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 Jan 29, 2021 19:25:48 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Starfleet Academy - Gardens]Another day had passed after her graduation ceremony, and the letter informing her of her first posting had still not arrived. Her roommate had shipped out a week ago, and Syl was facing the likelihood of being forced to move back in with her father if that letter didn't arrive soon. In order to escape the deafening silence of her dorm, she'd fled to the gardens, dressed in her new uniform only because most of her civilian clothes were already packed. Some might say it was a bit premature, but one way or the other she wasn't going to be staying at the Academy for much longer. Even if they let her, she couldn't take much more of it. The gardens were mostly empty at this late hour of the day, but she could still feel the stares of every person she passed. Perhaps it was just her imagination, but she could also swear she heard them whisper. It was driving her crazy. Finding a bench facing a water fountain, she took a seat and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply to fill her lungs with the floral scents that surrounded her, letting the cool breeze caress her face with droplets of mist. For a moment, if it wasn't for the constant dull ache in her forearm, she might've almost been able to forget about why she was still here. It only lasted a moment though, as the sounds of nature were interrupted by something else. Her eyes snapped open and she whipped around to see who was approaching.
Tag Charlie Fox (Admiral Ellis)
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Charlie Fox
Civilian
FOX NEWS
Posts: 730
Likes: 81
Position: Journalist
Species: A human of some kind
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Post by Charlie Fox on Jan 29, 2021 20:12:07 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Gardens, Starfleet Academy]{Click for Antoinette}  It was another beautiful day on the beautiful grounds of the beautiful jewel of Starfleet. The diamond in the crown of the Federation; the place where minds were expanded... and molded. Where it all began for many a wide-eyed, naïve officer, who thought that they, above all others, would make their mark. Change the galaxy for the better. Leave a legacy. In reality, they were merely cogs that comprised a tiny wheel in a grand engine that in turn, fueled something much greater, something beyond their comprehension. They weren't special, not irreplaceable; they were transient ghosts in the machine. And there was one such ghost seated at the water fountain, surrounded by none, willing the observer's eye to slid off and by. But Antoinette Ellis knew that even the most unmemorable ghosts, the tiniest cogs, could be of use. She smiled as the young woman opened her eyes and whirled around, perhaps to gauge the oncoming threat. "I used to come here," she confided, the smile turning a shade sad, regretful, as she continued, "These days, it seems like I never have the time." And it would seem as though this young woman would have nothing but time. Admiral Antoinette Ellis straightened some, her face moving away from the spray and the gushing water feature as she looked at Syl O'Connell, coming to a stop next to her bench. "Ensign O'Connell, I am Admiral Ellis. May I?"
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 Jan 29, 2021 20:35:55 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Starfleet Academy - Gardens]The sight of the woman approaching down the garden path made Syl's throat constrict, but for an entirely different reason that she normally had such reaction these days. Her age and uniform color was enough to guess at the woman's rank, even before she was close enough to see the bar on her collar. When it became apparent the Admiral was approaching her specifically, the Ensign swiftly stood and turned to face her, stiffening to attention. It was uncommon to see people of such high rank in the 'recreational' parts of the Academy, and she assumed it was due largely in part to as the woman said - lack of time. That only begged the question, what was she doing here now? When the Admiral addressed her - by name - and introduced herself, Syl nodded in greeting and acknowledgement. "Pleasure to meet you, ma'am." There had been a time Syl would have been stunned that someone of such high rank and importance would know who she was, but with the trial only a few months past, she doubted anyone in Starfleet Command would be forgetting her face any time soon. It was just one more reason she needed to get off of this godforsaken planet. There were so many questions burning in her mind and twisting her gut, primarily centered around why the Admiral was talking to her now, but she bit them back behind a wall of habitual silence. Asking questions hadn't gone well for her for several years.
Tag Charlie Fox
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Charlie Fox
Civilian
FOX NEWS
Posts: 730
Likes: 81
Position: Journalist
Species: A human of some kind
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Post by Charlie Fox on Jan 30, 2021 18:39:24 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Gardens, Starfleet Academy]"At ease, please." The Admiral gestured back toward the bench; a signal for the young ensign to sit if she so chose. The reaction was expected, and while Antoinette would prefer Syl O'Connell to continue feeling off-kilter, she needed her present enough to see the sense behind her offer. "Having read so much about you and your family, Ensign O'Connell, I'm glad to meet you in person, too."The older woman took a seat, and smoothed down a uniform that was already pristine and perfect. The smile stayed on her face, but it was constructed, practiced. The only time Ellis had any real interest in the personal lives of others was when they could be used to her advantage. She had no desire to learn anything more about this unremarkable person, but one must dance the dance. "I try to keep an eye on the most promising cadets, for my own reasons, of course," she added that last part conspiratorially while leaning in a little, suggesting that O'Connell at some stage would have been one such candidate. Then she straightened and her expression and tone turned wry. "Your promise took something of a detour."
