Security Detail

Posted on Sat Apr 9th, 2022 @ 10:35pm by Lieutenant JG Faith Vianelli & Lieutenant Mark Valleroy

Mission: Lower Decks
Location: Faith's quarters

Mark pressed the chime to Faith's quarters. Upon being bidden to enter, he entered.

"Hey, the captain gave me me the abbreviated version of what happened. Just wanted you to keep you updated. So far we haven't had this David Stevens come on board at all. Station security is doing a search over there. I checked his most recent assignment, and his CO says he took a leave of absence for some personal shoreleave time two days ago when their ship stopped over here for supplies. He only cited personal vacation time as his reason for the request, and since the CO didn't see anything unusual with the request at the time, the request was granted. Mr. Stevens hasn't been heard from since. But don't worry - if he shows his face anywhere near here, we'll be on him like a fly on honey."

Faith stopped pacing in front of the window long enough to listen to what it was that Mark had to say. She nodded slightly. With Briella still with Rene, and the ship basically in lockdown, she was starting to feel more and more like a caged lion, frustrated at her captivity and just wanting the entire situation to be resolved. Not to mention the humiliation of what was starting to feel like the entire crew knowing her personal life. "Thank you," she said quietly with a slight nod, turning away as a hint of colour rose high in her cheeks. "I... I... " she drew a deep breath. "I'm sorry you have to go to so much effort because of me."

"It's not a problem," Mark said. "While I'm not a parent, I am an uncle watching after two nephews, and you'd better believe that no one other than their parents are taking them away from me, so I like to think I can empathize. Is there anything else about Mr. Stevens," and Mark said said the name in a less-than-friendly tone, "that you think we should be aware of? For example, is he the type of person who'd try something here soon if he thinks he can get away with it, and how directly or subtle will he be in such an effort, or will he back off for the time being when he realizes that we're looking for him and wait for some other opportunity in the future when he thinks our guard is down?"

Faith shook her head slightly. "I never went out of my way to get to know him," she said simply. "He's a dangerous person. I.." she shook her head again. "He is Briella's father. He won't stop until he gets what he wants."

"Well, he may find himself being rather disappointed," Mark said. He thought for a moment. "How well-known is it that he's Brielle's father? I don't mean to pry, but you phrased it in such a way that it makes it sound like it's not exactly common knowledge, and if that's the case then it may influence how he approaches trying to get her."

She shook her head again. "It's not known at all," she finally replied, twisting her hands behind her back. "His name isn't on her birth records or anything else. The only thing that links him to her is a sealed record at the Academy." She exhaled slowly, not even realising that she'd been holding her breath. She walked across to the replicator, paused and then turned back toward Mark. "Do you want something to drink? Eat?" she asked. At least food was a universal distraction.

"No, thank you," he told her, before she put in an order of her own.

As the order materialised, Faith picked up the tray and moved it to the coffee table, picking up her drink and wrapping her hands tightly around the mug. She could feel the warmth of the liquid within seeping through the mug and into her fingers. "He tried to get to her before, about a year ago. He waited until I was in classes. Claire was walking Briella to the park to play. He attacked Claire and tried to take Briella. He would have gotten her except someone recognised Briella and Claire and intervened. Because it was determined to be a civil matter the Academy wouldn't do anything to help. It was reported to the police but he was long gone by then and no one could find him. That's why I ended up leaving the Academy early and joining the Chimera. I had hoped that he wouldn't find us here. I guess I was wrong."

"At least this tells us one thing," Mark noted. "He intends to get Brielle and keep her all to himself, and he doesn't plan on going through the usual legal means to do so. If he simply wanted formal recognition as her father and all that comes with it, even without formal records it would simply be a matter of going to the courts and insisting on a DNA test. But I think he realizes that even with that showing him as the father, he could only hope to be awarded joint custody at most, since he would be unlikely to be able to demonstrate that you are an unfit parent."

Faith sighed softly, setting the mug down on the coffee table again, having lost her appetite, even for the sweet hot chocolate she usually favoured. "That," she said softly. "Is the worst possible thing that could happen. That's why I wanted to leave. Just take Briella and go somewhere he wouldn't find us again."

"I won't say that it isn't possible to find some place where he could never find you, but here you are among friends who have your back and now know to look out for this guy and can help stop him. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to stop running, and not always have to look over your shoulder?"

"Well, I guess I'm about to find out," Faith replied with a faint smile. "I mean, it's not like I can run away now. Briella is with Rene and the Captain has ordered me to stay in my quarters under guard. All I can do now is wait and see what happens."

Mark put a hand gently on her shoulder. "Remember, we're here for you if you need us. Don't think that any of us is going to let David get your daughter."

Faith nodded slightly, remaining silent, doubt still plaguing her, the faint smile disappearing. She stood up, drawing in a deep breath and picked up the mug, carrying it to the replicator to recycle. "If it's okay I think I might just go and rest for a bit, I have a headache." She paused, just momentarily and looked at him. "Thank you Lieutenant," she added before walking toward her bedroom, offering up a silent prayer that Briella was safe with Rene in his quarters.