Arrival at Starbase 24

Posted on Mon Oct 13th, 2025 @ 11:20am by Captain Mitsu Sato & Lieutenant Vesper Wolfe & Commander Eva Grey & Lieutenant Kev Walker & Lieutenant Jaina Zalla & Lieutenant JG Alicia Santos & Ensign Matt Connor & Ensign Eric Banner & Ensign Erin Andala & Lieutenant Commander T'Mara

1,064 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Respite

The massive form of Starbase 24 filled the forward view screen, its docking pylons extending like arms to embrace arriving ships. Mitsu sat in her command chair, posture composed but her mind already three steps ahead. The Eclipse needed this. There were repairs and adjustments that the ship needed, the chance for the crew to finally overcome any lingering doubts from the Adelphous mission, as well as a chance for the crew aboard to catch their breath before they were thrown into another mission.

“Miss Wolfe,” she said softly. “Bring us into docking position. Nice and steady.”

Vesper’s hands moved over the helm controls with practiced precision, though a faint hum escaped her throat, an unconscious tune she often hummed when concentrating. “Aye, Captain. Adjusting thrusters, aligning with pylon two seven.” The starbase loomed closer, filling the view port until it seemed to swallow the Eclipse. Vesper's fingers danced across the console, guiding the ship with a grace that belied the tension under her ribs. Docking was routine, but after Adelphous, even routine felt weighted. “Final approach,” she announced. “Locking clamps in five… four… three… two… contact.”

The soft shudder of docking reverberated through the ship.

“Docking complete, Captain,” Vesper announced as she brought the engines and thrusters to standby. Engineering would oversee any further shutdown procedures, if needed.

“Very good,” Mitsu replied as she rose, smoothing her jacket as she did so. “All hands, this is the Captain. We are docked at Starbase 24. Crew rotations, refit preparations, and shore leave schedules will proceed as planned. Dismissed to your duties and your rest.”

She cut the channel, glancing toward Eva Grey at her side. “And now, Commander, we try to rest before the next disaster," she said.

Eva inclined her head, arms folded loosely behind her back. She was still adjusting to the weight of her new role as First Officer, a role she hadn’t expected to inherit under such circumstances. “The crew could use some rest,” she agreed quietly. Her eyes drifted across the bridge crew while her mind drifted to those officers who needed such a break the most. “The refit will matter, yes. But what they need is to breathe again.”

Jaina sat at her station, hands curled too tightly on the edge of her console. The memorial service had helped, in its way, but grief still clawed at her ribs. Shore leave meant space, a chance to think or to drown. She kept her voice steady as she reported. “Tactical systems are in standby for refit, Captain, and security watches have been set up for rotation at the boarding airlock.”

Matt had been staring at the docking clamps through the boarding hatch view port, his jaw tight. “Security teams ready for disembarkation protocols,” he said automatically to the security officers gathered at the hatch with him. Normally, he would be ready for shore leave, but this was one time that his mind wasn't on point. Shore leave might help. Or it might just remind him how much he missed his crew mates.

Kev glanced around the bridge as systems began their transition to docked status. For him, the docking wasn’t just a pause it was an opportunity. “Ops will coordinate with starbase engineering teams,” he reported crisply. “Refit schematics for quarters conversions are ready for handover.” He met the Captain’s gaze. “We’ll get this ship exactly where you need it, ma’am.”

Eric’s hands shook slightly as he logged his console into docked mode. He tried to hide it, but he knew that some of the other officers around him had probably noticed. Docking meant off duty hours, and off duty hours meant time alone with the memories of Adelphous. His stomach knotted. Maybe the lounge or station promenade would help.

Alicia was already halfway down to Main Engineering by the time the docking clamps sealed. She’d promised Walker she’d take a break, but first, she needed to see the power transfer complete, to hear the hum of the ship shift as it tethered to the starbase’s grid. Her team would work with the station engineers, but she knew she would have to struggle to step back. She knew that Walker hoped that shore leave would pry her away, but for Alicia shore leave was far from her mind right now.

Erin sat quietly near the back of the science lab, a Padd clutched in her lap. Starbase 24 shimmered through the view ports and on some of the monitors that were tied to the external sensors, but all she could think about was how Noa would’ve loved to see it. They’d talked about shore leave plans before, about exploring shops, trying local food stalls. Now Erin would be walking those corridors alone, unless she found the courage to ask someone to go with her.

From her seat near the Captain, T’Mara observed the subtle signs of strain on nearly every officer. To the Vulcan mind, the need for rest, recuperation, and structured emotional release was obvious and clear. “I will coordinate with Starbase 24’s medical staff,” she said evenly, “to ensure our crew has full access to counseling and medical services during shore leave.”

Mitsu nodded her agreement with the medical officer as she let her gaze sweep the bridge one last time. The ship was safe, docked, and for a time, her people could step away from duty and try to take a few days to heal. The bridge stirred with movement as officers stood from their stations. Shore leave had begun. “Very well,” she said as she turned. "Crew rotations as scheduled. Commander Grey, I believe you have the unfortunate duty to remain on duty the first watch. I need to go meet with the admiral."

Eva smiled faintly as she nodded. "I think I'd rather sit here on the ship and wait for shore leave rather than enjoy the visit you're about to undertake," she said as she moved to the command chair.

Despite herself, Mitsu felt a small smile tug at the corner of her mouth at the commander's remark. She silently wished that Commander Grey was accompanying her, but she had no desire to force the commander to endure Admiral Shaw unless she absolutely had to. As she stepped away from the bridge, Mitsu silently prayed that the admiral was in a good mood.

 

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