A Choice

Posted on Sat Jul 18th, 2015 @ 11:17pm by Colonel S'er'in'e & Captain Liarra Von

Mission: By Dawn's Early Light
Location: Commanding Officer's Office

Captain S'er'in'e had been discharged as medically fit but the aches and pains of the mission lingered. They were suddenly recalled which left everything that was once planned into utter chaos and forced an emergency evacuation, under fire. There were casualties, there were injuries and he was one of them but in light of the trap that it was he was glad that he and the marines were able to leave.

Upon arriving back to 332 S'er'in'e had made a choice, this assignment was not for him. He had hoped for more and it didn't deliver. Though he had served Starfleet proudly for some time he had for a while at least had the idea of perhaps taking some leave and returning to the Homeworld, maybe find a position there and remain. Perhaps that idea was more appealing now.

He found himself standing outside the Captain's office, he'd arranged an appointment. It came to him that this would be his first and ultimately his last time seeing the Captain in uniform, he would shelve his own and doubted he'd wear it again. He pressed the door chime, resignation in hand, a breath he didn't realize he was hold, let go. He tried to recall his teachings on interacting with other species, the Captain was a Trill, joined at that and tried to recall if there anything regarding an honourable meeting gesture. Nothing came to mind. When in doubt fall back on the known acceptable, a bow given to all females by a male Caitian.

A voice calls through the door's intercom. "Come in." Beyond the glass paneled double doors, which slid open at Captain Von's command, the station commander was turning away from her replicator, a mug of caramel cappuccino in her hand. "Ah, Captain S'er'in'e. You're a bit early." She wasn't really surprised. In her experience, the marines tended to be quite punctual, a trait she appreciated, and admired. She wasn't sure why he had requested this meeting, but it had sounded important. Von gestured to the one of the chairs opposite her desk. "Please, have a seat."

S'er'in'e approached the desk, offered the customary bow given to females then sat after wrapping his tail about his waist. "I appreciate your having the time to see me, I will not take much of it." He spoke once fully seated. "If I may be permitted, as per Starfleet regulations I wish to tender my resignation from Starfleet service." The Padd he placed on the table before the Captain had upon it his written resignation accompanied by the required forms and documentation.

Von had been bringing her mug to her lips, but stopped halfway at the announcement of his resignation. She sat the hot drink on the table in front of her and clasped her hands. "I see. That is certainly an unexpected request. No matter what may be going on around us, we are not formally at war. Starfleet regulations certainly give you that right." For the time being Liarra ignored the documentation in front of her, and instead leaned back in her chair to study the Caitian. "It is, of course, ultimately your decision. But may I ask what prompted it?"

"When I joined your station it was with the hope that I would find service once more holding a new zeal for myself, I have served Starfleet for some time at great personal expense and I admit recently that had lingered in my mind. When we Caitians leave the Homeworld we sacrifice what is normally provided us at the appropriate age. Many at my age I would have already found a Mate and begun a family which in my caste is highly important in light of the training and ultimate employ the males and females of my caste enjoy. I did not join Starfleet for medals or glory but to explore what else was available." S'er'in'e paused to consider further. "Your Major Griffiths and I, I do not believe we would suit each other in light of our training and personalities." He was new on board yes, but perhaps this was just enough to tip the glass to spilling.

"I see," Von replied stoically. She couldn't pretend to know what life was like on Cait, so she had no reason to doubt S'er'in'e's story. Liarra did know that many civilizations put great emphasis on their castes, and going outside of your caste could be grounds for being shunned from the society. It sounded like that may have been the case for the Caitians as well, which meant that the marine had already given up much just to join Starfleet. Walking away from that must not have been a decision that he came to lightly. "Where do you think you would go if you resign?" Von asked.

"I will settle my affairs on the station and discuss with my Elders the situation. They are wise and aid in making life decisions of others when called up on." S'er'in'e replied. "I suspect that I will be summoned home to talk to the offspring and the young of my adventures, a common thing when an offworlder returns home. Upon returning we are required to give something to the caste in order to be accepted again."

Von nodded along. She didn't know that about Caitian society, but she did find it interesting. Still, that wasn't the matter that was foremost on her mind. "It sounds like you have been thinking about this for a while, though that doesn't sound like a long term solution. Are you intending to stay on your homeworld? There are alternatives to resignation. I'm sure I can work something out with Starfleet to offer you a sabbatical. I did something similar just before my mother passed away, taking an extended leave of absence to be with my family. Perhaps that's something that we could consider."

"Unfortunately should I return to the Homeworld I will be required to reside there for a period determined by the Elders. Given my length of time away this will undoubtedly will be years. I admit I have of late thought much about my life and that which I have surrendered to be here. It does play heavily. It may arise that something else may present itself thus keeping me on the station but I doubt Starfleet or the service will be that." S'er'in'e replied. He knew it was something no leader of men and women wanted to hear, he wouldn't consider himself special due to his training or think of himself as a valued asset in light of recently arriving. But Something had to change.

"You don't sound like you really want to return home. Would return to Cait because you want to see family, or only because you feel that you have an obligation? It's not my place to tell you what you should or shouldn't do, especially if you resign your commission. But I'm getting the feeling that you're not really going to be happy no matter where you go."

"I would like to see the Homeworld again, it has been a long time since I last saw my birthplace." S'er'in'e forced a smile, his departure from the Homeworld was not warmly taken in light of his 'value' to the caste. "My happiness is not the issue, I have surrendered much by joining Starfleet and I feel it is time I consider what it best for my caste and myself."

Liarra returned the forced smile with one of her own. "That's your prerogative, Captain. If that's what you feel is best, then it's not my place to stand in your way." Von picked up the PADD from her desk, looking at it for the first time. "I can process this if it's what you want. It might take a few days before it is processed, but that's just the bureaucratic red tape that it has to go through at Starfleet Command."

"Thank you, I do not mind the wait." S'er'in'e replied softly. "Also, with your permission I would like to have my rank insignia, a deactivated comm badge and my awards shipped to the Homeworld to be added to my family plate. All families have one, it denotes what we have done or accomplished in our lives, terms of service, even family additions?" While a refusal would be a shame, it would also be understood in light of Starfleet property.

"I'll see what I can do," Liarra replied with a couple of nods. "Awards you have earned will be yours to keep. Rank insignia and a deactivated commbadge will be a bit tougher. If it was up to me, they would be yours. But I'll do what I can."

Von studied the resignation forms in her hand. At first glance, everything seemed to be in order. She hated seeing anyone go, but she understood from her own experiences, not even including the memories of past hosts, that sometimes people had to step away for a while, to get a change of scenery and to put life's events into perspective. Her time away from Starfleet was a life changing experience. Not only was she able to be with her mother during her last days, but she was joined. If it hadn't been for Alexander Gunning bringing her back into Starfleet, she would probably still be on her homeworld, doing who knows what. While ultimately Starfleet proved to be the right place for her, she knew that it wasn't the right place for everyone.

"It looks like everything here is good. I'll double check and file this with Starfleet Command first thing in the morning. It sounds like you are pretty sure about this, but if you change your mind between now and then, be sure to let me know. Is there anything else that you need, Captain?" She made sure that she used his rank, especially since it was likely the last time he would hear it attached to his name.

"Nothing more." S'er'in'e rose from the chair. "I will prepare my personal effects and await your confirmation." He bowed slightly as customary and then departed. He couldn't touch her as traditions dictated such and knew most Humanoids liked to part by shaking hands. In his case however he needed to pack and freshen up to remove the scents of others and Sickbay where he had been. A difficult time physically and mentally currently plagued him but one he was not prepared to talk to to outsiders.