The tangled web we weave

Posted on 06 Mar 2026 @ 9:53pm by 1st Lieutenant Cassandra Matthews & 2nd Lieutenant Melody Hawthorne & Lieutenant Lamia ‘Mia’ Kildare

4,016 words; about a 20 minute read

Mission: General Sim Postings
Location: MXO office -Tomcat
Timeline: Following- Calm before the Storm

ON::


Cassandra hated to see Thomas go. Wanted nothing more then to walk out with him. Unfortunately she couldn't. It would likely put him in danger. If he wasn't already. Her eyes fell back to Melody who was running the deep tissue regenerator over her deep purple torso.

"This would be easier if you would just come to sickbay." The doctor muttered for the third time.

Cassandra ignored her again. She wasn't leaving this room for anyone. Not out of fear as the doctor suspected. No. She was guarding something precious. Something hidden here in this room. She'd be damned if she gave those murderous fucks the chance to toss her office. No way.

"Cassandra." Melody said softly but firmly. "You need better care then I can give you here."

"Go get a field kit from the supply officer. Tell them I'm conducting a random inspection. Field teams kit should have what you need yes?" Cassandra snapped back. She was tired of this game, tired of her babysitter. "I promise I won't drop dead before you get back." She added as a jab.

If the doctor was offended she gave no inclination of it. Her voice remained soft and calm. "I understand that you are under a tremendous amount of stress and also suffering through some serious pain. At least let me give you more pain killers."

"No. I don't want anymore I need to stay alert." Cassandra hissed.

Melody got up from where she'd been kneeling hard at work. There was nothing left she could do. Not here. "Alert for what?" She asked casually as she began to put her equipment away.

Cassandra carefully moved to tuck in her shirt to regulations but had to stop and take a few deep breaths to fight the waves of pain that ate at her body. "You know what!" She growled. It came out less intimidating than she'd hoped.

"Uh huh...I told you section thirty one was not behind the attack against you. I asked about it myself. The Admiral.." but Melody was cut off by Cassandras gravely choked laugh. The pain was obvious, so to was the irony and mirth.

"The Admiral..you believe HIM. " Cassandra felt like she might actually die her chest heaved involuntarily at the idea of the doctor putting so much faith in a man who was trying to get his grubby hands on a deadly pathogen to be used against the Cardassians or God only knew who else. It wasn't funny at all but Cassandra couldn't stop herself from laughing, hysterically at the idea.

Melody frowned, "Your going to re break those ribs at this rate. Sit down and take a few deep breaths." She suggested as she moved to the replicator to get a cup of water. This was not going as she had hoped. "Your under alot of stress. Under any other circumstances I'd release you from duty send you straight to counseling. Unfortunately we need each other." She returned to the desk offering the water to Cassandra who waved it aware as she sat down trying to take slow semi deep breaths.

That's when the door chimed.

Melody turned to the door, "Well aren't you popular today?" She stated to Cassandra, a hint of irritation in her usually cheerful voice. She needed to secure the pathogen, needed Cassandra to tell her where the sample was hidden. All these interruptions we're not helping.

Cassandra smirked her blue eye rebellious as usual. "Apparently, my company is to die for." She joked enjoying the doctors discomfort immensely. "Come in!" She called to the door delighted to see that glint of anger in the doctors usual calm.

Walking into the room the emotions hit Lamia like a freight train, though she covered it well with a smile. “Forgive my intrusion Lieutenant, I thought I’d drop by to see if I could offer some help, but I see you’re busy. I can come back another time?”

"That would be." The doctor began before Cassandra cut her off.

"Unnecessary. Please, stay. The doctor was just stepping out." Cassandra grinned tossing Melody out of the room was like a cold drink of water all by itself. "I've been meaning to catch up with you." The sight of the pregnant woman reminded her of just what she was fighting for. How important it was that she find a solution.

