Legal Briefs

Posted on 06/09/2022 @ 12:52am by Lieutenant Commander Rachel Malbrooke & Senior Chief Petty Officer Talia Quince & Civilian Michael Taggart & Rear Admiral Thomas Rice

4,154 words; about a 21 minute read

Mission: Mini Mission: When The Cat's Away
Location: JAG Office - Central Core Deck 79 - Poseidon Station
Timeline: MD004 1730 hrs

On:

Tom wasn't sure why he was standing outside the Sector Jag Officer's office. The last time he had seen her, he had been neck-deep in the middle of Neil's trial. This was different, and yet he found himself nervous. His recent outings with Cara had given him a new sense of purpose. He needed to get out there and expand, move beyond his office and his uniform. He stopped at the receptionist, "Commodore Rice to see Commander Malbrooke," he requested.

Talia scrambled to her feet as the Commodore entered. "Sir, it is a rare pleasure. May I ask what this is in reference to sir." She stood at attention; it was indeed a rare treat that one as high rank as Rice would come in. There must be something big coming down the pike. Talia thought. She made sure that her braided hair was neat. Talia would hate for Rachel to be in any sort of trouble because of her.

"It's a personal nature, Chief," Tom nodded, "I promise nothing to be worried about."

Rachel sat in her office and went over the trial notes of the Sutter case. She was thankful for the downtime in the legal field at the moment and enjoyed going over cases to see where she could be better. Her hair hung loosely as her head tilted down. She knew that now that Thorrin was assigned to the station something was bound to be bounced onto her desk. That man seemed to always start trouble.

The intercom chimed up and it was Talia's voice. "Commander Malbrooke sorry to disturb you but Commodore Rice is here to see you." Rachel knew that her old friend would not have used rank unless it was important, and the Commodore was indeed important. "Thanks Chief please show him in." Rachel rose to attention as the doors opened.

Tom followed the Chief as she showed him to the Jag Officer’s private office, and proceeded to introduce him. It was a bit odd, but this wasn't his office. "Commander Malbrooke," Tom nodded, as he tried to remain himself to relax, "my apologies for interrupting your day." He smiled.

Rachel rose to attention, despite it being her office the rank demanded as much. "No sir, no interruption at all. I certainly hope that you did not come here because you need the services of JAG...." She laughed at her own joke, well she hoped it was a joke. "What can I do for you sir?"

Tom smiled, with a bit of a chuckle, "I actually don't need your professional services," he continued his smile but to the trained eye he might have appeared a bit nervous maybe even awkward. He looked to the JAG Officer, well you made it this far, he told himself. "I actually came down here to see if you wanted to get a bite to eat," he just blurted out without any lead-up.

Well, it wasn't often that the highest officer in the land came down and asked you out. At the moment Rachel tried to figure out if this was business or pleasure. The only way to find out would be to go she told herself. "I would love to sir..." Rachel paused for a moment as the forwardness that the Malbrookes were known for asserted itself. "...But first I have to know if this is business or pleasure. I mean saying sir all through lunch could get a little tiresome." She gave him a crooked smile, the kind that women tended to give when they knew a lot more than they let on.

"Pleasure," Tom replied, "if you are ok with that, and I agree." He nodded, "please call me Tom." Tom caught the smile and could see that there was more behind it. "I hope I am not tearing you away from your work," he noted the stack of padds on her desk?

"Not at all si... I mean Tom..." Her voice trailed off as her mind became awash with a number of thoughts. Among them was whether or not this was a good idea. This man was not only her boss but he was her brother's boss as well. Screw it... He's handsome and he wants to lunch with me. She thought. "...Well lead on. It seems that I am all yours."

As they walked back out through the outer office. Rachel exchanged a look with her old friend. It was one of excitement. "Chief hold my calls unless it is an emergency." Rachel said. "Yes ma'am you won't hear from me," Talia replied with a broad smile.

"I probably should have contacted you first," Tom chuckled, "if I am honest, I was worried you'd say no." Tom gestured into the lift, as the doors opened. "Deck 67," he ordered the lift, "there is a place called the White Stag Pub. I know it's an odd name, but I understand their theme is an old Scottish -style pub. I've been interested in trying their food if you are ok with that." He hoped he wasn't being too direct, he wanted to give her the opportunity to object if she wanted.

"Yeah, the White Stag sounds great. A good ole fashioned pub is something that is sorely needed this far out. Don't worry about not contacting me. I do love surprises, and people who can be impulsive." She smiled impishly. The debate of whether or not this was a date still progressed in her head. No matter how hard she tried to push it down.

