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Post by cptbunnykiller on Nov 19, 2017 0:45:51 GMT
Ensign Wythe, Melody
Demographic Information
Name: Melody Wythe Species: Human Sub-Species: Caucasian-Female Date of Birth: May 25, 2369 Stardate: 46394.52 Age: 28 Height: 5’8” Weight: 145 lbs Hair Color: Brown Hair Style: Long with loose curls Eye Color: Brown Physical Description: Melody usually wears her hair up in a tight and professional bun. She has a three inch scar on the top of her forearm and an inch long scar that is just barely visible running just over her left eyebrow, but no other distinguishing marks. Her attire is fairly professional and somewhat austere both on and off duty.
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Family Demographics & History
Spouse: N/A Father: N/A Profession: N/A Mother: N/A Profession: N/A Siblings: N/A
Melody was an orphan who never knew her parents. She was found abandoned on the doorstep of the Sisters of Compassion Orphanage located in St. Ignatius, Montana. There was no note or explanation and no indication about who left her there. She left the care of the Sisters when she turned 18. After leaving the orphanage she found work at a ranch outside of Pinesdale, Montana. During this time she was also studying on her own and preparing to enter into Starfleet Academy. While working at the ranch she was out in the “back forty” and suffered an accident. She was tossed from a horse and fell down a steep incline into a ravine. Melody was unconscious for some time before she finally awoke and made it back to the ranch house where another ranch hand who knew basic first aid took care of her cuts. Her scars are the result of this accident and novice treatment. She never saw a medical professional so there are no files regarding treatment for them in her Starfleet Medical files.
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Starfleet Training
Upon entering Starfleet Melody chose the Operations track. As such, she focused her studies in operations, personnel management, engineering and linguistics. She also minored in cultural anthropology in order to maximize her usefulness at operations when interacting with other species. She graduated with slightly above average marks and ranking just above the average in her class with no special honors or recognition.
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Starfleet Service Record
Assignment: Relay Station 122 Date reported aboard: March 9, 2394 Stardate: 71186.30 Position: Operations Rank: Cadet Shift: Bravo
Assignment: Odyssey Station Date reported aboard: September 8, 2397 Stardate: 74684.93 Position: Odyssey Station Rank: Ensign Shift: Alpha
Current Status: Active
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Starfleet Medical Record
No significant medical incidents, injuries or procedures.
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Post by cptbunnykiller on Feb 18, 2018 2:51:58 GMT
Stardate 11802.10
Melody turned the last corner of the passage to her quarters at full duty-stride speed. Stepping through the door, she stopped, reminding herself it was over for the day, and looked down to see the coffee cup she had grasped on the bridge still in her hand. She set it down with a frustrated sigh on the nearest surface, then doubled back to take it to the replicator.
She walked over to the sink and mirror, sighed again, and pulled out her hair tie. As she leaned on the counter, her communicator chirped and Torin’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
Oh come on. A solid eight hours without your voice. Is that so much to ask?
“Ensign Wythe, you have an incoming transmission. It’s a Commander Baxter”
“Thanks. I’ll take it in my quarters.”
She stepped over to the desk and turned on her computer screen.
An image of a woman came onto the screen. She was a little older and her black hair had a substantial amount of gray showing, and she had a fairly weary look about her. But at the sight of Melody, a smile broke across her face.
“Good to see you, Melody! I saw you got transferred to Odyssey Station and the Tempest, thought I might check and see how you’re doing?”
“Hi, Libby! It’s definitely good to see you too. I’m… adjusting. This place is crazy. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to this crew.”
With a smirk, Libby replied, “I’ve heard about the Tempest crew. Lost in time, suddenly appearing again with no explanation. Sounds like an interesting crew to be assigned to.”
“Yeah, interesting is one way you could put it. I’ve had more terrifying experiences in the last couple of months than all my time with Starfleet so far. I’m not sure which was worse, the crazy, murderous aliens shifting in time or my crewmates. Anyway, we just made it out of a pretty intense fight the other day, but everyone came back in one piece.”
“I heard a rumor that when they first showed back up the first officer tried to shoot another bridge officer? Are they really that crazy? And how about the Medical Staff there, have they given you much trouble?” Libby asked this last question carefully, letting Melody read between the lines.