Cassandra wanted to stand up, show the counselor proper respect. Unfortunately all she could do was offer the heavily pregnant woman a seat. "Help yourself to a chair Mia. Take a load off."

Melody smiled warmly. It was hard not too. The irritation with Cassandra melting away at the sight of the pregnant counselor. Everyone in medical was excited for the Kildare family. They had a running poll on the delivery date and time. Seeing Lamia here was both refreshing and frightening. Being around Cassandra wasn't exactly safe. "Actually, Cassandra do you really think that this is the best time to entertain the counselor? All things considered you should be going to sickbay after that training mishap." The tone was gentle, the message clear. Plus she might find an ally in the counselor if she played her hand right.

“Thank you Cassandra” Lamia smiled warmly as she took a seat glad to take the weight off her feet. “Perhaps you should listen to good advice?” She offered Melody a warm smile. “I noted how, shall we say, out of sorts? You were in the briefing so I thought I’d drop by.”

A curious feeling prickled at the counselor, not coming from either of the two women present. There was something almost immature to it.

Cassandra waved a hand trying to look non chalet about the counselors words, "I have already been to sickbay once today. I'd rather do my intake reports than go back there." That was true enough. "I'll make it a point to go back after I am done with my duty here." Again truth. Though she wasn't talk about reports. She had a duty to protect what she had hidden in this room. She turned her eyes to the Doctor. "In the meantime I'm ordering you to go get me that feild kit from the supply officer. Second lieutenant Hawthorne."

Melody frowned she wanted to argue but knew it wasn't wise to do so with Lamia present. Obviously Cassandra wasn't going anywhere. Melody nodded. "Excuse me while I attend to that for you."

Cassandra waited for the doctor to be gone, the door closed. They didn't have long. "You look like your about ready to pop." Cassandra stated getting carefully to her feet and regretting it. Still she inched herself around to sit in the chair closer to the counselor. ' How was she supposed to tell Lamia that they were being watched and listened to without first sounding paranoid and secondly without putting the counselor in danger as well?' truth be told she couldn't. Instead she gave a shy apologtic smile as she said. "I took a bit of a beating in the holodeck. The safety protocols failed and the program locked up. It's not a big deal. Engineering is already fixing it. I'm just a little banged up as a result." She said feeling guilty about being deseptive.

Lamia gave Cassandra a concerned look, she could sense that wasn't the whole truth, that there was something Cassandra was holding back but there was obviously a reason for it. “I see” She nodded. “Ohh I’ve got a good month or so to go yet! Normally Betazoids are 10 months but in this case anything up to 9. I do feel the weight though, my poor back really feels it.”

"I hear you there. When I was pregnant with my daughter it felt like I might break on half some days. I found swimming helped alot with the pain and the swollen feet. Helped improve the circulation and gave me a bit more energy during the day." Cassandra smiled warmly. She wished she could offer some comfort. She gave a pretty good foot rub she'd been told before. Unfortunately her freshly healed broken fingers and wrists likely wouldn't be able to help much. They were still bruised and the muscles felt hot and raw from where they had been crushed under her interrogators boots. "Do you know if you are having a boy or a girl yet?" She asked pushing the negative thoughts from her mind. She needed something good to think about.

“A boy” Lamia smiled excitedly. “After losing my daughter, this feels like a true miracle!” She smiled excitedly. “Maybe we should get together sometime, we parents need to stick together you know?”

"That would be lovely, I agree. I try to be involved in the parent groups on Starbase fifty-one. Unfortunately my schedule makes it difficult to attend many of the functions. Usually my brother fills in so Martha doesn't feel excluded. I'd like to make more time for her and I guess in a way for myself to just connect with people." Cassandra explained just enjoying this moment of peace she'd found here with Lamia. Cassandra hadn't known the counselor had lost a daughter. It was a heartbreaking bit of news. Thankfully Lamia was being given a second chance with her coming son. It was indeed a miracle. Oo Chris Kildare must be so proud.oO She thought. Men always seemed to get excited over boys.

