Back in the Saddle (So to Speak)

Posted on Sun Dec 18th, 2022 @ 5:49pm by Admiral Nora Harris & Captain John Theisman

829 words; about a 4 minute read

The smell of a medical ward was the first thing John noticed. It was a strong, unique and unpleasant oder that even a starship's sickbay couldn't get rid of, and he hated it. With a groan, he opened his eyes and wished he could do something other than lay in a hospital bed. Sitting up, he noticed movement to the side and turned his head to see his wife sitting in a chair next to the bed with a book in hand. Surprisingly, there was no bottle on the table beside her.

"No wine?" John asked, deciding to poke the proverbial bear.

"No alcohol allowed," Mara replied as she marked her place and set the book down. "Not that you needed to be an ass about it. I haven't had a drink in quite a while."

"Well, you know me, not happy unless there's a fire smoldering somewhere with my name on it," John said as he struggled to sit up.

"Could we not do the sparring match today, John?" Mara asked.

Her tone caught his attention and he glanced towards her, sighing as he nodded. "You're right. I've been a bit of an ass lately. I'm sorry."

"I've allowed it, since you did go through a lot recently, but I'm your wife and there is a limit," Mara said. "Besides, it's not like us to fight often and just because we hit a rough patch doesn't mean you get to go get blown up to escape me. I'm the plague you can't escape."

"I'll remember that," John said. "It would be nice to get out of here, though. That would go a long way to making me feel better."

"Then, perhaps I can help with that," a new voice said.

John turned towards the voice and noticed a woman of medium height wearing command red and the rank pips of a full admiral. He instantly recognized her, and wondered what fresh hell was in store for him. "Admiral Harris, what can I do for you?" he asked.

"I understand that you'll be released tomorrow, and that you'll be restricted to light duty for a while. However, the position I have in mind for you will fall in line with the medical release orders, and of course your medical officer can supervise the remainder of your recovery," the admiral said.

"Great, so what did I get? Freighter, cargo ship? I know, a mining ship," John said.

"I'm putting you back in command of the Hyperion," Admiral Harris said as she handed John a Padd with his orders. "Captain Wolfe has been moved to the Timberwolf, and I believe there was some confusion on some of your crew assignments which you'll have to sort out, but you'll be returning to the Hyperion tomorrow afternoon and launching two days from then. Your Romulan liaison officer will be arriving tomorrow as well."

"So the Hyperion is still assigned to the Romulan Empire for exploration duties?" John asked.

"Officially, the treaty has changed somewhat," Admiral Harris explained. "You're still allowed access to the majority of the Romulan Empire, but you're no longer restricted to their territory. Your orders state that you will operate in deep space, within and outside the borders of the Federation and Romulan Empire, in pursuit of Starfleet directives in the matter of exploration."

"So what we learn they have access to and vice versa," John said.

"Basically. But they wanted to place an officer onboard and since they're willing to accept one of our officers on board a Romulan ship, I thought it was only fitting," Harris explained.

"Sounds fair," John said. "And it sounds interesting."

"Well, try not to lose this Hyperion," Harris said. "It looks bad on us when starships go missing, and it gets a little annoying trying to explain to the Council."

"I didn't lose the last one," John half growled.

"I know, and I'm not blaming you, but it would be nice if this Hyperion lasted longer than the last one," Harris said. "I've informed your XO that you'll be arriving tomorrow afternoon, but I left out the detail of who was coming. I also assigned a few officers who have served under your command before as well. Good luck, Captain."

"Thank you admiral," John said. "I think."

With a smile, Admiral Harris left, leaving John to stare at the Padd she had given him and groan. "Great, just great," he said.

Mara smiled. "So, you get blown up, you're still plagued with me, you still have your ship, and now you have a Romulan exchange officer onboard. How do you get so lucky?"

"I'm cursed," John said. "Why don't you go pack, since I know you're coming along. I have some reading to do."

"I'll be back tomorrow," Mara said as she finally stood and walked out of the hospital room.

John watched the doors close behind her and groaned. "Yep, I'm cursed," he said as he activated the Padd and started reading.

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