With A Wing And A Tail
Posted on Sat Mar 29th, 2025 @ 2:40am by Commander Marisa Sandoval & Lieutenant Junior Grade M'Ressa
Edited on on Sun Mar 30th, 2025 @ 1:07am
1,390 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Like Sands Through The Hourglass
Location: Shuttlebay - Deck 5 - USS Herodotus
Timeline: MD003 1100 hrs
Marisa had almost met every one of the senior staff when she noticed that a new pilot was on board. So, she slipped her PADD in her pocket and went in search of M'Ressa.
Down in the Shuttlebay of the Herodotus, M'Ressa was going over one of the type 11 shuttles, double checking each system. Even though everything was so different to her, if there was one thing that was a comfort to her, it was working on her shuttles.
The computer led her to the shuttle bay where she first noticed a tail. Concluding that it must be the new pilot, Marisa headed over to the shuttle, intentionally making enough noise to not startle the Caitian.
Although she needn't worry, M'Ressa appreciated the effort. Her sensitive hearing had already pick up on her arrival when the doors to the shuttle bay opened. Crawling out from the panel she was working on, M'Ressa rubbed her paws on her uniform before straightening up, "there, now that's better isn't it"
"I generally do not worry if I hear others talk to inanimate objects as I have done so myself--as long as they do not respond." Although, as a scientist, she did occasionally get an auditory response of one sort or another. "Hi. My name is Marisa Sandoval. Welcome."
"Well, sometimes it would be nice if they could tell me what's actually wrong so I don't have to go digging around," M'Ressa said in reply before turning to face Marisa, "Hi, M'Ressa, Your new pilot" She said, holding out a paw for her to shake, "Nice to meet you."
Marisa shook her paw. "I am the first officer, although I worked as a scientist for years. Part of what I enjoy is trying to puzzle out what a particular artifact is for. But then, if it is too difficult, I would definitely appreciate if it came with instructions."
"I've never been one for science myself; my dream was always to fly amongst the stars and now I get to fly through time," M'Ressa said, giving a shrug. "Didn't see that coming."
"We are happy to have you here. The captain is very particular about who he lets fly his ship, so I know you will do well." Thorrin was particular about a lot of things, but that was something the pilot probably knew already. "Is there anything I can help you with--besides the shuttle?"
"Not that I can think of. I'm pretty well set up down here." M'Ressa replied, trying to think of anything, "Would you like to join me for a drink?"
Marisa raised an eyebrow as she thought for a moment. "Yes. I would like that."
Walking over to one side of the shuttlebay, M'Ressa retrieved a bottle of Vodka and two shot glasses from under a workbench, "here, I keep a bottle of this Earth alcohol around for special occasions, and cleaning."
The comment caused Marisa to laugh. "I believe that is the first time I have ever heard anyone admit to using the same bottle of alcohol for both cleaning and drinking--even though it must be a common practice. I commend you."
Giving a toothy smile, M'Ressa poured them both a shot and handed on to Marisa, "you'd be surprised how well this stuff gets various stains out of uniforms."
Marisa smiled back. "I will definitely keep that in mind." She raised her glass in a toast. "To new adventures."
M'Ressa raised her glass to match Marisa's, "And to whatever lays beyond the horizon."
The half Vulcan drank half her drink and smiled. "Indeed. What brings you to Herodotus, if I may ask?" She was always curious about why someone chose to work for DTI.
“Fate, bad luck, take your pick. I found myself in this timeline by accident and apparently Starfleet couldn’t figure out a way to get me back home, so the Captain offered me a position on this ship” M’Ressa explained as she filled her glass up again, offering to do the same for Marisa.
"No, thank you," Marisa replied, waving off a second drink. "I'm sorry you were stranded here. Did you leave any family behind?" Technically, she had done the same herself by joining DTI, but she knew they were still in the same universe.
Shotting down the drink, M'Ressa nodded, "yea, I had a rather large family. 7 siblings, dozens of cousins and uncles and aunts, great aunts and uncles. It was a struggle to keep up with them all at times" she answered, as a slightly somber look came to her face and her ears drooped a little, "I do miss them, If only I still had a photo of them to look at. Unfortunately, I was forced to abandon ship before I could retrieve any personal items. Hell, I wasn't even allowed to keep the shuttle I escaped on because it would 'contaminate the timeline'." she said, emphasizing her words with air quotes and an eye roll.
"Ask the captain if he can get family photos for you. It is a possibility." She hoped he could. It would definitely help M'Ressa feel more at home.
M’Ressa looked to the XO in confusion, “wait, the Captain can get me a photo of my family? The one from another universe all together? How is that even remotely possible?”
"If the shuttle is locked away somewhere, or if the data from the shuttle was downloaded, he might. There is no guarantee, but it is definitely worth asking." It would make the separation easier for M'Ressa, so Marisa hoped Thorrin could help her.
M’Ressa let out a sigh of resignation, “I doubt the data on the shuttle will have personal photos like that. Besides, it’s probably being dismantled as we speak.”
"That is true." Marisa sighed. "But you should still mention it to the captain. Just in case something does come up. And until that time, we can be your family. We are all orphans at this point."
"Orphans? Are you also not from this reality?" M'Ressa asked,
"I am, but by becoming part of DTI, each of us is dead to our families and friends." Even though Marisa did not see her family often, she knew she would miss them.
M'Ressa thought for a moment before nodding, "hmm, I suppose that would be a good way to deal with it. Keeps the family of the crew from searching for them." she said, giving Marisa a smile, "well I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one out of time" M'Ressa refilled her shot glass, "Here's too our families, the ones we knew and the ones we have yet to meet"
The half Vulcan raised her glass. "To families." Then she finished her drink. "Is there anything you or shuttle bay needs before we leave the station?"
Giving a moment's thought, M'Ressa shook her head, "No, I think we're set up pretty well down here. I can replicate any and all parts I need for the shuttles, and if I can't I'm sure engineering could help me find a work around."
"Yes. Our chief engineer is excellent." Marisa had been impressed with the crew so far, and the pilot was no exception.
"Excellent, I'll have to go and touch base with them. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss? would you like another glass?"
"Not right now, thank you. Perhaps we can all have a drink to celebrate our departure when the time comes." Or before they launch. She would have to ask the captain about a pre-launch gathering.
"I look forward to it. Well, It was a pleasure to meet you Commander. Guess I'll see you on the bridge" M'Ressa said, holding out her paw for a shake, the end of her tail twitching with excitement.
Marisa shook her paw again. "It was a pleasure meeting you as well. I know the ship will be in fine hands." As she headed back to the bridge, she paused and turned around. "Welcome aboard."
A Joint Post By
Commander Marisa Sandoval
Executive Officer
USS Herodotus DTI-30656
Lieutenant Junior Grade M'Ressa
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Herodotus DTI-30656
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