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 Jan 31, 2021 3:07:16 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Starfleet Academy - Gardens]The Ensign resumed her seat when indicated, but she didn't relax. She couldn't. Her nerves tensed even more as the Admiral joined her on the bench. Syl had no idea what to expect from this conversation, and she didn't like that. When the older woman mentioned her family, Syl just nodded. Most in Starfleet Command had at least heard the name O'Connell more than once. She, on the other hand, had heard the name Ellis quite a bit. Her father had always spoken of "Admiral Ellis" in a way that implied he hoped to impress her. Syl had never cared to ask why, but in this moment she wished she had. Admiral Ellis admitting to keeping an eye on 'promising cadets' didn't surprise her. She supposed it wasn't uncommon for the brass to be interested in the future of the Fleet. The final statement, however, about her own promise taking a detour, stung like a slap to the face. Syl cringed visibly, and her gaze dropped down to her lap. The fingernail of one hand scraped idly along the edges of the nails on her other hand. "I'm aware of that, ma'am," she replied quietly. Syl didn't need to be reminded that she was a disappointment to her family, a blemish on the O'Connell sparkling name. What made it worse was the memories of why she had fallen off the path to greatness. That potential was still there, she was still the best pilot in her class, but her marks hadn't reflected that in quite some time. An intentional choice for survival that hadn't made a difference in the end. She wanted to ask why she was here, if there was a point to this conversation beyond reminding her that she was a failure. But even if she had forgotten her place, the words weren't able to make it past the lump in her throat. So instead she just sat there, eyes focused unseeingly on her hands in her lap, waiting for the Admiral to either get to the point or leave.
Tag Charlie Fox
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Charlie Fox
Civilian
FOX NEWS
Posts: 730
Likes: 81
Position: Journalist
Species: A human of some kind
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Post by Charlie Fox on Jan 31, 2021 13:10:52 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Gardens, Starfleet Academy]"I have no doubt," Antoinette responded to the ensign when she pointed out that she was aware of her own reputation. She was merely letting her know that the news of her failings had reached the admiralty. The reaction and the body language though, they were interesting. And right along the lines of what she was hoping for. "You'll also be aware that no assignment offers will be forthcoming."Another might have called Admiral Ellis' direct approach cruel, but sometimes you had to kick someone when they were down in an effort to see if they'd come back snarling. She didn't want Syl O'Connell defeated, rather willing to sacrifice to put her destiny back on track. "People often say that legacies have it easy. That their entry into the Academy is an automatic acceptance, and provided they don't take that stroll down Washout Lane, they'll get their choice of top assignments. One could say my own children benefited from my standing within the Fleet. My own children, however, would likely tell you that the complete opposite is true."She leaned back in her bench, still watching the stiff young woman with renewed focus. "Your father's service, both before and after the War, was integral. Your mother's work has saved countless lives. Their expectations of you might not be altogether fair, Ensign O'Connell, but they deserve to take pride in the children they raised. You deserve the opportunity to feel some of that pride in yourself, most of all. Don't you think? And I might be able to help you with 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 Jan 31, 2021 13:41:03 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Starfleet Academy - Gardens]No assignment offers would be forthcoming. The information sank in her chest like a bag of bricks, and her lips moved wordlessly for a moment before she finally found her voice. "I knew it wasn't supposed to take this long..." but she had hoped. Somewhere, some far out posting would have an opening, and she could fade out into oblivion. She only nodded when the Admiral talked about Starfleet legacies... and she remembered well how her instructors had reacted the first time they read her name on their roster. For a moment she got lost in the memories, until a particular word caught her attention once more. Washout. Was that what people thought of her now? They had no idea how much it took to even survive long enough to graduate. There was a flare of anger as her jaw clenched, but her hands shook as they ran through her hair. A sharp scoff escaped her throat as the woman stated her parents deserved to have pride in her. As if their overwhelming pride in her two older - far more perfectly successful - siblings wasn't enough for them. As if graduating in the middle of her class in spite of living with a man who was hellbent on destroying her wasn't good enough for them. But the Admiral was right, Syl knew it wasn't good enough for them. It should be, but it wasn't. The final statement - an offer of help - almost didn't reach her through the struggle to fight back the hot tears. But when it did, Syl froze, head still buried between her arms as she stared at the ground between her feet. Her first instinct was to say that she didn't need help, that she made her choices and she would pay the consequences... but there was a voice buried deep inside her screaming that the punishment didn't fit the crime, that being seen as a washed out failed cadet was an injustice, and this woman's help was likely the only way she would ever move past this point in her life. Several moments of silence passed before she finally spoke, not moving, her quivering voice barely audible. "What do you have in mind?"
