A/N: Well, another long chat with Eilis! She's virtually a permanent character in my stories now :D
All thanks to Kretokus for being...just awesome. Check out his stuff!
She knew Captain O'Neill mainly by reputation.
Aside from her selfless actions at the Battle of New Romulus, which saved a Romulan warbird from destruction, Eilis O'Neill was known as a tough, competent officer. She had retaken the original Relentless from a Borg invasion, and since then had thrown her ship into every major conflict afterwards. She was one of the last officers Rixadi ever wanted hunting her.
Rumours that O'Neill had a high-ranking friend in Starfleet Intelligence didn't make her feel any better.
"Azil, contact the Relentless and inform her we'll drop out of warp in ten seconds," she ordered stiffly. "Helm, make it happen."
Ten seconds later both ships dropped out of warp, coming to a full stop with the larger Relentless poised above the Puma.
"We're being hailed, ma'am," Azil announced, and Rixadi stood up and straightened her uniform.
"Onscreen."
The screen lit with the yellow-skinned features of Eilis O'Neill, her displeased gaze settling on Rixadi. Her first officer, a young Trill woman, looked on with an expression of concern.
Rixadi opened her mouth to speak, but O'Neill cut her off in an instant.
"Lieutenant Rixadi Seshara," O'Neill said, her tone cold. "I must say I am disappointed to see yet another promising officer desperately try to throw her career away in some insane attempt at justice." Her eyes didn't leave Rixadi for a moment. "My crew's skill is much better spent elsewhere, than having to chase after you."
My apologies, Captain, but there is no other way," she protested. " Several of my crew are dead, and it is my duty to get justice for their sakes. I agree you and your crew would be better used elsewhere, so...I humbly suggest you forget you saw us, ma'am."
"It is your duty to care for your crew, Lieutenant. Dragging them on some misguided vengeance quest on an understaffed ship is not the way to do that," Eilis replied, her jaw clenching briefly. "There are people in Starfleet whose job it is to hunt down traitors, and neither me and especially not you, Lieutenant, are those people." She leaned back in her chair, pausing for a moment. "I would very much like to avoid any pointless conflict here, so here is what's going to happen," she said in a tone that disallowed argument. "You'll get a chance to plead your case, but we will talk face to face. You have ten minutes to beam over to my ship and meet me in the observation lounge. Failure to do so will mean that your ship is going back to Earth, even if I have to disable it and tow it back there." She narrowed her eyes. "I find it prudent to remind you that your crew might be capable, but mine has years more of experience." She let her gaze wander around the Puma's bridge. "I would advise not to try anything stupid if any of you want to set foot on a starship ever again." Focusing back on Rixadi her expression relaxed. "I hope you will do what's right for your crew, Lieutenant. Ten minutes. O'Neill out." She gestured to someone behind her, and her face disappeared from the screen.
Rixadi sighed heavily, running a hand over her scalp, then turned towards the turbolift.
"You have the bridge, Elasha," she called back. "I'm going to persuade a Captain to defy orders, because I just love doing the impossible."
Rixadi got to the Puma's transporter room in a record time of three minutes and thirty-seven seconds, desperate to make sure she got to Captain O'Neill in time. She stepped on to the pad, nodded to the crewman at the console, and in an instant the Puma's transporter room was replaced by one larger and brighter.
Standing in front of the pad was a woman Rixadi managed to identify as human, though the features were somewhat unusual.
A spill of flame-red hair cascaded down the woman's back, helping to frame a pale, oval face set with a pair of bright green eyes. Dark freckles dusted the woman's face, appearing more noticeable across her nose and cheekbones, and her blood-red lips parted in a dazzling smile.
Rixadi was suddenly acutely aware of just how long it had been since her last relationship, and she wondered if the woman was available.
"Welcome to the Relentless," the flame-haired woman said, in accent Rixadi had bever heard. "I'm Lieutenant O'Dairn, the Chief of Security. I understand you have a meeting with the boss."
