Orders and Departures
Posted on Sun Oct 26th, 2025 @ 12:24pm by Captain Mitsu Sato & Commander Alesia Harrington & Commander Eva Grey & Lieutenant Jaina Zalla
1,048 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission: Respite
The hum of the ship’s systems was a steady and familiar rhythm beneath Mitsu’s feet as she stood by the ready room view port, her hands clasped behind her back. Starbase 24 glowed beyond the glass, a metallic constellation tethered by faint beams of docking light. The sight did little to calm her mind, as she could only dwell on the meeting that was about to take place. This meeting wasn’t one she’d wanted to call, but orders were orders and in Starfleet even captains had to bow to the hierarchy that governed them. The door chime sounded, interrupting her thoughts. “Enter,” she said, voice calm but edged with something quieter and heavier.
Eva entered the ready room, her dark hair pinned up and her uniform freshly pressed. She carried a PADD close to her chest but her expression betrayed a wariness she couldn’t hide. She knew what this meeting was about. Word traveled fast on a star ship, even when official channels stayed silent. “Captain,” she greeted softly, nodding as she took her place to the side.
Jaina entered next, her posture rigid and her jaw set. She’d barely slept the night before. Her security team had spent the last several weeks maintaining the enhanced protocols around Commander Harrington’s restricted lab area and the security team had grown accustomed to the tension it brought. She gave a short nod. “Captain. Commander.” Her eyes flicked toward Sato, then away, uncertain of the tone this meeting would take.
Commander Alesia Harrington followed last, the doors parting just long enough to admit her slight figure. She looked composed as always but there was a brittleness beneath her professionalism. Her uniform jacket was immaculate, but her eyes betrayed the sleepless night she’d spent combing through data and working on her mysterious project. “Captain,” she greeted quietly, her voice clipped and guarded.
Mitsu turned from the view port to face them, the light from the star base catching along the sharp edges of her uniform. “Thank you all for coming,” she began. “I’ll be brief. As of this morning, I received confirmation from Admiral Shaw’s office. The research division led by Commander Harrington has been reassigned. In twenty four hours, the team is to report directly to Admiral Shaw for debriefing and redeployment.” She paused, letting the words settle. “As such, Lieutenant Zalla, the additional security measures surrounding their work are no longer necessary. You may stand down the enhanced protocols immediately.”
Jaina’s jaw tightened. The security systems had become a familiar hum in her daily operations, a constant background of locked down labs and clearance codes. Pulling them down felt exposing. “Yes, Captain,” she said after a beat. “May I ask if there’s any specific reason for the reassignment?”
Mitsu’s eyes flickered, a small deliberate pause before she answered. “I asked the same question of Admiral Shaw,” she said quietly. “Unfortunately, the details are classified beyond my clearance.”
Jaina exhaled slowly, her frustration carefully masked under a facade of duty. “Understood,” she said before she glanced toward Harrington briefly. She quickly looked away, her emotions conflicted.
Alesia’s lips pressed into a thin line, her tone clipped with professional restraint. “I understand, Captain. My team and I will be ready for transfer by 0800 tomorrow. We’ve already begun consolidating our data files and locking out our lab systems." She hesitated, something flickering behind her eyes. “For what it’s worth, I appreciate the security department’s diligence, Lieutenant. Even if it was less than comfortable at times.”
Harrington's words caught Jaina off guard. She nodded once. “We were just doing our job, Commander. I’m sorry if it ever felt otherwise.”
Eva shifted slightly, sensing the undercurrent of tension. “Commander Harrington, if there’s anything you need in the process of transition such as equipment transfers, departmental records, or help in moving your equipment, Operations and Science will assist where possible. I’d like your departure to go smoothly.”
Harrington’s eyes softened, almost imperceptibly. “Thank you, Commander Grey. That’s greatly appreciated.”
Mitsu let the exchange breathe before stepping forward, her voice calm but firm. “I want it understood that this reassignment is not a reflection of your work, Commander Harrington, or a reflection of anyone's personal feelings towards you or your team. Starfleet Command makes these decisions for reasons we may never be privy to. But your service aboard the Eclipse has been exemplary. You and your team have my gratitude and my respect.”
For the first time, Harrington’s composure faltered, just slightly. She straightened, nodding once. “Thank you, Captain. That means more than you might think.” Her gaze flicked briefly toward the view port and the star base beyond. “This ship has a remarkable crew. I’ll miss serving among them.”
Eva’s tone softened. “You’ll be missed here too, Alesia. Your contributions to the research division have set a standard we’ll work to uphold.”
Jaina stood quietly, arms folded behind her back. She didn’t trust herself to say much more. After Adelphous, she’d learned what loss looked like. And while this wasn’t the same, with no funerals, no folded flags, it still felt like a kind of goodbye.
Mitsu inclined her head slightly. “Very well. Lieutenant Zalla, please see that security deactivates the additional safeguards by the end of your shift. Commander Grey can assist with the logistics of Commander Harrington’s departure. Commander Harrington, I’ll expect your final report by this evening.” Her gaze swept across them once more before she ended the meeting. “Dismissed.”
As the others began to file out, Alesia lingered for a moment at the door, glancing back toward the captain. “Captain,” she said softly. “If it’s any consolation, what we're working on is worth protecting.” Then she stepped out, leaving the ready room silent but for the hum of the view port lights.
Mitsu didn’t move for a long moment after the doors closed. She simply turned and stared at the star base lights beyond the glass, her reflection staring back. “Let’s hope Starfleet knows what to do with it,” she murmured quietly before she turned away and towards the next item on her list of things to do.
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