Melody hesitated for a second, but decided to answer the first question. “Well, I do think a couple of them are actually unstable. It’s a little alarming, but I guess when in a crisis, we’ll take anyone who can do the job. And, yeah, so far I’ve avoided any problematic encounters. Not sure how I’m going to work that long-term…”
A look of concern settled on Libby’s face at these answers. She had always done her best to look out for her friend, almost like she was her own sister, so hearing that her crew might be unstable or that she could be putting herself at risk didn’t sit well. “You know if there is ever anything I can do to help you with… well you know. You would call me, right? If you needed help?”
“Yes, I know you want to help. Look, I know also that I am kind of out on a limb here, and there’s only so much you can do. I took this risk because I knew I had to, and I don’t expect you to pick up the pieces for me.”
“I know you don’t but… you’re family! I mean, my kids call you Aunt Melody for a reason. I just want to do all I can to help keep you safe.”
Melody shifted in her seat and rested her forehead on her hand for a second. I don’t want to go there. “Ok, well, I do really appreciate it. Really, I am just glad to hear from you, though. Someone’s got to help me balance against the crazies. Anyway, I hate to cut this short, but it’s been a long day, and I have some things to finish up. Promise we’ll talk again soon?”
Libby nodded hesitantly. She knew Melody well enough to read her and it was clear she was uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. However, she also knew sometimes Melody just needed her space, “I promise. Stay safe!” The computer gave a muted beep as the picture cut out and Libby’s face was replaced by the standard console screen.
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Her eyes opened, but she couldn't think where she was at first. A low light shone from her desk in the next room. She closed them again hard.
It was just a dream. It was just a dream....
It didn't matter. She could still hear the voices ringing in her head. No matter how much she tried to ignore it, the words of each one sharpened to painful clarity in turn. She couldn't stop listening to them, to their agony and terror.
It's not my fault. It's not my fault. It was not my fault!
The last one burst out of her in a yell as she tore the covers back and sat upright in bed, panting with anger and fear.
You've been here before. You know how to get back out... I wish she hadn't brought it up today!... It's ok. I can't change that.
She looked at the time. With only an hour and a half before her alarm, she decided to get some reports done before getting ready for duty instead of trying to sleep again. After getting up and immediately making her bed, she got a coffee at the replicator and settled in at the desk.
Well, here's to another long day.
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Post by cptbunnykiller on Mar 17, 2018 4:10:55 GMT
Stardate: 11803.10
Melody made her way to her quarters, mulling over the events of the day. She left her station with a bit of weariness and a lot of worry. She liked ops better when she didn’t have to play air traffic control the whole time, so she was relieved when they took off from the station. But she also dreaded what they might be headed towards. She could tell her thoughts were approaching that ever-present question: Why on earth did I join Starfleet again? The answer was no comfort, so she decided to think about something else.
Oh yeah! I have a package! Her face brightened at the thought as she entered her door, and she was glad she remembered to have it sent to her quarters on board. She wasted no time in opening it, knowing only one person who would send her something. Inside was a simple and sleek device for making real coffee. “A french press!” she said with more delight than she thought she was capable of. Also in the box was a bag, a flat, leatherbound book, a pen, and a handwritten note.
She picked up the bag and smelled it slowly, closing her eyes and reveling in the memory of someone long gone.
Next, she picked up the note. It was in a neat and rounded hand: “I know you like old things, especially the ones with good memories attached. And, of course, if real coffee is thrown in, it’s perfect! And I know you insist on old-fashioned journaling, so I thought you might need a replacement sometime. Just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you. With all our love, LIbby, George, Conner, and Maggie
P.S. Don’t be afraid to make some new friends. That’s an order, and I expect a full report!”
Melody rolled her eyes a bit while still smiling and walked over to her computer. She turned it on and opened a message to Commander Baxter.
“Libby,
Thanks for the package! You know me too well. I am getting close to the end of my journal, and things get so crazy here I feel like some days I could kill for real coffee!
I’m ordered to find friends, huh? Which one of us is taking care of the other anymore!?
But you do know me well there, too. So, here’s my report on Mission Friendship. I admit that I’m even more hesitant than normal. It’s hard to know why people are really out here in space under normal circumstances, not to mention during war. But these people are from the past, before the war ever started.
Of course, I spend the most time with the bridge crew/ops crew (I know, I know, I should do fun things after work with other people). The captain seems kind enough, but pretty seriously focused on his job. I don’t always know what to make of the Commander. The first impression is that he’s not serious at all, which kind of grated on me at first. But it’s not the obnoxious kind. When you get them all together, it can actually be pretty entertaining. Plus, I kind of wonder if it’s a front for him. I think I mentioned that there was a situation where he risked his life for the rest of us. That was impressive and surprising. If only he didn’t apply the same congenial attitude to every mysterious species we encounter. I’ve got to admit, that scares me a lot.