Rixadi was still trying to process O'Dairn's soft, musical accent when the odd word came up, and she frowned in confusion.
"Sorry, 'boss'?" she asked, stepping forward to clasp O'Dairn's offered hand. Her skin was soft and warm, and Rixadi lamented the contact being so brief.
"Aye, it's just a wee nickname, but not one I'd ever use to her face," O'Dairn answered with a soft chuckle. "I value my life too much for that."
The redhead motioned for Rixadi to follow her, and the Tkaathan fell into step beside her guide.
"I make it a point to learn about all the Federation races," O'Dairn said as they walked, "but I don't know anything about yours."
"I'm Tkaathan," Rixadi answered, glad to talk to someone new. "We actually aren't in the Federation yet - they aren't too sure of it's ambitions."
O'Dairn snorted.
"And you?"
"I'm quite certain the Federation is as altruistic as it claims. That's why I became the first of my people to join."
"Brave move," O'Dairn answered, a hint of respect in her tone. "Some might say stupid, but I sure wouldn't."
Rixadi laughed, something she felt she hasn't done for too long.
"Yes, I suppose it could be seen that way. As for learning about the other races, I actually got stuck on humans - one race, but with so much variation! Like you," Rixadi said, gesturing to O'Dairn, "I have never met a human like you."
O'Dairn emitted another musical laugh, nodding in agreement.
"I get that a lot. It's the accent, I'm sure." She chuckled again. "I'm from the south of Ireland. We pride ourselves on being a...unique bunch, even among humans. We're certainly a lot funnier than the English, and prettier too."
Rixadi cocked her head to one side.
"Hm. I lack a suitable comparison, but so far I'd have to agree."
O'Dairn laughed at the comment, slapping Rixadi lightly on the shoulder.
"You're as subtle as a Klingon, you know that?" She chuckled again. "Still, I've heard worse lines."
Rixadi frowned.
"Sorry, you've lost me again. 'Lines'?"
O'Dairn sighed.
"You really did get stuck, huh?" She shrugged. "Well, next time we're both free, we'll have to meet up and I can help educate you. See how well your people handle Guiness." She laughed again, more to herself this time, then sobered. "We're here. Look sharp, girl."
As they entered, Rixadi noticed Eilis stood by one of the large windows, her hands clasped behind her back. O'Dairn told her to wait momentarily, and she approached the Captain's side and saluted sharply.
"Lieutenant Seshara to see you, ma'am, as you requested."
"Thank you Lieutenant, that will be all," Eilis replied, offering O'Dairn a gentle nod. She turned to Rixadi as she moved to the central table. "Come in, Lieutenant, and take a seat." She sat down in the chair at the head of the table, gesturing to the one to her right.
O'Dairn left, giving Rixadi a small nod as they passed, and Rixadi took the offered place. She sat in silence, cowed by the authority Eilis projected, and waited for her to talk.
Eilis watched her for a few moments, before sighing and leaning back in her chair. "Well, Lieutenant? Tell me why shouldn't I just lock you and your crew in the brig and tow the Puma back to Earth."
Rixadi took a deep breath, composing her thoughts before she spoke.
"My crew and I believe in the Federation, in Starfleet and everything they stand for," she began. "Like you and yours, we believe in the ideals of a united coalition, working for mutual benefit, and defending each other's rights through any means we can.
"What happened aboard my ship has left us reeling, all of my crew, searching for answers and a sense of understanding of what happened. This man, Samman...he'd been one of my crew for about two years. We knew him. We trusted him. But then…"
She sighed, and closed her eyes for a moment as she hung her head. She straightened again with a shake of her head, and focused back on Eilis.
"We don't know how or when the Tal Shiar turned him. All we know is, he went to sickbay for a routine treatment, then a minute later he breaks loose, kills tolwo medical staff, then fights his way to the shuttle bay killing anyone who got in his way."
