Meet And Greet Part II
Posted on Thu Apr 2nd, 2026 @ 5:19pm by Lieutenant Vincent 'Ghost' Zandrell & Ensign Freyja Harper
Edited on on Thu Apr 2nd, 2026 @ 5:19pm
2,418 words; about a 12 minute read
Mission:
Episode 3 - The One Who Got Away
Location: Offices of the Emergency Services Unit - Deck 10 - USS Artemis
Timeline: MD002 1030 hrs
A hint of sadness passed over Freyja's features with his questions, but then pride mixed in with it as she glanced down to the dog that laid next to her a moment. Nyx had, at some point in time figured they would be there a bit and shifted into a more relaxed position herself. "I started in forensics, that's actually where I thought I would end up at. Nyx here, was supposed to be my brothers K9 partner, he's the one that trained her, bonded with her originally." She moved a hand down to brush fingertips against soft ears that were as always alert before she continued. "There first mission out things went bad and we lost Alex... it hit us all hard, even Nyx."
She paused with a couple deep breaths, the loss of her twin still hit her hard. "Anyways, Nyx wouldn't take to other handlers so before giving up on her, I was asked to come visit her. When she didn't try to bite me, the Commanding officer over the department talked me into giving K9 handling, and Nyx, a chance. So I did." A light smile and mix of emotions showed in her eyes. "It was a rough go at first, a lot of training and determination. But it was like we bonded over my brothers loss, it was how we both moved on. I know.... many would think it illogical to for an animal to bond over something like that."
"As for what we can bring to the team... " a hint of knowing pride touched her eyes "She can sniff as good as a tricorder, so in those times that something could block those sensors, they can't block her nose. And I'd give bet she can outrun, out maneuver any officer here to take down a criminal. And of course I have the knowledge of when to let her do what she does and when not to. I'm also well versed in handling phasers and security.
Vincent nodded, knowing all too well what it was like to lose someone close, after all he lost his wife. The difference was, he took the wrong road and sought revenge over justice, leading him to lose his position for a time. Later on, himself. As he picked up the cup of tea, he looked Freyja in the eyes, as if share to her he understood her pain. Finally, be brought the tea to his lips and smiled as he pulled it away.
"I don't find anything illogical about that. I worked with an officer once who had an dog as a partner. It wasn't a earth dog either. It was an alien dog. They bonded over the officer rescuing him from an illegal animal thief ring. Jason, that's the officer, told me that those kinds of dogs were breed to be war dogs. Bonding with their masters at birth and meant to protect and serve them for life. Trained to maim their targets and are considered high dangerous. Gypsy, that's what he called her, refused to let them put her down and argued she could be trained. So, he did, learning everything he could about being a handler. He had a tough go of it too, but eventually, those two became quite a pair. Gypsy is the sweetest dog you'll ever know. Loves kids. Watches out for others. Saved my butt more than once. My daughter insisted we get one just like her. I told her we couldn't because she was rare, but Jason had to go an promise that if Gypsy ever were to breed, Cassie would get first pick." He took another sip and chuckled. "Hated him for that, but the look in Cassie's eyes and how Gypsy took to her, changed my perspective."
He cleared his throat and placed his tea back on the dish. "It's good to see that you stepped up by taking on something outside your wheel house, but still kept what you learned in the back of your mind. Figured out a way to utilize it out on the field. I like to hear, other than combat and tactics, there is something different this team can bring to the table. Another way of looking at things so the solution to our problems don't always come down to putting someone down." He paused slightly, as if he was trying to find the next words or remembering something difficult. Maybe both. "As far as your weapons handling, I'd like to see it for myself. Maybe one day on the holodeck. Maybe even put something together to test you and Nyx, if that's okay with you two."
"It's not all about combat stuff for us, with K9 handling, it's all about living in the moment, reading the room, knowing the situation and thinking on your feet." She said with a slight nod down to Nyx. " I mentioned she's got a good nose, she can sniff out a lot of drugs and blood trails. She has a love for learning and pleasing me so I'm always working with her to teach her new things." She pondered a moment before her eyes glinted with something. "She's also good for a stress relief... her, a ball, all your worries are gone for a bit." Of course with the mention of ball, head lifted, ears perked and a light thud of her tail as it wagged.
"As for tested me, us. I would expect nothing less Ghost." That confidence was clear in her tone as she looked at him, ready for a challenge and the chance to show what they could do.
"I'll set it up and let you know." Vincent replied, sensing the enthusiasm from Freyja, but also the energy from Nyx. It brought a smile to his face as he finished his tea. His mood slightly changed. There was a reluctance as he placed the cup back on the saucer and leaned back in his chair. He took in a breath before focusing on Freyja again. "I expect a member of my team to be honest and hold nothing back. Even when you've felt you did something wrong, I want to know what it is so I can help, even back you up should it come down to it. So, I don't see the need to hide anything in return." He paused again, hesitant to speak, even though he knew it might stir up some trouble.
One didn't have to be physic to pick up on the subtle change in Vincent's mood. Even Nyx had sat up and placed her head on Freyja's knee as if for support and comfort of what was to come. A slight nip at her lower lip as if pondering responding or not, though her question was answered as he spoke again. For now, it seemed, it was time to listen and listen well.
