JP - Ensign Madison Marsh & Cmdr. Alora DeVeau - "Remember Me?"
Madison Marsh
((Alora’s Apartment, Denali Station))
Only a few weeks had passed since Alora’s sudden transfer, the whirlwind that had taken her from Ops to Denali settling down into gusts of activity which involved her running around and getting to know her new station and the environment into which it was situated. It was beautiful, fascinating, and absolutely huge, but thoughts of Ops drifted through her mind from time to time. She found herself comparing the starbase and the station, not in a negative way, but simply for the contrasts between them.
During those times, she would also think not only of the station she left behind, but of the people. Friends, comrades, and how she missed them. She would reach out if she could, hope for an answer, and see how they were doing. One of those that she called was a more recent acquaintance, a young woman who she had met just before the transfer happened, and Alora couldn’t help but wonder how she was doing. Truth be told, Madison had made an impression, and rather than sit there and contemplate, Alora elected to place a call and find out for herself. The computer complied, and a moment later, the bright, fresh faced ensign’s visage appeared on her screen. Alora’s smile flickered to life, small, but sincere.
DeVeau: =/\=Hello there. =/\=
Madison was pleasantly surprised to see Commander DeVeau calling on her PADD. She sat down on her bed and pressed on the accept call option of course. She greeted Alora with a pleasant smile and a respectful tone of voice. She had not heard from her since she left Starbase 118 and was not entirely sure where her new assignment was at this point. She had literally spent time away from herself swapping bodies with Doctor Wethern and had recently returned to being herself once again. The previous mission took up an abundance of her time to where she had not investigated the Commander’s current whereabouts in the galaxy.
Marsh: =/\= Hello Commander DeVeau, How can I help you ma’am?=/\=
They hadn’t known each other long, but Alora had been impressed by her from the beginning, and found herself regretful that they now had light years between them. Still, she could check up on one of Ops’ newest officers, something technology made accessible.
DeVeau: =/\=I just thought I’d call in and see how you were doing. =/\=
Madison noted that Alora’s rank had changed from LCDR to CMDR under her identification ID listing. She had been happy since the awards Ceremony on Sannin VII that Alora had received such a distinguished promotion. She was shocked that a Starfleet Commander was taking time out of their busy schedule to talk to a mere Ensign. She thought the same when she first met Alora and received a gift of a special plant from her before she eventually left 118 Ops. It is noteworthy to state that on both occasions Commander Deveau made her feel special and that she had the potential to be a successful Starfleet officer one day. Perhaps that was why she was now continuing to keep in touch with her.
Marsh: =/\= Well thank you for the call Commander. I am doing significantly better now that our first mission is over. =/\=
DeVeau: =/\=Are you settling in all right? =/\=
Madison was settling in real well in her own body. If there was a way to lock her essence there permanently she would do so without any doubt in her mind. This was not an insult made towards Doctor Wethern or others. She just preferred being herself for the remainder of life going forward. It was likely that the others would agree with her fully in regards to that matter, but she could not speak for them personally.
Marsh: =/\= I am settling in real well, thank you. I never had the opportunity to tell you after the ceremony on Sannin VII, but congratulations on your promotion to full Commander. That is quite an achievement and I am happy for you.=/\=
Another small smile flicked over her face and Alora inclined her head in a polite gesture of acknowledgement. That had been very much a whirlwind - a mission which had led to her promotion, and then also a transfer. It wasn’t how she would have one things, but Starfleet had a bigger picture of what was needed than she did.
DeVeau: =/\=Thank you. I appreciate it. I’m sorry I didn't get to see you afterward, but I was transferred just before the mission.=/\=
Madison nodded her head and stared at her screen with clear interest in her ocean blue eyes as she listened to DeVeau’s response. She then pondered for a moment about her next inquiry.
Marsh: =/\= Where is your duty assignment now? =/\=
DeVeau: =/\=They’ve put me at Denali Station. It’s actually quite nice here.=/\=
It wasn’t nearly as well established as Ops, but it was beautiful and intriguing. So much was unknown that it was, honestly, a scientist’s delight. The normal hustle and bustle of Ops was a roar and Denali’s was more of a quiet murmur. Although she sorely missed Ops, she couldn’t deny that she was enjoying Denali too.
Alora was at Denali Station now, that was intriguing. Madison had seen pictures of the station when entering into the Denali Invitational. It was not your run of the mill kind of station, but instead it was unique in comparison to every other station.
