A Call To Arms

Posted on Sat Jan 29th, 2022 @ 12:44pm by Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Miller

Mission: The Captains Child
Location: Earth
Timeline: Present

:ON:
{San Francisco, Earth}

Jonathan carefully snipped away at the stems of the Floribunda rose bush. It had taken him almost an hour to do the four rose bushes in his garden, but he finally stepped back and placed his hands on his hips triumphantly. He brought his forearm up to his head and wiped the beads of sweat that had appeared on his forehead. It was a balmy 26 degrees Celsius in San Francisco today, and it had been a perfect time to do a spot of gardening.

Jonathan lived on his own in the Presidio Heights neighbourhood of the city. A wonderful district of the city that still had a beautiful view over towards the bay, Angel island and Alcatraz. Most of the houses there still resembled the Tudor-inspired homes that lined the streets during the 20th and 21st centuries, but with a 24th century spin. The perfect blending of modern and retro that Jonathan loved.

“Keeping busy?” A familiar voice approached from the street and into Jonathan’s garden. It was Captain Thomas Kidd of Starfleet Command. Jonathan and Thomas had known each other from their time serving on the USS Solanke together between 2359 and 2364, during which Jonathan was a fresh-out-of-the-Academy Ensign and Thomas was a Lieutenant. They had become good friends due to their mutual love of boxing, and would often spar together onboard the Solanke’s gym. As easy as it could have been to lose touch, the friends had made a concerted effort to remain in contact throughout the subsequent years.

Jonathan removed his gardening gloves and approached his friend. Greeting each other warmly with a handshake and a hug, Jonathan spoke. “Its been too long, Tom. Are they really keeping you this busy at Starfleet Command?”

“Something like that.” Thomas smiled. “As much as I’d like to be out among the stars, important work needs to be done right here on Earth.” He paused for a moment to admire Jonathan’s garden and the meticulousness that appeared to have been put into it. “Beautiful. Just beautiful.”

Jonathan leaned his head back slightly, a half grin appearing on his face. “Tom. I haven’t seen you for almost six months. Don’t tell me that you’re here to talk about my roses.”

“You’re right. I’m not.” Thomas smiled once again, “I’m here to offer you the opportunity to join a fine crew under a fine Captain. The USS Wayfarer. They need an XO with plenty of experience.”

Jonathan shook his head and chuckled. “This isn’t a good time.” He put the gardening gloves back on and moved back towards the rose bushes. “I’m way too busy with other things to be joining the crew of a ship right now. Maybe in another few months.”

Thomas stayed close to the man, following him towards the rose bush. “Jonathan. I know you’ve not served onboard a ship since the McTaggart was destroyed by the Dominion during the invasion of Cardassia… but the war is over now. It’s been almost a year since the Dominion surrendered. There’s peace across the known galaxy once again.”

“You don’t know what it was like, Tom.” Jonathan turned his gaze towards his friend of over 15 years, “You’ve never been on a starship while it was being pounded relentlessly by enemy fire. You’ve never had to rush to the nearest escape pod, leaving behind good men and women. You’ve never had to watch helplessly from that escape pod as your ship is destroyed in front of your very eyes.” The bitterness and regret were clear in his voice. He looked back towards his rose bushes. “Experiences like that leave a mark on a person.”

Thomas nodded, “Its experiences like that which make you invaluable.” He put a hand on his friend’s shoulder and squeezed reassuringly. “Believe me, I wouldn’t be asking you to do this if I didn’t think you could. I know that you can.”

Without looking, Jonathan spoke after a long pause, “What did you say that Captain’s name was again?”

“Akeno Misaki.” Thomas answered.

“When do I leave?” Jonathan turned his head towards his friend.

Thomas smiled, “Transport leaves first thing tomorrow morning.”


:OFF:
Lt. Commander Jonathan Miller
Executive Officer
USS Wayfarer, NCC-28181