When A Man Loves A Woman

Posted on Wed Feb 12th, 2020 @ 9:33pm by Captain Akiva ben-Avram & Lieutenant Colonel Storr Garlake

Mission: S1E4: The Hills Have Eyes
Location: Transporter Room | USS Phantom
Timeline: MD 1 (during "Venereal Ingress")

While the classification of Memory Theta and its goings-on were many levels removed from the SFMC Admirality's daily gaze, the Phantom coming to the Sol sector was a rare opportunity for them to get an in-person update from their "man on MT." While this was an easy request from them, the backend work required by one Lieutenant Colonel Storr Garlake was brutal. Triple and quadruple-checking data, combing over personnel reports, re-reading mission summaries and don't forget the most important part: ensuring that the proper cornflower blue was utilized for the font color. The Afrikaner ground his teeth at the last bit as formatting had been the task that had taken up the majority of his time in preparation of his presentation. Rubbing his temples together, he scanned through the slides for what seemed like the thousandth time.

Akiva spent the past four hours deliberating his next moves. It was so very rare he would ever get a chance to visit Earth, and Laena had been gone for three months. While part of him suspected she would like prior warning to his arrival, the other part couldn't help but think it romantic to show up unexpectedly and surprise her. They would likely only have hours together, if not moments, but he couldn't help himself. He just had to see her. He loved her.

And so he had waited for the Phantom to enter transporter range of Earth's network. As soon as the signal lock could be confirmed, he intended to beam off the ship and down to Starfleet Academy in San Francisco where he could be reunited with Laena. He traveled light, carrying nothing but his hopes and dreams, and perhaps the most determined look he'd ever worn on his face.

The sheen of nervous sweat did nothing for his confidence either.

When the moment of truth came, Akiva steeled himself. He didn't want to talk to Mrazak, not about this. But he couldn't go off without telling anyone.

"Akiva to Storr," he said, tapping his commbadge. "I need to see you immediately... in the transporter room."

Lt Col Garlake blinked and rubbed the bridge of his nose as he spun in the seat, thankful for the distraction though confused as to the message. "Copy, Akiva. Proceeding."

Exiting the turbolift only moments later, Storr made a quick right turn to be face-to-face with his best friend, his seabag, and the most dedicated look that he had ever seen on the Hebron. "Sir..." Garlake intoned, looking to the bag then back to the Captain. Was this what it looked like? What DID this even look like? Whatever it was, Storr was sure that he was about to find out.

"I'm taking a trip to Earth," Akiva said candidly. "Laena is there. Has been there for months now. I need to see her." He paused. "Mrazak doesn't know."

The Marine opened his mouth and shut it just as quickly...he wasn't a man for quick words and this definitely wasn't the time for them. After a few beats, he spoke. "Akiva, I...I understand. What do you need from me?" In one sense, he was about to be an accomplice to a Starfleet officer go AWOL. On the other, he was making sure that his best friend would see his wife, love of his life, and mother of their now-passed child. The latter was far more important in his book.

"Don't let Mrazak know," Akiva said. "I'll visit Starfleet Command long enough to say that I went there, but otherwise I will be at the Academy. All he need know is the former."

Storr simply nodded and felt no remorse as he watched the Hebron step towards the console. It would be considered a lie of omission to be sure but one he had already justified in his mind.

Akiva entered the coordinates into the transporter console and stepped into the pad. "Will you do the honors?"

The Afrikaner moved behind the console as he turned to see his commander standing, resolute with square jaw and courageous stare. "Captain."

"Storr."

Akiva hesitated at his final request. "Remember me in your prayers to HaShem. Perhaps He will hear you."

Storr's fingers paused over the sliders as his gaze shifted from the controls to Akiva. While there was debate as to whether he worshipped the same God that ben-Avram did, there was enough similarity to make the request one that he would be happy to honor. "I will, broer...I will." As he finished speaking, the Marine looked up as his fingers moved forward to see Akiva materialize and disappear in a shaft of brilliant light. With a deep breath, he closed his eyes and bowed his head.

"O Loving God,
To turn away from you is to fall,
To turn towards you is to rise,
And to stand before you is to live forever.

Grant us, dear God,
In all our work, your help;
In all our uncertainties, your guidance;
In all our dangers, your protection;
In all our sorrows, your peace.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen."