her unjoined Trill friend, Jadzia, inquired with a half-grin.
Shrugging her shoulders, Liz replied, “I was—and it would have been great serving under Captain De Soto...”
“And the fact that the tactical officer on the Hood is both incredibly sexy and available had nothing to do with it...” Jadzia teased her grin now becoming a smirk as a delicate blush appeared on her friend’s face.
“Of course not.” Liz responded even as her flushed face betrayed her. “But the Hornet’s not a bad ship and Captain Daval is almost as well known as Captain De Soto...”
“Uh huh.” Jadzia retorted. Then, her grin disappearing, the young raven-haired Trill cautiously queried, “Was your father able to make it to the ceremony? I didn’t see him—but then the hall was pretty packed...”
“No.” Liz replied in a grim voice as her smile also vanished, “He couldn’t get away—the Exeter is currently assigned to the Cardassian front. But Mom made it.”
“Well, that’s something at least.” Jadzia consoled. Seeing the gloomy look that had suddenly overtaken her friend’s face, the young Trill added, “I know what you’re thinking, Liz, that your father didn’t want to make the time, but don’t you think you might be being a bit unfair to him now? After all, he is commanding a starship in a warzone.”
“I know.” Liz sighed, “Mom told me the same thing. And the rational part of me knows that both you and mom are right. But...” the petite blonde shook her head, “the other part of me...the part that remembers him standing me up time and time again...knows that he would have found some excuse or other for not showing up. That’s the way it’s always been. This is just another in a long line of disappointments.” Changing the subject, Shelby then asked her friend, “So...where are you going?”
“I’ve submitted my application to the Symbiote Commission for joining.” Jadzia grinned nervously. “I’m hoping that the degrees I’ve picked up in astrophysics, exoarchaeology, exobiology, and zoology will convince them to accept me as a candidate.”
“They better take you.” Liz declared, “The way you’ve busted your butt here—taking extra classes and all—they’ve got to accept you.”
“From your lips to the Symbiote Commission’s ears.” Jadzia joked as the intercom announced the departure of both officer’s shuttles. “They’re playing our song.” Jadzia grinned as she hugged her friend tightly. “Take care of yourself Liz.”
“You too, Jadz.” The young blonde replied, her eyes moistening with tears as she hugged her friend close, “Thank you for everything you’ve done. You’re the best.”
**************************************************************************
“Welcome aboard the Hornet, my name is Commander Everett, the Executive Officer. Captain Daval will have a few words for you later. The captain has earned a reputation both as an explorer and also as a captain who takes the welfare of his crew most seriously. You’ll find that both reputations are well deserved...”
Liz listened quietly as first the executive officer, and then the rest of the senior staff, conducted their sections of the program until it was finally the Captain’s turn to speak. Her attention riveted on the white haired Efrosian skipper, Liz drank in every word.
“To those of you for whom this is your first assignment from the Academy, you will find that every day here will be a test. Oh, not life or death tests—although at some point during this tour you most likely will have to face such a test. No. The tests I’m talking about are much much more mundane—in fact, most of the time you won’t even know you’re being tested. These are tests of compassion...curiosity...empathy...integrity...wisdom. You will face these tests not just on this tour, but throughout your lives and how you perform on these tests will mark you as the person you are for all to see. Welcome aboard and may your tour here be a productive and enriching experience for you all.”
“Attention!” The executive officer’s voice filled the room. “Your assignments have already been entered on to your padds as have your berthing assignments. You have eight hours to get settled in before reporting to your stations. Dismissed!”
****************************************************************************
Looking down at her padd, Liz noted that she had been assigned to Operations and that she would be working under a Lieutenant Phipps. Glancing down at her room assignment, the young blonde ensign began walking towards the turbolift, not really paying attention to her environment until she almost bumped into another officer.
“Collision alert!” A chestnut-haired ensign wearing red and black trim called out.
Stopping just in time, Liz looked up at the taller and very attractive woman, and blushed a deep crimson. “I’m sorry.” She apologized, “I wasn’t paying attention.”
“Yeah.” The woman chuckled, “I could see that. You must be one of the new arrivals from the Academy. I’m Erika Benteen.”
“Liz Shelby.” The pretty blonde responded with a shy grin. “I was just trying to find my way to my quarters.”
“Well...” Erika grinned, “Why don’t I keep you company? That way you won’t have to worry about running over anyone else. And then later...if you want...after you get settled in, we can grab a drink and a bite to eat at the Hive—it’s nothing fancy, but the food’s good and the synthohol’s drinkable.”
“Thanks.” Liz replied as the two women’s eyes briefly met, “I think I’d like that.”
“Great!” Erika exclaimed, “So...who’d they stick you with?”
“Ummm...” Liz stammered as she glanced down at her padd, “Ensign Yamura.”
Chuckling, the chestnut haired Erika jibed, “You poor dear...”
“Why?” A suddenly worried Liz inquired, “Anything I should know?”
“Oh...Don’t get me wrong! Kiko’s a perfectly nice person.” Erika quickly responded, “It’s just that she’s not exactly the most...gregarious...of people. And...she’s something of a neat-freak. As long as you’re not a slob or expect to get to know her well, you should get along just fine with her.”
“Thanks.” Liz replied, “I think.”
“Don’t mention it.” Erika laughed, “Come on...let’s go...sooner we get you settled in, the sooner we can get to the Hive.”
“Lead on.” Liz exclaimed, joining in the laughter. “I’m all yours.”
“Hmmm....” Erika whispered in an almost inaudible tone, “I think I like the sound of that.”
****************************************************************************
“Thanks. I had a good time.” Liz said as she and Erika paused before the door to her quarters.
“I did too.” Erika responded as her fingers gently grazed those of the petite blonde standing close to her. “I’ve got some holodeck time saved up...” the chestnut-haired woman stammered shyly, “...it’s an aquatic program—nothing fancy—just a clear spring with some trees and a meadow or two, but it’s fun to go swimming or tubing in...we could pack a picnic lunch...maybe even a few non-synthehol real beers.”
“Say no more!” Liz smiled back, her heart still racing from the electric touch of Erika’s fingers on hers. “I’m there! Just say where and when.”
“All right!” Erika grinned back, “I’ll set it up for tomorrow afternoon after we finish our shifts—sound good to you.”
“It’s a date!” Liz replied as she looked up at the other woman, her lips gently parting as the door to her quarters slid open. “I can’t wait.”
*****************************************************************************
“This is beautiful!” Liz squealed in delight as her eyes beheld the tree lined crystal-clear flowing stream. “Is there a real place like this?”
“Yeah.” Erika smiled, “Withlacoochee Springs, in Florida. My family used to go there every year in the summer. The water was always so clear and cool. We would tube and swim and dive and play with the manatees...”
“Sounds like fun.” Liz chuckled as she removed the wrap round her wrap to reveal a maroon bikini.
“You know...” Erika, a mischievous glint in her eyes, tempted, “It’s even more fun without the swimsuits...”
“You mean...” thinking about it for a moment, a sly smile crossed Liz’s face, “Hmmm...why not? It’s just the two of us...” with that, she undid first her top and then the bikini’s bottom, allowing both pieces of fabric to fall at her feet while her companion did the same. Barely holding in her gasp as she beheld the lean and athletic form of the chestnut-haired woman standing before her, Liz reluctantly took her eyes off her companion as she turned her head towards the stream. “C’mon! Let’s go!” With that, the lovely blonde executed a near flawless dive into the water, entering with a splash.
Laughing in delight as her eyes took in the graceful creamy white form of Elizabeth Shelby diving into the water, Erika called back as she ran towards the water, “On my way!”
***************************************************************************
Much later, the two women lay together on a large beach towel, allowing the sun to dry them as they watched the processional of large white clouds slowly pass over their heads.
“That’s a dolphin.” Liz declared definitively as she pointed at one particular cloud.
“You sure?” An amused Erika countered, “It looks more like an old fashioned submarine to me.”
“A submarine?” An astonished Elizabeth exclaimed, “How did you get a submarine out of that cloud.”
“Well...” Erika laughed as she raised her arm to point at the cloud, “If you look right over there, you can see it’s bow...”