I know you and I have had a lot of conversations about that. About how Starfleet used to be. If you had told me back then that I’d join them, I would have laughed in your face! In all seriousness, though, we’ve encountered something that stirs some feelings in me I’m not exactly proud of. I know you keep telling me how generous and compassionate you see me, and that I’m just stubbornly refusing to admit that I’d agree with those core values. But that was all in theory or about the distant past. This is real terror and hatred. It brings that past right back into me, in the pit of my stomach and in my blood running cold. I’m told that hatred is wrong. Well, maybe I’m a terrible person, because it seems to me that it would have prevented that one awful mistake. I can’t bear the thought that we might be walking into something similar.
I don’t know. Maybe that’s just my fears talking, and this will turn out differently.
Anyway, as for the others I see most often: I like the doctor, but, obviously, I keep my distance. And Johnny (Tactical) is the very definition of a loose cannon. So far, the mission is unsuccessful. I can’t promise that’s not partially intentional. But I’ll work on it.
Tell the bugs I love and miss them!
Talk to you soon.
Melody”
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Post by Nola on Mar 27, 2018 20:51:04 GMT
Sorry I'm so late to these, but they were really well done, Kristi! I look forward to reading more!
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Post by cptbunnykiller on Apr 8, 2018 0:16:32 GMT
Location: Odyssey Station, Operations Stardate: 11803.31 A joint post by: Oliver Savage, Elianna Kestran, and Melody Wythe
Oliver stepped from his office his usual mug in hand, stopping abruptly to avoid colliding an engineer with a gravity sled walking past that he nearly missed as his attention was on a Padd in the other hand. He scowled more at himself for not paying attention then continued on into the operations area. “Morning!”
Melody looked up from her console at his greeting and took a second to remember how to be social that early in the morning. “Good morning.”
He settled onto a seat at the main console and pulled up a system map. “How’s our traffic looking out there, they behaving?”
“Mostly.” She gave a short smile and rolled her eyes a bit.
He nodded, and took a drink from his mug. “Good, I’d hate to see what you would do to them if they got out of line.”
She actually laughed at that, got up to stretch and get fresh coffee.
Torin raised an eyebrow with mild amusement, “I would feel constantly jittery if I drank as much coffee as you. How do even fall asleep at night?”
He points over at Torin. “He has a point, then again I can’t talk I had to have a certain councilor force tea on me.”
She stopped on her way back to her station and gave a restrained glare. “You should be grateful I drink coffee.”
Oliver smiled, “Some people can’t live without it. It’s like life giving substance for Starfleet Officers. Until its not.” he stared at his mug. “I’m getting used to this leafy crap. Kinda like it.” he glanced back over at Melody. “How are you adjusting to life here with our crazy bunch?”
“Oh, I think I’m adjusting pretty well now… to most people. I’m thinking about doing something around here outside of my duties. I have a friend back home harassing me to get involved.” She said this with a bit of sarcastic emphasis. “Any suggestions?”
He set his Padd down on the table. “On or off duty?”
“Well, something to do in my free time, you know.”
“So… off duty then…” Torin seemed to want to poke the bear.
“Casey, you do know a human being can last about fifteen seconds in a vacuum before expiring right? She has access the to the transporters from here, might not be a good idea to keep poking. But by all means, keep it up. I saw nothing!” he said with a grin.
“I was thinking I could work on target practice. Do you think that’d be good for on duty?” She looked at Torin.
Torin’s eyes widened a bit and he leaned back in his seat and buried his face in his crossword.
Oliver nods, watching Torin’s reaction. “Yup, target practice is always something I recommend. Got to be effective in a firefight.” he shrugs. “As for off duty, there is a lot of things you could do. Holodecks are good for a variety of things. There’s the Arboretum. It’s all depending upon your hobbies I suppose. Have any of those?”
From behind his crossword Torin muttered, “I hear Dark Matter is looking for a part time barista. You could work for coffee.”
She replied without looking up, “Yes, and I’m sure they let their employees do crosswords all day.” She looked over to the captain again. “I could probably find some things I used to like to do on earth in the holodeck. I like painting. It’s been forever though!”
Oliver nods, scratching at his chin thinking. “I’m certain the holodeck has plenty of art related programs you could run, including several recreations of famous art galleries you could visit. There isn’t much on the station other than the arboreum that would be good to paint, unless you want to paint the traffic jam for posterity.” he said jerking a thumb at the ships passing by on the viewscreen. “There are some nearby astronomical bodies you could paint.”
“Thanks. Yeah, I can usually paint things from thinking of them too. I don’t suppose there’s some painting group around here. I have a feeling my friend would give me a hard time for picking a solitary hobby.”
Oliver shook his head. “Not sure, if not maybe you can start one.”
The lift came to a stop at Station Operations and Elianna stepped off looking down at a padd, seemingly thoroughly engrossed in what she was reading. Looking up she strode quickly over to where the others stood and held the padd out towards them with some excitement, “Have you seen this report?” She was so interested in what she had been reading she didn’t even notice the fact she had completely interrupted whatever conversation they were already having.
A glance at the padd would probably look like nothing more interesting than a report on a medical procedure that had apparently taken place at Starbase 375.
Oliver stares at the padd, and then looks back up to Elianna. “Yes, that is so fascinating.” he grins. “What does all that medical mumbo jumbo mean exactly?”
“No, no not that! The procedure is not all that interesting really. I mean, it was creative problem solving, but not that.” She shook her head in frustration and pointed at the names of doctors and patient involved. “They’re from the Chiron!”
A look of realization appeared on Oliver’s face. “Oh! The Chiron, isn’t that the ship that went missing a few months ago?”
“Exactly! Has there been any announcement about them getting home?”
Oliver shakes his head. “No, not that I’ve seen. If it was recent they may not have yet had a chance to add that to the round of security briefings. Might be debriefing the crew first.”
“With all the commotion raised around their disappearance I would’ve assumed they’d make some sort of announcement. I mean, Starfleet Command was forced to issue a statement on it because of that article from FNN.”
“So I’m curious, why so interested in the Chiron? You looking for a transfer, are you leaving me?” Oliver asked, mocking a shocked look on his face.
“If Johnny hasn’t driven me out of here yet, you know I’m here to stay.”
Oliver grips his chest. “Oh thank god, at least someone to help keep me sane will be here.” he points to Melody. “She’s a coffee dealer, she's constantly tempting me to the dark side. I mean I used to enjoy some dark roast every now and then but…”
“Hey, it’s not so bad on the dark side.” She smiled a bit.
Elianna winks at Melody, “In order for anyone to keep him sane, he has to be sane to begin with.”
Melody let out a loud laugh at that, but then remembered her usual restraint.
Oliver opens his mouth to respond, but stops and ponders that. “You have a point, sanity is required to begin with in order to return to that state I suppose.” he shrugs. “I’m happy with my state. At least for now.”
Melody turned back to her console as it let out a low beep. “Captain, you have an incoming message.”
He nods. “That’s my cue I suppose. Send it to my office please.” Oliver said as he turned and headed for his office door.
Melody transferred it and kept her eyes on the console, trying to figure out how to avoid one-on-one conversation with the doctor. Still, she felt bad for making things awkward. The doctor seemed nice enough.
Feeling a mix of awkward emotions coming from the Ops officer, Elianna gave her a curious glance. “How are you doing Ensign?”
Melody looked up, suddenly remembering that she could probably sense her panic. “Uh, well, you know, still settling in…” She grasped for a subject. “We were just talking before you came in about finding a hobby on station.”
Elianna’s brow furrowed a bit in confusion about the emotions she was sensing, but decided it was probably better left alone, “What kind of hobbies were you discussing?”
“Oh, well, ha. I told them I like painting, but that’s not typically something with other people. I’ve got a friend back home pushing me to do fun things with people and not work all the time.” She smiled, trying to act more naturally.
With a slightly sheepish look Elianna admitted, “Oliver and Sully are both always telling me not to work so much as well. All the things to do here and people to spend time with, and I still find myself in one Sickbay or another most of the time…”
Melody relaxed a bit as she listened and thought about what being the CMO would be like. “Well, I’m sure your kind of job is pretty demanding. I can always pass mine off at the end of my shift… Anyway, lots to do, huh? Any suggestions?”
“Well, there are plenty of places to eat and drink, I think there is a gaming establishment but I’ve never been there so I can’t recall the name off the top of my head. If you like shopping the commercial district has a lot of shops too. Of course, the holodeck and holosuites. The arboretum has all kind of campsites and hiking paths, and I think maybe some kayaking as well. Plus I think the Horticulturists lead some lessons in the plant varieties and so forth…” she thought for a while, “I’m sure that there are some organized sports going on, but I’ve never looked into it really, being a workaholic and all.”