Tom laughed, "oddly, I am not a fan of surprises. But, time on this station and with her crew have taught me that surprises are par for the course here." He looked at her not realizing her internal thoughts, as he spoke, "besides surprises is what led us to this date."

"Yes indeed..." She smiled a little awkwardly. Rachel was attracted to the Commodore but unsure of how to proceed. She gently placed her hand in his arm. "So tell me what exactly does a Commodore do when they are not planning to save the galaxy."

"Hide," he laughed, "definitely hide." He took note of the hand but didn't draw too much attention to it, just yet. "I imagine like you, once the uniform comes off we want to ignore the job as much as possible. Oddly in today's day and age, I enjoy cooking. It's peaceful, allows me to express creativity, and it tastes fairly good.. most of the time."

"It is indeed. I joined Starfleet thinking I would see the galaxy and strange new worlds that sort of thing. Yet, here I am seeing the seedy underside of the fleet and working with or in some cases for them. However, it is a pleasure to see justice done. Like, with Captain Harrington...." Rachel paused for a moment. "You are too right though. It feels great to take the uniform off and relax. If you ask my brother though he would tell you that you should wear your uniform to bed." She laughed at the last comment.

"I used to be one of those Officers," he replied, "but recent events have taught me that maybe it's time to rethink that theory." He didn't add that this was his first venture into letting loose. "Neil," he paused, "Captain Harrington's case had an unusual ending, but it all worked out in the end. Tell me so what does a JAG Officer on a station in the middle of nowhere do when the uniform comes off?" He suddenly blushed realizing how perverted that question sounded; suddenly hoping she had a sense of humor.

Without missing a beat Rachel deadpanned a response to his question. "Bathe... lots and lots of bathing. It takes a lot of soap to get the scum of the galaxy off you." She paused just the right amount of time for the joke and then laughed. "In reality I do pretty much the same as everyone else. Perhaps my favorite thing to do is reenact cases on the holodeck. I like to take the place of one of the attorneys and argue the case my way. My hope is to get a better verdict...." It was her turn to blush as she realized how silly it sounded. She tucked a tuft of hair behind her ear as she fell in step with Tom. "...I know Talia is overjoyed that you got me out from behind that desk. She thinks I work too much."

"We all have our own way of unwinding," Tom replied, "I cook, you reenact your job," he shot a sideways glance at her. "Others are just a bit more strange," he smiled. "And I am sure my own assistant is glad I am not in the office, either."

"A man who can cook, that is quite the find. Every woman's dream, especially this one. I hate replicated food and unfortunately never mastered the subtlety of cooking. Perhaps you will have to teach me...." Rachel spoke for the first time with a flirtatious lilt to her voice. She caught herself as she realized who she was with. "...You know how about we leave the work in the office, and take the pips off. I feel this will go a whole lot better." She took a deep breath and in what seemed like a second reverted back to her flirty take.

Tom laughed, "in that case Rachel, we will need to set up some lessons," he smiled. That was a fancy way of seeing up a future date, without calling it a date. The two stepped off the lift as they were greeted to ask the holographic wonders the Promenade had to offer. The Promenade was designed to be an attraction meant to entice any visitor. It was unlike any other station Tom had ever seen.

"So tell me Rachel aside from long baths, and case recreations what else makes you tick?"

She smirked. "Me I am a simple country girl. I enjoy farming and playing in the dirt. There is nothing quite like homesteading, creating something and growing your own food. Alas, that comes in direct contrast of the profession I chose. But someday I hope to have a plot of land somewhere and simply watch time pass me by. I am the outdoorsy type, and you should know that any man I choose to be with, I am with because I want to be not because I need a man or any such." Rachel paused for a moment and then looked at the man she was with. She never noticed before but he was quite handsome and had an aire about him that the weight of the galaxy was on his shoulders. It was something she admired and found extremely attractive. "But, look at me just rambling. What about you? What makes you tick? I am sure there is a lot more than simply giving orders and filing reports." She chuckled.

"That seems to be a developing question or answer I should say," Tom replied, "recently I thought I knew who I was but I've been challenged to I think it's called rediscover myself. I've always been the type to sit back and watch the world around me happen when I wasn't on duty. Eventually, work and duty just became a part of who I was. The more brass they put on this collar the more I was intertwined with the office."

"But, my friend has helped me realize that if this station is to truly be more home then I need to start branching out and having a life, beyond the desk. What's the phrase, all work, and no play.. or something like that."

"It seems there you and I are in the same boat. My family and friends keep telling me the same. That I need to get out there and meet someone. Well it seems that perhaps I have met someone." Rachel began to say as they approached the White Stag. As they walked in Mickey took notice of the new arrivals and hurried over. "Well now, it is a rare treat to see the likes of you here. Shall I give you the best table in the house by the hearth." He said with his Scottish accented voice.

