Goblins, Jokes, and Motives

Posted on Sat Jan 27th, 2024 @ 1:37am by Finley Walker

948 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Lacertae Mortis
Location: Station
Timeline: Current

ON:

The smell of cinnamon permeated through the air filling the fusion restaurant with a smell that attracted both the Vulcan clients and the Human sort. There was a balance in the sweet cakes that both parties seemed to think a perfect mix and it was the last time they would be creating it here.

The restaurant had been handed over to another chef, a human one, a partner that Fin had not bargained for but was necessary. As of late they had been feeling restless and the last time that happened they had left Starfleet and started to follow their dream to become a Chief. Then, they had left Earth and opened a place here.

This time the stars were calling and they would venture out again but they, no matter how much Admiral Higgens begged, would not reactivate their commission. They would sail the stars once again but as a humble chef. To be honest Higgens’ favor call had come just in time and fit well with Fin’s restless spirit.

As if conjured by their very thoughts the door opened and a man in his late 70s walked in; his thin silver hair perfectly manicured not a sliver out of place. The uniform, as always, ironed and starched to perfection. “Admiral Higgens. My thoughts had just turned to you and there you are.”

“Imagine that. How’s my favorite hobgoblin?”

“You seek a favor yet you attempt to insult? I do not see the logic.”

Admiral Mark Higgens laughed. “I say it with love. How about that magic cinnamon cake and some strong coffee. I want it to peel paint.”

“Indeed, and your stomach. You should really dial down the strength of your swill.”

Higgens’ eyes widened. “Was that a joke? Did you just make a joke?”

Fin shrugged. “I felt it was the right time. You have the file?”

“I do indeed.” He slid the file to Fin who took the data pad.

Fin turned away and headed to the kitchen. They brought the Admiral’s order and took a seat across from the man. Fin quickly read through the information. “Admiral why is his … Calliope Ito important to you?”

“She saved my daughter’s life a few times over and if I can help her in any way I want to. I know she’s wanted to be on a Constitution class ship so I moved heaven and earth to make it so.”

“In other words, you threatened her CO in ensuring that any transfer orders that came in were approved.”

“Didn’t I just say that?”

“Not in so many words but I am well versed in Higgens speak.”

The old man threw his head back and laughed. “Another Joke! Hope for you yet Goblin, hope for you yet.”

“Indeed. So, you have asked me to take a partner and make my way out to the stars to help this Calliope Ito. Help how?”

“She needs some guidance. This girl has the potential to be a great captain one day, she may not want it but the fleet needs it. She suffers from…”

“War related PTSD, low self-esteem, trauma and so forth. I have read the file you provided.”

“You’re one of the best officers that Starfleet lost. I need you to help her and look out for her a little. Like I said she saved my daughter’s life and it’s a debt I can never pay.”

There was more to it than that and Higgens wasn’t talking but everyone was entitled to their secrets, Gods knew Fin had their own. “I see.”

“And to sweeten the deal you owe me a few favors. Help me here we’re clear and I may stop bugging you to re-join the Fleet.”

Fin doubted that but…“It would be nice not to be beholden to your…antiquated ass.”

Higgens’ eyes widened and he howled laughing. “Now that’s progress. You’re not such a stick in the mud that you were when you were on my ship.”

“I have grown.”

Higgens snorted. “Now then, your next step is to get on the Arcadia.”

“That will not be a problem. Your CO tends to like Cheese Danishes I will hypnotize him with my food.”

Higgens grinned. “If anyone can its you. Now then if you need help you know where to find me.”

“In your office hiding from your wife’s eternal nagging.”

Higgens laughed and stood up. “When you know, you know!” He stuffed the last of the cake in his mouth filling it to dangerous capacity and took the mug with him as he strolled out of the restaurant.

Fin watched the admiral stroll out shaking their head and then read and re-read the pad one more time deleting the contents. They had excellent memory; near perfect recall.

“Now, to clean up and then to try and get on that ship.” They reflected on the fact that they had met Ito briefly and the woman seemed quite fascinating. Their shared love of reading would be a good point into getting to know her and helping her, as the Admiral had instructed.

Part of Fin couldn’t wait to get back on a ship, they didn’t regret leaving Starfleet but there was a call from the stars that had never gone away, it had been one of the factors that they considered when originally joining the fleet.

“Well, off to make a tasty treat for the Commander.” Fin shrugged and hurried off to the kitchen. The restaurant would open soon and they wanted to finish their prize-winning dish before the Commander came in for his coffee and breakfast.

OFF:

 

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