Marsh: =/\= I certainly hope that you are settling in well there. What is your current role at Denali Station? =/\=
DeVeau: =/\=Mission Specialist, but the Captain’s also appointed me as second Officer.=/\=
It wasn’t first officer, but that was because she didn’t need a first officer, because she already had a fantastic one at her side. Alora didn’t mind at all. Although she had loved her time as XO, she also was very much enjoying the opportunity to put her boots to the ground in a different fashion.
Marsh: =/\= I see that you remained in the Command field and that suits you well. What does a Mission Specialist do in their role exactly?
After asking her question, Madison raised an eyebrow ever so slightly in curiosity. She had heard of the Mission Specialist role at the Academy several years ago, but never researched it. She was primarily focused on Science, Counseling, and Medicine during her time at Starfleet Academy. She literally was a true blue or teal in a sense being a scientific jack of all trades science officer variant.
DeVeau: =/\=Basically, I dip my toes into everything. When we have a specific mission, I’ll focus my research on specifics to that mission to become as specialised as I can on it so I can help make decisions and give advice to the commanding officers.=/\=
Which meant it was actually a lot more involved and complicated than simply being a scientist. There was a broader context that she had to take into consideration when working with the officers, and it was certainly going to stretch her.
Marsh: =/\= Sounds like a challenging position, but I know that you will excel at it. =/\=
Madison tilted her head and provided DeVeau with a bright smile. She wanted to offer her friend full support in her new assignment and show her that she cared. In all honesty, Madison wished she did not lose her at 118 Operations so swiftly, but apparently Starfleet worked that way. Her good friend Aine Sherlock was recently re-assigned to the USS Oumuamua out of nowhere. In Fact, she had already begun looking for a new workout partner to replace Aine.
DeVeau: =/\=What about you? Have you found a rhythm yet? =/\=
Madison shrugged her shoulders casually, tilted her head slightly, but had a look and tone of confidence all at the same time. She was getting more comfortable in her role and it was nice to have someone to talk to about her journey.
Marsh: =/\= I am in the same role as a medical officer. I have been learning a lot more working in the field than I did studying a textbook and have been gradually finding a smooth rhythm. It has been helpful learning from peers like Dr. Wethern who have had prior experience in the field before joining Starfleet. Did you do the same when you were an Ensign? =/\=
That was how it was. Oh sure, they learned plenty in the Academy, and she knew that Madison wasn’t saying that. However, both of them had discovered how little they really knew once they were out in the field proper. There was still so much to discover, both on a ship and on a base, even if one didn’t travel across the galaxy.
DeVeau: =/\= I don’t believe I know Doctor Wethern. =/\=
But Alora hadn’t known everyone at Ops. Unlike Denali, Ops’ population was very large. Denali would some day get there, she had no doubt, but currently, it was very small in comparison.
DeVeau: =/\=But keep learning. Keep growing. There’s a lot of opportunity for you there. =/\=
She began feeling more confident in speaking with the Commander and felt that she would be a phenomenal resource for guidance in the future. Having a Starfleet Commander that would take the time out of their day to listen to a mere Ensign talk about their ideas and dreams was an honor. Madison’s career growth would surely benefit from Alora’s feedback and guidance.
Marsh: =/\= Sounds like I am headed in the right direction then. I have been formulating a career progression plan. I have a lot of work to do and it will take an abundance of time. However, I feel that planning now and executing going forward will prove to be fulfilling for me in the long-term. =/\=
Alora had known a lot of people in her life, and some were more ambitious than others. Madison obviously had her dreams and desires, and it was good to see her looking towards the future. She hoped that the woman would never stop doing so.
DeVeau: =/\= Wow, sounds great. I’m glad you’re so proactive about it. =/\=
Madison nodded her head once and continued expressing herself to Alora. It reminded her of when she was a teenager talking to her guidance counselor in secondary school. She felt comfortable talking with women who had a lot of life experience compared to her. This could help her avoid making some of the same mistakes they made and facilitate a quicker developmental process overall.
Marsh: =/\= I plan to meet with our new Chief Medical Officer to review his performance expectations and discuss my own aspirations. My current career goal is to become the Assistant Chief Medical Officer at 118. I know that I am a younger Doctor, but I feel the leadership training would make me an even more well-rounded officer. I am looking to grow as a person during my time with Starfleet and contribute in the best way possible. =/\=
DeVeau: =/\= With that kind of attitude, I have no doubt you will go far. =/\=
The conversation made Alora miss Ops a little more. Denali was growing on her, and she starting to love it, but Ops had been longer than any other place in Starfleet since her graduation. It had been home for so long, she had never thought she would leave. Starfleet obviously had other ideas, but she couldn’t help but feel like she had lost something, especially opportunities to see someone that she had greeted and introduced to Ops grow and prosper.
