New Voices in the Silence

Posted on Sun Nov 16th, 2025 @ 8:43pm by Lieutenant JG Brooke Alves & Commander Wesley Evans & Lieutenant Commander T'Mara

861 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Respite

The hum of Sickbay had always been a comforting sound to Wesley Evans. The quiet pulse of the bio beds, the soft chime of medical monitors, and the scent of sterilized air. It was order, precision, and purpose. But since stepping back aboard the Eclipse, that familiar hum carried something else: absence. He caught himself glancing at the names still burned into his memory as he reviewed the medical files on the Eclipse crew. Commander Karl Rogers, Ensign Noa Oku. Officers whose bio readings would never again flash across a tricorder. He was supposed to be getting ready for the day’s intake inspection, but he seemed stuck on reflecting the tragic events that the Eclipse and her crew had suffered. He was starting to feel his eyes glaze over when the sound of the sickbay doors opening broke through his reverie. He turned toward the entryway, straightening his uniform as someone stepped through the doors.

Brooke Alves had walked the polished corridors of star ships before, but the Eclipse felt different, almost subdued. There was a hush to the way the crew spoke and a kind of reverence that hung in the air like the quiet after a storm. She had found her way to Sickbay easily, and as the doors opened, she quickly spied the two officers she had read about in her assignment briefing: Commander Wesley Evans, recently reassigned as Chief Medical Officer, and Lieutenant Commander T’Mara, whose service record read like a case study in Vulcan efficiency.

“Lieutenant Brooke Alves,” she spoke with a quiet firmness as she introduced herself, clasping her hands behind her back as she did so. “Reporting for duty as Chief Counselor.”

Wesley smiled, the expression faint but genuine. “Welcome aboard, Counselor. We’re glad to have you,” he said.

T’Mara approached the two officer and regarded the new arrival with a precise nod. “Welcome, Lieutenant. Your quarters have been prepared, and your security clearance has been updated to reflect your assignment,” she said in her typical fashion. “You join us during a period of recovery. Both the ship and the crew have experienced significant strain following the Adelphous mission.”

Brooke's expression softened. “Yes, Admiral Shaw’s report made note of it. I’m sorry for your losses.”

T’Mara inclined her head. “Regret serves little purpose, but acknowledgment is appreciated. The crew has not yet fully processed the emotional trauma associated with that event.”

“What she means, Lieutenant, is that we’re still picking up the pieces,” Wesley said as he gave T'Mara a sideways glance before he motioned for them to join him in his office. Once they were seated, he continued. "I'm sure that you were briefed on what happened, but just to cover the events on the Adelphous mission, Commander Rogers and Ensign Oku were both killed on an away mission. The other four officers on the away team survived and returned."

Brooke said nothing for a moment. Her voice, when it came, was soft. “And the surviving members of the team?”

Wesley rubbed at his temple, before he glanced at T'Mara. She had overseen the crew medical evaluations following the away mission, but he had read the reports she had filed. Rather than put the Vulcan on the spot, he nodded and turned back to Alves. “You’ll meet them soon enough. They’ve been doing their best to stay busy, but grief finds its own rhythm.”

Brooke nodded slowly, absorbing the weight in his tone. She’d served aboard ships that had seen loss before, but something about this felt more personal. It wasn’t just that they’d lost officers, it was small ships such as the Nova class had smaller crews, and as such the officers assigned aboard were closer than the crews on larger ships such as a Galaxy class ship.

“I'll tread carefully as I begin my duties,” she said at last. “And I won’t intrude where I’m not wanted. My intent is to help the crew heal, however slowly that happens.”

T’Mara folded her hands neatly. “A logical approach. Emotional recovery is a variable process, particularly for humans. I believe your assistance will be necessary.”

Wesley smirked faintly. “That’s Vulcan for we’re glad you’re here,” he said.

T’Mara raised an eyebrow. “I believe I expressed as much," she said. "I suggest we provide the counselor with access to the post Adelphous medical logs. Familiarity with the physiological aspects of trauma may assist in her counseling assessments.”

“Good idea,” Wesley said. “We’ll also get you access to the crew manifest. Names, schedules, duty rosters. If you want to start checking in on people, Commander Grey might be able to suggest who needs it most.”

Brooke nodded. “Thank you both. I’ll tread carefully.”

Wesley nodded. “You came aboard during one of those odd in between moments, Lieutenant. We’re not broken, but we’re not quite whole either. You’ll find this crew strong, but quiet about it.” He extended a hand. “Welcome to the Eclipse.”

Brooke took it, her expression firm, almost solemn. “Thank you, sir. I’ll certainly do my best.”

 

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