"Offspring in War" 9812.27/PL

[Webmaster 20]

Subject: "Offspring in War" 9812.27/PL

Date: Sun, Dec 27, 1998 11:29 PM

From: Ens Xiang

Message-id:

 

 

Stardate 9812.27 - Personal Log

"Offspring in War"

 

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"Accessing message...standby," the computer announced.

Xiang was held still in the salty water of his quarters. The room was illuminated only by the dim overhead lights, creating a rippling effect as the light reflected through the tiny waves on the surface. Even a slight movement from the Delpin generated a splash on the top of the water. His quarters was always filled with the optical splendor of water. It was comforting to him.

The monitor, which was sealed behind a protective air-tight plate, scrolled through a series of transmissions designated for Xiang. The message that Xiang had selected hilited. It indicated that the message was preparing to begin.

It was a request for a return transmission. The computer activated the nearest available sub-space relay and sent a signal to the USS Potempkin. The Oberth class starship was relatively near Deep Space Nine, so the communication activated quickly.

The monitor switched to display the standard Federation communique symbol. Moments later, the view faded to a near mirror image of Xiang's own quarters. There, a very slim light-gray Delpin floated in her water-filled quarters. They were very much smaller than Xiangs, though she was in a room with a viewport. A nearby star glowed outside her window, creating an orange ambient light.

The female Delpin rolled slightly, "Greetings, father," she disregarded the universal translator, using the standard chirps and squeals of her native language.

"Greetings, my daughter," Xiang responded; his tone, although unidentifiable to a human, reflected the stoic neutrality of his emotional supression. His daughter, although equal in her strive for logic, had a much more eager and emotional voice due to her young age. She was pleased to finally speak with her father after so long.

"Is there something you required?" Xiang began the conversation by moving directly to the point. Xila had a habit of submitting to her emotional needs and attempting to engage in trivial conversation. Her fathers blunt attitude corrected her.

"Affirmative, father," Xila blinked, "The Potempkin has ended it's scientific survey a year early. It has been recalled into standby while the war efforts continue."

Xiang immediately understood. His daughter was an explorer, and she would find the lack of service very unsatisfying.

She continued, "I have reviewed several plans to improve the situation, and have been offered a position on many vessels."

"And you wish my advice on your course of action?"

"No," Xila responded, an answer which suprised Xiang, "I have simply contacted you to inform you of my decision."

"That being?" Xiang blinked, rolling slightly.

"I have decided to transfer from the USS Potempkin and accept a position aboard the USS Akuza," Xila informed him, "Upon which I will recieve a promotion to Lieutenant junior grade."

Xiang narrowed his eyes, "Xila...the USS Akuza is a Defiant Class cruiser."

"Correct...it will be on the front lines of the upcoming campaign against the Dominion. I have transferred to the security division."

The Delpin science officer's eyes narrowed even further. He watched his daughter through a thin slit, "It...is not logical to join a military vessel...let alone as a security officer. You are Delpin, and a science officer."

"Not anymore...I will now be responsible for the defense of the Federation. It is what I desire."

Xiang felt, if only slightly, an emotional surge of anger. Still, he held it in well. His tone was as calm as ever, "You will transfer to another research vessel as a science officer."

Xila paused. She had assumed her father would respond as such. She kept to her original plan, "Negative, father. I have made my decision...I am simply informing you of it."

Without further discussion, the monitor went blank and the transmission ended. Xiang blinked at the black screen. His eyes widened as he absorbed what had just happened. This was, to say the least, unacceptable. He could not allow his daughter to join the war effort.

 

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