Family

Posted on Friday 21 April 2023 @ 23:09 by Captain Melody Jones

Mission: Where no one has gone before
Location: USS Merlin
Timeline: MD1 1100
1210 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Mathias had gotten done talking with his two sisters feeling most complexed. Avelina, the baby of the family was married to the Chief of Security Gregor, so she was now on the ship. And then there was Evelyn who was currently housed in one of the spare quarters meant for visitors. Both of his sisters were wanting to do something on the ship and were requesting to see if there was someplace they could be a part of, to help out. Mathias decided he would get in contact with Melody.

=^=Captain, may I have a moment of your time? I don't know if you are wanting to meet in the ready room or, someplace else. It's about my sisters who are on board right now.=^=

=^= I was just on my way to The Round Table to get a bite to eat, please join me Number one.=^=

=^=I will be there soon.=^= Mathias responded.

A short time later, Mathias showed up, stepping into the Round Table and looking around to see if he could spot the Captain. When he did see her, Mathias headed in that direction. "Hello Captain, hope you are doing well." the XO greeting Melody.

Melody had picked her favourite table at The Round Table which gave an impressive forward view. "Hello Number one, please have a seat. What can I do for you today?"

Mathias nodded, as he pulled out a chair and took a seat. He paused for a moment to admire the view from this table, "This is a lovely view." then turned his gaze to Melody. Collecting his thoughts, Mathias remarked, "I have two more family members upon this ship, one of which is married to our Chief of Security, Avelina and the other sister, Evelyn. They have been asking me if there was something they could do on the ship as in a service they could offer. I told them that I would have to speak to you."

"As first officer, personnel is your department Number One, but I appreciate you coming to me. Could you tell me a little about them?" Melody asked.

"Well, they are really good at cooking and making items, and have their own shop on SB308, Whimsy Tea Shop and Gifts. They actually have their shop filled with handcrafted items that they have made as well as items made by others who are so inclined. They also know how to garden, they've been helping at the aquaponics and Hydroponics area of the station." Mathias answered. "Both of them are redheads."

Melody listened thoughtfully before asking "And what would they like to contribute onboard Merlin?"

"They threw at me quite a few ideas. One was to open a small shop on the Merlin for speciality items. The other was working in the lounge to serve drinks. The other was to work in the kitchen, another was to work with the Aquaponics area of the ship. They are good with plants."

"Sounds intriguing number one, Well I'm sure we can find some quarters for them," Melody said as the waiter came over.

"Good afternoon Captain, Commander. Can I get you something to eat?"

"A Rubens sandwich and a raktajino for me please," Melody replied.

"Oh yes, I will have the same thing as the Captain, it sounds really good," Mathias replied. He turned his attention back to Melody. "Well, Avelina has quarters with Lieutenant Morgan, our chief of security due to them being married. Sneaky sister decided to elope." a fond smile appeared. "All that needs to be done is get my sister, Evelyn, quarters beside her being in the guest quarters."

"That shouldn't be a problem Number One, there's plenty of spare quarters," Melody replied as the waiter came back over with their food.

Melody took a bite of her sandwich. "I've also received some additional orders from Starfleet. Not a priority. When we're completely happy with the slipstream drive, we've been ordered to make second contact with a colony of humans in the delta quadrant that includes a number of people who were abducted from Earth in the year 1937."

Mathias raised his eyebrow at that."Fascinating. I wonder what they are going to be like. Will they be like the Iotians on Sigma Iotia II? Who knows what we may find when we make contact with them? 1937, wonder if they did something like the gangster sort of set-up as well." Mathias mused before he took a bite of his sandwich. "And as for my sister Evelyn, that will be something easily set up."

Melody nodded in agreement before she continued. “Starfleet sent a report by Admiral Janeway after she made first contact. It’s in the main Computer. Apparently, these humans are the descendants of those who were abducted in 1937 and have a thriving colony of three advanced cities. The crew of Voyager also removed a handful of humans from Cryogenic stasis including, if you can believe it, Amelia Earhart. I must admit, it would be fascinating to speak with her. We would have to maintain slipstream velocity for roughly 5 months to reach the colony, so I want to ensure the technology is sound before we make the attempt.”

Mathias thought back over his readings and the thought of being able to talk to Amelia Earhart. "Oh, that would be grand in doing so. I would have so many questions to ask, presumably she'd want to talk about that." the XO's face lit up at that very thought. "Though I'm sure she would probably want to talk to you more due to your flying ability." another bite of his sandwich, then took a drink to wash it down. He wiped his mouth off with a cloth napkin. "I agree, that slipstream drive does need to be tested more. Are you thinking of doing that with the shuttle Seklar has been working on?"

Melody sighed. "I'm sure Seklar won't let me get my hands on it until the shuttle has been sufficiently tested and all the bugs ironed out so you can relax Number One," she added with a wry smile.

"Actually, I wonder if you will be flying it once the preliminary tests are done. I can see you doing so as it's just too hard to resist. As I've said before, you are still a pilot through and through. I'm still hearing some stories of your flying, of which there have been those who wish to maybe outdo you." Mathias teased Melody just a small amount.

Meldy smiled innocently. "I may have to take it out for a test flight Number One, just to maintain the status quo. I'm sure Commadner Seklar will have all the bugs ironed out beforehand."

"Well, I 'should' discourage you, Captain but.. just be careful when you do take a flight. And really do you think the Commander will get all of the bugs out? I do hope so, but there are always going to be some errors be they human or otherwise." raising an eyebrow.

Melody chuckled. "I'll be careful Number One."

END

○●● Lieutenant Commander Mathias McPhee
Executive Officer
USS Merlin


●●●● Captain Melody Jones
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin