One last chance to talk

Posted on 16 Oct 2026 @ 12:44pm by Commodore Jasmine Somers & Master Chief Petty Officer Alexi Michelle

1,027 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: General Sim Postings
Location: SB 51 FCapt's Quarters
Timeline: During Shoreleave

[ON]

MCPO Alexi Michelle had received word only a few minutes ago that the Fleet Captain was leaving very soon. This came as a surprise, but then, these things tended to be kept under wraps for security reasons. Alexi still had so much information to share from the core dump crystals. Was she supposed to send that information to the Fleet Captain, or to someone else? In either case, she wanted to see Jasmine before she was gone. She owed her at least that much.

She put on her Dress uniform as a show of respect, made her way to the Captain's door, and rang the chime.

Jasmine was in some shorts and a T-shirt when the door chimed. "ENTER," she said, and in walked her Security Investigations Officer "Hello, Chief. To what do I owe this honour?" She asked, standing and taking in her attire "Wow, so formal. Why don't you loosen your collar there, Chief, and come have a seat," Jasmine said.

Alexi entered. "I wanted to show my respect, Captain. I thought this would be the best avenue." She smiled and walked to the offered seat, unbuttoning the collar of the jacket as she did. "I know this may seem a bit unorthodox, Captain. But I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks for all your support and guidance."

*smiling*, she offered her hand "Thank you, Chief. Please have a seat. Would you like something to drink?" Jasmine asked.

Michelle shook her hand, then sat down and let out a breath. "I'll have whatever you are having." She really could have used a drink, but was not about to ask her commanding officer for anything stronger than coffee. "Honestly, Ma'am, I was surprised to hear you are leaving. "

*smiling* Jasmine poured two glasses of Best Brandy and replicated some ice and held out the glass of Brandy on the Rocks to Alexi "It is the real stuff, not sythehol," she said "You are currently off duty, so it is okay," she added as she sat down.

"I am not leaving exactly; I am moving up and across, and because of past events, being on the Tomcat as its commander has become too risky. While I have conquered the core of my PTSD, I still have it, and it could flare up at any time. Due to my traumatised actions at the time, I killed a guy, the same guy who did unspeakable things to me, so that is briefly why I am being moved. I also requested the move too," she said.

She took the glass and sipped the brandy, feeling the heat slide down her throat. "Thank you, Captain. While I understand your reason for the move, it does not diminish my respect for you," Alexi said slowly. "I cannot fathom what you have gone through, nor the pain it still causes you. I do know that, when you are able, you will come back stronger than ever. But I will still miss you in the meantime."

*Looking at Alexi in sadness* "Sadly, Chief, I will never return to the Tomcat as its Commander; that door has closed for me. While I may be ambivalent about the move, I am finding a little peace in it as I will not be under constant strain. I hope you will give your new Captain the same respect and devotion to duty as you gave me." Somers said, sitting down and taking a sip of her Brandy.

Michelle nodded somberly, "I hope you find your peace beyond the next door. While I will miss you, I will of course show the same respect to the new Captain as I have for you."

"Thank you, Alexi. Tell me, have you thought about going for an actual commission? The Brevet one you had was only temporary, I know, but you could make a good officer if you wanted to make Ensign," she said. "No pressure, just something to think about," Jasmine added, taking another sip of her Brandy.

Alexi held back the slight frown. "Honestly, Ma'am, I really had never thought that becoming an officer was a goal I wanted. And while I was, for a short time, I never really felt worthy of the rank, nor the... respect that came with it." She took a breath as she paused to consider her next words. "While I am honoured by your confidence, it is a decision I will not make lightly. But I will look into the possibility."

"Good, a rushed choice is a bad choice. For an Enlisted rank to go for their commission, it needs to be thoroughly looked into, and the pros and cons considered. As an officer, even an Ensign carries more weight than Enlisted. You have that option; if you wish to remain as you are, then your new CO and I will respect it", the Captain said.

Alexi nodded, "I appreciate that, Ma'am. I promise I will consider it as you requested." She finished her brandy and set the glass down pausing to formulate what she wanted to say. Taking a deep breath as she stood from her seat, "Captain, I wish to convey my utmost respect to you, but more than that, I wish to thank you for believing in me. I will do my best to help the new captain in any way I can." She held out her hand. "I know there must be others who wish to have a moment of your time, so I will say my farewells now."

Jasmine stood, took the other woman's hand and gave it a firm handshake, not a problem, and I am glad to hear it. Best of luck to you, Chief," Somers said and watched Michelle leave her quarters. When the doors had closed, she held up her glass to the door "Cheers, Chief!" she said to an empty room and a closed door and then finished her Brandy.

[OFF]

 

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