She ran a hand over scalp again, her reflective eyes sorrowful.
"I lost a lot of good officers that day. My first officer's brother was among them, along with many other fine officers. Too many of them were just starting out."
Rixadi leaned forwards, meeting Eilis' gaze, her eyes turning dangerous.
"If we leave this man to those among us who hunt traitors, he will slip through the cracks. He is just. One. Man. No-one will care. No-one will understand….no-one else would serk justice for the dead. It falls to me, as their CO, to give them peace and lay their spirits to rest. I beg of you, Captain, give us the chance to set this right."
Eilis held her gaze for a few long moments before shaking her head. "It's your job as their CO to make sure their sacrifice was not in vain. Throwing your life and career away for vengeance is not a way to do that, If anything it disrespects their legacy as Starfleet officers." She sighed, rubbing her right temple. "By chasing after Samman you will only bring more unnecessary pain to yourself and your crew, Lieutenant. There is a reason your ship was grounded after this incident, because you're not the first nor the last crew it happened to, and it's better to let those who are able to think clearly handle this." She paused, looking out of the window for a moment, before focusing back on Rixadi's reflective eyes and leaning forward to rest her hands on the table. "Tell me, Lieutenant, what it is you're planning on doing once you find your traitor?"
Rixadi thought for a moment, giving Eilis' words the contemplation they deserved.
"He needs to pay for his crimes, ma'am," she said at last, her tone firm. "I won't let him use whatever information he gained against us. I intend to destroy him, his masters and whatever ship they're on, and then...I don't know."
Eilis fell back against her chair, letting out a tired exhale. "Does your uniform really mean this little to you, Lieutenant?"
"On the contrary, ma'am," Rixadi countered, "it means everything to me. That's why I refuse to let this man get away with betraying us. I won't be the first to sacrifice career for what's right. If that's the price of justice, then at least I will sleep soundly at night, knowing I did what I could."
"You misunderstand me, Lieutenant," Eilis replied sadly. "I wasn't referring to you sacrificing your career for this, but rather your twisted definition of justice." She got up, walking back over to the window and looking out into space. "When you take up your uniform you make an oath both to Starfleet and the Federation as a whole, that you will uphold their principles. And yet here you are betraying one of them, going against your fellow officers in a blind rush for vengeance, ready to lynch your target at the first opportunity. Needlessly putting your crew in grave danger in a ship that is understaffed and under-equipped. Ready to throw your lives away for a cause that won't bring back the dead, but instead bury their memory in shame." She turned back to Rixadi. "In ways, you are worse than Samman, Lieutenant. Because he, at least, didn't have a choice."
Rixadi bristled at the implication, resisting the urge to shout back at the captain. Instead, she thought with detached calm about Eilis' words, and when she spoke again it was with strained calm.
"Yes, ma'am, my ship is understaffed," she said quietly, "which means further loss of life will be minimal should things go badly. If it were a ship like yours, or bigger, then who knows how many good officers could be lost? This way, at worst we lose one outdated ship and a few officers who are already willing to see this through. I'm no-one special. I'm not a great captain like Kirk, Picard or yourself. I'm a lieutenant. I'm expendable. And I give my life gladly to give the dead some peace."
"No life is expendable, Lieutenant," Eilis replied firmly. "And every captain had to be a lieutenant first. What separates the greats is their ability to make difficult decisions, and sometimes the most difficult one to make is letting others handle a situation. Realizing that you are in no position or condition to do so and taking a step back." She stared out the window for a few long moments, before moving back to the table and taking her seat. "It is not too late to turn back, Lieutenant. The peace of the dead is not worth the life of the living."
Rixadi thought for what felt like an eternity, debating the merits of Eilis' suggestion, and eventually she heaved a heavy sigh and stood up.
"I appreciate your 'help', Captain, but I see no other option," she said coldly. "I think I will return to my ship, and we'll take our chances there, thank you."
