Conditions of Parole

Posted on Sat Aug 9th, 2014 @ 2:06pm by Commander Angelica Fairchild & Lieutenant Christopher Cage M.D.

Mission: Something Amiss
Location: USS Hera - Security Office, Deck 11
Timeline: MD1 - 1030

The double doors to Hera's Security Office swished open to let Doctor Christopher Cage step across the threshhold. It became quickly apparent to Cage that Security HQ was busier that morning than Sick Bay had been, as a tandem of enlisted servicemen with gold-accented uniforms power-walked in front him, while a third security officer entered the HQ from behind him and, with an apologetic nod, hurriedly brushed past him. The anxiety that had evaporated during his meeting with the ship's CO, Commander Enalia Telvan, suddenly began to return as Cage stepped forward and approached a reception desk behind which sat a beefy young warrant officer, who eyed Cage suspiciously as he approached.

"Morning," offered Cage, scratching the coarse, 5 o'clock shadow cast upon his rugged features. "I'm Christopher Cage, the new Ship's Doctor. I'm here to meet with the Ship's Chief of Security."

"She's busy," the warrant officer responded curtly.

"Not that busy!" Angelica yelled from inside her office, where she had the door propped open. "Doctor Cage has an appointment. You can let him in."

"Door's on the left," the warrant officer offered with a weak smile. "Go right in."

Cage nodded his thanks to the warrant officer, wondering if the junior officer's abrupt manner was because he had already decided he didn't like the ex-convict. Cage passed through the door on the left and managed a smile for the attractive brunette officer that met his gaze. He found himself openly appreciating the way her crisp, immaculate uniform hugged her athletic frame. His moist brown eyes met her cool grey ones, and for a moment, the disheveled doctor had almost forgotten the reason for his visit.

"Keep staring and you might lose an eye." Whether the doctor was merely leering or having a true appreciative moment, Angelica's time was precious in these hours before launch. Too soon they would be leaving, and sorting out the doctor's terms for serving on the Hera was only one in a long list of projects to complete. To preserve his privacy on the matter, she released the door and let it slide shut before casually leaning on the edge of her desk. "Tell me what you already know about the arrangement, and we'll move on from there."

Cage barely suppressed a smile at the way she bristled under his gaze before producing the pad that carried his credentials and commission orders.

"I was told to make sure all of the necessary personnel aboard the Hera had copies of these documents," began Cage, stepping forward to offer the data PADD to the Security Chief. "They are copies of my civilian criminal record, the conditions of my parole, and my commission orders. Basically, they state that, as the Chief of Security on this vessel, it is up to you to determine the parameters of my parole. Whether or not I am to be allowed to walk around the vessel unescorted ... what actions you feel would constitute a violation of my parole and merit its being revoked ... security clearance levels ... I understand that it is going to be up to you to decide these conditions for me."

Because clearly I don't have enough work to do already. Angelica took the offered PADD and skimmed over it, re-familiarizing herself with the case. "From what I understand, your crimes basically amount to practicing medicine in a way the Federation doesn't like." For all its talk about tolerance and free will, the Federation had such stringent rules. Rules Angelica was expected to enforce, no matter how she might feel about it. "Well. Your sickbay isn't set up for genetic modifications, and there's no medical black market here. So... on ship I see little reason for an escort, as long as you're checking in at the start and end of each shift. Off ship... one escort, minimally armed and in whatever clothing matches yours. You can pick the gender of your off ship escort, but I can't guarantee you'll get along with them."

Cage nodded as Lieutenant Fairchild finished -- surprised, yet pleased that the woman seemed to be cutting him quite a bit of slack. "And here I was, thinking you might want to keep me on a short leash," teased the scruffy surgeon, attempting to pour on the charm with his most mischievous smile yet. "You've got a bit of the rebel in you, haven't you?"

You have no idea. Angelica smiled, just a bit. "Let's just say that the Federation's stance on 'black market' medicine doesn't make sense to me."

"You and me, both," agreed Cage, clapping his hands together after a brief contemplative pause. "Well, then. Thank you for taking time out of your busy morning, love. Maybe when you have some free time, you can show me a little more of that rebellious streak?"

Angelica smirked a little. Even as upfront as he was about liking her - infatuation or otherwise - she kind of liked Cage. "I'll think about it. But call me 'love' again and I'll stun you."

"I call everybody 'love'," Cage shrugged with a smile. "All the girls are 'love', and all the boys are 'mate' ... although there have been a few boys that I did end up calling 'love', too ... but that's a story for another day." Cage gave the Security Chief a roguish wink and turned to leave her office. "I'll see you around, Lieutenant ...?" Cage realized that he hadn't yet caught the brunette's name.

"Fairchild. Angelica off duty. Or 'love' if you continue to insist." She didn't even let people call her 'Angel', but no amount of threatening or scolding could change Cage's habit. At least it was a pleasant nickname.

"Angelica Fairchild," nodded the doctor. "I'm Christopher. 'Doc' to my mates. I also wind up getting called 'Bastard' quite often, although I can never understand why ..." With a laugh, Cage waved goodbye. "See you around, love."

"Couldn't be because you are one." Angelica snickered and waved as Cage left. She hadn't counted on making friends quite that fast, but at least she was off to a good start.