Smooth sailing or rough seas?

Posted on Thursday 22 December 2016 @ 19:00 by Commander Save'ena (Sav) Tillatix & Captain Melody Jones

Mission: Old, New Ship
Location: Main Bridge
Timeline: MD10: Late afternoon
1799 words - 3.6 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Melody was in command for this duty shift then, later on tonight she had a special night prepared for herself and Save'ena.

That was if, she was going to turn up. The way she had left her quarters yesterday had been........ less than professional and she had regretted doing it as soon as she had returned to her quarters. Melody didn't want Sav to see her cry, even if she had caused it. It had almost cost her career when she thought she was loosing Sav the last time and now, she feared that she was now throwing her friendship away with the fear that Sav would not feel about her the same way.

This hurt Melody, but having Sav as a friend was better than not having her in her life at all. She would have to sort this out, and soon!

The turbolift doors opening broke Melody out of her reverie.

Sav came out of the turbolift and just inside the bridge. As she was not relieving a watch, well, not officially anyway, she did not have to announce herself. But, there was a chance she would be able to man the helm, that is, if Melody would allow. Even though Melody decided to not become a good friend, they were still friends, or so she hoped, and hopefully that friendship was good enough to allow Sav to fly the ship.

She flicked her tail once to affirm herself, then strode over to the command area. As Melody was on duty, she had to keep things on the 'up', as it were. "Good afternoon, Lieutenant Jones. I came on by at your behest. I hope this is a good time for you?"

Melody brightened as Sav came over to the command area. Being on the bridge and in Command, Melody knew she better keep things more formal, at least until they were alone. "Good afternoon Lieutenant. I'm glad you've taken my invitation to spend some time at the helm. The trip to Starbase 306 should be fairly routine but it should give you a chance to get better acquainted with the ship. But first could I see you a moment in the briefing room?"

Sav smiled to Melody, glad the invitation was still available. The request to go to the briefing room caught her off guard at first, but then she realized as not an 'official helmsman' for the Merlin, she would need a list of 'do's and 'don't's before she took the helm for a little while. She nodded, churring gently, "Sure thing, Second Officer. Please, lead the way."

Melody gestured towards the room then led the way over. As soon as the door shut behind them she turned and dropped the formalities "Hey Sweetie. I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. I didn't mean to bolt at warp speed like that. It's just....." she paused. She still couldn't bring herself to tell Sav outright about her feeling, still thinking she would be unable to handle rejection. "I'm dealing with some complex things at the moment and I... I 'm afraid my actions my have jeopardized our friendship." That was true she thought to herself.

Sav looked a little perplexed at the apology. It was her who had to apologize, not Melody. She nodded about the 'complex things, and smiled at hearing the 'friendship'. 'She does want to be a friend,' she thought to herself, but before she could say anything, Melody continued.

Melody continued, "I think of you as one of my closest friends and I hope you can forgive me for acting..... acting so silly and I really hope you are still coming for dinner this evening." She held her arms open, hoping Sav would accept.

Utter relief could be seen on Sav's face and muzzle at hearing 'one of my closest friends'. Sav easily moved into Melody's arms, giving her becoming best friend a hug. She churred out, "I am so glad you think so. When I said we could kiss, and you ran off, I thought for sure I had pushed you away, me and my weird ways and funny skunky look." Sav rubbed her muzzle along side Melody's neck, "I won't mention it again, promise. We'll let our friendship develop the Terran way and keep you at ease, okay?"

Melody gave Sav a squeeze back hoping to herself that their relationship would develop. What she said out loud was "As long as you're with me that's all that matters. Come on, I bet you're itching to get your hands on the helm."

With that she led Save'ena back onto the bridge.

Melody walked up behind the ensign who was currently sat at the helm and cleared her throat "You're relived Ensign. Lieutenant Tillatix here is getting some bridge time in."

The young man turned and nodded and vacated the helm chair which Melody then sung to face Sav "It's all yours."

Sav churred lightly at Melody rushing the change of helm. She smiled to the Ensign and asked, "Sit Rep please?"

The Ensign nodded, "Heading to Starbase 306, Warp 5, course 703 mark 2."

Sav nodded, "I relieve you." The Ensign responded, "I stand relieved."

Once Sav had got settled in, Melody walked back to the Captains chair and got comfortable herself trying not to lets her eyes keep resting on the back of Sav's head.

