Chapter 29 – Being Evelyn

Evan watched Lee exit. The door closed behind him. She turned around to find Renee standing on the other side of the 3D console. Renee switched off the floating image and the rest of the data vanished. Evan was still breathing hard, Renee noticed, as she observed the agitated woman from behind the console. There was also a little blood running down her left forearm from where the I.V. had been.

"What the hell is this?" Evan asked with confusion in her voice. She motioned up and down her body with both hands.

Renee said, "your real body is in a coma and we need you."

Evan snapped back, "This isn't right! Hell, it's illegal even in times of war. Where's Yamada? She can take over until you can revive me in my own body." There was a short pause as Renee's eyes fell to stare at the floor. Evan repeated, "Where's Lt. Ayako Yamada, Captain?"

Finally, Renee replied. "She's dead, Evan. Your real body sustained serious injuries as well. There was a meteor shower enroute. It's a long story but the end result is this ship needs an experienced Battle Captain for what's to come and a female body was all we had available."

Evan looked around as if searching for some bit of justification to get himself out of this female flesh. A few tears slipped down her cheek. "Damn. Ayako was one of the best I've ever trained or served with, but that doesn't justify this transfer."

She angrily wiped several tears from her cheeks. Before Renee could answer Evan said, "Why am I crying?!" She made a frustrated growl and placed both hands on her hips.

Suddenly Renee's demeanor became very serious. She walked out from behind the console. "Obviously, she meant more to you than just a trainee." Evan shot Renee a sharp glare. "Look Evan, this transfer wasn't something any of us wanted to do you but we need you now, not in four weeks. You have to come to terms with that and the sooner the better because you're not going back to sleep and that's an order."

Evan started to pace back and forth as she searched for any reasonable argument to change Renee's mind.

With frustration in her voice, Evan said, "I understand your reasoning. I might have done the same, but this is more than I can handle." She once again motioned up and down her body with her hands. Despite her irritation she asked in a rather uncomfortable, yet curious tone, "By the way, why did it have to be Jennifer?"

Renee commented, "She said you might have issues, but there were two good reasons. One, she knows her own DNA and medical history with 100% clarity." Evan reluctantly nodded. "Two, Jen and Ayako were about the same size so there should only be minor adjustments needed for Yamada's holo-environment suit to fit you."

Evan found it difficult to argue with Renee's cruel logic. It all made sense, even as Evan stared at the floor past his new breasts. It was only now that she realized all she was wearing was a medical gown. Evan checked herself and tightened the ties behind her back. Renee grinned as she watched Evan fix the gown.

After a few moments of awkward silence Renee said, "What's it going to be, Evan?"

"I don't know. This is too much. More than a guy should have to deal with."

Renee said with an annoyed tone, "Get over it, Commander. That's an order."

Evan looked up at her with an expression that begged for mercy, but none was to be found in Renee's eyes.

Evan finally said, "I know how to do my job and I obey orders, but this order isn't fair."

Renee interjected, "Life isn't fair Eva…lyn but we adapt and so will you."

Evan replied, "What did you just call me?"

"I called you Evelyn, it's a female variant for Evan, so for the next four weeks that's who you're going to be."

"Wait a sec…"

Renee cut her off. "IVAiN?"

"Yes Captain? How may I help you?"

"As of this time and until further notice, Commander Evan Rolfe will be identified as Commander Evelyn Rolfe for all ships functions."

"Understood Captain."

Evan stood silent. Not sure how to reply or protest such an order, or the fact that from here on, he, she, whatever, was going to have to answer to Evelyn in order to get anything done.

"Renee you can't do that, I might be in a female body but I'm still Evan!"

Renee said, "Yes you are and will be again in four weeks. Your actual body is sealed inside a regeneration chamber healing itself as we speak. Until then, your name is Evelyn. Deal with it Commander. I don't need confusion in the middle of a battle when a crewmen's not sure what to call you, because he or she is staring at a woman and trying to use a male name. Do you understand?"

