What makes Melody Jones?

Posted on Monday 27 July 2020 @ 19:32 by Commander Caroline Miller & Captain Melody Jones

Mission: A Whale of a problem (We're going to need a bigger boat)
Location: Chief Counsellors Office
Timeline: MD2 1000
1467 words - 2.9 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Melody didn't like counselling secessions after her experience when she was younger but... This one was with Caroline so it wouldn't be that bad. She made sure she was on time. She adjusted her uniform and pressed the chime on the door.

“Come in,” the blond counsellor said towards the door.

“Captain. Is it that time again?” She chuckled. “Please take a seat. Can I get you a drink or anything?” She asked.

"I would normally ask for an Aldebaran whiskey but I think I better stick with a racktajino, please." Melody sat down on the sofa. "How are you keeping Caroline?"

“Well the whole planet killer thing, never in my life imagined I would see something like that,” she said honestly going and getting two racktajinos. “I hate that we lost the Europa but at least the crew were safe and that thing didn’t get to Ba'Ku.”

"We've been having some interesting mission lately. A planet Killer... Investigating the whale prob and its origins. Never a dull moment in Starfleet? Oh, and my daughter is dating our Security chief."

“Oh I know about that. And unfortunately, I can’t divulge the conversation as to how. Patient confidentiality. But how are you feeling about it? And I can imagine Draxx is thrilled.”

Melody raised an eyebrow. "You knew already. Interesting. Well, you could have only learned about it from one of two people.. But that's not important. If that's the choice my daughter makes and it makes her happy, then I'm happy for her. Her father... he's still on the fence but that's not the biggest worry on his mind at the moment."

Melody took a deep breath "He wants to try for another baby." She paused at let that statement hang in the air for a moment. "Apparently he's upset that he didn't get to watch Sansa grow up. I know he loves her with all his heart but he says that he would like at least one child he can see grow up."

“Shall I get that Aldebaran whiskey,” Caroline quipped with a smile.

Melody nodded with a smile. "That sounds like a plan to me. It's just that he dropped this on my, quite out of the blue. I got the feeling he was upset at missing Sansa grown up, but not to the point that he wanted another child."

“He was going to want one eventually Mel. He didn’t have the best experience with his family, apart from was it his Italian uncle right? Now he’s actually embraced the idea of you, Sansa and him as a family unit ..
Left his last post, moved in with you, got married I think it’s safe to say he’s completely embraced the idea of a family. And his family he wants it to be a success. Nothing like his previous experience.

What about you? You don’t fancy any more children?” She asked.

Melody looked at her and hesitated. "It's just... What if what happens with Sansa happens every time? What if I'm unable to have a baby develop naturally..." Melody hadn't thought about this much, in fact, she's deliberately done so as. The enormity of what she was saying hit home and tears now welled up in her eyes and her voice started to quiver. "It's not a question of if I want it, it's a question of if it's possible and if not...." her voice trailed off...

"So if all the biological stuff could be ironed out and sed child could be born normally, would you want more kids?" Caroline asked.

For a moment she just looked at Caroline, too shocked to speak. Her mind and breathing were racing. Eventually, she nodded. "Yes. Yes, I would." She answers slowly and clearly.

"I was a small part of the team who managed to stabilize Sansa. Some of the discussions following that case were around if we could design a possible treatment before we tried what we did, that it needed to be while the baby was a fetus. I mean it needs more investigation and research but its something that certainly I would be happy in my spare time to try crack. Michael might be interested too," she offered.

Melody's eyes lit up. You really think it's possible?" She asked, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Caroline that's wonderful." She stopped as she realized what that could mean. "Is that Aldebaran whiskey still on offer?"

"Of course. Look Mel I need you to understand. I think it may be possible but I don't know how long finding the solution will take. So please don't try for a baby yet," she said seriously. She walked over to her desk drawer and pulled out a bottle that she had been gifted by the captain. "I knew you gave this to me just to come drink it," she grinned replicating a glass.

She walked back and the glass in front of her and poured a measure. "But considering the conversation content as a therapist I would say it qualifies as medicinal."

Melody chuckled "Ahh, You discovered my plan." She said as she knocked back the contents of the glass in a single draft. "I just realised, It was Draxx's moonshine that got me into this situation in the first place." She took a deep breath. "I think this has been a productive session."

"This isn't a session Mel. It's your annual evaluation so we are not done yet. And I can tell there's something else," Caroline pushed. "What else is worrying you?"

Melody's smile faded slightly. "When he told me he wanted a baby, I told him I was scared he'd leave if I couldn't give him one." She placed her face into her hands. "It was stupid.. But I had to tell him how I felt."

Caroline nodded. "Its a perfectly normal fear and he's your husband. He's supposed to be the closest person in the universe to you. Being able to tell him that shows the level of strength and trust you have in your marriage. It wasn't stupid. It was a positive thing. I assume from the fact you're not in floods of tears and saying he's leaving you he allayed your fears."

Melody looked up at Caroline and smiled at the memory of the previous night. "Oh yes, we talked, and then he did a very... thorough job of putting my fears to rest."

Caroline grinned despite herself. "I cannot imagine what you mean Mel."

"Oh really?" Melody replied dreamily. "He's still got it. Talking is good, but sometimes..... You just want your toes to curl up."

"I thought that was why you married him," the blond teased. Thinking on that though, she ought to pay Michael another visit. See where that was all going. Risa had indeed been fun.

"So family life is ... interesting. What about professional. Do you feel everything's going okay with your promotion? No worries there? I think your settling into the Captain role fine from an officer who works for you, but what about from your point of view, how are you feeling?"

Melody laughed at Carolin's remark. "I didn't only marry him for that you know. He has other talents and qualities... Plus he knocked me up." She added deadpan. Before laughing out loud again.

"And you just said he wants to again," Caroline quipped back. "I can see you both with a bigger family."

Melody wiped some tears from her eyes before continuing. "I feel great. We seem to be getting involved in some major developments currently. Dealing with that Planet Killer and now the possibility of first contact. We've faced some obstacles but the crew pulled together and is harmonizing nicely. Also, the ship hasn't fallen apart.... yet Seem's like my first command is not going too badly. So far. What are your impressions of the crew?"

"I don't do impressions, I'm a counselor," Caroline joked.

Melody looked at her for a moment. "Funny." She replied with a small smile. "How's the crew handling all of this?"

"Well, I have concerns on Sav and this "personality" that manifested. We don't know if that will happen again. Other than that I think they all seem okay and seem to be gelling."

"Good, I'm glad to hear it. Has anyone else reported in for their evaluation or am i the first?"

"Pretty much just you. I am going to have to start chasing," Caroline said seriously.

“Well if we’re done here I’ll let you get back to chasing them down, you’ve given me a lot to think about. Melody said as she stood and head for the door. She paused as it open and turned back to Caroline “Meet for a drink later?”

"Sounds good," Caroline replied.

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