“I gave poor Chris the fright of his life when I told him, but we soon sorted it out.” Lamia grinned. “It’s a bit nerve wracking being a first time mum, but I’m looking forward to it.” She looked around. “Why is it you’re not in Sickbay for treatment? I know you’ve probably had enough of it, but it would be a whole lot quicker.”

Oo Because my daughter is hiding in an air vent right above you and I can't leave her alone, or the ones that hurt me might come take her, and I might never see her again. oO Cassandras international monologue supplied, instead outwardly she said, "it's not as bad as it looks. I have a lot of changes to implement at the new COs command, and I can't afford to let things slip and fall behind because I got careless and didn't double check the safety protocols on the holodeck. I'll make my way down there once the duty shift is over. I promise." Cassandra wanted to bite her own tongue. She felt dirty lying to someone she respected so much.

Lamia felt the deception yet again, but she knew Cassandra wouldn’t lie without a very good reason. << What’s happening Cassandra? >> Lamia focussed hard on her telepathic communication. <> “You don’t have to promise me Cassandra, I’m not here to give you a roasting or anything.”

Cassandra looked puzzled a moment, then nodded slightly in understanding. Trying to focus past the constant physical pain, and fear she tried to respond accordingly. << They tried to kill me. Section thirty one.>> She tried not to let the images of what they had done to her leak through. Still parts of it flashed through her mind faster than she could suppress it. Being approached by Candice Larmie, told that Leland needed Cassandra to help him with something in engineering section 21-D, the emptiness of the room she found there before being approached by two men dressed as security officers. She lost focus as she bit her lip firmly on purpose to stop what was coming next. It was futile, the images played unbidden the pain brought it back into hyper clarity, how they had detained her, Walked her to the unused section of a loading port. 'The admiral sends his regrets that it has come to this' the words mingled with the physical pain of being thrown down hard to the deck. Her chest was heavy, she'd tried to roll away but the other one was there his boots crashing down into her ribs shattering her world into fragments of agony. 'We can make this as fast or slow as you want miss Mathews, where is it?' the voice echoed coldly cruelty through her mind.. Cassandra finally got a grasp on the memory pulling it back. She didn't want to relieve it, didn't want to hurt Mia or her baby with it.

Outwardly she took slow deep breaths and said, "Thex and I are planning to throw you a baby shower." She tried to sound cheerful as though nothing in the world was bothering her. <> More memories now different, the strange woman in the daycare playing with Martha, the pictures of her brother and daughter out on the station shopping and playing together. Not just of her family of Thex, of Hawksley and his wife out together, obviously unaware they were being photographed. Pictures that though wholesome out of perspective sowed the seeds of a threat. They were watching, could get close. Today they had proven it.

“A baby shower? That would be fun!” Lamia offered a smile, but couldn’t help but massage her temples at the flow of images, and painful memories that Cassandra was showing her. “Sorry, it’s been a stressful couple of days at work.” She focussed her thoughts. << Don’t worry I’ll help you! They won’t get away with this. >>

The door slid open then. Melody had returned. The Doctor had the medical field kit in her hands. She smiled. The smile held a question unspoken. "Alright Cassandra, visiting hours are over let's get back to work, shall we?" She sat the kit down on the desk careful not to brush against the counselor, but intentionally touching Cassandras shoulder as she leaned between them to do so. The look in those sea foam green eyes darkened a touch. Her tone though was just as light and airy as usual. as she moved back again. "My goodness look at the two of you here all cozy. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were plotting something."

"Just a baby shower." Cassandra said shifting under the doctor's hand uncomfortably.

Melody smirked removing the hand, "Counselor I can see you out if you like. I have a few questions for you myself if Cassandra can spare you."

