[Felicity Ellis - A lounge, undisclosed location]

This call was a little different to the one she'd made earlier in the day to Leanna's new beau. It didn't call for professional notes or careful language - no, this was a personal, though no less important talk between two former colleagues, two friends. Felicity pulled her legs up beneath her on the comfortable cream sofa, readjusted the oversized, charcoal-coloured woolen jumper and positioned herself comfortably. Once satisfied, she plucked the glass of Rioja from the coffee table and took an appreciative sip. When the chime let her know that her virtual guests were ready, she answered the call.

Judy and Max filled her lounge, and a smile began to spread across her face. "Judy, Max, it's so good to see you both. It has been far too long."

Felicity felt a slight twinge inside at the words. She felt like she'd left a huge part of herself behind with the crew of the Mac, and even though she believed in the work she was doing, she couldn't help but feel that she belonged elsewhere. But she squashed the selfish longings as her eyes scanned their faces. This call was about something else. She'd heard the news, of course, or at least the version of it that FNN was peddling. She was also aware that her mother was involved, though how she had yet no tangible idea.

"How are the grandkids?"

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Tag: Judith Eastman

[Felicity Ellis - A lounge, undisclosed location]

"Congratulations!" She said when she heard the news about Gerald's new baby, and then brows raised when she learned of Lawrence's. "Twins? Wish him luck from me," she added wryly, though her expression was pleased. She made a mental note to send a gift to the new parents, and also something nice for her sister in law, who had just sent her the most amazing holoimages of her future niece or nephew.

"And a little birdie told me there has been puppies." She might be quite a distance away, in so many ways, but Lea often kept her apprised of the happier updates. She took another sip of the red wine, shoulders falling a little in relaxation.

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Tag: Judith Eastman

[Felicity Ellis - A lounge, undisclosed location]

As far as Felicity was concerned, there was nothing better than a plump pet. Warmth, cuddles, and less likely to escape your grasp in too much of a hurry. "They're adorable," she said, grin making her eyes squint. She resolved to extend her little travelling zoo to include something larger than Tjuv as soon as she was able to settle again.

When Max asked after her, she took a moment to consider an answer, nodding her head in understanding as she took another small sip from her wine glass. "Judy should have some idea as to what I'm doing out here, what with her promotion and everything. Congrats, by the way," the grin turned a little wry as she held up her glass in a cheers motion to her former XO, "Welcome to the club. If I didn't already know about your comfort with paperwork, I'd be warning you."

She leaned forward to return her glass to the coffee table, then continued to address Max's question. "There are still remains - how shall we say - some remnants from the war, in certain places, embedded in certain circles, who may harbour ill-will. I believe we're close to accounting for several." That really was as much as she could say, particularly with Judy's husband in the room, but she figured it was enough.

"How are things on Front Ear?"

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Tag: Judith Eastman

[Felicity Ellis - A lounge, undisclosed location]

Felicity felt the return of that sense of pride at the mention of grants and maintenance and the simple truth that Front Ear had never been better. It was easy for her to believe, and she'd been hearing reports of the massive improvements that the station had undergone in such a short period of time from multiple sources. That, she'd expected, along with the unwelcome, but necessary 'but...'

"A tragedy."

What else could she call it? And was it any wonder Captain couldn't sleep following it?

"That situation is the epitome of every Command officer's absolute worst nightmare." It wasn't even an exaggeration, it wasn't a particularly dramatic statement, either, considering the circumstances. "And anyone who claims otherwise is unworthy of the position."

Suddenly she yearned for something stronger than the Rioja. But Felicity would just have to make do. "Has there been any news?"

---

Tag: Judith Eastman

[Felicity Ellis - A lounge, undisclosed location]

Felicity nodded, no stranger to the triggered "fury" herself. "It has become a hot topic of discussion everywhere. Of course, not many of the opinions are based on any true knowledge of the situation, so for the most part I've been trying to ignore them."

She did cringe at the mention of her mother. She remained quiet for a moment, taking another generous sip of her wine. There was no doubt in her mind that Antoinette Ellis was the reason why no rescue attempt was being made to save those poor individuals trapped in that slaver hell. All but one of them had arrived on Front Ear after she had left, but that didn't lessen how disturbed she was at how things were going.

"She is not returning my requests. But I will keep trying." It was obvious now that the Federation, and Ellis in particular, was valuing the business relationship with Caldonia far too highly. Their motives were all but transparent at this stage.

"I have a sneaking suspicion she'll turn up in time for the birth of Greg's baby. It would be very like her to arrive uninvited, as you know," she offered in warning.

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Tag: Judith Eastman

[Felicity Ellis - A lounge, undisclosed location]

Felicity chuckled at the idea of her mother patronising the great Brack the Legendary's establishment. "I almost wonder who we'd actually have to feel sorry for more in that scenario," she admitted in a wry tone. Her mother was known to be extremely demanding and difficult to please, and Brack, well, he was Ferengi. "Who are we to deprive the quadrant of such a pairing?"

If Admiral Ellis was the commonplace kind of mother, Greg might have been able to advise the others of when she might make an appearance, Unfortunately, none of the Ellis children were speaking to their parents at that moment in time, and even if they were, she'd likely just show up unannounced anyway. It was how she was; she wanted everyone on their toes around her. It was an uncomfortable way to live for everyone but the woman herself.

"Have you had much by way of fallout from the crew?" She asked then, wondering if they were as shaken as their Captain. She'd been hearing of their successes and promotions, and she hoped that even under the shadow of this Caldonian business, that they could continue on that upward trajectory.

---

Tag: Judith Eastman

[Felicity Ellis - A lounge, undisclosed location]

Felicity marveled at how Judy felt so confident in her ability to retain the faith of her crew. It often transpired that command staff were among the last to know if their crew ever did lose confidence. Cohesion; now that was something easier to see, more tangible, obvious. But faith? That could only really be tested in the middle of an emergency or in the face of discipline. She hoped the other woman was correct in her self-assessment.

"Have they been speaking to counselors?" Felicity asked, hoping that at least those close to the imprisoned crewmates had availed of some services. "Come to think of it, have you?"

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Tag: Judith Eastman