New Currents
Posted on Mon Nov 3rd, 2025 @ 10:48pm by Lieutenant JG Élan Val & Commander Eva Grey
873 words; about a 4 minute read
Mission: Respite
The science labs, like the Eclipse in general, were unusually quiet, with the labs running at half staff while the majority of the crew rotated to shore leave. Eva stood by one of the aft observation view ports on deck five, PADD in hand, as she watched the bustle of Starbase 24’s docks. The Eclipse seemed almost small against the hulking silhouette of the station, but in her heart Eva knew the ship carried a weight the starbase never would.
A movement at the boarding airlock nearby caught her attention. To her knowledge, there wasn't anyone scheduled to board anytime soon, and the station engineering crews were already at work on the quarters refits. Most of the crew had departed for the station promenade, so Eva gave in to her curiosity and walked over.
A tall, composed Trill with a very filled out and attractive figure and the distinctive spots trailing along her temples stepped through the airlock. She walked with a quiet confidence, her uniform crisp and her posture elegant, although she appeared to be just slightly uncomfortable in her uniform. She spied the commander quickly and braced to attention. “Lieutenant Élan Val, reporting for duty as science officer,” she said. Inwardly, she felt the familiar, calming tingle from Val, resonating at the edges of her awareness, as a subtle reminder from the symbiont that there was no reason to be nervous. She had rehearsed this introduction a dozen times on the shuttle over, but now, standing on a new ship, the words felt heavier.
Eva smiled slightly, although there was a momentary hint of sadness behind her expression. "Welcome aboard, Lieutenant," she said. "Although I have to admit, I wasn't expecting any new officers until tomorrow at the earliest."
Élan clasped her hands behind her back, her voice steady. “I was transferred from the USS Hyperion a few days ago. The captain allowed me to use a shuttle for transport, and since the Hyperion was at Starbase 157 for replenishment, it didn't take very long to get here. I was informed that my expertise in xenobiology and planetary ecosystems would be of use here.” A faint smile tugged at her lips. “Though Val and I think it was time for a change of scenery.”
Eva’s eyebrows rose slightly at the phrasing, though her lips curved in something warmer than polite professionalism. “Val being your symbiont, I take it?” she asked.
Élan inclined her head, calm and assured. She knew that most people were already uncomfortable being around joined Trills in general, mostly because of the lifetimes that the symbionts had already lived, but Élan shared a closeness with the Val symbiont that more than a few Trills were envious of, and few non-Trills could understand.
Eva gestured toward the nearby seating area. “Please, sit. I always find it best to get to know my officers as people, not just specialties on a roster.”
Élan lowered herself into the chair gracefully and folded her hands in her lap. “Yes, Val is my symbiont. We have what you might call a close relationship. Some might say I’m unusually attuned to my other half. I prefer to think of it as partnership,” she said before she let out a faint, amused breath. “Sometimes Val is quieter, sometimes more insistent. Today, she seems as nervous as I am.” Her eyes softened. “I think part of it is that that joining a new crew is not just about my service, but about weaving into the lives of others, and I'm rather nervous about being reassigned to the Eclipse.”
Eva tilted her head, considering the Trill's words. There was something grounding in Élan’s tone, an ease with carrying multiple lives’ worth of experience. After the chaos and loss of Adelphous, it was quietly reassuring. “Well,” she said, leaning back slightly, “the Eclipse is in need of both scientists and people who can see beyond themselves. You’ll find our labs well equipped, though perhaps a little small. I imagine you’ll have no trouble making them your own.” She paused, her expression softening. “I won’t pretend the timing is easy. We’ve lost colleagues recently. Good ones. The department is still healing.”
Élan’s gaze lowered briefly, respectful of the loss. “I read the reports,” she said quietly. “Losses like that leave scars. I’ve carried them before, both mine, and those of Val’s previous hosts. It never grows easier, but it teaches you to honor the living as much as the fallen.” She lifted her chin, voice steady but warm. “I hope I can offer more than just my science here. Sometimes, what we carry is the one gift we can give others.”
Eva studied her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “I think you’ll fit in well here, Lieutenant,” she said as she rose and extended her hand. “Welcome to the Eclipse, Élan Val. May this ship give you both the challenges and the home you’re looking for.”
Élan stood, taking the commander's hand with a firm shake. She felt Val’s quiet tingle of approval, and maybe just a hint of excitement. “Thank you, Commander,” she said, her smile genuine. “We’re both honored to be here.”
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