Tag Charlie Fox
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Charlie Fox
Civilian
FOX NEWS
Posts: 730
Likes: 81
Position: Journalist
Species: A human of some kind
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Post by Charlie Fox on Jan 31, 2021 15:13:13 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Gardens, Starfleet Academy]"Front. Ear."She managed to choke out the name of the station, cringing quite obviously as she said it. Antoinette Ellis still couldn't believe that her daughter hadn't righted that epic administrative wrong as soon as she'd stepped onboard. Alas, she seemingly had "more important" things to do, and the ridiculous name had stuck. It was now mostly spoken with some affection by her peers and those who had visited, which set the Admiral on edge even more. At least this conversation seemed to be going the way she wanted it to. She had Syl O'Connell's attention. She was interested in the possibility of saving her future. And instead of flinging herself at the Admiral's feet, she was engaging in an exchange. All good signs as far as Antoinette was concerned. "It is remote. My daughter called it "the back-end of the beyond" when she was sent there. But with the Dominion War in our rear-views and the process of healing beginning, Starfleet once again turns its attention toward the unknown, toward discovery and answers. The station may be at the far reaches of the Federation's civilisation, but strategically it will become of great importance. I would like to send you there."
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 Jan 31, 2021 15:47:31 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Starfleet Academy - Gardens]The first two words spoken in response to her question didn't make the slightest bit of sense, and with slight confusion Syl lowered her hands away from her head and looked over at the woman sitting next to her, wondering if she had simply misheard her. But as the description continued, she began to realize it was the name of a station. Not just any station... But a station as far away from Earth as she could possibly get while remaining in Starfleet. Most Ensigns would hate a post like that, and a year ago she would have also. Now, though, it was exactly what she wanted. The Admiral was likely aware of the request she had made for such a remote location. She certainly wasn't offering it as a punishment. So why was she offering it? Syl's heart hammered in her chest as her curiosity battled with her desperation. Her eyes darted back and forth in frantic thought before she finally settled on what would hopefully be an appropriate answer. "What do I have to do?"
Tag Charlie Fox
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Charlie Fox
Civilian
FOX NEWS
Posts: 730
Likes: 81
Position: Journalist
Species: A human of some kind
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Post by Charlie Fox on Feb 2, 2021 19:16:25 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Gardens, Starfleet Academy]"Your job."Of course, it wasn't quite so simple, but Antoinette was gearing up to the little extra efforts she required. "They're in need of a decent pilot out there. The Mac's current CFO is a drunkard and has been thus far unable to deliver on her promise to improve her department." The Admiral crossed her legs at the knee, and then folded her hands in her lap. The contempt she felt for Niamh O'Leary was obvious, as was how she felt about anyone keeping her in Fleet employment and in control of a department, let alone potentially a flight deck. But to be fair, there was plenty of the patented Antoinette disappointment to go around. "I will be completely truthful with you, Ensign. I believe the people out there have become complacent. I think they stand on the edge of an area of space we have yet to explore, and the parts we have, we do not understand." The speech slid from her with ease. She'd used those very words on other young, unsuspecting officers before, though none had ever accomplished the tasks she'd set for them. "We are in peace time once again, but I fear that won't last while the blind lead the blind out there on the Frontier, flapping around uselessly in the dark, trying to find a light panel. First Contact scenarios can be volatile, precarious, as I'm sure you've been taught. I do not want another Dominion War. None of us want that."
"None of us can afford it."A silence began, small, but she let it grow for a few moments, giving the young woman the chance to speak if she so chose. Then, Antoinette Ellis got down to brass tacks. "I'll expect you to keep me in the loop. Beyond the stale, limp reports we've been getting from the station, I'll want to know your take on certain events and people. Quite simply, I - we - need to know more."