“Wow! Thanks. Yeah, I’m not usually one for the typical sports, but hiking sounds really good right now. Maybe I can show up and ask around to see if anyone is looking for a hiking buddy.”
Oliver exits his Office with a determined stride heading for the center of operations. “Ensign, do you recall some time ago I asked you to put together some fake subspace traffic for a rainy day’s use?” Melody, pulled out of her surprisingly pleasant conversation with the doctor, looked a bit concerned but answered. “Yes, Sir, I prepared that a couple of weeks ago.”
“Good, I want you to allow whatever traffic has to go out now that has not finished, then shut down all outgoing communications, and start sending the fake data.” he said glancing down at the system overview on the display. “I want you to send an automated message out recalling all Starfleet personnel to their ships.” he turned back to her, then hit the intercom button. “Red Alert, all hands to battle stations!”
Melody was already working as he gave the orders, “I’m on it.”
Elianna cast a worried glance at Oliver, but said nothing.
Oliver continued. “All civilians are to report to emergency shelters.” he said and let off the intercom button, then turned back to the other two. “The taskforce will be leaving shortly to start an offensive against the True Federation, they are expecting a counter attack here at the station. Time to get ready for a fight.”
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Post by cptbunnykiller on Jul 6, 2018 4:13:31 GMT
Location: Odyssey Station, Arboretum Stardate: 11807.05 A joint post by: Elianna Kestran and Melody Wythe
Melody walked quickly but softly through the wide door into the arboretum. She forced herself to slow and breathe in the fragrant air. She turned her face upward toward the solar light gleaming across the vast arc above her. Despite its size, the sheer, glassy skin of the dome’s sky and the spread of stars and galaxy beyond gave her a thrill of beautiful paradox.
Ha! You’ve seen too much to fancy yourself a poet. She laughed at herself and continued past wide lawns, elaborate gardens, and flowering trellises. One or two people were out in the early morning reading on benches or walking and running through the trees and exotic plants.
Ignoring all of this, she finally turned down a hedged walkway and a short flight of steps into a lowered plot of ground near the edge of the dome. Basic gardening tools and gloves lay in a wheelbarrow in the corner. Rows of small plants ran across the plot. She knelt down at the end of them and put her hands to the earth and leaves.
At the smell she saw herself trodding along a remote road, fields glittering with dew as a sliver of sun capped distant trees. It was morning then too. She loved those early walks, despite the heavy basket and the muddy road that made her skirt heavier.
“Hello stranger, I thought that was you!”
Elianna peered over a flowering bush down into the lowered plot with a warm smile.
Melody started at the sound of a voice, surprised she hadn’t sensed Elianna’s presence before. She looked at her for a moment with indecision, then shook it off and answered.
“Hi.” She smiled back.
Elianna rounded the corner and stepped down into the plot. It was clearly an off duty day for her since she was wearing a breezy sundress and wearing sandals with a padd tucked under her arm. She stopped to examine one of the small plants,”I pass this plot all the time and always wondered who was gardening here. Now I know.” She pointed to the plant she has been looking at, asking “what’s this?”
Melody examined this new friend more closely for a moment. Yes, friend. I could use one of those, remember?
“Uh, yeah, I’m not the only one. Some people wanted to start a community garden, though I have to admit that I tend to avoid the community and come out here only for the garden.” She looked a little sheepishly at the plant. “It’s a vegetable garden. I know, funny, right? All these beautiful and rare plants, and we’re growing beans and carrots and stuff. But I like it. It’s more humble but useful. This is a tomato plant. I’ve always liked the way they smell.”
Elianna reached out and brushed the leaves gently with her fingertips. “Sadly I’ve never been much of a gardener. My abilities start and end with medical treatment. Everything else is doomed under my care.”
She flashed Melody a wry grin and then settled down on the steps leading into the plot. Tucking her feet under her and adjusting her skirt around her, she looked up again at Melody. “So do you grow anything else? If I had a green thumb I think I’d likely try to grow as many beautiful flowers as I could.”
“I have, yes. Not recently. Years ago I had a phase when I took it as a personal challenge to grow as many beautiful and rare flowers as I could. Orchids are pretty hard. The whole universe seems to be at our fingertips, and orchids gave me a run for my money!” She laughed and then her smile faded a bit with the memories. “Anyway, I returned to my first love. I think I love the earth and the wholesome food that comes out of it even more than the flowers.”
She stopped, feeling like she had said a bit much. “What about you? Besides doing what I could never handle, what do you like to do? Are you reading something there, or is it right to work this early?”
