Confession

Posted on Wed Dec 9th, 2009 @ 7:20pm by Lieutenant Commander Abigail Valera & Commander Peter Brown

Mission: Into a Devil's Heart
Location: Lounge
Timeline: MD11 1200hrs

Peter sat in a dark corner of the lounge, staying away from all members of the crew, never speaking. He was looking out towards the stars whilst drinking a cup of coffee and reading though a PADD on Federation fleet movements.

"Well then, this could be a security concern," Peter said to himself as he read the PADD.

Abigail entered the lounge and ordered a glass of cold milk. When the waiter returned with her drink the young woman looked around for a table. Then she saw Peter and made her way over to him, "You've put yourself in a fine mess," she said stiffly as she approached, "May I sit down?"

Peter looked up an motioned for her to grab a seat. He looked at her with his eyes which were now as dark as onyx stones, other then the blue iris.

"Why would you wish to speak to an traitor to the Federation, and to this ship?" replied Peter coldly.

Abigail sighed as she sat down, "You aren't the traitor and you know it. All you were charged with was the damage of a Federation ship. Your FATHER was the true traitor." Abigail looked Peter in the eye, "You're still my friend Peter no matter what happens." She flipped back her hair, "Besides if you hadn't done what you did then your ex-fiancé would be dead now. Lives were being threatened Peter. Never forget that trying to save them doesn't make you a traitor."

Peter looked at her and took a deep breath before speaking. "Then why does feel like it would be better that I never returned? I feel like if I was dead it would be easier on the Captain. With what happened I don't care what happens to me any more. I don't see the point in anything any more, as I am dead already," replied Peter.

Abigail slammed her drink onto the table, "Stop it! Just stop it! I'm sure that the captain might have done the exact same thing if he was in your shoes. I'm sick and tired of hearing people saying things like that. Remember who your friends are Peter and stick close to them. Vorn and I are your friends and I know he was relieved that your sentence was a light one. Personally I would have rather lost my role as Chief Science Officer to be a regular Science Officer then be thrown in prison."

Peter looked at the stars then back at Abigail taking an deep breath

"I had to do things, which you would never understand. How can I be close to friends when I betrayed their trust, when all I feel is empty and numb inside?" Peter asked.

"Peter you broke up with Sara, but you risked everything to save her. That means that deep down you still care for her." Abigail gave a small smile towards Peter, "I would risk everything to save someone that I had been close to or am close to. To hell with what others think. Sara is a part of you no matter how you look at it Peter." The young woman reached across the table and gently laid a hand over Peter's, "If you, Vorn, or Bradley had been in danger then I would drop everything and risk my career. In my mind it would be worth it. My friends count more than my job." Abigail sighed, "I would never forgive myself if one of those that I loved died and I didn't do anything. That would be a sign that you had betrayed their trust. I'm pretty sure Sara was howling with joy and happiness when we went in and rescued her. She had placed her trust in you to save her and you did."

Abigail finished what little of her milk was left and let the silence fall between them. She looked out at the stars and watched the scene over again of Peter abandoning his post and saving his former love. Secretly Abigail was rooting for Peter to win and she had already offered to help him in the first place. That was when it hit her. She had already offered to risk her career to help save Sara! "Peter I already risked my career when you told me about Sara and the kidnapping." She turned to look at him, "I don't know Sara, but I trusted you and I was willing to help you save her even at the cost of my time in Starfleet."

Peter looked into Abigail's eyes, the blackness of his own eyes leaving, returning them to the cool blue of times past. He took a deep breath.

"Abi, I have to tell you this. If I allowed you to come with me - if you got hurt or worse yet killed, I would never forgive myself. I care for you, and Vorn even though he doesn't see what I protected him from. If the Captain helped me steal the Lincoln he would lose his command, as the U.S.S Iapetus couldn't be used," said Peter as he unbuttoned his collar. "I know it was hard for you Abi and I am sorry. If you could forgive me for putting you though this, you are an true friend. I just can't bear to talk to Vorn as him most of all I hurt, and now I am mostly worried about him, as his XO I knew him more then most of the crew, not like I can talk to him right now. Can you look out for him for me?" Peter said, as he looked out at the stars then back at Abi. "You know I don't feel good with this promotion," finished Peter.

Abigail sighed, "My life is mine to do with as I please Peter. If I choose to throw it away to help save Sara then so be it. Once my mind is made up there is no going back, but I let it slide the first time because I knew you cared." Abigail stood up and walked to Peter's side of the table, "At least you still have a place here aboard the Iapetus. What would you rather choose: The Iapetus, prison, or death? Those were your only options at the time Peter. Choose wisely." Abigail hugged Peter and said, "I must return to my duties now. And I expect an answer to my question by 08:00 hours tonight understand Peter?"

Peter looked up at Abigail as he started to walk off he stood up then called out to her

"I choose here, Abi" shouted Peter as he watched her leave the Lounge.

Abigail turned to Peter and smiled, "Then smile and be happy. Things could have been a whole lot worse and you know it. You may no longer be the Executive Officer, but you are still a part of this ship. Just smile and stick close to the captain and myself for the next couple of days. If they see the captain and I accepting you back into the fold then the rest of the crew will accept you again." Abigail hugged Peter, "We're your friends and friends are always loyal to each other." She looked up and said, "I'll see you later."

---------------
Commander Peter Brown
Chief Strategic Operations Officer
USS Iapetus

&

Lieutenant Abigail Valera
Chief Science Officer
USS Iapetus