An arrival

Posted on Sun Jun 22nd, 2025 @ 5:50pm by Lieutenant JG Mishka Ru'fallo & Petty Officer 1st Class Luna Barto
Edited on on Sun Jun 22nd, 2025 @ 5:50pm

1,303 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: The Foragers
Location: Messhall
Timeline: Hours before Valiant departs for DS5

Empok Nor, the station had its perks, and Luna had enjoyed having some time off, after her stint of being a bodyguard. The person was Fabiola Jentee a diplomat's daughter. The work was fun, and also it had its trials. There had been several attempts of her being kidnapped in order to persuade her father Ambassador Fenwell to not broker a deal between feuding countries. That though was over and Fabiola was married, and had her own team of bodyguards provided by her husband. Esteban Fernandez.

As Luna wandered around, She was concerned finding that there was evidence of a bombing, at the place she had hoped to explore. Never Winter but that was out of the question, now. A ping on her PADD gave her some elation as she found out she was being assigned to a ship. The USS Valiant. Not much was said about it but, hey she was to report in there and that will be what she will do. Grabbing her kit, she made her way there, finding that the ship was.. well quiet. Finding a place to stow her go bag, Luna went to explore the ship, her stomach rumbled, she hadn't taken the time to rustle up some grub, maybe... first stop the messhall? It wasn't hard to find it, since the Valiant was compact in some aspect. She didn't mind. Stepping inside the messhall,Luna took a look around to see who might be there.

Mishka surveyed the array of pastries sadly.

It wasn't that they weren't tasty.

They were.

It was more that she'd already had half a dozen and any more and she'd berate herself for a week. As it was, she was going to have to put extra time in the workout room and she didn't want to add fifty kilometers to her run.

Sighing, she looked up for distraction and noticed a new face.

New faces were good.

Putting an open paw up in greeting she called out, "Hey new girl. Come join me if you like"

Luna getting a greeting, turned to see who had spoken to her. "Sure let me grab some food and I'll be right over." Luna getting some pastries, two eggs, bacon and some tea. Wandering over to where Mishka sat. "I'm Luna, what's your name?" sitting down to begin eating.

"This bear is called Mishka. Mishka Ru'fallo (pronounced Rufalo)."

Mishka considered the woman for a moment and said, "I think I saw your name on the roster for security, yeah?"

"Yes indeed. that would be me." Luna giving a grin. "Nice to meet you, Mishka. It looks like the station we're on had a bit of trouble. Hope the ship is okay. Though I've not gone around to check on things yet."

"Is small, but good ship," Mishka said thoughfully. "Yeah. Still good. We get our share of strange though. But I guess any command does. Tell me about yourself Chief. Last posting. Why you chose security, that kind of thing, yeah?"

"Last posting, I was a bodyguard and companion for an ambassador's daughter. And why security? Its the family business.Mom and dad were bodyguards, my grandparents on my father's side were in StarFleet Security. And that sort of occupation has run even further back." Luna acquiring several pastries as well as coffee.

"Goodness," Mishka remarked. "Sounds like button holing. You've been successful it seems, but is security where your heart is? Or would you rather be ..." She paused thoughtfully, though her eyes twinkled with amusement, "Baking pastries?" Willpower fading, she gave in and reached for another doughnut.

"This bear knows something about family pressures," she added before taking a nibble from a chocolate bavarian with frosting and sprinkles.

Luna chuckled, "I am afraid my cooking skills are too simplistic. I can cook pancakes, fry eggs and bacon but. Making a cake or pies or pastries. I don't know how too. I do know how to cook fish over an open fire. But that's not going to work on this ship." Luna chuckling regretfully. " I do like being in security, and guarding those that are put in my charge. "

Using the bite of pastry to sweeten her coffee, Mishka swallowed and said, "All of these come from the Betezoid mission. Valiant's an adopted ship so anytime we are in port and there is a Betezoid ambassador or mission or some sort of influence, we get treats and goodies. Part of the Federation's program for Federation members to feel more in touch with Star Fleet. The Captain being half Betezoid helped with that, I understand."

After another swallow of the coffee, Mishka said, "It's good to get joy from one's work, though it may be quiet. We're taking her to the yards at DS5. I've never been but there will be more shore leave and some training TDY's, so I imagine we'll stay busy. Have you ever been to DS5?"

"I have not been there before and quiet isn't too bad. I will be able to do things to occupy my offtime, besides training. I may like being active but as long as they have places for me to do the things I love, then-I'll be okay, and I can branch out and train in other fields. Can't let myself get stagnant." biting into her pastry. It was bavarian cream and the fillihng dribbled down her chin. she grabbed a napkin to keep it from hitting her shirt. "Whoops!"

"I'm guessing there will be plenty to do," Mishka grinned, the newly placed jewels in her canines flashing. "Exploring alone could take a month. And we'll be on extended leave but not reassigned while the ship is being worked on. BU-PERS can really screw up a ships company sometimes while BU-SHIPS has their hammers and torches going. I hope to find a beach someplace for awhile at least."

"A beach does sound wonderful, I'd actually would go do some surfing. Would be fun." Luna's attention was caught by Mishka's bejeweld canines. "Those are beauitiful." nodding towards the gems.

Mishka curled her lips to display the gems again briefly, then crossed her arms and leaned back as best she could in the chair. "Present from my mother, and a tradition we Bears maintain. They're a little showy for my taste, but mamochka likes them and it made her happy." Grumbling a little in embarrassment, she asked, "Surfing? This bear has not tried that. Body surfing or with the stick-board things?"

"Both, there are other styles which are fun as well. " Luna smiling. " I like doing both. If you are wanting, I can teach you." she picked up another doughnut and began eating it.

Nodding thoughtfully, Mishka replied "Could be diverting. And fun. I have not looked into what all DS5 might have to divert and this bear has not been there."

"Sounds like we will be having a bit of fun when we get to DS5. And I think you are my boss as well, the one I will get my orders from besides, the command staff." popping the last of her pastry in her mouth.

Waving one paw in the air, Mishka shrugged, "Meh. Small department. Valiant is like family so rank only applies when the brass thinks it needs to. As long as you have this bears back, I'll have yours and we'll be good."

"I do and will have your back, Mishka." Luna giving a smile, "Now lets have some more pastries then onto exploring more of this ship, which would be a short tour."

"Probably finish tour in exercise room. But more pastries, yes!" The bear agreed, pushing herself to her feet and moving over to look at what was still on offer. "And we have to think of the moral of the people of Betezoid and the ship!"

 

RSS Feed