Hello/Goodbye

Sitting in his assigned quarters on Starbase Ten, Jureth glanced again over the personnel files in front of him, and sighed audibly. Selecting departmental personnel was possibly one of the most difficult jobs an officer could have, but these selections were giving Jureth a headache. Security personnel were one thing, but staffing a department that doesn't exist on any other ship in the Fleet was another. Jureth pushed the desk monitor away again and rubbed his temples as his door chime rang.

"Come"

The door slid open to reveal another Bajoran that Jureth had never met before, the man was wearing a command red uniform tunic with lieutenant's pips.

"Can I help you..Lieutenant?"

"Commander Oseno Jureth?"

"Yes, and you are?"

"Lieutenant Variel, Starfleet Intelligence. I've been assigned to your staff."

Jureth was slightly taken aback "I wasn't informed of this, and I'm in the process of selecting my own staff."

"I apologize Sir, but my position is not neogtiable, my orders."

Variel produced a PADD and offered it to Jureth, and he took it and examined it. After reading through the usual administrative items he came to a memo.

To: Chief of Strategic Operations, USS Horizon

From: Starfleet Intelligence

Re: Lieutenant Variel Palos

Lieutenant Variel Palos is hereby assigned to USS Horizon as Intelligence Specialist by order of Commanding Officer Starfleet Intelligence. Lieutenant Palos will serve until otherwise ordered by this office.. These orders are binding, and are effective upon receipt. 

Signed

Patrick Weedon

Admiral

Starfleet Intelligence

Jureth looked up from the PADD, he did not like having his personnel dictated to him and the look on his face showed it. Variel remained expressionless as he evaluated his fellow Bajoran. He had read Oseno's record of course and he liked what he had seen which was why Variel hadn't argued with the admiral when he'd given the assignment. Jureth looked the man up and down for a moment before responding with resignation.

"Very well Lieutenant, orders are orders. We can't board the ship yet, so you'll have to procure quarters here."

"Already done Sir."

Jureth nodded "Fine then, dismissed."

"There's one more thing Sir."

Jureth's eyes narrowed slightly, he was beginning to get annoyed.

"What is it?"

"I need to vette you Sir."

Now Jureth was irritated, who did this Variel think he was anyway.  "Lieutenant, I was just involved in a classified Starfleet operation, and was temporarily promoted to Captain of one of the most powerful warships in the Fleet. My clearance is probably higher than yours."

Variel smiled smugly "Not likely Sir, and once we are commissioned we will have access to real time intelligence at some of the highest classifications. Part of my job will be to safeguard that information Sir and that includes confirming the qualifications of any personnel accessing that information. If you like Sir, I can call the Admiral."

Jureth glared at Variel "Fine Lieutenant, let's get this over with."

It was nearly two hours later when Variel finally asked the last of his questions, and by that point Jureth was exhausted.

"That should be all Commander, thank you."

"Go home Lieutenant," Jureth sighed

"Aye Sir, see you aboard ship."

Variel left and as the door closed Jureth muttered several Bajoran curses under his breath. No sooner had the doors closed than the chime rang again.

"What!?" Jureth practically shouted

"Is that any way to greet a friend?"

Jureth looked up to see his friend Catherine Steele standing in the door way. He sighed as she entered the room

"I'm sorry, I just got through with a marathon question and answer session with an intelligence officer."

Cat smiled "I'm so sorry. I hate intel people."

"Yes well, this one will be working for me."

"Oh, better you than me," she said patting him on the shoulder

"Speaking of which, have you thought about my invitation?"

Jureth had asked Cat to join him aboard the Horizon as his assistant department head. He enjoyed having his good friend by his side, and she had proven invaluable aboard the Alsea during Operation Horizon.

"That's why I came by Oseno." she said her demeanor noticeably changing "I've been offered the Chief of Security position aboard the USS Celestial."

"An Excalibur Class cruiser, that's great Cat." Jureth said with as much enthusiasm as he could muster which wasn't much. He knew he should be happy for her, this was a great career opportunity for her, but he had really counted on having her by his side trying to run this new strategic operations department and there was something else too. He had come to care deeply for Cat, but while they had been on the Alsea he knew that  he couldn't express it especially since he had been her commanding officer. Now there was nothing stopping him..except his own fear. Fear of ruining their friendship, fear she didn't feel the same way, fear she'd hip toss him for being so emotional...

"If it's so great then how come you don't sound happy," she asked

"I'm sorry Cat, I know its a big opportunity for you, and you should take it. I was just hoping you'd stay, but that's just me being selfish."

She smiled softly "Its allowed, we make a good team, but  it's not like I'll never see you again you know."

"I know, I just was looking forward to us being together on the Horizon."

"I know you were, and I would, but I can't turn this down Oseno."

"It's okay Cat, you should take the position, I know it's what you wanted. When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow, the Celestial is making a supply stop on her way to her next assignment."

Jureth was surprised, he'd been hoping to at least take her to dinner first.

"That soon huh?"

"Yeah, I know its quick."

"Well, you better go get packed then."

"I know, I know, but I wanted to tell you in person, and...say goodbye."

Jureth walked with her toward the door, and suddenly he realized that this might be his only chance to tell Cat how he felt. Should he take the chance? What if she wasn't interested? "Ah the hell with it," he thought

"Cat..."

"Yeah?"

"You're leaving tomorrow right?"

"Yeah.."

"Good, then you won't be around to make me regret this.."

Jureth pulled Cat close, looked in her eyes and then kissed her......