"You have a wonderful establishment here, Maighstir Taggart," Tom replied. The place was everything he'd imagine it would be. Tom didn't care were he sat there was so much to take it. Tom gestured to Rachel, "After you," he smiled.

Mickey led the couple to a small table next to the hearth. The table's bench seating was lined with sheepskins to make the seat more comfortable. "Well ere ya go. We have juss about anything that you can think of. I am sure one o da lads or lasses will be round shortly ta get an order. Donnae worry though not even a red alert will force me ta reveal where ya are. Welcome to da White Stag." With a wink and a smile Mickey hurried off to another customer.

Rachel took the seat and slid in. She was glad for the warm welcome. "It is great to be seen away from the closed-up office, especially with someone as handsome as you. My family more than anyone else has wanted me to get out. I mean out here there is only me and my brother. He has such a perfect marriage, that it is hard to come out of his shadow. But family is important and I know he just wants me to be happy."

"Married once," Tom just blurted out, as if it was a normal thing to talk about, "certainly wasn't a perfect marriage, but even close. Your brother is a lucky man." He sighed, "family can be a complicated puzzled. Mine isn't that close but we try. Over the years, we all drifted apart as everyone's own family grew. Someday we will all get back together, I hope."

"Yeah, Tyler always got what he wanted. In a way he was the opposite of most older siblings. That is to say he was the favorite. But I hope to get to see him and my sister-in-law soon. Rumor has it I am to be an aunt." Rachel beamed when she said the last sentence. "You have a whole station that is at your disposal. Why not have them all come out for a visit?"

"I wouldn't call the Rice family close," Tom admitted, "my mother was a force to be reckoned with, she drove a wedge between us all. She was one of those my way or the highway. Don't get me wrong, we all still talk but," he clicked his teeth, "it's not like other families."

He paused for a bit, "in my parents are coming out here soon," he didn't look impressed, "it's going to be a long week."

Rachel glanced up at Tom with a flirtatious smile. "Your family could not have been all that bad. I mean they raised one hell of a man in you didn't they? You make sure to send them over to my department and I will make sure to argue a case for you that will have their heads spinning." It had been so long since she flirted with anyone, she wondered if she was doing it right.

Tom looked at Rachel, "I wouldn't wish my mother on anyone," he chuckled, "she's strong-willed, determined, refuses to accept no in any situation, and is under the impression she's always right." Tom looked at Rachel, "even I don't like to spend that much time with her."

Rachel laughed. "Well she hasn't met this little farm girl from Oklahoma. We argue with the best of them. It may be nice to get to know a mom again. Mine is no longer with us. And when she died Dad decided that he had to run our lives, or at least try to. For me he says that no one is ever good enough or nothing I do is ever note worthy. But perhaps eventually he will come around. It is why I try not to let anyone meet him at least not until it is serious enough. Tyler on the other hand he is the ultra protective big brother. But at least he knows when to back off especially when my sister in law gives him what for."

Rachel paused for a moment as she thought to address that proverbial elephant in the room. "You probably know this already, but I guess I should tell you. You are in direct command of my older brother, Captain Tyler Malbrooke of the USS Pioneer." She hoped that mentioning that fact would not ruin any chance she had.

"I have to admit, yes I was aware of this," Tom replied, "but I wasn't about to let this affect tonight. Compartalizing is a part of the job. What happens with Tyler has no bearing on this evening with you." Tom picked up his drink as he took a sip. It was a terrible side effect of the job, some people couldn't see past the rank. and it hoped that Captain Malbrooke was a reasonable man.

"But in reality save a few holo-comms," Tom stated, "I truly haven't had much interaction with the Captain, yet."

Rachel was relieved that he had that response. She felt the need to bring it up as a preventative measure, but it was probably pointless. Of course he knew about those under his command. Thus far Rachel could tell that at the very least Tom seemed interested. "Well it is good that it doesn't matter. If it doesn't matter to you then it doesn't matter to me." She reached out and let her hand come to rest on his. "So do you have any hidden talents?"

"A few," Tom played coy just a bit, "doesn't everyone has something that makes them unique?"

"Quite so... And very often one wonders what the hidden talents are." Rachel said as she traced the outline of his hand. She found the touch a tad electrifying. For her, it was definitely a case of seeing a person every day and then suddenly really noticing them. She suddenly found herself really self-conscious of how she looked and hoped that he had felt the connection as well.

