2023-10-09: When The Walls Close In
- Cutscene: When The Walls Get Close
- Cast: Eight York, Zaress Ulyse, Lavnadim Orlodhari
- Where: Ra Mari II, Captain's Quarters
- Date: 0097 10 09 (July 0095)
- Summary: Eight thinks back to a long time ago, when she was still a fresh officer on the Ra Mari. The Captain's words from back then have stayed with her for a long time.
A younger Eight York walked through the corridors of the Ra Mari, towards the Captain's office. At this point, she wasn't the Captain; she was the young Comms Officer, and Zaress Ulyse the Captain.
Nineteen years old, Eight wore her still-fresh Londo Bell uniform to walk into the Captain's office. She stepped in, and saluted.
…July 0095
"Lieutenant York, reporting for duty, sir."
"Lieutenant. At ease." The Captain pauses; he is an older man, though not so old that his beard has turned gray instead of brown. He wears the same uniform as Eight, but with Captain's stripes, and a short-brimmed cap. His gray eyes settle on Eight for a long few moments before he says, "Have a seat."
"...Yes, sir." Eight is tall and blonde, fair with deep red-brown eyes, and she still feels fresh-faced. She takes her seat. At rest like this, the ship can approximate gravity for a while. It makes meetings like this a little more comfortable.
'You're nervous," the Captain says. "That's fine. I understand that your training was cut short. That's because we need new officers, as quickly as we can get them. But I requested you for my ship specifically."
"You did?" Eight blinks in surprise, not quite as composed as she'd become later. "But… why? I mean, are you aware of–"
"I know about your history, Ms. York. And it does make a difference. …It means you're more experienced than your age suggests, but also that you have to unlearn some of that experience. I'm not interested in a weapon at your post. I'm interested in your organized mind, in your talent with people, in the skills you've learned in your normal life and in your training since. If your old instincts and talents help with that… all the better. But remember–I chose Ms. Eight York, not 'the Eighth', to serve on my ship."
It takes Eight a moment to process this information; her gaze is thoughtful, on the Captain, forgetting for a moment to be nervous as she tries to read him as best she can. Whatever it is that she sees, it seems to satisfy her.
"Yes, sir." Eight nods.
"If you have trouble, let me know. I know that it may be an adjustment, actively serving after that. As well… I recommend that you talk to Ms. Chovan. She's from the same place, understands some of what they did, though her situation isn't the same as yours." He smiles, and it is a stoic sort of thing, almost fatherly. "I don't have to tell you to try to make friends. You know as well–maybe better–than I do. When the walls get close, and the past crowds in… it is your relationships with others that will see you through." He grows a little distant as he considers it.
"Captain?" Eight is a little surprised to hear such philosophy.
"Don't concern yourself with that for now, Ms. York. I just want you to know that you can come to me if you have trouble. …It's a worthy investment, to put time into our officers. When you have your own command one day, you'll know."
"My own… Sir?" Eight blinks more widely than before.
"Ha ha ha! Scared you a little, did I? Don't worry. I see potential, that's all. …Dismissed, Ms. York. Go relax. You start your duties tomorrow."
"...Yes, sir." Eight salutes, and walks out of the office.
…October 0097
Eight York sets down the tablet she wasn't really reading and looks up to the ceiling of her quarters. She's sitting across from Lavhi, at the moment, who tilts his head as he regards her. "You seem distracted," he says. "You have not heard what I have said, have you?"
"I'm sorry, Lavhi. I haven't. I was… thinking about old times."
"That is all right. It is nothing that I cannot repeat. Tell me. What is on your mind?" He smiles, and sets aside the tablet he was using, too. He leans forward, instead, to listen to Eight.
Eight asks, "Do you remember Captain Ulyse?"