Sav stroked the console, already having dove into the ship's systems to 'see' what it's sensors were showing, 'feel' the stress and systems of the ship as she sped through space in Warp, and let her Spatial Awareness do its plotting within her. While the helm showed on course, she felt a tug of gravity off to the right that was drifting the ship. She corrected for it and stated, "Second Officer, Dwarf Pulsar off our Starboard, correcting to 702 mark 2 until out of its vicinity to maintain proper course to Starbase 306. Approximate time in field, thirteen minutes, five seconds, mark."

"Copy that helm" Melody replied, then turning her chair slightly "Science 1, we might as well get some readings on that Dwarf pulsar while we are passing."

"Aye Sir"

"Anything else in the vicinity helm?" Melody asked.

Sav's tail shook once as she realized Melody didn't realize the 'faux paus' she just did. Melody was supposed to ask Science as they had direct sensor readings and the computers and libraries to really hone in on what was happening around them. Helm just reported the gravity draw was pulling them off course, and of course, Sav just had to let slip the why.

Sav tried to salvage the situation. "Not on navigation beacons or course laid, Sir. I only knew about the pulsar due to its affect upon our course, and a request to science station for the reason why. When we are out of it's draw, I will return to 703 mark 2, sir." Sav made a silent 'whew' and hoped everything she said satisfied sciences. Her cyberapathy was her only escape, and time when she truly felt alive and away from the overlays. Within her spatial sense, she saw they were on the golden path with no worries.

Melody's mind was already on the upcoming shore leave at Starbase and she was hoping that she could now spend some time with Save'ena again. She was also looking forward to trying out the new fighter shuttles which were being delivered.

Sav, in flying along, was lightly churring as she felt one with the ship, seeing as it saw, flying as though the ship was her body. Unknown to her, this was the time when the trapped emotional and dreamer Sav was able to combine with the Analytical/low emotional Sav to become whole once more, and keep herself going. If she had not had that escape, she would have never made it this far. As she flew, she remembered what Melody said about the fighters.

While small talk was not to be tolerated on watch, Sav knew she could ask. "Second Officer, Helm, any word on those new fighters incoming to Starbase 306? As CAG, they are directly related to my department, and hence why asking, Sir."

"As far as I know, a cargo transport will be delivering them to Starbase and they'll be loaded as soon as possible." Melody Replied.

Sav's tail shook twice in affirmation, "So hoping the transport arrives when we do, Aye Aye, Sir. Adjusting for variance 1/2 degree for best speed enroute, Sir."

Eleven minutes later, Sav called out, "Out of the Pulsar's gravity field. Adjusting heading to course 703 mark 2. Steady as she goes at Warp 5, Sir."

The next nine minutes passed without incident, then the turbolift doors opened revealing four officers "1800 hours. Change of watch. Melody stood as the new duty watch officer came up to the command area. "Good evening Sir. Anything to report?" The young lieutenant asked.

Melody smiled "Nothing special. On course for Starbase 306. Lieutenant Tillatix has been getting some helm time in." She crossed over to where a young ensign was standing respectfully to the side of the helm. "Lieutenant, you can stay a while longer if you wish," she then lent in closer and whispered in Sav's ear "I've got some preparations to make so you don't have to rush."

Sav churred, "Sure thing. I'll keep the helm for another half hour, then go to my room to freshen up. See you soon for dinner, Lietenant Jones."

Sav returned her attention to the Ensign beside her. She smiled and said, "Hey Ensign Neal, thanks for letting me be here for another half hour. Lt. Jones let me on for a bit as besides being CAG, I am a Bridge Command Specialist, and cross training for Helm, Damage Control Specialist, and Engineering Control and Computer tech are expected. You missed it earlier, though, we passed by a Pulsar Dwarf and was pulled off course minutely. Not to worry, we are on best course possible."

Ensign Neal smiled to the Lieutenant. He almost reached out to stroke over that very soft and silky looking fur. It was fun meeting new races, and he had not personally met a Mephetian before. "Thanks for the info, Lieutenant Tillatix. Why so slow on Warp?"

Sav churred gently, "Warp engines had to be repaired. Nuances in the warp field harmonics are troublesome right now, so Warp 5 is taking it easy on them while those nuances are tracked down. Besides, there is a refit occurring at the starbase so we have plenty of R and R to experience when we get there in a couple of days." Her tail shook once, "So, how long you been flying, Ensign? And, any hot dates lined up for R and R?"

OFF:

Lieutenant Melody Jones
Second Officer / CFCO
USS Merlin

Lieutenant Save'ena Tillatix
CAG / Uroboros Squadron Leader
Bridge Command Specialist
USS Merlin