Tom felt indecisive at the moment, a part of him felt like there was a connection. However, a part of him also felt that Miss Malbrooke was trying too hard. Perhaps like him, she hadn't been involved with someone for a while and was out of touch. He was interested but also wanted to see how this all unfolded. "Someone once said that everyone has a sleeping giant within them. We all have a talent, a gift, our own bit of genius just waiting to be tapped. It might be a talent for art or music... a special way of relating to the ones you," he paused, "love. In my case, I am not sure what my hidden talent is. I enjoy cooking but I wouldn't call that talent, but a passion."

Rachel pulled her hand back as she sensed she may have overstepped, but hoped that she hadn't. "I believe that talents and passions go hand in hand. To be passionate about something is to be talented at it. For if you are passionate, then you will work at it and become better and better, developing a talent. Talent can be innate, and one can be born with it. But talent can also be developed and cultivated. I am quite passionate about writing and although I doubt that I will ever be published I believe that I have some talent there."

Tom was about to speak when a band if you could call them that, came out and started to play. Tom was rather impressed, the ragtag group wasn't that bad and in keeping with the theme played a rather interesting melody of Scottish pub songs. Tom found himself tapping his foot a little as he leaned in, "well if there is a second meeting then perhaps I will treat you to dinner. I don't get the opportunity to cook for too many people."

"You can imagine how many people rush to have dinner with the Sector Commander," he gestured to her, "or perhaps the Regional Jag Officer, I assume as well."

Rachel smirked. "Well, then we will have to rush to have dinner with each other. I would love to have you cook me dinner." The music took hold of her soul as it were. She began to tap her foot as well. "Care to dance?"

Thomas thought for a moment and found himself reaching a hand out before he had even thought of a reply. The evening was going well, dinner had been ordered, and now they were going to dance; overall he considered this a successful evening. "Let's," he spoke as Rachel grabbed his hand.

The song had ended and they made their way back to their seats to enjoy their meal. Rachel had found Tom to be light on his feat and quite the dancer. "Where did you learn to dance like that?" She said rather impressed.

"The holodeck," Tom replied as they approached their table. "It's amazing what you can teach yourself there. I must say Rachel, I am happy you agree to this," he paused, "date, thank you." He walked behind her chair as he pulled it out a bit. "Perhaps there will be many more of these." He smirked, "after all plenty of places here on the station to visit." He laughed.

"Indeed this is a large station and lots of places to walk around and gaze at the stars..." Rachel had a bad habit of being too involved in her work to notice certain things. It was something that Talia said she had to work on. But now, she could see that Tom was a rather attractive man. She looked over at him and for the first time she allowed the interest to show in her face. "I thank you for asking me out..."

Tom picked up his glass and raised it to the middle of the table, "here's to many more of these adventures."

The evening progressed and Rachel believed that it progressed amazingly. However, like many good things the date had to end. As they finished the dessert of Bavarian crème pie Rachel knew that she had to get to her quarters as court was in session come morning. However, she did not want the date to end. "Care to walk a girl home. After all this station is a dangerous place." Her smile betrayed her wishes of wanting to stay with him a little while longer.

Tom smirked, if she only knew, he thought to himself. He offered an arm, "my lady," he bowed his head ever so slightly. "I must say I haven't been on a date in some time," he soken as the two of them entered the large open area that was the center of the promandae. Tom stopped talking for a moment as the nighttime lights and sounds caught his attention. He was still impressed after all this time how much effort Starfleet had put into making Poseidon feel like a city.

He shook his head, "sorry, what I was saying is it's been a long time, I hope I wasn't too rusty."

Rachel smiled and looked at him lovingly. "Nah, your not rusty at all. So, you can come off that right now..." She looked around at the lights of the Promenade at night. Rachel sighed contentedly as she leaned her head on his shoulder as they walked. "This place can be magical. I would have never thought that place this far from Earth could be home. And yet here we are..." She squeezed his arm a little tighter.

Tom reached up placing a hand over Rachel's as they begin to walk, "home," he thought for a moment. That was a word he never would have used a few years ago. This place was nothing short of hell, floating in space. He hated his assignment and everything that came with it. But somehow, Neil had worked his magic just like he did in every situation; till now. "I know an ice cream place a floor down," he winked. "Every home needs ice cream, right?"

"A girl is a sucker for a good banana split," Rachel replied with a wry smile.

Still holding her arm, Tom gestured for one of the promenade's glass turbolifts. The two figures headed for one of the prominent features of the civilian area. "After you, my dear."

---

Lieutenant Commander Rachel Malbrooke
Sector Judge Advocate General
Poseidon Station

Senior Chief Petty Officer Talia Quince
Paralegal
Poseidon Station

Michael Taggart
Owner White Stag Pub
Poseidon Station

Commodore Thomas Rice
Sector Commander
Poseidon Station

 

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