Long Distance

Posted on Fri Mar 6th, 2026 @ 10:12am by Captain Erik Norsgaard

1,202 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Wolf in the Fold: Hide and Seek
Location: Counselling Office

Decisions had consequences... in life and in chess.

Poised to make a move, fingertips resting on the hand carved chess piece, Ayryn Trynn hesitated a moment as she carefully studied the positioning of the remaining pieces. Carefully analysing the potential moves and the inevitable counter moves from her opponent, Mindful that her queen was in peril if she did not act.

Chess was quite fascinating, although she had only began playing recently and used the antique board gifted to her by Anthony. Logic was a valuable asset; however she found herself often unable to counter the ‘intuition’ which seemed just as vital when playing against flesh and blood opponents. Strategy was important, yes, yet so was the ability to adapt. To exploit weaknesses within the confines of the chess board.

Now she found the pieces on the board in a familiar arrangement. Checkmate in three moves. If she made the correct choices. If…

Taking her hand off the chess piece and reached for her cup of tea, taking a sip. It was calming, soothing. And after the night this ship had just gone through- both were badly needed. Indeed, she had poured many cups of tea, meeting with concerned members of the crew but mostly spending time with Crewman Yates. The young woman was struggling to deal with the attack, left with more psychological trauma then physical injuries.

It was understandable. In her eyes another member of the crew, which brought with it an inherent sense of trust, had offered help. Instead it had been some kind of shape shifter who had assumed the form of her crew mate - and then herself. And disguised as her, then attacked someone else and the cycle continued. And so now she was left with doubt. Was the attacker really gone?

They had talked for a long time, over tea and then used some guided meditation. It had seemed to help, although by no means was the young woman now running around singing show tunes. It would take time. Recovering from situations like this was not an easy thing- although some coped better than others.

Indeed she had a note to speak with other victims. Lieutenant Knight had thrown herself into work, again an understandable reaction and need to understand. Information brought a sense of control and certainty- for the mind could go to dark places when left to fill in the gaps left by unknowns.

As she drank, her workstation chirped, signaling an incoming transmission. Cup of tea in hand she moved to her desk, smiling at the familiar face she was greeted by.

“Always a pleasure,” she offered in greeting. “I was just thinking about you.”

"My sweet," Anthony said. "I could say the same." Dressed in cashmere sweater over charcoal gray slacks, he sat in a wing-backed leather chair, a crystal glass in hand. He swirled the contents gently with one hand as he studied her. "You look tired. Not working too hard, are you?"

“It’s been… quite the 24 hours,” she confided. “I’m sure you will see the official reports. One of the victims, Yates, has been struggling. Past trauma and now seeing threats everywhere. But perhaps what this crew is talking about the most? That our Captain, in the dead of night, was in one of the medical storerooms in pyjama bottoms and a robe after finding one - and then a second - victim. I would not have believed it if I had not seen it with my own eyes.”

Anthony's blue eyes twinkled as one corner of his mouth kicked upward slightly. "I looked into him after I heard he was being assigned to the Thunderbird. He's a capable officer. Very perceptive. And not one to stand back if he perceives a threat." His expression turned thoughtful, more somber. "I do worry about you."

In other words … just as much trouble as the former CO. Dangerous. “I have not had too many dealings with him as yet. As for me, please don’t be worried. Meditation has been a little difficult but it will pass,” she assured him before continuing. “Actually I was more concerned about you… you realise it will be checkmate in three? Would you care to reconsider?”

"Not likely especially when you consider that pawn that's managed to reach the back row without you noticing," Anthony said as he took a sip of his scotch and sighed with pleasure. "It's a complicated game we're playing, you and I."

Her eyes moved to the chessboard, and now she saw it. One move from the final row, allowing him the choice of converting it to another key piece. Selecting another Queen would be logical and devastating, a Rook marginally better. But still potentially enough to jeopardise victory.

“A… what was it you called it? Rookie mistake,” she offered. With a rueful smile she added, “it appears my teacher has work to do. And I will be more careful in future. Besides, you know that I like complicated.”

"Distraction," Anthony said as he studied his own version of the board, "is a powerful component of the game. I gain your attention, you think you are winning, and I sneak in behind you."

She arched an eyebrow, holding back an immediate retort about distractions. “You always have my attention,” she assured him with a warm smile. “And clearly you are very distracting. Not that I am complaining.”

Anthony smiled as he nodded in acceptance of the compliment and raised his glass in salute. "As are you, my dear. It is only by sheer willpower that I can focus at all."

“That charm is why the Admirals love you and you have them wrapped around your finger,” she grinned. Which was true. She had never known him to not walk in a room of strangers and emerge with every person singing his praises. It was a skill. “I do get to steal you from Admiral Haynes once this mission is over? You, me, a beach?"

"I'm counting the minutes," Anthony purred, heated warmth flaring in the depths of his blue eyes, as he let the words flow, a moment unguarded. "You know, I found this lovely bit of a private beach awhile back. The house is floor to ceiling glass windows facing the water; I thought we could have wine on the terrace and watch the sun set. Promise not to even bring a chess board with me. How does that sound?"

Counting the minutes… he knew her well enough to know she was doing the same. She laughed a little at his promise to come without a chess board, yet her voice was low, full of many things unsaid but understood. “It sounds perfect,” she agreed.

"Stay safe," Anthony said. "Talk again soon?"

“I look forward to it, after I deal with your distraction,” she grinned. “Speak soon and remember, some of those Admiral’s bite.”

"Not as hard as I do," Anthony answered. "Sweet dreams, my sweet."

“Sweet dreams,” she echoed, watching as he leaned forward to terminate the connection. As the screen went dark she leaned back, her thoughts a million miles away.

---

Commander Anthony Babington
Starfleet Intelligence

and

Lieutenant Ayryn Trynn
Counselor
USS Thunderbird

 

RSS Feed