Slipping away

Posted on Tuesday 4 May 2021 @ 21:34 by Commander Caroline Miller

Mission: A Cry from the Darkness
Location: Captains ready room
Timeline: Before rescue
839 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Mathias left, moving quickly feeling a sense of urgency even more so. There was no communication with the Ship and why wasn't there? He was going to find out. There wasn't anything he could do on the ground, so he needed to get back to the Merlin. There was another runabout, besides the one that Ransa had, he felt a distinct chill running through his body. He may end up losing his arm but he can't help that. The needs of the ship outweighed the needs of the one. Besides Caroline may need him, the ship certainly did. And they needed the news of the rescue.

Christening the ship in his mind The Rogue, representing what he was already doing. Mathias lifted off and winged his way towards the Merlin. Will he get there in time? The stars blurred around him, then he saw the ship the Merlin was intact! He felt a great amount of relief.

"Blast it Merlin, Open Sesame!" he bellowed, when he was allowed access to the landing bay he stepped out.

The blond was literally pacing the ready room. Fear for the captain and her friend, confusion why Mathias had decided to take it upon himself to leave the planet And turn up in a runabout and utterly stunned at the second ship that had appeared and she had just been given news.

“Have Lieutenant McPhee beamed to the ready room as soon as that runabout is back on the ship, ” she told the bridge.

“Yes ma'am, ”

A minute or so later the fair faced redhead materialised in front of her. “What's going on?” she said simply. No anger. It was fitting. Like fate was allowing for one more meeting before she had to take another path.

Caroline would see the injured arm, but Mathias didn't seem to care. "The Captain is being rescued at this time and I came back to see about helping out on this end. No word as to where Miles went, and you can throw me into the brig for not getting permission. But there wasn't any communication and I ... felt something was wrong." he was worried and moved towards her. "Caroline... I feel a chill in the wind."

“You cruelly are tuned into something bigger, ” she smiled. She walked towards him and wrapped her arms round him not caring that it was highly inappropriate.

“My grandmothers sick,” she said simply. “The other ship out there, my family asked to come bring me home. There's a chill in the wind definitely. She's Not got much time left and she wants me there at the end. I'm sorry Mathias I have to leave.”

Mathias wrapped his good arm around her, feeling tears well up in his eyes, "Caroline, then you must do so. I can feel my heart break but... I do know that yours is breaking even more." and gave her a heartfelt kiss. "I will always love you, I wish I could be with you but.. its a family matter. I have the picture I drew for you.. I will send it to you, its the one of you and your grandmother in front of your home.." his voice faded away as he looked into her eyes.

She nodded. “She will love seeing it and I will treasure it, ” she told him.

“I love you too but it's just not our time. I’ve put in for a career break. Maybe I'll come back one day, maybe I'll stay in Sweden. Come visit again if you get a chance, ” she told him. “But more importantly, the ship needs a second officer and I can think of no one better I can trust in that role than you.”

“Computer log transfer of second officer role from Commander Miller to Lieutenant McPhee. Then log my status as on career break.”

Mathias was in shock, "Caroline... I will duly accept your call to duty my lady, just wait for just a moment." He knew exactly where he put his sketch book, and asked for the transporter to bring it to him." Here... you need this to go with you. And one other one." opening the book he handed her a picture of she and he at the castle as well as the one of her and her grandmother. "To you my love. "

“Tell Melody I’ll be in touch. There's not much time. I feel bad slipping away but I can see no other workable solution, ” she said sadly.

Mathias nodded, "I will let her know." as he handed Caroline the pictures he had drawn to her. "Be safe... dearest one. Give your grandmother a kiss from me. One more kiss to ease the heart, one more kiss to take away the pain. I will come see you. Be well my love." two more kisses.

“I will. And you keep the Merlin safe, ” she smiled.

OFF

Commander Caroline Miller
Chief Counselor

●● Lieutenant Mathias McPhee
Chief Operations Officer
USS Merlin