Changes for Progress

Posted on Sat Mar 4th, 2023 @ 6:54pm by Commodore Keiben Haistro & Lieutenant Commander Melanie D’BrooNi- Haistro

1,391 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 5 - Objects In Motion
Location: Dry Dock Assembly
Timeline: Mission Day 9 @ 1300 Hours

ON

Keiben was pacing and relishing the fact he could pace again after Q had finally returned the baby to its true home and he had to admit that the experience had given him a new insight into his wifes day to day life but the pacing was for another reason. The old USS Yosemite that had been salvaged and then spent months in repair and fit operations was now ready for a tour. Granted her systems were still only partially operational but it was now the time to tour the ship, see what Hiro had managed to do with the old Oberth Class. From the exterior Hiro had done an amazing job. The ship had retained a traditional and instantly recognisable Oberth design but with a much more modern look.

He had called his First Officer and Mel over to the docking assembly floating free of the station but still close enough to be able to transport over. He was nervous because he had a few things to discuss with the two women that comprised his most inner circle.

Tamaska arrived, taking a look at what was out there, also her very being was bursting with curiosity for the reason of this meeting. "Hello Keiben, we've been having quite a bit of fun right?" giving a light laugh.

"It certainly been an interesting few days" his thoughts travelling to Carter and her team. "I wonder how they are getting on?"

"I don't think I've ever been to this part of the station," Mel said panting slightly as she joined them. She had forgotten from her previous reprieve how tiring being pregnant was.

"Mel!" Keiben greeted his wife with a quick kiss but only because this meeting was more of an informal one with his two most trusted officers and friends.

Tam turned to smile in greeting at Mel's arrival, "Are you going to be okay?" she was concerned about her friend, what with all that has been happening.

"Yeah. I just had 2 weeks getting used to being my prebaby weight again and suddenly he's back bigger. He grew while daddy was incubating him," she grinned slightly at her husband knowing he really hadn't got over that experience yet.

"Moving on rapidly!" Kei pitched in quickly in an attempt to banish the reminder he hadn't wanted.

"I'm going to jump right in... My position here has meant I'm not able to pick up a great many of my responsibilities to the station. This has meant that you have been picking up the slack and running the station and still picking up your own duties!" he started to address Tam.

"With that in mind I think its time I started to delegate some of the duties so how would you feel about taking over as the Station's Commanding Officer?"

If someone were to look into Tam's mind, they would see a cartoon scene of her head, the top of it exploding and her eyes wide like a deer being caught in headlights of a vehicle coming towards it. She was frozen there for a moment or two, her mouth gaping open like a fish out of water.

Then Tam blinked and looked at Keiben "Wait, what? Are you sure you are wanting me to do this?" feeling like she was in a dream.

"I can't think of anyone better suited!" was all he could say in response as a wolfish grin spread across his lips as he tossed a small wooden carved box at his old friend. "Besides, who else is going to put up with me looking over their shoulder?"

Tam caught the box, and then laughed, "I suppose I am used to that." Opening up the box and looking at the new pip. A captain good heavens what has this universe come to." a huge smile revealing itself.

"And as for you... How do you feel about split duties?" he was looking at his wife now, wanting to take her hand but fought down the urge so he could remain professional, the commodore commanding the local fleet. "We have a ship that has just been fully refit and it is a rapid medical response and research vessel. We have noone in the area with enough experience other than yourself or Lieutenant Nir'anyar... You out rank her so the ship is yours... if you want it?"

"Your letting me have my own ship?" Mel said. "I get to fly? Again?" she teased him knowing full well how her flying scared him. "Do I get to name it?" she asked excitably.

"Starfleet have a few suggestions they would like you to consider but yes, you can choose what she is called from their list. She is considered a new class of medical ship. She's just known as an NX Class at the moment until Starfleet decide on a class specification. She is comparable to a Nova Class in speed and capacity. Medical facilities out strip even the USS Merlin but she is not a combat capable ship. Limited armaments!"

Keiben couldn't help but get swept up in Mels excitment.

"I will try not to get into any fire fights then," Mel grinned.

"I should hope so!" the Commodore smiled. This seemed to be something of a running theme for him at present, handing the keys to new Starships to Lieutenant Commanders.

"Well strike me jealous green." Tamaska said giving a teasing wink towards Mel. "Actually I am happy for you." she stated to her friend. " And I have been given the key to the station..." giving a laugh towards Keiben. "Well he has the master key though." giving a slight wave towards Keiben in gentle gesture.

"He always has the master keys," Mel said with a smile. "Maiden spin though surely you both need to be there? Don't the COs break a bottle of something on the ship?"

"I believe that is an ancient Earth Naval tradition. Break a bottle of champaign on the bow of the ship before she launches."

And privately, given his own track record with ships he had a feeling that if he was to launch anything, no matter how innocuous the item might be, would likely do irreparable damage to the newest member of the local fleet.

"Well, I shall leave you to explore your new ship. Once you have the feel for her you can give me the grand tour!"

"About that," Mel said, "Do I have a list of candidates or am I going round stealing folks?"

"For the moment the station can supply a crew. If we find the demand on the ship is more than we anticipated we can reassess the crewing situation!" He started for the transporter room so he could transport away from the drydock frame and back to the station but called over his shoulder as he went. "I'll see you at home later!"

"Congratulations my friend." Tamaska said to Melanie. I am glad you will be able to captain a ship. And I feel it is well deserved. Now I must be off, time for me to acclimate being a Captain, and in charge of a Station."

"Hang on," Mel said. "You need to put the pip on you know."

Tamaska stopped dead in her tracks, she had forgotten that she hadn't put the new pips on. "Oh gosh I am scattered brain right now." She looked at the box then opened it up. "So... Mel, want to help me with these? " giving a shrug and a wry smile. "Guess i am sort of in shock" holding out the box to Melanie.

The Trill took the pip and smiled placing it next to her already 3 shining ones. "Keiben wouldn't have given it you if he didn't believe you have got this. And for the record I do too Captain."

Tamaska took in a deep breath letting it out slowly. "Okay I can do this." giving a small smile. Thank you Mel, you've been a solid friend, you, me and Keiben, we've been through quite a bit together." once the pips were attached, Tamaska fingered them. "We all have come a long way. And we can all do this together. And congratulations once more on getting your own ship." placing a hand upon Mel's shoulder. "Now its time to get going and step into the next phase."

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