Evelyn thought for a moment, "Yes, but…"

Renee cut her off again, "No more questions, Evelyn. It's done and talking about it won't change my mind."

Renee walked up to Evelyn. "Ok, it's time for your first girl talk session. Don't worry, it'll be short."

Evelyn's demeanor took on a confused composure. Renee said, "Do what I tell you to do, when I tell you to do it, and if it must be, consider it an order, sister."

Evelyn stood still as if frozen, not sure what was coming next. Renee reached up and placed her hands on both of her own breasts. "Put your hands on your breasts."

Evelyn slowly complied. Renee sarcastically said, "Good. Those are real. Don't play with them too much or you'll go blind."

Next she dropped her hands and placed one firmly in her crotch. She said, "Ok, now you do it."

Evelyn had almost cracked a grin at the 'go blind' comment, but now the grin faded. She slowly lowered her hands from her breasts. Then placed one hand in her own crotch firmly just as Renee ordered.

Renee commented, "That's right. Missing in action. It's official. You, my friend, are playing for the home team now. We've just concluded the first of what I'm sure will be many girl talk sessions."

Renee put her hand down and walked back toward her desk and sat down. Her demeanor showed a hint of frustration and sympathy for Evan's plight. Evelyn stood still, not sure what to say or whether or not to leave.

Finally, Renee laughed, "Commander, you can let go now."

Evelyn looked down and realized not only had she not moved, she was still holding herself. With an indignant look on her face she dropped her hand to her side.

Evelyn walked over to Renee's desk. She stuttered out the words. "Alright Captain. I'll do my best to cope with this…unique situation."

Renee replied, "I knew you'd eventually see it my way."

"Then you know me better than I know myself."

"Captain's prerogative. You're a decorated officer, who's well respected for your 'can-do attitude.' You're also known for being a serious asshole when necessary."

Evelyn mumbled, "thank you, I guess."

Renee continued, "You may be in a woman's body but the qualities that make you the best damned combat controller in the space service are still there. I need you to do your job and kick serious ass when this ship goes into battle a few days from now."

Renee paused to consider her next words.

"To summarize: I expect you to pull your department together and if you have to be a bitch about it, then so be it. Every member of this crew understood the risks when they volunteered for this mission. As I recall, you were among the first to step forward."

Evelyn swallowed hard as she weighed the situation. Renee pulled up Karl's current repair estimates on her holo console and swung it around so Evelyn could see it.

Renee continued, "The facts are the Coil cannons probably won't be repaired in time and without you or those batteries…"

She paused as she searched for the right words. Evelyn noticed for the first time a hint of fear in her eyes.

"It'll be a hard fight that leans in the enemies' favor. Ensign Lim's willing to try, but with an experienced Battle Captain the odds swing back to at least an even match. That's why I woke you up under these conditions. So I'll ask you one last time…Can you do it, Commander?"

A cunning grin finally broke across Evelyn's face. "I think I'm your woman, Captain."

Renee reached over and picked up a holo pad from her desk and tossed it to Evelyn who caught it with one hand.

As Evelyn began to look it over, Renee said, "Those logs will get you caught up on what's happened. Now, get your ass back to sickbay so Jen can get you cleaned up."

Evelyn came to attention and snapped a salute as she said, "Aye, Captain!"

Renee returned a casual salute as she kicked her feet up on her desk. Evelyn turned and started toward the door.

"By the way, Commander, that's a really cute ass you've got there."

Evelyn turned and glanced down at her exposed backside.

Evelyn smirked. "I know."

Renee grinned. "I expect you to be in uniform the next time I see you; and one more thing…" Evelyn turned to listen. "It's your choice but I'd talk with Jennifer about this change if I were you. She could help you and it doesn't hurt that she's a fully qualified counselor."

Evelyn replied, "Thank you, Captain. I'll consider it." She turned and walked out of the ready room.

The scene inside the captain's ready room faded from view into a foggy blur. Another scene took its place, this time back on the Vigilance's bridge.