Updating the status quo

Posted on Saturday 12 December 2020 @ 20:59 by Captain Melody Jones & Major David Scarlet

Mission: Homeward
Location: Temperary Office, Starfleet Command
Timeline: MD2 1300
1086 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

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Scarlet waited quietly outside the Captain's temporary office at Starfleet Command. He hand gripped the padd with the new training regime that he'd discussed with Rathburn. While something like this was usually below a Captain's interest, considering his past interactions with Rathburn this might be an exception.

He pressed the chime and continued to stand promptly ready for the door to open. It occurred to him for a moment about their past relationship and how much had changed but he quickly disregarded that train of thought like an old newspaper. There was no sense in dwelling on the past when there was work to be done.

Melody looked up from her desk. "Come in." She called out in a cheery tone. The door opened

"Ah Scarlet" come in, what can I do for you?" Melody said, gesturing to the chair opposite. "Would you like a drink?"

"Captain," Scarlet greeted his superior officer and took the offered seat. Even while sitting he seemed ready and stiff, never fully relaxing. "I am good, thank you."

"I have the outline of a training plan that I've worked with Lieutenant Rathburn to develop." He handed the padd across the desk and paused for a moment as she began reviewing it. "This should avoid the miscommunication that occurred during the last drill as well as makes them more useful as teaching instruments."

"That's good to hear." Melody said as she read the PADD. Halfway down she looked back up. "At ease, Petty Officer."
She continued to read. "This all looks good to me. Starfleet Command is having me give a blow by blow account of our last mission and I've just been informed that Major Johnson has been transferred off the Merlin so as you can see," She indicated the piles of PADDS on the desk. "I'm up no my neck in red tape. Got a lot to finish by this evening if I'm ever hoping of relaxing while on Earth.

"The mission was a success." Scarlet stated. "Besides the recovery of a lost ship and crew, it was also a successful contact with a previously hostile species."

"It will show favourably on yourself and the crew as a whole for how things were handled." Even though she'd given him permission, he still had a bit of difficulty relaxing fully. Remembering his conversations with Doctor Miller he did try.

"The Major will be missed. He is a good soldier. Do you know who will be taking over his command on Merlin?" Scarlet asked, more trying to make conversation and be more 'approachable'. It was cheating in a way as he'd felt close to Jones regardless.

"Not as yet. I hadn't planned on reviewing the situation until I get back on board the Merlin. Why, are you interested in the job?" She asked, half-jokingly.

It was as if a switch had been flipped inside his head. He'd never seriously considered switching from Starfleet. Thoughts quickly ran through his head. His specialization in weapons and tactics would be an asset. He had always considered himself more of a soldier than anything else.

"I- " He looked at Melody as the shock slowly drained from his features and returned to his usual stoic demeanour. "It would be an honour to be considered for the appointment."

Melody stopped and raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? Well, you have the necessary qualifications for the position. Have you been considering a career change?"

"I am now." Scarlet replied slowly. "I guess it was something that never occurred to me before now."

He leaned forward in his chair. "Either way, I would continue to do my duty and serve in whatever capacity you need." He was tempering his expectations. This was sudden and his mind was still processing everything.

Melody pulled up some information on her display. ”I’m not questioning your ability to do your duty and your service record to say has been very impressive. I think you'd make a very good company commander. With due consideration, I think the rank of 1st Lieutenant would be appropriate.”

Scarlet sighed and looked over at the replicator. "Maybe I could use a drink after all."

Melody got up and went over to the replicate. ”What can I get you?”

"If I weren't on duty, I'd ask for a whiskey." Scarlet said as he looked down. "I wonder if chevrons itch as much as pips."

Melody thought for an instance then spoke to the replicator "One glass of carrot juice and an empty lowball glass."

"Commander Miller is trying to help me with my issues when it comes to dealing with officers. I'm working on it, and it won't get in the way." Scarlet said firmly.

She placed the carrot juice on her side of the desk and the empty glass in front of Scarlet. She then produced a bottle of green liquid from her travel bag. "I think on this special occasion we will allow one indulgence. Vintage Aldebaran whisky, not replicated. I'm afraid in my present condition I cannot partake but here." She poured a measure into his glass and re-corked the bottle.

She raised her own glass "Congratulations Lieutenant Scarlet."

Scarlet looked down at the glass for a moment before raising it. "Congratulations to you as well." He took a swig of the whiskey and savoured how it burned on the way down. Celebrating with carrot juice, her obviously cheerful demeanour, and referring to it as her present condition where all the clues he needed.

"How far along?" He asked, settling back in his chair a little.

"About 7 weeks. I only just found out this lunchtime and only just had the chance to tell Draxx. Doctor Ch'rehron is wanting to see me this afternoon so I'll take the opportunity to tell her then. I would apricate you keeping this information to yourself for now. I'll have to tell the Doctor and Caroline, and keeping a secret on our ship seems to be impossible but still, it's early days and..."

"I'm sure everything will turn out fine Melody." He said firmly. It was a rare instance of using her first name and not her rank or position. Right now she wasn't being a captain. She was being a friend. "I won't tell anyone. That news is yours to share."

Melody smiled. " Thank you Lieutenant."

"I have to get back to Merlin." Scarlet said as he stood up. "I have duties to attend to before the transfer."

"Very good, I look forward to reading your first Company report. Dismissed."


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