The slight sensation of wariness or discomfort came across to Elianna, and she wondered briefly about it. It wasn’t the first time she had felt it from Melody, but it was so faint that it always left her wondering if she’d imagined it.
“Oh, it’s just some reading. There’s a picnic area down the path a little ways that I like to use. It’s even got a hammock set up there and a little creek runs right by it. It’s quite the relaxing spot for reading. Other than reading, I enjoy activities with other people. I have always been a social person though. I like to try new things out too, I’ve been thinking about seeing if Sully would like to try Tai Chi with me. It seems like it might be up his alley. Have you tried it before?”
“Tai Chi? The relaxation kind or the fighting kind?”
With an easy laugh, Elianna replied, “Relaxation. Can you imagine me doing the fighting style?” She chuckled again at the thought?
Melody laughed too. “I guess not! Well, I have some experience with the ancient fighting form, but I’d be willing to try to relax more.”
“You do well with hand to hand combat? I have never been too good with fighting in general. It’s the doctor in me, always thinking about the injury I might inflict. Makes me hesitate too much.”
“Yes, I do. I know it’s kind of out of sync with tending gardens, but I like to be able to defend myself, if need be.”
“It’s a good ability to have. So how did you get started in gardening?”
“Oh, well, I learned by working with someone else. I suppose you could look up that sort of thing nowadays, but it’s not the same.”
“So you’re at least partly a social person too. We should get coffee sometime!”
“Yes, more than I’ve seemed here so far, I promise! And I’d like that.”
Standing up and brushing herself off a bit, Elianna tucked the padd under arm, “Well, I should let you get back to your gardening.” She headed up the steps and back in the direction of the picnic area, but she poked her head over the bushes once more as she passed, “I’ll get in touch with you about the coffee soon.” And then she went off down the path with slight spring in her step.
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Post by cptbunnykiller on Sept 22, 2018 19:52:25 GMT
Stardate: 11809.15 Location: Planet Donatu, House of Degra
Melody looked down at her phaser, the sounds of approaching Klingons growing louder, and she wondered how she ever got here.
“You know I don’t like these things, Brin.” She held out the phaser and rolled her eyes at him with exaggerated exasperation, hoping to hide her fear.
“You know, It’s been so long, Mel, and yet sometimes I still feel like I haven’t quite figured you out.” He smiled teasingly and then laughed at her mock-mysteriously-seductive look. “Seriously, I don’t mean I don’t understand you. You know that. But I also know that you’re an excellent fighter. This is just a different sort of fight.”
Her smile faded as she looked back at the weapon in silence before nodding a moment. “You’re right. It is.” She met his eyes again, the sheen of laughter and love darkened for the moment. “You call me a fighter, but I’ve just always been fighting to survive. This is different.”
“Come on, I don’t want to fight with you about this.” He tried to hold her by the arms and slump against her shoulder, wearied by the argument before it began.
She pulled away abruptly, momentarily frustrated. Then she stopped and looked down to collect herself. “I’m sorry. Please, even if it sounds like the same tired argument, please just hear me out.”
His face settled into a determined look, but with all the caring patience she had come to value so much in him. He waited.
“You know I hesitated about you, about your involvement in Starfleet. You convinced me that you are a scientist, that you cared about helping people out there and that any risk was worth that. And maybe you’re right.” He arched an eyebrow at this admission, but she cut him off, almost laughing again. “Now, don’t think I’m about to go sign up for the academy or anything! It’s just… this isn’t what you signed up for either. War is different. And space is endless. There’s always a cause worth fighting for, but the trouble you could bring back home…”
His face softened with concern as she trailed off. He reached out and gently grasped her hand. “Hey. I know. I’m sorry. But I’m doing this for you. Yeah, you’ve got me pegged as the naive, want to save the galaxy with my plants type, but I’m thinking as much about defense now as you have always done when you learned to fight. It’s just that I’m not only defending myself.”
She nodded and looked down, a tear betraying her and trailing awkwardly to the end of her nose before falling to the floor between them. “I know,” she said heavily.
“Do you?” he asked. She looked up with confusion and a tinge of hurt. “I mean,” he continued “sometimes I think you forget you’re not alone anymore.”
She looked away, clenching her jaw, her eyes searching for a way out of this pain. “Yeah, I know. You’re right.” She looked back to him. “But that’s just it. I know I’m not alone, and I want it to stay that way. I don’t want to lose you.”
