Orville: Phoenix

Chapter 8

In Captain Ed's quarters at  11:34 PM, four days later,

Two individuals are seated on the couch, reviewing reports on their padds. One is a man in a Union uniform with dark hair, while the other is a woman in a Federation military uniform, sitting between Ed's legs as she reads reports from her officers. A few days ago, they were involved in an exercise that ended in failure and exposed their secret relationship to their respective Commanding Officers. Both were displeased, not with the relationship itself, but with its timing. The Commanding Officers want to have a discussion with both of them, but for now, they can continue their blossoming relationship.

Jessica and Ed had a lengthy conversation about their relationship and ultimately decided to continue it. They agreed to prioritize their duties and follow the orders of Ed's Admiral and Jessica's Supreme Commander. Jessica emphasized that their responsibilities must always come first, and she made Ed promise to uphold this. She made it clear that if he were to break his promise, she would end their relationship, whether before or after their meeting.

As Jessica reached her final report, she noticed the time and realized she had another attempt at the operation in the simulations, this time with heavy weapons and a better understanding of the situation. Jessica, Kelly (Ed's first officer), Ed, and Jackie (Jessica's sister and second in command) all agreed that the Orville would stand by to assist, but only when there were no other options left. Finishing her report, Jessica got up from her position, catching Ed's attention.

"Are you going somewhere?" Ed asked, pulling her closer to him.

"Yes... I have that operation in the morning. And no, I won't stay tonight. I'd like to get some sleep," Jessica says as she pulls away from Ed. She kisses him before grabbing her combat boots and leaving his room.

The next day at  7:38 AM, Simulator  3,

Jessica and her team move to the first Moclan trench. They have Federation RPGs strapped to their backs. On the Orville's bridge, the crew watches as ordered by Ed and Kelly, everything they see being highly classified. Ed watches as Jessica jumps into the trench, with Varrian landing next to her. Before allowing the team into the simulation, Varrian, a Turian, was instructed to watch over Jessica. He tells Ed that he has been observing her for years.

"She is a Shepard. I will have better luck getting my father to like military personnel," Varrian says as the team enters the simulation. He notices three Federation shuttles known as Pelicans. Ed sees Jessica briefing her troopers on the operation and notices some of them questioning why they are fighting Union Moclans. Jessica dismisses their inquiries, stating that it is Tier A classified and they should drop the subject. The team, although not happy, complies.

Now, the team is engaged in trench warfare once again. Jessica looks over the top, but a bolt slams next to her, spraying her face and visor with sand and dirt. The turrets continue firing their bolts, but after a few moments, the guns fall silent.

"Tali, Jackson, Dan! Hit those guns now!" Jessica orders, and the three team members go over the top, aiming and firing their RPGs. The explosion disables all but one of the guns. The remaining turret begins firing as they retreat. Tali is hit by three bolts, two in her back and one in her leg. Jackson turns back but is cut down by the turret, leaving his radio with the team. Dan jumps down into the trench, clutching his arm with a smoking hole in his vest, dropping the fired RPG by his side. Jackie moves over, picks up the RPG, and retrieves a new warhead from Dan's rocket case.

"That gun is still operational. We need to take it out! Does anyone have a clear shot?" Varrian asks as the turret continues firing. Jessica checks her tactical map on her wrist and realizes that the Moclans are holding back, allowing the turret to do the work.