Lamia looked at Cassandra, there wasn’t anything she could say in-front of Melody. “That depends on Cassandra Lieutenant, she’s planning quite the baby shower by the sound of things.” She grinned as she looked at Cassandra. << Hang in there, I’ll get help >>

Cassandra waved her hand dismissively. "We can catch up about it later. You go ahead and take care of yourself."

Lamia nodded and smiled. To be honest she wasn’t sure exactly what grounds she’d have to base calling up help. She’d need more than she currently had to go on, but at the same time she wasn’t a medic worried about Cassandra. “I’ll drop by later and see how you are.”

"Thank you," Cassandra said earnestly, her sincere tone underlying the weight of her gratitude. She watched as the counselor rose and exited alongside the doctor, her words of caution ringing clearly in Cassandra's mind. There was an urgency—an unspoken understanding of looming danger. The company was already on the move, and Lamia needed to be relocated to a safer place immediately. Despite the doctor’s flaws, her loyalty to Somers and the 95th regiment was undeniable. Like Cassandra, she too found herself in an impossible situation, locked in a battle between duty and survival. Cassandra met the doctor’s eyes and gave a subtle, wordless nod of consent.
Melody exhaled quietly, repressing the frustration she felt toward this intricate dance of misdirection and strategy. Beneath it all, she cared deeply for Cassandra and wanted nothing more than to ensure her safety. Still, recent events had left her with no choice but to prioritize her mission: Mia’s protection came first.

As they left the room, Melody carefully intercepted the counselor just outside, positioning herself to prevent any unauthorized entry into the space beyond. She turned slightly, using her clearance codes to lock the door securely. With only select personnel—such as Dr. Ross or higher-ranking officers—able to override the system, it was a small measure, but it would buy them crucial time. Steeling herself for what was next, she glanced at the counselor, already loathing the conversation they were about to have. "I need to speak with you privately regarding Ms. Mathews' mental health," she said before guiding the counselor down the corridor. Her tone was measured, though it carried a weight of concern.

"I’ve reviewed the mental health records for the MXO," she continued, her voice firm yet deliberate as they approached the lift. "Although much has been redacted, I’ve been able to piece together a troubling picture based on what remains." Melody paused, as if sorting through the details in her mind.

"Seven years ago, her team was ambushed while on deployment. Only Cassandra and a handful of others made it back alive. She was promoted to MXO aboard the Tomcat shortly afterward, during Captain Patrick Jackson's tenure. Then came the loss of her foster parents—killed under suspicious circumstances that remain unresolved. That investigation has been inexplicably stagnant for four years, only revisited two weeks ago at Cassandra's direct request."

The doctors expression reflected the somber reality of her next words. "At her foster parents' funeral, both Cassandra and her brother were abducted by a serial killer. This individual specifically targeted those working on his cases, as well as their families—stalking them for weeks before ultimately striking. The name was redacted from official files, but Cassandra identified him as Tevran Antako. Here’s where it becomes even more harrowing: Antako is the biological father of her daughter, Martha." She cast a brief, knowing look at the counselor before continuing, her voice softening slightly before she continued.

"Cassandra managed to escape captivity, but not without severe consequences. She was initially accused of her brother’s murder. Though he was later found alive and the charges dropped, Cassandra was subsequently institutionalized in a Starfleet mental health facility. Only through the intervention of an Admiral was she released and placed into hiding. Months later, she returned to duty aboard the Tomcat. No further psychological evaluations were performed, though it’s said she spent significant time privately with the previous MXO, Captain Mazal Falk, before both Falk and Captain Jackson retired. At that point, Cassandra was elevated to the MCO position."

Melody drew a steadying breath as they stepped onto the lift, clearly uncomfortable with what she had to say next. "That brings us to recent events: Cassandra recently stepped down as MCO for reasons that remain unclear. Since then, her behavior has grown increasingly erratic. She appears paranoid, claims to suffer from nightmares, and sometimes goes sleepless for days. She has even speculated that someone might be attempting to poison her. And now… this accident." Melody's tone was charged with a mix of worry and resignation. "I genuinely believe Ms. Mathews is in desperate need of intervention—the kind only a counselor or, perhaps, a trusted friend can provide."

