Post Number: 234 *Meeting with McMahon*

Posted on Tue Mar 4th, 2025 @ 4:32am by Captain Marius Pontmercy & Lieutenant Commander Michael McMahon

1,243 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Secrets

On:

Marius exited his ready room, thankful to have a moment to stretch and get his blood flowing. With everything going on he didn't have much time to stop working, but this gave him an excellent excuse

Scanning the Command Center, he spotted McMahon hunched over a console, and made his way over to him.

"Lieutenant Commander, do you have a moment to chat in my office?"

Mike glanced up from the console, his brow furrowed in concentration before smoothing out into something more neutral. He took a brief second to scan the data one last time, then exhaled quietly and straightened up.

"Of course, Captain," he said, locking the console and stepping away. "Lead the way." Marius nodded, and turned to walk back the way he came.

Entering into his ready room, he crossed the floor and took a seat in his chair.

Mike followed Marius into the ready room, giving the Captain a moment to settle into his chair before he spoke. His posture was professional, but there was a subtle tension in his stance as he stood, awaiting the conversation to begin.

"How are you doing, Commander," Marius asked? "I know the past few days have been tough for all of us, but I'm sure it has been a rollercoaster, what with your Uncle and all "

Mike’s jaw tensed slightly at the mention of his uncle, but he quickly masked it with a small exhale. He finally took a seat across from Marius, leaning forward slightly with his hands clasped together.

“I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t been a lot,” he admitted. “Admrial Bradley has a way of making life… interesting.” He smirked slightly, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “But I’m managing. There’s too much going on to dwell on it.”

He studied Marius for a moment before adding, “I’m guessing this isn’t just a wellness check, though.”

"Not completely," Marius said. "But it is on the list. Everyone has been dealing with a lot. "But actually I wanted to congratulate you on keeping a level head during the rescue mission. I was told that your help was crucial in ensuring the safety of everyone involved."

Mike gave a small nod, his expression shifting into something more neutral. “I appreciate that, Captain,” he said. “It was a team effort, though. We had a lot of moving parts, and everyone did their job.”

He leaned back slightly, exhaling. “That said… it wasn’t exactly a textbook operation. We got lucky in a few places.” His lips pressed into a thin line before he added, “But luck or not, I’ll take the win.”

His gaze flickered toward Marius. “I take it we’re not expecting our luck to hold forever.”

"Unfortunately, no. The Synthulans are simply too powerful for us. Escaping into the Delta Quadrant will give us the ability to rebuild and regroup, but I'm certain we will encounter things we will struggle to overcome."

Mike’s jaw tightened for a brief moment, but he kept his expression neutral. “Yeah, that sounds about right,” he said, his tone even. “Running isn’t exactly a long-term strategy, but I get it. We don’t have the firepower to stand our ground.”

He exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly. “Still, I’d like to think we could be doing more than just surviving.” His voice was measured, but there was an edge to it. “A plan that isn’t just retreat and hope for the best.” Marius nodded.

"And we will be able to accomplish that and more in the days to come. I know how you feel, Commander. It's not something I'm enjoying doing, either. But I have something else I'd like to discuss with you."

Mike arched a brow slightly but gave a small nod. “Alright,” he said, leaning forward again, his hands clasped together. “What’s on your mind, Captain?”

His tone was measured, but there was an underlying tension. He wasn’t sure if this conversation was about to take a turn for the better or worse—but either way, he was ready for it. Marius looked at McMahon's stiff expression, and chuckled.

"Relax Commander. I actually wanted to commend you for the hard work you have been doing here on the Obsidian. You are dedicated, hard-working, and have put your life on the line for the Obsidian on numerous occasions. That is not even to mention the last few days with the rescue mission... and the attack on the Federation." Marius stood, and crossed the room to stand next to his Second Officer. "Because of all that you have done, it is my privilege to award you with the Christopher Pike Medal of Valor," he said, as he pinned the medal on Mike's uniform. "Along with this," he said, "I am awarding you the Starfleet Operations Commendation Medal for your excellent service. Congratulations Commander."

Mike blinked, his posture going rigid for a split second before he caught himself. His gaze flickered down to the medals as Marius pinned them onto his uniform, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words.

He exhaled slowly, schooling his expression into something neutral, though a complicated mix of emotions swirled beneath the surface. “Thank you, Captain,” he said after a beat. His voice was steady, but there was a hint of something restrained—pride, frustration, maybe both.

“I appreciate the recognition,” he continued, lifting his chin slightly. “I just did what needed to be done.” He paused before adding, “And I’ll keep doing it.”

There was gratitude in his tone, but also something else—an unspoken expectation. Medals were nice, but they weren’t promotions. And they didn’t change the fact that he still felt like his voice wasn’t being heard.

Marius tilted his head as he observed the man. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, and he slowly turned and made his way back to his seat before speaking again. With a sigh, he looked back at Mike.

"What is going on," he asked?

Mike hesitated for a fraction of a second before locking eyes with Marius. He could feel the weight of the question, the unspoken challenge behind it. He’d been careful—measured—but apparently not careful enough.

His jaw tensed. “Nothing, sir,” he replied smoothly, though there was a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. “Just… processing.”

He exhaled through his nose, shifting his stance slightly. “It’s an honor to be recognized."

Marius squinted for a moment. Processing? Processing what? He took a moment, and chose not to press the issue. He didn't have the time to force the man to speak. He was at the end of his rope currently.

"Well alright then. Thank you for your service Commander."

"Thank you sir." Mike said. "Oh one more thing. I would like to recommend that Lt Eschenauer get some sort of recognition. He did find the trail that led us to the Synthulans and did pilot the Starbase into warp for the first time." Marius nodded, and looked down at his padd.

"Thank you, Commander. He is on the list. I will be meeting with him soon." He looked up at McMahon, and nodded. "Dismissed, Commander."

Mike nodded and saluted the Captain before turning and leaving the room.

--

Captain Marius G. Pontmercy
Commanding Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Lt Cmdr Mike McMahon
Chief Operations Officer
Starbase Obsidian

 

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