Hidden Motifs

Posted on Sun Dec 5th, 2021 @ 7:02am by Captain Devin Hadenbeer

713 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Into The Void
Location: Runabout Kuokanjoki

Devin gently stroked Marta's back and the small feline purred in appreciation. Beside her Dare piloted the runabout with some skill as they approached Lionheart. The ship was largely dark, illuminated by massive work lights as work bees and space suited personnel zipped about, preparing to free the vessel from it's captivity.

"She's beautiful," Dare breath as she slowed the runabout, her fingers reflexively sending out another notice to nearby traffic of their presence even as her eyes took in the magnificent starship. Sighing, the young cadet said, "I wish I was going with you. And yes," she added before Devin could say anything, "I know, you're right; it wouldn't be fair to the crew," she glanced at her aunt and smiled slightly, "I guess it would be uncomfortable for everyone, not being able to stay objective around the Captain's niece."

She shrugged and returned her attention to her driving, "All the same..."

"I will miss you as well," Devin replied, surprised at herself for meaning it. She did not want to form close bonds; her brothers being off planet made that easy enough. But Dare was her lone exception. Well, and Marta, of course. And Jones."

Without needing prompting the cadet smoothly swung the runabout around Lionheart so Dare could get a good look at the exterior. Compared to other ships Lionheart looked, well, weird, with what looked like an extended keel below. That design produced a curious warp configuration which allowed her to turn on a dime, as they used to say. Whatever a dime was, anyway. Devin had grown to like the unusual configuration; it suited her eccentric nature.

Dare allowed shuttle bay control to take the Kuokanjoki in tow, it settled down and the cadet followed every shut down protocol. Two years ago she had been all thumbs at small craft controls, now she handled it with confidence, and if not skill at least enough competence not to give her aunt a stroke. Devin handed the cat to her niece, stood and grabbing her cane strode out of the hatch-

The music piped down from the speakers, she recognized it as one of her own. Every crewperson on deck froze in place and reflexively stared at her or the ceiling. Devin hesitated only a moment longer, then turned to the ensign who approached.

"Permission to come aboard," she said to the young woman.

"Permission granted, Captain," the ensign replied, "Welcome back, sir. Ah," she glanced up at the ceiling, "It...looks like the practical joker strikes again. Is that...one of yours?"

"Yes."

"It's...nice."

Devin arched an eyebrow, "'Nice', ensign?"

"I...am more of a blues fan, sir," she winced, "Sorry, sir."

Devin allowed the briefest of smiles to cross her face, "I can respect that. This is cadet Hadenbeer-"

"Hello, ensign," Dare murmured as she stroked the cat, Devin's bag slung over her shoulder.

"I am escorting her to the transporter room-"

"I can't get a look around the ship?" her wince at Devin's expression mirrored the ensign's from earlier, "Sir? May I at least say hello to Mister Jones?"

"Ah," Devin nodded, "You are right, of course; Jones would never forgive either of us if you did not see him first. All right, you may stay a bit. Come along, cadet."

As the pair headed toward the exit Dare murmured, "That was unprofessional. I apologize."

"Apology accepted, cadet Hadenbeer."

Out in the corridor the pair discovered the music was playing all over the ship. Dare turned to Devin and asked, "How long has that been going on?"

"Of and on for a year now."

"And it's not a glitch?"

"The technicians found no fault."

"So...it is some practical joker."

Devin hesitated, then said, "Give me my bag, track me down when you are done with Jones. And don't dawdle; I know you have a exam tomorrow and my spies have informed me you still have to study for it."

Dare mutely re-arranged Marta in her arms to allow the bag to slip from her shoulder, "Aunt Devin...Captain...is this practical joker thing serious?"

The motif ended, Devin shrugged and replied, "It...is complicated."

Devin said no more as she strode down the corridor, leaving her niece and her cat alone with their respective thoughts...

 

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