Her expression betrayed the emotional toll the conversation had taken on her. While Melody respected Cassandra's strength and resilience, there was no denying the toll that years of compounded trauma had taken. And now, with signs of further strain, something had to be done—before it was too late.

Melodys words were not only for the counselor, but for the agent she could feel following them. A plea, an insight to what the admiral might be up to, to make them possibly question their own orders. She also didn't want to make Cassandra out to look crazy or unstable enough to lose her position. She was Afterall a survivor, and a decorated officer for good reasons. Somers believed in her. So too did Melody. She just needed to get the counselor to question Cassandra’s sanity enough to turn a blind eye to the current situation at hand. Or to take the time to dig deeper.

Lamia nodded as she gave Melody a concerned look. “You said Cassandra never received any further evaluations? I find that more than a little odd.” She sighed. “To have a daughter under such circumstances, speaking of which where is her daughter now?” Mia was worried about Martha, especially if Cassandra was telling her the truth. She certainly believed what she’d said.

Melody looked thoughtful for a moment. Then shrugged. "If I had to guess probably out with her Uncle C'Tirr somewhere. Or with Nathan or Damien. I know that Cassandra has had the child removed from the daycare system and hired a couple of thugs to babysit her family for her." She stated with obvious disapproval. "I've met the Damien fellow. He's a real nasty piece of work I can't imagine what she's thinking hiring a man like that to watch her kid. Nathan is... Young. But he's." She stopped herself shaking her head. "As I said paranoia. I believe it wouldn't hurt to get her in for some more formal counseling and evaluation."

Lamia nodded. She didn’t necessarily agree, but it wouldn’t hurt to speak to Cassandra on a more formal front and in her office where she could be sure their conversation would be private. “I’d like to arrange for Cassandra to come and see me, that way I can evaluate her properly.”

"You could take her now if you wanted to " Melody suggested a smile curled the edge of her lips.

Lamia thought it odd that Melody wanted Cassandra gone right now, especially after what Cassandra had said in their telepathic conversation. “No, it’s okay. I’d like to do a little research into the situation first, be properly prepared.” She offered a disarming smile. “As soon as I’m ready I’ll organise with Cassandra for her to come and see me.”

"I see. Well naturally." Melody tried not to flitch at the feeling of the barrel pressed into her lower back. Kept her tone polite, friendly and even. She reached over quickly and palmed the button for the lift.

The doors slid open. "Just, don't overdo it. You got your baby and your own health to consider. You should get your feet back up and try to relax for a little while first thing." The doctor suggested.

Lamia nodded. “Of course” she gave Melody a curious look as she felt a change in emotions, but said nothing further. “Take care Melody.”

Melody all but guided the cousellor onto the lift keeping her body between the pregnant women and the man with the gun to her back. Judging by the angle it had to be Damien. Nathan wouldn't be so bluntly obvious of his presence. "You take care as well. Hopefully I will see you soon."

“Likewise Melody” Lamia nodded and smiled. “I’ll be in touch.”

Once the door slid closed Melody turned she felt the weapon press into her stomach now. "I told you I don't know where she is. I'd never hurt Lamia neither. I'm still loyal to Somers to this crew. To Cassandra. We can't keep fighting amongst ourselves or they will find an opening again. Now get your gun outta my guts and go find Martha Mathews before the enemy does."

There was a moment of hesitation. Melody knew he was playing with the idea of pulling that trigger. Whether it was worth giving himself away possibly. The weapon then moved, it's pressure gone, the air felt less oppressive as the presence moved away worldlessly. The presence had been enough though. Damien Dovan did not need words to get his point across.

 

RSS Feed