Lieutenant JG Melody Delri'ise - I'll See You Out There, Spaceman
Ryan Fender
((Bridge, USS Astraeus))
Something felt… off. The ambient echoes of the Astraeus feeling much quieter than usual. The silence was deafening on the bridge, loud enough for Melody to hear her own heartbeat amongst the beeps and chirps of the tactical console.
She had been miserable for days on end, hardly able to bring herself to talk about losing yet another starship, one she came so painfully close to calling a home. With a friends she grew to love like family. One would say that all good things come to an end, but it felt like this was too soon. Melody’s gut sank as she clenched her hands over her console, tears crashing like waves upon a rocky shore. Her head sank as teardrops rained down on her console, she didn’t want to leave, much less let go of everything she had here. The memories, the bonds and the tremendous amount of love she felt for each and every individual onboard. Nothing could truly compare to what she felt, from the sense of community to how she had grown as a person since coming here. Something Melody knew she could never get anywhere else in the fleet.
Leaving the Astraeus felt damaging, in some way, like a part of herself was being left behind with everything she built.
The doors swung open, and in an instant Melody quickly dried her tear-drenched eyes with her sleeve, attempting to regain some kind of composure. She noticed a familiar face stride onto the bridge, a certain Denobulan fellow in a blue collar.
Delri’ise: You alright, sir?
Galven: Just saying goodbye. ::turns to glance around:: She was a fine ship.
Melody nodded bitterly, offering a smile through her grim features. It felt gut-wrenching to see him tour the empty bridge.
Delri’ise: Indeed she was. There’ll never be another like her, she was one of a kind.
Galven. My next assignment is going to be Starbase 118 Operations. I've been there a few times training cadets, but it'll be a whole new experience. Where are you going?
Delri’ise: ::recalling her orders.:: I believe I’m on the Thor over Duronis II. It’s a long way from here, over in the Beta Quadrant.
Galven: ::nods:: That's a fine ship with a great crew. I doubt this'll be the last time we see each other.
Melody nodded solemnly, fighting back another wave of tears that threatened to break free. She sniffled and pursed her lips.
Galven: It was a great experience being here and it was definitely worthwhile. Starfleet has our best interests at heart. Whatever is next, just remember who you are.
Delri’ise: It ain’t gonna be easy. The Thor is a fine ship… but she’s no Astraeus. It’s been a fun ride, commander.
Galven: Don’t worry about that, Melody. I’m a “leap into the action” kind of senior officer. ::wry grin::
Melody laughed at the man before her, shaking off whatever tears lingered in her eyes. She took a deep breath and smiled. Melody rubbed her nose with her sleeve, straightening her posture. Her only regret would’ve been not sitting in on more of his experiments. German was a valued teacher in Melody’s eyes, she’d learned a lot from the man since arriving.
Delri’ise: I think the one thing I’ll miss most… is bein’ up here on the bridge. I’m gonna miss my little tactical console ::She gave her console an adoring rub.::
Galven: ::clears his throat and furrows his brow:: One last thing before we separate, lieutenant?
Delri’ise: Of course, sir ::She nodded.:: I think we all need a few words of wisdom out there.
Galven: As Admiral Kathryn Janeway once said, “I trust fear. Fear only exists for one
purpose… to be conquered.” Go and be fearful, Melody Delri’ise and show
Admiral Turner what I’ve seen in you. ::extends his hand for her to shake:: A
future commanding officer.
Melody gave a crooked smile, there it came again, brick by brick, the walls Melody built tumbled with a simple goodbye, toppled by feelings of unending gratitude. Pearl shaped tears fell as if diamonds rained from the heavens, the bridge filled with the sounds of Melody’s stoic sobs. She cried with the grief of a thousand people, yet grinned with the glee of a billion. Truly, these were memories she would treasure until death bid them good riddance. Melody took Galven’s hand, before merging it into a tight hug.
She waited a few seconds before pulling away, before quickly drying off her face.
Delri’ise: Thank you… Commander, for everything. As we say down in Brooklyn, go, kick some a#% out there.
Galven: Response?
Delri’ise: I’ll see you out there, Spaceman, may our paths cross once more. I’m sure Cap’n Taybrim will appreciate your hard work.
Galven: Response?
End
Take care out there, everyone. Xoxo
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Lieutenant JG Melody Delri’ise
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Security Officer
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USS Astraeus
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G239409EK0
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