Under way

Posted on Saturday 28 February 2026 @ 23:23 by Lieutenant Commander Seklar & Lieutenant John Mitchum

Mission: Intermission
Location: Shuttle
1122 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

IC:

Herding two teenage, similar looking children along, a Vulcan male in Starfleet yellow took long strides towards the waiting shuttle. Each child carries what looked like an animal carrier from which frustrated hisses and meows were emitted. "Hurry," Seklar urges, "we are already late." The trio however, made it aboard safely and the small family sank into nearby seats.

John Mitchum approached the shuttle. He was traveling to his new assignment. the USS Merlin, where he will be the ship's Security and Tactical chief. He handed his baggage to one of the shuttle's officers. He moved towards the seating area and found an empty seat. He nodded at the Vulcan male as he passed.

Looking up, Seklar waved him back. "Traveling to the Merlin as well?" He asked, almost conversationally while keeping half an eye on his twin children. The female half of the pair was trying to calm down the agitated feline in the carriage on her lap, while the male half looked around with interest, ignoring a similar carriage at his feet.

John moved back. "Yes sir. I'm the new security chief." John smiled at the actions of the twins. "What's in the cages?"

"Felines," the young girl answered, "they belong to daddy. They're quite old."

Seklar nodded in confirmation. "Indeed, and still amazingly lively. I am Seklar, I am returning to my post as chief engineer after extended leave. This is my daughter Ishara, and my son Salai. The felines are called Tabby and Moor."

John smiled at the children and said, "Hello." Then he turned to Seklar. "I didn't know animals were allowed on the ship, commander."

Expression unchanging though his hazel eyes betrayed a hint of annoyance at the lack of return introduction, the Vulcan glanced briefly at the cages then back at the man. "If they were not, I would not have returned to the ship. They are part of my family and I cannot be without them."

"It's just that some ships don't allow animals on board. I don't remember anything in the Merlin briefing book about animals, so I guess it's permitted." John paused a second. "Sorry, forgot my manners. I'm Lieutenant John Mitchum. I'm the new security and tactical chief. I hope I haven't offended you, sir." Mitchum smiled at the twins when they looked at him. He couldn't read their father, at the moment.

"There is no offense when none is taken," Seklar replied, "I am aware that there are vessels that do not allow pets, but equally there are also vessels that do not allow families. I would never consider such an assignment as a single father. Do you have a family?'

"Just my parents but they are not here, sadly." John looked at the twins and sighed. "There are times, commander, that I wish I did have a family to share my life with."

"Parents rarely accompany their children on their assignments," the Vulcan answered logically, "and what is not may yet be. I never considered a family when I was younger, simply because I had none myself. Then circumstances changed and I found myself both a widower and a father at the same time. I was very young and immature at the time. But I have made do, and I would never consider leaving them anywhere."

He cast the twins a look that might be perceived as proud. "They are my primary concern."

John looked down at his hands that he held on his lap. "I envy you, sir. I feel sorry that you lost your wife, but I envy you that you have your children. Probably something I will never have."

"I do not understand your envy. I also fail to understand why you believe you will never have children. Even if you decide not to find a mate, there are still countless of children desiring a home or even a single parent because they have none." Seklar paused, clearly pained by the subject. "I was an orphan, I had no family or home until I was sixteen and a Starfleet officer took me in. While he was Human rather than Vulcan he did his best to help me. If not for his guidance, I would not be here. You could be a guide too, if you wish it so you see, I cannot understand your envy." This was the most personal thing he had ever revealed to someone he barely met.

Ishara set the cage down as she sensed her father's pain and she reached out to him in very Human fashion. "He's all we have," she told the other man, "we would desire a mother but we have all we need because of dad." She didn't mention the two stepmothers that had abandoned them, looking at her father instead with a look that spoke volumes. The girl clearly adored her father.

John looked at the child comforting her father. "Maybe, commander, maybe."

"I do not understand," the Vulcan stated simply. "Maybe...what?"

"I know that some commanding officer's frown on crew personnel becoming romantically involved, much less have children. I know little about the captain of the Merlin, besides what I have researched." John looked towards the cockpit. "I don't want to be on the bad side of the captain before I come aboard."

"The captain has children on board too," Seklar knew, "and I am aware that fraternising within one's own department is severely frowned upon. My late wife was a nurse, she was murdered not long after the birth of our children. My first ex-wife was a starship captain who chose to become a priestess on Vulcan. In order to do so, she was required to sever all family ties. My last ex-wife....I do not wish to discuss because of the hurt she has caused me and my children." Something dangerous flashed in his eyes even though his expression never changed. "You are young, you still have plenty of time to start a family."

John smiled. "Commander, if it's meant to be, then it'll will happen, but, as the saying goes, I won't hold my breath waiting." He looked at the commander's children and smiled.

Seklar nodded. "I believe our pilot is signalling our arrival to the ship. I need to report to engineering as soon as we dock."

"And I'll need to report to the captain." John looked at the commander, then his children. "I'd like to say that this was a very enjoyable trip, commander."

"Indeed," Seklar answered as he gathered up the caged felines and gestured for the twins to follow. "Perhaps we will meet again."

"I'm sure we will, commander."


OFF

Commander Seklar
Chief engineer

Ishara & Salai
Seklars children
PNPC Seklar

Lieutenant John Mitchum
Chief Of Security