No, she really shouldn’t look at it hat way. Even if she had lost something, she had gained much. Denali had a wonderful Captain, an excellent First Officer, brilliant crew, and many opportunities for her to look forward to. She could still watch Madison grow. It would just have to be from a little further away.
A smile formed across her lips in response to Alora agreeing with her. This conversation continued to go well for Madison as a whole. She did not know what to expect with working with someone way up the brass in rank, but she did have her own expectations. Her goal was to learn as much as she could from Alora due to her experience in the field and form a brilliant friendship.
Marsh: =/\=I concur.=/\=
DeVeau: =/\=Mind if I give you a bit of advice?=/\=
She leaned in slightly as her engagement within the conversation was at an all time high at this point. She tilted her head ever so slightly while raising a brow in curiosity. Madison would love to hear some advice from the Commander. That was one of the reasons that she continued to talk to her, because Alora was the type of leader who made her teammates better over the course of their interactions.
Marsh: =/\= Go right ahead.
Alora didn’t want to dissuade the Ensign - far from it! But she also knew that there was more to life than simply those ambitions. She just wanted to share a little bit of caution.
DeVeau: =/\=No matter what happens, never let go of your dreams. Never lose sight of them. =/\=
There was a slight pause for a mere moment while Madison pondered in thought. The statement was encouraging for anyone to hear, but was easier said than done. Dreams could be quite arduous to accomplish depending on a person’s desires. However, she understood Alora’s point and was in agreement to never give up on what she strove to achieve in life.
Marsh: =/\= I’ll definitely remain locked in with a razor sharp focus on accomplishing my goals Commander.=/\=
Alora nodded. Life could throw things at them. She knew that all well and good. Her own life hadn’t gone according to her plan, and though she had reached her dreams, she had found the road wasn’t as straightforward as she had thought it would be. And now? Now she was in a completely different place and completely different position. Did that mean she had lost sight of those aspirations? No. She hadn’t. They had simply changed over time.
DeVeau: =/\=But don’t forget to live in the moment as well. Don’t look so far to the future that you ignore the present. =/\=
Madison grinned across the screen from Alora as she had thought up something she found humorous to unveil for the Commander. Something that would tie the two women back to the first day that they met on Ops.
Marsh: =/\=Speaking of the present, I have a lovely plant that requires watering. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about plants would you Commander? =/\=
She winked at Alora clearly joking and referring to her plant gift from Alora for when she joined Starbase 118. This was a solid sign that Madison was getting a bit more comfortable with the Commander. Perhaps that was one of Alora’s goals for her? She would have to find out by living in the present, but not forgetting to plan for the future in moderation.
Alora’s mouth stretched out in a smile and she chuckled softly. Those who knew her knew her absolute love for plants and animals. Since it was easier to have a plethora of flora, she kept quite a bit in her quarters and her office. Alora had even been called on as a consultant from time to time from other ships.
DeVeau: =/\=Who? Me?=/\=
Madison chuckled slightly in response to Commander DeVeau. Her expression transitioned to a genuine one full of kindness and appreciation. She clasped her hands in front of her on the desk and made direct eye contact through the screen in the most optimum way possible.
Marsh: =/\= I appreciate your time and guidance this morning Commander DeVeau. It’s Alpha shift time on Ops and I’m sure that I have plenty of patients on the docket throughout the day. I wouldn’t want to be late of course. This went well, perhaps we could link up again soon? =/\=
DeVeau: =/\=Absolutely. I enjoy talking with you. Any time.=/\=
She took in Alora’s words and afterwards provided the Commander with a casual wave. Their time spent together was quite valuable from Madison’s perspective and she looked forward to meeting with Alora on at least a weekly basis going forward. It was nice to have another officer looking out for her best interests and more importantly being invested in Madison.
Marsh: =/\= Talk to you next week Commander. Stay safe out there on Denali. =/\=
DeVeau: =/\=Same to you. Take care of Ops for me.=/\=
Alora’s offered a similar wave, a gesture that came as a natural response to someone bidding farewell. As the screen went black, Alora pushed away from her console and rose. She missed Ops, certainly, but Denali had rapidly grown on her, and the opportunities it afforded were far too appealing to resist. At least they had technology that allowed them to stay in touch - and she was more than happy to use it.
[End]
******************
Ensign Madison Marsh
Medical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
&
Commander Alora DeVeau
Mission Specialist &
Second Officer
Denali Station
M239008AD0
Medical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
