A Welcomed Change: Introduction to Lieutenant Deglan

Posted on Wed Aug 3rd, 2022 @ 9:58pm by Lieutenant Deglan

Mission: Echoes and Effigies
Location: Pathfinder Station
Timeline: Mission Day 1 at 1500

[Pathfinder Station]
[Four week ago...]

Chief Security and Tactical Officer of the USS Equinox sat across from his Commanding Officer, a graying Nausicaan, known as Captain Adren Bahrat Noth. By all first appearances, the alien Captain seemed like nothing more than a brute. Nothing about his appearance seemed warm or inviting. Many of his features were dark and rigid. His face was ashen in color and distinguished by a prominent bone structure with sharp tusks protruding at either side of his mouth.

In comparison, Lieutenant Deglan, while seemingly confident appeared far more approachable, his blue toned skin appeared almost calming. Perched on the Chief’s lap, as still as a statue was a petite toy poodle with fur as white as freshly fallen snow on the Great Silver Plains of Nausicaa by Bahrat’s assessment. The Nausicaan was almost captivated by it, it was unlike anything he had seen before. The scene around them on Pathfinder Station a buzz, busy with people ordering meals, drinks, and chatting with their comrades.

The Andorian finally broke their silence, “So captain, with the refit underway, you are no doubt busy, I suspect there is a hidden motive behind your gesture to accompany you for dinner. Not that I am not grateful for…”

The Nasuicaan waved his hand with a nod, his eyes broke from the poodle’s, “No Deglan, your intuition is correct. I do have a secondary motive, yes.” His eyes returned to the canine, “but first tell me about this creature. I have seen you around with it… what is it?” His hand outreached, he dared not to get too close to the beast, his claw pointed toward it as he spotted his collar and the writing displayed there, “Andor, is that its name?”

Deglan smiled and passed his hand gently down over the back of the poodle’s head, “Yes captain, that is her name. Named, of course, after my homeworld, Andor. Andor is a poodle, a breed of canine which originated on Earth, likely in Germany, although many believe France. The Standard Poodle was originally used by wildfowl hunters to retrieve game from water.”

“That thing was used for hunting, and swimming…?” Bahrat inquired with a lifted brow.

“Originally yes, but Andor is a toy size, bred mostly to look cute, I suppose. Toy poodles are extremely popular on Andor, in particular the white variety. Having a pet as a child on Andor is also very popular, my parents got me Andor to teach me responsibility they said. Though, if I am honest… Andor and I probably got into more trouble together than I’d care to admit.”

A small laugh erupted in Bahrat’s belly, the idea of the little creature getting into trouble seemed comedic to him, “I think we all got into trouble in our youth. That is what growing up is all about. You have had Andor a while then…?”

“Yes, Andor has been with me since I was five. Over thirty years… though Andor lived a long life, nearly 25 years…” Deglan smiled down at his canine companion as the dog looked longingly back up at him. Deglan lowered his face closer and the white poodle carefully licked the edge of his chin. Deglan rubbed his hand down over the poodle’s side and held her collar. “When I got Andor, and named her, my parents gave me this collar for her. It is known as an Infinity Collar. When Andor was alive it could be used for tracking, monitoring vitals, displaying her name; but, more importantly it would monitor everything Andor did, and mapped a picture of who she was. Upon the death of a beloved pet, the computerized collar creates a holo-program. So you see, Andor is a mere hologram, though still great company… Still a good friend.”

Bahrat narrowed his eyes, not sure what to make of that revelation. He would be the first to admit that he was lightyears from being a counselor, he couldn’t help but think there was something odd about keeping a hologram of a dead pet, to him it almost seemed like a roadblock to letting go. Bahrat saw letting go as a step to healing.

“You probably think it unusual to keep Andor around… And you might be right. Though, I can assure you, I was able to say goodbye to my pet. This hologram isn’t Andor, I know that; but, I have found that there has been some element of importance for me in keeping her program running. Too often, we move through the universe, faster than light and so do we move through our own lives. Many of us fret over the littlest of things, and rarely pause and take time to appreciate the things that truly matter. Our lives have value because they are finite. Andor reminds me that all things end, and that I should enjoy the time I have… take nothing for granted. We live our little lives and then we sleep.” He looked down upon his poodle again and then back to the Nausicaan with a small honest smile.

“I think I understand,” the Nausicaan said finally followed with a deep breath. “And to that point, I think my reason for bringing you here is fitting… The updates the Equinox is undergoing are not generally related to your department, and as you say, life is short… I’ve seen you about, rolling your thumbs, and if I wasn’t needed here, I’d be out there. I don’t see why, we both have to be anchored down… An opportunity has come up. If you’re interested…”

Deglan straightened, “Oh?”

“Your duties here can be managed by your assistant, I am sure of it. The Sojourner is looking for a temporary Security and Tactical Officer, likely a bridge posting, and I can’t think of anyone better… Their next mission looks interesting, I’m sure you’ll be a valuable asset. The mission should conclude before we leave dock, perfect timing,” the Nausicaan said, sure of himself.

“Thanks for this opportunity, sir. What’s the mission?” the Andorian inquired.

Bahrat reached down and slid a PADD across the table, “See for yourself. I can have a shuttle ready within the hour, if you’re interested?”

“You’re sure, captain? I might be of some use here, something might arise. My first duty is…”

“Of course I’m sure! It’ll be a fine adventure, us back here will live through you… I expect a fine report from you upon your return,” Bahrat grinned.

“Well in that can, we accept…” Deglan declared as he looked down upon Andor.

“Glad to hear it, Lieutenant… I’ll let the good captain Kodak know…” Bahrat grinned again, “Oh, and don’t enjoy your stay over there too much now, understood?”

“Understood captain!” Deglan grinned back, as some excitement crept into his antenna...

Post By:

Acting Chief Security/Tactical Officer
Lieutenant Deglan