“That’s the nose of the dolphin.” Liz retorted with a grin.
“And there’s the conning tower and over there’s the stern.”
“No it’s not!” Liz laughed merrily, “That’s the dorsal fin and that’s its tail.”
“All right! All right!” Erika giggled as she mock pouted, “You win! It’s a dolphin.”
Still chuckling, Liz replied, “I always do.”
Then as she turned her head towards the naked woman lying next to her, her heart skipped a beat as her eyes took in her smooth alabaster skin, luscious red lips, and curly blonde hair. Her breath low and shallow, the tanned chestnut haired woman spoke in a soft, husky voice, “Do you always get what you want?”
Her heart also racing as she gazed on the nude form of the women beside her, Liz answered back with just the slightest stammer to her voice, “Uh huh...always.”
“So do I.” Erika whispered as the two women’s lips drew closer until they finally touched. First a cautious, tentative graze, followed immediately afterwards by a fervent kiss as the two women immediately lost themselves in each other.
*****************************************************************************
Three months later
“Come on in, Liz! Let’s get your stuff put away and get you settled in.” Erika Benteen remarked, giving her lover a quick kiss as she guided Liz into her new quarters.
“Thanks, Erika.” Ensign Elizabeth Shelby responded, kissing the taller woman back. “It was nice of Stephanie to agree to switch.”
“Well...Steph’s a quiet sort of person...” Erika grinned, “I think she’ll get along perfectly with Kiko.”
Setting her bag down, Liz’s eyes fell on a two dimensional hologram of a man standing on Erika’s dresser drawer. “Should I be jealous?” The lovely blonde teased.
Erika replied with a chuckle, “Of Michael—nah—he’s my cousin. Michael Owens. He’s in Starfleet too. He’s a helmsman on the Fearless.”
“Seems like a pretty nice guy.” Liz remarked as she took out a couple of framed holopictures of her own. “Do you mind if I put these up?”
“Not at all.” Erika responded, nodding her head in approval, “After all...this is your home too.” The chestnut-haired woman watched as Elizabeth carefully put up a picture of a middle-aged man with graying hair wearing a 23rd century gold shirt and black pants with the solid gold bar of a commodore on his sleeves standing close to a short auburn haired woman wearing a gold miniskirt and the single gold bar of a lieutenant. Recognizing the man immediately, Erika gasped, “Is that who I think it is?”
“Yep.” Liz grinned, “That’s Robert Wesley, Poppy—my grandfather. And the woman standing next to him is my nagyanya, grandmother, Aliz. This was taken in 2270—just after the Lexington had completed its five year tour and before Poppy got his promotion to the Admiralty and took nagyanya on as his aide. That was when they officially started seeing each other...” she grinned shyly as she further explained, “Poppy’s divorce from his first wife, Virginia, was finalized the year before—not too many months after the M-5 incident...”
“And the other photo?” Erika asked, pointing to a picture of a middle aged, elegant looking woman.
“My mother.” Liz smiled, “Anna.”
Knowing about the strained relationship between her lover and her father, Erika, not wanting to bring down the occasion with an unwelcome discussion about Phillip Shelby, glanced towards the bed as a wicked grin crossed her face, “I took the liberty...” she said coyly, “...of moving the beds together to make a double bed—I didn’t think you’d mind.”
“Mmmm...” Liz purred as she slowly wriggled out of the optional skirt that she wore in preference to the clingy and uncomfortable one-piece uniform that was the general standard uniform, “...since we’ve got a few hours before we go on duty...why don’t we break it in?”
“Sounds like a good idea to me.” Erika responded in a husky voice as she unzipped her top and stripped out of the uncomfortable one piece uniform. Smiling as she slipped into bed next to her blonde lover, the more graceful Erika remarked, “Maybe I should switch to skirts like you have.”
“You better not.” Liz teased back as she kissed the woman lying next to her. “I like how your butt looks in that uniform.”
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Well, she got what she was after, I suppose, and ultimately didn't seem too terribly upset that it cost her a potentially long-term relationship with Benteen. Woe unto anyone that gets between Liz Shelby and what she wants.