It was his turn to be overwhelmed. Quietly, he replied, “We both know you’ll outlive me. It drives me crazy that I can’t do anything about that. But this…” He shook his head. “I need to do this for us. You know I wouldn’t be the man you love if I didn’t.”
She couldn’t argue. She couldn’t think of anything to say to stop this. And she knew he was right. She reached out and put her arms around his neck, feeling as if that would somehow keep him there forever. She squeezed her eyes shut as hot tears came pouring out. “Ok” she struggled out.
It was the last time she ever saw him. He had been up so late preparing, and she up so early to get out the door, that when they called him up suddenly that day, she didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye.
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Post by cptbunnykiller on Oct 14, 2018 1:56:18 GMT
Joint post by Elianna and Melody SD 11810.7
“Julie …” Elianna stepped out of her office, looking down at a padd with a frown and Julie looked up at her curiously, “have you seen Ensign Wythe's file from her post mission check up?”
“I don’t know, I hadn’t looked at it after you finished with her.”
Elianna’s eyebrows lifted at the comment, “I didn’t clear her, I thought you cleared her?”
“No, I took care of the other patients while you cleared the away team.”
Her brow furrowed for a moment as she considered this, she turned back into the office and tapped her comm, “Ensign Wythe, please come see me in my office.” She settled down behind her desk and started doing some searching as she waited.
Melody sat frozen for a few seconds on the edge of her bed, the secreted medical tool in her right hand. She looked down at it and told herself to remain calm. “On my way.” She placed the tool at the back of her nightstand drawer again and left her quarters.
She searched for an explanation for her avoidance, but nothing good came to mind. You knew this would come along eventually. Friends. This is when a new friend would have been really helpful. She rounded the corner into sickbay and reminded herself to be calm again
Elianna saw Melody through the window and waved her in, tapping at her console as she did. As the young woman entered she motioned to the seat across from her. “Have a seat. I just need to clear something up for me…”
“Ok.” Melody sat down, knowing that she must be failing to hide her discomfort. “What’s the problem?”
“Well, I can’t find the file from your check up after you returned from Donatu. I know I saw you in here, but there is no record. Who cleared you?”
“Uh..” Melody sighed and leaned forward, her hands on the edge of the seat and her head bent forward. “To be honest, no one. I mean no offense, but I kind of avoid doctors, so I got what I needed and skipped out.” She looked up, hoping for mercy or something.
With a blink, Elianna stared at Melody in surprise, “You know how much trouble you can get in for something like that, right?”
“Yeah, actually, I have an old friend in medical back home. But I’d understand if you need to remind me.”
She rubbed her forehead for a moment in frustration, why did she have such difficult patients. Worst of all, she had let Oliver get away with that very thing. She had in fact treated him outside of sickbay. Elianna couldn’t possibly crack down on Melody after that. Finally looking back up at the Operations Officer she said, “I’m going to let it slide this time, but it can’t happen again. From now on you only get treatment in here, got it?”
Melody watched the tired response and cringed a bit. So much for friends. She sighed again softly as she looked down for a second. “Ok. Thanks.” Not waiting for anymore instructions, she left without another word.
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Post by cptbunnykiller on Mar 2, 2019 22:06:04 GMT
SD 11902.23
Libby sat in the dark at her desk, the glow of her computer softly illuminating her face. She heard faint sounds from the lab two rooms away and looked up in the direction of the light coming through the door to see if anyone had noticed her slipping in. After a moment of waiting in silence, she looked back down at her message. “Mel, You better believe I’m going to give you all kinds of crap for this sneaking around in my own office thing. But I bring it up because I think someone might finally be on to you. Don’t worry about me. I know it’s a risk to help set up these alerts on your personnel file, but, as I’ve said before, we’re in this together. Anyway, the name attached to the inquiries are from an Elianna Kestran. I looked her up, and she’s got medical clearance, so you know there’s not much either of us can do. Should I point out again that it might be best to make yourself known and then just do what you need to take care of yourself? I want you to be careful, though. These are crazy times, and you’re on the front lines of it. Always on your side, Libby”
Libby hoped it was enough and commanded the computer: “Send to Ensign Melody Wythe as an encrypted subspace message.”
Computer: “That action requires clearance authorization.”
“Medical clearance, Commander Elizabeth Baxter, authorization code Alpha Echo Eight One Five.”
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Post by cptbunnykiller on May 12, 2019 0:57:52 GMT
Melody sat at a table on an observation deck, a PADD of information about changes in OPS in front of her. But she stared out the windows, thinking about the ship. She still hadn’t gotten used to the memories it brought up.
