Return to Duty
Posted on Sun Oct 26th, 2025 @ 11:58am by Captain Mitsu Sato & Commander Wesley Evans & Lieutenant Commander T'Mara
842 words; about a 4 minute read
Mission: Respite
The panoramic windows of the starbase’s observation lounge framed the Eclipse while the ship was moored to the docking arm. The ship looked sleek even under the work lights of the station’s docking arms and among the other ships that were docked. To Mitsu, as she stood in the observation lounge and gazed out at her command, the Eclipse looked sleek, graceful, and ready for action. Small, the ship was just as capable as any other ship moored to the station. The mission at Adelphous had tried the crew, and while there were wounds, Mitsu knew that her crew would heal. The doors to the observation lounge opened, the noise interrupting her thoughts, and she turned to see who entered.
The man who stepped through carried himself with a familiar calm. He was dark-haired, uniform crisp, eyes steady. Wesley inclined his head, a mixture of relief and regret visible in his expression. “Good day, Captain. I hope I'm not interrupting,” He said softly.
“Commander Wesley Evans,” Sato replied in greeting, allowing the faintest trace of a smile. “Welcome back to the Eclipse.”
"Thank you, Captain," Wesley said, his eyes flicking toward the ship in the view port. “I heard what happened. I should have been there.”
Mitsu’s gaze hardened, though not unkindly. “No. Don’t take that burden on yourself, Commander. We lost people, but we cannot afford to live in the what ifs of the past. What matters is that you’re here now. We need stability in Sickbay. We need leadership.” She gestured toward a nearby seat. “Sit. Tell me why you asked for the assignment back. I want to hear it in your own words. The last I can recall, you wanted to leave the Eclipse.”
Wesley settled across from her, leaning forward. “I served on the Eclipse long enough to know what this crew represents. Resilience. Ingenuity. Heart.” His voice tightened with quiet conviction. “After I heard what happened at Adelphous I couldn’t stand being somewhere else while they put the pieces back together. I can help. Not just medically, though that’s my duty, but personally. This crew deserves someone who understands them.” He hesitated, then added. “I’ve carried my own losses, Captain. I can recognize the weight in their eyes.”
For a long moment, Mitsu studied him. She’d heard of Evans’ competence, his bedside manner, his ability to make even the most guarded patients talk. What she saw now was something deeper, a grief harnessed into purpose. Before she could reply, the doors parted again.
T'Mara entered with her usual calm precision. She inclined her head respectfully. “Captain. Commander,” she said as her gaze lingered briefly on Evans, a faint acknowledgment in her eyes. “I wished to join this discussion. I understand Commander Evans has been reassigned back to the Eclipse as Chief Medical Officer.”
Mitsu gestured for her to approach. “Yes. I was about to finalize the recommendation. I value your perspective as well as your input, T’Mara. You’ve carried Sickbay alone since Adelphous.”
TMara folded her hands behind her back. “The losses aboard the Eclipse and the wounds that the survivors have been dealing with have strained the medical department significantly. I have observed that many of the younger staff are hesitant to seek assistance, though they are clearly troubled. A strong leader who is familiar with the ship yet able to bring renewed perspective would be beneficial.” Her eyes met Sato’s, then shifted to Evans. “Commander Evans has demonstrated clinical excellence and interpersonal skill during his prior assignment on board the Eclipse. He has my full support.”
Wesley inclined his head toward her, gratitude flickering in his eyes. “Thank you, Commander. That means more than I can say. I know the burden you’ve carried these past days, and I'm sorry. I’ll make sure you don’t have to shoulder it alone any longer.”
Mitsu rose, smoothing her uniform as she did so. “Then it is settled. Commander Wesley Evans, you are hereby reassigned to the Eclipse as Chief Medical Officer. Starfleet Command has already approved the transfer, my confirmation is simply the affirmation.” She extended her hand. “Welcome home.”
He clasped it firmly, something easing in his posture at the words. “Thank you. It’s good to be home, Captain.”
T'Mara's expression was composed but carried the faintest shadow of approval. “Logic dictates that stability in Sickbay will hasten the crew’s recovery. Welcome back, Commander Evans. I look forward to serving beside you again.”
Mitsu allowed herself a rare smile. “Good. Then let’s get to work. The Eclipse will be ready to depart soon, and I will need both of you prepared to not only to heal the wounded, but to help heal the heart of the crew.”
With a silent nod towards the senior medical officers, she smiled and stepped towards the doors. There was no doubt that there was a mountain of paperwork waiting for her, since she knew there would be more transfers waiting for her approval.
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