So Maverick, how did you spend your shore leave?

Posted on Friday 23 December 2022 @ 18:07 by Captain Melody Jones

Mission: Revelations
Location: Tempory Office, DS21
Timeline: MD20 1200
1508 words - 3 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Melody was going through the senior staff. After her conversation with the XO and the chief engineer, she moved on to the flight officers. She tapped the comm button.

"Lieutenant Mitchell, could you join me in my office please? Room 113-A, Habitat ring level 21 section Baker?"

Pete tapped his comm badge. "Yes Captain on my way." He had been back on the station for a day since going out on a mission with Marjani. Pete wondered two things at the moment. The first was if he would ever see Marjani again. The second was what the Captain wanted. He hoped it was to tell him when the ship was going to leave. Pete did not like being in station for too long. He made his way over to the office and rang the door chime. When the order to enter came he stepped in and came to attention. "Lieutenant Mitchell reporting as ordered."

When the door chime sounded, Melody was just getting another cup of coffee out of the replicator. "Come in Lieutenant. Please have a seat. Would you like a drink? I don't know about you but I'm looking forward to getting back onboard the Merlin again. Shore leave is nice and all but I do miss the bridge of my ship. Did you have an enjoyable shore leave?"

"I would love a cup a joe thanks..." Pete began and relaxed somewhat when the seat was offered. He took it and smiled at the Captain. "I can't wait to get to the ship. As a pilot, there is always something mystical about taking a ship out for the first time. It takes a bit to get to know her, but once you do the two of you work in sync and it is one hell of a ride." He seemed almost in a dreamlike state, he really did want to be on the ship. At least the shore leave allowed for his adjustments to the Helm to be made. Pete consciously saved the Captain's question about shore leave for last. He was unsure how much of it he wanted to tell the Captain. "Shore leave was great Captain. Got to know some of the local pilots. It was a great time."

Melody worked the replicator panel and an additional cup of coffee materialised which she handed to Pete as she sat down. "I had a look at your Starfleet record, I'm sure you'll be able to handle her. Don't be intimidated by her size. She's very responsive. Did you know I started out as the Chief flight control officer when I came aboard? Fresh out of the academy. Cocky as hell. Always wanting to go faster. Seems like a long time ago now." She smiled as her thoughts turned to the past.

"The Captain dropped a 'Kobiashi Maru' style training drill on me the first time I was on bridge watch. Needless to say, I was not impressed and I made my feeling known to him quite vocally. Captain Barstow let me vent before he calmly explained the true purpose of the test and that I still had a lot to learn. He was a good Captain.

Pete smiled at the idea of the Kobayashi Maru. He did find it interesting that the Captain had come from being a pilot and was now Captain. It gave Pete something to relate to in regard to the Captain. "In the interest of total honesty, this is the first time I will be piloting a starship on a regular basis. Most of my career I have been behind the stick of a fighter. So I am not worried if the ship is up to the task, I am worried if I am." He laughed to cover the quick reveal of his shortcomings. "It has been some time since I have flown without eyes and ears helping me. Goose is always an asset when I am out there. Just some of the things that run through my head Captain."

Melody nodded thoughtfully. "I understand completely and I appreciate your honesty. I must admit, I was rather nervous the first time I took the Merlin out of spacedock but you'll soon get used to her just like I did. While she is responsive, just try and remember she's not a fighter shuttle." She added with a smile. "We'll be exploring some uncharted systems during our next mission, a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the new fighter craft. You'll also get a chance to try the Merlin's new quantum slipstream drive, as we're going to have to make a few trial runs."

Pete's eyes widened briefly at the mention of slipstream. It took pinpoint piloting just to get through the stream. However, it also allowed you to get across the galaxy in what seemed like a split second. "That is something that I am looking forward to. I have taken fighters into slipstream but piloting a ship, especially one as large as the Merlin would be something else. I plan on showing that despite her size the Merlin can be quite manoeuvrable. So, when do we leave?"

"Official departure time is 0900 hours the day after tomorrow to allow the crew time to get back onboard today and get settled while going over final loading tomorrow. We have some new personnel joining us as well as some new fighter pilots as well. They should arrive tomorrow."

"Excellent! Goose and I will make sure that they are brought up to speed and are ready to fly. Is there anything in particular we should make sure that we are ready for?" Maverick asked as he fished for any hints about what their next mission would be.

Melody thought for a moment. "During this mission, there's going to be plenty of time to get your squad up to speed, also a chance to practice escorting and formation drills. Also precision formation flying. I think that just about covers everything."

"Sounds like we will have quite the buffet of work to do," Maverick said with a smile. "I wanted to thank you Captain for the chance. It is not often that a pilot like me gets trusted with a ship of this magnitude. I do appreciate the confidence in my abilities."

"Just don't scratch the paintwork Lieutenant." Melody quipped with a smile. "And I haven't forgotten about the fighter shuttle you so kindly painted my name on. I will be making use of it when I have the opportunity. You wounding mind an extra trainee in the squad. I'll probably need to get back into the swing of things. Been sitting in the centre chair for quite a while now. Still, you never forget how to fly. It's like riding a bike they say." She paused and mused "It that hard? I never learned to ride a bike."

"Oh Captain, my Captain..." Pete mused. He found it hard to believe that someone never learned how to ride a bike. Then again, if one was raised in space one would never have needed to learn. "...Riding a bike is quite simple. Perhaps I will have to teach you on the holodeck. As for the extra trainee I know we can find space to fit you in. I will make a deal with you. We can work on your rustiness behind the stick of a fighter if you can deal with someone who has never flown a large starship."

Melody smiled. "Very well Lieutenant. I think that's an acceptable arrangement. Is there anything else you want to discuss?"

"No ma'am I am settling into the Merlin quite nicely. I did have a chance to meet your daughter. She seems like quite the young woman." The words young woman had a bad feeling in Pete's mouth. But respect for the Captain's family should be observed.

She smiled. "Yes, I'm very proud of her. You might be waiting a bit longer to meet her I'm afraid. She'll be remaining on the station when we depart as she's been asked to assist in cataloguing the marine life on the new colony." Melody explained. "I'm glad to hear you're settling in I won't keep you from your duties any longer. Dismissed."

Pete smiled and turned a left the Captain's office. As he walked he realized that short of giving her a fighter he had never had a full conversation with the Captain. That is until now. He felt a small amount of the apprehension he had about this post leave his body. Out of everyone he had met thus far aboard this ship the Captain seemed to be the most pleasant. That boded well for future endeavours. Maverick was unsure if he would like it aboard the Merlin. However, he knew he would like who he served under.


OFF:

●●●● Captain Melody Jones
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin

●● Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell
Chief Flight Control Officer
Commander Air Group
USS Merlin