Change of Plans

Posted on Thu Feb 3rd, 2022 @ 11:11pm by Ensign James Phoenix

Mission: Respite
Location: North Ridge, Washington, Earth.
Timeline: Current-ish

North Ridge, Washington was a small town approximately 30 miles South of Seattle, and about 30 miles North of the North Ridge mountain peak. Because the town was a little higher up in elevation, it did get a little colder than the general Seattle and Tacoma area. even if those areas were cold as it was during this time of year. This particular day wasn't that cold, but it was raining, as it normally did in this area. One of the things James liked about Earth in this century was that the planet still experienced weather even with weather control technology.

He stood across the street from a particularly old building. The building had a neon sign over the main garage door, called "Phoenix Auto." When James was in high school, some of his external family owned a auto repair business. He worked their up until the Alpha 3 mission. Apparently, his sister took over the reigns of the shop years after he was presumed dead, in honor of him. To this day, the shop was still open, and it's purpose was restore cars that would be considered antiques today.

James stood there for a while, looking at a piece of what could be considered his past. He considered going in, but he ultimately decided against it. There were too many painful memories, and he wanted to take one step at a time. Plus it was closed right now and it was early morning. Even if he couldn't continue looking for Ash at the moment, at least legally, he wished she could have been there with him. However, that thought was interrupted when he felt someone else's presence beside him. But this wasn't a familiar presence to the Ensign.

"Beautiful isn't it, Ensign?" the women who stood beside him asked.

Confused, James looked at the women and noticed her command red uniform and stood at attention. "Is there something I can help you with Captain?"

"Well, for starters, there is no need for the formality, we are both off duty, at least judging from your jacket. And where you are right now," she said looking towards the shop. "Second of all, I did ask you an honest question," she chuckled.

James reverted to a more informal posture, but one that wasn't too informal. "The shop is beautiful. Contrary to what people may think about it being this old and all. Excuse me ma'am, but I don't believe I got your name, Captain?"

The captain held out he hand to Phoenix. "Captain Raelyn Mckenzie, at your service."

He took her hand shook her hand. He released a second later. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"I mean, if you can help getting six restored muscle cars from the 1960s out to customers, then I'd say yes, as we are pretty much the only place that has even touched anything past an old hover-car. But you can't."

"With all due respect Captain, when I was younger I was a mechanic, I-"

Raelyn interrupted him. "I know, it's not that. You actually have new orders from the Washington, Ensign. Starfleet decided to have me relay them to you since you are on leave, and you aren't the only other officer to be from this area even if that is hard to believe," she held out a PADD to the Ensign for him to take.

James accepted the device and scanned the orders for a moment. "Looks like I'm being recalled. Reunions will have to wait," he muttered under his breath.

"Excuse me Ensign, I don't believe I understood you?"

"Oh, it's nothing much sir, I was just speaking my thoughts out loud. My apologies."

"Right. Well, if you need anything else, just give me a shout. I always try to give my fellow gear heads a helping hand," she smiled as she left.

James wondered how she knew about his old hobby. It could have been from his location, but he couldn't be certain. Besides, he had a more pressing task which was to return from his leave. He would hopefully have time to make another return home at a later date.