"I took this position from the former CO of the team, who is now the current Chief of Security. Before then, I was her XO, but before that... I wasn't anywhere, really." Vincent looked down for a moment, clearing his throat softly, before focusing back up on Freyja with a soft tone. "I was placed on Betazed on a temporary reassignment, but it was most like a soft punishment. The reason for that was... I killed someone. I killed the man who killed my wife. I purposely evaded Starfleet and disobeyed orders to stay out of it. I was... driven by grief and revenge that I didn't care about how it would end. I saw ending him was justice and necessary to get over her death. It didn't help. Even when I was standing there, waiting to be court martialed, I didn't care. It took an Admiral friend, pulling some strings, to keep me from losing my career and being tossed into some hole. My friends, both former squad members, my best friend-" He pointed to the photo of him and the Ferengi Officer. "Loktor, and my daughter, are who kept me from pulling myself into a deeper hole. Most of them, I imagine, are who helped pull me out and get me back on duty. This assignment, on the Artemis, is my second chance at getting back what I lost. As far as my career goes."
While some might have reacted with shock at what he'd done, she didn't. Fingers curled within the softness of Nyx's fur as she listened and took his tale in. Her gaze had glanced only a moment to the pictures as she put names with the faces. While she understood loss with her brother. She also understood well the length people would go to for family.
"I tell you this, Freyja, because I want you to know two things." He said softly, some sadness in his voice, as he forced a smile on his face. "The First: So when I say 'I am sorry you lost your brother', you understand it comes from someone who has been there. I understand the grief and the lose. The need to fill in that gap, but just can't seem to fill it in completely. The Second: I want you to know who it is you're working for. I want you to know what I did, from me and no one else. More importantly, I want to give you a chance to back out. If what I did and how I ended up being saved from judgement doesn't sit right with you, then you can go and I won't be offended. I did what I did and I can't change that. No matter the reason, I still killed someone who should have been brought in to be judged by the courts. I wouldn't want to dirty your career by attaching it to mine."
She was quiet for a moment as she remembered stories her grandparents had told her growing up, how he and his friends had risked their career to save her grandmother. Making sure she knew that Starfleet wasn't all glamor and roses, that there was darkness and dangers. But she also knew that no man got left behind, that family and love would always win over. She could not fault this man for what he did, yes.. it wasn't logical, the man should have been brought to justice. But, for most, emotions overruled and at times, revenge was thought to be the answer.
A warm smile touched her features, showing caring and concern in her eyes as she spoke. "I respect that you told me what happened Vincent but it's in the past and we can't change that, we can only move on and grow from it. If people want to hold what you did against me by association, that's on them. This is my career and you are my commanding officer, and I don't plan on going anywhere."
Vincent looked back at her as a smile formed. The sadness and concern soon faded from his eyes, as well as the weight he had on his shoulders. He gave her a pleased nod, before speaking again. "I appreciate the support, Freyja, as well as the kind words. I can tell you and Nyx are gonna do very well here. I'll contact Lieutenant Beauvoir, the team's XO, to set you up with a locker and gear. We'll see about getting something for Nyx too. Do you have anything in particular in mind that you've used before and would like to use again. A custom harness setup for Nyx that we can replicate?"
"We will do our best to not let you, or this ship down Ghost." Freyja said with a smile, relaxed once more, She was ready for this and looking forwards to the new chapter in her life. Thinking a moment she finally answered his question about Nyx. "If we can get a harness, similar to the type she currently has on, but with the ships logo and ESU on it, to shows she's a part of the team? Other than that, I have pretty much everything else I need for her."
He smiled as he stood up from his chair, placing his hands behind his back, as he gave her a nod. "I have no doubt you'll go above and beyond when the time calls for it, Harper. Both you and Nyx will give us a perspective and edge that no many people will expect. I plan on using that whenever possible." Vincent removed his hands from behind his back and added firmly. "On your way out, be sure to let the officer at the comm's desk a chance to scan the harness to get its measurements. In the meantime, introduce yourself to the ESU EXO, so she knows who you are and what to expect. If there isn't anything else, I believe you've officially made your presence known. Welcome to the ESU, Ensign Harper... and Officer Nyx."
She'd rose when he did, straightening in her stance as she stood. It was official, Nyx and her were a part of this team and ready for whatever would come at them. Was the universe ready for them though, that was the question. Though she tried to keep her smile toned down, a hint of excitement glinted in her eyes. "I'll make sure to do those things, and I'll be waiting for those test Lieutenant." Freyja replied as she swept a hand down to snag the leash before her and Nyx headed out of the office.
Vincent smiled as he watched them leave. As he leaned back in his chair, he wondered if he should get a dog for Cassie James. He's was certain she would love it, but Vincent would be left to clean up after it. However, it wouldn't bother him one bit and might get her to learn about being responsible. Cordelia would have approved of it, no matter what would happen.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Vincent Zandrell
Criminal Apprehension Officer, USS Artemis
Commanding Officer, Emergency Services Unit
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
Ensign Freyja Harper
Emergency Services Unit Officer, USS Artemis
Starfleet Criminal Investigations Unit
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