The Talk

Posted on Mon Nov 2nd, 2026 @ 3:45pm by Captain Rovak & Commander Alex Flynn

1,083 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Shifting Shapes [4-5]
Location: CO's Office - CIC, DS13
Timeline: Noon - MD08

Alex entered Rovak's office feeling more than a little reticent to chat, but knowing she had to. The follow-up conversation had been positive and consistent with last night, there was still something to tell Rovak about after all.

"Hey. Got a minute?"

“Of course. How can I help?” Rovak asked, removing his glasses and closing the file he had been reviewing on his holographic desk terminal.

"I, uh, had a conversation with a colleague last night. Romantic interest was expressed. Reciprocation was floated, with sensible caution. So I need to do the disclosure dance and make sure I no longer have any direct authorisation over him." Alex explained, sitting.

"I see. May I ask who?" Rovak realised from the fact that she hadn't lit a cigarette that she must have been nervous. She hid it well.

"Ramielos. Volsunga." She wasn't sure why she said it as two parts. But that was what came out.

Rovak was quiet for a moment. "Really?" He couldn't entirely escape the idea that this was some sort of prank upon first parsing it.

"Really." Alex said folding her arms with a serious expression.

"I see. Have you consulted with medical?" Rovak asked, leaning back in his seat but remaining upright.

"We're not doing anything that medical would need to be consulted about. We're hanging out. It's not a betrothal. But before anything gets started, we're making sure we tick all the boxes." Alex said, her brusque tone from the last response faded. She felt mature that she didn't feel the need to point out that the last bit was not a euphemism.

"And if I might enquire as to the nature of these boxes?" Rovak asked, as a friend, rather than a Captain.

"Well firstly, that I'm no longer personally responsible for making any decisions that relate to him. No conflict of interest there." Alex said.

Rovak nodded silently.

"Secondly, we need to be as sure as we can that what he's feeling is him. Not any of the various entities from his Chapter-masters to The Commander who've been messing around in his head." Alex explained.

"A reasonable precaution. But perhaps difficult to gauge, given his experience with telepathy." Rovak observed.

"Thirdly, we'll need to... probably speak with medical. Eventually. Until then there's basics to work through. Obviously there's something of a physical differential between us. Not to mention all his add-on killing powers. So he's going to have to be careful just holding my hand. But I think he's got the attention span for it. I wouldn't be considering it if I didn't." Alex concluded.

"I trust you are correct. I was, to my detriment, not of the belief that he would be able to improve sufficiently to ever be released, before the incident with the Goa'uld. I believed that he was merely waiting for an opportunity to escape. I had Chief Gaz draw up plans for a long-term incarceration facility for one of the moons of Dreizhen III. His turnaround has been remarkable. And I believe you have a lot to do with that." Rovak said.

"But be cautious. A transition from mentor to romantic partner is a step, which if not taken correctly, will not allow either party to step back comfortably to where they were. And obviously, people will talk. Your character may be impugned, given the potential for abuse in such a situation that you have correctly identified. But I do not believe there are any ethical issues, so long as he understands clearly that his status among us remains unchanged regardless of how this proceeds."

"Oh yes. Free to leave at any time. First to fire their flare gun gets beamed back to safety, no questions asked. It's very well understood. Consent and communication are top priority." Alex said.

"Good." Rovak said. He was staring into the mid-distance, as though considering something. "May I also ask, who declared themselves to who?"

"He did. 'I believe I am romantically attracted to you' as he so elegantly put it." Alex recounted.

Rovak raised an eyebrow at that. He had never considered such a frank approach, back when such things were a pursuit he indulged in. "Succinct." He observed. "My only concern is that we have not yet seen him encounter especially intense emotions since he was released from captivity. The only reports we have of his behaviour on Dreizhen are for limited periods. You are a canary in a coalmine if he retains a volatility we are unaware of."

"Time once was, that was true of every man." Alex said with a shrug.

"A fair point." Rovak conceded.

"For all his rigid lethality, he's surprisingly chill. He likes stuff now. Stuff that isn't praying and taking care of his wargear. Bossa Nova. Sandwiches. Blackjack. And maybe it's not one to stop watching just yet, but the way tells it it's like he doesn't experience jealousy." Alex said, realising it was largely theoretical.

"I must admit, while I have never felt appreciation for the standard male humanoid form in the way I have the female, I feel as though despite the eccentricity of it, his figure makes me understand what it is those who have esteem for it would seek." Rovak admitted with unexpected whimsy.

"Well, I'm glad he's opening new doors for you. Personally, I wouldn't mind if he was a couple of feet shorter. And a few hundred kilos lighter. But I think it's safe to say this isn't me being shallow." Alex admitted, seeming to have finally relaxed. "So, do you approve?"

"My approval is not a factor. You have taken all the necessary administrative steps to declare this relationship and any potential conflicts of interest. I will arrange to ensure that you are not given direct oversight of any decisions relating to Mr Volsunga. You have the right to have a relationship with a fellow officer or resident, even if they are technically a subordinate. But you have entered into this situation with clear eyes and honourable intentions. It is unconventional, but I am hardly one to criticise such an arrangement for that reason alone. I do not have any reason to disapprove." Rovak said.

"Groovy." Alex said, a soft smile crossing her features to hear Rovak saying his version of nice things. She stood herself up, and moved to the exit. "Thanks."

"Thanks are unnecessary, Alex. Good luck." Rovak said with a solemn nod, putting his glasses back on and returning to his reports as the door closed behind her.

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