Some Time Together
Posted on Mon Jan 19th, 2026 @ 7:26pm by Commander Jek'Lar Son of Thrawn & Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren
Edited on on Tue Jan 20th, 2026 @ 5:38pm
1,450 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Episode 17 - Going Home
Location: Upper Promenade - Central Core - Deck 5 - Empok Nor
Timeline: MD002 1000 hours
Alyssa had a few things to take care of once the ship arrived at Empok Nor. She'd already arranged to have the day off, along with most of the department. There wasn't anything that really needed science, but she did have two who volunteered to be on call. Not surprisingly, one was Sheldon Leonard. He almost never left the ship, and when he did have time off, it was to wander the promenade, then stay in his quarters, reading. It simply meant that she was not likely to be called back unless there was an emergency.
She'd sent a message to Jek'Lar informing him the Pioneer would only be at the station for a day and asking if they could spend it together.
Jek'Lar had been working double and sometimes triple shifts as he managed fleet resources to track the traitor Quaid. They had a break in this case as it were and he awaited approval to get a mission plan together. But, that would take Commodore Malbrooke. In the meantime, he received a message from his love and he was gladdened to have the opportunity to see her and the break from all the work. Jek'Lar logged out his terminal and made his way to the Promenade.
He saw her from across the Promenade and made his way to her as if nothing else existed. "It is good to see you, Alyssa." He took her into his arms with a smile.
She wrapped her arms around him and sighed happily. "It's good to see you, too." After the most recent events, she needed the grounding the bond with Jek'Lar gave her. "I have one day before we leave and I want to spend it with you."
"Excellent..." Jek'Lar began, he knew as well as anyone that fleet relationships are subject to fleet wills. So, he would take the time together whenever he could. "...Then the time is yours. Where would you like to go?"
"Honestly? I don't care, as long as we're together." And there were no giant bugs, but that was not likely on the station. "Is there anything you would like to do today?"
Just being able to see her was enough for Jek'Lar. "We could simply take a walk and see where the day takes us." The Klingon was quite fond of war stories and in this moment, he wondered if she would indulge him. "The tales of what you and your shipmates have accomplished has spread through the station. It would be an honor to hear it firsthand. I am sure it was a glorious battle."
"The Marines were incredible." So were others, but she knew Jek'Lar would be more interested in the battle. "Yes. I would love to see where the day takes us, and I'm happy to tell you of the glorious battle." She used that word specifically for him. "I did not see all the battles, but I will tell you what I did see."
It was the one thing Jek'Lar hated about his position in the fleet. The glory was few and far between. However, he rather liked that Alyssa indulged him. As they fell into step together he proffered his arm for her to take. "Now, then I know that it started with the most unlikely of distress calls. Something about dreams."
She took his arm and smiled. "Yes. Or, rather, nightmares." Then she told him about the dream visits and what she could about the battle on Wren IX.
"It was good of you and your crew to recognize that this was someone reaching out for help." Jek'Lar paused and looked out a window of the Promenade. A Romulan warbird docked at the distant upper pylon. It was Ambassador Loval returning to the station and Jek'Lar knew it. There was something about the Ambassador that always got under his skin. He turned back toward Alyssa with a smile. "Now par'Mach'kai tell me all about this threat to Starfleet that you sent back through the portal." It must have been a sight for people to see a Klingon who was both interested in the battle story and just being in the company of the person he was with.
Once she finished telling him about the Marine escapades and their prowess in combat. "For me, the best part was when they challenged each other to see how many of the pseudo Borg they could send through the portal. They fought courageously and well."
"A Being that can make itself into Borg now that is a worthy opponent. I am sure they will be telling stories of this victory for years to come." Jek'Lar's demeanor changed briefly as his thoughts went to his own mission to come. "For me it may not be so glorious as I have to gather information on one of Starfleet's own."
"I'm sorry the officer has done something to require an investigation." It was one of the less-pleasant tasks, but Alyssa had no doubt Jek'Lar would find what he needed. "Apart from the upcoming investigation, what have you been working on?"
"If I am honest it has all been rather boring. Standard fleet movements. Although Ambassador Loval has been more magnanimous than usual. I am always suspicious when Romulans act in such a manner. He has also been less private than usual." Jek’Lar did hope that something changed soon with his duties. It was terrible for a Klingon to get in a rut.
"I'm sorry you can't come with the Pioneer on some of our missions." Not only would she like his company, he would be an asset to any ship he served on.
"And I wish that you could be here. Serving together would be the ideal, however, we both must serve where ordered. Peacetime for a Klingon can be..." Jek'Lar's voice trailed off as he realized exactly how hard it could be for a Klingon in peacetime. His jaw tightened ever so slightly and then it loosened into a smile. "But that is enough of that. Right now, we must enjoy the time that we are given. There is an interesting establishment on Level 2 of the Promenade. I thought we could go there and perhaps you can explain some things to me. This place is called The Three Broomsticks. I am not exactly familiar with witches."
Alyssa laughed softly. "I can tell you a fair amount of folklore and fairy tale about witches. And yes, that sounds nice. I haven't been there yet." She was quiet for a moment. "Sometimes I miss the Archimedes. I miss being on the same ship. But you're right. We go where we're needed. At least the Pioneer is based here."
"Yes, and that allows us some time together. I have sent my paperwork in to Captain Hood. I have requested shore leave to coincide with the next time that the Pioneer has leave. This way we can take a vacation somewhere together." Jek’Lar was sure that his request would be approved but there was always the chance that it would not. All of this talk about being together combined with the ennui he felt prompted the Klingon to say something that may be a little out of character. "You know, I could request a transfer to the Pioneer. I know there are openings in the Tactical Department."
She stopped to look at him. "That would be wonderful, but would you be happy doing that?" It would be far better than transferring to another ship where she wouldn't get to see him, but she also wanted him to be happy.
Transferring to the Pioneer would be more of a sidestep in his career and Jek'Lar knew it. It was the Klingon in him that wanted to be with his mate constantly. While he understood the nature of relationships within the fleet, he did not necessarily like them. He scowled not at what Alyssa had said, but at the situation. "You know me too well. While being with you would make me happy. The work would not. No matter, at least not right now. Right now, let us simply go enjoy the time together."
Alyssa nodded in agreement. "And be grateful we have as much time together as we do." And she was. A career in Starfleet often meant change and, after being apart for so long, she was going to cherish the time they did have.
A Joint Post By
Commander Jek'Lar Son of Koss
Chief Strategic Operations Officer, Empok Nor
Lieutenant Commander Alyssa Maren
Chief Science Officer, USS Pioneer
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