Returning Home

Posted on Mon May 5th, 2025 @ 8:34am by Captain Tristan Faust & Commander Lucy Heartfilia & Lieutenant Commander Darrod Hanous & Lieutenant Commander Marc Kitchner M.D. & Lieutenant Azrel Vox & Lieutenant Shinobu Miyake & Ensign Jason Reece & Chief Petty Officer Meredith Corden

1,177 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Mission 6: Echoes of the Interphase
Location: Deck 1: Bridge
Timeline: M6 MD01 (2268.10.01) 1600

After successfully fending off Captain D’Tal and her crew of Orion Pirates and recovering the Xenoderm for New Paradise, the Midway was recalled to Earth for new orders.

The majestic storm grey starship quickly approached Starbase One. The large oblong space station greeted them with open arms.

Captain Faust sat in his chair observing their approach, peering over clasped hands. It has been almost five months since they had last seen the vast blue oceans of home. The comm chirped and Tristan looked over his shoulder.

"Sir, message from Starbase One, on speakers."

-Midway, this is Starbase One. Sending you approach vectors to your navigation station. Activate automation when ready, sit back and enjoy the ride. Welcome home. -

Aze looked at the viewscreen. "I haven't been to Earth since my academy days. It's going to be nice to visit again. I hope we get the time. "

"According to Starfleet Operations, we will," Tristan responded before he straightened up in the black vinyl chair. "Mr. Reece once the transmission is complete set systems to automatic," he said.

Jason looked over his shoulder and nodded to the Captain, as he replied. "Aye, Sir!" He then turned back to his control board and set the controls to automatic piloting.

"Spacedock Control, this is Midway. Helm is locked, you have control." The bridge lights shifted to a soft blue, indicating that they were now running under docking procedures.

The Captain tapped the intercom button on the matte grey armrest, "Attention all hands, this is the Captain speaking... As you are no doubt observing from the viewports, we are quickly approaching Earth... We will dock with Starbase One in approximately five minutes... We will be under condition blue for 7-8 days. Shore leave is extended to the entire crew with check-in rotations to be coordinated by division chiefs.... Take advantage of your time on Earth; it may be a while before we're back. Keep up the good work, Captain out." He tapped the intercom button again.

Just that moment, the lift doors opened and Kitchener stepped out. "It feels good to be home, eh Cap?" Marc said, grinning mightily.

The Captain nodded, returning the grin.

You know, the last time I spoke to your mother, she told me that Sunday dinner is still at 5:30. Does she still set extra places in case somebody is in town?" Marc asked, already knowing the answer.

"Of course... Although I better go to church in the morning," Tristan responded, "That'll be the first thing she asks. Frankly, it'll be worth it to give the galley a rest..."

Marc clicked his tongue against his teeth. "I don't know what your beef is. Joe is a pretty fair cook for what he has to work with." He crossed his arms.

"Yes, he is," Meredith chimed in, "but they have a lot more to work with here on Earth."

"They may well do." Aze chimed in."But I doubt you will find somewhere that can do a decent vramiss vianun dessert. Not likely. Its a popular dessert on my home world. Kind of like a trifle, but obviously with slightly different ingredients and served in glass upturned pyramid. "

Aze sat back in her chair in the blue glow of the bridge lights, listening in on the background chatter between the Starbase and other ships.

Lucy turned in her chair. "If we're talking desserts, nothing bears a home made Jam Roly Poly with custard. Even if it is packed with so many calories!"

Jason turned around in his seat and added to the conversation. "I've got ya all beat! My mom makes a killer banana pudding, from scratch, using real ingredients, not the replimat stuff that we live on here." He smiled broadly as he spoke about his mother.

Darrod remained uncharacteristically quiet during the talk of desserts, and especially about families. His own situation was unusual - but then again, he did have an apartment in San Francisco right near Starfleet Command. Technically speaking, this system was his home. But like so many other Orions, regardless of their connection to the Cartels, he never quite felt at ease when he was on a planet. His existence was bound to ships. And now, it was bound to this ship.

The green man leaned back in his chair, glancing up at the others. "I'm usually just fine with whatever the replimat at the Command lounge turns out. It's easier than trying to figure out ingredients, or making sure nothing spoils." He smiled. "But yes, most of you, shoo. There's systems all over this ship that have needed minor repairs we couldn't do in space."

"Take some shore leave too Commander," the Captain chimed in, "That's an order. It's fairly obvious the entire crew could use some distraction."

Meredith didn't say anything to that in front of everyone but she reached for Darrod's hand as she headed for the lift. "Drop by when you get a moment?"

Dar smiled at Meredith and nodded, still in good spirits. "Of course, I'll be over in a little bit." He looked at the Captain and nodded with a slightly more serious expression. "Aye, sir. I just need to make sure the Starbase liaison is briefed on all of the updates that preceded me, and all the repairs and workarounds we've needed thanks to our trips through the Interphase - plus the updates to the environmental sensors we made to detect chemical weapons."

Aze took out her earpiece. "Captain, I forgot to mention that in two months, a representative of the Trill Symbiosis Commission will want to see me for a routine check up which is standard within the first 4 years of joining. This is actually my last check with them and after that, its only if I or Doctor requests it."

The Captain nodded, "Be sure to make the request official and get it on the calendar," he said, "We'll see that you get there."

"Thank you captain. Much appreciated. I will put it in the calendar and send you an official request." Aze replied.

"Cap, let me know if you feel like dropping in on your folks. I have some reports to finish." Marc said gripping his godsons shoulder. "Lucy, I still say his Boston Creme Pie is better." He said with a cheeky grin. As he stepped to the upper level. "Azel, ask your people to send me a copy of their reports. I'd appreciate it." He whispered in the Trill's ear. Azel just nodded in response.

Meredith smiled softly at Darrod. Then she looked to Tristan and Lucy. "Did you need anything else, captain? Commander?"

"I think that about covers it." Lucy replied with a smile. She turned to look at Tristan. "Captain, should I call docking stations?" She asked as Starbase One grew larger on the viewscreen.

Aze sat back in her seat. Her gaze fixed on the viewscreen as the Starbase grew closer with the brilliant blue of Earth behind it.

The Captain nodded at his executive officer, "Everyone better pack their bags," he added with a smirk.

 

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