Permission Denied
Posted on Friday 13 February 2026 @ 13:54 by Admiral David Jackson & Captain Melody Jones
Edited on on Friday 13 February 2026 @ 14:11
Mission:
Intermission
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: MD1 1030
634 words - 1.3 OF Standard Post Measure
ON:
Melody has been going over the latest systems reports when the comm chimed, "Bridge to Captain Jones, There's a subspace message coming in for you from Starfleet Command. It's Admiral Jackson."
Melody stood. She had been expecting this call. "Put it through in here." She replied as she moved in front of the viewer on the wall.
The viewscreen in the Captain’s Ready Room flickered to life, bringing Admiral David Jackson’s face into sharp focus. He’d been Melody’s mentor since her early days at the academy, and the warmth in his eyes offered a small measure of comfort before his expression shifted to something firmer, with no room for negotiation. She could tell she was not going to like this conversation.
“David,” Melody said, straightening slightly as she stood before the screen. “I know you’ve just received the update on the Andromeda – over a thousand survivors have been recovered from the wreckage, but Amelia and five others are still missing, not including Captain Reynolds, who has also been recovered. I’ve finalised our search plans – The Merlin is ready to deploy the new experimental long-range sensor array as soon as we receive clearance to depart.”
“Melody,” he replied, his voice heavy with regret. “I wanted to call personally – both as your superior officer and as someone who knows how much Commander Fox means to you. The search efforts are being expanded; we’re re-routing three more vessels to the Zelene Sector. But I’m sorry to say this – permission for the Merlin to join the hunt is denied.”
Melody felt her heart sink, her hands tightening slightly at her sides. “Sir – with all due respect, this new array is the only one capable of detecting such faint signals across such a wide sector. We could make a real difference out there.”
“I know you could,” Admiral Jackson acknowledged, leaning forward in his chair at Starfleet Command. “Initial scans of the area show no signs of escape pods or life signs, and we've picked up no evidence of any subspace anomalies. If I had my way, you’d have joined the search already. But Starfleet Command has other things in mind... The Merlin is being reassigned and you'll be receiving new order shortly.”
“So we’re just supposed to stand by while Amelia and the others are out there?” Melody asked, struggling to keep frustration from her voice.
“As for now, you’re to remain docked standby for orders,” he said firmly. “I’ve directed the USS Pendragon to join the search – they’ll be bringing their own advanced sensors online within 48 hours. I promise you, we won’t stop looking for her. Amelia is one of our finest officers, and she’d want us to keep searching for as long as there’s hope – but she’d also want you to look after your own crew and fulfil your duties to Starfleet. Understood?”
“I understand, sir,” Melody said, forcing herself to maintain her composure.
“Keep me updated on your situation,” he ordered, though warmth returned to his voice. “And Melody? The moment it becomes possible, you’ll be first in line to join the search effort. If anyone can find her, it’s you.”
The screen went dark, leaving Melody standing alone in the ready room. She walked to the viewport, gazing out at the stars where the Andromeda had been lost. Clenching her fist, she turned and began drafting orders for her crew – standby status didn’t mean they couldn’t prepare, just in case their chance to help came.
OFF:
●●●● Captain Melody Jones
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin
[●●●●] Admiral David Jackson
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin
