Singing for supper

Posted on Fri Aug 29th, 2025 @ 6:22am by Ramielos Volsunga & Captain Rovak
Edited on on Fri Aug 29th, 2025 @ 6:25am

671 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Shoreleave [3-4]
Location: Volsunga's Quarters
Timeline: Afternoon - MD17

“Mr Volsunga, I’m glad to hear you have been well, and seem to be getting comfortable. I have a proposition for you, if you will see me.” Rovak said as he entered the small quarters, noting the candles and artworks, new since the last report he'd read.

“Come.” Volsunga said from the middle of the room, where he stood with his arms crossed.

Rovak had not yet quite gotten accustomed to just how large the man was. Rovak himself was generally considered on the taller side for humanoids, but this supersoldier made him look childlike in comparison. The warrior within him could not help but estimate how a conflict between them would go, and he did not like his chances, even with a wealth of Vulcan advantages.

“How are your repairs of your weapon proceeding?” Rovak asked.

“It is done. The machine spirit is sated.” Volsunga told him, gesturing to the weapon over on its rack, on the other side of the small room, smaller even than the space that was there before the sparse, cramped holographic quarters were chosen. “It is an ill fate that I cannot use it, but one I can abide.”

“We appreciate your restraint. It is the matter of restraint that I hoped to discuss with you. Your armour. I’d like to propose returning it to you, under a number of conditions.”

“What conditions?”

“Firstly, that you assist our Chief Engineer in identifying and cataloguing every feature in its design.”

“Imperial technology will be of no use to you. It would be as giving one of your phasers to a Roman legionary or an Andorian ice-sailer. You could use it, but not hope to make sense of it.” It wasn’t meant as an insult, just a clarification of the relative level of technology as he understood it.

“Regardless, if it is to be in potential use, we would like an understanding of what it is capable of.”

“Sensible. Alright.”

“Secondly, that it is to only be used outside your quarters with the Commanding Officer’s direct permission.”

“Hm. Fine.”

“And thirdly, I would ask that you perform a service in support of Starfleet in exchange. Consider it rent.” Rovak asked.

"I thought you people didn't believe in currency?"

"We do not. But we believe in earning one's keep."

“What service?”

“I’m told you have advanced tactical acumen. Your brain is built to win. I’d like you to analyse Starfleet mission logs, with a focus on tactical records. Tell us where we’re wrong. Where we can improve. What we could have done differently.”

“Oh. Alright, which battle?” Volsunga asked.

“I will allow you to decide, I just ask that for anything historical, you produce something based on current service technologies and vessels.”

“Okay. Operation Return: Clumsy, wasteful. An additional feint with reserves at Gamma Niobe would have split their lines sufficiently to halve the casualties. Siege of Earth a year ago, quite well handled by the Titan. No criticisms. A strategy worth adopting, if you would end the ridiculous prohibition of stealth technology.” Volsunga rattled off casually.

"It is encouraging to see that you have already given it some thought." Rovak observed. "If you could record your findings, I would be grateful."

"I'll put my thoughts together." Volsunga said.

"Thank you, Mister Volsunga. You will receive further contact soon about the analysis of your armour." Rovak said with a nod, turning and leaving without further ceremony.

Ramielos watched quietly as their leader left. He did not seem to be unworthy of his role, but like most of them he was profoundly trusting. Almost absurdly so. Everything he knew about strategy and the treatment of enemies says he should have been probed and pulped by now. He felt strange that he found it endearing. He almost liked the thought of being trusted by them. Was this sorcery? The fell work of the void? He did not know. But he wanted his armour. He had not been outside for this long in decades.

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