Not to worry

Posted on Thu Apr 18th, 2019 @ 1:37am by Commodore Jane Saulitis

Mission: The Fool's Odyssey
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: a few hours after lost contact, ship perspective
1378 words - 2.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Feeling better, and stronger after being checked out by the doctor, as well as the load of fresh air while on vacation, Patrick felt ready to serve the captain a proper lunch.

He balanced the small tray on his good arm, while pressing the chime with his other hand, waiting patiently as the scent of his freshly prepared lunch wafted ahead of him.

"Come in," Jane said. She'd been sitting, having moved to her ready room because she didn't think sitting in her chair on the bridge and staring at the viewscreen was doing anyone any good. She was on her feet instantly when the chime sounded though. News, someone must have news.

Patrick slid in through the door before it even opened fully and quickly slid the tray onto her desk. "I've made you some lunch captain," he offered, watching her closely. "Has there been any news? I heard the boy went missing...how did that happen?"

She sank back down, trying not to look disappointed. "No, I haven't heard anything. Yes, Crewman Stef. We're not sure, he was the last to attempt to beam up and then something happened on the planet and we lost all signals and connections to the locals." She looked at the food. Her stomach was nearly growling with hunger but at the same time she wasn't sure she could eat.

Turning to put some of the food on a plate, he then handed it to her before sitting down next to her. "He's a resourceful boy, I've seen him in the mess a few times. Smart lad, I'm sure he'll be alright. He's your yeoman isn't he? How does he do as such? Is he organized or a clutter? Curious or not bothered at all?"

"Yes, fine, I've never had an issue though I'm afraid I don't know him that well. A fact that I certainly regret in this moment. As his Captain I should have made sure that everyone returned to the ship." She glanced down at the plate. "What is it?"

"Just some soup and a few breadrolls. Nothing too fancy." Patrick smiled encouragingly. "I'm sure he'll be alright, he's a smart kid. Surely even a teenager can spend a few hours on his own, right? I mean, he's Starfleet, surely he's had survival training?"

Jane sighed and nodded. She was more worried about the fact that they weren't detecting any life signs, but most of the crew didn't know that yet. She didn't need anyone else worrying about it. "Thank you for this Patrick, I appreciate it." She made herself sit down and enjoy the meal he'd made.

"It's my job to feed people," Patrick smiled, "and sometimes people need some comfort food. I have no doubt he'll turn up again."

"Yes," Jane said but with more conviction than she felt. "I think after lunch I could use a walk, care to join me?" Jane asked, feeling self conscious about eating in front of him. "Have you eaten?"

"No, I've not yet eaten but I'm not really hungry at the moment." He smiled at her. "Had I wanted to eat I would've brought more. I'll join you for a walk through."

"Yeah, you probably eat when you're hungry unlike someone you know." Jane gave him a little wink and took a bite of the soup. It was then that she realized she was still wearing her wedding ring. It was a very simple band and he may not have noticed but it made her feel self conscious suddenly.

And with her realization, Patrick's attention was drawn to it as it caught the light in the room. "I never pegged you one for wearing jewelry," he smiled, recognizing the ring for what it was. "When did this happen?"

"About a week ago." Jane said quietly, eating more of her soup. "It was just a quiet ceremony with a local witness, we didn't want a big fuss.

"A big wedding isn't for everyone," Patrick mused, "is your husband on board with you now? Or is he forever remaining a mystery man?"

Jane grinned slightly, "He's not a member of the crew, no. He doesn't live on the ship. He just sort of pops up in my life when I need him the most. He's always been that way. Known him a long long time, since my academy days."

"Took you long enough to get married then," the chef observed, "so we'll never get to see him? We can't throw you the tiniest party either?" He pouted. "I can't bake a wedding cake?"

"Yes, it did take me a long time to marry him," the smile had slid from her face, replaced by a fake one. When she thought of it, it killed her to know she might have hurt him with her indecision on the matter. "Oh I think he will be around. We did discuss a reception on Majestic so I'm sure it will happen when both of us have time."

Excited, Patrick clapped his hands. "Awesome," he cheered, "please, please captain, please let me do the catering?"

Jane laughed. "Yes Patrick, you can do the catering. It's not like there are a lot of choices on the ship. You might have to work with his mother though, when she finds out we got married she'll turn this reception into the biggest party you've ever seen."

"And I've seen some," Patrick chuckled, "including my own. Though fortunately we managed to keep that small in comparison to some." He grinned. "Where did you want to go for a walk?"

"I'm not sure, maybe just the lower decks? I like to check them out occasionally, make sure they're still there." Jane winked at him.

"I'm sure the enlisted will appreciate a visit from their captain. Might be a great morale boost, even if I doubt anyone will need one after the holidays we've had."

"It's not so unusual for me to be seen down there. I enjoy a good walk in the evenings, especially when I have a lot on my mind. There's something about being in the bowels of my own ship that brings clarity." Jane smiled at him and quickly finished her meal. "I'm ready when you are."

"And you have a lot on your mind now?" Patrick prompted as he stood. Of course she did, she was the captain, surely there was always something for her to be thinking about when it concerned ship or crew?

"I'll tell you a secret about being a starship captain. Our minds never shut up." She grinned. 'Course mine never did anyway. I can still remember the mistake I made on the final exam in quantum mechanics at the academy. It's only been nearly twenty years."

"Wow....twenty years?" Patrick laughed. "I was still in primary school, twenty years ago. Though I already knew I wanted to be a chef by then...I was always helping mom in the kitchen." He bit his lip, realizing he just possibly made her feel old. "I'm sorry," he said, smile fading just a little.

Jane nearly fell off her chair laughing. Yes, he had made her feel old but she'd found it more amusing than anything. "Almost, Patrick. I'm 41, does that seem that old to you?"

"Not in this modern age ma'am," he answered diplomatically, "age is but a number, right?"

"Patrick," Jane said, shaking her head with laughter. "If you were an officer of mine, you'd still be fired," she teased.

Eyes widening, he simply stared at her for several seconds. "What? You're firing me? Why?"

"I'm teasing you," Jane said with a sigh as she put a hand down on his arm.

Patrick breathed a sigh of relief. "You had me worried," he said honestly, "I mean I haven't really been up to par lately.... though while on holiday I did pick up a few things I'd love to try out. Murph's suggestion really, can you believe it?"

"Oh I'm perfectly capable of feeding myself. Actually I kind of prefer it, though your cooking is excellent. I just keep you around because I like you." She nudged him a bit with a smile. "Let's take that walk."

"Yes ma'am," Patrick smiled.

Captain Jane Saulitis
Commanding Officer
USS Majestic

Patrick O'Malley
Chef
pnpc Lhaes