So Caroline, how did you spend your shore leave?

Posted on Saturday 22 April 2023 @ 15:51 by Captain Melody Jones & Commander Caroline Miller

Mission: Revelations
Location: Tempory Office, DS21
Timeline: MD20 1600
895 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Melody had spoken to her new husband earlier that day, now Melody was looking forward to catching up with Caroline.

She smiled, still not used to calling Caroline by her new married name. "Jones to Commander Caroline McPhee, could you join me in my office please? Room 113-A, Habitat ring level 21 section Baker?"

"Of course, Captain. I am heading that way now,"

Caroline buzzed the chime arriving and upon being allowed in looked impressed. "How is it no matter where we end up, you manage to get a swish office?" she said. "And look at the view," she smiled at the planet below."

Melody stood and came over to embrace her friend. "Hello there Mrs McPhee." She laughed "I still have not got used to that you know. You're looking maternally radiant. Take my advice: visit Ba'Ku for a couple of weeks after you've had the baby. I'm telling you, it works miracles for losing the baby weight, and the 'twins' have never been perkier" she added with a sly wink.

She sat down on the sofa and indicated for Caroline to join her. "So what did you and Mathias get up to on your honeymoon?"

“Mel come on. You know what we get up to on a honeymoon. I’m walking bow legged. I’m surprised he didn’t manage to put another one in me. Believe me he tried,”. Caroline said taking a seat.

“I’m a fortunate woman,”

Melody almost choked on her coffee. “Jesus Caroline! I don’t need that image running around in my head.” She managed to laugh. “Well, I’m glad to hear Mathias is treating you right. Well, I suppose your counselling schedule is going to be pretty full when you get back to your office. What with the crew surviving the destruction of a planet and contact with a quantum filament. Have you spoken with any of the crew since the incident?”

"I have had Roger leading on any sessions related to that. As I lived it I do not believe I am best qualified to help others with the aftermath of the planet .... being totalled as it was," she said honestly. "And don't worry I have been speaking at length about my experiences with that with Liam. My counsellor. You met him at the wedding. He gave me away."

"Well, I'm glad to hear you go talk to someone," Melody said as she took a sip of her coffee. "I've often wondered who counsels the counsellors. You know my door is always open as well if you ever need to talk and Ohhh, I just remembered I got this for you." She picked up an isoliner chip off her desk and handed it to Caroline. "It's a relaxation program I made when I was expecting. It really helped me relax. Draxx helped a lot as well." She added with a smile. "His back rubs are amazing."

"Thank you," the blond said pocketing it. "I don't know about back rubs but my feet sure seem to be swelling at times. So why the summons?" she asked curiously.

Melody chuckled to herself. "Why is it that when the Captain wants to speak with anyone, they act like they're going to get hauled over the coals for something terrible? I wanted to catch up with you, we haven't had a chat in a while. Are you looking forward to getting back on board the Merlin? I suppose you'll be wanting to transfer some bigger quarters with your new husband."

"Well, I won't lie. It would be nice. Especially with this situation," she placed a hand over her growing belly. "I'm certainly looking forward to getting back though. I mean space stations are nice and all but the scenery doesn't tend to change much does it?"

Melody nodded thoughtfully "I'll make sure some bigger quarters are assigned to you and Mathias. Yes, I'm also looking forward to getting back out there. We'll certainly have a lot of new equipment to put through its paces. I understand we're also getting quite a few new crew members as well."

"Anyone I need to know about?" Caroline asked curiously. "How do you feel about that? More names to learn. Did we lose any?"

"The full list is in the main computer. I believe we've got new crew members in all departments. I don't think there's any cause for alarm. The only loss at the moment is Sansa who is remaining on Deep Space 21 for a couple of weeks to help out with the marine survey of the new colony. While I am proud of her and I know it's a big step in her career to be asked, I will feel better when she is back onboard the ship.

"Of course you will. The mum instinct is strong Melody. At least you know she's in good hands at DS21. Commodore Haistro will ensure she's looked after," Caroline reassured her.

Melody nodded, reassured. "You're right, as usual. Well, I'll let you get back to your new husband. Just try not to be too energetic tonight. It's going to be a big day tomorrow."

Final TAG

OFF:

●●●● Captain Melody Jones
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin


●●● Commander Caroline Miller
Chief Counselor
USS Merlin