Fare Thee Well Tomcat
Posted on 03 Jan 2023 @ 12:46am by Lieutenant JG Jane Sinclair MD, DVM
3,011 words; about a 15 minute read
Mission:
General Sim Postings
Timeline: The day after Letters, Letters Part 2, Fond Messages, and Second Opinions
(Note: the end contains a scene which is non-explicit but is still intended for mature audiences)
[ON]
It was not a normal, scheduled alarm that woke Jane Sinclair from her slumber, but in fact an alert signaling an incoming message on subspace. A quick check of the time showed that it was 0527 hours. A bit before her alarm but not unreasonably so.
Unlike the dozen or so she’d received the day before, however, from Jo and Mazal, and the days before that from Lilli, this one was a request for a live face-to-face conversation.
This must be important, she thought as she slid out of bed, slipped on her robe, and sat in front of the monitor on her desk. Even her more professional conversation with Mazal had been conducted asynchronously. Who was it? What did they want? “Computer, open channel.”
It wasn’t Mazal Falk, needing her input again. Or Alexanderia Cahill seeking a second opinion. Or Lilliana Hawksley. Or even Josefina Macapuno.
She was shocked to see the smiling face of Alejandra Rios.
“I’m sorry to wake you,” was the first thing she said, her smile lopsided and a bit silly. The last time they’d spoken like this was almost two years earlier, when they had broken up. It had been amicable, at least. Mostly. There had been some bitterness but they were adults. They knew that which had divided them wasn’t a lack of feeling, or something malicious like a betrayal. No, they simply had different ambitions, which took them in different directions.
“Alé.” It was all Jane could muster at first until she shook her head free of the cobwebs that prevented her from putting a thought together. “No, it’s fine. I’ve been Acting Chief for the past couple of days so it’s good, I can start my rounds early. What’s up?”
“‘What’s up?’ That’s your first question?”
Jane sighed. “I’m sorry. I went to bed late, and honestly…it’s been a confusing time for me. I didn’t mean anything by it.” She smiled. “It’s good to see you, Alé. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Better,” Alejandra said with a grin that helped wake the Acting CMO of the Tomcat. “I wanted to say that I got your message. It was very touching, Jane. I’ve missed you too.”
Jane raised an eyebrow. “You went and got live subspace comms approval to tell me this? Don’t get me wrong, it’s very sweet, but a letter would have worked too.”
“Approval? I gave myself approval!” Alejandra looked proud and smug. “You’re looking at the newly promoted Lieutenant Alejandra Rios,” she said, gesturing to her two solid rank pips, “Chief Operations Officer of the USS Queen Catherine.”
“Congratulations!” Jane said, grinning, genuinely happy. “Does that mean bigger quarters for you and Alicia?”
Alejandra winced. “She and I broke up, actually. About three months ago.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Jane replied. “Want to talk about it?”
“Not really,” she answered with a shrug. “I have something better to discuss.” Her smile came back. “Jane, you’re a great doctor. You’re a genius. You have more knowledge on sentient and non-sentient life than anyone else I know.” She took a breath. “Our CMO just retired, and we’re about to go on a major deep space mission. We won’t be back for years, and we need the best. I put your name forward, and Captain Roya approved. Jane, say yes and you’re the Chief Medical Officer, no Acting in front of that, of the USS Queen Catherine, with promotion to full Lieutenant!”
Jane couldn’t hide the excitement from her eyes. A promotion! Her own medical department, to run as she saw fit! On a massive Galaxy-class starship, no less!
“What would this mean for us?” was Jane’s first question.
“Let’s just…see where it goes,” Alé suggested. “I wouldn’t object to us trying again, but we shouldn’t rush.”
A lot of conflicting emotions crossed Jane’s head and heart. This was an opportunity of a lifetime, and deep down she knew that she still loved Alé. But also, she’d met some amazing people here. Great friends, like Mazal, Mia, Dodd, Leland, and Lilli. And then of course there was Jo, whom just last night she teased by strutting out of the pool nude in full view of the recording camera. Jo was a special one. But also…she loved Alé. She always did. Even if she wanted more with Jo — and she truly did — she couldn’t deny her heart.
“You have someone there, don’t you?” Alé asked, prompted by the moment of silent contemplation.
“It’s complicated,” Jane admitted. “We haven’t figured out what it is, but it’s been good.” She let out a laugh. “And there are friends, and I’ll admit I’ve had some no-strings-attached fun.”
“As you should,” Alejandra teased with a wink.
“The answer is yes, Alé. I accept your Captain’s offer.” Seeing the ecstatic grin on Alejandra’s face made Jane laugh. “You are far too happy this early in the morning, girl.”
“Only because you made it so,” Alejandra replied. “I’ll let Captain Roya know. You’ll get the transfer orders in the next hour, as will your Captain.”
