Dazed and Confused

Posted on Sat Apr 9th, 2022 @ 10:27pm by Lieutenant JG Faith Vianelli & Briella Vianelli & Ensign Rene Rouen

Mission: Lower Decks

Briella was sound asleep in Faith's arms by the time they arrived at Rene's quarters, exhausted by the events of the last few hours. Faith resettled her, trying to use the physical body of her child to cover the bruises on her shoulder, even though the bruises on her wrist, her tearshot eyes and her disheveled hair were obvious hints that something was not okay.

Reaching out, Faith hit the chime for the door and waited, offering soothing sounds, trying to keep her calm and quiet as she waited for the only person she could consider a friend.

Rene walked to the door. Jenna wasn't due to arrive for another hour and he wasn't expecting anyone from the department to stop by. He opened the door to see a somewhat disheveled Faith with an expression on her face bordering on panic. His own expression transformed to one of concern. "Faith? Come in." He stepped to the side to allow her entry.

As she entered, Faith held the toddler in her arms tighter, waiting until the doors closed behind them before she spoke. "I need you to do something for me," she said softly, her voice wavering with emotion. She stepped close to him and gently shifted Briella into his arms. "Take Briella, keep her here, keep her safe. Promise me that you won't let anyone near her. I need you to promise," she pleaded as she stepped back, eyes filling with tears as she took in the sight of her sleeping daughter resettling and snuggling into Rene's chest.

Rene looked dumbfounded for a moment before concern took over his expression. "What is going on Faith?" He looked down at Briella for a moment before returning his gaze to Faith. "Has someone threatened you or Briella?"

She took a step back, taking in the sight of her tiny daughter still asleep in his arms, her head against his chest, thumb firmly planted in her mouth. Just the sight of her made Faith's shoulders shake with sobs that she fought to hold back. "I can't talk about it," she said quietly, her voice wavering with heavy emotion. "Just promise me you'll keep her safe until I get back."

Rene could see from Faith's expression that this was something more than worry. She was afraid. "Of course I will protect Briella, but.... What exactly is it I am protecting her from?" He nodded at the couch. "Sit and talk to me. I can't help if you don't tell me exactly what is going on."

Faith drew in a deep breath. She knew if she started to speak now she would simply start crying again. "I can't," she said softly, her voice trembling. "I... I..." another slow inhalation of breath. "I'm in trouble. He's trying to take her. I need to know she's safe. You're the only person I can trust. Rene, please..." she brushed away a tear that rolled from the corner of her eye. "Keep her safe until I come back."

Rene set Briella down on the couch and covered her with a blanket he kept draped along the back of the couch. He turned to Faith and gestured to the table by the window looking out into space. "Have a seat and tell me what is going on. I promise I will help you, but you need to talk to me."

Faith moved to the table and sat awkwardly on the edge of the chair. She reached up and took a soft curl and twirled it around her finger, a sign of anxiousness she'd had since she was a child. "I need to go speak to the Captain," she said quietly. "I need to hand in my resignation, if I leave Starfleet I can take Briella and find somewhere quiet that he won't find us."

Rene reached across the table and took Faith's hand. "I don't know who [i]he[/i] is, but running away won't solve the problem. Here or on Earth with your family you will have support." He glanced briefly at Briella before returning his gaze to Faith. "Plus people who can protect both of you."

Faith shook her head. "He's her father," she said quietly. "He's never had any contact with her, I didn't allow it. Now he wants her, and he has every right to take her if he finds her. I need to be able to keep Briella safe myself. I'm all she has."

Rene gave a deep sigh as he shook his head. "You are Briella's mother and guardian of record. Her father would have to prove in a court of law that placement with him would be more in her best interests. Also, you are not all that she has, this entire crew would do anything in its power to protect her. Talk to the Captain, contact the JAG and get a lawyer. Push comes to shove we find a reason to have the man arrested and tried for criminal assault on a Starfleet officer. I have your back in this."

Faith nodded slightly, pulling her hand away from his. "I'm going to go see the Captain now." Although her intent was to hand in her resignation, that was something Rene didn't need to know about, at least, not right now. She stood up from the seat and drew a deep breath. "Just keep her safe until I come back, okay?" Faith reiterated as they walked toward the door. Turning back to face him, she offered the smallest of smiles, one that didn't quite cover the sadness and fear in her eyes. She reached out, slipping her hand into his once more, squeezing it gently before rising up on her toes, brushing a soft kiss across his lips. "Thank you," she whispered before turning on her heel and walking out.