Post Number: 239 *Meeting with Commander Haines*

Posted on Tue Mar 4th, 2025 @ 2:45pm by Captain Marius Pontmercy & Commander Jordan Haines

1,092 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Secrets

On:

Marius sat quietly in his ready room, making sure he had what he needed before he contacted Jordan. They had all been through hell, and it was time to meet with members of the crew. It was important to check in with them, and he had some things he needed to say. Finally ready, he tapped his comm badge.

"Commander Haines, please report to my ready room when you have a moment," he said.

Jordan had just finished lunch and was going on a walk through the base when the captain paged him. He smiled to himself as he made a detour and headed to the ready room. He walked in and took seat, grinning at the captain. “You rang?”

Marius rolled his eyes.

"Have a seat Jordan," he said. His Executive Officer was a changed man from the first time the two had met. If someone had told him all those years ago that they'd become friends, he would have called them a liar...and yet here they were.

Jordan smiled at Marius. They had both changed over the years, each giving a little. Jordan was no longer an unhappy angry man. He had learned to trust those he called family. And he had deep respect for his captain, he just showed it in his own way.

“Is there a new development?” Jordan asked him with concern in his Voice.

"Nothing more than you already know," Marius said with a sigh. "We are a part of an almost dead organization with few officers and leadership to win...but we are going to do our best. How are you holding up?"

“I would never have wished this on us.” Jordan sighed. “And I went through a period of anger and frustration, the temptation of old ways to face them head on erupted but I have found a way to control them.” His eyes met Marius’. “I excel when the odds are against us. We will win.” Marius met his gaze, and then nodded.

"How's the crews morale?"

“It was really down for a while.” Jordan said with a sigh. “And there are still those who doubt we will succeed but the department heads are keeping them busy and talking positive and they’re starting to gain confidence and believe.”

"I'm glad to hear it,* Marius said. "I wish I could be out there among them more, but right now there is so much on my plate. I'm glad you're here for that at least."

“That’s my job.” Jordan said bluntly. “We need you doing what you’re doing and I can handle crew morale and will continue to encourage them.”

"Well your work here on the Obsidian is the other reason I asked you here today," Marius said. "Please stand, Commander." Marius did the same, and pulled something from his desk drawer before coming to stand in front of his friend. "For your work here with the crew, your service to Starfleet, and for being the best damned XO a Captain could ask for, I am proud to present you with the Admiral Olvera Order of Heroism, as well as the Expeditionary Award. Congratulations, Commander." Marius pinned the two awards to Jordan's uniform and then stepped back to admire them.

“We’ll damn!” Jordan grinned, though he knew Marius could tell he had surprised him. “You sure know how to surprise even me.” He smiled widely. “And here is thought I was going to have to start hinting at you or go cry on a friends shoulder about how unappreciated I am.” The great thing was he knew that the captain got his sense of humor. “This…” he became serious. “This makes everything I have done worth it.”

"You earned it," Marius said. "I'm proud of you, Jordan. You have come a long way. I never imagined us standing here, but after all this time I am actually not sick of your company," he joked. With a laugh he crossed back over to his desk, and took a seat.

"I know that we have a challenging time ahead of us. I spoke with Lieutenant V'Lar about some options once we reach the Delta Quadrant. She suggested that we take a look at the Ocampa homeworld, it is strategic and defensible. I think that we need to seriously consider it."

“It’s a good plan.” Jordan nodded. “I was there once a long time ago. I think it would be a smart move.” In his younger days as a smuggler, Jordan had traveled many places. “It would be somewhere they wouldn’t expect.”

"I guess there's still some things I didn't know about you," Marius said honestly. "Well in any case, we have a long road ahead of us, and we need to be prepared for the many twists and turns this path is sure to have."

“I’ve been a lot of places.” Jordan murmured. “Especially when I was young. Ocampa isn’t likely to be on anyone’s radar, it’s a good choice.” He paused and continued. “Though I know the crew appreciates what you are doing, I can’t think of anyone in the crew that would be pissing and moaning about not being promoted or given new shinies. Our main focus is the future of the fleet and doing our jobs. If it’s for recognition or looking more important than the next guy we don’t belong out here.” And he meant that.

"I agree, but still I wish I could do more." Marius sighed. "We are down to almost nothing, it's not like I have a lot of options for them. I can only do what I can do I guess."

“It is enough.” Jordan replied seriously. “And if it isn’t then send them my way.” The captain had enough on his plate, no one better give him a hard time. Marius laughed at that.

"I am sure that will not be necessary," he assured Jordan. "But thank you." He stretched and leaned back in his chair before speaking again. "We both have a lot on our plate, but keep me updated with how the crew is doing, please."

“I will.” Jordan replied seriously. “I told you long ago I won’t hide things from you and I am doing my best to do so.”

"I know you are, Jordan," Marius said confidently. "And I thank you for it." He took a breath, and smiled. "Dismissed, Commander."

Off:

Captain Marius G. Pontmercy
Commanding Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Commander Jordan Haines
Executive Officer
Starbase Obsidian

 

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