“Oh, copy Lieutenant Colonel Alexandra Somers and Lieutenant Commander Remington Dodd, please,” Jane said. “Our actual CO is on medical leave, they’re both Acting.”
“Will do,” said Alejandra. “We’re actually not that far away, on course for Starbase 38. I can be at your position in a runabout in about…sixteen hours. Be packed and ready. I can’t wait to see you again. Ooh, this is exciting!”
“I feel the same, luv,” Jane replied, a flush of colour coming to her cheeks. “Well, I have some messages to record and some people to talk to. See you soon, Alé.”
And with a little wave, the Chief Ops Officer of USS Queen Catherine closed the line with the Tomcat.
“Dear Mazal,
I’m glad I was able to help yesterday, and I hope your mission goes smoothly.
I’m writing to give some news. I just got promoted! But also, transferred. I’ve accepted the position of CMO aboard a Galaxy-class on its way out to parts unknown.
This is way more up my alley than a combat ship ever was, really. I’ve done good here on the Tomcat, but I think I’ll do better there, and I think this new ship will do better for me too.
I’ll miss you, my friend. Please take care. And please write.
And please look after Jo. I need to write her as well, and that will be a hard one to write. Please make sure she’s okay.
All the best, Jane.
PS: Oh my god, there’s this new girl in the Intel department named Autumn and she’s got it bad for Dodd. It’s so cute. Keep an eye out. That’s my gossip from my last messages.”
Jane’s day turned out to be one of the busiest she’d ever had.
A meeting with Dodd, to confirm receipt of the new orders. He wished her well, but they agreed to send the day off with another nude hike, this one a trail he knew on Betazed. She felt invigorated, and while she would continue the practice at her new assignment with new friends, she knew she would miss the company.
Next was training the substitute Acting CMO. It would still be some weeks before Doctor Cahill was back. The ship had plenty of competent doctors though. They would be fine without her.
She had lunch with Autumn, a new friend that she’d miss getting to know. She managed to find replicator patterns for chicken thighs from different environments: Earth, 0.68g Proxima Centauri II, and 1.3g Vega IX and made taster dishes with all three. A nice meal with a friend she’d never truly have.
Next came Leland. Their friendship was a strange one, but not the least bit weaker for it. Sexual in context though without being lovers, she knew how she wanted to spend her last day with Leland: doing something risqué. They loaded a scaled down version of the shop from Starbase 51 and spent two hours looking at lingerie models. Jane then decided to design one to look like Lilli and watched the holodeck display many different clothing options on her, and replicated two of the best for Leland’s wife to try on when she got back. They both got a bit handsy with her, which earned a good laugh.
She spent an hour talking with Mia in her office, sharing her joy with her friend, but also her apprehension with her Counselor. As always, Mia gave well considered advice, and Jane felt better when she left.
A nice final day with people she’d become excellent friends with.
“Dear Lilli,
I have news. I’ve been promoted, and with that comes a transfer. So I’m afraid by the time you get back, I’ll be gone.
You’ve been a wonderful friend to me these months I’ve been aboard, and a generous and fantastic lover. I’ll always remember our time together, both as friends and as more.
I hope you’ll stay in touch once I’m in my new assignment.
With love, Jane.
PS: I got you and Leland a little present. Think of me when you’re wearing it. *blows kiss*”
There wasn’t much to pack. The Assistant Chief Medical Officer had no office of her own, and she wasn’t about to introduce personal items into Alexanderia’s office just because she’d been using it for a few weeks. All that there really was was in her quarters, and the larger cabin she had on Starbase 51.
Her Tomcat room was easy enough. Uniforms were recycled in the replicator. Her handful of off-duty clothes fit in a shoulder bag easily enough, along with a PADD. The few fresh foods that were reserved for her in the galley she bequeathed either to the chef or, in some cases, to Jo.
Her room on 51 was a bit harder, but there were Operations crews for that sort of thing. She arranged for her effects to be cleared out and sent to Starbase 38. The containers of her belongings would probably even beat her and the Queen Catherine there. She’d be reunited with her clothes, shoes, books, posters, etc.
Once she was packed, she happily went to the mess hall for some impromptu drinks with her staff. Mia was there too, and Leland, Autumn, and Remington made quick appearances as duties allowed, as did some of the other friends she’d made.
A good end to a good tour of duty.
“Dear Jo, I’ve had to send a lot of messages today, and I’ve saved yours for last because it’s by far the hardest.
I guess I’ll rip the bandage off. I received a promotion. And transfer orders. And I’ve accepted. You’re looking at the Chief Medical Officer of USS Queen Catherine. A whole Galaxy-class ship!
Know that I had to seriously consider whether or not to take it, and the biggest thing making me want to stay was you. I don’t know what we have yet, and it guts me that we won’t be able to figure it out. You brought out my passionate side, Jo. I need you to know that I’ll never forget our time together.
By the time you get back to the Tomcat, I’ll already be gone, but please send me a message back. Please tell me we’ll stay in touch.
