Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on May 30, 2021 0:34:40 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD - Unsinkable II]Judy picked up on the lull in conversation, and considered what she could say next. She suspected going head-on to the matter of Caldonia was a bad move, but she could always go for more general things. "What do you make of all the ridiculous names things out here have?" she asked, a fine bit of station trivia. Case in point: the Unsinkable II herself.
Tag Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662 Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on May 30, 2021 6:06:54 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Kerelia - Unsinkable II]When the question came up about 'ridiculous names', Syl grinned and cast a sideways glance at the woman in the chair next to her. "Oh, you mean like 'Front Ear'?" She still remembered the first time she'd heard the name of the place she'd be stationed, and had almost asked the Admiral to repeat herself. "Guess I'm still getting used to it, to be honest." The Ensign paused for a moment as that memory took her down a rabbit hole, and her voice was hesitant when she spoke again. "What can you tell me about Captain Felicity Ellis?" It was a strange request, she knew, considering she had never met the woman. She decided to provide at least a little bit of context for her curiosity. "We were told she was the one who sent the Gorgon to assist us. Charlie said she used to be CO out here." While they had chosen to turn down the offer of a ride, the supplies sent over had made their trip far more bearable, and likely was the only way they'd kept Matt alive long enough to reach the station. That last part wasn't something she'd voice out loud, however, as she didn't want to bring back the Captain's guilt over something that wasn't her fault.
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on May 31, 2021 15:09:11 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD - Unsinkable II]As Syl took the conversation away from names and to Captain Ellis, Judy went along with it. "Felicity is one of the best officers I've served under, or served with at all, and I've served with many, many officers in my time," she explained, moving her hand around for emphasis. "She's bold, and a creative thinker, and she cares deeply, especially about those she calls her own. I'm very proud of all the work we did together, getting this station somewhat in order. And she's great fun to spend time with, as a person."Despite being old enough to be Felicity's mother, Judy enjoyed her former boss's company, and had no qualms about having been the younger woman's subordinate.
Tag Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662 Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on May 31, 2021 15:41:21 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Kerelia - Unsinkable II]Syl nodded, relaxing slightly in the seat. It sounded like Felicity wasn't quite so politically minded after all. Perhaps her intentions in sending the Gorgon had been in their best interest, and the political attachments were the only means it had been possible. It was certainly something to consider. "I hope I get the chance to thank her someday," she replied after a moment's thought. As she continued, her voice was much quieter. "Without the supplies from the Gorgon... Not all of us would have made it back alive." Syl was hesitant to confess that to the Captain, knowing she likely still blamed herself regardless of their previous discussion on the matter. But it was the truth, and honesty was important in building trust.
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Jun 2, 2021 2:50:33 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD - Unsinkable II]Judy took a deep breath, as the topic of the C5 came up. It was inevitable, and just as sorrowful this time around. "I know."She sighed heavily, the tears not coming out on this go-through. "Matt, Commander Harmon, especially, from what I've heard, barely made it. He's really one of a kind, that one."Despite himself, Matt Harmon was a good, talented officer. "But then, you already knew that."
Tag Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662 Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on Jun 2, 2021 11:10:55 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Kerelia - Unsinkable II]Syl nodded, swallowing when she heard the change in the other woman's voice. She regretted bringing it up, but it seemed necessary. "Matt sacrificed himself to make sure the rest of us made it to the shuttle. Kova was barely able to keep the blast doors open long enough for him to get through." He hadn't been the only one that was injured in the escape though, and she paused before continuing in a quieter voice. "I was also hurt pretty bad. Shock, adrenaline, and a patch Kova put on it were the only reasons I was able to stay functional enough to get everyone to safety." As much as she had insisted to the others she would have been fine without the Gorgon's help... looking back now, she realized that very likely may not have been the case. It had taken days to clean all of her blood from the shuttle surfaces, and there was no telling how much of it remained on the Caldonian landing pad. When the shock wore off and the pain set in, it became harder to keep the bleeding controlled. With the blood loss came delirium, and as she drifted in and out of consciousness on the shuttle's cargo bay floor, she often felt like she was back at the Academy, bleeding out on her dormitory floor. Then one of the others would speak, usually Charlie, and reminded her where - and when - she was. Syl had never been sure if she'd said anything in her delirious state, but no one asked her any questions about it, either, so it didn't really matter.
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Jun 2, 2021 20:57:57 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD - Unsinkable II]A tear rolled down Judy's cheek, and she shut her eyes, to keep more from coming out. "We'd actually worked out another plan to help you," she said, in shaky tones. "We'd meant to drop supply packs in the mountains around the camp, a week after the summit, and wire the locations into Olsen. I just couldn't get an authorization for it."She sighed, disappointed in the failure. "I'm just glad you all made it, despite everything. "She reached into her handbag for a tissue, just in case.
Tag Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662 Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on Jun 2, 2021 21:16:41 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Kerelia - Unsinkable II]The young woman kept her eyes on the open water in front of them, so she didn't see the tear slip out from beneath Judy's glasses. Hearing that they tried to leave supplies to assist in their eventual escape even after being ordered to leave the planet... Meant something. She shook her head. "While the gesture is appreciated, and I'll let the others know..." It may or may not affect how they felt about being abandoned. "It wouldn't have mattered. They had fighters on top of us almost as soon as we left the ground; we didn't have time to pick anything up. The Gorgon caught up to us when we were already at warp." If the Starfleet Captain hadn't taken the time to convince the fighters to call off their pursuit, they likely wouldn't have been able to outrun them at all. But she chose not to mention that, not wanting the older woman to add the poor quality of their stolen transport shuttle to the list of things she felt needlessly guilty over.
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Jun 2, 2021 21:43:57 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD - Unsinkable II]"I know. It's really a miracle you made it."Judy wasn't sure what to say now. Reiterating her apology seemed like a poor move, but those were the only words she had right now. She rolled her shoulders, trying to at least release that physical tension in her muscles, since the emotional tension wasn't going anywhere.
Tag Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662 Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on Jun 2, 2021 22:46:18 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Kerelia - Unsinkable II]Syl grinned at the comment, finally casting a sideways glance at the older woman. "I guess there's a lot to be said for the sheer will to survive." After all, that had been the one personality trait that each of them shared. From the moment they found each other in The Pit, that was the one thing that had united them. Survival - at any cost. Truly they had beaten the odds in achieving it, and that was part of why she had chosen to keep the scars. No one could accuse her of being weak after what she went through... And survived.
Tag Judith Eastman
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Jun 2, 2021 23:29:31 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD - Unsinkable II]Judy nodded. She supposed it was true, that willpower alone had helped the five endure, and perhaps some luck. And yet, she felt she ought to say something or other, some compliment or morsel of wisdom. "I think we all have some reservoir of inner strength that we only discover when we need it," she said, mustering enough calm to speak in more of her usual manner. "The five of you have... a lot of it, that much is clear."
Tag Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662 Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on Jun 3, 2021 3:59:40 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Kerelia - Unsinkable II]Her smile brightened a little more at the compliment, for that's what it was - regardless of how it may have been intended. "What's that old saying?" She glanced over again, glad that the heaviest part of the conversation was out of the way at least. "You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have." Syl had discovered her strength long before she ended up in The Pit, and she was certain the others had as well. But there was even more that she had discovered while there... Such as the strength to trust strangers to have her back.
Tag Judith Eastman
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Jun 3, 2021 22:32:45 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD - Unsinkable II]"That's right."What more was there to say? Judy had been through a lot in her life, both personal (a bitter divorce) and professional (a war), but never a labor camp. She could never truly understand it all. Her eyes wandered towards the shore, recognizing a spot. "You see that river over there?" she indicated. "If you go up about... 5 kilometers from the shore, you find a lovely little waterfall. Truly a charming place."They couldn't take their boat up now, but Judy and Max had gone mountain-biking to the spot only a few days ago.
Tag Syl O'Connell
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Syl O'Connell
Flight Control
[TI8]
Posts: 662 Likes: 9
Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
Position: Flight Control/Caldonia 5
Species: Human
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Post by Syl O'Connell on Jun 3, 2021 23:58:13 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Kerelia - Unsinkable II]As she guided the boat parallel to the shore, she glanced up in the direction the Captain had indicated. Behind her sunglasses, her eyes lit up with interest. "I'll definitely have to check it out sometime. Always eager to find more peaceful places." She'd made quite a bit of use of the Holosuite programs, both at the Academy and on the station, when she needed an escape... But it was a poor substitute for being surrounded by real nature.
Tag Judith Eastman
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Judith Eastman
Civilian
Grandma
Posts: 2,593 Likes: 84
Rank: Civilian/other
Position: Civil Servant
Species: Human
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Post by Judith Eastman on Jun 4, 2021 0:50:27 GMT
[Capt. Judith Eastman(-Williams), PhD - Unsinkable II]Judy flashed a slight smile. "There are all sorts of spots like that down here. Max - that's my husband - and I just spent the past two weeks exploring them."Despite its reputation as a death trap, Kerelia had a lot of charm, and a lot of tranquility if you knew what to look for. "It's really a great thing, having this beautiful place so close to us. Great place to clear your head, and I think we all could use that."Granted, Judy had needed it more than most, after the difficult three months she'd had.
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