Go Between

Posted on Sat Jun 20th, 2026 @ 12:22pm by Commander Thomas Carey & Captain Andre Hunt

1,095 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: New Years on Denobula
Location: CO's Ready Room

After the Gunnery Sergeant exited his office, Andre had just one last thing meeting before going to his room to pack. And that was with his First Officer. With a couple of changes about to take place on the Meridian, he wanted to meet with him and ensure they were on the same page. Commander Carey was the type to always be on time, so he expected him to pop up at any moment. The man was also extremely serious. Hopefully, he would actually take the time to enjoy shoreleave.

Thomas walked into the office, being summoned meant that he was being expected, so he didnt bother with the chime. "You requested to see me captain."

"Yes, Thomas have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?" Hunt offered.

"Im fine thanks, just about to do my weekly inventory of our weapons armoury." Thomas replied as he sat back. "When do you head down for shore leave."

"Eight hours, counting down. And I am extremely eager to get down to the surface. How about yourself?"

"I am remaining on ship. Its best I stay here."

Andre nodded. "Thomas actually, take the time to enjoy yourself and get off the ship. But if you choose to stay avoid doing work, that's an order. Before we leave, I just wanted to make you aware of some changes. I have assigned Gunnery Sergeant Antonio Lopez to run the MACOs until we get a replacement for Major McEntyre."

"I will make a point into meeting with him about his new duties."

"To be honest, I'm not sure if the Major will get replaced," the Commanding Officer sighed. "With talks of phasing out the MACOs, the First Sergeant may end up running things, until permanently dissolved. But there needs to be an officer running things, which means he will report to you. Let Lopez do the work but come to you as needed."

"Understood, I will take a closer look at his file."

Before moving on to the next topic of discussion, Hunt took a sip of his lemonade. The next thing was new to him and to be honest there was no way of easing into the conversation. It was best to just rip off the proverbial. "Two months ago, Ensign Douglasdale and I put in a request to Starfleet Command to begin a relationship. Yesterday morning, Starfleet approved the request."

"Congratulations sir."

"Starfleet is curious on whether relationships on its postings can actually work," the Captain mentioned. "Recent studies are concerning regarding the fact that crew are spending more time on ships and not being permitted the chance to have relationships. You have a several of former children who grew up on cargo ships serving in Starfleet now. And they claim to be proof that relationships and even families on ships works."

"With starfleet growing, I don't see an issue, so I will ask the question. Why do you need my approval, its your private life. You can do as you see fit.""

Leaning forward in his seat, Andre decided to get straight to the point. "To avoid any personal bias or favoritism. You will handle all things regarding Emily's evaluations, promotions and disciplinary concerns."

"Now I see. That I can do. I don't see why it is such a big deal, obviously when it comes to those instances, otherwise, we shouldn't have a say on who can do what to who."

"Everything about us being out here is considered a big deal," Hunt acknowledged. "The military always had rules of fraternization. Starfleet isn't the military but had paramilitary values. Basically, Starfleet is throwing us out here and seeing what sticks. Two years is a long time to be away from home. We're coming up on a year. How do you feel you've adjusted?"

"Honestly, it feels like the norm... nothing too much, I think im good."

"After we get done with this shore leave, then we're going head to Vega IX to drop off medical supplies from the Denobulans. Should be a simple and then off to do some exploring. Perhaps point the Meridian in the direction of Delta. Never met the Deltan, but I hear interesting things about them."

"I doubt things will be simple, nothing ever is."

A huge smile appeared on Andre's face. "I'm not really feeling the positivity. Perhaps you should really consider spending time off the ship. It would really do you some good."

"May not be the most positive... im a realist, considering whats been happening the last few years."

Andre wondered what his first officer meant about what's been happening the last few years. The Federation had actually doubled in membership since it was founded seven years prior. "So, what issues are speaking of that has taken place?"

"Our size doubled. I doubt the romulans are the only ones getting nervous. We got lucky with the orions, but i doubt we will be best friends. The klingons... well they are the klingons. For every ten friends we make, there is an equal amount of chances we make the same in enemies."

"Are you suggesting that our growth invites conflict?" The Commander made an excellent point. Each new member brought on potential enemies that they were in conflict with. Which was one reason the Federation had strick guidelines when it came to accepting new members. "Also, might I remind you the Romulan threat is one reason why the Federation currently exist."

"Its also why so many others are hesitant. They risk the same war if they side with us. Don't get me wrong, what we are out here trying to do... in a short amount of time Captain, its a great thing. But I fear more blood will be shed before we see a galaxy at peace between all of the races,"

History often reflects a lot of conflict when it came to expanding Empires. But was this Federation truly an Empire? Every world at its own representative. So, it wasn't as if Earth was absorbing territory and taking control. Hunt had heard these concerns personally from other groups he encountered over the years. Especially the Orion Syndicate. "Thomas, if I am to be honest. There likely will be a lot more bloodshed as we push further and expand. I just hope that we never see anything again like the war with the Romulans."

"If we continue, I fear we will. Just hope in the long run, its us coming out on top."


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Captain Andre Hunt
Commanding Officer
USS Meridian

Commander Thomas Carey
First Officer/chief armoury officer
USS Meridian

 

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