I miss you already.
Love, Jane.”
As the chrono displayed 2130 hours, the Runabout Avon touched down on the landing pad of the Tomcat’s main Shuttlebay.
The hatch opened and out stepped someone Jane hadn’t seen in the flesh in two years.
A flood of emotions rushed back and Jane Sinclair, moments earlier in control of her feelings, ran to Alejandra Rios, pulling her into a tight hug. Tears threatened to stain Alé’s gold-accented Operations uniform as Jane buried her face into her old flame’s shoulder.
“Sorry,” Jane said, pulling back, wiping her eyes and regaining her composure. “It all just kinda hit, you know?”
Alejandra wiped her own eyes, the sudden rush hitting her as well. “I can’t believe it either,” she said. “But it’s real. It’s me, taking you somewhere great. I can’t wait to give you the tour. So come aboard.”
With a final wave to the Tomcat, Jane stepped into the forward cockpit of USS Avon and took a seat beside Alejandra in the copilot seat. The airlock sealed and clearances and farewells given, the runabout lifted off, exited the open hangar door, and entered warp toward the rendezvous point.
“Alright, autopilot is set, let me show you around.” Alejandra unstrapped from her pilot seat and took off her uniform jacket, draping it over the chair. Jane did the same. Alé then led Jane past the runabout’s transporter and into the aft compartment, carrying Jane’s bag for her. “Lounge is back there, some nice comfortable seats, a table, and a food replicator. There are four side compartments. This one is set right now as an office; pretty cramped but best computer access. This one is the head and sonic shower. Here is an emergency medical station, and this one is for sleeping, just two bunks and some clothing storage. Sorry, no holodeck.”
“A problem you’ll solve during our mission, I’m sure,” Jane joked.
“I hope to!” Alé agreed with a giggle. She stowed Jane’s shoulder bag in one of the clothing spaces, next to her own. “So, first order of business: top or bottom?”
Jane raised an eyebrow at her.
“I meant which bunk do you want?” Alé clarified with an exasperated sigh.
“Did you though?” Jane asked, winking at Alé and biting her lip. “Come on, let’s have a drink.”
The replicators couldn’t produce real alcohol — they were a runabout in transit, after all — but an hour later and three synthehol cocktails later the two were giggling together in the lounge, sharing old memories and more recent stories of their own experiences.
It started with a look. Locked eyes. One hand reaching to wipe tears of laughter from the other’s cheek and lingering. A gentle kiss, followed by a much more forceful one. Almost two years worth of unresolved feelings melting away.
Alé was the aggressive one, her lips attacking Jane’s neck as the doctor moved her blue hair to clear a path. She broke contact long enough to work Jane out of each and every article of clothing before quickly shedding her own and going back to it. She lifted Jane onto the large table in the middle of the lounge; her lips found their place back on Jane’s neck.
It was all Jane could do to stay upright, held up by her lover’s caress, as Alé’s lips trailed kisses down her collarbone and and her fingers found their mark. Her breathing became ragged but those heavy breaths seemed to be the only sounds she was capable of making. She ran her fingers through Alé’s long dark hair, holding her in place as her pleasure built and built. Despite years of no contact, Alé still knew exactly how to drive Jane wild, and put those skills to use as if making up for lost time.
The wave crested, and Jane soundlessly rode the high, until she finally regained control of her breath enough to speak. “I…I…”
Alejandra gave tiny sweet kisses back to Jane’s lips. But then she gave a mischievous grin.
“Shhhhh,” she said softly. “We’ll talk later. I’m not done.”
That phrase made Jane swallow in anticipation.
All of Jane’s relationships had been a bit different. With Jo, she had found herself an equal in the bedroom, someone to act as well as be acted upon, switching naturally or finding positions of mutual simultaneous intimacy with ease. With Lilli she was more active, the bi-curious Marine Counselor needing firm guidance but excelling once she found her way.
Past sex with Alé had been much like with Jo: two fairly strong personalities enjoying mutual pleasure and switching who was more active when the mood was right, all happening quite naturally. Neither was particularly dominant or submissive.
So it surprised Jane to find herself putty in Alejandra’s hands as her Latina lover asserted herself so forcefully. She let out whimpers as Alé followed a path from her chin downward and started moaning when she reached her destination. She lay herself back onto the table and let Alé have her way with her, realizing that this wasn’t going to end until she was a puddle of mush, needing to be scooped up and carried back to the sleeping area….
As Jane lay in the bottom bunk of the runabout Avon while Alé used the sonic shower in the adjoining compartment, all she could think was that this new journey, wherever it would take her, would be incredible. And while she would be missing her old friends, she would have new adventures with new friends, and someone who it was quite clear still cared for her very much.
To the journey, she thought, as Alé, all clean, slid into the bunk next to her, allowing Jane Sinclair, MD, DVM, to drift to sleep in the arms of someone she loved.
[OFF]
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