#9 Lost and found

Posted on Sun Nov 7th, 2021 @ 8:21pm by Captain Sean Silk

Mission: The Forgotten Children
Location: USS Amandora
Timeline: current

ON:

Doing his daily walks through out of the way corridors, way down in the bowels of the ship, Sean Silk meandered all over the place. It gave him some cardio with the speed walking, and it showed him areas of the ship few ever saw, even the crew. Engineers, sure. Even Ops people, but that too was a rarity down here in the machinery areas that ran everything. As he went to turn a corner he heard sniffling and a bit of crying so he slowed his steps and crept up to the corner, peeking around. Sitting on the floor on her butt, knees pulled up to her chest and arms hugging them, sat a young girl in yoga pants, a t-shirt, and high-top Converse sneakers. And yes, she was crying, and looked to be around eight years old. So, being the chivalrous fella he was Silk stepped out at the corner so she could see him plainly, not wanting to startle her since she seemed to be upset already. "Hello."

The girl gave him a glare that could melt a glacier. "Leave me alone."

"Well, that wasn't very nice," said Sean, grinning as he sat down lotus and looked at her a few meters away. "I'm just making sure you're okay, is all. I am a doctor, ya know."

"Yeah, I know. I've seen you around." The girl still wouldn't look at him, seemingly embarrassed to be caught crying in some hideaway corner of the ship. "I'm fine."

Silk nodded a few times, a lighthearted expression on his face. "It's been my experience that people who are crying are usually not fine. And, sometimes, all they need is someone to talk to. Someone who will never tell others what was said. Well, I'm that guy so go ahead," he motioned at her with a compelling gesture. "Talk."

The girl let out a sigh and released the hug on her legs, the two limbs being straightened out before her as she placed her palms on the floor at her sides. "Why are adults so irritating? Can't I just be left alone?"

Silk put his hands up in surrender. "Sure. Apologies for bothering you. I'm Sean Silk. But, as you said, you probably already knew that." At least with him talking to her she had stopped the crying and sniffling. It hadn't been bawling, so whatever the issue was it was more a minor irritation enough to cause her some water works. "Have a nice day, Miss." He stood and brushed the seat of his pants, ready to spin about and move on, as per her request.

"Wait," the girl said behind him. "I'm sorry. I'm being rude because I'm scared and I feel stupid."

Sean spun back around, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning his left shoulder against the wall as he grinned. "I feel stupid every day. Comes with being sentient, I'm afraid. Anyway, Miss, do you have a name?"

"Zoe Washburn." The girl stood up, brushing her own backside off even though neither one had a reason to on a starship. "The truth is a boy in class made me angry so I ran away, and in my running I just went this way and that. Now, I'm lost." Zoe gave a sheepish look. "See? Stupid."

Silk pushed off the wall and let his arms fall to his side, stepping in closer to Zoe, extending her hand. She clasped it and shook it. "Glad to meet you, Zoe. Wasburn? As in Ensign Washburn in Security?" Their hands separated.

"Yeah, he's my dad." Now she looked even more sheepish. "I know. The daughter of a security guy and I'm lost."

Looking down at the girl Silk smiled. "Nah. Not lost, you just don't know where you are."

Zoe's face scrunched up in a confused expression. "Isn't that the same thing?"

"Not at all." Explained Sean. "This is a starship. One cannot, technically, get lost. At some point you will take the right path back to safety and family. On a planet or starbase, lost would be the right word. Here, not so much." He beamed at her. "Would you like an escort, m'lady?"

Zoe giggled and smiled. "Yes, please. You're not as mean as you look."

"Gee, thanks," Silk responded, chuckling. He went to a knee and motioned to his back. "Climb on, little one. Let this devil dog give you a ride back, proper."

"Sweet," said Zoe, all excited now, positioning herself on his back for a piggyback. He stood and began to move, which made her smile.

"Now, the secret to being in unknown places is to spot landmarks you'll remember." Said Silk. "Also, if you haven't noticed, there are plaques everywhere with section numbers and directions. Look to them, Zoe. They'll help."

"I always thought those were some kind of code reference for engineers. Not for the civilians, kinda thing."

"You're pretty smart, aren't you?"

"I guess so," Zoe responded.

"Well, most people wouldn't overthink the problem like you have. Keep in mind, sometimes the simple solution is the one you use." They arrived at a lift and stepped within. Sean made no move to put her down. It moved a bit and the doors opened, several crew joining them, all smiling and saying hi to the young lady and Silk. When they arrived on their intended deck Sean took her down the corridor and into Security. Sitting at the watch desk was the girl's father. "Hey, Washburn, I found something that belongs to you, brother."

"Zoe!" David Washburn got up quickly and wrapped his daughter in a loving embrace. "I was about to send a team out to look for you. The teacher said you stormed out of class and disappeared. Where's your combadge?"

"I was mad so I took it off and threw it down a hallway." Admitted Zoe.

Silk had to purse his lips to keep from grinning and snickering. Yep, this kid was just like himself.

Washburn didn't bat an eye at that, nor did he get angry. He was anxious and upset but it was quickly vanishing now that he knew she was safe. "Please, don't do that again. Leave it on, tell me you need alone time, and I'll leave you be. Just DO NOT disappear, please."

Zoe dug at the floor with a toe, embarrassed once more at having caused her father to worry so much. "I'm sorry, daddy. I won't take it off again."

Washburn looked up at Silk, shaking hands. "Thank you, Lieutenant. I owe you one."

"Nope," replied Silk. "All in a day's work, Washburn. She's safe and back with her dad, all that matters. And you, young lady," he looked to Zoe. "Better come visit when you have time. See you both later." He shook Washburn's hand again, then went to shake Zoe's. The girl batted the hand aside and gave Sean a hug around the waist.

"Thank you, Mister Silk."

"Uh-uh," Silk wagged a finger at her. "The name is Sean. I'll get back to it. You guys have a nice evening."

Leaving Security, and after having gone through all of that, Silk felt he needed to keep the positive energy going so he turned and headed for the ship's lounge.

OFF: