<USS Avalon> "Cakewalk - Part 3, Conclusion"

Cakewalk - Part 3 
Conclusion
By Lieutenant Second Class Elissabeth Marksbury co-written with Anthony Manson
 
 
Tabios left to get the skimmer in order to safely escort Kaylee to Intel.  
Lissi wondered what sort of confrontation there would be between the two 
agents, but she was more concerned with finding out what happened from Kaylee.
 
Smoothing the girl's hair as she kept her in an embrace, she spoke softly, 
"Kaylee, please pull it together.  I don't know who to trust and I need you to 
tell me what you saw.  It will help me keep you safe."
 
"He was gonna kill me," she repeated once again.
 
"Who was going to kill you?"
 
"The other man. Not the one that talks to you with his mind.  Casey.  He was 
gonna kill me."  Her tiny voice sounded so pitiful and she was still shaking.
 
"So J.R. - the man that went to get the skimmer - he's telling the truth?"  
Kaylee nodded her head yes.
 
Twenty minutes later, Tabios showed up in a paid skimmer, the driver waiting 
for them to step inside.
 
Payne is gone.
 
Lissi understood and not a single word was murmured as they made their way back 
to Intel headquarters.  
 
**V**
 
"Enter."
 
Lieutenant Elissabeth Marksbury took a breath before she entered Admiral's 
Pew's office. She wasn't too ecstatic about meeting Pew. The last that was 
heard of the Admiral, he was furious with the state of the mission, and she 
wasn't sure what sort of footing she had with him anymore. At least the mission 
was salvaged. She stepped in, looking up to see Admiral Pew reading the latest 
reports on his PADD. 
 
"Have a seat, Miss Marksbury." Pew gestured to the seat across his desk before 
she could even give a reporting statement. 
 
Well, that's better than last time, Lissi thought as she took the seat.
 
Pew began, "I have to say, this mission should've gone a lot smoother. Part of 
the problem, obviously, was Intel's lack of knowledge as to Payne's true 
loyalties. Of course, I'm being dragged into an investigation concerning the 
whereabouts of him. At the moment, Intel nor Starfleet can track him- but it's 
in the works. How is the girl?"
 
"Kaylee is doing fine, though she's a little shaken up. It would seem her 
telepathic abilities are better than we first thought," Marksbury replied, 
settling her hand in front of her as she sat back. 
 
Kaylee had been fraught with emotions, the little girl kept repeating she was 
going to be killed. Lissi had managed to calm her down a bit and a counselor 
along with three guards had been assigned to watch over her. 
 
Pew perked an eyebrow, "Yes, yes it would seem her abilities are very 
impressive, even at her tender age. Our medical team will be examining her 
soon."  Pew took in a deep breath, "But now that we have her, Intel has the 
obligation of caring for her. Not an easy task."
 
"What did you have in mind, sir?" Elissabeth looked at him more seriously. She 
felt close to the girl even if they knew each other for a very short time.
 
"We'll be placing her at Ullian Institute for now, then she'll have to get 
other courses from the Vulcan Academy, not to mention the Betazoid Counseling 
Center. I think it would better serve her interest than Intel's," Pew replied, 
"Make no mistake, Elissabeth, Intel would love to have such a strong telepath 
such as her with us. But she is a child, she needs to have a choice."
 
Lissi nodded, agreeing with Pew's assessment.
 
Pew leaned back against his seat, "The task of finding Payne has been put to 
another team. I will be personally overseeing it."  He paused just a moment, 
before saying, "And as to your situation, Miss Marksbury..."
 
Lissi sat up straighter in her chair to hear what he had to say.
 
"After having spoken with Dr. Brookman, I have determined that you need not 
undergo the memory erasure again if you choose not to.  However, your 
confession of playing a part in Mr. Maturin's violation of direct orders is a 
different story.  I am placing an LOR into your file and I want you to consider 
this a formal reprimand.  Do not do it again."  The last sentence was said in 
complete sincerity and authority.
 
"Yes, sir.  And thank you, sir."
 
"You are relieved of duty from Intel. Take the time to enjoy shoreleave before 
your return to the Avalon. You are dismissed, Lieutenant."
 
Lissi stood up and nodded, turning to leave.
 
"Oh, Elissabeth."
 
She turned around, "Yes, Admiral?" 
 
A smile crept up on the Admiral's face, "Good job."




                
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