It was sunny. For some reason that’s the first thing she always thought of. It was the kind of sunny that was beautiful but painful. Painful because it was so beautiful and enjoyed with someone who was gone.
Brin loved those old cars. He wasn’t a gear head. It was more a deep appreciation for the bohemian feel of the “road trip.” They couldn’t get one of course, but the new retro series could recreate it well: windows down, “radio” going, etc. Mostly, she just loved to watch the trees and hills go by, gleaming under the happy sky.
This time they were on a real road trip. He hadn’t seen his extended family in Montana for a long time. Since his mother and sister had died, they were the family he had left. And it was the first time she would meet them.
As they drove across the ranch property, she felt torn in two. She instantly loved every inch of it. The worn and well-constructed fences, the fields and prairies, the neat but practical cluster of buildings all beamed with the full meaning of home.
But she also felt strangely apprehensive. Not of anything she knew of. It was as if it was something she did not yet know, like she was meeting her future and that she wouldn’t welcome all that it would bring.
She shook it off as they unloaded and met the group of smiles and hugs at the door.
Dinner was still being prepared, and she was relieved that they fell easily into conversation, wanting every detail of the years they’d missed with Brin. She watched and listened contentedly until the conversation turned to political matters: tension in the Federation, rumors about secret groups, where Brin stood with his career in Starfleet.
“There are so many strange things going on!” his aunt continued, casting a concerned look on Brin. “Like just today, did you hear about that ship?”
Brin, who seemed concerned about the conversation more than anything else, replied, “No, we’ve been sort of off the grid on the way over here. What ship?”
She went back to stirring as she explained, “Oh, some mysterious disappearance. Ben, what was the name of that ship?” She shouted this last part toward the other room.
“What? What ship?” came the muffled and very mildly irritated reply.
“He’s trying to fix that viewscreen,” she explained more softly to them, “It always gets him all twisted up.” And she smiled a bit at his expense. “The one that disappeared!”
“Oh! Uh…. The Tempest!”
“Oh, yes, that’s it. Anyway, Brinny, I just worry about you being involved in all of this.”
The conversation continued in this way, but Melody felt the strange discomfort return with doubled strength. She made an excuse of stepping away to look over the pictures on the wall, a whole family history before her in silence. She wandered down the hall, touching many of them thoughtfully, as if she could touch the past they contained.
She came silently to the room where Ben struggled, grumblingly on the floor with some heap of technology and didn’t see her. But she felt something drawing her on.
From further down she could hear the sing-song murmurs of a child at play alone. She stepped slowly to the door and peered in. A little girl sat on the floor of her room, a circle of toy horses spread around her and two in her hands.
The girl looked up without a smile, her eyes meeting Melody’s. And the strange tension she had felt since they came shot through her again. It was as if she could listen and hear the voice of the woman this child would become speaking to her with sisterly love. It was a closeness not yet formed, and it was filled with joy, but also pain. A closeness formed through pain. She trembled a bit, not knowing what to do with this, whether to welcome it or flee. In later years she marked this experience--the news of dissension in the Federation, the mysterious ship, those young eyes staring at her--as the beginning of her loss. But in that moment, she pushed the feeling down and knelt down closer to the girl.
“Hello. My name’s Melody. What’s yours?”
“Libby.”
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Post by cptbunnykiller on Jan 19, 2020 2:00:55 GMT
SD: 12001.11 Tempest
Melody sat in the dark on the edge of her bed, her head still reeling and her heart pounding. Grief had turned to anxiety. That old knot of feelings breaking under the strain of that strange ship’s emanation. She knew once she heard a pain too close to her own, it was hard to stop listening, even when the message was gone.
They’re all gone. It rolled over her in wave after wave. Cities silent. Languages lost forever in midair. Children’s playthings collecting dust and deteriorating.
The worst part about it was that there was nothing left to listen to. So her own people’s loss was all the louder. And with it all the guilt and fear she had buried.
She didn’t know which she feared more: her own potential descent into those uncontrollable feelings again or the inevitable exposure she was in for after that stupid display on the bridge. She closed her eyes tight with self-anger.
Then she heard a familiar and loving chiding, Libby her dearest friend. Hadn’t she said this could be best after all? She slumped forward, head in hands, feeling exhausted from that old struggle between fearful concealment and a longing to be known. The tears came steadily now.
You’d think after such a very long time, she would have learned to really live. But she felt completely incapable of deciding anymore. So she just sat in her quarters, trying to accept what would come next.
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