Buisness as usual

Posted on Sunday 1 March 2026 @ 22:34 by Captain Melody Jones & Lieutenant Commander Ras th'Zaanaq

Mission: Intermission
Location: Ready room
Timeline: MD1 0900
1057 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Melody entered the ready room first and sat down on the sofa, indicating for Ras to join her. "So number one, what do we have on the agenda today? Has engineering managed to repair the quantum slipstream drive yet? Also, there's a new security chief coming onboard. I'm going to task them with... resolving our changeling issue."

Ras did as instructed and sat on the sofa, placing his coffee on the small coffee table beside the sofa. He activated his PADD, "Seems the Slipstream drive is on the way to being fully functional. Repairs are almost complete; it just needs to be run through the safety checks and possibly a test run. Engineering has also reported that our other damage is mostly done. Just a few segments of the hull need to be replaced. Workbees will be doing that work in the coming days.

I saw the new security chief's transfer details. I'm sure they're a capable officer. Do you still think our changeling friend is still here? They've had every opportunity to slip away with all the comings and goings."

"Alice.... That's what the changeling who defected has decided to call herself. She told me they won't leave until they have completed their assignment. But she didn't know what it was. She is also willing to assist in the capture of the remaining changelings. Starfleet is on board with this for now, but knowing them, that could change quickly."

She took a sip of her own coffee. "Also, I don't know if you heard, but USS Andromeda was lost recently. The majority of the crew have been recovered but.... There are at least 5 missing. My friend, Amelia Fox, is among them. Starfleet is conducting an extensive search, and I've submitted a proposal to Admiral Jackson for us to join. I'm waiting to hear back from him. Did you know anyone onboard?

"Personally, I don't like it. Dealing with Changelings is only going to end badly." Ras replied. "As for the loss of the Andromeda, it's going to leave a big gap in the sector and Starfleet as a whole. I don't think i knew anyone on there but you never know. What was your proposal to the Admiral?"

"When the quantum slipstream is back online, we're one of the fastest ships in the fleet. That, combined with the new long range sensor array that we've been equipped with, makes us the perfect choice to join the search. Plus, my friend is out there somewhere. She'd be doing the same for me." She sighed, "But as of now, we're waiting for Starfleet's approval, so we wait."

"I don't like dealing with changlings either Number One. I'm going to ask our new Chief Medical Officer if they can come up with something to help security capture these changlings alive, but I'm afraid that it might be an impossible task. Someone willing to die for their cause seldom allows being taken alive. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, I suppose. In the meantime, I want ot make sure that we're ready to go at a moment's notice."

"Is capturing them alive a wise course of action? Killing them would be prudent and the safest way to get rid of them." Ras replied. "The ship will be ready to depart at a moment's notice. I haven't been pulling double shifts to stall at the end. I'll get out and push if I have to."

Melody smiled. "That's good to hear Number one, but let's hope it won't come to that. As for capturing the changling..... If we can take them alive, it would be preferable. Ambassador Odo would be most greatfull but the orders will be if they leave you no other choice, it will have to be shoot to kill."

Melody shuddered at the thought. "It's a damn dirty business, Number One. The Dominion War did not exactly bring out the best.... On either side. And that business with the Borg afterwards. It was a dark chapter that I will be glad to see the back of. Let's hope a resolution can be found swiftly. As for now, apart from the Changling, we have not much to do except wait for Starfleet to give us our orders."

Her face brightened slightly "In other good news, Commander Seklar will be returning to his Chief engineering post as work on the experimental shuttle might also resume."

"That is good news. The engineer crews have been hard to motivate without an official chief to lead them." Ras replied, his tone a little happier. "However, we are going to be short in most departments as Starfleet is still struggling with manpower levels in this sector. It shouldn't impact the running of the ship too much but there will be less down time for most."

Melody smiled. "We've been through tough times before, Number One. I'm sure the crew will pull together and give their best, as they always have done. After this mission is over, I'm sure there'll be plenty of downtime for the crew to relax. That's if Starfleet ever informs us of our next mission. I want to put the ship on departure standby status. Once all preparations are complete, the crew can stand down until we receive anything further. That way, once we do receive our orders, we can be straight out of the starting gate with minimal delay."

Ras nodded his understanding as he started making notes on his PADD. "Recall all crew from leave?" He asked, making sure he understood what the Captain was ordering.

Melody thought for a moment. "Recall those essential to get the ship prepared for departure, but inform the others they must be prepared to depart at the drop of a hat, so don't go far. Will there be anything else, Number one?"

The Andorian glanced down at his PADD, "I don't think so, Captain. I'll get the word spread about the possible departure and get essential officers and crew back on board to start final checks." The Commander said as he rose from his seat.

Melody smiled. "Very good, Commander. Dismissed."

OFF:

●●●● Captain Melody Jones
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin


●● Lieutenant Commander Ras th'Zaanaq
Executive Officer
USS Merlin