Welcome Back

Posted on Sunday 15 March 2026 @ 09:11 by Lieutenant Commander Seklar & Captain Melody Jones

Mission: Intermission
Location: Main Engineering
Timeline: MD1 - TIME TBD
1102 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

The doors to main engineering opened, and Melody walked in and noted the room was quiet..... Too quiet. As they were docked, the normal thrum thrum thrum of the warp core was missing, and Melody just stood for a moment in the cathedral-like space. Small noises seemed louder, even more than usual but still, the ship didn't quite feel alive.

She quickly located whom she had come to see and walked straight over to the master situation display monitor, her footsteps echoing on the floor.

"Commander Seklar", Melody held out her hand and greeted him warmly. "Welcome back. I trust you find all systems operating as you left them?"

Ignoring the hand, Seklar straightened and offered a minute bow in return. "Indeed they are captain, though some systems seem to have been neglected in my absence and require minor maintenance and recalibration. I trust i did not miss too much during my absence?"

Melody thought for a moment, “Well, we did get trapped in the Nexus for a time…. That was a harrowing experience, surrounded by pure joy, and then we travelled back in time and had to reboot the entire universe but apart from that, it’s been relatively quiet.” She held a straight face for as long as she could before laughing gently. “Apologies Commander, that was a joke.”

"I see," the Vulcan answered thoughtfully, "sounds like I did not miss much indeed. I spent most of my time with my children and with a counselor. It was much...needed."

She then added, “I’m afraid we didn’t get much further with testing the experimental shuttle craft, we were waiting on your expertise. I understand you requested this leave to spend time with your family. How are they?”

"They are well. As I just said we spent time together, just us for quite some time. And I spent time in therapy though I would prefer to keep that private." He offered the faintest of smiles. "And yours?"

"The boys are doing really well, mind you, they are a handful. Rick is just like his father, a cheeky little monkey and a troublemaker. Alex is more like me, but they're still only one. Sansa is doing well too.... She added with a wry smile. It's good to have you back, Commander. Engineering hasn't been the same without you."

She paused as her tone became more serious. "Have you heard any more news on the crew missing from the Andromeda? Amlia Fox is among them. Starfleet is refusing my request to join the search, but our orders still haven't materialised. I've got a bad feeling in my bones. Amelia would have contacted me by now if she was ok. Have the repairs to the quantum slipstream drive been completed? We might need it soon."

Seklar shook his head. "No ma'am, I have not heard anything from the Andromeda or about it. Not beyond that she was lost and only some crew were recovered. Unfortunately, I do not know more."

"According to the official reports, the majority of the crew have been rescued. Casulitites were light. The Ceta took Captain Reoynolds prisoner, but he has been rescued. There are 6 members of the crew who are unaccounted for. No escape pods have been recovered, and no other distress signals have been picked up, but there is an escape pod missing. Did you know anyone onboard? I can tell you if they have been recovered."

Again the Vulcan shook his head. "Only by name and perhaps a brief meeting perhaps, but other than that I cannot claim to have known anyone on that vessel." He glanced sideways at a nearby display, giving the images a quick glance-over. "Repairs are just completed, but we have not been able to run simulations just yet. We will do so at the earliest convenience."

Melodu nodded. "Good." Her face darkened slightly. "Starfleet has... refused my initial request to join the search for the missing Andromeda crew, but I'm not giving up hope just yet. If it becomes possible, they will allow us to assist, and if that happens, I want every bit of speed we have available.

As if trying to push the negative thoughts from her mind, she changed the subject. "Engign Cooper was doing some analysis on your test flight, and she thinks she is able to resolve the teething issues you faced."

"She is a very promising engineer," Seklar answered, not even trying to hide his pride in the young woman. "When she has more experience, I have no doubt she will make an excellent chief," he added, "if that' is her desire. Despite our issues, she is extremely dedicated and resourceful."

Melody arched an eyebrow in a very Vulcan like way. "Coming from you, that is high praise indeed. You don't have to worry, she's not gunning for your job just yet Commander. She seems perfectly content where she is at the moment. There's also a good chance we'll be returning to Megaptera in the very near future. The Humpback whale colony was such a success that Starfleet and the Megapteraians want to expand the venture."

"I am not concerned regarding her ambition to take my position. She is years away from being chief. As far as the colony is concerned, as long as I am not expected to get in the water, I am..happy...to aid with what is necessary."

Melody laughed. "No Commander, you won't be required to get wet. There are several land masses that have been created for our scientists. You may be required to enter the Etheria again, though. I'm told they have improved the process."

"I am not looking forward to that," the Vulcan admitted. "But I will do what is required."

"I must admit I'm not exactly looking forward to it myself. Last time it felt like being wrapped in a cocoon. But it's for a good cause, Commander. Strengthening relationships between the Federation and the Megapteraians is worth some discomfort on our part."

Melody took a breath as she looked around the room. "I'll need the ship ready to depart at moments notice. There'll be a staff meeting once i know what our order will be. I'll let you get back to your work, Commander. I know I've said it before..." she added with a smile, "But it's good to have you back."

Seklar merely offered the faintest of smiles but refrained from answering verbally as he watched the captain depart.


OFF:

●●●● Captain Melody Jones
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin


Commander Seklar
Chief Engineer