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 Feb 3, 2021 6:25:08 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Starfleet Academy - Gardens]Syl straightened, leaning back against the bench as she listened intently. The CFO on - Front Ear, was it? - being an alcoholic was certainly cause for concern. And while she wasn't looking to replace anyone, she was an excellent pilot. There was more than just the need for a decent pilot, though. Something else, something deeper. The Admiral spoke of complacency, dangers, threats of another war. But instead of sending someone from Command to go out there and whip everyone into shape... she was sending an Ensign fresh from the Academy, on what sounded like an Intelligence gathering operation. Her mind was reeling as she tried to make sense of it. Ellis just wanted her to send in extra detailed reports? That was it? It sounded too simple, too easy, but Syl wasn't in the position to look a gift horse in the mouth. This was her only shot at a second chance. "Will I be sending those reports directly to you?" she asked, turning to meet the woman's gaze for the first time in the past several minutes. It was a gesture of acceptance for the offer, despite not being phrased as such. Syl was a little concerned about going around a Commanding Officer's back, but if the order to do so was coming from an Admiral, then she couldn't really get into trouble for it, right? Regardless of how angry that CO might be if they found out. She would just have to make sure they didn't find out. "And how often will I be sending them in?" It really wasn't a bad deal. The Admiral could be asking for a lot more than just information. Perhaps her father would even lighten a bit if she told him she'd be doing work for Admiral Ellis. Although, that would require him to believe her first... Maybe she should just keep that part out.
Tag Charlie Fox
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Charlie Fox
Civilian
FOX NEWS
Posts: 730
Likes: 81
Position: Journalist
Species: A human of some kind
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Post by Charlie Fox on Feb 3, 2021 15:37:44 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Gardens, Starfleet Academy]Antoinette was the picture of composure as the young Ensign finally turned and deigned to look at her. She'd faced down and pitched to all kinds; this would be, quite literally, a walk in the park. "I will have a standing appointment with you every week. We will communicate directly. There might be times when you'll be on mission, and cannot be reached, and there might be other opportunities that I'd like you to explore outside of our scheduled meetings, but I am not unreasonable. I don't expect you to be at my beck and call, and you will have regular duties to attend to." She paused for a moment, wondering how much she'd have to spell out for the young O'Connell, or how quickly she'd begin to read between the lines. "However, it's never a good idea to keep an Admiral waiting for too long. And Ensign O'Connell..." The delay was as significant as the look she was giving the other woman. "I do look after my own."
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 Feb 3, 2021 17:45:23 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Starfleet Academy - Gardens]Syl nodded with understanding as the Admiral explained how their arrangement would work. Direct communication did make sense... It would be far less likely to be intercepted, and it would provide a chance for specific questions to be asked and answered about each situation. The Ensign liked that a lot better than trying to guess what the other woman considered to be important. "Weekly meetings it is, and I'll be sure to let you know if I'll be unavailable during the scheduled time." She didn't foresee herself being terribly busy working on a station, especially since they did have other pilots who had seniority over her. Although hopefully she would be kept busy enough to actually have information to provide... "Thank you, ma'am..." She said after a brief pause of her own. "I really appreciate this opportunity." Syl was about to include a promise not to let her down, but bit her tongue at the last moment. It felt like opening herself up for a scathing comment.
Tag Charlie Fox
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Charlie Fox
Civilian
FOX NEWS
Posts: 730
Likes: 81
Position: Journalist
Species: A human of some kind
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Post by Charlie Fox on Feb 6, 2021 16:05:39 GMT
[Admiral Antoinette Ellis - Gardens, Starfleet Academy]She nodded in receipt of the thanks. "I have high hopes that this arrangement will be mutually beneficial." It had better be, was the message beneath, but Antoinette Ellis felt no need to threaten the young woman. She'd keep that in the pocket for later. "I'll be in touch. Be ready to depart."The Admiral rose from the bench. With the true meaning of the conversation clear, she felt no desire to remain and make useless small talk. She had better things to do, and Ensign O'Connell had a long trip to prepare for. There was one final thing, however... "Oh, and Ensign? I expect complete discretion."With another nod and final, lingering look, the Admiral took her leave.
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 Feb 7, 2021 8:00:22 GMT
[Ens. Syl O'Connell - Starfleet Academy - Gardens]
As the Admiral stood, the Ensign did as well, nodding with a final gesture of gratitude and farewell before watching the woman walk away. Had that conversation really just happened? Resisting the urge to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming, she waited until the red uniform had disappeared around the corner before she turned on her heel and began to jog back to the dorms. Her excitement was building with every step, and before long she was sprinting down the final stretch to the building. Her heart was racing and her skin was flushed as she finally entered the near empty dorm, but she barely missed a beat as she started to gather the remainders of her belongings. She was finally getting out of here.
Exit Syl
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