Arrivals and Promotions

Posted on Wednesday 25 January 2017 @ 02:34 by Captain Melody Jones & Captain John "Apollo" Barstow, M.D.
Edited on on Monday 5 June 2017 @ 23:02

Mission: Intermission
Location: Main Bridge
Timeline: MD10
861 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Melody had pulled rank on the watch officer as she wanted to be in command when they arrived at Starbase.

The ensign at the helm reported "Sir Approaching Starbase 306"

Melody rose from the command chair and stood just behind the helm "Bring us out of warp" then turning her head slightly to the tactical station "Open hailing frequencies."

"Hailing frequencies open Sir"

Melody raised her voice "Starbase 306, this is the USS Merlin requesting permission to dock."

The reply came after a short pause "USS Merlin welcome to Starbase 306. Permission to dock granted. Standby to manoeuvre and lock on. Port gates opening."

"Copy that, standing by". Melody then addressed the helm "Hold position for port gates the manoeuvring thrusters only."

The Starbase was in orbit of a planet and resembled spacedock that was in earth orbit, only a lot larger as to accommodate their Merlin. The huge gates opened.

Melody pressed the comm butte on on the arm of the Captains Chair "Captain, we have been cleared for docking at Starbase 306. We should be docked in 5 minutes.

Melody turned back to the helm and smile crossing her features. She suddenly decided she didn't want to just watch but rather get her hands dirty so to speak. "Ensign i relive you."

The young man raised an eyebrow but relinquished his chair to Melody. She whispered softly "Hello old friend" then raising her voice "All hands, this is the bridge. Standby for docking. She then eased the great ship forward towards the waiting berth.

Over the comm channel "On course Merlin, stand by to lock off in 5........4..........3.........2...........1........ Now

With a gentle thump the great ship came to a halt "Locked on and secured. That's some nice flying Merlin. Dock control out."

"Thanks Starbase. Merlin Out" Then switching command over to internal "All hands this is the bridge. Docked and secured. Well done all."

Apollo had come onto the bridge from the aft turbolift just in time to see the ship drop from warp. He'd decided not to let Melody know he had been there, instead choosing to watch from the shadows. The Captain couldn't help but smile as the young helm officer guided the ship in. Once it was over Barstow stepped forward, "Lieutenant Jones, on me," he said simply as he passed behind the command center and to his ready room.

Melody hear the Captains tone and frowned. She thought they had cleared everything up and now it seamed she was back in trouble again. She stood from the helm and followed Barstow into his ready room. As the doors closed behind her she came to attention. She kept her voice light but there a slight concern that crept into the edges "Yes Captain, is there something i can do for you?"

John dropped onto his sofa with a sigh and rubbed his face, "Cale left without a word, he apparently gave his resignation to command and just walked off....."

Melody's mouth fell open. She had seen Cale at the Christmas party but she had not had a chance to speak to him. This now came as rather a shock.

She managed to drop in to the chair closet to her as her hand came up to her mouth. "What! Just left? No reason? I had no idea. He seemed fine the last time I spoke with him."

Barstow sighed and sat back, "I don't know what's going on right now," the Captain replied with a shake of his head, "right now I need a new exec, and as unceremonious as this is, I'd like you to be it."

It was a good job Melody had been sat down, otherwise she would have been picking herself up off the floor right now. "Me Sir? I.... I..... Wow! She then broke out in to the biggest grin yet "Thank you Sir!"

John smiled for the first time since calling the young officer in, "You're welcome. As much as his departure pains me, I am glad to you here to put in the post," Barstow replied honestly, "Congratulations, Lieutenant Commander Jones."

Once again, the chair came to the rescue. Promoted as well! Melody finally managed to stand and shake the Captain's hand.

John stood and smiled as he shook Melody's hand, "you've brought yourself back around after the...incident, and I've noticed, Commander. You really do deserve both promotions," he said happily, "now, we have a few things to do in order to get the ship ready to move out," he said then walked to his desk and picked up an iso-chip, "this will give you the current brief. We've had a few upgrades, including the addition of the Phoenix mark two fighter. I'd like you to go over this and then we'll have an official briefing with senior staff at seventeen hundred tomorrow."

Melody took the iso-chip from the Captain and handled thoughtfully for a moment. Finally she nodded "Aye Sir. I'll go over this ready for the briefing." And with that she inclined her head in a nod of respect and headed for the door.



OFF:

Captain John "Apollo" Barstow
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin


Lieutenant Commander Melody Jones
Executive Officer
USS Merlin