"It's not that easy, Lieutenant." Eilis said, standing up as well. "Don't forget that I'm under orders to bring you in. Orders that, given the circumstances, I find difficult to ignore, as they mean potentially saving the lives of you and your crew."
"What you have me do, Captain?" Rixadi snapped, disregarding all protocol. "All of my crew want this, it is all that we have left. We have no other options, and we are willing to give all for this!"
"You're just proving me right, Lieutenant." Eilis smiled sadly, letting out a heavy sigh. "What I would have you do is go back to the dock and let unbiased parties handle this. But I know your type all too well." She clasped her hands behind her back. "All the way there you and your crew will be planning a way to get free, possibly at the cost to my ship. Even if I get you back to Earth you will try to escape at the first opportunity to get back on your vengeance quest." She sighed again, shaking her head. "And so the best option for me to minimize the probability of casualties is to help ensure your success."
Rixadi stared at Eilis for several seconds, completely stunned by what she'd said. Finally she sighed with relief, and smiled at the captain.
"Thank you, ma'am," she said softly. "I just want you to know...I never wanted to put anyone in this position. All I wanted was to go about our business without being hounded. But...I am curious how you'll 'help ensure our success', if I'm honest, ma'am."
"Don't thank me until we're both out of this mess," Eilis replied with a sigh. She thumbed an interface on the table. "Jidzi, send a priority encrypted message to Admiral Kassai. Tell her I wish to speak to her, privately." After receiving a confirming 'Aye, Captain' she thumbed the comm off. "First, I'll get you something you are in severe need of. Information." She sat back down in her chair. "Then, since I'm ordered to get you back... Let's just say my ship will be conveniently nearby if you need assistance."
Rixadi's eyes went wide.
"Admiral Kassai?" she asked incredulously. "As in the Admiral Kassai? Scourge of the Tal Shiar? Hero of New Romulus? Starfleet's youngest admiral?" She made a small exhalation, shaking her head. "You sure know how to offer help, Captain!" She sobered instantly, giving Eilis a pained expression. "Once again, I'm sorry, Captain. If you don't need me anymore I'll return to the Puma, inform my crew of what's happening."
Eilis offered Rixadi a smile, before thumbing the comm again. "Lieutenant O'Dairn, please report to the observation lounge." Clicking it off, she turned to the woman once again. "I can't guarantee the Admiral will help, or even that she won't space both of us for this. But she is the best shot you have on catching your traitor, Lieutenant."
A short moment later, the Irish redhead entered, saluting smartly as she came to a stop.
"Reporting as ordered, ma'am," she said in her soft accent, which Rixadi was finding increasingly attractive.
"I'll be seeing you then, Captain," Rixadi said with a small bow, assuming that O'Dairn was present as her escort again. "And thank you again."
"Like I said, thank me after this is over," Eilis replied with a nod, before turning to her security chief. "Please escort the Lieutenant back to the transporter room. And be sure to ask the Chief for his report. I hear the transporter logs aren't being saved." She glanced briefly at Rixadi and winked, before catching a knowing look from O'Dairn. "Dismissed."
Rixadi followed O'Dairn back to the transporter room, where she paused to bid farewell to the smiling redhead.
"I guess this is it then, Lieutenant O'Dairn," she said, hoping her disappointment didn't show, and the redhead tutted loudly.
"Call me Keeva, fer Chrissakes," she chuckled, "just don't try spellin' it without me - it's an ancient Celtic name, and if you're baffled by modern humans, good luck with the ancient ones!"
Rixadi smiled nervously, holding Keeva's hand slightly longer than necessary.
"Okay...Keeva. Next time I'm in the vicinity, I'll take you up on that education help you offered. I could use all the help I can get!"
Keeva grinned, gesturing for Rixadi to step onto the pad.
"I'll hold you to that," she answered, and energised the transporter.
Rixadi had time to commit the redhead's beaming features to memory, before the view hazed away and she returned to the Puma.